Kim Suecroft - Hanson's Blog

How much is too much? Turning Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:24:12 -0700

I am constantly asked this question...How much is too much?

When I go into a house I look around initially, ask questions on lifestyle and what their schedules are. Do they have young children, teenagers or pets, etc. And then I start making suggestions.

Yes, I want the house to look as best as possible but and this is a big one the homeowners still have to live there. Selling your house is a difficult and stressful time in any ones life. My job as a stager is not to make it worse but to help make it easier.

I want the house to sell faster for more money and I want the house to look as good as possible but I also always keep in mind the needs of the homeowners.

I recently came across a family that had had their house for sale for over a year....3 realtors....3 different stagers....I was number 4.

The homeowners told me that they were leery but trying to keep an open mind with me. I started off as usual trying to get a better feel of the homeowners and to learn about their daily living. They had 3 children under 3 and 2 of them were 1 year old twins...K that's amazing number one and number two...k that's the same as number 1. I was blown away that they had been trying to keep the house clean and get everyone packed up and out the door at the drop of a hat when a showing was happening...

Obviously a higher stress situation than normal and yet they were still keeping an open mind with me. Apparently the other stagers had been through the house and made suggestions and gave them a shopping list. The house looked great but their were a few problem areas that had not been addressed. The basement was empty and looked like a bowling alley - long and narrow with no interest. The homeowners went on to tell me how the house was designed for a pool table and poker table and the dimensions were well thought out to accompany both of these.

INterestingly enough the homeowners are builders and have access to a wide array of furnishings, namely a pool table and a poker table....I told them to bring it in and show the buyers how great the space is and how useable it is. Most buyers (90% approx.) can't see past certain things and need the items in the room to show what belongs where and the potential use of the space.

I found it odd with all of the furnishings and accessories the homeowners had access too that the other stagers still suggested a shopping list for them to buy...hmmm.

My goal is ALWAYS to use what the homeowner had first and then as a last resort but new items if needed.

But I digress, I suggested keeping the items that they couldn't live without....booster seats on the chairs (push the chairs in and you won't even notice them). Kids toys in a designated zone (don't hide them from view if the potential buyers are a young family that will in all likely hood have toys as well).

Set up a toy area so people can see what a great space it is with lot's of room to play for the little ones.

Staging is about connecting with a potential buyer on an emotional level - People buy homes not houses.

Another problem area was an awesome bonus room that was currently being used as a baby's room (they had split all of the kids up to keep them from waking on another). I suggested moving the baby's room to another room in the house and setting this room up as a dual purpose room - office and entertainment room.

I suggested a layout that was practical yet pretty and as always made sure to draw up a detailed floor plan to show them exactly where furniture should be placed.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these items once complete will help show the house to it's best advantage and the house will sell quickly.

I think that all of us as stagers (myself included) need to remember that while we want the house to look like a showhome allowances need to be made when homeowners are still living there.

I hope this helps all my fellow stagers and gives some insight.

One more thing off topic....Our new slogan (Trademarked of course) Turning eye appeal into buy appeal.

Love to hear your comments and thoughts....

Thanks for reading.

Staging Completed on $5,000,000 property by Restage Inc.

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:25:44 -0700

Here is a house that we just finished staging! It is absolutely stunning and such a pleasure to stage!

Over 13,000 sq ft - Staged in 3 day's. Comprised of an amazing array of ammenities including an indoor pool and spa, ladies and gentleman change rooms, hair salon, movie theatre (seating for 28) and ton's more. The detail and thought put into the house is amazing.

The pictures below don't do it justice but gives you a glimpse of the property!

Love to hear your thoughts!

I hope you enjoy - I tried to pick some of the hundreds that were taken that show off the amazing property!

Why do some Realtors suggest NOT to stage a property?

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:33:39 -0800

Why do some Realtors suggest NOT to stage a property?

After years and years of staging properties it still amazes me how some realtors still discourage sellers from staging.

Is it because they didn't suggest staging right away and the house has sat unsold for so long they don't want to admit they could have done more?

