I recently listed and sold a lovely home in Carmel, Indiana.  The home was lovely, the sellers were lovely and the list price was lovely.  However, I knew the moment I stepped inside the home that challenges lay ahead.  My wonderful sellers had moved to the US a few years back and brought with them their wonderful native cuisine, complete with those wonderful, seasonings and spices .

During the initial listing appointment, I noticed this 'aroma' and told the sellers that while I personally immediately recognized it and 'appreciated', it for what it was, this could be an issue. Many buyers are unfamiliar with anything other than local recipes such as Indiana corn on the cob and grilled hamburgers. I stopped short of offending the sellers and decided to let other agents' feedback assist me.

Sure enough, showing after showing, the feedback was all the same--nice home, great price, but there is a strange odor as soon as we step in the door.  Most experienced agents had dealt with this before and immediately knew what it was, but could not convince potential buyers that a thorough deep cleaning, painting and removing most of the existing fabrics would take care of the problem.  First impressions are everything, right?

My clients became more and more convinced that local buyers were simply showing a prejudice against the sellers.  They were deeply hurt even though I assured them it was nothing personal.  They had cleared their home of all religious aritfacts and neutralized it as much as possible.  I explained to them that there are many dishes I myself cook that might offend others--mentioning some of my infamous fish offerings.

 The sellers reluctantly agreed to allow a stager to come in to try to help. She got to work right away:

1) Carpets were professionally cleaned.

2) All fabric -  drapery/curtains, bedspreads, tablecoths, etc. were removed, replaced or cleaned.

3) Some walls were painted with a touch of vanilla extract added to the paint.

4)  Some lightly scented potpouri was strategically placed in decorative containers throughout the home.

Feedback improved immediately and we accepted an offer just a few short weeks later.  The sellers were never really convinced that the staging helped, but I cannot be convinced otherwise!!

 

 

Pat Haddad, ABR, CDPE, CRS, e-Pro, GRI

Haddad Team, Keller Williams Realty

www.HaddadTeam.com

317-840-7555

Pat@HaddadTeam.com

 

Indianapolis real estate and the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Morse, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville, and everywhere in between!  Whether you are buying or selling an Indianapolis home, I'll be with you every step of the way.