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Sell this home. Would you?

Sell this home. Would you?

So you got a call from a home owner who just happened to open your listing packages that you sent to them or left at their front door. You are happy to get the call. An opportunity to sell yourself as a real estate professional to the homeowners and get the listing. And you know that they had their house on the market for over 240 days. ( A very long time )

But what you probably didn't know was how it looks inside. So you go to the listing presentation all dressed professionally with your listing presentation in hand. But when you get there,the house looks like it got hit by Hurricane "What the heck just happened here". Okay! No need to panic. ( But if something starts moving under the clutter and you don't know what the heck it is or can't see it -RUN FOREST! RUN!-Sorry! I'm just kidding )

So you see the house. After going to each room in the house with the home owners and going over your listing presentation with the home owners,you tell them that the only way this house can be sold is with the help of a cleaning service and a home staging company. You tell them that investing in a home staging company will even help boost the value of their home and improve the chances of getting their house sold for more than the list price. But they say no way. They feel that it doesn't make any sense at all to spend more money on a house that they are trying to sell.

So what would you do? Would you still try to take the listing of this house if it looked like this? ( I used these pictures because the house is very cluttered. And of course as we all know,a lot of home owners houses look cluttered and don't know too much about the value of home staging. So I am writing this post to try and convince home owners to invest in the services of a home staging company ) Home stagers please comment on this one.

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Posted by Lanre Folayan DC & PG County MD homes for sale on 03/05/2008 11:29 AM

Comments (125)

Sell This House. Would You? in the Home Selling Channel

home staging, stage your house for home buyers, sell this house, zip code 20774, zip code 20721

Originally posted at: DC Real Estate and Area Events: Sell this home. Would you?

This post has been included in Maryland Information Prince Georges County, MD Information Bowie, MD Information
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: Selling Soulfully
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125 Comments on Sell this home. Would you?

MAR

2008

yup lanre home owners see there home as being alright, but the reality of things is one must just educate the seller to the point where they realize the value and benefit of what it is your doing for them

That looks like my house, when we live in it!

Buyers, beware, this is not what you want to live in!

Mr/Mrs Home Owner; My job is to get your home sold and I understand that you want to get your home sold without spending another dime.

However; I do not think this home will sell until we declutter and reorganize the home. Potential Buyers need to be able to see the HOME - it is difficult with your belongings.

While I want to help you; if you do not wish to follow my recommendations; I won't be able to help you.

Thank you for your time and best of luck.

....Then next week they will call you..... or after they fire their next agent....

MAR

2008

David -Some home owners don't know that we are trying to help them sell their house. If they don't sell the house,I don't get paid. Its just that simple. Thank you very much for your comments.

Johnny- LOL. You're too funny. You got that right. Get to hear from you johnny. Thanks for your comments.

James - Well put bro. As usual,you are like Peyton Manning in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line,you deliver. Thank you very much for your comments.

I would say "Mr. and Mrs. home owner you can certainly list your home exactly the way it is. You need to know that you will be leaving at least 30% of your equity on the table and it will probably take over 2 years to close. In a falling market I would not be penny wise and pound foolish".

Susan - 30% of your equity on the table and two years to close-Wow. That's hilarious. Thank you very much for your comments.

Take the listing, and in the special Realtor remarks section (not the public comments) put "if something starts moving under the clutter and you don't know what the heck it is or can't see it -RUN FOREST! RUN!"

I only want listings I can sell...

Sharon -Hi sharon. Welcome to the Lanre Show. Thanks for the advice-Seriously. I get what you mean by putting it in the realtors remarks section instead of public comments. A homeowner might not want to list with me if they see this. But then again,I said I am trying to get some home owners to invest in the services of home staging. Home stagers should be paying me for this. I am putting their profession on the map-LOL. Good to hear from you sharon.

No way. No how. No sir. Uhhh uhhhh.
Unless they can clear the house of all clutter - maybe invest in a storage unit - then the answer is NO!

Debbie - I agree debbie. And want listings that I will be able to come out alive after I have sold them and not be mistaken or lost in the clutter once I enter the house. Thanks for your comments.

Nancy -LOL. I'm with you. But as we all know,some home owners don't know that home staging companies exist. Thank you very much for your comments.

Ouch, unfortunately I have seen quite a few of these myself. One trick some Realtors that I work with do, is take those home owners who think that "their home is just fine the way that is". And take them on a tour to 3-4 other, clean, staged homes in their area and then say, "See, this is what you're home is competing with."

