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Were these 1,000 Marketing $$$$ well spent? A seller wants to know.

When a home stager is hired one of our primary jobs responsibilities is to stage the property in a manner that best solves any problem or perceived issues buyers may have with it.

But what happens if the buyer disagrees with what was done by the hired stager?

CASE IN POINT: Recently I received an Email from A. M. in Chicago asking for advice over a dispute he was having with his stager regarding the worked she had preformed.

A. M. writes…

Hello Craig,

My name is A.M. and I am having a disagreement with a stager I hired.

I am trying to sell a 2-bedroom condo in Chicago and recently hired a professional to stage the empty condo.

The property is unique in that the living room is very long and narrow, which is why my realtor and I thought it was important to stage it to show its potential. This is the only living area of the property so it has to look like a living room.

We've since (the staging) had ten showings without an offer.

I had two friends over… both of them said is "this room looks like a hallway".

They also said that the way it's staged does not show the potential of the living room.

I called the stager… and she maintains that the room is properly staged and that I need to respect her professional opinion.She discounts these opinions because she says she's the professional.

Do you have any tips on how I could deal with my stager?

Thank you very much,

A.M.

In the interst of "full disclosure" I have created a quick video show that should give you a complete overview of all that was done and how Adam's $1,000 was used to stage his property. Link: $1,000 Staging. Done RIGHT or Done WRONG. (Or you can just view a smaller version of the show at the bottom of this page.)

So... now that you have a complete picture, I have a few final questions for you to consider.

1. Given the budget, A.M.’s instruction, and the style of the home, did the stager stage the home correctly?

2. Did the stager provide a good solution for the problematic living room?

3. If A.M. feels the solution provided does not solve the living rooms problem, what should he do?

4. What actions do you suggest the stager take to solve the problem?

Whether you are a seller, stager or realtor... I am curious to know what you think about those $1,000's.

Thanks,

Craig ("Me" back playing Actively in the Rain)

Posted by Craig Schiller on 03/19/2009 08:47 PM

Comments (71)

Home Staging in the Home Selling Channel

This post has been included in Illinois Information Cook County, IL Information Chicago, IL Information
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...

71 Comments on Were these 1,000 Marketing $$$$ well spent? A seller wants to know.

MAR

Craig ~ Good to see you back! I viewed the video and agree with Adam that the living area looks more like a hallway. The two chairs against the wall and facing outward towards the kitchen don't create a warm, inviting "come and sit down" kind of feeling. There is a better furniture configuration for a space like this ... I would remove those tall barstools and use shorter, backless ones so that they don't take up so much room. This would allow for seating to be placed in the middle of the room, perhaps a loveseat and chair (or 2 chairs) facing each other, with the rug in between.

Where is the living room and where is the couch? A hallway is what it looks like. The vignette with the two chairs looks nice but it's not solving the problem. How is the buyer able to visualize relaxing in the living room?

It's hard to say exactly how it should have been staged because I can't see the entire space in the video (the corner of the room). I think I would have taken out the bar with the stools. The stools look too short for the bar - like your neck would be even with the counter top.

Having a living room staged in that space would be more important than a bar. I would remove the bar counter top, move the two chairs with the table to the opposite wall (having the table under the opening) and place a narrow couch across from it.

The second bedroom should have also had a bed staged in the room.

IF this is the only living room, then no matter how fabulous it may look, it does not fix the problem with the home's layout (one of the primary functions of RE staging). I agree with Kim that it is difficult to determine when we cannot view the property for ourselves.

I'm also in agreement that it looks like a hallway or waiting room. The first thing I saw (and didn't like) was the stools. Given that there is a table and chairs in the kitchen, I'd remove the stools that are there and either do what Maureen said, or use those acrylic stools that don't take up visual space or not have stools there at all. That may be an area to keep free for walking, which might allow other furniture to be added - i.e. another two chairs across from the existing ones to give it a nice conversational flow. Just my thoughts on what I could see. I'm sure you could get at least half a dozen different responses.

I agree with the seller it looks like a hallway.

You have been missed. I'm Re-Blogging this because you are a master at storytelling.

Well, Look who surfaced.... Good to see you.

