I was called upon to provide a bid for a vacant new construction that has been on the market since November 2007.  I was told that they'd already lowered the asking price by almost $50K!  YIKES!

Since I was already out and about for my day, and not having any appts scheduled that afternoon, I was not completely prepared but I did not want to miss the opportunity so I ran over, in my sweats and flip flops (I instructed the HO that I was not 'dressed' to meet anyone...she said neither was she, that it was fine!)  Ironically, the house is 3 houses down from the very first Vacant home I assisted in staging last year...good times...I remember it well.

Well, it was your standard vacant new construction...nothing too special to write home about.  It was interesting that there wasn't any flooring in any of the bedrooms though.  She said they'd install whatever the buyer wanted.  OK...

What struck me was when I went into the master bathroom there were these plastic cubes on the granite vanity with hand towels folded in them and a brown bath towel tossed over the tub.  The HO proudly announced that their agent already 'staged' that room for them so I didn't have to include that room in my bid. 

HUH???????????

 

Let me back up to the kitchen...because she 'staged' that room too.  A cookbook in the corner, one decorative bottle next to the stove, a small piece of greenery on the other side of the stove, 2 small rectangular pieces of greenery on the window sills  (big time HUH???), 2 placemats with flat napkins---no rings or anything--and 2 wine glasses with an empty, lonely wine bottle as the centerpiece.  (You can pick up your jaw now)

Well, I provided them with a standard vacant bid including those two rooms because if I was staging it, it was going to be done RIGHT.  Yes, I would have used those items but added the additional items needed to properly present the space and the functionality.

The HO didn't go for my bid BUT she did want to hire me as a consultant for shopping because they were going to purchase the items with the intention of reselling them on Craig's List to recoup some of the money rather than spend the money on renting.  OK, I can handle that.  She liked my design plan and ideas so that was good.

 

LONG STORY SHORT: 

I was there to help place the furniture I'd helped them select and then create a list of accessory needs for them to buy.  The listing agent showed up to give her 2-cents as she proudly announced that she was starting to buy inventory to stage her own listings.  Then commented how expensive it is.  {Ya think?}  Then commented how 'she doesn't really know what she's doing'.   {That was a given}  Then proceeded to recommend where to do go for the accessories...OMG...I wanted to pounce on her!  The HO almost made me laugh when she said "Abby, give her your business card.  She might need you one day"  Oh yeh, good ol' miss agent saved them about $15 by saying she'd bring her own 'tray' from her 'inventory' as I'd recommended they buy a tray to place on the ottoman---they couldn't find a suitable cocktail table so they opted for an ottoman that could double as a cocktail table with the use of a tray.   What really made me laugh was her reference to devoting a whole closet to accessories.  Come on, now!

Back up to when I arrived, I was instructed that the agent wanted the house to look "Pottery Barn-ish".  I'm sorry...I wanted to say "Why did you hire me if you didn't have faith in what I do?"  I had no clue what was in store for me...good thing. 

There were just way too many chiefs on this job. 

 

BUT, a note from the HO:

"We enjoyed working with you and appreciate all your input.  Good luck in all your future endeavors." 

E.L., Marietta, GA

 

 

EDIT:  Please note, HO=Homeowner...  =)

 
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...
Post is included in group: Home Stagers in Metro Atlanta

46 Comments on My encounter with the listing agent that staged...

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAR
22
2008
198,119 Points Localism Sponsor
You wonder why people like that even call. Certainly not to have someone else do the job.
9:07am • #28
198,119 Points Localism Sponsor
You wonder why people like that even call. Certainly not to have someone else do the job.
9:07am • #29
278,344 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Abby, I believe it is best to leave the staging to the professional stager.  That is why I hire a professional stager.
9:15am • #30

This is NOT the time for homeowners to cut corners with presentation. 

9:20am • #31
367,616 Points 145 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
This is one of the funniest posts I have ever read.  Unfortunately, it is also a serious one.  Staging is a skill and profession which requires training.  Real estate agents can provide the service...we do, but we've been trained and done presentations for home accessories for years.  It's unfortunate that this agent didn't know what she was doing and even more sad that her client was unaware of the difference.  That must have been a very challenging experience to work in.
9:37am • #32
Funny.  I don't think I would be able to work with people like this.  If you were hired for a job, they should back off and let you do it.
10:10am • #33
301,189 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Abby:  I went to the weekly Brokers' Caravan meeting this week and was told by a REA that she does her own staging. I wanted to tell her that I had seen her "staging" and that she really needed to turn those responsibilities over to a professional. I held my tongue, but it was difficult. She is an agressive and successful REA, but she and her clients would be better served by concentrating on her core business - selling real estate - and allow a stager to concentrate on preparing her listings for a faster sale at a better price.

