FL Home Staging FAQ's- Why Do I Need to Remove My Personal Photos?

Dorie- in anything, if you explain the “why” most people will understand.  Of course, there’s always those who don’t.

James- usually what I see are photos on every flat surface and on all of the walls.  It becomes a distraction.

BARFF- you and I agree.... if they had 150 marble eggs all over the house (true story) they would be a distraction.

BLiz- exactly... I looked at a house years ago and the agent and I spent about 20 minutes on the staircase looking at the photos.  

Sally & David- That and security are the main issues for me.  I’d have to see some studies that show (as some say) that if a buyer sees personal photos they won’t be able to relate.  

Debbie- yes, and anything that is a distraction... personal photos, diplomas, trophies needs to be packed.

Rob- Really... oh that’s funny, and a little sad. Have a great day.

Bobbie- I think we’re all “cloned” to say pack up your personal photos but unless we explain why, a lot of sellers will just not pay any attention.

Valerie- strictly curiosity!  We’re all like that.

Brenda- thank you.... these are questions that do come up all of the time.  It’s a shame that we have to be so concerned about security but that’s the world we live in.

BarbaraT- oh yes...that’s a given.  It’s all of the little things that people have sitting around that can distract.

Michael- I’m not a fanatic about removing all of the photos.  But even placing them in similar frames can help.  

Wandanna- it’s like the doll collection one of my clients had in every room.  

Toni- I really don’t have a problem with a few photos like that... one on a nightstand, for example.  Or a small grouping on an end table.  

Patricia- thanks.... It’s intimidating to have someone come into your home and tell you what has to go and place this here... throw this out.  We have to seriously learn to read our clients... are they under stress?  Have they recently lost their spouse?  Are they being forced to downsize?  

Mike- good luck with your new client. You can use this as a starting point for staging.

Joanna-great minds think alike!  I only insist on those of the children but as you say, if they’re packing up , why not get a jump on things.

Vanessa- absolutely!  We’re in a people centered business so it helps if you can “read” your client.

Al & Peggy-Oh, yes, the collectors.   I also suggest to them that since they cherish their collection, it would be prudent to pack them up so nothing goes missing or broken.

Janis- it’s too bad that they won’t listen.  Whatever they have while they’re living there is ok.. but buyers need to be able to see the space.

Michael- All of the art work, calendars and magnets become a distraction.

Richie-I have a lot of Realtors who let me play “bad cop” to their “good cop” and that’s ok.  I’m very diplomatic!

Kristin- It’s all about the distraction.  I don’t have a problem with a seller having a few photos out.

Reuben- Hey we’re all human!  I was in a home recently and the client had several photos of their family taken with a very beloved political person.  You can’t help but look at them.

John (QMan)-thank you sir for your ever present support!!!  I do insist on the children’s area having photos, trophies, and those cute little wooden plaques with their name on them removed.

Alexandra- many thanks.  I have many seniors who are leaving their homes and either moving closer to their children, moving into something smaller or going into a care facility.  This is a very hard time for them so patience and empathy are needed!!!