It's a relationship, the bond between homeowner and house. In like any relationship, after a certain number of years comfort and complacency may take hold. Things are taken for granted. Things are overlooked that once would have bothered or maybe they just don't seem as important any longer. You don't notice the "little" things that a prospective buyer would catch right away.
Sounds silly right? Maybe not. A fresh perspective is not always easy when the stress of moving and selling take hold. It's difficult to pack away treasured memories that have been shared with families and friends for any length of time. Financial pressures play heavily into the mix too these days more than ever. Little fixes or improvements put off now loom large.
Like any relationship, no matter how short or long, time and emotion have been invested in a home. Everyone wants to put his or her personal stamp on where they live. It wouldn't be home if they didn't.
As Stagers know, these are things that should be thought of every time we ring the doorbell of a new client. A business like professional approach must be tempered with empathy for each situation. Too many times Stagers get caught up in the "nuts and bolts"of staging and overlook the importance of this aspect. It's why you hear Stager horror stories sometimes. It does account for some of the reluctance of many agents and some homeowners to use a professional Stager. I have been told this more than once.
Honestly, it's one of the aspects of staging I love most. Knowing that you are helping someone through a tough time is very rewarding. Being able to help a seller see the forest through the trees is something Stagers are great at.
By the way, this is also one of the great qualities of a truly professional Real Estate Agent. That is why a Stager paired with a Realtor can make a truly effective team for homeowners.
Whether you are a home seller or a Realtor, a professional Stager can ease your path down the listing and selling road. A professional Staging consultation is the first step in making your journey swifter and easier.
AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging Consultations on site and online. We are located in Corona and service the Inland Empire area of Southern California. Phone 951 833 8529 or email staging@accentpositives.com.
Love your pictures and straight forward approach! Have a great day!
A good reminder that a team effort, from different perspectives, can result in huge success.
Ana,
Well said!
That is the attitude I bring to my work, which has resulted in no payment at times when it was not supposed to be a pro bono project. So I will continue to have a helping attitude while at the same time ensuring I am paid for my services.
I have said this before on AR, I hate it when the realtor is telling the seller their only option is a price reduction: especially when it is clear from the photos that this listing is in desperate need of staging.
There are so many inexpensive means of improving the appearance of a listing without spending big bucks.
JI Ana-great post!! Nuts and bolts are such a great analogy. Love using them as mixers at parties or business mixers where people do not know one another. As each arrive give one a bolt another a different size nut. Each has to go around a find a match-great mixer!!!
Thanks so much Bridget, a great Sunday to you too!
Hi Li, that you are right on. I think we could accomplish so much more for sellers if realtors were more open to that team approach, we are all after the same result:)
Hi Sharon, you are so right. Even a simple 15 minute conversation could help a seller accomplish so much in the way of getting the best value for their dollar and home. Keep up that spirit.
Hi Cathy, thanks and that's a super idea for a mixer! Creativity from other stagers here is never in short supply:) Happy Sunday!
Ana, what a great approach for your topic. It makes a lot of sense and drives home your point well. I agree with you, when we get really busy with projects, it's important to remember before we go through the door of every home that this person or family is probably going through a great deal of stress. Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Ana, If one does not possess that human tender touch you'll just leave your clients cold and uninspired. Great post and I couldn't agree more!
Hello Ana, I feel you've really expressed this subject well. Sharon brought up a good point:
"I hate it when the realtor is telling the seller their only option is a price reduction: especially when it is clear from the photos that this listing is in desperate need of staging."
We do hear or are much too quick to recite the "price reduction" mantra without considering the benefit of a Real Estate Stager.
That gets me too Nick, its seems price reduction is the first solution for many agents and sometimes price reduction may be the only alternative but I believe all other options should be explored. It should never be the ONLY fix.
Hi Cathy, thanks for commenting. There are so many parts to staging, that's what makes it so rewarding:)
Hi Cynthia, thanks, we will keep spreading that touch!
Ana