The funny thing is that many people call us because they have seen our work, either in an open house or on-line portfolio, and they really like it, yet they still insist on telling us how to do our job or think they can do it better. Go figure!
10:16am • #34
655,518 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
I really think the moral to the story is how people can be penny wise and dollar stupid...they do not need a stager...I think a doctor would help more.
11:26am • #35
346,126 Points 8 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Abby, you kinda took my breathe away when I read "The HO......". Without thinking I read it as it is, without the acronym and it just didn't sound like you.  Then I realized, oh yes she's saying Home Owner...right?     The frustrations and challenges never stop but that's part of what I like.  Never a dull moment cuz ya gotta keep it positive.  (-:   Another story for your book Abby.

My graphic word is my name...what are the chances???
11:35am • #36
462,662 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Funny post. I took the time to look thru your website. Beautiful portfolio too.
3:45pm • #37
4 Featured Posts

Hi Abby--Sounds like you did the best you could with what the client was willing to pay for.  The 'cubes' in the bathroom must've been u-g-l-y!  I think most people do not realize how much inventory costs for the professional stager.  While most Realtors who stage are not really a threat, it is the fact that they are calling what they are providing: Staging.  LOL  And, more often than not, poor design work shows staging in a bad light in the end.  The homeowner does not benefit in the least other than the fact that they didn't pay a dime for the staging. 

The people who stand to gain the most through the benefits of good Home Staging are often the most near-sighted. We all realize that great staging sells the home faster and brings in more money for both the homeowner and Realtor.  Regards-Kathleen
5:44pm • #38
122,017 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I did the same as Ginger. Sometimes I forget about the internet shorthand and read as it is written. It turns out quite comical that way. I am glad everything went well. Great post!
8:13pm • #39
1 Featured Post
I've encouraged people to hire a home stager but so many times they want to cut corners.  Whether I could do it as an agent or not is almost irrelevant since it's way to easy to alienate potential clients.  I have picked up at least two listings from sellers who felt insulted by their previous agents questionable home staging advice.
9:46pm • #40
2 Featured Posts

WOW, this is a FIRST for me to have this many comments.  Thanks for dropping by.

Hi Gayle, thanks for commenting!

You're welcome Kathleen.  I know, right?  I wonder if her 'closet' is big enough?

Hi Lane, I just love that phrase 

Hi Ryan, and I agree with you!  =)  Hey, I always encourage those By Owners I come across to go with a listing agent and provide names of those I've worked with...it goes hand in hand.

Hi Courtney, personally I think it's a three way relationship that works the best...the seller, the agent and the stager.  It's the complete 'team' effort that goes a long way.  I've come across agents that have flat out told me that they want me to tell the seller what to do to properly prepare the house because they, essentially, don't want to be the bad guy...and I sooo get that....and that's what it's all about.  There's good and bad in all professions and that is REALLY what this is all about.  This is only one experience I had with one person...it in no way, shape or form implies that I think this about ALL agents.  I don't want to be a misinterpretation.  As far as payment, personally I'm paid by the homeowner as I'm sure most other stagers are although I am aware that some agents out there that pay for staging, or a part of it.  If the homeowner is paying for the staging then they become my client and it is between them and me that we decide what happens to stage the house and at what cost.  I accept input from ALL parties because I do value the agents professional opinion BUT if the input negates the purpose of staging then it is up to me to make the final decision as the stager being that is what I was hired to do---stage.   Thanks for commenting! 

Hi Ann, exactly...there's good and bad in all professions.  I 100% agree. 

Hi Richard, I don't know what they are thinking...

Hi David, and you are one smart man!  =)  Thanks for commenting!

Hi Diane,  AMEN, sista!!!!  LOL

Hi Lola, well, yes it was difficult because like I previously commented, I truly believe in the 3-way relationship between the seller, the agent and the stager.  I'm not involved to step on anyone's toes but if I'm hired to be 'involved' then I'm going to do my job..and I always do the best job I can with what I have to do it with. 

Hi Brian, well, once you are there, what do you do?  Walk out?  You have to make the best of it and still do your job the best you can.  If I have the choice, I absolutely prefer NOT to work with people like that, though.  I don't under estimate what other  people do for a living and prefer not to work with people that under estimate what I do for a living.

Hi Michelle, coming from you, it makes me feel better.   You do such amazing work.  I could not imagine anyone telling YOU that they stage their own listings BETTER than you.   OMG...now that's just NERVE!!!!

