A Day in the Life of a Stager

Have you ever finished a crazy staging job and wished you'd had a videographer recording it? Because no one would believe it otherwise. Well, we just survived a true HGTV drama. It could have been a staging episode with all the deadlines and chaos. Excited and organized, two assistants and I arrived at the designated address on time. We were surprised to see the contractor's vehicle still there along with a few cabinet people and painters. The RE agent, stripped to his undershirt (and pants, of course), is sweeping the floors. Yike! I knew we only had a few hours before the first people would arrive for the highly publicized open house. The contract clearly states that the home must be cleaned and ready before the staging day. Hmm! Let me back up a bit. This home was a rehab in a popular downtown historic area. The owner lived in the New Jersey/New York area and had just flown in the day before. Things were not completely finished. It happens. He usually has 4 or 5 houses being renovated at the same time in NY and Jacksonville. This was our first job for him. I am hoping to be his favorite stager. Now, back to the drama.   We brought in our things and simply worked around the contractor's team. We started in the bathrooms while they finished in the kitchen and hung pictures while the floors were being cleaned. Before long, the furniture was arranged and the accessories all in place.    Just as we exited with the toolbox and empty bins, people were lining up by the front door to see the house. My heart was racing and we were all sweaty.... but happy that we could adjust our plan to accommodate our owner. Thank you to Charlene Hoadly and Katherine White who have staging businesses of their own but love to assist.   Just another day in the life of a stager. I totally love it and still pinch myself daily that I get to do this for a living. Yes, there is drama, frequent broken fingernails and sweat. This is Florida. HELLO!!! But it is so worth it and so valuable to homeowners. Our stats indicate that 90% of our homes sell in 15 days.  I'll let you know when it sells. Just put on the market. 3864 Concord St.     And a few words about the HOME & PATIO SHOW this past week-end... Also, thanks to Cort Rental and Sherwin Williams for their contributions to this year's Design Feature at the Home & Patio Show. The floors were provided by Keith at the Carpet Man. Also, thanks to Sandra Millis of Southern Comfort Redesign who partnered with me on the Psychology of Color 30 ft. display.  Everyone loved it and usually identified with either the warm or cool colored rooms. The colors Rainwashed and Bold Brick won out as the 2 wall colors after a detailed evaluation of homeowner favorites. I am so grateful for those of you who take the time to read the newsletter. You are truly good friends. Have a beautiful day.