I was reminded two weeks ago about why it is so vital that we all have insurance to protect ourselves and our "stuff" while it might be in a vacant or occupied home. I staged a $1.6 Million 4500 square foot vacant house - looked great - and the Seller, Builder, Lender and Realtor were thrilled. That was 2 months ago. Then we had Spring Break. Kids had too much time on their hands or something - because the house was broken into. It was obvious that it was kids - probably teenagers - that did the breaking in - they were not interested in stealing any of the good furniture or decor (thank goodness!). They did take all our candles (?), some decorative items, chenille throws, and drank our prop-alchohol. Then they proceeded to mess the place up - they threw pretzels we had as props in the pantry, ate our popcorn, cooked the "faux" oatmeal in our prop dishes (it was like glue - with blue fuzzy mold by the time I got there to the house). They jumped on the bed, moved our furnishings around for "fun" and just basically messed with the house. Unfortunately for them, because they stole things, it's not just a minor incident, and the Sheriff got a good set of prints off my silver tray that housed our crystal decanter (also gone).
I learned two things. First, I don't think I am going to put real alchohol in houses anymore - not wine bottles or in this case, it was our Martini Mix and props. Too risky if someone DID drink it and then go off and drive and injure themselves or others. After hearing in one of my classes how a Stager put a candle in a house as a prop, left and a Realtor showing the house lit it - forgot to blow it out - and half the house burned - and the STAGER was held responsible (!!), I don't want that risk. (Note: De-wick your candles that you put in houses - then they can't be lit. Even writing not to light them in your contracts or agreements is not good enough).
Second, I DO have coverage for ALL my stuff sitting in houses. Years ago when I first started Staging, insurance companies did not offer this type of coverage for our stuff in vacant houses or in transit to jobs. Now they do. Fortunately, the loss is minimal for my situation, but it still takes time to have to clean items, and replace those things that were taken. One item in particular had gone to the "Big show" for the first time - and it's gone. Sigh.
What you need to know is that a good policy that gives you liability coverage AND insures your stuff should cost about $500-$600 per year. Many realtors and homeowners are now requiring that Stagers show proof of insurance. If you work with Builders, they definitely need proof. Your own insurance carrier for your house or auto may be able to write a policy, but if they are scratching their heads and saying, "What is Home Staging exactly?" go to someone that DOES know. If you want a recommendation, I can give you name, but this blog was not intended to promote a company - I just wanted to share what I learned from a recent experience that could have been much worse, but overall, no one likes to have their stuff stolen - even a little amount.
Happy INSURED Staging!! - Jennie
WOW, all very good points and something I hadn't thought of, like dewicking the candles and not using real alcohol. One of my million + houses was broken into but all they stole were the appliances. Definitely not kids. I have loads of insurance. General liability, and Error and Omissions, a must for stagers. My homeowner insurance covers my props. But here in Florida it would be a dream to get a policy for under a thousand bucks. Thanks for the good advice.
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!
I have had all my stuff stolen only one time in over 5 yeras of full-time Staging - so not a bad track record. I have had other inventory "disappear" in the mix of working with sellers - know some of my trees and such have found a new home without me realizing it - but that is more my lack of doing a good job tracking my inventory than someone stealing. Good news is that with insurance policies, they CAN cover our stuff. I would encourage you to look at some other insurance companies - as the $500-$600 rate is a nationwide amount that I know Stagers are getting everywhere - I could check FL as I have a Trainer colleague there - but I would be surprised if it were that much higher there than in CA. - Jennie
Hi Jennie!
I'am an ASP in Palmdale, Ca. I am currently in the process of getting insurance from the company you were referring to. Thanks for the information, I will definately be de-wicking all my candles and taking extra precautions with wine etc... One thought might be th use the Welche's that is packaged in a Champagne type bottle. I'll have to find some other alternative to alcohol! Thanks Again!! - Sherri
Hey Jennie,
How do you de-wick a candle? Thanks for all of your blogs. You are and will ever remain a super-star in my book!
Jane Ann
Cindy - Error and Omissions insurance covers you in case a client sues you because they said you promised their house would sell, or anything else regarding the wording in a contract or any verbal conversations you may have with a client that they misconstrue.
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!
Jennie,
Thanks for the tip on de-wicking candles -- I would never have thought this was necessary, but I do now after reading your blog. By the way, for prop alcohol set ups, I started using nice wine bottles (drink the contents first!) and just cork the empty bottle for use on wine trays......and I've also used Martinelli sparking cider instead of real champagne in silver buckets with fake ice....they look great.
To de-wick the candle, pull the wick from the bottom - it should just yank right out in one piece! As for E&O Insurance, I am always careful to note that Staging is not magic, and does not guarantee a sale, yada yada. We should not have to invest in that - as long as we do not make any guarantees or create false expectations. My husband carries it as a Realtor, and it is quite expensive as insurance goes. Great ideas on the fake props for alchohol. - Jennie
Hi Jennie-
Regarding insurance, my agent feels it is important to carry an umbrella policy in addition to insuring furnishings in the homes, during transport and in storage. Your thoughts? I miss you and I am looking forward to seeing you in June! :o)
Trish
Hi Trish - what is your umbrella poicy for - i.e., what does it cover? We have general liability AND then the insurance for "stuff" - so 2 types of coverage. Is that what you have as well?
- Jennie