Steve:  The rest of the house was not in this condition.  It is a very nice home and should show really well.  You are right about it looking bigger...the seller was so relieved when it was finally empty.

Maureen:  Thank you!  I was very surprised to hear that the Realtor recommended leaving it as it was.  I really like the homeowner, she was wonderful to work with and she was very appreciative of the advice and help in preparing her home.

Connie:  Yes, all fresh paint - walls and trim.  The color is a sage green, it was chosen to compliment the wall color in the main part of the home. 

Lori:  Thanks!  I'm glad they listened and the seller is especially glad she took the advice.  She knew it had to be done and it just didn't make sense to her to delay doing it...smart lady!

Kathy:  Excellent way to explain it:  "the end product gives the buyer a better impression and view than he otherwise would have had."  Thanks so much!

Heather:  It was surprising to me when I heard the history.  There were a couple of other things that the realtor said that just didn't seem right to the seller.  I was able to refer a Realtor in her town that she is very happy to have listed with. 

Michele:  Thank you, I appreciate it.  This was a very stressful situation and I don't feel it necessary to go into detail but the sellers were under time and money restraints and great emotional stress.  I was very proud of them at getting to this point.

Nancy:  It's just a good thing that this seller is as sharp as she is.  It's a beautiful home with really nice features and custom woodwork.  I'm so happy that the positive features will now be appreciated and take center stage.

Leslie:  It was quite a sight to see in person!  The mother (who lived in the apartment) took most of the stuff with her when she left.  She just couldn't part with it.  I've only seen this on TV, never in person before.  It was such a relief to return and see it empty.

Sally:  That is what I told the seller.  People will remember this house as the "hoarder" house.  And the rest of the home is so beautiful, it would have been such a big mistake.

Leslie:  As stated above, most stagers would disagree with you and say that the house will show better nicely furnished.  But, every home is different and there are special circumstances.  I believe there is no "one" right way.  I understand your preference because it can be easier.  Certainly,  in this particular case this was the way to go without a doubt.

Janice:  It was such a shame to hide that gorgeous trim and those beautiful windows!

Sheila:  I plan to do another post with some before and after photos from the main part of the house.  I will keep you posted!

Debra:  I would have loved to have fully staged the space.  Without getting into the personal circumstances of this seller, this was the best we could do.  I was very pleased that this much was accomlished.

Kathy:  We did what we could.  I can't imagine listing it with all that stuff there.

Cathy:  Good way to put it!  And buyers would not have seen the positive features.

Wanda:  Thank you.  They were such a joy to work with too.  I wish all my clients were this willing to work on the preparation of their home.

Linda:  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  It became obvious from the beginning that this Realtor was not right for this listing.  I was very proud of the seller for recognizing it and taking things into her own hands.

Susan:  Thank you.  The seller was very cooperative and the Realtor she listed with takes her business very seriously.  I'm very happy with the results.

Tessa:  It is a  fabulous space that I'm sure will be very attractive to buyers.  Having the right Realtor is so important, and crucial to a successful sale.

Irene:  The rest of the house is furnished, and this bonus space should show well unfurnished because the space is clearly defined and furniture placement is not difficult to imagine.  The features of the space are what's important here.

Jackie:  Always nice to have someone to patiently listen when we have something to get off our chest!  You were lucky to have Bill as your listener!

Marianne:  Well said!  Thanks!

Emma:  Thank you so much!  They were very grateful and I was so pleased to work with them.  I wish all my clients were just like them!

Melissa:  Exactly - they can now see the beautiful molding and the view out the windows.  They can appreciate the rooms as being move-in ready!  Thanks!

Russell:  It is amazing how many like this are out there!  By all means quote away...send them the post...do whatever you have to do to get them to understand how important the "perceived value" of the house is.  Best of luck!

Debra:  The seller's gut was telling her it had to be done.  She just needed the validation and direction.  I am so glad I was able to help her!

Mary:  It was smart to get the stagers involved.  Congrats on the successful sale!

Virginia:  This is not a unique situation!  I'm sure every stager has similar "before" photos to show.

Jan:  Seeing the results does inspire us to tackle our own disorganization!  As for this situation, it wasn't just cost.  There were many issues involved in this decision and it was decided this was really the only way to go.

Liz:  It is true that "vacant" would not be a stager's first choice.  However, in this situation, I was grateful for vacant!