Another trick I do for some Home Owners is just what you did for us, send them directly the pics you took and tell them that this is what their home is going to look like on the MLS.... If they still won't budge, don't waste your time.

BTW - I hope they didn't cook you those enchelladas that's on top of that pile of books. - lol

Connie - I love that. Take the home owners to other clean and staged homes in their area so that they can know what they are competing against. I am going to have pass on those enchelladas those. I'll get my own at Baha Fresh. See now I am hungry again-LOL. Thank you very much for your comments.

Hi Lanre. Well... I have a rule of thumb - I rather turn them now rather than let them down later. Also, there nothing wrong with a house that the right price can't cure.

The house needs TLC for sure, but list it anyway. The clutter will not be there when a new owner receives title.

Lanre, I've had a couple that were almost this bad. They can be staged - with a ton of work by the homeowners. It's really a shame because from what I can "see" of the kitchen it looks like it has good bones - hardwood floors, nice cabinets but the blue paint has to go. I'm constantly amazed that homeowners will consider putting their homes on the market in this type of condition. . .

Lanre - I really liked Connie's suggestions. The home can be turned around but will need some hard work and the willingness of the home sellers to turn it around to make it saleable. You will have to keep us posted on this one because you will have some amazing before and after's IF the home sellers are willing.

Hi Lanre,

I would take the listing, I love a good challenge! This looks like a great home, just needs to declutter. I had a similar home, the homeowners eventually stepped up to the plate and did the work themselves. I nearly fell on the floor when the called for me to come see it! :)

Here are a few of the "coin" things that stager use in marketing - maybe one will help...

Tell them it's no longer their home it's a product for sale just like any other product on the market. Big Business spends million of dollars on marketing something as simple as a $20 toaster, from design to a relaxing picture on enjoying toast, to marketing. Yet their home is worth Tens of Thousands of dollars, of there money and they do nothing.

Just like you detail a car to sell it, you stage your house to list it.

Staging doesn't cost it pays.

Just like a job interview, you wouldn't show up in your old robe and curlers and expect to get the job, any more than your messy house will get an offer.

Staged homes sell 50% faster and for as much as 6-10% more. Only 46% of homes sold in 2007, what will you do to get your home sold this year.

Internet Pictures are key - buyers now drive by with the click of a button, how will their pictures look.

GOOD LUCK! Becky

Are you kidding me? (sadly, I already know you are not!) The house may be exceptionally messy because they are getting ready to move (wishful thinking I'm sure) and by the time the sign is in the yard may be ready to have it cleaned and decluttered (unlikely). If that is the case, then sure, take the listing!

Most likely however this is simply how they live and how the home will be shown. This will be the type of photo you will have to place in MLS and clearly won't really be able to effectively market their home. Unless you can talk them into a really low listing price (again, unlikely) or home stager, I would simply pass on the listing. You will completely waste your time and energy on this one.

A staging company should be able to assess and create an inviting environment for this home IF (note that is a BIG IF) the homeowners will comply with their advice AND keep up the home while it is on the market. Whatever you do DON'T pay for the staging company yourself. (Paying for the consult it OK) Good luck!

If you want to check out some Before and After Pictures go to Staging "Before" & "After" Pictures! Mostly for your education, I think Melissa Marro is right on the money - there will be no money if they don't change!!

Becky

It has potential...just definitely needs a good stager to help get it SOLD!

You hit the nail on the head ... RUN FOREST, RUN! I would not even consider taking that listing unless it was staged first. You would be fighting a losing battle and throwing good money after bad to advertise it. The sad thing is, if the Kitchen is any indication, the house has potential!

I can't even begin to imagine what kind of organism is growing under all that stuff. An that is what many will think. I know I do. I am getting anxiety just looking at it.

I've shown listings like this - what an experience! I think a call to Oprah and HGTV should be on your "to-do" list for today! Maybe one of them will take on this project.

OMG Lanre. You have to ask yourself, "Once I get it in shape, why would I believe the home owner would change their behaviors and keep it that way"? I have to believe that it would take little to no time at all for it to be right back in the condition it was in. Having said that, why would you invest your time and expense into something that is not going to sell? Especially in this market, there is no way that this home is going to make the "Must see" list for anyone except an investor who will treat it as a fire sale.

OMG, I hope I am not permanently damaged by looking directly at these photo's. Good luck.

Vincent - Amen to that. Thanks for your comments.

Derrick-House needs some TLC and a prayer. Whatever cures the situation I guess. Thanks for your comments.

Lynn-I am amazed that homeowners will allow their house to get to this point. Thanks for your comments.

Sandra-This is not my listing. But I was saying if this was my listing,what would you do? Thanks for your comments.

