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By Jove, I Think They Got It!

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Home Stager with GreatStages Home Staging and Redesign

By Jove, I Think They Got It!

Well, here I go bravely into the world of blogging! I just wanted to share some insights I gained from my most recent staging.

Two weeks ago I was contacted by a young couple relocating to another state. Their primary concern was the empty living room and dining room. We made an appointment for a consultation since they thought they would go the DIY route.

As I pulled up to the house, I started to get a sinking feeling as the curb appeal was awful. Half of the front yard was torn up and the rest was overgrown. It didn't get better as I entered the home. This couple had purchased the house about a year ago, thought they would be here a long time and began a long series of home improvement projects. The problem was that they hadn't finished anything in any room! Walls were partially painted, trim and baseboards removed, hardwood floors pulled up with bare underlayment exposed, and the list goes on...

I prepared a report for them and walked them through the steps they needed to take. Their budget was beyond stretched and they realized that they would probably lose money on this house so I knew that there was no way to push for bringing in professionals for the projects or to do anything else extravagant. They thanked me and I didn't hear from them again. Every few days I sent them an email with a few more budget saving ideas, some of which I found here on AR. Suddenly a few days ago they called to say that they had just found out that they had to be in their new state within days and that they needed me to do the staging. With a lot of trepidation, I headed back and was most pleasantly surprised. They had worked their rears off and finished up every single thing on my list and even some of the optional things! To save them money, we agreed to stage using as much of their existing furniture as possible. In the end, we only had to bring in a small table and chairs for the nook.

The day after the staging they left town, then called me asking me to do them a favor tweaking something minor in the house . This required going back to the house (a 20 mile drive each way from my house). At first I was highly annoyed and thought to myself that they should call their Realtor since I was only paid for 1/2 day of staging. Then after I thought about it, I realized that there were two good reasons to go back. One, their agent is a very busy agent with a major company who I didn't have a relationship with prior to this. Secondly, this couple was demonstrating that the lessons I had tried to teach them stuck and that they were now looking at all of the details with their "buyer's eyes".  

Their agent is quite amazed at all we accomplished and I am happy that this couple GOT IT and put in the work to make this transformation happen. I think we all came out winners on this one!

Kathy Alexander - GreatStages

 BeforeExterior Before                                                                                                  After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

      

Comments (9)

Yvonne Root
rooms b.y. root - Prescott, AZ
Home Stager - Northern Arizona
Kathy, Welcome to the blogging world. You came in with a bang. What a great story. Isn't it wonderful when they do indeed get it. Great clients and great job!
Jun 17, 2007 03:32 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Kathy,  I hope it sells fast for them!
Jun 17, 2007 03:35 PM
Erica Howard
Take 2 Home Staging - Centerville, OH
Kathy- Looks great.  Thanks for sharing.  People always ask me, how do you get the homeowners to cooperate.  My answer is usually by the time the homeowners call me they are willing to give up the control and do whatever it takes to sell their home! 
Jun 17, 2007 03:37 PM
Betty Haney
Haney Consulting - Calgary, AB
Kathy, isn't it amazing when you think that clients will never be able to do all the items on your list and then WOW! - they come through and then some.  I applaud you for going back for the tweaking - not everyone would.  I hope this house sells quickly.  Betty
Jun 17, 2007 04:06 PM
Kathy Alexander
GreatStages Home Staging and Redesign - Vancouver, WA
Home Stager Camas WA, Home Staging Southwest WA

Yvonne - Thanks for the kind words and warm welcome. I have been inspired by many of your posts, too.

Carol - I am hoping for a quick sale, too. It would be great for them and a big boost for staging in this Realtor's mind.

Erica - I agree that there is an element of desperation in the learning curve!

Betty - These kids really worked hard. They both looked like zombies by the last day, but they were so proud. Her words to me were "I never knew my house had so much potential. I wish you could come to California with us." Hey, for the right amount of money....

Jun 17, 2007 04:25 PM
Joyce Asberry
Five Star Staging - Elk Grove, CA

Kathy, I like the fact that you did not give up on the project and kept in touch with emails and additional suggestions.  You have inspired me to make contact with some of my recent clients that came close, but for whatever reason, chose not to stage at this time.   Maybe a thank you note for considering staging their home and contacting my company.  I hope your clients get a quick sale.  Nice story...thanks for sharing.

Joyce - Five Star Staging

Jun 17, 2007 06:19 PM
Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com
Canopy Mortgage - Leo Namiot - Saint Augustine, FL
More than just great rates
wow, what a great job! Staging or even a little clean up is so powerful when showing a home.
Jun 18, 2007 02:04 AM
Kathy Alexander
GreatStages Home Staging and Redesign - Vancouver, WA
Home Stager Camas WA, Home Staging Southwest WA
Joyce - At first, I honestly didn't really want this job too much. I have another big vacant new home I am preparing to stage this week and I didn't have a lot of spare time. Then my competitive nature came out and I wanted to take on the challenge. I do believe that the extra contact was the thing that eventually gave me the job, even though they didn't respond at first.
Jun 18, 2007 02:09 AM
Kathy Alexander
GreatStages Home Staging and Redesign - Vancouver, WA
Home Stager Camas WA, Home Staging Southwest WA

Leo - Don't even get me started on cleaning!! It is shocking how much grime people are comfortable living with!

 

Jun 18, 2007 07:14 AM