Because of another blog where I posted some of the Tales from the Trenches, wouldn't it be fun to post some of our funniest, oddest, or craziest Staging stories?
I shared one on a blog already - where we were Staging a house during the daytime, and were not quite done as it got dark. We realized that the electricity was not working - as we began to try to turn lights on, and so began working as fast as possible to finish up. I was literally Staging by flashlight in the bathrooms as I worked to finish "staging the towels." We had to pack up and get out with a little tiny flashlight to guide us. But I was determined NOT to have to go back. I am a one- trip woman.
Another time we were driving to a job, and this was in the day when we would use our SUV's and pick up trucks to Stage instead of a box-truck. So we are driving along the freeway when one of my whicker chairs goes FLYING out on to the freeway. It just took flight. We pulled over - and the next thing I know, our mover guys are dashing traffic to rescue this chair while I am screaming at them to come back! They got it - we now call the chair affectionately, "Freeway Chair." It is a little worse for wear, but with a little spray paint and a strategically placed throw, you'd never know of its misadventure!
Then there was the time I was teaching a class - and it was during our class project where I had about 40 students Staging this house. I was outside with the outdoor team and we had our sign displayed out front promoting the fact that the house was being professionally staged. This guy drives up in a teal green pickup and waves me over. I walked over and he started asking me question, "Oh you are Staging. How is it going?" And then he proceeds to tell me that he thinks he might want his house "decorated" and needs some help. I was thinking to myself, "This does not add up - the guy is in a truck, wearing a flannel shirt and vest, he had dried spittle in the corner of his mouth (TMI - I know but it goes with the story) . . . so I am talking to him for about 3 minutes, when I look down into his car, and realize HE HAS NO PANTS ON!!!! EWWWWWWWW! I looked up, I turned around like a robot, waved ALL the students inside and just said to myself, "He is not wearing any pants." Thank goodness, what little of his flannel shirt was down there covered whatever he hoped I'd see (Thank god!) . . . Yes, I called the police after I got home - and actually located the truck in the neighborhood so El Perverto could not "surprise" another unsuspecting "Stager."
So there you have 3 of mine . . .I have more that I can share later!! - Jennie
I wanted to post this picture from one of my Staging jobs. It's the before - and this house was just a mess! The couple - no kids - just DUMPED their stuff everywhere.
In the picture, look at the "devil cat" on the bed (you can see its eyes). This cat attacked me the whole time I was Staging. Out of nowhere it would leap out at me or hiss. I LOVE cats - so I am thinking "What is your problem, Gato?" Well, turns out this couple had a hidden habit. When Staging I like to use what sellers have whenever possible. So, in the Family Room, I found 2 ceramic pieces I thought looked pretty nice. So, I put them on the table and Staged with them. My husband was the Realtor, and when I told him it was ready and to come take his pictures, he walked in the FR and started laughing. I said, "Why are you laughing. Doesn't it look great?" He pointed to the objects on the table and said, "Don't you know what those are?" I said, "Well, yeah, they are the sellers things they got on some trip." He said, "Yes, some trip, but not a vacation!" He then proceeded to tell me that the ceramic objects were a Marijuana bowl and pipe!! I had STAGED them with fabric, a greenery, candlestick on the table . . . looked FABULOUS! Oh my Gosh! No wonder the cat was so mean - they probably blew smoke at it when they were here and it was MAD that it didn't have it's high!! True story!! Could I really make that up - no way!!
Totally - I have some other crazy pet stories, but I want to see what other things people will post. Judy - my husband just did that yesterday - locked his keys, lockbox key, cell phone and jacket in a house he was showing. He was so excited about showing his clients this house up the street - so he had to call another Realtor to let him back inside! Embarrassing but true - he laughed about it. I keep my keys in my pocket because I have been known to set them down in the house - and have locked them inside too! - Jennie