Staging Home Ideas – Human Props!
When selling a home, the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
Bake a batch of cookies before a showing. Ensure the place is spotless. And, of course, don’t forget about the “human element.”
Home staging companies, like Showhomes, have found that using real-life people — “home managers” — can help elevate a property’s appeal. While it’s essential to create a clean, inviting space, imagine if a home could feel even more inviting with a person who brings warmth and life to the atmosphere. Home managers live in the house, keeping it in pristine condition while also subtly influencing potential buyers with their presence.
“There is an energy in that home,” said Linda Saavedra, a franchise owner of Showhomes. “The temperature and smells are different. It really feels like home.”
So how does it work? Home managers, who typically live in luxury properties, are tasked with maintaining the property, keeping it clutter-free, and remaining prepared to leave on short notice for a showing. While they live in the space, they ensure every corner stays immaculate — with everything organized and positioned to the highest standards. Clothes are organized by color, towels are perfectly folded, and even small details like the alignment of furniture and the positioning of books are handled with precision.
There is a notable increase in the perceived value of a staged home versus a vacant property. A well-staged home can be sold for more, as it offers an inviting environment that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Showhomes also assists people in major life transitions — such as divorcees or empty-nesters — by providing the opportunity to stay in a fully staged home. This arrangement not only allows these individuals to begin a new chapter but also helps make the property more marketable.
But it raises important questions about the concept of “home.” Is a mansion truly a home if you’re living as a “ghost” in a perfectly staged space? This unique form of home staging invites reflection on what makes a home feel truly lived in, versus merely looking perfect.