Suzanne-I need home owners like that. They were willing to do anything to help with the sale of the house. Only if every home owners was like that. Thanks for your comments.

Becky - Big business spend millions of dollars to market a toaster. Staging doesn't cost it pays. Love every single world that you said Becky. You just helped me in a big way on what to say to home owners when I go on listing appointments. Thank you sooooooo much. I really appreciate the great comments.

Becky - There will be no money if they don't change-Thanks for your comments.

Naoma-I agree with you. I will definitely talk to you soon. Thanks for your comments.

Derek- This is not my listing. These are pictures of another house. But if this was your listing,I was asking what would you do?

Isabel- I got the chills just from you saying that. Creepy. Thanks for your comments.

Margaret - LOL. You're funny. You think I should call Nate Berkus while I am at it? Thanks for your comments.

Gary - I am sorry that these photos are frightening to you. Maybe I should ask the home owners did same thing. Does this home look frightening to you? Thanks for your comments.

It's possible that the second I walked in the door, I would turn around and walk back out. That is just disgusting! So much for a virtual tour of the home.

Honesty is the best policy.....I'd be forthright with them, that they needed to get the house cleaned up in order to sell it. If they couldn't handle that themselves that there are people who do it for a living. If they didn't want to pick one of those two options, I'd walk.

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Maybe the sellers should just list the house "as is". That admonishes them if having to do anything else...right?

OMG! I don't know if I'd take the listing unless the sellers cleared things out of the house.

Patricia Aulson Hampton NH Real Estate

Patricia - I agree. But I was thinking what about a cleaning service and home staging company especially for a house that looks like it has some potential. Thanks for your comments.

Mmmmmm... don't you love it when you can see what they ate for the last year because the trash is still lingering all over the house. 'Run Forest Run' is a great way to say it! I once had a house listed for a friend who's tenant lived like that. He got her out, cleaned and re-did the house to sell it. It's impossible to communicate with some people what they need to do, because their definition of clean and show ready is different then ours! (Sometimes they think they just need to pile the stuff up and make room for a path through the room.)

Erika - LOL. Virtual tour? I think not for this situation. Thanks for your comments.

Bob- Is just that I wouldn't want to say something to someone to hurt their feelings. But then again just looking at these pictures alone is hurting my feelings. Thank for your comments.

Tony- If you list this house "as is",you are going to get a lot of investors who want to put an offer for like less than 10% if not more. Thank you for your comments.

Diane - You are absolutely right. Some people's definition of clean is totally different from ours. Thanks for your comments.

It appears that they really don't want to sell, and it will stay on the market even longer wit hthe next agent if they don't clean it..

Lanre,

Obviously they can't see clearly...I mean who could, in all that clutter! They will not sell that home for a price they're comfortable with if that house stays in that condition. That is just shocking, really. And yes, as a stager, I'd be willing to step in and save the day! But they've got to want it and commit to it---and it doesn't look like they're at that point. It is amazing just how foolish some can be---they refuse to pay so little to get such a high ROI. Argh, the frustations!

Best of luck,

Audrey, SimplyStage

It's too bad because it looks like it could be a really nice home under all that stuff...I'd point out to them that they need to start packing anyway if they are moving. Why not start now? Then I would supply them with all the boxes they could possibly need.

That kitchen photo is a great picture of "how not to show your kitchen" even though the kitchen has good quality. Thanks for the blog.

This looks like a bomb went off in it. But it's worth something to someone. Like a comment above said 30%(or possibly more) will be left on the table for the next person. And there are several people who would love to have that equity. I loved the run forest run thingy. Now THAT was hilarious.

I think the moving company and stageing company and the cleaning company should get all the comission!!!!!

I would only agree to list this if it were cleaned out and presentable. Or if the price was dirt cheap.

Ok, here is the deal from my perspective.

Lay down the law. You have nothing to lose.

Tell them quite directly that the house WILL NOT SELL as it is. If it does, it will be for $20k or $30k below what it might sell for otherwise.

If you take the listing and they don't clean the place out and keep it that way, you are wasting your time, energy and money. If they won't do something to clean it up, and you don't list it, you have lost nothing. If they respect you for being honest, and clean up the house, they will be happy with it sold and you won't be wasting your efforts.

