They May Be Talking In Code...
Say you have a seller and you think their house looks just fine. Well, you know the contemporary style is going to be a challenge in this area (southwestern Michigan, in this case), but it's very clean and basically uncluttered. And, yeah those grayish purple walls and dark purple carpet could put off some buyers. Oh, and the acrylic posts in the stairway won't be everyone's taste...but let's list it and see what happens.
The seller asks,"Is there anything that needs to be done? Is there something else I should be doing?' You say, "No, can't think of a thing."
Two Weeks Later
Now, the clients are unhappy because there hasn't been any showings. And while price is usually the culprit in such scenarios, there may be other issues. Take the photos, which are the real "first showing". Does the house show well?
The Seller Makes The Call
Sellers watch HGTV. They know about staging. What they don't understand is why you didn't suggest it, especially with no showings. Well, they take matters into their own hands, and find a professional in their neighborhood (through a referral from a friend whose house was staged and SOLD!)
The staging company (in this case, RE:STYLE) comes out and does a consultation. The seller has invited the agents out, too, as a courtesy to them. The stager meets and greets, then proceeds to give a 2-hr. walkthrough consultation with many suggestions and recommendations , including at least the paint color or the carpet must change; both should. Working with the home owners, they move furniture and suggest important purchases. The fireplace is virtually being ignored in the current configuration, and is actually absent from the online photos (though you see it in the video tour).
The Realtors stay seated throughout. No comments.
Missed Opportunity--The Realtor Could Be The Hero!
Many Realtors understand the basics of staging; some have the training and the "eye" to do it themselves. But any Realtor can suggest a staging consultation, especially in a difficult house. Or, more importantly if they hear:
Cracking the Code
"Do I need to do anything else?"
"Is there anything you see that I should do?"
"What can we do other than lower the price?"
"Help!"
Why Do So Few Realtors Suggest Staging To their Sellers, Even When They are Actually Asking For It?
I have my theories. I'd love to hear from you! Also, any suggestions as to how to make it even easier for Realtors to refer stagers. I look forward to your comments!
RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com