Team DiMuria, Great comment!  LOL

Hi Ginger, sorry to startle you!  LOL  I did make a notation at the bottom of the post because it didn't even dawn on me that it might be read like that!  Ha, that was funny though!  and yes, I do love the challenges too.  I guess that what makes it interesting, right? 

Hi Robert, Thanks, and thanks for dropping by the site!  =)

Hi Kathleen, I hate to think that they were desperate but after almost 6 months on the market combined with reducing the price that much, it is clear they are desperate to unload it.  I don't blame them for being budget conscious.  BUT, you can be budget conscious and still get a beautifully staged room.  We shopped full retail price for all of the accessories...I NEVER do that, so obviously they got less than I would have brought in for the same amount of money.  BUT, I can't give away all the secrets!  Then they wouldn't need to hire a stager!  =)

Hi Christy, glad you got a chuckle out of it.  I did make a notation at the bottom of the post because I don't want to offend anyone.  Thanks!

Hi Joe, really?  that's so interesting.  I'm glad to hear that actually suggesting a stager works to your benefit, whether or not they actually hire the stager.  That's REALLY good news for us out here in staging land! 

 
10:40pm • #41
1 Featured Post
I nearly died reading through this story.  Abby, you painted a really hilarious story; I read it with a smile on my face.  I have seen homes in my area that have fallen victim to this type of "staging" before.
11:14pm • #42
MAR
23
2008
151,440 Points 2 Featured Posts

I've had a similiar experience when the bedrooms were painted dark green.  We gave a suggestion for painting it and what colors.  The realtor told them that painting it wasn't necessary.

We took good photos of the staging job and emailed them to the agent to use.  She took her own photos that showed the house had been de-staged by the HO.   She used her photos that look like she's selling the furniture and not the room.  She said that the house is getting good internet views and a a few real showings.    Maybe it's because the pictures are the first viewing of the home.

It makes me want to cry with frustration.  I want to help people sell their homes and agents to make more money.

Lucky I do have other agents who know and trust what I do.  thank the lord for them.

 
10:52am • #43
It's essential to get everyone on the same page. It's a pity this agent didn't take advantage of the opportunity to pay close attention to what you were doing and why...and the phrase I learned "Let me tell you how I work..." sure might have come in handy here!
1:15pm • #44
439,114 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Abby, I read your post and most of the comments.  I am a Realtor, ASP -( and very proud of it! )I have owned my own real estate company (until we had  to relocate for my husband's job,) and I have taken some ASP classes, so I do have 10 years of listing and selling experience  and a feel for staging.  I can not understand why all the "bashing" of Realtors  has occurred here.  I would never dream of bashing "stagers" or anyone for that matter. I am disappointed that some involved had a hard time remaining "Professional".  It just makes everyone look bad and it is very distasteful.  It sure is making me rethink this forum.........Or is this just the way it is? 
3:28pm • #45
2 Featured Posts

Hi Angela,  Thanks for commenting.  Glad you got a chuckle from it.

Hi Virginia, I love your phrase "I want to help people sell their homes and agents to make more money"  That was beautifully put.

Hi Beth, Great phrase....mind if I borrow it in the future? 

Hi Vickie, I'm not bashing Realtors...as I said, this is one experience with one agent.  But I think if you weed through it you'll see, from the experience of others, not all agents are as saavy as you and do not understand the intention and purpose of home staging.  Again, I'm not saying ALL agents because that's not true...there are many that do!!!!  It's those that don't that make our jobs a whole lot harder.  It's more than throwing towels in a bathroom and a cookbook in the corner of a kitchen counter and calling it a day.  Yes, those are elements that some stagers may use but you cannot classify that element as the job itself.  Being you've taken ASP courses (I have not so I do know what curriculum is covered but I'm sure the basics are the same covered in all courses) I'm sure you know that it is more than that as well.  I think out of frustration and out of constantly trying to educate the public about what we do it the cause of the tension.  Thanks for commenting.
3:48pm • #46
I'm new here. I've been lurking. I've been working on my site, my 'nook' here and photos but this really, really struck a cord with me. I should post pictures of the places that didn't "need" my services but did have price reductions. One was a house that had no plants in front and every window had shut curtains. One of the front street windows had a huge air conditioner in it. Yikes, so uninviting-it was on a loud street too. The other place, also on a loud street,  had a pool table in the living room. The realtor said she "didn't feel the need" to tell the HO that maybe it should be moved!
5:33pm • #47

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