That reminds me of a relatives house! Took a while to sell it, and they thought it was 'normal'. They gave up approx 13k in equity on only a 125k house. You should still help them. Just tell them the 'appearance' is going to affect the listing price since comparable homes are in better 'show condition'. Then make an accurate CMA on what you think the house should sell at in that condition. I have another listed like that right now too. They don't want the 'hassle' of changing things before moving. It will cost them as well. But I do have 3 offers in! Listing Price is key. Also... make sure you try to give all buyers/selling agents a heads up as to what to brace for! (also buyers you are working with)

There would be no way to actually show a house iin that condition. Something has to be done. If they don't your advice, it will lead to harder times down the road. Good luck on this one!

Concentrate your efforts where time is best spent...this isn't one of those places...YICKS !

I've seen worse

The big question is whether once the house was cleaned and staged-would the homeowners keep it in that condition? They need to buy into the necessity of staging by investing their time and money for it to be a good gamble that they would keep it in good condition. I like the suggestion to show them photos of comparables so that they know the competition.

Kathy

And...how much time and money do you plan to invest in this listing? Seriously. I have a client that wants her home listed and it looks much like the one in your pictures. It has just been her and her now deceased husband for 10 years and I don't think they threw anything away. She is being cooperative though. Her plan is to have it all gone through and put away by the first of April, then list. In the mean time, I've been taking her boxes, as an excuse to visit with her. If she weren't going with the program, I wouldn't be listing it.

Lanre, LOOK AT YOU GO! Congrats on the feature and it's a great topic and you brought out some great points. I love what you've done to your post.

It is difficult for people to see their own mistakes. It's our job to point out the things to help them move their property. Point out the big picture. If they are wanting to move into a bigger home, they will need to make sacrifices. They are only temperary. Great job again.

Mike -With a house that shows like this,it doesn't look like they want to do anything. Thank you for your comments.

Audrey-In order for them to make money,they are going to have to spend money to make it look presentable. Thanks for your comments.

Paula-You know what they say"Never judge a book by its cover". While in this situationI guess you can say"Never judge a house by its clutter".Thanks for your comments.

Barbara-Absolutely right. Thanks for your comments.

Robert-LOL. Thank's robert. I appreciate that.

Paul- Everybody should get paid. Heck,for a job like this,they need to get paid double their pay. Thanks for your comments.

Emily-I doubt if that will happen. But I see where you are coming from. Thanks for your comments.

Lane-Well put. Thanks for your comments.

Matt-13k in equity. That's some kids college fund -LOL. Thanks for your comments.

Collette-Maybe I should have a home stager with me everytime I go on a listing presentation. Thanks for your comments.

Sally & David -You wouldn't even try to persuade them to get a home stager? Thanks for your comments.

Kathy-Would they keep the house in good condition once it is cleaned and staged? Good question. Never thought about that. Thanks for your comments.

Lissa- I like the fact that you are trying to help her by bringing her boxes. Its hard trying to convince an emotional seller to sell her house. Much luck to you on getting your listing sold. Thanks for your comments.

Ray-The man himself. Always good to hear from you sir. Hey! I am just trying to be like you. Thanks for your comments.

Do you really need this kind of agravation ? Stand in front of a good mirroe, agjust the lights so that you look your professional best ! Now repeat after me: " NO, I cannot help you sell this house untless you are able to complete this list of " Must Do " items. Call me when they have been completed ".

Bill -LOL. You're funny. Sounds like you are talking from experience. Thanks for your comments.

RUN, FOREST LANRE, RUN!! (just kidding, I couldn't resist)

First, decide personally, how much you want to work with these folks. If you really think they are hopeless, then walk and don't feel guilty! We are in the marketing - closing business, and we can't stay in business if there is no net after the GROSS!

Otherwise, be sweetly blunt with them. Have they ever seen the TV Show Clean Sweep? Maybe you could take them on a demonstration and show them the three best actives competing with them. If they really want to move, they should start packing now - and rent a storage unit!

Laurie - Wow! I like that. We can't stay in business if there is no net after the GROSS!- Preach woman. I haven't seen Clean Sweep. Its probably on HGTV isn't it? Thanks a lot Laurie. I really appreciate that.

An agent in my office just listed a high dollar home in an exclusive neighborhood....that features lime green rooms with leopard carpet throughout....could be worse lol.

I show my clients virtual at ours of comparable homes and provide a checklist of items that I feel would need to be completed. If I feel they are going to do the items on the list, I give them a date, and come back and get the listing. They really appreciate the honesty.

Katie -lime green rooms with leopard carpet throughout ... I'll definitely take that listing. Thanks for your comments.

Maureen -I definitely need to give them a checklist of items of things they will need to do. Thanks for your comments.

