Job losses, higher taxes, loss of jobs, H1N1, Iraq, war, hate ... fear, destruction and more. The news these days is not good. It is true, “When life gives you Lemons make Lemonade!!!” Within every cloud is a silver lining.
So perhaps you have lost your great paying job and just do not know what to do next. Have you forgotten that you disliked that job; that it was never what you pictured yourself doing every day and it certainly was NOT your passion. The silver lining is showing itself if you are out of that job ... you now have time to find your passion and a way to make work your reason to get up every morning! We still live in the greatest country in the world, have the greatest opportunities are available to us and we are Americans!
What are we to do with this Opportunity? May I use football to make my point? When the players take the field there are two teams, the offense & the defense. A good offense has the play and works their plan. If at first the strategy doesn’t work they have three more tries to gain 10 yards before starting a new set of downs. Without executing the offensive plan the team with the ball would fall prey to the defensive who will make take first move making victims of the offensive. I am always on the offense making a plan and "taking it 10 yards." If I lose yardage, drop the ball, fumble or am even intercepted I still go back to the drawing board and reformulate my plan. I press on no matter what!!
My point? There is a silver lining within any loss; freedom being one. In the case of a job loss you gain the freedom to turn your passion into your occupation. I never thought my passion for home design could possibly provide me money, success and the fulfillment it does today. I had never heard the term Home Staging yet I had been doing it for years. I certainly did not know it could be my career and professional success.
If your income is down, your house value has tanked you owe it to yourself to fight you way up, out & into a new life. Do not wait for something to happen. Do not be on the defense; it’s destructive!! Join the offense and make a plan/play. There are no promises of perfect sailing but we only have one chance at this thing called life. Live the life you have been given and make it the best it/you can me.
What are you good at? That is probably what you should examine as you make your offensive move. We all have hidden talents, some not so hidden that we could use to do our own thing and do it better than anyone else. What do you have to loose by following your dreams and living your passion? Trade that unemployment check for a life long dream, your dream! What could be better? It's not just about work, it's loving what you do, the pride of ownership and knowing your purpose for getting out of bed each day. All of these things are what America was built on. We need to pick ourselves up and get back to it! The government has never been the answer and it never will be, our perseverance and drive is the answer.
So get up and heal your wounds and get on with living the life the good Lord gave you! We will get back to the America I know and love through individual effort.
I'm in Atlanta this week to further my Staging training under the teachings of Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®. I look forward to seeing Barb today through Friday and making new ASP friends. As I arrived at the hotel last night I found some old & new ASP friends in the restaurant - what fun!! There were a lot of laughs as there will be all week ... can't wait! More later!
I receive an excellent newsletter, FrontDoor Unlocked from HGTV. It is one place where relevant facts are revealed by HGTV in regards to selling real estate; not always so on the shows. Often in the name of "drama", Staging and its proper use to sell a home quicker and for the highest market value is lost! That is a topic for another day ... Everyday I am confronted with sellers & Realtors® that are misinformed about Staging; how to & what to do ...
Please pay special attention to #2 as it's more than applicable when Staging your Home to Sell
From the HGTV FrontDoor Newsletter dated 9/11/09 Top FOUR Home Improvement Myths
You may think any home improvement is a good one, but not all improvements are created equal. For example, one homeowner had a concert hall of his very own built in his ranch-style home. Unless the next homeowner is an opera singer, he may not want a balcony in the den. When making a renovation like this, keep in mind you might want to sell the place one day.
Myth #2: I can do it myself.
You may be convinced that you can do it just as well as a contractor, but news flash! You can't. You may just have an unrealistic idea of your "knack" for remodeling. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but know your limits. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Certain low-risk projects are simple to tackle on your own, but there are others (like electrical work) for which you need a professional.
Myth #3: Pools add value.
A lot of people think adding a swimming pool or hot tub is a sure seller. That's not always true. Location is extremely important. If every day is summer in your climate and it's a pool-friendly region, that's one thing, but if you live in a cooler climate it could be different story. In most areas of the country, adding a pool is a scary proposition. It's a big liability and can be a lot of work to maintain in the off-season. You should think long and hard about building a pool. It could end up being a big money pit.
Myth #4: Follow the latest design trends.
Many homeowners think it's a good idea to follow the latest design trends. Not true. For instance, peach wallpaper went out in the '80s. Outdated features must go before a house goes on the market. Granite counters could be shag carpet of the future. Neutral colors or palettes have more of a timeless feel and will appeal to far more people.
