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The Stagers - Episode 3 Review - There's Still Hope!

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Home Stager with Dezigner Digz

I was really pumped to watch The Stagers third episode last night, even though I was disappointed in episode two.

The property chosen was an 1,100 square foot bungalow that had been sitting on the market for 3 months with no bites.  The listing price was $765,000, $720,000, $699,000 (yes, 2 previous price reductions).  Too bad the homeowners hadn't called in a Stager sooner.

This episode featured a mother and daughter staging team.  They were very polite and tactful with the homeowners which I was really glad to see.  Some of the shows on TV portray us as being rude and insulting to homeowners, which couldn't be further from the truth.  That's only done on TV for the entertainment factor. 

The focus of this episode was staging (YES!!!) not decorating/design.  A few snags came up along the way with the furniture that they selected.  This made it much more realistic by showing some of the real life things that can occur on the job.  It wasn't sugar coated to make it look easy and as though just anyone can do it.  

My favourite line in the show was when the daughter remarked "I need a glass of wine, a REALLY BIG glass of wine."  I'm sure MANY of us can relate to that at the end of a day of staging!

This episode was much better than episode two by far.  It was more realistic and the property chosen wasn't a million dollar home.  I'm still hoping though that they'll choose one at an even lower asking price next time to transform, because we all know that they definitely benefit from staging as well. 

Since all of you in the U.S. will be watching The Stagers for yourselves starting this Sunday, this will be my last review.  You be the judge of the show for yourself now.  I'll be curious to hear everyone else's thoughts on it.

End Results:  Listing Price:  $699,000 /  Selling Price:  $685,000  /  Staging Costs:  $5,370.  This house sold in 8 days after sitting on the market for 3 months.  Proof again that staging does work!

   

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Kathy Passarette
Creative Home Expressions - Mount Sinai, NY
L.I. Staging/Decorating

Charlene ~ Thanks for the review.  I'm going to have make sure I watch this, or at least record it.  I am glad to hear that this episode was better. 

Jul 16, 2008 01:20 AM
Marina Vazzana
CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign - Durham Region - Oshawa, ON
CSP, Home Staging Oshawa and Durham Region

Charlene, I finally watched it last night.  I loved it and wished it was an hour instead of 30 minutes.  Everytime she said she was having a meltdown I had to laugh.  The home ended up looking amazing in the end.  I'll be watching again.

Jul 16, 2008 01:33 AM
David Moon
First Impressions Home Staging & Interior Redesign - Charleston, SC
First Impressions

A heads-up for viewers in the U.S.: HGTV is airing Episode 2 first - this Sunday, July 20 at 10pm, followed by Episode 1 on Tuesday, July 22 at 9:30pm. Episode 3 airs the following Sunday, July 27 at 10pm, then Episode 4 on Tuesday, July 29 at 9:30pm. After that it's on every Tuesday at 9:30pm for nine more episodes.

Even with the glut of staging shows on HGTV, I'm eager to watch "The Stagers" since it's the only one that features a real-life staging company. I had actually come across Dekora's website last fall and added it to my Internet Explorer "Favorites" because I admired their portfolio.

Speaking of which, it's clear from their photo gallery that Dekora specialize in high-end homes, so I'd say that the pricey staging projects depicted in the show are indeed typical of their work. But for those of us who stage more average homes with more modest budgets, we should be able to relate to Episode 13, in which "Matthew is asked to enhance a small suburban house using much of the owner's existing furniture. But the staging timeline and budget are tighter than ever. Can he make the crucial transformation under these odds?"

Jul 16, 2008 02:36 AM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Charlene, ok now I'm excited again.  After your last post I was considering not even tuning in this Sunday but since it follows Design Star that's probably where I would be anyway. 

I'm pleased that episode 3 was more realistic and from what David said there may be more to follow.

BTW please DON'T stop your excellent reviews.  I know that I won't see all of them AND you do such a great job that I would enjoy reading what you have to say even if I do watch. 

