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Presentation Is Everything - Staging Success Story

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA

present wrapped in silver paper with a beautiful with ribbon tied in a bowA colleague told me this story about a listing and it's an excellent illustration of the value of staging.

The house came on the market, furnished with the seller's possessions, and quickly went under agreement.

Just days before the closing the deal fell apart.

The house went back on the market.

Meantime, the sellers had moved out leaving the property empty.

Unfurnished, the home's minor flaws loomed large.  Buyers' feedback was "needs work".

The agent convinced the seller to stage the house.

There are two showings shortly after the staged property comes back on the market.

Both buyers make an offer.

Under agreement again.  Success!!

 

PS: I know that "pricing is everything" initially - but that's a topic for another post.  Once priced, presentation is key.  Staging works.

 

Comments (12)

Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS
Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC
Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

Okay, I just commented on a post from Mary Ann Daniell http://activerain.com/blogs/maryanndaniell on what a difference it made when she staged a "vanilla" home and now your success story. Is AR trying to tell me I need to really consider this a little more seriously? Thanks so much for sending this package my way Elizabeth.

Sep 10, 2009 02:32 AM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Its so important to have a good home stager come in with recommendations and/or to help furnish the property. Congrats on the new offers and good luck.

Sep 10, 2009 02:38 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Sometimes a house does need help, over and above price and location.

Sep 10, 2009 04:12 AM
Joseph D. Federico
MVP Realty - Naples, FL
Southwest Florida Homes with Joe Federico

Liz-I totally agree with Jane, a house does need help sometimes over and above price and location.

Sep 10, 2009 04:52 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Lee and Carol  ~ Funny, it can start to seem that way can't it... Staging is growing ever more popular it seems.

Hi John ~ Actually not my listing - in fact I had wanted to show it and the day I went to call it was U/A.  That's how I heard the story - thought it was a great story!

Hi Jane ~ There are definitely some that just call out for it - slightly funky layout, a totally empty house, an unaccessorized house, etc.

Hi Joe ~ We often hold our breath on the final walk-through when the buyers see the place empty for the first time.  Furnishings help buyers imagine what a space could be.

Liz

Sep 10, 2009 05:45 AM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Liz, nothing beats a well staged, well priced home! I love that story. I have a listing that others have said when the owner moves it will be quite a different story.... 

Sep 10, 2009 12:30 PM
Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

GOOD MORNING LIZ!  I needed this post today.  I listed a home yesterday that is priced to steal - but yikes - it does need staging.  Been working on this for a week now and this post might help the Seller see things different!  Thank you! -- Gabrielle

Sep 11, 2009 12:48 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Glad to hear such a positive story.. and it goes to show that staging can make a difference.  Congratulations to everyone.

Sep 11, 2009 05:28 AM
Sylvie Conde
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Elizabeth, staging works for sure, but even SOME furniture works better than an empty house. :)

Congratulations.

 

Sep 14, 2009 02:25 PM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Andrea ~ I always dread move-out day when a property hasn't sold.  I guess not always - sometimes we're better off.

Hi Gabrielle ~ It really was one of the clearest stories of the benefits of staging that I'd heard.

Hi Joan ~ It sure can make a difference - in some properties even more than others.

Hi Sylvie ~ Anything to draw the eye!  Just a few things can make a difference - and answer that question "Does a bed fit in this room?"

Liz

Sep 14, 2009 03:02 PM
Michael Bergin
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES - Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia Real Estate

Elizabeth 

What a great success story, just the kind of "first hand" information that clients respond to.

Sep 16, 2009 12:34 PM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Michael ~ It's definitely one of those stories I'll retell when needed.

Liz

Sep 17, 2009 12:40 AM