In my last post, I stated that my next conversation would be to ask the question of Stagers, "How many conditions issues have you covered up lately? I pose this question because over the last few months I have read that some believe that home staging is a conspiracy aimed at home buyers. It appears that some think that Home Staging fools the senseless buyers into a mental state that rivals the effects of LSD and that buyers, in zombie like fashion proceed to the closing table, purchasing homes that are just steps above chicken coops, thinking they have just purchased a mansion. In fact in one example, an article was written and published by the NAEBA, a national association of exclusive buyers agents, would make one think that Stagers tricks rivaled such historic cover-ups as "Watergate" or "Area 51".
I have been involved with my wife Linda's company, Home Matters, here in Indianapolis since it's birth. And during that time I have never witnessed any deceptive activities such as has been described. There had been so much discussion on this point that I said to my self, "Self, these stagers must be a crafty lot, I'm even married to a stager and have never detected any of these activities." Out of sheer curiosity, I was driven to hold my own investigation to try and find what those activities might be and how to get them stopped. I started by researching the words of the people warning of these crimes. Unfortunately I could not find any specifics stated as to the exact details of the great conspiracy, only that Home Stagers, categorically use smoke and mirror techniques to fool buyers. Because I could find very little specifics calling out the exact method of the cover-ups, I decided to take matters into my own hands and interview my Stage-a-mate, Linda. I figured being one of the rank and file of one of the offenders would make it easy for me to get to the truth of the matter.
I sat Linda in a chair, shined my flash light in her eyes and with a hose in one hand and a list of questions in the other I started;
Me: What condition issues did you hide today when you were staging?
Linda: None! We always tell sellers to take care of condition issues that we find before we stage a home. We don't hide anything!
Me: That's not what I hear! I hear that you are doing things to trick homebuyers.
Linda: What? Any time we spot an issue with a client's home we tell the client that the issue needs to be addressed. Things like worn carpeting, outdated appliances, outdated decorating styles, decorating that is very style specific that does not appeal to a wide range of buyers, bold and even sometimes obnoxious color choices or a terrible lack of curb appeal. Occasionally, we spot issues such as evidence of discoloration on a ceiling pointing to a leaky roof or cracks in plaster.
Me: I see, so how is it you are covering up electrical or plumbing problems? What about heat and air issues? How are you hiding roof leaks and septic problems?
Linda: Surely you're kidding? You're talking about the issues that Home Inspectors are responsible for finding and reporting on. There are two categories of condition issues. The issues we as Home Stagers address with our clients are relating to how a homebuyer will perceive the overall appearance of a home, not whether the skeleton is in good working order. Home Inspectors look for and report issues relating to things like mold, electrical, plumbing, roofing, septic, and a wide variety of issues relating the structure. Stagers are property presentation specialists and are not trained as Home Inspectors.
Me: Does everyone know about these Inspectors?
Linda: Yes, of course they do. We in fact recommend to our clients that both Staging and an inspection take place before the home is put on the market. This way any issues can be addressed sooner rather than latter in the selling process. Our stance is that a home inspector is going to find any existing issues, so it's best to find and remove those issues before they become negotiating points.
Me: Maybe there is confusion about what Home Stagers do vs. Home Inspectors?
Linda: There is no confusion. I think everyone clearly understands.
Me: If this is all true, then why was there an article written telling buyers to beware of staged homes and why do some agents feel a need to warn their buyers that a home has been staged?
Linda: I think in the Real Estate world today there is great pressure on everyone, in every role, to show value in what we all do. I think it is easy for most agents to sell the value of the service they provide. I think it is also easier easy for Home Stagers to provide the evidence of the value we add to the process. On the other hand I think there is a small group out there that must invent a problem that they can then sell a solution for.
Me: What does that mean?
Linda: First you need to turn off the light and put the hose down before I take it away and use it on you. There are some that paint home stagers as if they were Snidely Whiplash, waxing our mustaches and sneaking into the night, never divulging these horrible little secrets that we know about our client's home. If I can make you believe that, then I can easily make you believe that you need me to protect you from these horrible Stagers. Invent the problem and the solution! Notice in the article you referred to that the writer says this is what stagers do and if you hire us, we can protect you. Almost sounds like an advertisement doesn't it? Just for the record, Home Matters, as a Home Staging company is responsible for increasing the marketability of our client's property. Home inspectors are asked to find and report on the condition of the home and how healthy it is.
Taking the words directly from the NEABA report, "Once a tactic is recognized as a tactic, it loses its power". I think that there may be cases where someone calling themselves a stager might cover a hole in a wall with a potted plant, or hang a picture over a bad spot on a wall, but I believe these are the acts of a small few. I think that professional Home Stagers ask their clients to address any and all condition issues that they know exists. As far as the findings of my investigation into those that marketing the great cover-ups! I think it is a tactic!
What do you think?
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