Or is it because they think that it honestly doesn't work?

If so I ask why have home builders been "staging" their properties forever. Why do the statistics tell us that staged properties sell faster for more money than non staged properties?

Bottom line - It works.

It's been proven over and over again that staging done right helps sell a property faster for more money!

Presentation is everything and it's proven in pretty much every aspect of our lives. From the grocery store where plan-o-grams are used to make sure all of the products are placed exactly right and presented to the buyer in an attractive and pleasing way.

We pay more as consumers for brand name products that are packaged nicely.

We go to "nice" restaurants and pay more for pretty dishes and elegant decor.

And the list goes on....

The more consumers are educated on the staging process the more I think sellers and buyers will appreciate a finely packaged home.

I know from experience in my own home shopping I do.

I have included a house we completed about 2 weeks ago to show some examples of our staging.

The house depicted in the pictures was an interesting property in so far as it was a challenge for furniture placement.

The angles and layout of the room was different and I think it turned out quite well.

House sold in 1 week for 99.9% of the asking price - No conditions.

Another great statistic on why to stage your house!!!

Stager House Hunting!?!?!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:37:36 -0800

We recently started house hunting for our family. With a growing family (3 girls....need more bathrooms) and a busy lifestyle we've outgrown our home.

Being a stager / designer makes it especially difficult when were looking at a house for us.

I thought I could be more objecive and look past all of the personal items and weird paint but guess what I'm looking at the houses for myself and not as a stager.

It seems that I'm just like every other buyer and wish a stager would have visited the house before us. I don't want to see dirty clothes or family pictures. I spend so much time telling clients what to do with their houses and what not to do to I forget that not everyone uses a stager.

Bottom line is I'm a worse buyer than most because I'm SOOOO picky. I'm driving everyone nut's...my realtor, my husband and myself. That's pretty bad when you drive yourself nuts....

So the hunt continues and I'm leaning towards building a custom house..................

...................

Update to Prestigious SAM award house (staged by Restage)

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:09:15 -0800

I came across some more pictures of the property I had recently blogged about and that all of you would enjoy some nicer shots.

Yes they are a million times better....and that's why we alway's include FREE photography (professional) in our staging packages. Yes, it means we make less but the house cannot be shown to it's full advantage without it.

As you can see from my previous posts....

I also included some more pictures of this amazing house...

Above pictures is of the walkout games / media room - I placed the iron plates on the wall to hide hook-ups for the home theatre as the builder didn't have them hooked up yet.

Above picture is the other half of the games room - You can see the elevator as well (door is open).

And yes that's our pool table...the guys love it when I want that brought in.

Above is the stunning master bathroom...it was amazing and you can't even see the whole room in this picture.

Hope you enjoyed.

Thanks.

Upcoming 2010 Creb Forecast Tradeshow - Calgary

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:01:42 -0800

We once again attending and displaying at the 2010 Creb Forecast Tradeshow.

This is our 3rd year at the trade show and every year we have won for best display at the tradeshow.

I'm trying to come up with some new and innovative idea's to win again this year.

It's so much fun to meet new people and see current customers.

I can't wait to see if we can win again!

I'll keep you all posted to see if we can keep our winning streak going - There's quite a few new staging companies this year as well so it will be interesting to see what they can come up with.

One of my favorite Before and Afters

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:42:28 -0800

This house was quite amazing - you can't tell from this shot but it was actually up for a ton of awards for the builder. It has an elevator, dream master bath, wine cellar and ton's more. I love before and after's and thought everyone might enjoy some as well.

Before

After

This was a quick shot and not totally complete...but you get the idea.

Before - Dining Room

Beautiful Room but it looked tiny.

After

If you want to see more before and after's from Restage let me know.

Thanks so much for all of your comments they're always much appreciated.

FYI - All of our furnishings are company owned and are not rented ever.

Happy New Year and we wish all of you the best in the coming year.

Thanks.

