The Mistaken Identity of a Home Stager Part 2

In an attempt to more clearly define the identity of a home stager, I would like to jump right into the next quality character trait of a home stager.  A home stager should be a visionary.  To begin with, you must be able to see yourself as a home stager. What I mean by that, is when you first begin your journey into the home staging world, there will be many obstacles along the way that may cause you to doubt if you are who you think you are.  If you can first see yourself as a stager, then you can be one. You must be able to envision things as what they CAN BE instead of what they are.  For example, someone will see a piece of furniture as a piece of junk and throw it out to the curb.  You drive by and see that piece of furniture as something that can be transformed into something functional, and beautiful.  You can see the good in something that others can not see.  When you walk into room and something's out of place, you can see it in a better place.  You can see things that are not, as though they are.  One person will see a room full of clutter and close the door. You will want to open the door, see beyond the clutter, and in your mind execute a plan of organization to make that room an enjoyable and peaceful place where people want to be.  You can picture in your mind what a space would look like if it were a completely different color.  It sounds very simple, but you would be amazed at how many people just can not do this!  Some maybe can, but they have no desire for it.  I believe it is a very special gift and when you have it, you are fulfilled anytime you have to opportunity to use it to help others.  You completely enjoy it!  A visionary.  You can see beyond the dirt, beyond the mess, beyond the chaos into something beautiful.

The Mistaken Identity of a Home Stager

With so many slowly becoming more and more aware of the term "home staging" via the internet and media, it's no surprise that the home stager has quickly become misunderstood.  It's almost as if home staging has become the "catch-all" occupation for anyone desiring to work at home and earn a living.  The misleading entertainment of a 30-minute segment of the various home staging shows has deceived many into the idea that the work of a home stager is a fun and easy, quick way to earn thousands of dollars.  I could have been a victim of this deception myself had it not been for the driving passion that I have for this line of work.  It is the passion that I have that has been a constant driving force which compels me to continue my pursuit of success in the home staging business even in the midst of an economic downfall.

For the next several weeks, I would like to present to you the true character of a home stager. Allow me, if you will, to break it down for you.  To begin with, I must start with a "driving passion" as being #1 on the top of the list.  Passion is the strongest attribute of a Home Stager. Not just passion, but a driving passion.  Without a passion for this, you should quit before you begin.  A driving passion will keep you going when your making mistakes along the way.  A driving passion will keep you going when your losing money because of the mistakes your making along the way.  A driving passion will pick you up off the ground when you have fallen and thrown your hands up in the air because it seems that in the beginning you can't even give a staging job away!  It is this very passion that will keep you up at night when you finally do get your first job and your wondering, "What in the world have I gotten myself into and what am I gonna do to make my client love this stage?"  It's this passion that will lead you to the next job when you receive a check that seems unequal to all the blood, sweat and tears poured out into your work.  PASSION.  Not just passion, but a driving passion. A home stager completely loves what he/she does and can not be talked out of his/her pursuit of a successful home staging business.  Don't be fooled by the media's mistaken identity of a home stager. It is extremely rewarding and fulfilling to do what we do, however, it will take hard work and determination to be successful in this business, just as any other line of work.  Passion will be a foundational requirement. There are many more qualities this person must possess.  So before you take the "home staging dive" make sure you stay tuned for my next several blogs where I will describe several more qualities a home stager must possess in order to be successful.
(Photo taken from google images)

Home Staging: The Unbiased Opinion

In today’s real estate market, is it possible that home staging is no longer a luxury?  With the media now beginning to educate home sellers everywhere about the home staging process and the internet getting e-blasted with home staging schools and home staging companies, it’s no wonder home staging has become an essential part of the marketing process.  Many times you will lose the sale of your un-staged home if your competition right around the corner has taken the time and expense to stage their home.   A staged home will usually always have the competitive edge over the un-staged home.
There is usually no argument with regards to whether or not home staging is a vital piece of the marketing puzzle, but rather whether or not home staging should be completed by the home owner or by a professional staging service.  The argument is more often,  “Why can’t I just stage my own home?”  You could stage your home, however, keep in mind that the “unbiased opinion” will be absent. More times than you even realize, you will talk yourself right out of packing away those  family photos, heirlooms, and over-crowded furnishings.  There may be certain flaws you have seen so often you hardly notice them anymore.  You will assume that everyone will love the beautiful choice of colors you have painted on the wall and your carefully planned home decor because after all, you thought they were perfect.  The truth is too much personality can hinder any possible potential for a quick home sale.  The lack of “model home” appeal can do the same.  The unbiased opinion is a fresh eye (and nose) that will come in and politely, yet constructively, offer solutions to any areas that need to be addressed before placing your home on the market.  There should always be appeal with out too much personality as well as functionality for a home to be staged with excellence.
The trained professional in his or her expertise will always do his job best.  The realtor is trained to sell homes.  The painter is trained to paint homes.  The landscaper landscapes etc.  If you are considering selling your home and would like to have it professionally staged, hire a well trained stager.

As a buyer, which home would you find more appealing?