Holly Gray Professional Home Stager Bigfork,Kalispell,Whitefish Montana's Blog

Stagers- Do You Require a Security Deposit on Rental Items?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:15:03 -0700

Hey Everybody,

As the title shows, I had a quick question on your approach with rental items...

I carry insurance on rental inventory, but usually do require some sort of deposit ( fullly refundable, and usually equal to 1 months rent) to cover myself for major damage. However, with everyone tightening their belts these days, I find that some clients chafe at the idea. What do you do in this regard? Have you ever had to keep a deposit?

Thanks for the feedback!!

Active Rain- How do I Love Thee?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:25:22 -0700

I was just cruising my groups on active rain getting my usual home stager "pep talk" through the great posts shared by so many talented stagers! And I thought... you know where else can you find so many excellent tips for your business, along with a generous dose of humor?

Not sure about the rest of you, but this has been a really long winter for me. I must say, from a small business owner's standpoint, reading posts here on Active Rain has really gotten me through some low points. It's not just the success stories, I appreciate the posts where fellow stagers are bummed or frustrated (because we can all relate at one time or another). Could that be classified as "therapy"? Maybe, although this is alot more affordable.

It is no piece of cake starting your own business, especially in todays economy... but, thanks to all you veteran & newbie home stagers who have taken the time to share your experiences and inspiring photos here on Active Rain!

P.S.- If any of you are interested, there is a tiny little group started by John Lupton that has a lot of potential for growth called "Succeed in Home Staging" Stop by & take a look, or better yet join & leave a post!

Does Staging Hide a Home's True Character?

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:50:51 -0800

I had a Real Estate Agent comment on one of my post's that 'staging hides a home's true character'!... Here is my response;

"You got my gears turning, which leads me to a rather carnivorous analogy - So here goes:

Most people (except perhaps,vegetarians) agree that a nice juicy, well prepared steak is pretty hard to beat. What does steak have to do with home staging, you ask?

Well, imagine yourself beyond hungry at the restaraunt. How appetizing would you find a raw slab of meat on the plate in front of you? Get your taste buds going?

A vacant house is a home in the raw. It has potential, but not everyone can visualize what it can become. Does seasoning and grilling a steak hide it's true character or enhance it's appeal?

The true purpose of home staging is not to cover, rather to enhance a house. Buyer's come with an appetite. So, ask yourself; Are you serving them what they want?

Staging will help to get a buyers mental juices flowing. It provides a way for the buyer to visualize the home's true & immediate potential."

I'd love to hear more feedback from Agent's & Stager's on this issue...

Ciao,

Holly

"Just Be Yourself- But what if Your 'self ' needs a makeover?"

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:27:51 -0800

It is common to hear people in the business world say things like, "Just be Yourself" when trying to reach out to new clients. While that adage is usually good advice, how can we as Real Estate & Staging professionals improve our personal ability to make a connection with potential clients?

Our clients are our neighbors. We can sometimes forget to "live" in our environment. The other day I was waiting in the car while my husband ran into the grocery store to grab something. As I was watching people come & go I thought to myself every one of these people has a story. Whatever it is, it's important to them. No matter our profession, we could all stand to reach out to others. Perhaps we should quit focusing on ourselves, or our objective so much. Thus enjoy the ride & open our eyes to the opportunities around us.

1. Stop thinking about "What's in it for me?"

People see through it when you are not genuine. Focus on meaningful conversation. But how?

2. Ask sincere questions, then LISTEN!

Large corporations spend millions through surveys, focus groups etc. trying to find out what people want. Everyday we have opportunities to find out what matters most to our clients face to face. What are their concerns, interests, goals. Once you stop talking & start asking questions you find that people are usually quite willing to open up.

3. Time is precious, try sharing a little.

In today's world we are all pressed for time. We are so focused on filling every second that we often forget to live in the moment. Try getting off your cell phone, and pay attention to people around you. Don't get me wrong, I love my phone! But, most of us live in the communities where we work. What type of presence do you bring to your "neighbors"? Opportunities to connect do not often fall in our lap, we must make them.

4. It is easier to talk to people you know.

Once you establish a repore with people, you know how to meet their needs. You can see how your business can benefit them, or their friends or relatives. Even if they don't have a need for your service now, things change constantly! They are likely to remember... 'that nice real estate agent I talked to at the coffee shop', or 'that friendly home stager I met in line at the grocery store'.

... Just don't forget to follow through by giving your new acquaintance a business card!

Holly

My first vacant staging Job- Feedback anyone?

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:49:01 -0700

Wow, I have never blogged before, but I wanted to share some news! I finished my first vacant home staging job about a month ago, I am so excited!! It has been a long road introducing this somewhat rural area to the concept of home staging. Most Realtors here recognize staging will work, but so far many people don't truly grasp the value. It is no marketing secret that when you have a product similar to hundreds of others available, you have to really set it apart from the rest, be it homes or anything else...You've got to Make it Shine! I hope to really educate sellers on the need to be competitive in this flooded market. The cost of hiring me to stage is so much less than reducing the price of a home. I would love to hear what some of you other stagers are doing in terms of marketing. I am hoping that as the concept gains in popularity here in the Flathead Valley, more and more people will get on board! Just to give you all an idea of what I do, here is my video link http://www.realestateshows.com/298618 Please enjoy, and of course feel free to let me know what you think!

Thanks, H.