Real Estate Death Match: Martha Stewart vs. Oscar Madison

Some people love home staging and others despise it.  I fall in the second camp.  Which, if you know me, is odd because I’m a neatnik and the appearance of my physical surroundings is very important to me.  Still, there’s just something about staging that drives me nuts.

I’m certain that it works.  I know first impressions are important and too much stuff makes it harder for potential buyers to see past someone else’s poor decorating choices.  There are even studies showing that staged homes sell faster and at a better price than those that are not.  Nonetheless, I can’t stand the impersonal and phony composure of a staged home.  It makes me want to put out photos of my family and throw some laundry in the wash.  Now don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t like to see someone else’s dirty dishes or one of those diaper disposal things laying around.  But I do like to see a home that has been loved and lived in.

Staged homes always feel so sparce, cold and silly.  They are made to look like someone is going to come home and make martinis and then sit by the fire wrapped in that expensive throw sitting on the chaise so purposefully arranged to look like it’s been casually tossed there.  Look closer and you’ll see the price tags are tucked away out of sight and there is dust on the vodka bottle.

Sensibility is usually found somewhere between two extremes and this is no different.  I like the idea of bringing in an expert (or even good friends) who can help clear out some unsightly clutter and spruce the place up without making a home look like a ghost town.  Moderation and balance are such aspired states of being.  So please just keep it clean, keep it bright, and keep it real.

Recent San Diego Sweet Digs Posts:

San Diego Real Estate Watch:  An Ode to Dr. Seuss

Extreme Diversity:  Open Houses

Auction Block and Open Houses

San Diego Real Estate in Troubled Waters:  SOS!  Abandon Ship!  Mayday Mayday! We’re Going Down!