The True Heart of Home Staging

OK – I’m going to start by waving a white flag, not to surrender but to call a truce.

There has been plenty of debate surrounding home staging, covering many different points, but I think that both real estate agents and stagers alike can agree:

- Home staging has been around for a number of years, although depending on geographical location it can be a newer concept
- Barb Schwarz seems to be the first to really “introduce” it into the mainstream and has also done a lot to further the industry


But where the debate continues is mainly centered around:

- What is the true value of hiring a home staging professional versus realtor DIY?
- Are home stagers are just another group with their hand out asking realtors to buy their services?


The Internet is full of information on the basics of home staging that can guide agents or homeowners in this process. Topics such as clutter, cleanliness, personalization, lighting and home odors are generally covered off.

I would compare it to a step-by-step process on replacing the caulking in my shower, Home Basics 101 right? But would I attempt to rip out the shower, tub and tiles and re-do it myself? Not on your life!

Sure, I know that I probably could do this task, but the time it would take me versus hiring a professional has to be taken into consideration. Would it be the best use of my time? Which, when you boil it down, seems to be the position of many real estate agents.

So, to that same group I ask this: What would you do if you walked into this home? The homeowner had been working on preparing the home for months and needed to get the house on the market ASAP.

Where would you begin?
Would you have the time to help out?
How long would it take you?
Could the house be listed in this condition?
How would the price be affected?

Master Bedroom                                             Dining Room

Family Room                                                  Kitchen

Main Bathroom 

 

It is obvious that clutter was a major problem but so was overall cleanliness which brought on a variety of odors.

I’ll be honest, this was a labor intensive project with many obstacles such as:

- Children that did whatever they could to stall the process; they didn’t want to move and thought they could change that reality.
- A spouse that didn’t understand what Home Staging was.
- Painters that quit half way through the job.
- Extremely limited budget.

With a lot of patience and hard work this project was successfully completed with an end result that, well, you’ll have to see for yourself…

Master Bedroom                                                                   Dining Room

Family Room                                                                           Kitchen

Main Bathroom

This home doesn’t looked staged, it merely presents itself as every home should; with rooms that are free of clutter and a clean and tidy appearance. Each room conveys its intended purpose with small touches to create the right atmosphere.

Some may argue that this is an extreme case. It was to some extent. However, I have seen many homes that display elements of clutter. Cluttered rooms caused by overcrowded furniture, colour choices so personal (or lack there of) that action was required.

Our total time was well over 20 hours, I stopped counting as budget was an issue; and I had given a price and said we would see it through to the end.

It is my unspoken oath, to help any homeowner asking for help to prepare their home for sale. It’s not that I work for free; I have bills to pay just like everyone else. I do my best, to do the best with what I have…working on homes that in the end may not look like the cover of House & Home but reflect the real comforts of a home.

What I consider the true heart of home staging.