Today HGTV star Terry Haas (real estate expert on Designed to Sell) spoke at the Gaillard Auditorium in Charleston.  It was during the local Home Show.  She gave a great presentation, very fun and entertaining.... She spoke about finding an agent and staging the home to sell.  Throughout the presentation she was clear to mention we could/should say, "Terry says" when discussing this sooo......  Tips from Terry 

Terry Says....

  • Always hire a real estate agent.  Sellers who 'list' their own house (unless they are an agent) will lose money.
  • Interview at least 3 agents, none of them should be family or close friends
  • Don't ask the agent to reduce their commission.  If they will, don't work with them.  You want agents who will work for you & do the best job possible.  Asking them to reduce their commission will not yield you this result.
  • Have the agent provide a range of comps for your area, then price your home in the middle of them. 
  • Have a professional stager do a walkthrough at a minimum.  Do what they say. 
  • Most changes should be free, near free or minimally priced.  Don't spend a ton of money when selling.  Do only what is needed to make the home show its best. 
  • Try not to sell vacant.  They take twice as long to sell. 
  • Make sure your mailbox is not a John Deere tractor, flower, bass fish, etc.  It should match the rest of the neighborhood & the post should be freshly painted.
  • ALWAYS repaint the front door & change hardware if not shiny and new looking.
  • Make sure both cars can be parked in garage (if 2 car garage)
  • Don't store your excess anything in the closets - buyers will be nosey and look there!
  • Go green!  This is a great advertising tool....
  • Check your agent's marketing & photos.  If you don't like them, provide your own photos or get a new agent.

So now when you are trying to convince your husband, client or agent you can tell them that Terry Said!

Seriously - if you get a chance to hear her speak in your area, go!  She was very entertaining!

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First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign is a nationally award winning company owned and operated in Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston, SC.  We provide high quality staging for both occupied and vacant homes in the greater surrounding areas and beyond!  For more information please visit, www.WeStageSC.com.  If you are interested in learning about making Home Staging your profession, please visit, www.StagingAndRedesign.com for more information.

 

10 Comments on Terry Haas from Designed To Sell speaks in Charleston.... Her Tips...

JAN
26
2008
140,094 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router
GREAT post.  Thanks for the summary.  I loved every little point.  And being a Realtor appreciate that she appreciates what we bring to the table. 
10:35pm • #1
JAN
27
2008
216,758 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Terrylynn - Terry is an agent in VA, so definately she definately understands what a GOOD agent brings to the table.  She was clear on what set apart a 'good' agent as well.  (Things like marketing, market knowledge, customer referrals, appropriate pricing, etc)

7:43am • #2
143,405 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
Super! The voice of experience is priceless. Thanks for sharing that Melissa!
9:17am • #3
216,758 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Julianna - It is great that she does so much to help the staging industry as a whole, but really great the awareness she is bringing to our specific area.  I felt her comments were spot on & really appreciated that she even promoted services she doesn't offer - such as vacant staging.  That's a true professional!

10:08am • #4
113,505 Points Outside Blog

Hi Melissa-

I really like that last suggestion on her list about the photos.  I don't think many sellers would think to replace with their own photos, but they have the most to lose if the house is not marketed to its best potential. I am glad to see that she is empowering the seller!

Kathy

5:18pm • #5
JAN
30
2008
216,758 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Just as with other posts of mine, some comments were deleted by a couple of bloggers.  Some of my comments have been edited as a result.  My answers did not make sense with the original commentary removed...
12:46pm • #6

Melissa,

Please let me know when there's another show in Charleston. I would love to drive down to attend.

1:18pm • #7
JAN
31
2008
216,758 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Teresa - I hadn't even thought of telling you or Marci - my bad!  I will definately let you guys know next time!
1:14pm • #8
FEB
10
2008
2 Featured Posts

Melissa;

     I have saved your blog as these are some wonderful points that I would like Terry to discuss when she visits the radio show.  I thought the same as you...she is a true professional and she is helping our industry with her voice and talents.  May I tell her that she was blogged about?  I bet she would be happy and humbled!

11:40pm • #9
FEB
12
2008
216,758 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Ah.... There it is!  I thought you emailed this to me, but apparently it was just the email that AR sends out.  I already responded to you via email, but please by all means tell Terry I was writing about her wisdom.  I think she is an amazing woman with great communication skills.... and quite warm and welcoming as well!
9:07am • #10

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Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.RedesigningCharleston.com

Charleston, SC

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