Professional home stagers do not cover up or hide damage, flaws, or problem issues - they suggest ways to resolve them. The seller's cost to resolve an issue is always less than the price reduction a potential buyer will want as compensation for the issue.
If there is an issue with your home, don't hide it fix it.
If you can't afford to fix it, disclose the problem.
Your Realtor can help you with this.
The home in the picture had a crack in the wall that was letting in moisture. That moisture had damaged the flooring.
The seller did the responsible thing and had a specialist come in and fix the wall. That gave them a certificate to show the buyers. The seller then replaced the damaged flooring.
As a Home Stager I see homes with varying issues.
I always advise my client to take care of the issue before they go on the market. If they do not have the budget to fix the problem I advise them to at least get an estimate on the work to show the buyer.
Some think Staging is about hiding things - that we stage over problems.
NO!!
Staging is about highlighting the architectural features of a home.
During a consult we identify the features that should be highlighted and the negative features that may slow the sale of the home.
If there is a window that looks in a neighbor's window we do not hide the view. We show the buyer they can have light and privacy by, for example, tilting a blind or hanging a sheer. The window is still there and visible but the buyer knows how to deal with it.
We do not hang pictures to hide a dent in the wall. A picture is placed to accent a fireplace or sofa or table or just add colour to a room.
Staging shows off the great things about your house.
Staging shows how to live with the so so aspects of your house.
Staging does not hide things from the buyer!
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Thanks for sharing this, Tara! My favorite saying is, "If you have to ask, just do it!" If you think it needs to be painted, it does. If you ask if the wallpaper should come down, it does. If you think people will notice the hole in the rug/floor/wall/window - they will! Fix it now or suffer drastic price reductions. Julie
Another great post from Janice. Thanks for the reblog Sharon!
Great reblog, Sharon....staging can only enhance a home's features but never, ever conceal anything. I've actually lost a couple of staging jobs because I would not agree to cover up flaws -- however I didn't mind, since I had a clear conscience.
Hi, Sharon. It is a joy to work with a responsive seller. I just emailed one of my sellers this afternoon with two issues. The cabin is not occupied and, while I went over before today's showing to air out and sweep, I suggested a light cleaning. The other was something I took a picture of and sent, to show her what I was talking about. She's a realtor herself and she "gets it." She emailed right back and asked for recommendations of whom to call to take care of both items.
Julia: True. The gut instinct should be telling them...they already know the answer.
Debra: I find a lot of her blogs are reblog worthy and I love to share them.
Maureen: I have turned down jobs before for the same reason. This week I suggested moving a chair to the other side of the room and the seller said "we have to leave it here, it is covering a black stain on the rug." Once I explained that hiding the stain from buyers was a bad idea, she agreed to have the carpet cleaned.
Leslie: Well done! It's so much easier when they understand and cooperate.
I just commented on Janice's blog................big misconception that staging hides problem areas. Thanks for re-blogging for those who didn't catch it the first time around.
Sharon, Thanks for the re-blog - I missed this article. Basically, you can run, but you can't hide. I also would not agree to hide a fault in the home. The issue will come up eventually, anyway, because the seller will do a home inspection.
Roger: Janice writes a great blog! I reblog her often.
Sally: True, it will come out at the inspection and then the seller (and the agent and/or stager) look bad for trying to hide it.
I enjoy her posts too Sharon.
Thanks for the re-blog Sharon! Oh, and the kind words ;).
Janice: You are very welcome!
Sharon
That's great advice, don't hide it get the home staged and ready to be sold.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Lou: Thank you!
Sharon, your introductory comments to this reblog are so true..."The seller's cost to resolve an issue is always less than the price reduction a potential buyer will want as compensation for the issue."
Derenda: Thank you! Sellers don't always agree, but when they do listen, it pays off.