Admin

Please be kind...honesty is the best policy

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster - Christie's International Real Estate & Owner of Staged Home Decor MDRE#0648298
My facebook posts on Wednesday, June 2nd... Spent the day yesterday making a Staging happen for today, "Flip this Staging", it should have been called. Then at the hour of loading the truck, I got a call! I was under bid! Contract was not emailed, and I was frantically calling and waiting or I would have to cancel. All for being "the person" to make it happen for them. No one else was supposed to be in contention. Where is the integrity????? I did not add this little tidbit to the earlier post today- I woke up to finding out properties on Copenhaver Drive in Potomac, MD were having Broker Open events. We needed to take advantage of the property comparison for the value and show the Realtors our property for sale at 9028 Copenhaver Drive, as well. It was a three-house tour. *** I started by talking to realtor at 7am. and then compiling an e-newsletter to announce to realtors. at 8:30 am I was shopping, had to make cheese board and fruit tray because store had none ready-made. Went to wine store for less expensive and cold wines! Showered, dressed and then went to set up fancy spread! Sped to Capitol Hill. ****no mini-commitment contract printed, no time. I decided to trust and make the best of the situation. You know-superwoman??? Gave estimate over phone and was assured there was no competition. They were happy someone would take it on in 24 hours. Shook hands and on my way. So much to get done by 3:30 deadline to secure furniture rental... Jane, this is the first time I didn't get a deposit up front!!!! Arrrggghhh! Since then I have learned they had called my colleagues as well, with the same line!!! This is my next blog..thanks for your help in my post, all! Does this ring a bell with anyone? Have you been inconsiderate of other professionals time? We all have a responsibility to others.
Posted by

 

 

 

Deb PortraitDeb Harshman, ASPM, REALTOR   

 Accredited Staging Professional Master

Pres. of Staged Home Decor 

IAHSP and RESA Member 

    RESA LOG     ASPM Logo        DC IAHSP Logo          LNF LOGO SM                       

 

follow us on Twitter   watch us on Youtube  like us on Facebook   join at Linkedin

 

Comments(10)

Show All Comments Sort:
Wade Kawahara
Dominion Real Estate Partners, LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Sorry to hear about your bad experience but I have found that most realtors that I deal with are at least professional in their actions.

Jun 03, 2010 07:04 AM
Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento

Deborah... Sorry but handshakes don't mean a thing anymore and I am not sure what your question is here, but, sorry that this happened to you. Consider this a learning experience and do not let this happen again to you. You should never do any sort of planning for a staging until you have a signed contract in hand period. YOU are running a business... you need to conduct yours as such with guidelines and professional policies. E-me if you need more help.

Jun 03, 2010 06:23 PM
Deb Harshman
Long and Foster - Christie's International Real Estate & Owner of Staged Home Decor - Potomac, MD
REALTOR & ASPMaster Stager, The Selling Advantage

You are so correct.  I believe it is good policy to share our learning experiences. 

The one time I go ahead based on someone's word...I get burned.  Business policies are just that, "business policies" and we MUST adhere to them. 

I am hoping to demonstrate to all here on Active Rain that very fact.  No question, just info. 

Integrity and Honesty please...

Jun 04, 2010 02:20 AM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

Have a signed contract and $DEPOSIT$ in hand before you do anything.  Good luck!  Julie

Jun 04, 2010 02:38 AM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Kindness and good business practices are two very different things.  Lesson learned, just don't backslide. 

Jun 04, 2010 04:25 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON

ouch! Life lessons are hard sometimes. Good luck in the future Deborah ;).

Jun 04, 2010 01:02 PM
Kelly Townsend
Coldwell Banker - Santa Rosa, CA
CDPE, Realtor

Sorry about that. I had a client yesterday that I almost would have let slip without a contract. Older woman having trouble with her fax machine. I was willing to let it slide and pick it up the day of the job but after hearing this I have changed my mind. She did finally get it to fax so it's all good, but it is a lesson learned. I do have a client who owes me for the final month inventory rental and since I've destaged he isn't paying. Guess it will have to be small claims court. You just can't trust anyone unfortunately.

Jun 11, 2010 09:43 AM
Deb Harshman
Long and Foster - Christie's International Real Estate & Owner of Staged Home Decor - Potomac, MD
REALTOR & ASPMaster Stager, The Selling Advantage

Well Kelly, this why I did the post. As Ginger commented(thank you), don't backslide...I charge for the inventory in advance.  I haven't had a single client in arrears.  Good luck and happy Staging!

Jun 14, 2010 01:17 AM
Linda D. Pufford
Stage with Divine Style - Home Staging - Novato, CA
ASPM, Marin/Sonoma Home Stager

Hi Deb,

So sorry to hear this!  You are always so wonderful and kind to everyone.  I hope that people would not take advantage of that.  All I can say is that it is their loss not to have you Stage their home.  Your Staging projects are always so stunning and the results are proven to always have success! 

I have had many push me to the last minute before payment and letter of agreement is signed.  Some are always looking for a better deal.  They don't always get what they are looking for when they choose price over quality!!!

Jun 20, 2010 06:07 PM
Deb Harshman
Long and Foster - Christie's International Real Estate & Owner of Staged Home Decor - Potomac, MD
REALTOR & ASPMaster Stager, The Selling Advantage

Well said Linda,      "Some are always looking for a better deal.  They don't always get what they are looking for when they choose price over quality!!!  

Thank you for your compliments and support!

Jun 29, 2010 02:31 AM