This area resembles area's I have seen in basements. You know the area when you come down the stairs and then there is a pass through area to get to the main part of the basement? That's what this looks like to me. I definitely agree with loosing the bar stools and the bar counter and simply make it a pass through. That should open it up a bit. Hard to tell about anything else without seeing the rest of the room... Also after seeing the rest of the rooms I'm reminded that red makes a dramatic effect..... Unless it's the only color/texture added!

Hi Craig! It's so good to see you splashing in the rain! You've been greatly missed!

I think that this room needed more for sure. As the only living room space, perhaps a loveseat and chair and tables. It's a small space but with more furniture it would serve to function better and feel more cozy and less like a waiting room.

Clearly, the room could have been staged differently to allow a buyer to better visualize the space as a true living room. The other point you raise is how to deal with a client that is not happy with some aspect of our work. I think the homeowner should feel comfortable requesting a different furniture configuration for the room from the stager. A reputable stager would come to some compromise with the homeowner in order to solve the problem. When it comes to staging, I do not think the client is always right but do think they should be happy with the end result.

Hi Craig. I'm sort of new and didn't know you weren't gone, but welcome back anyway! Here's my take on the situation:

1. No, it is not staged correctly. It is an awkward space, granted, but there's no way you could do any "living" in that living room. For one thing, the way it's set-up, it looks like conversing is next to impossible.

2. No, she did not provide a solution for the problem.

3. Adam should tell the stager he is unsatisfied with the work and ask her to rearrange that space in such a way that the problem is solved.

4. In my humble opinion, I think part of the problem is the bar stools. They should be removed and that area should be considered a pass-through rather than a sitting/eating area. That will clear up the passageway enough to at least have the LR chairs face each other. Again, it is an awkward space, but that's where I'd start.

Tell Adam we're pulling for him!

Craig: Didn't I just see you picture on a milk carton?....or maybe it was 'America's Most Wanted?'...Please don't be such a stranger! Your fans miss you fiercely!

Craig, its easy to point all the wrong things on anyones staging, but who are we to judge without really seeing the area in person. On the other hand if I am doing a staging and the client wants a different floor plan , were creative we do it...after all who's paying? there is always a happy medium , of course we make sure that we give the right purpose to the room, if its meant to be a living room , then it should be a living room . there was an old saying my father taught me "client is always right..even when theyre not.

Also, the client should not believe that staging is a magic pill that will get offers in every open house. No that it has happen before. Location, right price are all part of this sell. so, if they dont like the way you packaged "their" property, analyze the reason, client might be right. Were all creative geniuses and cranky artists when our work is criticized, don't take it personal..Thats my 26 cents on this subject/ Good to see you back home around the Rain Craig!

Our company tells our clients that the job isn't finished until they are satisfied. That's the bottom line. It looks like egos got in the way of good customer service.

To all: I didn't actually see the property. You are seeing what I am seeing. That being said... the more and more I stage, the better I get as sizing up a property using photos. This is not to say I am 100% accurate, but I am pretty good. I will say that some yellow flags where thrown on when I say that room.

Maureen: Yup that was what I pretty much thought too!

Kim: In a perfect world the bar would go... but that would take a huge chunk of the $1,000 budget and still the room would be long and narrow and confusing. Down playing this area by not having the stools AND the wine glasses would have been a cheaper solution.

Melissa: Yes, it is difficult to judge... but my stager's intuition tells me this does not hit the mark.

Kathy: Yup! Those stools are wrong... especially since they are counte height stools sitting in front of a bar height counter.

Maureen: Once upon a time there was a stager in the rain... :)

Gary: GULP! I bet you all thought I drowned. LOL Anyway, I love red as a staging color... but it can be tricky!

Teresa: Again good advice. I am going to share this all with Adam. Collectively a message is forming.

Linda: I LOVE the way you said “I do not think the client is always right but do think they should be happy with the end result.” I could write a whole blog on that.

Patsy: Well howdy-do to you too! Yup… awkward spaces puts bread on our tables. It is our job to correct the problem the BEST we can. I think what I see here is that people are saying there was a better way.

Rich: My fan, my fans I just love my fans. Both of them… Hunter Douglas & Casablanca.

Fernando: I totally agree. BUT… if the client is that unhappy that he would track down a 3rd party for advice, then SOMETHING must really be wrong. Oh… and thanks for the warm re-welcome.

Peg: Your bottom line is my bottom line.