Surprise! Your going to Maui!!!!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:42:10 -0800

My husband's Birthday falls on Jan 1 and this year was a big one (40^th). I wanted to do something special for him and not just the normal party.

I thought since it's Winter and we really needed a vacation why not surprise not only him but my 3 girls as well (not to mention a nice little trip for me).

So I went ahead and started planning and planning and planning....I asked family and friends to join us on a trip and our best friends decided to as well. We settled on Maui (my husband and I had visited 9 years ago originally) we had seen most of the sites and I felt comfortable taking my little ones there.

The planning started in June - I needed to get passports for the children as none of us have been out of the country since the new passport laws came into effect.

I told quite a few people both personal and business and made sure to tell them it's a "SECRET".

The month's flew by and before I knew it it was December and oops I had not booked accommodations yet. I had already purchased flights but I couldn't decide where to stay. A word of advice accommodations get tight the later you leave it especially for the time we wanted to travel.

I finally settled on a place on December 22^nd and we were scheduled to leave on the 29^th...nothing like leaving it to the last minute. I decided to buy new luggage so no one would notice missing luggage or accidentally peek into it and notice it packed. I also purchase new clothes, shoes, bathing suits and all the necessities needed. I didn't want to chance packing anything and have someone ask where it had went.

I lined up a house sitter to take care of the house and the hamster while we were away (thanks Dad - my Brother told him that the best way to take care of a hamster was find another one that looks identical...ha ha...that's kind of mean...good thing he was joking).

I made sure all the employees and clients were appraised of the situation and also made sure to call all the appointments my husband made to reschedule and tell them of the secret.

Then Christmas....I forgot to tell the in-laws that we would be leaving and assumed that because I understood they were leaving on the 28^th it would be fine. In actuality my sister-in-law let them know and they made up an excuse to leave early when originally they had planned to stay till the New Year. Phew....just kidding they are great people....just in case they read this...just kidding I love them.

Anyway disaster averted. Christmas is great and things are looking great. No one slips and tells any of them...

I notice a red rash on my youngest daughter and she's scratching and scratching - it's Christmas day and I have 22 people coming for dinner. I head to the Urgent Care and decide to have her checked out just in case. I hate taking the kids for immunizations and I'm a little behind on the little one (and by that I mean I haven't got any of her's done yet). I was a little concerned about measles, chicken pox or something. It turns out that the Doctor think's it's an allergic reaction to something and to keep an eye on her. Strange but thank God she doesn't have anything more serious.

Good thing my husband and I made a deal that I do the Christmas present shopping and wrapping and he does the dinner - I didn't have to worry about any of that.

Then Boxing day we decide to take the kids sledding. A nice family tradition, I always seem to forget about the whole getting back up the hill and everyone wants to be carried along with the sleds...a great way to work off all the Christmas cooking. I don't need to go to a gym...

My husband decides to go down by himself and show off, he launches off a jump a few feet into the air (that was pretty funny actually - wish I would have had my camera) and lands in a heap. He's fine and not hurt...phew... I don't know if I can handle much more. I'm paranoid someone's going to get sick or hurt before the trip. We find out later that all of the cards he had in his pocket during his stunt broke in half and oops he forgot he had my bank card as well as his...

I have a rush job for a client that I promised I would have done on the 28^th so it's off to work we go (my husband and I work together). I decided that for the size of our family and the amount of luggage I needed to take that there was no way I was going to be able to hide it on the field trip (more on that later). I sneak all of the luggage out of the house on the morning of the 28^th and drive it to the airport (FYI the Calgary airport will store your bags for up to 30 days for a fee). I go to work and get everything done just in time.

Tomorrow's the big day and I'm so nervous I can't even sleep. I'm trying to remember everything, things for the kids to do on the plane, contacts, prescriptions, phone chargers, day timers...

I lay out everyone's clothes and sneak out everyone's bathing suits (can't have too many), I pack my carry on and try to sleep.

Finally it's the big day....I have butterflies in my stomach and I feel like it's my first date or something...I don't know I'm just anxious.