The house has been on the market, probably with few showings, for 240 days. If these sellers are depressed, it's definitely being conveyed. Getting someone in there with the true purpose of making it saleable gets you off of the hook. Really- it's quite horrific for an on the market property, but it's not destroyed (nice cabinets, good flooring in the kitchen-except, maybe put the damp mop and cleaner away) and a stager can offer the advice without a stunned expression on their face. I'd pay for a consult for this seller. Good luck, if you aren't running...

The major problem with this home is the people. Suggest they MOVE IT. What I have come to understand more and more these days is that everyone has their level or clean. My level and my moms level or two totally different things. You could take these people into another home its not going to matter. To them their home is CLEAN and ready to be shown.

Also be careful posting pictures with the sellers photos in it on a blog. These people today are really sue happy and someone could misconstrue this blog as a blashing

You'll need a full sized Statue of St Joseph the 6 foot one planted in the front yard to sell this home! Saint Joseph Statue

I can't imagine getting anything close to market value with the house in this condition. If the house has been in this condition for 240 days and they still don't see a problem, pass on it.

The only way I would take this listing is if the owners moved to their new house and left me with an open, empty house to market. Heck, I would be afraid someone would get hurt in that mess while trying to tour the home before they gave me their 60% of the asking price offer.

OK, I'm going to go get my dictionary and look up the word "clutter" because obviously I've got it all wrong. LOL! Hurricane WTHJHH?! Funny. That is a beautiful kitchen underneath all that stuff.

Not on your life-- I once told a friend that lost their home to fire I was so sorry to hear they lost their home-- always one to find humor in everything he responded with "everybody needs a good fire once in a while to get rid of the junk" sick humor--but it may just apply here. LOL

MAR

2008

You've gotten some great advice. My brokerage has a brochure called "Creating Appeal" which address preparing your home for sale. I would leave a copy or 2, or 3 with these owners. And definitely call in the home stager!

Boy - I started wondering if there are some serious underlying issues going on here for this family. This is totally out of control, both from a clutter standpoint and perhaps from a health standpoint.

I'd make it clear to them that if you chose to work with them, you would have some clear guidelines, requirements, and timeframes to which they would have to adhere. It not, your agreement with them would be null and void.

I also think they need a serious personal organizer in here (NAPO member?) before they even THINK of hiriing a stager. These folks are equipped to work with the underlying issues that cause a homeowner to let things get into this condition, not just the superficial STUFF spread in multiple layers around the house.

Since you like the toaster thing so much I am linking you the blog I wrote about this awhile ago. It goes into more details. Glad I can be of help - if its any consolation as a stager it hard to get them to pay for staging - so your not alone!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/191850/Marketing-a-Home-For

Laurie - Homeowners with a house like this are definitely feeling something. What that is I dont know. Thanks for your comments.

Michelle- I agree. Their definition of clean is totally different from me and you. Thanks for commenting.

Michelle - Oh! And thanks about informing me about the pictures.

Jim -LOL. That's funny. Thanks for your comments.

Wayne - This is not an actual listing. I am just using these pictures as an example. Thanks for your comments.

Shelby - I agree. I would be afraid that someone might be lost in the clutter. Thanks for your comments.

Toni-This gives "clutter" a whole new meaning. Thanks for your comments.

Debra - Hopefully that won't be the case here. Thanks for your comments.

Angela- Creating appeal brochure. Great idea. Thanks for your comments.

Janis - Only God knows what's going on. Janis this is not my listing. I was just using these pictures in my post. Thanks for your comments.

Becky Raike & Nicole Forte - And that's why I wrote this post. To get home owners to invest in the services of a professional home stager. Thanks for your comments.

Lanre,

Been there done that...many owners won't spend that kind of money nor will they take the time to clean up clutter...sometimes clutter really can hurt the sale especially if they are asking way too much. I don't use stagers....my best suggestion would be to get rid of all that clutter...is that really the kitchen? If so ...it's a shame because it appears to be a nice looking room under all that...do they really live that way?

One agent in our office told us that his client was "cleaning his house to get ready for the cleaning company to come in" Now, that's gotta be bad!

Wow! So they are not in the middle of actually moving right? That isn't an excuse for the clutter. What I hear from sellers when talking about their clutter and dirt is, "Can't buyers look past it" In this case, answer would be a straight forward no!