Craig, so good to see you engaging us again. I've missed your insights and creative energy. I'm smiling as I watch the video in which the watermark makes it clear that this is NOT your work! :) Looking forward to reading the discussion on this one.

We all have our controllers in listings. I jump in and confront the seller and tell them that we are staging the home to sell to the masses. A few may disagree, but to sell the home, we stage for the masses. We know what we are doing.

Nice post.......

Craig,

When a potential buyer walks into a home they need the feeling of Ahhhh, I want to plop down on the sofa and relax. When there is no sofa there is no Ahhhh.

Craig- It is good to see you here. In this case I am going to park and aee what the stagers have to say.

Hi Craig, I knew this would get featured when i read it this morning. Congratulations on a great looking article :)

Sincerely, CAstellum

Hey Craig, welcome back....hope you are well!

I agree! The LR IS NOT STAGED PROPERLY, while the house looks great, the LR looks like a hallway. A small loveseat and armless chairs would have kept the scale down while creating a lovely, cozy sitting area. As soon as I looked at the photo I thought this was the entry foyer

As a professional, the stager should go back and switch out the furniture DEFINITELY..Okay a little pride may be hurt here but HER or HIS reputation is on the line. OUR JOB IS TO SHOWCASE THE HOUSE PROPERLY and HELP THE SELLER MOVE ON! She or He needs to do something to make this right.

That's my opinion and I am sticking to it!!

GOOD TO SEE YOU, Phyllis Pafumi

OOOO! I was so focused on the "HALLWAY" I forgot to take a look at the rest of space. What's with those BIG STOOLS? They need to go. Some nice under counter backless would work well and not overwhelm the ONLY LIVING AREA..Oh well

Except for those two things, for $1,000.00 it looks good...BUT THOSE TWO THINGS ARE EVERYTHING!!! That could make or break a deal.

I had a LR that was REAL SMALL..we chose smaller scaled items, no area rug..see below. HOUSE SOLD in under two months.

I am also working on another SMALL CONDO...ONE LR that has to serve as a LR/DR area..GOING SMALL..loveseat (same as in pic), one chair, floor lamp two 16" square tables in front of loveseat..small bistro table and chairs in far corner and opposite loveseat I am putting sofa table staged as a desk but can also show buyers this could be a place for TV. Will forward those pics once staged

Thanks for the post as ALWAYS, would love to know what the STAGER DOES..Peace

Phyllis Pafumi

Craig who?

it does look like a hallway and maybe she feels that is the best way to display it but the customer is always right and if they are not happy with the results than changes should be made. It sounds like you have a tough job ahead either way.

I am just so happy you are playing in the rain again Craig! HOW FUN!!!

I too think it looks more like a hallway than a living room.

1. No bar stools.

2. Need loveseat. Perhaps facing the two chairs, which should be side by side.

3. The kitchen counter is too bare and cold.

4. The red accents are cliche as is the bed in the corner.

I don't like it at all and would be mad if I paid $1000 for this and the stager then didn't change it to my satisfaction.

I agree that it looks like a hallway.

What did you suggest?

I thought the whole point of getting the staging was to show how the living area could be utilized. Very sad...evrything in the living seemed to be crammed into the middle with that lonely floor lamp and it's dangling chord shoved to the other end. Certainly not worth $1,000 unless he gets to keep all the furniture!

Some good advice and some rather cutting advice. All in all for the $1000 if this includes all furniture, accessories etc (for how long) not too bad. The living area is problematic and the stager did not solve this problem. A U shaped arrangement with the open side to the traffic area - would have allowed for easy entry and conversation.

MAR

Hi Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - GOOD TA SEE YA! I'll be back to leave a comment!

Diane

YOU WROTE:

But what happens if the buyer disagrees with what was done by the hired stager?

Why would a BUYER have any issues with what a stager has done??

As for good old Adam, that house has no living room. It has square feet that has been staged to provide a conversation area near the breakfast bar. It's more of a foyer or entrance way. Surely not a living room.

The problem is not the space, it is what it is. The problem is the label.

I believe that two love seats opposite each other in the same space would have provided a more "living room" area.

The label "living room" doesn't change the fact that this house has none.

As for ten showings and no offer?? Lower the price Adam, sooner or later when the price is right, the house will get an offer. There aren't many folks who will even want a home with no living room unless it has a family room or den for seating, relaxing, meeting and greeting, etc.