I didn't have time to go to the bank yesterday so I tell my husband we should go first thing this morning (we both have to go because both of our bank cards are broken). I had told all of them that we were taking time off for the holidays and to start off of our family holiday I thought it would be nice to go on a field trip...guess where....that's right the airport. Thankfully the Calgary airport has a really cool little activity center for kids. It had flight simulators and games and it's like a mini science center.

As soon as my husband gets into the shower (I've been up since 5am...can't sleep...see above) I grab the phone chargers and everything else on the list. I'm trying to hurry everyone along to get ready but I don't want to appear too anxious as I'm usually the slow one.

Finally everyone's ready to go and I forgot to grab my husband's glasses and contacts...I make an excuse run back into the house and grab them then I notice I dropped my daughter's bottom's for her swimsuit on the floor (good thing I remembered the glasses or my daughter wouldn't have bottoms...probably a good idea to have those on). I stuff everything into my purse (gotta love big purses) and rush out the door.

I already hid the carry on's in the truck earlier so I think I'm good. A quick trip to the bank and we should be good to go. Oh yeah and a timmies (Tim Horton's for the uninitiated) - it'll be awhile until I can have that again.

Were on the road to the airport and I'm trying to pretend to be normal and in reality I'm shaking and flustered and a complete mess. I'm not good at this whole thing and I can't believe I've made it this far without saying anything.

Finally we arrive at the airport and park in short term parking. I convinced my Dad to come with us and that way he can take the vehicle back.

We all pile out (I leave the carry-on's in the truck I don't want to bust it yet).

Then I realize I forgot to plan this part - I don't know when to say it or how....So were all walking through the airport the kids are chattering I'm making the appropriate noises and meanwhile my mind is racing.

I see a little kids play area and decide that this is perfect. I innocently say that we should stop here and the kids are all for it. I pull out the itinerary that I had printed off and decide to just hand it to my husband. He had no idea what it is....

He starts reading and laughs...He thinks I made it up and think's it's a big joke. I keep telling him it's not but he's not buying it. The kids are sceptical as well and oh yeah did I mention our flight leaves in 3 hours. I also forgot to mention that I've had about 30 phone calls from everyone telling me that due to the attempted terrorist attack on a flight to Detroit the airports are tightening security and be there 3 hours ahead of time instead of the customary 2.

So I lead them on towards the information booth in hopes that this will convince them. My husband is reading through all the paperwork and thinking that I went through a lot of trouble for a joke. Let's face it I would do something like that...in a loving way of course.

We arrive at the information booth and I hand over my baggage claim.

As I'm wheeling the 2 huge overflowing carts my families faces register total shock...They start asking me whose luggage that is because they don't recognize any of it.

I explain that it's new and blah blah blah...

Then I get what I was waiting for and all the months and hard work was worth it....He starts tearing up....

And the kids are jumping around so excited. If I could see the look on their faces a million more time I would never tire of it. It was the best feeling ever.

So in the end no one told the surprise and it worked out better than I could have expected or planned for.

We flew to Maui and lived happily ever after....

Oh wait I forgot the second surprise. FYI that's a really long flight and boring considering that all my well intentioned carry on's were not allowed on the plane due to the terrorist thing mentioned above....argh!!!

We finally arrive in Maui exhausted and cranky as the trip with 1 layover ended up taking over 10 hours.

It was worth it though. It's day 8 as I sit on our lanai (that's a balcony or terrace for mainlander's - yes I do totally fit in) and write this and I don't want to even think about coming home.

My husband's actual Birthday was on the 1^st so our friends had decided what better day to surprise him. They were scheduled to fly in on the 1^st and we had made dinner reservations at a restaurant. We had it planned to we would be at one table and that a table next to us would be reserved as well. They would call me and I would get one of my daughter's to take him to the washroom. He would totally buy it especially because the girls are going through a bathroom buddy phase (okay maybe not a phase as I think lots of us girls go together for some strange reason).