Hello Lanre--You have received a lot of great comments from a few stagers here! I am thrilled that you are promoting Home Staging as a way for sellers to 'get out of the mess' they find themselves in when trying to sell in this market today. No doubt it took years of living this way for the sellers to accumulate all that garbage. A big gigantic dumpster, a few hundred dollar bills paid to the next-door-neighbor teenagers to clean it up and possibly, just possibly, the counters will be visible. THEN, the staging can begin. It appears that the bones of the house are not too bad....my favorite idea was taking them around to a few close-by homes on the market which are their competition. If you are game for that, seeing IN PERSON, is believing. (But they will need to invest in this project.) Be Careful on taking this listing...Good Luck! Regards-Kathleen G

That office picture looks similar to mine... how'd you get in my house. Lol. When there is a lot of stuff in the house, the buyers can't look past it. Your attention is on the stuff, not the house itself. I even find myself looking at the stuff and not the house.

I would suggest filling as many dumpsters as it would take to empty the housee to the point it would show well. Short of that, I would not take the listing

Yikes! Show them these pictures and tell them that this is what potential buyer's will see online! Then do the "hand jive" by holding your hands far apart and ask your client's "Do you want to make this much on your property?????" Then hold your hands close together and say "Or this much?" They usually get a clue. :)

Please tell me they are already in the process of moving...

Hey this looks like a house I showed in Arizona- you could not see the countertops and the rooms could only be viewed from the hallway- that was last summer, I think it is still for sell- wonder why??

Ummm....I think it clearly shows why it was on the market for 240 days. Are they sure they didn't lose any potential buyers under all that stuff. They might want to check!

Larry, these people are major-league, can't-help-themselves pack-rats. They need a 12-step program. I have a similar one right now.

Lanre:

People will not truly see what they are paying for if they can't see it. Then they will want a home inspection, how is the home inspector going to find what they need to find?? A storage unit would be the best for all the clutter and then maybe it won't need staging, just a good cleaning, you just can't make that assessment until you see the floor!!

Good Luck!!LOL

I think I would have to pass on that one. Looks like too much work that the sellers aren't willing to put in to get their house sold.

Neal - Hey Neal! You are the first one to say that you don't use home stagers. Is there a reason why? Thanks for your comments.

Sandra-Wow! Clean before a cleaning company comes to clean your house. That is bad. Thanks for your comments.

Jennifer - Homeowners need to be put in a buyers shoes and see it from a different perspective. Thanks for your comments.

Kathleen - Hi Kathleen! Home stagers are my friends. I am going to need your help this year to help me get listings and sell all of them as well. Great advice. Thank you very much for your comments.

Christina - LOL. You're funny. Your assistant gave me the pictures. Don't tell her that I said that ( I'm joking of course ).

Harold- Buy some containers at Target,Home Depot or your local neighborhood store and help them fill them up so that they can be either stored in a storage or donated to charity or a company. Thanks for your comments.

Janice- I love that. They should definitely get the picture once I do that. Thanks for your comments.

Kevin- Hey kevin! I don't even know. Actually,this is not my listing. Thanks for your comments.

Jamie-LOL. Could be. You're funny. Thanks for your comments.

Christy - That is too funny. I wouldn't be surprised to find out what's under that clutter. Thanks for your comments.

Sfvrealestate- What is your 12 step program? Can you give me some more detail about it? And can you please log in next time? My name is Lanre by the way,no Larry. Thanks for your comments.

Stephaine - Some investors probably wont mind seeing it like this since they are always looking for a bargain. But buyers of course don't like seeing clutter. Thanks you for your comments.

Eugene- They might if I can tell how good their house will look once we clean it and get it staged by a professional home stager/company. Thanks for your comments.

Lanre, like many have said...if they aren't embarrassed by the clutter, perhaps they will be persuaded by the money issue. Almost every agent has sold at least one home like this in their career if they've been doing it for awhile. It was ALWAYS sold below market value. It's a terrible thing to have to pay for junk TWICE, once when you buy it and the second time for the value it takes away from your home.

Lola -Pay for junk twice - Once when you buy it and the second time for the value it takes away from your home. I like that. Thank you for your comments.

Lola and Lanre, I like that "pay for junk twice" concept also. :-)

Toni - I definitely can't take credit for it. I am going to be like Barack Obama and admit that "It was not my words. It was my colleague Lola Audu's words -LOL. Thanks for your comments Toni.

You don't need a home stager for this one you need the biggest dumpster that money can buy. I would move on these people cannot be serious about selling, let someone else have the listing.

Alan - LOL. That was too funny Alan. Its that the truth. Thanks for your comments.

These homeowners have a psychological disorder. Seriously. Ophra featured this family on her show a few weeks ago who lived in complete filth...they couldn't even get started out from under without professional help. I don't know, Lanre....I'd walk away from this one. Especially with the mindset they have. I'd love to know how in the world they would PACK even if they did sell! Wow.