In the context of trying to reinvent the wheel Home Staging has now entered the Virtual World. Although I have offered a different form of Virtual Staging on my web site for over a year now) I never intended and never would do it in the manner now being offered. I have been asked if I could take empty rooms and enhance them with furnishings. My answer is, "No, I don't & won't do it." It may be the latest in technology to Stage vacant homes but this road is full of pitfalls. My advise, be smart don't go down that road!
To achieve the Virtually Staged look pictures of empty rooms are taken and "virtual" furnishings, accessories & upgrades are dropped in all the show the property Staged. Here are the problems I see:
Buyers & Realtors alike will be sorely disappointed upon walking the property as it may still be:
Unkept
Outdated
Dirty
If a property does not look as it is reflected in MLS pictures it is an absolute turn off for potential buyers. There are enough challenges in the current real estate. Selling is tough enough, I see no good reason for "virtually" creating another objection to overcome in order to make the deal.
Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® makes another valid point about Virtual Staging. As Realtors you are bound by a Code of Ethics. One is NOT to misrepresent properties for sale. Virtual Staging could, in some cases be considered misrepresentation. You may read Barb's full blog post on this subject @ www.stagedhomes.com/blog
Technology is terrific but we live in real homes, with real walls, rooms, flooring etc. We all "live" in reality not the virtual world! Up to 87% of buyers may look for their next home on the Internet first they buy their next home by seeing, touching & feeling it! That is where decisions to buy are made! Buying a home is such an emotional experience, one that starts by viewing homes in person! We buy homes that excite us and that we fall in love with. Professional Home Staging evokes positive emotions in potential buyers; Real Professionally Staged properties will never be replaced by Virtually Staged ones.
I cannot tell you the times I have received PICS first before previewing a vacant home for Staging. I may have an idea of how to Stage it from the PICS but those options always changes once I walk the property. Home Staging in real Estate need to remain in "reality."
I am realizing more & more many Realtors are apprehensive when it comes to approaching their Sellers about Professional Home Staging. Its tough and takes finesse. Myself, I have worked hard and with have practice become better at it. When I get an opportunity to speak to Realtors® my focus these days is to open their eyes & educate them on Staging Scripts. First, here are some wonderful sayings to add to your communication skills. In time they will become natural to you. Every single one works!
Phrases to remember - from Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®
You can’t sell it if you can’t see it.
Tell me about that.
When I think I can, I can. If I think I can’t, I can’t.
I usually receive what I believe.
Buyers and agents only know what they see, not the way it is going to be.
Whether or not there is a budget, we can do a lot.
We don’t want you to spend money. But rather, we ask you to make an investment of your time, energy and dollars for the highest rate of return in the sale of your home.
Let me tell you how I work.
Remove the “if ’s” from your life and replace them with “as soon as”.
We are going to do this together as a team.
Staging is a feeling.
Stand at the doorway to each room and say what you feel about what you see.
Staging is creating a feeling in the room that makes buyers want to come in.
Staging each room begins at each room’s doorway
We need to get the buyers to mentally move into each room before the house will sell.
Scripts -
Homeowner has an odd collection of items on display all over the house.
“I see you collect . Tell me about it ... let them talk; the ensuing conversation will lead you to say ... I see, I’ll bet this is quite a conversation piece when you have visitors. Now, when we sell your home we don’t want potential buyers focusing on this. We want potential buyers to focus on the unique features of your home and lifestyle provided by living here. If we were to leave this collection on display I’m afraid it would distract them. I suggest you start packing for your anticipated move and place these treasured items in storage.”
Home is dirty; buried in clutter; it’s hard to tell the last time the place was cleaned well.
“In this kind of market, where Buyers have so many homes to choose from, they are very selective. Potential buyers will look in every closet, cupboard, under rugs and in every corner. It is very important that we get this home “Q-tip clean.” That means if you can get a Q-tip in a space it needs to shine. A Q-tip clean home shows that it has been well care for & well maintained over the years.
As you pull up to the house you cannot see the front for the overgrown trees & bushes.
How your home looks from the street should read like a best selling book cover. It needs to provide interest and a real desire to see more in potential buyers. We need to trim the trees from the bottom up and the shrubs from the top down making sure there is a clear view of the front entrance from the street.
House needs painting & repair.
Buyers today want move in ready homes that appear to have been updated within the last two years. You may not want to invest a great deal of money in remodeling and you do not have to. We agree that you should get as much bang for your buck! In this market your home needs to stand out from the crowd of distressed properties on the market. Well prepared & Professionally Staged homes are setting the standard for the homes for selling quickly today. I have a great Staging Professional that can come in with just right advice on what to do to make this property appeal to more buyers.
I don’t need a Stager to Stage my house it’s just fine the way it is.
