In a recent blog, I wrote how Home Stagers play Bad Cop/Good Cop to Realtors,where as Stagers we become the bearer of "bad news" allowing the Realtor to keep their good relationship with the Seller intact.  It's part of the job.  We're paid to give our opinion, based on our training and experience, on what the Seller should do to help their home appeal to a broad range of buyers and have a better chance of selling.  In a Home Staging Consultation, where we don't actually do the Staging ourselves ,  the Seller may not follow every suggestion.  It is, after all, still their house. 

I returned to my client's home for a follow up (part of my Staging Consultation fee) and much had been done.  Beds were rearranged; the refrigerator was free of papers and pictures, and the bathroom counters were clear.  But that leopard wall with the HUGE picture is still there, greeting everyone entering the house. 

 

We do what we can, and then have to look back and say, well it's better than it was .  Take a look for yourself at the home. It's still a beautiful piece of property with much to offer.  The Seller added many upgrades when she moved in.   And Sellers, I know it's hard living in your house while it's on the market, but if you follow your Stagers' advice, that time should go pass quickly. 

 Kathy Streib 

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7 Comments on You can lead a horse to water. . . . but you just can't make them paint that Leopard wall!

JUN
24
2009
139,310 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Oh Kathy, I understand the frustration!  I have actually staged, and then when the property didn't sell right away, the clients changed mostly everything back again.  They said they missed the way things were.  Actually, if they had lowered their price to what their agent suggested, it would have been sold within the first two weeks, but that's another story!  (It's now been over a year)

I know the agents I work with really appreciate me telling their sellers the hard truth, allowing the agent to maintain their relationship with the seller.  Sometimes I think a home owner's refusal to make certain changes may reflect a bit of reluctance about selling.     
9:06pm • #1
JUN
25
2009
154,676 Points 10 Featured Posts

I have seen powder rooms wall papered in black/gray/silver snake skin & recently a black/white & gold trimmed cheetah couch SET ~ sometimes you just have to wonder WHY they would fight you on it, but just take solace in knowing that you're not alone!
12:29am • #2
213,704 Points 2 Featured Posts

How about this. Your sellers don't know me!  The inside has way too many dark walls.   The exterior seems "light mediteranean" and inside is dark (somewhat gothic) mediteranen

Good luck.  We do think sometimes that everybody likes what we like including sellers and it just isn't so with buyers. Buyers won't  give it a second thought to say I don't like that paint!
6:12am • #3
1,031,235 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Michele: I think one of the most frustrating parts of what we do is when the Seller either doesn't carry through with our suggestions or when they change things back to the way they were after we do the Staging ourselves.  I just keep telling myself "it's their house."  You may be right in that they may not really want to sell, or at least sell right away.

Connie: I have visions of the black/white & gold trimmed cheetah couch set placed against my Seller's wall.  Ouch!

Beverly: I agree.  The first time I went into the house my eyes went everywhere and focused on nothing. 
10:16am • #4
621,696 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

At least it's an easy fix for the next homewoners, just a little paint.
11:54pm • #5
JUN
30
2009
1 Featured Post

Kathy,

Wow - I would surely love to see your consult report on this one!  Almost every room needed changes in my opinion.  These owners have obviously sunk a ton of money into decorating, but it's highly personalized in the style they've chosen. 

The decor greatly distracts from the home and as Beverly pointed out, the outside doesn't go with the inside.  Do they not acknowledge at all that they need to neutralize at least some of the rooms (particularly the huge master bath - this would be amazing if it were de-stylized)?

What type of attitude did the sellers have while you were going through these rooms?

Please share more!

Mel
10:06am • #6
JUL
11
2009
1,031,235 Points 238 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy- you're right.  Isn't that the way it used to be when selling a home. . . fresh coat of paint and a clean house?

Melody-you're right, very personalized.  The owner did a lot of the work herself and she actually filled a 3 bedroom trailer full of items I had her remove. 

The seller could not have been nicer or more cooperative and acknowledged that there was a lot that needed to be just packed away.  I'll post some before and afters soon.  It's not perfect but much better than before.
3:00pm • #7

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Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224

Delray Beach, FL

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