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Good cop, bad cop?

By
Home Stager with Smart Move Design Home Staging and Redesign

When a professional home stager pairs with a real estate agent to market a home it can sometimes feel like a scene from an old detective movie. The Realtor is cast as the good cop, the Home Stager plays the bad cop and  the listed home is cast as the villain.

While this is an exaggeration, some agents, not wanting to offend their clients, may be hesitant to say what they really think the seller needs to do to get their house ready to sell. It can be easier and more effective for the professional Home Stager to come in and tactfully make a case for what needs to be done. Note I said the word "tactfully" as we Home Stagers do not want to offend either! But as a third party we can address issues that may be uncomfortable or sensitive - odors, pets, trouble spots, collectibles, etc. while showing clients how to maximize the home's features.

And "The End" to this good cop/bad cop scenario?  The owner is happy to make the changes, the Realtor  maintains a positive working relationship with their client, and the home is staged successfully for a quicker and more lucrative sale. It's a happy ending for all.

Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com
We have had to be the good cop and bad cop on many occasions with clients.  Good analogy though!!!
Apr 07, 2008 12:42 PM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F
I've used many of my team members to play good cop bad cop on a transaction.  This is another good idea.
Apr 07, 2008 12:43 PM