As a professional home stager one of the biggest challenges I face is having to break the news to a home seller that their home isn't, shall I say "perfect" for selling. 
And Realtors, are you comfortable sharing the news?
I dare say this is one issue that you too may have a panic attack about when you know the house can't be sold for the price they want in the condition it's in. Heck, I know the house I currently live in isn't ready for selling in the condition it's in based on the kids, pets and accumulation of stuff after 10 years of dwelling here. But I'm not selling.
In spite of how awkward it may be to break the news to a home seller that there are things that need to be done prior to listing, it must be done. I always tell my clients that I am their advocate and the "buyer's eyes" who will tell them the truth even if their prospects don't share their thoughts in feedback.
Buyers will speak loudly, even if they don't say anything.
NO or LOW ball offers is a buyer's way of speaking to sellers loud and clear.
I'd like to share with you what I believe are 5 important things to think about before "breaking the news" that the condition of the home needs to be addressed. I have found time and time again that this will help you help your clients get on board with staging and marketing their home.
5 Important Things to Think About Before Beginning the Home Staging Process with your Sellers
- HOW and WHAT you say it is important
- Don't ever criticize! This ain't HGTV. No matter what your personal feelings are on the style, cleanliness or look of the home, you are not there to be a judge and jury.
- Respect their things, possessions and feelings about them.Many times accumulations of items have come from loved ones who have passed on. Many people have a hard time letting go of understanding that we are just asking them to move them out until the home sells, we are not asking them to get rid of the memories of their loved ones or dishonoring their feelings about it.
- Take time to listen to what they're saying about their home & their feelings about the move. Ask them "Are you happy about the move?"- this can give you a lot of valuable information on their emotional state about the move.
- If you don't feel comfortable sharing information with them on how the property shows, hire a home stager who can! (I'd encourage Realtors to go on a home staging consultation with your stager if you haven't worked together before. Ask them how they work.)
Taking the time to fully understand the feelings that your home seller has regarding the sale of their home is vital to helping them get beyond the emotional attachment to their home and assisting them in looking at it as a product now to be sold for the best price in the quickest time. It is our job to get them on board with the process and help them make the selling process as smooth and profitable as possible.
Are you in North Texas and need assistance for staging and consulting with your home sellers? Here's a recent portion of a note I received from a Realtor I work with for home staging consulting on their new listings prior to going on the market:
"Thank you so much for being the true professional that you are. You save me time and money by going in for the consultation. I think you set high expectations of the sellers and are able to get them on board. Thank you for getting it staged!" - R.C. Keller Williams
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Home Star Staging is a qualified, insured home staging company and we are always here for you North Texas!
- Affordable pre-list home staging property consultations
- Affordable post list "trouble shooting" property consultations - no matter how long a home has been on the market there are always ways to improve the chance of sale
- Owner occupied property staging (utilizing owner supplied furniture & accessories or including some of our own inventory)
- Vacant & investment property staging (Full and partial rental furniture packages, accessories and staging services)
- Is your office interested in hosting a home staging class or presentation? Just ask!
- Contact Karen at 496-964-0516 or Karen@homestarstaging.com
Interested in starting your own Home Staging Business in Texas, OK or North West LA? I can help! North Texas SAR Home Staging Training Classes coming in 2011
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