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HOW DO YOU GET THE PRIZED COLLECTION PACKED UP AND OUT OF SIGHT?

By
Home Stager with Home Staging by Streamline H. S. Ltd

I was at my monthly Business Womens Networking Association Group meeting in Whitby, Ontario on Monday, and we got talking about MLS Photographs and their importance in promoting and attracting potential purchasers to your property.

It was surprising how many of the group had not considered what should not be in the MLS photos such as their expensive pieces of art and object d'art, collectables, 50" TVs and electronic equipment. They were also surprised that they should remove jewllery boxes and smaller valuables either to a family members home or into a safe deposit box. None of them had considered the window shopping opportunity for local thieves.

This all came about because one lady asked why she should remove her Royal Doulton Collection and replace it with six identical plates in her curio cabinet, should  she be selling her home.It is a great reason to encourage sellers to pack up that prized collection of what ever, without them feeling you are commenting on their individuality.

At one house the owner loved to cook and had a large (huge) wall rack full of every type of oven baking pan and gadgets you would ever see outside of a kitchen store, and was adament they were not leaving the kitchen, until I showed her how easy it was to dislodge some of the pans and mentioned the possibilty of a law suit should someone get hurt. They were packed up and put away within one hour.

Do any other stagers have problems getting home sellers to put their prized things away, and what do you do??????

 

Donna Plant

Home Staging by Streamline H. S. Ltd

Remember PERCEPTION OF VALUE CHANGES WITH PRESENTATION.

Show All Comments Sort:
Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

That is a great question.  The very first listing appointment I went on the lady had over 2000 swords all over the house in closets and under beds?

Shelton

Feb 12, 2009 04:22 AM
Leslie Prest
Prest Realty - Payson, AZ

Possible theft is one motivator. The other one I use (only works if they REALLY want to sell) is to tell them that the collection is SO interesting that Buyers will look at it instead of looking at the house.

Feb 12, 2009 06:02 AM
Liz Carla
Ebby Halliday - Dallas, TX

Donna-I always remind sellers to put away valuables so they aren't broken or quickly placed in someone's purse! But I hadn't thought of the MLS aspect of people window shopping. Really good point. Speaking of points-I always suggest that sellers put away their knife blocks that are on every counter. Can you see two unsupervised little kids deciding to have a sword play when Mommy is not looking? Ouch! Not to speak of everyone's safety.

Feb 12, 2009 09:02 AM
Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling
Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

So far I have never had trouble getting clients to put items away. I always do it in a way that is respectful. I think most people can relate to items that are so interesting that they make people stop to focus on them. After all, that's what a colletion is FOR!! So, either the distraction, or concern about breakage or theft have always been enough to convince them to pack those items up.

Religious items are another delicate subject. If I need them to remove overt and prominent religious objects, it usually reassures them when I tell them that I also have my own faith, and am not suggesting that they "hide" their own ... it is really about being sure that anyone coming to the home should feel comfortable and you never know what their particular beliefs may be.

Although for one family, even though they removed a large photo of their temple from above their fireplace for me, I stopped short of making their little girl who was only 5 years old remove the little plaque next to her bed that said "I am a child of God". Somehow I was sure that if I did that,  I would lose big points with God. :0) 

Shelton --- unbelievable story about the 2000 swords! Just when you think you've seen everything!!

Feb 12, 2009 05:54 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Broker/Short Sale & Staging Specialist - Crosby, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

pre packing -  you are moving soon. Safety, theft, viewed as clutter not collectibles.

Feb 14, 2009 08:02 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

More and more sellers are watching HGTV these days, so most of my clients don't act too surprised when I advise packing up all their "treasures" for their next home.

Feb 15, 2009 11:25 AM
Laurie Calhoun
Gloria Home Staging, Inc. - Winter Springs, FL
Seminole County FL Home Stager

People often brighten up when we say "pre-packing" instead of "de-cluttering," as they expect us to. The thought that some of the work will be done when moving time comes really appeals to them.

Feb 15, 2009 12:29 PM
Michele Hess
Simply Staged Inc. - Rockford, IL
Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc

Good advice to pass on to sellers for so many reasons.  Most sellers I have been working with are happy to start their packing, but some do need a reason to do so.  You have outlined them beautifully Donna.

Feb 17, 2009 05:40 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hi Donna, Oh I like the way Laurie stated "pre-packing", brilliant.

Feb 21, 2009 05:58 AM
Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento

I tell them to start the selling karma and pack 'em up. If that doesn't work I say to "We are asking Joe Public to come in your home... pack up ANYTHING near and dear, or dangerous."

Feb 22, 2009 12:53 PM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Yes Donna it is a problem...for me.  Senior men seem to be highest on my list for reluctance and when I first ran into this I was shocked because I expected more issues from women than men.  Live and learn. 

I am adding Laurie's "prepacking" terminology because decluttering has such negative connotations! 

Feb 28, 2009 02:44 AM
SHARON CHARBONEAU
UPSTAGING YOUR HOMES - Sechelt, BC

standing by iron railingIn my experience, the issue is the homeowner's emotional attachment to their home, and the need for them to move emotionally to the concept of marketing their house for sale.  As has already been said, it is a matter of stagers being respectful of the homeowner's belongings and encouraging them to pack up their valuables for display in their new home.

I like the "pre-packing" rather than de-cluttering which does have a negative connotation.  I'll have to remember to use that wording.

How many think it is easier to get homeowners to pack up when they have already found their new home?

Sharon Charboneau - "Upstaging" Your Homes on the Sunshine Coast of BC

Mar 09, 2009 08:31 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

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