Home Staging DOES NOT mean Deceiving the Buyer!

Staging can make the difference between a quick walk thru and a long hard look, which is of course what any home owner would want.  And of course your point about disclosure is right on target.  If in doubt, disclose.

Good point.  And you are correct about the need to disclose.

I was at a pre-listing appointment one day and we were talking about work that should be done to the house.  There was a hold in the wall.  The seller said, "I'll just hang a picture over it."  I laughed -- truly thinking he was joking.  He wasn't . . .

Shar,

Excellent post and points made.  Thanks.

Great ideas, I'll always think to myself- 'Am I being deceptive or honest?' Thanks Shar

Thanks for great input. Staging should help the buyer to see the house in "lived in" condition, because apparently, some people can't understand whole potential the room has. 

here's Example: saw a house the other day, that was vacant and 90% of furniture, rugs etc was out. It was well maintained, but wooden floors were showing natural quite faint walking patterns. I'm sure that with the table and sofa still in, no one would even pay attention to those, but in an empty LR it immediately caught your eye. Simple staging would soften that, without covering up. But best solution would be to refinish the floors anyway and then stage as well.

Glad your post was featured Shar. The notion that our industry could be operating on deception should be addresed openly as you have done here. Thank you for setting the record straight--loved the comments!

Shar  Home staging is a useful tool available to sellers - nothing deceptive in my opinion Karen

Most of the time the things they do take more work and effort than just to fix the original problem.

Shar- been busy so I'm late to this post but you are so very right.  Someone once said they felt that staging was just smoke and mirrors.  That is not the image nor the practice we want to project.  We show the seller how to let the assets of their property shine.  No deception involved. 

How true!  Focusing the the features of the house is key.  I always tell clients that we are not looking to hide flaws.  I encourage clients to prepare the property properly - as though preparing a canvas for the painter.  I also share with clients that trying to hide things reminds me of a greasy salesperson.  Professionalism, respectful and having integrity are key to working with clients during the Consultation.

I call it a Shave and a Hair cut. Homes always sell better clean, de-cluttered and staged properly.

Shar

Just helped my mom by a beautiful place.  She wasn't in love with the carpet, but it was something we felt she could live with or decide to replace later.

Until they got their furniture out.  A carefully placed doggie bed, when removed, was covering up what can only be an ongoing habit of the dogs to use this particular spot as their 'potty'.

Interestingly, we had asked for the carpet to be cleaned, and when my mom went there after closing, the furniture marks were still there....

There should never be any deception involved when staging...............fix the problem areas, don't try to hide them.

Shar! You are wonderful. You hit on some very crucial points here.

I totally agree with you about the rugs/mats in front of sinks in both kitchens and bathrooms.

The top three things buyers will pay more money for are FRESH PAINT, FLOORING, AND STORAGE SPACE.

So, as you said, show off that flooring when possible! And, you refer to full, open, voluntary disclosure regarding to property flaws. SO IMPORTANT!

We, as Home Stagers do NOT aim to deceive. We merchandise properties for sale, being mindful to NEVER mask, hide, or cover up deficiencies.

Great post, Shar!

Take care, and happy Staging!

Staging is a compliment, or an ornament, for the home, not a replacement for fixng a problem. Thanks for the post!