We really do not need home staging ... April Fools

Today, I had the opportunity to celebrate April Fools Day with "staging" appointment with my good friend Tori Lynn Ross of Ross Designs. Tori is a member of my team and as part of my marketing plan, I have all my listings professionally staged by Tori. To set this up, I had the help of one of my past clients who has a son who has a very unique taste in decor.

I have sold several properties for June and Mike over the past couple of years. I have also been referred to several of June's friends and family. June and Mike are one of my favorite clients and they have a real sense of humor. One of the properties I sold was a rental home that was occupied by one of their children. When I first met her at that property, June warned me that, "Dave, don't be shocked when you see this property. We will have it cleaned out and my son is moving." Needless to say, I was in complete shock as the decor was decked out in a Skeleton motif. I had a good laugh and I thought at the time, "What would Tori say if she saw this?" That is when I first thought of the idea of a Staging April Fools prank.

Fast forward a few years later, I spoke with June and we thought it would be hilarous to play an April Fools Day prank on Tori. June called Tori last week and she made the appointment for today. Tori staged another listing of mine earlier this morning so we hoped that would let down her guard. I arrived early and parked about a block away so I could listen to her reaction from one of the bedrooms without being detected.

Tori of course was a true professional and was very diplomatic and gently made suggestions about removing most if not all of the items. June, of course played along and acted as if the home did not really need staging and she acted very surprised at many of Tori's suggestions about eliminating most of the decor. I listened in as Tori made her way way and as she gently made suggestions about changing items so as to not frighten potential buyers.

Finally, when she made her way to the master bath I jumped out and surprised her with "April Fools." The real credit for this prank goes to my "sellers" who could have won an Academy Award for their acting. In fact, Tom, her son even took the day off work to take part in the fun.

Nothing is more inviting than a "Keep Out" welcome mat!

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This is a "Coffin" Table

TNT center piece

"If I take down the swords, it will just leave nail holes"

"You might want to have a more neutral shower curtain"

Without my clients, none of this is possible!

Mike, Tom, June and Tori

Finally, I would like to thank Tori for being a good sport!

Tori Ross of Ross Designs and the motion activated skeleton!

April Fools!

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate in Omaha, NE