 Thanks again for keeping us informed! 

Jul 16, 2008 03:04 AM
Anonymous
The STAGERS covers every ground

Just because you don't stage million dollar homes doesn't mean million dollar homes dont need to be staged.    Vancouver?    high, over-inflated property values people.      I've read the episode guides as well and there are all different types of properties, bungalows to mansions and also condos and lofts , which tend to be the bulk of my market.  so I am glad to see them there.   What was it that you didn't like about episode 2!   I thought the transformation looked amazing and it showed THAT STAGING WORKS!   It was on the market forever.  couldn't sell.  I could see why.   It was TOO big.

 I think if you give the show some time you will see everything you wish to see.   I loved last nights episode as well.   I think the drama between the mother and daughter went on a bit long.  overall I think that the stagers are working out kinks and if these are the first episodes then it can only get btter right?

Gerrit

Jul 16, 2008 04:24 AM
#5
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Kathy - It was much better.  I really enjoyed it.

Marina - I laughed over the meltdown bit too.  I thought that was great - it showed that staging isn't all fun and games and that there is a lot of hard work involved as well.

David -  Thanks for setting out the schedule for everyone.  I've seen Dekora's website too.  They do GREAT work!  I'm looking forward to Episode 13 - sounds like it will be a challenge.

 

Jul 16, 2008 05:19 AM
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Ginger - I really think you should check it out.  David said that Episode 2 is going to be the first to air in the U.S.  I'm not sure why they are changing the order, but I thought Episodes 1 and 3 were better.  Thanks for your kind words on my reviews.

Gerrit - Maybe you misinterpreted what I was saying.  I don't mean in any way that a million dollar home should not be staged.  Of course they should be - in some cases even more so than the lower priced properties if they want to get their asking price.  All I was saying is that I wonder if it won't make consumers that are selling properties at a lower price point think that staging won't benefit them.  You are right about Episode 2 - the transformation was incredible!  To me though, that episode seemed to lose sight of the fact that they were staging the property to sell.  It started to become a bit competitive between the 2 stagers and became more about design and how to make the cow hide ottoman work in the space at any cost.  I also found it odd that they brought in a Stager from Toronto.  There are so many great Stagers out on the West Coast that I wondered why they did that.  Are you based in Vancouver?  If so, I'd be curious to know what you thought of the fact that they brought in someone from Toronto.  I'm definitely going to give the show some time.  I really liked Episodes 1 and 3 and it sounds like there are more great shows to come.  I think overall, this show can only help our industry and help to educate the public as to what it is that we do.  I noticed that you commented to my blog as an Active Rain non-member.  Maybe you just forgot to log on, but if you aren't a member, why don't you consider joining.  There are a lot of great people here and I'd love to see some of your work.  Thanks for commenting!  :-)

Jul 16, 2008 05:38 AM
No Longer Active in Staging. No Longer Staging
Hickory, NC

Charlene, Thanks again for the review.. I can't wait to check it out here in the US.. I appreciate David's lineup.. Keep up the reviews.. God bless,

Jul 16, 2008 05:43 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

First of all - I love that you are leading the blogging on this show.  we're all going to you see whats up!!!Yeah ep. 2 had a different feel.  How many hours does it take to stage a job like that 90????     Of which they show us 25 minutes.   there were probably rooms we didn't see and we all know how time consuming 5 bathrooms can be!!!!!!!!!!    there was something "quaint"  about 1 and 3, however, American loves BIG and ep 2 from what I gather is the biggest challenge of the show with what appeared to be an incredible example os staging, especially in that Master Bedroom.   

I didn't really see much competition between Matthew and Jay.  I think they were playing it up for camera.  Or the camera was playing it up for them!!!   I saw both their styles come together quite harmoniusly in the end.  also, have you tried staging with another Stager??  we all do it our own way and it can turn out much worse then that.     One of the episodes (11) shows the daughter in ep. 3, Bridget? and Matthew stage together and its title tells me that its full of competition and well it'll be interesting to watch the two of them I'd say.    Personally.  I love Maureen.  she's cool and collected.

