Over the course of the past few months I have given several presentations on the subject of staging and I’ve noticed one constant: many people, some REALTORS included, think “staging” is all about moving furniture around, putting a cover on an old sofa, lighting a few candles, and using twigs and raffia for “creative” window treatments.
I’d like to dispel a few myths based on my own professional experience (your results may vary, to quote those infomercials!):
Yes, as stagers we often reposition furniture to maximize space, showcase architectural features, etc. And we might suggest some new candles for the bathroom to create a spa-like effect. Personally, I’ve given away or sold my sofa covers, which I used a few times early on in my staging career (they look like hell the moment anyone sits on them) and I’d usually rather remove dated/dirty window treatments than use sheets tied with raffia!
In reality, true “stagers” (I’d rather refer to myself as a pre-listing home prep specialist) will address everything from curb appeal to pets, toys, collections, personal items, odors, paint/color issues, flooring and carpeting, clutter, cleanliness, cosmetic repairs and upgrades, and on and on! We sometimes have to tell people to pack away the Penthouse and Playboy magazines and the beer can “art.” We have to diplomatically deal with items of a political, religious or sentimental nature. Often, we are given the responsibility of hiring service providers (painters, contractors, carpet and house cleaners) and coordinating their activities. All of these factors and more – including practiced, poised people skills – comprise true “staging.”
I have spoken to many, many sellers who balk at paying to stage, simply because they haven’t been educated about the true staging and pre-listing home preparation process. It should be the goal of all of us involved in selling a home to do ourselves, our professions, and our clients a huge favor by making sure a house is truly “prepped” to sell. That’s TRUE staging!
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