I Could Tell You, but I’d Have to Charge You
Have you ever read an article or blog and felt the timing and topic was so perfect that surely it must have been written just for you? That is how I felt after reading No, You Can’t Pick My Brain; It Costs Too Much by Adrienne Graham. A colleague had posted it on LinkedIn and based on the responses, I am clearly not alone.
It happens all the time. Agents, sellers, and friends want to “pick my brain” and since I really enjoy talking about Home Staging®, it is easy for me to go too far. The longer I’m in this business, the more guarded I have become, but I finally realized that after investing significant time and resources into educating myself on Real Estate and Home 
Staging, I deserve to be paid for what I know.
It’s not that I refuse to give any information away. I frequently use my Twitter Account (@StagingHouston) and the Memorial Staged Homes' Facebook account to share general tips and suggestions. For me, when requests for free advice cross the line is when we are discussing a specific property. So if your funds are limited and you want to know what you can do, I may tell you to focus on the kitchen, but I can’t tell you specifically what paint color to use, or whether you need new cabinets, 
countertops or floors. Well, I could tell you, but I’d have to charge you.
In my mind, this all boils down to having confidence in what I do and my capabilities. So please do not be offended when I do not tell you exactly what you want to know when it comes to Staging your property or listing. This is how I earn my living and I simply cannot afford to give solutions away.
Wishing you a quick sale!
Kathy Strader, ASP
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