We arrive at the restaurant only to find out that there are no reservations and I'm thinking I have the wrong restaurant. My husband's asking me if I'm sure this is the right one and maybe we should go somewhere else. I'm trying to remember what the name of it was (I need to write down things more....New Year's Resolution), I can't remember. I tell my husband to wait with the kids at the restaurant and I'll run to the front desk lobby and see if there's another restaurant on one of their properties. I start phoning around and can't find anyone that has a reservation for us.

I'm calling our friends during all this but there phones are off and I'm assuming that there still on the plane. I finally get through to them and find out there plane was delayed by 1 hour and they won't make it for dinner.

So we head back and have dinner and the birthday cake. I'm trying to delay us but it's impossible. My husband hate's restaurants and the kids are getting antsy... I finally phone them and tell them we're going back to our room and to come there.

We come up with this elaborate ruse to get my husband to answer the door and not be suspicious but come to think of it - I don't think that would've happened.

I'm waiting and waiting and I'm tired and everyone is slowly falling asleep. My husband falls asleep and I'm freaking out (inside) thinking...great now what am I going to do...

Finally a knock on the door...I wake him up and tell him someone's knocking on the door...it's a maid with fresh towels...Argh. The suspense is killing me....

Another knock and I wake him up again and rush out to peek at him opening the door.

It's them and he is so surprised he almost falls over....It was awesome..

I'm so happy to be here with family and friends and I will remember this for the rest of my life. We all needed this trip to renew ourselves, to bond with our children and to remember why we work so hard.

I love travelling and I want to show my kids the world. Now I'm a little more confidant (no more surprises though - He is 40 I don't know if he can take it...Just Kidding).

It was a fantastic way to start out the year and I'm wondering if there's a need for designers on the islands......

Happy New Year to all and I hope that you've enjoyed our story.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:30:40 -0800

Merry Christmas to all!

I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season!

I hope that all of you have a happy and successful New Year!

Decorating for Christmas while selling....Should you...or not???

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:57:54 -0800

Decorating a house for Christmas has alway's been one of my favorite activities. It's different than normal decorating and let's me go wild...

I love all the different options that are available and for me Christmas decorating is always more is more instead of the old adage of less is more.

That being said what do I tell my clients trying to sell their house?

Do they put up the tree or not? Do they add lights or not...and on..and on...

My opinion is that if they live in the house while selling - of course. I want the sellers to be comfortable in their home but I am alway's sure to mention less is more...only when selling of course.

I strongly suggest not putting up religious items - We do not want to offend potential buyers that are non denominational or would be offended by certain items.

If the house is vacant I personally do not put up much Christmas decor. I may add a few decorative items like Christmas balls in a hurricane vase or similar. I like hint's of it but not too much. I never add a Christmas tree but may choose to use red as my accent colour.

The bottom line is I think adding a little festivity is never bad but reigning it in is a good idea. Also, I like to remind my clients that staging your house for sale is different that living in your house and this should also apply for holiday decor.

I hope this helps all of you and I would love to hear your comments.

Training the competition?

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:42:41 -0800

I recently started receiving quite a few emails and phone calls from new stager's requesting to apprentice with our company.

What would you say?

I personally felt that it was a conflict of interest as why would I train my competition and supply insider information?

How does our company benefit?

Besides the obvious free labour for a short term the downsides I felt far outweighed the positives. I would not ask another company to train me so I could learn how to start my own company it seems unethical.

We do not offer training courses or our policies may have been different.

I tried to see both sides but still felt after a company meeting that it was not something that we felt comfortable doing. Of course everyone is different and has different opinions.

We would love to hear from you on your thoughts.

Competition - Healthy or Not?

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:51:11 -0800

Is competition healthy in the home staging field or not?

In the past when I had heard about a new staging company my first response was always great another one. Staging is such a new field in Canada that not everyone has heard of it. Pricing is all over the place, quality is all over the place and customer service is often not always the best.

Allot of new staging companies only offer consulting services and not furniture rental as well as are newbies to the field and learn as they go. Thus the pricing difference.