Of course, the only relevant fact is the price.

The question is were my $1000 dollars well spent? I think the home stager should do a redo. The lack of living room needs to make this one room inviting. It is not.

Craig - I think it looks like a long narrow room - a hall - too. Don't you know that if one of those showings had turned into a contract, Adam would think the home had been well staged? If the stager fulfilled her contract, she cannot be held responsible for the home hot selling. Good post!

I don't think the seller would change his mind about the home being well staged if he did have a contract on it; his initial response was that he did NOT like and he felt that the stager did not deliver what he wanted. Of course the stager can not be held responsible for the home not selling BUT she CAN be responsible for NOT SATISFYING HER CLIENT - which was to make that hallway look like a LIVING ROOM, not a hallway with chairs.

Craig, commenter #25, Karen Rice, hit it on the nail. I would definitely call the stager and ask for a re-do of the space.

Craig,

The customer is always right..the stager should come back..it needs to show as a living..2 love seats facing each other as a conversation group. A good stager should be able to recognize she may have made a mistake and rectify it. Doing the right thing........goes a long way!!!!!!

Lola: Yes, its good to be back trying to engage with 140000 of my dearest friends. 140,000!!!!!!!!!!! That is just unreal. HOW, does one stand out in this crowd? Oh, I know the wear a pink sweater and smiles... beautifully. Good to "see" you to.

Tim: Yup... stage for mass appeal. Doesn't everyone like at-least one living area in their home they are going to buy? Julie: Ahhhhh is better then Ehhhhh!

Jennifer: If you look closely, that is what I did. I have not really said what I did.

CAstellum: (or is it Cast? or Casy? or Ca) Hmmm.... a great LOOKING post got picked. It is NOT by coincidence that I "STAGED" my post. Staging works for blogging to.

Phyllis: HI back at you! That's why I came here... for sticky opinions. Yours is always appreciated.

Phyllis: Your twin that posted above is prettier, but damn girl... you do nice work.

Judy Judy judy: You BLOGGING machine you. Just call me Dr. Frankenblogger. Hey when you gonna need a stager again?

Michael: Its not MY problem... that would NOT have been my solution.

Cathy: Yes... plaaaying in the rain. Just plaaaying in the rain. What a glor-e-ous feeeeeling... I gotta gold star a-gain!

Karen: I especially am attracted to your 4th comment. For Real Estaging angles are a "last resort".

Brenda: Like the seller and so many others here have said... a living room would be nice.

Marlene: "Lonely" is a good adjective to use here... and of course he is not keeping the furniture.

Kathleen: There is nothing like putting a subject under the AR microscope. If people see something they don't like that don't hold back... but on the flip-side. If they like it they gush... sometimes too much. In general what an awesome forum. Oh... and I agree about about the need for conversation and traffic.

Diane: You better be back! I know where your blog is and I'll come an post comments that I will comment later all over your stuff day in and day out until you return.

LEN LEN LEN. My dear favorite staging skeptic... whose opinion I value more than you know. You will be happy to know that I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS advice sellers that "price will cure all ills". Then I watch their eyes glaze over. Due to lot size it is not uncommon to have these very narrow primary living area scenarios... they ARE the Living Rooms, Family Rooms, Great Rooms we often have to deal with.

Tere: Tere you go. Tere you have it.

Bruce & Mary: The home might not sell for many reasons... but it should be for a specific challenge someone paid money to resolve.

Karen: Welcome back... oh and I like the way you think.

Rebecca: Unfortunately he did and she won't. Maybe this will give him some ammunition.

Doris: Well, considering the budget and where and how it was spent I don't know if it will happen now. Maybe THAT living area/room would have been better served if more money was spent there.

Melissa brings up a really good point. I think this is one of those "pig on a lipstick" scenarios.

Hi Craig. I'm so glad this post was featured so I could "discover" you on AR! Now I'm a subscriber because I like the way you draw your readers into a discussion.

Without at least a love seat or small sofa, no-one viewing the space will consider it to be anything but a hallway or landing. Since it was the seller and Realtor's wish to showcase that space as a "living room", the stager didn't deliver. IMHO.

Terrible. Looks like a hallway. The seller should get their money back.

