first impressions: My client doesn't really want to sell so how do I get them to stage?
- 08/09/09 11:18 AM
This weekend I had a situation where I was searching for properties on MLS. My family is moving and as usual we are looking for a dog house in a nice neighborhood to purchase. This way we can benefit for our skill sets and others who don't understand how important it is to have a home in 'move in ready' condition. As I ran through the properties I found a few that I liked and sat down to narrow down a showing list when I noticed that one of the properties was that of an agent who was familiar with our … (15 comments)
first impressions: Technology Changes the Way Real Estate is Sold...
- 07/23/09 11:02 AM
The Real Estate Industry has continued to evolve over time. With its evolution have come many new and exciting fields of technology and subsidiary business. Just 10 -15 years ago agents were an essential commodity in the business of buying and selling homes because there was almost no way of finding out what was available in a given community without one. Before online MLS capabilities were available, agents were provided weekly copies of new listings, which were inserted into large three ring binders. Often there were multiple listings per page with, if you were lucky, a single exterior photograph of the … (13 comments)
first impressions: Charleston's local statistics - Homes Staged and Sold in under 30 days!
- 07/22/09 03:00 PM
So you think the market is a little stagnant in Charleston? That definately isn't what we are seeing with our staging services. Take a look at these properties that were staged and went under contract in 30 days or less! MLS# 2904781 - Listed: 2/17/09 Owner Occupied Consultation provided prior to listingUnder Contract: 2/22/09 - 5 daysMLS# 2823882 - Listed: 8/3/08 Staged: 3/11/09 Under Contract: 3/20/09 - 9 daysMLS# 2911681 - Listed: 4/28/09 Owner Occupied Consultation provided prior to listingUnder Contract: 5/6/09 - 9 daysMLS# 2912367 - Listed: 5/5/09 Staged: 5/6/09 Under Contract: 5/16/09 - 10 daysMLS# 2906646 - Listed: 12/7/08 … (1 comments)
first impressions: It's hard to argue with staging when the numbers are there in black and white....
- 06/30/09 02:23 PM
Bevin has been working putting some statistics together for a new flyer and I have to say that even I am impressed. First Impressions has been busy this year and thankfully we've got some great stats to prove it. It is hard to argue with hard facts and numbers... Staging turns listings into SOLD!
Now, let's see how anyone can dispute these number?! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to be taught by CSP's Executive Director, Melissa Marro, see her class dates below and call 1-888-STAGING to reserve your seat. To learn more about becoming a Certified Staging Professional, visit www.csptraining.com. July 8 -9 CSP Elite … (5 comments)
first impressions: Deja vu?? What happens when two of us do the same house two years apart?
- 06/26/09 11:32 AM
Last week I received an email from a past client. Two years ago we staged her downtown Charleston loft and in less than a month it went under contract. The deal was supposed to be a lease to own, but apparently things didn't go exactly as planned with the economy and banking being what they are. Recently the tenants moved out and the home was ready to go back on the market. The email was on Thusday of last week and the new open house was scheduled for Thursday of this week.... with no time to spare and my calendar being … (18 comments)
first impressions: It's so easy a ----------- could do it!
- 06/25/09 08:44 AM
This seems to be the philosophy of so many new staging training providers that are popping up in the industry these days. Have you noticed how many there are? Because many businesses are struggling, and of course staging training is a 'cash cow', they have decided to throw their hats into the ring - at least that is perception. In truth, courses that are properly prepared, written and presented are not 'cash cows'. They have high levels of overhead and expenses. They have industry professionals teaching the course who are taking time out of their busy schedules of running their own … (7 comments)
first impressions: Would you like to have more showings for your listings?
- 06/17/09 01:42 PM
I had a call tonight from an agent who was having a little frustration. One of his listings actually received an offer and a ratified contract from a client who he also has a listing for.... (wild, huh?) The seller (who is also the buyer on another of his listings) isn't sure that staging really works and why he should do it. The agent, who worked with me his first time on the property that the selling/buying client purchased was thrilled with the results and started working with us on all of his new listings - including recommending for this one. … (8 comments)
This is also the home that HGTV's Designed to Sell Real Estate Expert, Terry Haas met me at yesterday to see my work. While we didn't do many rooms, it definately helped fix the problem of an awkward family room. The layout was difficult for most buyers to envision a possible seating arrangment. Stay tuned for homes 2-5 later this week.... … (20 comments)
first impressions: $10,000 price reductions & 6 mos on market... why not move the cable instead?
- 10/07/07 01:42 AM
Staging for all its glory is really about cutting through the daily life & order of things and finding ways to best represent the home for today's buyer. I am regularly surprised at the lengths some clients will go through to get the job done & then more surprised by others who won't. Let me give you some insight...... Normally with owner occupied homes I come out and view the property, take photos & make lists - lists of things the homeowner can do to improve the salablility of their home & ways of helping improve their bottom line (the finiancial … (20 comments)
first impressions: The Power of Newsletters - over $100K in business
- 06/18/07 02:42 PM
I had hoped to have time to post this last Friday, but didn't. Last Friday was a milestone for me. It was the one year anniversary of my very first newsletter. I know I've blogged about newsletters before. Many of you simply don't see the value. Here it is.... Since then I can directly contribute over $100K in sales directly to this one marketing campaign. Does this get your attention? What other marketing tool do you have that is this effective? Why haven't you started one yet? Or worse yet, have you started one but send it out sporadically? I … (21 comments)
Author Bio: Melissa Marro, Home Staging Industry leader, Realtor, and entrepreneur offers a unique perspective on New Home Construction, Resale Residential Real Estate, and Home Staging
This weekend I had a situation where I was searching for properties on MLS. My family is moving and as usual we are looking for a dog house in a nice neighborhood to purchase. This way we can benefit for our skill sets and others who don't understand how important it is to have a home in 'move in ready' condition. As I ran through the properties I found a few that I liked and sat down to narrow down a showing list when I noticed that one of the properties was that of an agent who was familiar with our … (15 comments)
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