Staging is not a ploy to trick home buyers. Just as a lot of thought and effort is put into the packaging of other products before being put on a shelf in a store, or a used car is detailed to look its best, staging is the same thing for houses. If a home is on the market to be sold, doesn't it just make sense that the homeowner would make it look as desirable as possible?
Staging is not hiding flaws in the home. Any home stager with integrity would never try to cover up something that buyers need to know about a home. Whether it be water damage, a needed repair - whatever it might be - a professional home stager would highly recommend that the damage be dealt with first. If being asked to "camouflage" an issue with a house, any home stager with ethics and concern for her own business reputation would run the other way!
Home staging is fast becoming a permanent addition to the real estate world. Though with any profession there will be those who misrepresent the field, professional home staging is a growing and proven* asset to the sale of properties. Organizations such as the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) are helping to ensure that home stagers are accountable to a standard of professionalism and excellence.
* click here to see results of home staging studies
What do you think about home staging?