Craig,

So good to see you here. Just recently back myself I was wondering where you were hiding out. As for the staging, it definitely looks like a hallway and not a living room. Personally I wouldn't have been thrilled by the result of the whole project but there was a very limited budget involved. She should definitely do something to rectify it to her client's satisfaction. Someone happy with your services might tell two or three people. Someone unhappy will tell ten times that. Bad business, IMHO.

I am riding with Lenn on this one, there is no way around it this unit HAS no living room. The stager did the best she could with her knowledge , experience and budget. What do you expect from someone who more than likely took a 3- 5 day course on staging? let's get real. drop the price and get it sold.

Benita, let's get real - yes. If I'm paying someone $1,000 to do something, I expect that someone to deliver. It doesn't appear that she told her client "I'm sorry, this was the best I could do with the budget, perhaps another $500 for furniture would help."

No, she said that her client was not to question her "professional judgement."

That is the part that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. She seems - if the facts presented here are accurate - rather full of herself and unwilling to admit that MAYBE she was wrong.

Two spacious oversized chairs (not couches) facing each other with a small table in the center and remove the barstools would have made what really is a hallway look more like a living room. The stager screwed up.

Mark: That "pig on a lipstick" property is more common HERE in Chicago then you think. Chicago is NOTORIOUS for narrow lots... it is a fact. I admit the bare bones of the property is not new... but it is clean and fresh looking. It is not a lost cause.

Pat: I always say that blogging is like staging... or do I say staging is like blogging. Either way, you have to draw'em in move them around and sell'em.

Maya: EEEKS! This is why I like the Rain. No mincing words with some. THANKS I like I like.

Geri: Hey you... you know I still remember you sending my pix of a staging you did for a relative whose property you were selling. Did that sell... god I hope so. ANYWAY... IMHO I think you are correct about this one.

Benita: Markets offer different types of housing. A home with narrow living quarters can be found all over Chicago-land. It is not unlivable, and they are accepted as the living room/area... RELATIVE to the market. However, sometimes it helps the buyer to see it as such. And a stager should be able to provide that solution. Dropping the price is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS an option and may be warranted. But they just might not have to. To me I would rather spend less up front to get more in my pocket in the end.

Benita: On a second point... I would not lump all stagers that have taken a weekend workshop as bad. I have seen PLENTY that know there stuff and have tought me a thing or two. I found that the interior designers that were part of my design company NOT to be good stagers. WHY? They were trained to be methodical and less shoot from the hip... and they were more focused on the design making a statement then the property.

Karen: I have done the best I can to tell it like it is. One of the things I LOVE about AR is the fact that people can peal apart a post and challenge everything in it. It really helps me to see deeper into the topic at hand. Thanks, ONCE AGAIN, for digging in with more in-site.

Christanne: It will be interesting to hear from Adam once I share this post with him... that's for sure.

Hi Craig: I'm a mortgage banker, not a professional stager. Guess I would be looking at this from a different angle ... one without an artistic or more creative eye. All that aside thought, as a professional is any service business, should you not listen with an open mind to your customer. After all, they are the reason you have the business and are in business in the first place. Their happiness and satisfaction is the reward you are seeking ultimately besides the monetary payment for your services.

I understand that personalities come into play, but listening to the wants and needs of the client is important. In this particular case, my eye tells me that other possibilities readily exist for better placement of furniture possibly ... if not bringing in some more complimentary pieces to assist?

Either way, the stager needs to do something to satisfy her client's needs. Certainly something can be worked out if she is a little bit more flexible. Referrals will certainly not be forthcoming if she doesn't change her stance a little.

I'm trying to learn more about all the ways staging can benefit my customers looking to sell and ultimately the realtors (and myself) in getting homes moving again. It's a win-win situation for everyone in the real estate industry, especially right now. Thanks!

The two black chairs facing the kitchen block a clear line of sight to the stairway and are bad feng shui.

it's always tough to work with a smaller space.

In that case, if the price is comparable to others in the community with a similar floor plan, it shouldn't be a problem.

I still believe that two small, perhaps wicker or rattan love seats would make the space more inviting.

Yes, it's a living hall.

Perhaps the stager should rethink the "I'm right and the world's wrong" on this one.

