Listing Horror Stories

Have you ever listed a home that was just impossible to sell? Or Dealt with a an impossible buyer or had a listing go terribly wrong while trying to amrket it? With Halloween just around the corner I want to hear your stories! We could use some scary stories. Below aretwo I read and wanted to share.

Horror Story#1

A Real estate agent leased a home the the tenants were connected a s murder. The realtors comment: Joe Sherman. His Southside property was raided by the St Pete police -- for good reason. Sit through the little promo commercial -- the video is worth it. Says Joe, "I'm going to miss these tenants. They always paid their rent ON TIME AND IN CASH." Who knew?

Click on link to view video: http://www2.tbo.com/video/2009/apr/09/st-pete-police-raid-house-88786/video-news/

Home Staging Horror

We've all had them, right? That moment when your creative process comes to a screeching halt. Something goes terribly wrong, and you suddenly find yourself doing something totally unexpected. Here's one for ya...

I visited my client for the initial consultation and instantly noticed that all of her beautiful hardwood floors were covered by custom rugs. I mean completely covered, so that the entry, hallway, kitchen, and dining room looked almost like wall-to-wall carpet. They were very nice, but taste specific, and I thought they made things a bit busy. Afterall, buyers love hardwoods, right, and these must be pristine since they'd been covered since they were installed!

So, my proposal included removal of the rugs. Just roll them up and move ‘em out. Unfortunately, the rugs were stuck to the floor with double stick tape. Industrial strength double stick tape that had been in place for seven years.

After our initial shock wore off (and a lot of grumbling), my co-stager and I finally decided that the job needed to be done right, and we had to find a way to get that adhesive off those perfect hardwood floors!

After HOURS of scraping and scrubbing on hands and knees, the floors were beautiful. No more distracting rugs. We even found a beautiful inset of travertine tile in the entryway. All in the name of good staging. Our goal, always to make the house fabulous!

I want to hear your stories. No need to mention names ifyou wish to be anonymous!

Upstage, LLC helps homes sell quickly and profitably. Our staging and marketing techniques help attract buyers and increase the perceived value of a home. Upstage the competition!