Todd Pierceall

i forgot to ask earlier if everyone was turning out their lights tonite. I did right at 8:30. Actually fell asleep. It was a little weird at first but I could actually do a no lights or electronics devices for an hour at least once a week.

It was kind of peaceful. In the winter when your power goes out, there is a stressed feeling not knowing when it will come back on. This was different. I knew if necessary I could turn it on, but I didn't need to.

Anybody else turn out the lights? What did you think.

I read another blog asking about CE credit for staging classes. Might be a good idea, but it got me thinking about staging and how it gets increasing attention in today's market.

I believe that channels like HGTV are largely the reason that "staging" is all the rage right now. I think that staging an empty home can be good and I am not about to argue that the whole staging process does not validity in our business, but rather should it have such a large presence?

Staging courses to learn the techniques are all the rage right now and staging companies are a dime a dozen, especially in larger metro areas. Is there any oversight on these companies and staging schools. Do the instructors have proper credentials? What would be the proper staging credential? I would think it should be a degree in interior design. I don't think someone that thinks they are good and says I have staged "x" amount of homes is really qualified. I think I am good at interior design but I would never call myself a professional because I do not have the official education to back that up.

I think a good agent that explains to a client what they need them to do in order to help them sell their home accomplishes the same thing. The basics, like declutter, remove personal items, CLEAN, paint if needed, shampoo carpets, etc. The things we discuss everyday with our clients. Am I really serving my client's best interest if I am trying to convince them to hire a professional to switch their furniture and hang different pictures. I am not sure that is what I should be doing.

I am sure I will take a lot of heat for this one but I am simply asking about staging. I am not trying to discredit anyone or say there is not a valid need. I just need someone to explain to me in dollars and cents why I should hire a stager. And please do not tell me it will bring more money. If you use this line you better have the facts to back it up and be willing to share them.

The commercial lending community has disappeared. I am really wanting to inquire if anyone has a good lender still offering commercial loans. Everyone I used to work with has completely stopped commercial lending or else they require such a large down payment a loan is almost useless.

I hope the powers that be realize that if the commercial market doesn't pick up that the economy is still going to be hurting. There needs to be a big push to get these lenders to recognize the problem and to begin to deal with it.

Anyway, if you know anybody doing commercial lending let me know!

Todd Pierceall
Prestige Properties
www.prestigeproperties4u.com

I was out showing homes all day in the rain. It was miserable. It always is when the weather is nasty. I was so glad to get home and I was complaining out loud about how I was sick of 4 days of rain. I sat down to eat and I turned on the news. Suddenly I felt terrible. All of those people fleeing their homes because of floods and I was complaining about getting a little wet. No eye opening wisdom here just sharing my jolt back to reality.

One day I will learn to appreciate what I have before I complain.

Todd Pierceall
Presige Properties
www.prestigeproperties.com

I'm not ready to say it is a full recovery but surely the signs are showing we may be on our way. Housing prices are holding steady and in many areas going up. Inventory is finally down and building permits are on the rise again. They are certainly not at the level of a year ago but looking back a few months ago we are going in the right direction.

Everybody get out there and shake the bushes and let's make sure this maintains a correct heading!

(pep talk for the day since my Dukies lost and I am feeling blue!)

Todd Pierceall
Prestige Properties
www.prestigeproperties4u.com