I Want To Sell This Home Fast. Can't You Just Make it Look "Nice?"

[But, they want to know: can you just make it look nice so we can get it sold?  Oh, and we want the going price for this market!]

Argh. Yeah, that's always a challenge. They don't get that staging also may include upgrading. It's more than just placing furniture. Good points!

Debbie, Always interesting when the seller wants the going price but doesn't have the features to warrant it - and doesn't want to do anything to it.  Good luck.

Human nature. They want the most for the least. These are the same people who  want to negotiate their commission down to the nub, rationalizing that an agent should be happy to get whatever they can get. Really paying that generosity forward, these people. 

I have seen that as well Debbie. It is frustrating. Being penny wise and pound foolish is not the best way to go through life, especially when it comes to real estate, when homes are one of our biggest investments. I've learned to be very patient with these type of clients. It pays off.

Hi Debbie, yes, this is frustrating! I was in a home once that needed so much work done. Walls needed to be painted, floors needed to be redone, kitchen countertops etcetra. I wouldn't even think of staging the house with furnishings and accessories until the updates were completed. I feel it would have been a total waste of my time and their money, which should have been spent on updating.

I can see how that is frustrating. We don't get very many homes being staged around here, but the ones I've seen really made a good impression on my buyers.

"We want top dollar for doing nothing..... "

People don't get it....

Unfortunately, as we all know. just lookling nice doesn't cut the mustard.Too bad so many folks don't seem to understand, or perhaps don't want to admit. And certainly having a real mess won't be helpful either.

Jeff

Unless your home is the only one on the market, you better be willing to do what it takes to set yours apart from others and price isn't the only factor!  Sellers need to be aware.  Staging helps tremendously!

Some people just don't get it!!  All you can do is tell it like it is and recommend to the seller things that will help shoe the house at it's best.

Patricia

I will consider staging a home but the seller always backs out when I tell them it will be out of there pocket. We really do spend a lot of money on marketing. I also realize the stager needs to earn a living as well and the few homes here that are staged do look nice.

Every seller want top dollar.  The agent is in the best position to offer reality check.  I'm an expert in my field and I hope that my sellers can be guided to the best solution within their situation as soon as possible, since the sooner they get there the sooner we can take the best action and the faster their home will sell for the most the market will offer.  It's about trust, education and proper persuasion.

This blog makes an excellent point -- staging can make a pig look pretty, but a pig with lipstick is still just a pig.

I think most people want to spend the least amount of money and the least amount of time to sell the house.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for 2010!

-Keith

Sellers have to assist in selling their home, a  bad / unmaintained / dated home will sell for considerably less than its competition. less than 

Debbie,  It's just more of the folks who want everything - 2007 sales price for their tired, not updated house for no skin off their backs.  Do you sometimes pass on clients who just are not realistic?  I'm also amazed at bad choices folks make or won't part with.  Blue is a real tough color in any main part of the house.  You are so right on the updates that are needed.  No, they probably wont' get as much money as they want, but it could be the difference between selling and not selling at all!!!  All the best, Michelle

Excellent post Debbie!

Thank you very much for sharing.