Craig,

That did sell quickly and well and I've done many more since then. As a matter of fact I'll be blogging about my most recent one. Look for it in the next day or so.

I would have suggested something lighter, with more udpated color scheme, with far more casual furniture.

Like this:

With a flat screen tv,, of course, over the plant on the right, so you could kinda see it as you cooked.

It's just ineffective regarding use and comfort in it's present configuaration and furniture selection. It doesn't hit any buttons, and leaves a big question unresolved...

"How can I use this space?"

IMHO it is imperative to show that in miniscule living areas can still entertain and be gracious.

~Michelle

Michelle,

That looks quite lovely. virtual staging is a great tool to help plan out a space before you purchase or attempt to move anything. good job on this one.

Michelle,

Great idea!

I also thought it was a foyer and not the living room. I would not have been pleased with the staging of that room if I were the agent or seller.

Hi Craig - It is very easy to call out a not-so-great staging. This example is cheap in appearance and that may be because the budget is cheap. (Noting the obvious variables in this $1000 call). The space was not utilized to 'sell it' in an optimum manner. HOWEVER......

Let's be fair---For many stagers requiring a 90 day minimum rental rate, let's get down to the bones.....

What should a seller or realtor realistically expect for a $100-$200/month staging rental in Chicago? (excluding staging fee, (set-up and de-stage time) and both moving fees etc. which comprise the total $1000)

C'est vrai....You get what you pay for.

Good to see you here!! Regards, Kathleen

My thought on this one is that the stager is part of a 3 person team and truthfully the realtor is the team captain. If prospective buyers continue to have issues with the floor plan and the realtor and homeowner are not happy with the work it needs to be reviewed and probably revised. Whether the work is right or wrong, the stager is in the wrong for not being reponsive to the needs of the homeseller. I know it is trite but "win the battle and lose the war" comes to mind!

Hi Craig! Great to see you!!!!!

INMHO the stager did not show this space in a good light. Can't say I like anything about it. Bar "stools" got to go...LOL...You have to stand on them to reach the bar! Bedroom staging very unappealing....and that vase of red flowers behind the bed??? Yikes! Kitchen counters...look so cold! Bathroom Ditto!

I guess the bottle of wine on the bar was so costly, that there was nothing left in the budget for table settings?

Welcome back!

Ginger

Last time I saw you was on HGTV. Glad to see you back, hope you stick around for a while.

MAR

I don't see where the $1,000 went. I would have said the same thing, looks like a hallway. What exactly is the dimensions of the living room(in particular the width)?

Guess my eyes travel to those things my business (handyman) does. Where the space is small, I would suggest painting some of the wood trim so it didn't chop the space up even more.

Craig, very interesting - give us your updates with the final conclusion of the matter.

MAR

Gene: I agree... basically this is about 2 issues. How to stage the room and how to deal with a dissatisfied client. I don't think the stager did herself any favors on either front. Like you said... "the stager needs to do something to satisfy her client's needs."

Jim: Wow I am impressed. I know you are an "uber" realtor that knows staging, but Feng Shui too? Who would think?

Lenn: Yup that would work. There are a number of solutions. What matters is the scale and proportion is honored.

Michelle: WOW... thank you. THAT looks awesome. Thank you for taking the time to show what is possible.

Benita: I agree... a great tool BUT it can be tricky. The scale and proportion of the items being placed into the photographic image is CRITICAL. Everything must be their "true size" relative to each other and the image. Otherwise it is rubbish.

Tom: I couldn't agree more.

Melina: Unfortunately I did not talk to the realtor... I would be curious to hear what they had to say.

Kathleen: I agree, you DO get what you pay for. But, if all they could afford was $1000, then those dollars needed to be spent judiciously. I am not sure that happened here. Oh... and HELLO & good to "see" to you too.

JO: Yup... the realtor can have GREAT insight as to what needs to be done... they especially understand the demographics of the market. And since all real estate is local... they are KEY. A Realtors ideas/opinions should be weighed into and considered.

Ginger: Yeeks! No pussy footing around that comment. You says it like you sees it. THANKS for the candor and the warm welcome back.

Cindy: I still have not seen that show! Oh well. And thanks, it is good to be back and welcomed warmly.

Tina: Paint precious "natural wood"? Oh my god if I had a nickle for every time I suggested that and people's eyes glazed over...

