Can you have a sense of humor when staging? Yes, you can! Adding a bit of humor can help a house stand out to a buyer and make it memorable.

I know your are thinking to yourself… What in the heck is she talking about?

Let me give you an example. I have this small piece of artwork pictured here that I found at the www.sleepypoet.com“>Sleepy Poet for $30. It is a Victorian era woman nude and sitting on a toilet (or throne if you prefer). You don’t see any interesting parts nor is it vulgar.

I’ve always loved this piece, but hesitated to use it in staging. Why? Simply because I was concerned it would be offensive to home buyers. The opposite happened.

I used the piece in a home in a well established neighborhood in Myers Park. That little painting created a fantastic conversation piece that garnered more attention and comments than anything else. It was the hook that helped make the house stand out to buyers.

This experience emboldened me to be more creative and to allow for a bit of whimsy when staging. It is just another way to tap into your buyer’s psyche and capture their attention and imagination. Why not give them a chance to laugh a little in the home?

As always a word of caution… Do not do anything political or too sexual. Most importantly don’t forget the type of buyer the home is being marketed too. I shouldn’t need to remind you because you know:)

Now go out and have a few laughs!