Every home that goes up for sale need some preparation, by bringing in a Professional Home Stager we will gain that third party perspective needed to prepare your home specifically for a faster sale @ the highest market value. A professional Home Stager will know what is best and what we do to need to do in order to make a quick sale. Of course you will have the final say on all decisions.
Too much furniture.
During showings it’s vital for the flow in & between rooms be as easy as possible. Removing some furnishings will improve this and make showings easier for agents & buyers. By bringing in a Professional Stager to help us decide what to keep, what to store and the most advantageous furniture placement, to draw attention on your home’s great features we will preset your home as a quality investment.
It’s a Short Sale. I have no money to Stage
We need to be creative first, last & always. Currently, ASP Staged Homes sit on the market 32 days while non-staged homes are sitting on the market an average of 187 days - that’s a difference of 145 days or almost 5 months. Even with a short-sale the shortest amount of time on the market will save you time and money.
My neighbor is a good decorator; she/he can do it.
I am sure he/she is very talented, but by using a trained, Professional Home Stager we will know the home has been prepared with the buyer foremost in mind. There is a big difference between Decorating for Living & Staging to Sell. Please think about it and read the Staging information I have included in my listing packet.
With this post @ 10,900+ points this post may just do it!
I am at a MAPS BOLD training in St Petersburg, Florida today. BOLD is a 7 week Training/Coaching class for Realtors held by MAPS out of Austin, TX. I love Real Estate Coaching even though I am not an agent. Real Estate Coaching can benefit related Real Estate Industries too. Today the discussion is about Mind Set, Energy & what you generate is what you receive in these same areas. I agree/agree!
I am this weeks sponsor; providing lunch in return for getting 15 minutes to talk about my business. It went very well! There are about 50 top agents from our area here - I love/love being with these type people - movers/shakers in real estate that are here for the long haul - learning and hunkering down in this economy. These Real Estate Professionals are still standing, still selling property and thriving. Its the mot encouraging things to see!!
MAPS training is terrific. I have been involved several times; once had the privilege of coaching Home Staging on 2 SHIFT calls with Tony DiCello, MAPS Coach. We must not quit, we must not stop and we must remain positive regardless of our circumstances.
Change comes from within us and what er project is returned to us.
Examine your energy and know you are the one that creates it.
Is is a proven fact that Staged Homes sell faster & for more money. According to StagedHomes.com -
In the current market Staged Homes are setting the bar for presentation in real estate AND selling first when compared to unprepared homes!
How does this make Realtors more money?
Fewer price reductions. When the average price reduction is between $25,000 & $50,000 not only is the seller loosing money - Realtors are loosing it too as commissions decreases are directly related to price reductions.
By limiting the price reductions on the limited listings in the current market you increase your commissions!
Adding Staging to your services offered to sellers means you present yourself as a full-service professional; a one stop shop so to speak.
When you provide more service(s) to the sellers they are less likely to ask you to reduce your commission.
When you provide more service(s) to the sellers they are less likely to go to another real estate professional.
You are bringing added value and making your clients extremely happy.
More referrals and expansion of your Word of Mouth business as happy clients tell their friends!
Your expenses are cut by Staging as the time on the market is reduced, directly effecting what you have to spend on marketing!
Staging your listings makes absolute sense! In your area look for a Staging Professional you can trust and work with well as an intrigal part of your team. They are out there.
I am beginning to think I am a rules gal; & a real purest, perhaps too much a purest! I (as many of us) have been receiving solicitation emails from "writers" that will write & post blogs for me for a fee. This just does not sit right with me. Am I the only one?
Blogging on ActiveRain is always on my mind yet I do not get to it as often as I should. I'm out there working & building my business, not sitting in my office writing. I don't have time to blog, even weekly, anymore. The thought of hiring someone to keep up (and keep my ranking in tact) is tempting but I cannot do it!
Is it wise? Is it ethical? Is it what the creators of ActiveRain intended? In my opinion, no.
Trust - It's not wise to put blog post out there, written by others, with your name on it. Of course proofing is always intended but will that be another thing you/we don't keep up with? Can we keep up an have true knowledge of all posts if we allow this? I would never trust a stranger to access my AR account or any blog using my name.
Content - yes, the general topics can be discussed even suggested with proper proofing before posting but who keeps up with the comments & responds to those?
Ethical - lastly is it ethical?
I'm just going to throw that one out there for discussion as it's opinion. In this fast paced world it takes a lot of energy to keep up. It can be downright overwhelming to stay ahead. Ethics out the window, many people care about getting ahead more than they care about how they have treated people and contributed to the well-being of their community at the end of the day.
Me, I cannot hire someone to write my blog although I should as writing does not come easily to me. I could up my rankings if I had someone to up my posts. I don't think so; not for this purest.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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