Donna: I will... I have a call into Adam.

MAR

Aloha Craig,

Great topic for a post. I really enjoyed reading the comments and I particularly liked Michelle Molinari's digital rendering with the glass shelves in the pass through.

It really doesn't matter what the square footage of the space is as long as you clearly define how the space will function for the potential buyer. I'm currently staging a condotel apartment at just over 200sq feet. A space that size, if left empty will perturb even the most imaginative of buyers. If you can cover the 4 basic needs of Sleeping, living, eating, storage you can sell the property a whole lot easier. If you don't cover the basics, people start thinking there's not enough room. Two chairs and a table signifies dinning area not a living room. At the very least the stager should have chosen a love seat instead of the chairs. A better choice, in my opinion would have been a day bed or futon in the living room with a trunk coffee table. When furniture pulls double duty and has storage, as well, you increase the functionality for potential buyers in small spaces. Too small becomes cozy; no living room becomes a guest room and living area and buyers start to recognize the potential instead of walking away befuddled.

I believe the seller had a definite right to request a restage as the staging reduced the useable square footage drastically. Mahalo for the post and it's nice to see you posting again.

Peace,

I agree with all of the above. Mstakes do happen but really, as a professional it's up to the stager to fix it. It wouldn't have cost that much a few hours of her time and she could still have a positive relationship with the realtor and most importantly, the client.

Not a big fan of using bright red, it just looks so "staged".

Nice to see you back, Craig.

MAR

SSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Glad to see you back and actively plying in the Rain ~ we've missed you (& blogged about what kind of alien abducted you)

I agree with the majority: No, it was not adequately Staged. Yes, she should adjust her staging to address the very issue for why she was hired. My only other concern would be concerning the $1,000: was that for 1 mo. of Staging or 6? If that $1,000 was the later, then I have to rant the old adage "You get what you pay for"

Kimo: I agree... if the stager was hired and was told to make the living room LOOK like a living room, not a "living hall" then that was what needed to be done. This room was not that odd that it could not have been.

Anne: "It looks staged." I like that... I may just use that as a blog subject.

Connie: Thanks, for your concern. I just escaped from my abductors. All is fine now. LOL. As for the time frame, I do not know. But you get what you pay for still stands. It is up to the stager to APPLY those dollars in a way that maximes the staged return.

MAR

Looks like you got a lot of great feedback on this one I just happened to see a comment from you on Teresa Meyer's recent post and my eyes did a double take and my heart skipped a beat - really!

You have been in my thoughts Mr. Schiller and it is a nice spring surprise to see you back here. Things may have changed a bit (to some it's gotten more luster - to me I kinda miss the old days here on AR) but your mission remains the same. Would love to catch up with you, look for an email one of these days.

MAR

Thanks for the video, what a great help.

APR

Results or Solutions?.....The house definitely looks staged. The problem is that it was not well done! Reminds me of the house cleaner that cleans and straightens giving the home a superficial sense of being clean but its not! Unfortunately there are many people today doing professional services on the quick to make quick money. Most customers are too busy to understand the difference and are happy with results not solutions!

APR

Craig it is so evident that everyone is glad to see you including me, when you pop back into the rain. I have been away for extend length of time and always go digging for anything I may have missed, that you have written, while I was not playing in the rain.

The pictures above are an example of poorly executed staging. I do agree with you that with experience we can size up a place by looking at pictures.

A simple example, is the above pictures do not make a great first impression. The function of the room has not even been addressed. In design small awkward spaces are a challenge. And when executed successfully show the true, creative talent of the designer, stager, decorator (all of the above).

THe client should make sure that the realtor is informed of his dissatisfaction and difficutly in dealing with the stager if any.

In any business, client satisfaction is # 1. The stager should be fulfilling what she was asked to do. make it look like a living room.

Just a pet peeve of mine. I hate beds and dining room tables on angles. If we are to be making rooms feel more spacious. What is with furniture on angles. If you actually do the math, for those who still remember simple and geometry and trig, you loose a lot of square footage behind those headboards. I think I may post something on angles.

APR

I really like the photos that Michelle has of the living room. By taking out the bar stools and adding a loveseat and bookshelf above makes this look more like a living room than a hallway.

SEP

..... SOOOOOO WHERE in the heck are ya???? Ya coming back????

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