Question : Ever lived in a “staged” home?
In Austin, there is a service (austinhomestaging.com) that allows renters to pay normal rent for luxury homes. You live in them until they sell. You fill it with your own furniture, pay utilities, etc., as if it were your own. Anyone have any experience doing this? What are the downfalls?
austin home staging

Best answer:

Answer by NIKI J
I had a friend do it and she loved it. Downfalls: The rules about guests and parties are VERY strict. Also, Realtors and potential buyers are walking through your home all hours of the day, and you don’t have to be there. Realtors, have to allow them a certain amount of freedom when touring, so there may be a time when a couple, their kids, and even their dog is left wandering through your bedroom and things. My friends biggest complaint is that, although they were touring the house, potential buyers would often look in drawers and other random personal spots.

If you are a relaxed to messy liver don’t even consider doing this. The house has to look it’s best at all times, so you can forget leaving the bowl you used for cereal in the sink, that would repulse a buyer and violate your agreement. Leaving you instantly homeless.

My friend was in her staged home for 3 months before she was given 2 weeks to vacate. Sounds, like a tough move to me, but She absolutely loved it. As short lived as it was.