Do Staged Homes offer benefits to buyers?

Okay, I am not a complete fool (just a partial fool). I know some people think staging a house hides defects, making it dangerous for buyers to trust obviously staged houses.

AND, I know some stagers do try to hide defects. I, and the stagers I work closely with, consider that completely unethical. If there is a fiscal choice between fixing faults and staging the house, I tell my sellers to fix the faults. Then I offer very inexpensive suggestions about how to make the house show better.

Staging a house showcases it, yes. Buyers find a staged home welcoming. It is easier for them to imagine living there, in effect, it is easier for them to try it on for size. So, if it does not fit they can feel secure in saying, "This is not the one".

If it does feel like a fit, staging explains the house to them. Is there an oddly shaped alcove in the kitchen? Staging shows buyers how they can live in the house by explaining oddities. Say there is a rather odd alcove in the kitchen. Staging installs something that makes sense, like a computer desk in a large alcove or a tower of drawers in a narrow alcove. The buyer can see one way the oddity can be useful. From this jumping-off point, the buyer can imagine how he/she can use the space.

But if there is something wrong, good staging should not disguise it. Furniture or decorations should never hide nasty flaws or holes in the walls.

When I stage a house, I strive to make everything about the house very, very clear. For example, I arrange furniture to make sure buyers will be able to test every outlet and telephone connection.

Staging helps buyers. Buyers should be able to trust staged homes more than they can trust houses that are just lived in.

Staged Homes tell a story, yes. And that story should always, always be true.

Have a great Tuesday!