What a great question! It was posed to me recently by a prospective client, and I've been intrigued by it since. Short answer-yes...and yes!
For many people, what they know of Staging is what they see on TV-empty trophy homes, lots of drama from the mother and daughter team, or budget-driven quick fixes that after the first ahhhh are really more like Shop or Home Ec projects (but hey, they kept it under budget!!).
Combine that with each homeowners' unique needs and circumstances, then it's no wonder many perceive Staging to be this big mysterious process-impossible to define, and ok, let's be honest, probably very expensive too-right? I knew this prospective client was nervous about this, didn't want to find themselves in too deep, or know how else to ask....
Staging is many things-it is creative, flexible, and highly individualized; but it's also a conscious business decision, and most importantly, it is a means to an end. It is also never the same experience for any two people.
When I first meet with a prospective client, to get an accurate read on their needs and expectations, I ask a lot of questions...people looking for a quick price quote are invariably disappointed, sure they are being led straight towards the Hard Sell Zone.
In an occupied property, Stagers will typically always work with what a client already has, but I believe Staging has to sometimes look beyond what's in the attic. There are neighbors with lamps that could be borrowed, local barter systems where you can trade your talents to get the living room painted, and places that would oh so gratefully accept many things you have no use for but can't seem to toss out either.
End point being titles do not indicate cost, or value. Let's have that conversation, bring lots of questions and an open mind, you may just be very pleasantly surprised.
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