This concept of allowing total strangers into your home to handle your personal belongings AND tell you what is good enough for other people’s viewing pleasure can be daunting. As with hiring any professional to work in your home, trust is a must! I have created a brief checklist of things to look for in a professional home stager. Chances are, if your Realtor is recommending him/her, you are in good hands. However, it never hurts to do your own research (this is your stuff, after all, not your Realtor’s!) and make sure the person you are considering:

1) Respects your time by showing up for appointments on schedule and working quickly to meet your Realtor’s deadline.

2) Respects your belongings by handling them with care. Is your stager insured should anything be damaged or broken in the process? Accidents do happen. When staging homes I let the clients do their own packing to reduce the chances of mishaps on my watch.

3) Plays well with others. Ask for references or read testimonials on websites where they are listed. A reputable pro will have updated information and praises coming from multiple sources.

4) Truly has something to offer. Hanging a few pictures on the wall does not make a home “staged”. Are they making changes that will draw in potential buyers? Are they maximizing your space/recommending updates that add value, etc?

5) Allows for actual living. If you are residing in your home until it sells, your home stager will do a few things differently than he/she would if it were an unoccupied home. You will need obvious items like towels, kitchen items, and clothes in the closet while you wait for an offer. A good stager will understand your needs and will not force you to get rid of every day amenities but will still help you get that model home look.

Jennifer Hicks is a Certified Interior Designer and Owner of Designing Diva Interiors, LLC

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