Now though my attitude has completely changed.

Competition is healthy!

In order for companies to excel, try harder and to stand out there is a need for competition.

Now when I see another staging company open their doors I think that's great now it gives us an opportunity to excel.

We try hard, we strive to become better and make sure our pricing is competitive. In the end the consumer wins as do we.

Diversify, Diversify, Diversify!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:44:22 -0800

Diversify, Diversify, Diversify.

Great advice from successful business owners...

How do you diversify in our field?

1. Interior Decorating

We all have fantastic contacts and what better way to receive more business than by meeting people that are moving. Most homeowners are uninformed about cost when it comes to decorating - leaving brochures with them or better yet send a thank-you note to them and thank them for their business and invite them to use your services in their new home.

2. Redesigning

Using what homeowners already have and moving items to create a more visually pleasing home. With little or no money to put in (besides your wage) it's a fantastic way to update homes. I know I personally am constantly moving around items in my own house simply because I like to see new perspectives.

3. Seasonal Decorating

Helping clients decorate for the holiday's or different seasons is a fun and great way to add to decor without breaking the bank. Using what they already have is a great way to save money. I don't know how many times I've moved items or used existing items in a whole new way and the client has said...I never thought of that.

4. Colour Consultations

Helping homeowners with paint colour is a terrific way to change existing houses and again if they can do it themselves very inexpensive. A gallon of paint is usually only $20.00 (decent brand of paint) and what a difference paint can make.

These are only a few idea's to help keep you busy and to help round out your business. I try to alway's remember that while diversifying is alway's a great idea that over extending yourself is not. I try not to take on more than I can handle.

I hope that it helps you and your business. Have more idea's? I would love to hear about them.

Thanks.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE HP TABLET PC

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:43:47 -0700

In response to all of the comments on my previous blog post:

I bought the tablet PC from Staples and it was around 800.00 CDN. I'm really not sure if you can draw directly onto a picture but I'm sure that if it's not on a standard program there is a program out there that you can buy.

I am definatly looking in to this because it would be so much easier for clients to see than to try and explain where items can go.

Just a thought I'm wondering if you couldn't take a picture through the webcam and download it on to the computer - thus saving the steps of downloading from a camera to the computer. I'll check into this unless someone out there know's more???

Thank-you all for the fantastic comments and please keep them coming.

I have included a link to the HP website for the tablet below:

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF25a/321957-321957-3835812-3835813-3835813-3945160.html

I just cut my workload for consultations in half!!!!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:25:01 -0700

I just cut my workload for consultations in half!!!!

I purchased a HP tablet laptop...LOVE IT!!!.

Instead of transferring all of my handwritten notes onto my laptop at the office I now can write directly onto the screen. I can also draw up quick sketches and more.

I absolutely would recommend this to other stagers - with a word of warning...BUY a BIGGER battery. The standard issue one is not great and it has to be plugged in between jobs.

I hope this helps all of you get rid of the paper and saves you work as well.

On a side note...I do not work for HP but thought that this product deserved a well earned plug.

VEHICHLE ADVERTISING - SMART OR NOT???

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:26:42 -0700

I realize the potential of Free advertising by "wrapping" your vehicle but have always been concerned with the downside.

On the plus side -

The obvious it's FREE and if you drive as much as I do there is alot of people that see that everyday. Whether I'm parked at a house, store or just driving the exposure is huge.

It's a great way to build brand exposure as well.

On the down side -

I'm not paying attention and I cut some one off....there going to remember that and it won't be a good impression.

Privacy is a think of the past - everyone know's who I am and what I do. I'm a private person and prefer to be low-key rather than showy.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea or not.

For the rest of the fleet...they are going to be wrapped but they're also going to have a sign that say's...Am I driving safe...1-800... Can't wait to have those phone calls.

Can't wait to hear your feedback. Thanks.

TO ADVERTISE PRICING OR NOT?

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:46 -0700

To advertise pricing or not?

At our weekly staff meeting we brought up the subject and we seem to be split on wether or not to advertise pricing.