I think the stager wasn't from Toronto.  He said he had just gotten in from toronto.  hHs BIO on HGTV also says he is a "prolific"  Designer working in Vancouver.   He developes property in Toronto apparently.

 

regarding the Cow Otto.  Have you ever brought in a piece of furniture that you can't change due to time constraints or money that you MUST absolutely make work???  Happens to me all the time - I thought it was funny represented staging well because how often do we have to amke what doesn't really work WORK.   To me thats staging.  its about being resourceful and creative which all of these people seem to be.   

I would like the show to be more INFORMATIVE.   Maybe they need an HOUR?  

 

AND how do I register?   I live in Victoria

 

Gerrit

Jul 16, 2008 02:16 PM
#9
David Moon
First Impressions Home Staging & Interior Redesign - Charleston, SC
First Impressions

For an insider's insights into the series, check out Matthew Finlason's comments under Charlene's post about Episode 2:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/584671/The-Stagers-Episode-2

Jul 17, 2008 01:51 AM
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Cheryl - You're welcome.  David's lineup was very helpful.

Gerrit - Great comments!  I guess I can see your point about the ottoman now.  I have had an assistant come with me to a few jobs, but I have never worked alongside another Stager.  I'm sure that has it's own set of "interesting" situations.  :-)  I wish the show was on for an hour too!  So you live in Victoria - what a beautiful city.  We were there last year and also went up to Tofino for a few days - loved it.  Why don't you email me with your email address and first and last name.  I will send you an invitation to join Active Rain.  It's no charge to join and it is a very good way to market yourself, learn a few things and make some new stager friends.  We'd love to have you around!   

David - Thanks for the link.  It was wonderful to hear from Matthew!

Jul 17, 2008 02:50 AM
Heather Cook
Beyond the Stage Homes - Kitchener, ON
Delivering beautifully staged spaces

Grrrr ... I wasn't able to wach any of the episodes so far and I keep forgetting to set my PVR to record it! I will definitely correct that next week so I can offer a comment and review.

My husband laughs/sighs when he sees me watching shows like this and says it's not just fun anymore - it's work too!!! Often he comes downstairs and sees me camped in front of a good design show and tells me to stop working already!

Jul 17, 2008 03:27 AM
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Heather - Your comment is so true, but it's fun work though!  I hope you catch Tuesday night's episode.

Jul 17, 2008 08:41 AM
Alexandra Fletcher
Vancouver, BC

Hi Charlene, I caught the show for the first time the other night and we a little disappointed. The banter and whining between the mother and Daughter was a little contrived and not entertaining which I guess is what it was supposed to be. Also  your comment: It was more realistic and the property chosen wasn't a million dollar home.  I'm still hoping though that they'll choose one at an even lower asking price next time to transform.-believe me that is a a low asking price in our market!! :) Even in a slowing market, 50% of all Vancouver homes are estimated at 1 Milllion $$ for value whether they are listed or not. I anxiously await your blog interview!!

Cheers, Emily~ Celebrate Staging

Jul 18, 2008 02:45 PM
Please Delete Account Please Delete Account
Please Delete Account - Barton City, MI

Hi Charlene,  Thanks for your blogs about the first three episodes.  I live in the U.S. and am excited to see the first episode on Sunday.  I hope they stage in other areas where the houses are not valued so high.

Jul 18, 2008 04:26 PM
Charlene Storozuk
Dezigner Digz - Burlington, ON
Home Stager - Burlington Ontario

Emily - I think they will be showing some homes at lower price points.  I guess since it's filmed in Vancouver, those properties are a little harder to come by.  I wish they'd bring the show to Toronto for a few episodes and stage some homes at a more modest price point. 

Heidi - I hope you caught Sunday night's episode.

Jul 21, 2008 01:09 AM
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