(Newser)
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The slump at the top of the property market has been a bonus for people who can make a mansion look like a happy home but can't afford one of their own, reports the Wall Street Journal. Realtors stuck with empty luxury homes have been seeking the services of resident "home stagers" to give their properties an attractive lived-in look.
The faux homeowners bring their own furniture and sense of style to the homes and get vastly reduced rent in return, as well as bonuses when the property sells. "I'm impressed with somebody who can create that atmosphere," said one would-be buyer who was amazed to learn that what he thought was a Fortune 500 exec's home had actually been occupied by a stager for under a week.
