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A realtor who just didn't get it...or want to

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Home Stager with First Impressions by Elizabeth

I attended a Chamber of Commerce business card swap. I was disappointed that in a fairly good sized crowd there was only one agent there. I did however have a lot of interest from others in what I did and several asked me if they could have a few of my cards.

I approached the gentleman who quite a few members had pointed out to me as a realtor. I went over introduced myself, made some small talk, and then asked him if he used stagers. He's been in the business for 20+ years so I was sure that at some point he'd had some interaction with a stager. By the look on his face when I asked him if he used stagers he looked at me as if I had suggested he do a lap around the room totally naked. I gave him some statistics on staged homes and asked him if he thought it was something he might want to try at some point. While our chat was pleasant enough, I felt like the subject was making him uncomfortable. He told me he was "very firm" with his sellers, which I took to mean he thought he knew about staging himself and could "handle" his clients. I plan to follow up with him anyway... I'm thinking of dropping him a note, repeating some statistics and perhaps offering him one free consultation for his seller of choice... I'm skeptical, but I'm stubborn. I'll keep you posted. Wish me luck!

As an update to this blog I have gotten one consultation and one other phone call from this card swap! And they even served those little hotdogs in a blanket. Life is good!

Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Lol...I think offering him a free consultation is a genius idea :)   He sounds a bit stubborn.  Yes, keep us posted!  

Mar 16, 2011 03:15 PM
William James Walton Sr.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Briotti Group - Waterbury, CT
Greater Waterbury Real Estate

Maybe it was the wrong time, and wrong place, to strike up that conversation. Making a suggestion is one thing, pushing it is another entirely. It is up to him whether to follow through or not, as it would impact his business...

Mar 16, 2011 03:18 PM
Elizabeth DeMarco
First Impressions by Elizabeth - Lansdale, PA

Actually one of the major points of these events is to meet, greet, and try to exchange ideas, and to gain new business. If I gave the impression I was pushy, I was not. I kept the converstation light, but I will follow up and offer him the free consult.

Mar 16, 2011 03:23 PM
Don Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services - Idabel, OK

Elizabeth,

Maybe he was just having a bad day and the enxt time you talk to him will have a different attitude and outcome.

Mar 16, 2011 03:50 PM
The Scott Loper Team Bux-Mont Premier Properties
Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA

Hi Elizabeth,

Was his last name Snyder?

Lisa

Mar 18, 2011 06:45 AM
Elizabeth DeMarco
First Impressions by Elizabeth - Lansdale, PA

No Lisa it wasn't. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving his name but it wasn't. I did a little digging online and I think he's really sticking to the old school... no AR no Facebook, no Linkedin. I really feel in this day and age he's doing himself a disservice by not taking advantage of all that's out there. I feel confident if he were to give me a shot the results would be positive for him and his sellers... I'm going to follow up with him and try to nudge him into 2011! Please let me know if there's ever a time you need a stager, I'd love to work with you, or just meet and get to know one another. Hope you are enjoying this beautiful day!

Mar 18, 2011 07:30 AM
The Scott Loper Team Bux-Mont Premier Properties
Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA

Hi Elizabeth,

I don't want the name anyway.  I just thought it would make you chuckle.

Lisa

Mar 22, 2011 12:57 AM
Marion Freedman
RE/MAX Services - Blue Bell, PA

Hi Elizabeth,

I agree with you. In this or any market, putting your best foot forward with great photos, staged rooms and advising your seller to make the appropriate changes (if possible) is the way to represent all sellers to get them the most $, in the shortest period of time. I am a Realtor and an ASP, but I  sometimes need the services of a true professional home stager that is doing this all the time and really has the proper resources.

I will add you to my database. I love your website...looks great!

Thank you for adding me to your network! :)

Marion

 

Apr 06, 2011 02:12 AM
Elizabeth DeMarco
First Impressions by Elizabeth - Lansdale, PA

Thanks Marion!

I enjoyed your website as well, I admire your philosophy. I'm really puzzled by realtors who don't use stagers. Yes there are homes that are just right and will fare beautifully on the market. But I think even the most beautiful homes can benefit from a good stager. I'm sure many of the homes you list are gorgeous, love the area you work in.... my old stomping grounds!

Apr 06, 2011 03:44 PM