On the one hand it's great for potential clients to know the pricing and on the other hand so does your competition.

My point is most companies advertise pricing and that some exposure is better than none.

Only offering a percentage off as my partner suggested doesn't do it for me.

I personally want to know how much the price is up front - a percentage tell's me nothing.

What are your thoughts?

Thank-you in advance for your opinions.

DISAPPOINTING POTENTIAL CUSTOMER!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:41:08 -0700

I recently received a message from a prospective new customer that was interested in our services.

Let me explain the scenario. My family and I had decided after months of working 7 days a week we decided to take a much deserved mini vacation to our friends cabin.

We were gone from Friday late evening until Sunday early evening. Unfortunately cell service is non-existent as the cabin is quite remote.

As soon as we were back in cell phone range I checked my messages.

The first one was from a realtor looking for more information as well wanting to hire us for a consultation - time frame - 10ish Saturday. The next message was from her client at 1pm on Saturday asking for a return phone call. Again I was out of contact with the world (which I have to say was awesome. I could concentrate on my family without distraction).

Finally I received another message from the same realtor at 8:30am on Sunday morning.

She started off the message saying:

"If you want to working banking hours work in a bank but if you want to work in the real estate business you have to be available 24 / 7."

She then went on to say that:

"Her business is very succesful and she has a business degree (not really sure why she threw that in??) as well let us know that she would not be requiring our services she would find someone else."

There was more to it but I think you get the gist of the lovely message.

My first reaction was disbelief. We've been in business for a long time and never have we had anyone talk to us like that.

Unprofessional to say the least. Wow, I would never talk like that to someone! I choose not to run my business like that and would be disgusted and horrified if someone from my company represented us like that.

In the day and age of poor customer service we strive to stand out and stand by the old adage "the customer is always right."

We value all of our customers and realize that without them there is no business.

To have someone attack me personally and to leave such a message was awful.

Even if the realtor hadn't choosen to go with someone else - I would have professionally declined the business, I choose not to be affiliated with people that act like this.

This thankfully is the exception not the norm as every year when we do take a short family vacation our clients reactions are usually "good for you."

I love what we do - I enjoy going to work and don't look at as a job as much as helping people out.

We work hard and work on weekends and at night if needed but at the end of the day it's my family that's most important not work.

I love my life and am lucky that I can do something I love and have a beautiful family.

My daughters are all quite young and are and will always be my number one priority. If some people can't or won't understand this then maybe it's best that we don't work together.

Before I had my children I was a workaholic and working into the wee hours of the morning was the norm. Now I love what I do but I've realized that there are more important things.

I was really bothered by the message (obviously) and am quite disturbed that not only was my work ethic called into question but to tell me how to run my business (not suggest - which is always good) but to say in such a way is unprofessional and rude.

When I'm old and sitting on my rocking chair on the front porch and looking back on my life I most certainly will not wish I had worked more but hopefully be content with the times I had with my family.

So I ask all of you what would you do?

I decided early on how I wanted our company to be run and a great reputation is what we have and what I strive to keep. There will always be problems that arise like in any business but it's how you handle the solution in the end that matters.

We are accountable for our actions and as such we are responsible to fix our mistakes and make sure that at the end of the day we have done everything we can do.

I run my company ethically and with a high set of standards.

My partner called the realtor and left a message (hasn't returned his call - ironic) and simply explained the situation and asked for a return phone call. I think that this was the best way to handle the situation.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks.

Market Upswing

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:22:33 -0700

FINALLY!

It seems the market is on the upswing. In the last week we've had 6 staged houses sell.

2 had multiple offers, 1 had been for sale for over a year and sold in 5 days!!!

1 sold to the first people who viewed it and the other 2 both sold in under 10 days.

It's fantastic to see and makes it so much fun!

I love staging in a market like this - Not only is it a great eye-opener for those that have not staged but it's so gratifying to see the results.

Our stats were compiling are quite impressive. I hope everyones else is having just as much success and I hope it continues.

