I'm a professional home stager but I still remember gettting a wee bit offended when I was told I needed to make some changes to my own home by a realtor.
You may not be surprised, but that realtor did not get the listing!
It's rare I run into someone else giving staging advice but those few times, I've nearly had to bite my tongue. Is it because I am sensitive? Not receptive to new ideas? I don't think so. I'm more than happy to consider a new angle but the key to acceptance is HOW the advice is given.
I think we're all on board there aren't we? A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
Here's my personal and professional take on how to give staging advice (and not offend anyone)
1. Remember you're in someone's private space. Be respectful. Ask permission before opening doors and closets.
2. Allow the owner to lead the way. It's their home. Let them tell you where they want to go.
3. Always, ALWAYS find the good. Find aspects of the home to praise while you are assessing any changes that may need to be made. Let the owner know you understand how much hard work they have put into their home.
4. Gently get to know your owner. Be ready to listen. Let them tell you about their family, their lives and their goals. Be of service and offer solutions not criticism or judgement.
5. Show understanding for the big transition they are in the process of undergoing. Work with them by guiding them to solutions to help ease the stress of moving.
As Aretha said. R E S P E C T. Respect your owners and the faith they are showing by allowing you into their home. In other words, treat them as you would like to be treated if the shoe was on the other foot.
Staging can be a positive experience. At this stage we can help sellers get their arms around their impending move. Often the home stager is the first person to guide them to packing, storing and downsizing their possessions.
Drama may work on TV, but staging advice needs to be given with respect and sensitivity to have the most value. It's a team effort to get a home sold - seller, stager and real estate agent all need to work together with mutual consideration and respect to get it done right.
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