MAR

2008

Lanre,

Just never had much need for them...everything I have listed has sold until a few recently and they weren't interested in the cost of staging for some reason.

Antoinette -I have seen similiar stories on Oprah. Included one lady that brought so much stuff for like over fifteen years. Crazy. Thanks for your comments.

Neal -I see. I was just curious. Thank you very much for your comments.

Lanre:

I lived in the DC metro area for over 20 years...worked in advertising at The Washington Post...miss so much..but now I live somewhere else...guess what all the same...STAGE, STAGE, STAGE, hire a professional STAGER...do they want to sell? Then STAGE!

Good Luck!

If the seller is unwilling to listen to your recommendations at the "pre" listing stage - they are not going to want to take your instruction after you have the home on the market. If it were me, I would try to speak with them again and explain why it's important to stage and declutter - and if they won't listen, then you should be like Forest Gump - and RUN!

lANRE;

The photos and your knee jerk response is one of the most typical in our industry. Staging is extremely effective in almost every market in the country. Unfortunately the typical Seller isn't familiar or can't remember what their "model" home looked like when they were inspired to buy. Our group obtains the best results when attempting to educate/enlighten our prospective clients by taking them through the closest new home development or a finely staged home. In almost every case the potential Seller considers buying the smartly staged new or re-sale home. The best part of this exercise is that almost 50% of the time, if the appropriate due diligence has been done, the potential Seller will buy the staged home you show them and clear the clutter out of their disaster listing. One of our best tools to consummate these types of transactions is to take advantage of the tax credit the Seller will get by donating their otherwise priceless garbage they previously couldn't possibly part with. Usually the tax credit will cover a substantial portion of the down payment on their new purchase. There probably will never be a way to get a firm handle on whether this is a psychological or truly financially motivated decision, however the means the end of a new home sale and pleasantly pleased Seller and staging company client are the name of the game in our business.

Keep up the good work,

Evan Musikantow
Musikantow & Associates, LLC
Keller Williams Beverly Hills
439 N. Canon Drive Suite 300
Beverly Hills, California 90210
Russ Lyon Realty Scottsdale
7150 East Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
800-989-8198
480-483-6014 FAX
www.musikantow.com

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this email is confidential and proprietary information intended for the use only of the intended addressee thereof. If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and then delete this message and all copies and backups thereof. Thank you. All warrants and representations contained in the marketing materials are subject to change at the sole discretion of the respective builder or developer. All information is deemed to be accurate at the time presented, but under no circumstances guaranteed.

MAR

2008

Renee- You lived in Washington DC for twenty years? Do you know anyone who is trying to buy or sell their home? Family member,friend,relative? And since you have worked with the Washington Post,is there anyone there you can refer me too? I am sure you have a nice clientele-LOL. Thanks for the advice.

Darleen- I agree. If they don't listen to me during the pre-listing stage,then there is nothing for me to do. Finished reading "The New World" Yet? Thanks for your comments.

Evan- Great advice. It seems like everybody is giving such great information. And you contributed to every one of the great rsponses. Also,please log in next time. Thanks for your comments.

Great blog. Home sellers need to know this information. It is often no easy way to tell a homeowner that one reason your home is not selling is the fact is clutter or the grass is tall, etc. I had one client that wanted to sell their home for top dollar, but did not want to mow the foot tall grass. Because it was her mother's home I offered my services to help her stage the property. Needless to say, that after I met the sister and informed her that the property was not going to sell for what they thought it would she did not want me to list the home. However, the agent who was not up front about the market or price still has the property listed with no showings or sale. Incidentially, the property has been on the market for nearly a year.

I would take the listing if it was priced REally cheap. If they want to list at somewhere near retail then they must do the work or hire another agent. The house will not not sell as-is without a huge price discount. The home might be in good shape but when it is that cluttered, buyers will look at it as a fixer upper. There are too many other homes that don't require the vision to see what they can be.

Good luck.

Serena-Wow! And that's why I wrote this blog. So I can educate home owners about the importance of home staging. That's why you are a very good real estate professional and that other person is not. Great post. Thanks for your comments.

Bob-Actually. And I home owners need to know that buyers are not going to submit a good offer on a house they feel they need to do a lot of work on. Home owners will be surprised how much they will net on the sale of their house if they just make little minor repairs or improvements. Thanks for your comments.

MAR

2008

I agree with someone else's post - I have taken pre-sellers on a brief tour of competing properties so they could see what they're up against - both in terms of condition and when they had pricing issues.

