Special offer

Sometimes you get to work with very special people.

By
Home Stager

 

As a Burlington Stager, I know it is not easy to live 'Staged'. I also know that it is worth the effort because it can shorten your time on the market.

Today I met Clients who's situation made this really come home for me.

My Clients have 3 children. One has Cerebral Palsy, one has Autism and one is 'normal'. I met them as they were leaving to go to the sitter so Mom & Dad could work with me.

Mom & Dad are a little stressed out right now to say the least. As I pulled into their complex Mom flagged me down in the parking lot and asked " Are you my Stager?" She had had trouble sleeping so she had been working on the house since the wee hours. Mom said she needed me to come and tell her what to do next.

Preparing your home for sale is stressful for anyone but under these circumstances it is doubley hard. As a Stager it is my job to create a plan of action within the limits of my Client's budget and abilities and that is what I did.

We worked around special equipment in the bathrooms, special chairs needed at the table and beds in the bedrooms. The kids play area will be contained in the finished basement while they sell.

By the time I left a plan was formed, their Realtor had pushed back the listing date to ease the time crunch and our Clients were feeling much better. Mom kept saying, 'I feel so much calmer now'. She could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The next time a client bemoans the effort it will take to 'Stage' their house, I think I'll ask them how they would like to do it with 2 children with special needs to take care of as well.

These Clients will come through this with flying colors. They have my deepest admiration.

 

Posted by

Retired Home Stager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments(14)

Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Valerie, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. They have a terrific Realtor in Lee Plouffe from Sutton About Town. I know he will take good care of them. My clients are doing some great updates so the house should look very nice.

Aug 12, 2012 07:24 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

My heart goes out to this family, and I hope they sell their house fast so they can move on with their lives.  This is a great example to use when clients think selling is going to be too inconvenient for them.

Aug 12, 2012 09:27 AM
Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Janice, it would be very tough to stay organized with two special needs children in the home. Kudos to your clients for managing so well.

Aug 12, 2012 11:25 PM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Sharon, it is a great example. Just think how much extra effort these clients have to put out but they are still willing.

Aug 13, 2012 11:35 PM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Malcolm, This family steps up to the plate no matter what. They know preparing their home properly will help them sell so dispite the challenges the work will be done.

Aug 13, 2012 11:38 PM
Gail Fabiani
Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage - Burlington, ON

Janice, it sure makes you realize that challenges some people face.  Hope their home sells quckly and they can get on with their lives.

Aug 14, 2012 03:20 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Me too Gail. I admire their strength and determination. They know it is time to get a home that has fewer stairs for their son.

Aug 14, 2012 03:44 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Janice- love this post.  Selling your home is stressful enough.. raising children is hard as well, and add 2 special needs children and .. we should never complain again.   I'm sure the help you gave them lessened the mother's stress.  

Aug 18, 2012 10:22 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Kathy, Mom called me and asked me to come back and check their progress. They have followed the staging plan very well and the house is really coming together. The house goes on the market this week.

Aug 19, 2012 07:43 AM
Peg Barcelo
Fluff My House! Home Staging Inc. 250.486.6369 - Summerland, BC
The FlufftasticStager from Summerland, BC

Janice, how wonderful! It's so rewarding when you can take away the stress of the seller! These people certainly had a plateful of it! So glad they called Janice Ankrett Home Staging!

Aug 21, 2012 02:42 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Peg they are a wonderful couple. On the market tomorrow so keep you fingers crossed.

Aug 21, 2012 06:37 AM
Mary Lou Teague
HOME STYLE AND STAGING LLC - Knoxville, TN
Home Style and Staging Knoxville. TN

Janice..what a great story and thank you for sharing here on STAGING STORIES..I have given you a gold star, which I will add later, but you have been featured !!

Sep 14, 2012 05:56 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Thanks Mary Lou!! The home did very well!

Sep 16, 2012 05:04 AM