This photo was taken last week at a consultation I did on the listing.  There were other objects around this beautiful home which seemed to be a bit on the 'edge'. (example: meat cleaver sitting out on breakfast bar!?? Yikes.). Stager to the rescue!  The homeowner believed the art was a 'conversation piece' for the potential house hunters to enjoy!!  Regards-Kathleen

Hey Marci!  Even though I recognized the type of art this piece represented, it still caught me off guard with the crazy skulls and eyeballs! I think this falls into religious art categories.

What was most surprising to me was that the home has been on the market for three months and not once did the Realtor suggest staging the property and/or removing personal items such as this one.  The art might possibly cause some freaky vibes with potential buyers.  Kinda like a VooDoo type of feeling...and I didn't even include the other photos of items. This home DOES NEED A STAGER!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Akanke- Yes, you are correct! The boxes are portable ritualistic altars which many traveling South American shepherds used in their homes and also used during their travels along the Andes mountain trails as protection against evil spirits.  The art has been alive for centuries and the craft is passed through generations as a family trade.

Most people will NOT know what kind of art this is and will most likely be a little off-put with the symbology.  Skulls typically are part of VooDoo culture as well...hence the VooDoo tag. : )  You can bet that most potential buyers will tend to feel uncomfortable when they turn the corner and run into this at eye-level.

I did discuss the safe-keeping of his treasure as soon as I saw it.  These Peruvian pieces are not inexpensive by any means. 

Making a space more neutral so that buyers will want to live in a space will greatly improve the chances of offers!  Thanks Akanke!  Regards-Kathleen G

Akanke- Thank You! Looks like the staging will be on my July schedule! Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Michelle Minch! Yes, removing this 'conversation piece' is a MUST.  Not only because of the religious implications but because it likely has scared more than a few sales away and maybe even the Realtors!  I did my best to be professional with my words...though the homeowner argued that it would be a lovely piece to help with the staging!!  Don't we stagers see the most interesting things sometimes?  Thanks for commenting-I think I can envision the look on your face when seeing this one!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Kathleen L.!  Pre-packing is a nice way to word it for the client.  Sometimes it is hard to find the best wording when you are looking at a crazy item that you KNOW has scared more than a handful of buyers! I don't normally use that word....yet, it is a GREAT word to start saying more often! Thanks! Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Michelle Molinari!  You know how it is, many people like their eccentric items in a home and do not give it a second thought when it comes to selling their home.  All the more reason to hire an objective third party such as a Home Stager for a consultation.  The owner had other crazy items on display in the home and I teased him that someone will think he is a VooDoo Dr.  He is not....though, viewing the myriad of sharp items and 6-ft toothy saws around the home would lead some to think something odd was up.  I think that concept shocked him. 

The owner did not realize what his home decor was actually conveying to potential buyers.  The good news is, he is very motivated with my suggestions and once finished with the preparations, I feel confident that his home will sell quickly when I complete the staging.  Getting over the part where you try not to offend a client is always the tough part for me....and then it is usually smooth sailing!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Susan! How are you?  Yes, as a Realtor, you also have the opportunity to see the reactions from potential buyers if items such as this style of Santero box are left out.  I think people make up their minds based on how they emotionally feel when viewing/walking through a home. 

Even if the home is not on the market, it says something about the owner...and many people will not be educated on the type of art or item which a person treasures.  The buyer will simply be turned off and never to return.  No seller wants that and no Realtor does either.  The listing agent had not said a word about this or the other items in the home.  In fact, she has never even said a word for three months.  Wow.  Perhaps the Realtor was scared off too!  : )  Thanks Susan! Regards-Kathleen G

Hola Fernando!  Actually, I think those of us in S. Florida and I imagine So. Cal (Southern California) might see these types of South American art a bit more often.  It IS a very personal item to display.  The client who has this is not of the Catholic or Christian faith....quite the opposite in fact.  I am not sure he fully understands the meaning behind the altar.  I think he simply liked the 'shock value' of this art choice!  Pre-packing and away it goes....very personal indeed!  Regards-Kathleen G

Hi Laurie - Though some people enjoy collecting various tribal artifacts, some masks etc. can be a bit 'out there'.  Culturally speaking, perhaps in Hawaii etc....this is probably the norm.  It goes to show that most people are not able to 'stage it themselves' with objectivity.  I feel that homeowners are beginning to understand the term and need for staging....however, are not quite understanding the full realm of what staging is about.  Many Realtors are of the same mindset as well.  Cleaning and de-cluttering....and removing personal photos is part of home staging...yet, if you only do half the job, it takes away the full value of staging when it is not done thoroughly!  Right?  Regards-Kathleen G

Hello Karen- Thanks! LOL.... I am working on my 'creative' wordplay...there are so many people here who have inspired my creative writing skills!  You being one of them!  Thanks for stopping by! Regards-Kathleen G