But my, oh my. That poor house! Probably a stager's worst nightmare? But WHAT a before and after if someone got the job done!!

Personally - I'd probably pass on this one, unless they agreed to let me list it 25% under market value because of the junk. Um.... I don't recommend a virtual tour? :)

I have an investor I'd like to show that house to. If it has a bad odor - so much the better.

Wow, it looks like the homeowners are compulsive hoarders.

It is a medical condition, and something pretty hard for people who don't suffer from it to understand, but you need to realize if you do take this listing, it's going to be a lot harder than "just throw some junk away" or "hire somebody to clean it up". These people probably know that there home is a mess, and are likely emotionally attached to all of the clutter and depressed/overwhelmed by it at the same time. If you do get them to agree to have the home cleaned/staged, it is going to be really hard for them to keep it that way, without professional help to keep them from accumulating more clutter, especially under the stress that selling/moving can bring.

If case anyone on here has this problem, or knows someone wanting help with it, these sites are great:

Squalor Survivors & Helping Hoarders

Wow, it looks like the homeowners are compulsive hoarders.

If case anyone on here has this problem, or knows someone wanting help with it, these sites are great:

Squalor Survivors & Helping Hoarders

Sheree- All this house needs is a good clean up service to clear the junk and professional home stager. But like you said,give them a tour of what other houses are selling for so that they can see their competition. Thanks for your comments.

Paul - This is an investor's dream. They will probably buy this one in a heartbeat. Thanks for your comments.

Raine -Emotionally attached. That probably would be the situation in this case. Thanks for your comments.

MAR

2008

Lanre, isn't the free staging for the seller and the credit repair for the buyer a bit late if they get them at closing. How does that work? (re the blurb under your photo)

MAR

2008

Hello! One of the obstacles for most home buyers are bad credit. We all know that lenders use credit to estimate risk. So if they pay for the services,I will know that they are serious about buying a home and I will reimburse them ( Up to $700-for home buyers at closing )

One of the reasons why a lot of homes are still sitting on the market is due to the home not staged properly. A home that is very cluttered does not appeal to home buyers. When your home is on sale,it is competing against new home developments,homes in your neighborhood,near your neighborhood and city and state. So to improve your chances of selling your home for top dollars,your home needs to be the best so that it can set out from the rest.

Home staging adds value to your home and makes your home more appealing to home buyers. So as part of my services and to help my clients sell their home for top dollars,I offer up to $1000 to help with the home staging services if they use the services of a professional home stager( My clients will receive up to $1000 in check or money order at closing) in a form of a check or money order at closing since it is againist the law to give cash to clients as gifts. Do you or know anyone in the market to buy or sell a home? Please reply to this post via e-mail at your earliest convenience or give me a call. Thank you for responding to my post.

I think the legality is a state thing. In NJ I would not be able to do that and have the payment contingent on a sale.

What real estate company are you with?

Yeh, Lanre - you get it now.

There is a staged price and an unstaged price & if your client's home is even close to the photos the unstaged price will be a deep cut. People have to be able to see what they are buying.

Your listings do reflect on you.

First you need to get a new photo. You look like you are taking a mug shot and I have no doubt you have a lot more personality than you photo. Remember packaging is everything. Second this is not that common place for stagers. So its not too shocking. If we didn't have clients like this we wouldn't have the thriving industry we have... You are just a smart guy who knows you need a stager to assist with the job! good post.

Kathleen -Absolutely. If people can't see what they are buying,no deal. Thanks for your comments Kathleen.

Kym- Thank you! Thank you! Getting the house sold will take a team effort. And part of that team includes very smart and creative home staging professionals like you kim. Thank you very much for your comments.

MAR

2008

Lanre, I'm with NJHomeBuyer.com Realty in Cherry Hill NJ. And I just realized that my automatic signature line went away on my last couple posts.

Paul Howard,

NJHomeBuyer.com Realty

Cherry Hill NJ

This the way to handle this.....and this is a suggestion:

Take the home owner to Wal-Mart, Have the home seller to purchase the large Plastic Containers with the lids, Use a different color for each room, Pack all the clutter in the Plastic tub Containers and stack them away in the garage but remember to stack them in an organized manager by color and lable them! this i will eliminate the clutter that they appear not to want to get rid of .....so now they are happy to keep their clutter in a container put away and now you can sell their home....

Totally Virtual Realty

Paul - Great to hear from you Paul. Hope to read many blogs from you soon. Thank you very much for your comments.

Cotina-Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much for that great suggestion Cotina. I really appreciate it. Thanks for your comments.

JUL

Just made some changes to this blog.

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