Good Luck to you all!

ANOTHER ONE SOLD! IN 5 DAYS!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:06:40 -0700

Just got word from the homeowner the home I posted pictures on yesterday SOLD!!!

It had been for sale for 6 months and just SOLD in 5 days after being staged!!!

I love to see the awesome results.

Needless to say we have another loyal customer!!!

It's very gratifying to see the results - hard work paying off.

ANOTHER AWARD!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:46:13 -0700

WE EXHBITED AGAIN AT THE ANNUAL TRADESHOW AND WITH 5 OTHER STAGING COMPANIES IN THE MIDST WE MANAGED TO WIN AGAIN FOR BEST DESIGN!!!

WE WERE PRETTY EXCITED...YET AGAIN.

2 YEARS IN A ROW....

ALSO WE'VE HAD 2 OF OUR STAGED HOUSES UP FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS SAM AWARD THIS YEAR AS WELL.

JUST THOUGHT I'D SHARE...I'M SO PROUD OF OUR WHOLE TEAM TO BE ABLE TO WORK SO HARD AND BE RECOGNIZED.

THANKS FOR READING!

EXCITING NEW PROPERTY JUST LISTED!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:41:16 -0700

We just finished staging this property. I have to say I was pretty happy with the end result.

Feedback is always appreciated.

I love the diversity of the houses we get to do - It's fantastic to be able to move beyond the tradional and go more modern.

It also helps that this house is amazing on it's own.

Hope you enjoy looking at the photo's.

Home Stager / counseller

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:02:40 -0700

Has any other stagers out there ever felt like their a home stager / counseller?

I recently did a few consultations for different clients and felt like I was not only a home stager but a counseller as well. Going through their homes in such detail (opening closets and cupboards etc.) and getting to know them on a personal level creates a bond. It also I find causes people to tell me things that are very personal and sometimes discussions ensue about issues in life....

People tend to open up about their personal lives and I've had a few people cry (not over anything I've done) and alot laugh - I never know what to expect.

I forget sometimes how emotional it is for some people. It's always good to remeber and be aware of the clients situation. Whether it be move to a bigger home, moving because they can't afford the present one, or anything else. I always stay positive and point out the new and exciting things to come in their new home.

It's sometimes listening to the clients and helping them let go of their current home and reminding them that a new home is right around the corner.

It's a job that is very personal and I think if you look beyond the "job" and really pay attention to the client's situation you can offer advice and hopefully help them make the emotional move as well as the physical one.

Your comments are welcomed and I look forward to hearing your stories.

Blood, Sweat and all the Tears...

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:13:45 -0700

I keep reading blogs on people commenting on the flash in the pan stagers. The people that think because their friends told them they have a knack for it decide to start their own company....

For those of us who are serious full timers it makes it harder to legitimize a newbie profession. That being said it happens in most professions so why should ours be any different.

Competition is good for everyone - I know personally it makes me want to be better and try harder to be the best.

As soon as people realize it's not all fun and games and it's a lot of blood (dropping thing's or hitting your finger instead of the nail), sweat (furniture's not light) and tears (not every client's a dream client) I think like anything only the strong or exremely motivated remain.

I know that I'm way to stubborn to ever quit and I love what I do blood, sweat and all the tears because at the end of the day I know I help people wether it be FREE staging (see previous blogs) or otherwise.

I know that when a customer gives me a hug and say's how great it looks and how much they appreciate it it makes it all worth while.

My only problem is becoming too emotionally involved and wanting to help everyone....my poor husband I do love to volunteer him to help. Thank God he's such a great person.

Good Luck to all the stagers!

AWARD WINNING!

Kim Suecroft - Hanson (Restage Inc.) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:57:42 -0700

We recently exhibited at a trade show and we WON first prize for best booth design.

Out of 150 booths and we WON!!!!

Needless to say it was pretty exciting - We were so pleased!

It's pretty gratifying to be recognized by our peers!

Thanks to all of the voters!!!

How fitting that a home staging company win's first prize....