I received an email from a potential client asking for an estimate to stage her $188,00, 4,500 sq ft home. She had purchased a new home before selling her current home. She wanted to stage her soon to be empty house while it was on the market.
I provided an extremely good offer which required a minimum 2 month staging contract. I received the following response:
"I'll keep it in mind. Although I'll be honest; my intention is not to be without selling the house for 2
months nor stage for that long. If the viewers can't have a little imagination on the potential of the house
in less than 2 months, then the house can sit empty. I won't make a contract with anyone for that long. I'll
be paying a mortgage, plus staging more than my 4,500 sq ft? No Way!"
I was a little shocked at the response, at first. I then realized that this is the attitude of many sellers. They think all buyers will automatically see how great their home is and it will sell right away.
Many sellers refuse to consider spending money on staging but are willing to pay the mortgage on an empty house month after month.
I could have responded back to her email by telling her how the cost of staging is less than even one price reduction, or how staged homes sell faster and for typically more money than un-staged homes, or how nothing shows off the potential of a home better than staging. I could have provided stats, pictures, testimonals, and on and on but it's not my job to try to convince a seller to do anything they don't want to do.
I guess my point is that some people will never stage but for those that do the rewards are big! So, sellers, take a chance on something that may be new to you. You'll be glad you did when you get that offer!
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