Sellers Seminar - Anyone Actually Doing This?

I haven't actually done this but I am in the process of looking into doing a seminar for home sellers.  I think it would be great to get out there and educate the public on staging.  I will let you know if I get this up and going.

~Kimberly~

My company was actually just asked to do this.  Unfortunately because of the timing we had to turn them down.  Definately we would do it in the future, however.  See if you can team up with a local realtor or agency, mortgage broker, etc.  You can all have time to speak and market yourself, educate buyers & sellers & split the costs... Good luck!

One of the local staging companies recently held a seminar at our public library. It was announced in the local events section of the newspaper. You might try something like this in your area since the library offers meeting space for free and the newspaper will list your event for no charge as well. (At least they do those things here.) Hopefully they will in your town as well.

Yep I do this.  I have also teamed with a realtor that asked me to join him, but he has done his own advertising and he hasn't had much interest...not enough to pay my fee. 

I love this part of my job and my clients seem to learn a lot.  My class/seminar runs about 2.5-3 hours and I have just started promoting it to brokers for their entire offices.  They invite their sellers, provide the food, the space and I give out the info.  Haven't had any takers yet, but I know it takes time. 

I've also done this in individuals' homes. (as well as at community venues and the local title company.)  Sellers invite friends (minimum of 5) that also have their homes listed, they provide the refreshments and during the question and answer section I walk through the hostesses home giving suggestions...really quick ones.  If she wants a more detailed walk-through she has to schedule that for another time. 

I originally considered this as part of educating the public about staging, but I love doing it so much that I'm trying to do more.  I use a powerpoint presentation as my focus with lots of before and after photos.  This keeps me from giving away too much information.  I'm sure that many ladies leave feeling that they can do it themselves and that's ok...I'm getting the staging word out and when their homes don't sell right away, I think they'll call me. 

Go for it.  Want more info..send me a private e-mail and I'll be happy to share. 

Cheri, I will charge between $100-$150 depending upon if they want to 2 or 3 hour presentation.  They can invite as big an audience as their facility will hold.  I can talk really fast when necessary and I have a timer that dings really LOUD when my time is up.  Of course I always go over with the time but I let everyone know that I'm busy and my time with them is limited. 

I no longer give seminars to realtors.  I started doing that and too many agents started thinking after a 1-2 hour class suddenly they were stagers. That was not my intent...and it certainly didn't make them ready for the job. If I were to do it again I would let them know what a difficult job this is...not simply fluff and decor!!! 

Cheri, that sounds like a great opportunity and in my area it is really needed information.  At the weekly MLS meetings that I attend, I try to give them a staging or desin "tip" and they are just amazed at what I say.  I guess they never watch the shows or read the information that we do.  AND for me, none are active in AR...I've sent the invites but that's as far as it goes. 

Cheri, I had to join the MLS as an affiliate/service provider in order to attend meetings.  Having previously been in the business I knew the protocol and I also knew that in my small town I was more likely to get the business if I became involved in their organization.  Since I am the only stager that has joined (it's not inexpensive) they invited me to speak to the group within my first month of membership.  Our group is always looking for informative speakers and I was lucky to have the opportunity early on.  After that I started speaking to the individual offices at their meetings because the word got out. 

I would suggest you speak with a local realtor that you want to befriend and ask them the details of joining.  In our group there are many affiliates/services provides from the local plumber and tractor service to mortgage lenders and title reps. 

If you do join and find it a bit intimidating or troublesome, please feel free to give me a call or e-mail and I'll be happy to help you through it.  I think it's the best way to get to know realtors and it is easier than cold-calling on the offices.

I didn't know you could join the MLS.  I'm going to look into that in my area.  Brooding about a trade with a new REA I know: their MLS code for 1 free staging, and 2 listing calls per season?  Whaddya think?