Special offer

It doesn't matter how much you shine up a turd......

By
Home Stager with Revealing Assets - Home Staging Services

.....it is still just a turd.

Pardon my use of politically incorrect slang here. But, there really is not a more polite or eloquent way to put it.

As a Professional Home Stager, way too often, I enter a relationship with clients (either the homeowner or the REALTOR(R)), where the clients possess very backwards understandings of the true aim of Home Staging. This is not the fault of anyone in particular. It is strictly due to a general lack of education.

Many people assume that Home Staging is based on optical illusions, trickery, or effectively masking or hiding insufficiencies, decrepitness, or general lack of maintenance in a property.

Ahhhhhhhh!!!! NO!

Home Stagers do NOT mask or hide property issues. In fact, we, as a group, or whole, firmly believe in voluntary, full, and open disclosure regarding any and all "issues" within a property. Is anyone wondering how to establish a foundation of trust and confidence with all potential buyers? DISCLOSURE.

In fact, what is the point of masking deficiencies? We all know by now that once a buyer makes an offer that is accepted, one of the staple conditions on these offers is that the property passes a Home Inspection. So, these structural or functional issues will be uncovered at this time. So, if we have been elusive or negligent in offering this information, or have attempted to hide it, we have now managed to insert a foul taste in that buyer's mouth.

I have actually had REALTORS(R) and home-sellers ask me the following questions:

So, could you maybe ensure that you incorporate a piece of furniture into the arrangement in such a fashion that this hole in the wall is not visible?

What do you think about hanging some artwork over here so that these gouges in the wall can't be seen?

Could you make sure that you close that shower curtain when you leave, just in case I have a showing here with short notice? I don't want the buyers to see that the tile surround needs to be replaced pronto.

The list goes on, and I could sit and re-count these crazy requests for hours.

The fact is that the ultimate aim of Professional Home Staging is simply to accentuate or highlight the product. We strive to draw attention to the architectural features of a property. But, most importantly, we are always very mindful to NOT cover up, hide, or mask flaws within the property.

Wanna know how to ensure repeat business from clients, and how to ensure that your word-of-mouth publicity is actually positive?

The answer here is HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.

Enough said for now.

Posted by

Rhonda Wilson - CCSPTM
Owner/Operator of
Revealing Assets
Home Staging and Decluttering Services
http://www.RevealingAssets.ca
RevealingAssets@shaw.ca
780-913-5589 
We transform properties into highly
sought-after products that sell in half
the time and for 7-10% more money.
Through personal experience, extensive
research and training, and a compassionate
approach, we De-clutter living/work spaces for
up-lifting and positive life changes.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Logo

Marian Lake Walker
Staged 2Gain - Inverness, FL
Home Stager Florida, Home Staging Central Florida

Your point is a good one, as this is a serious, ethical business. Evidently, the term "Staging" is construed by some to mean "misleading" ! 

Just in case you missed it, I'm giving you this link to a related post from June 2nd that also addresses this matter.

Thanks Rhonda!

Jun 27, 2010 04:40 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Well said Rhonda! Stagers highlight the positives of a home. We point out issues that may affect the sale of the home like roofing, flooring, deferred maintenance, updating etc. We do not hide things from buyers.

Jun 27, 2010 05:43 AM
Gilles Carriere
Invidia Home Staging - Calgary, AB

Unfortunatly in today's society, honesty & integrity is not at the top of their list of qualities to live by.  We need to keep educating those realtors and home owners that our goal as stagers is to make your home so desirable that even with it's flase the new home owner wants to buy their home.   

Sep 13, 2010 07:27 PM