I was reminded two weeks ago about why it is so vital that we all have insurance to protect ourselves and our "stuff" while it might be in a vacant or occupied home. I staged a $1.6 Million 4500 square foot vacant house - looked great - and the Seller, Builder, Lender and Realtor were thrilled. That was 2 months ago. Then we had Spring Break. Kids had too much time on their hands or something - because the house was broken into. It was obvious that it was kids - probably teenagers - that did the breaking in - they were not interested in stealing any of the good furniture or decor (thank goodness!). They did take all our candles (?), some decorative items, chenille throws, and drank our prop-alchohol. Then they proceeded to mess the place up - they threw pretzels we had as props in the pantry, ate our popcorn, cooked the "faux" oatmeal in our prop dishes (it was like glue - with blue fuzzy mold by the time I got there to the house). They jumped on the bed, moved our furnishings around for "fun" and just basically messed with the house. Unfortunately for them, because they stole things, it's not just a minor incident, and the Sheriff got a good set of prints off my silver tray that housed our crystal decanter (also gone).
I learned two things. First, I don't think I am going to put real alchohol in houses anymore - not wine bottles or in this case, it was our Martini Mix and props. Too risky if someone DID drink it and then go off and drive and injure themselves or others. After hearing in one of my classes how a Stager put a candle in a house as a prop, left and a Realtor showing the house lit it - forgot to blow it out - and half the house burned - and the STAGER was held responsible (!!), I don't want that risk. (Note: De-wick your candles that you put in houses - then they can't be lit. Even writing not to light them in your contracts or agreements is not good enough).
Second, I DO have coverage for ALL my stuff sitting in houses. Years ago when I first started Staging, insurance companies did not offer this type of coverage for our stuff in vacant houses or in transit to jobs. Now they do. Fortunately, the loss is minimal for my situation, but it still takes time to have to clean items, and replace those things that were taken. One item in particular had gone to the "Big show" for the first time - and it's gone. Sigh.
What you need to know is that a good policy that gives you liability coverage AND insures your stuff should cost about $500-$600 per year. Many realtors and homeowners are now requiring that Stagers show proof of insurance. If you work with Builders, they definitely need proof. Your own insurance carrier for your house or auto may be able to write a policy, but if they are scratching their heads and saying, "What is Home Staging exactly?" go to someone that DOES know. If you want a recommendation, I can give you name, but this blog was not intended to promote a company - I just wanted to share what I learned from a recent experience that could have been much worse, but overall, no one likes to have their stuff stolen - even a little amount.
Happy INSURED Staging!! - Jennie
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WOW, all very good points and something I hadn't thought of, like dewicking the candles and not using real alcohol. One of my million + houses was broken into but all they stole were the appliances. Definitely not kids. I have loads of insurance. General liability, and Error and Omissions, a must for stagers. My homeowner insurance covers my props. But here in Florida it would be a dream to get a policy for under a thousand bucks. Thanks for the good advice.
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!