As a stager, as well as someone looking at second homes in Florida, and reading AR posts etc. I see a LOT of pictures of houses listed for sale. I love the staged homes. I am sometimes appalled by pictures... I mean really? You couldn't make the bed today? And then there is the occasion where I'm looking thru something local, and I kinda sorta know the person, or they are in my area and another I know from AR, the Chamber or something. I see the listing, perhaps it's in the next town over and I have friends there, who bought new and I know the houses, I know what a great neighboorhood it is. I also know from looking at the pictures that even though the house is neat, it's overcluttered, and slightly outdated. That wallpaper is gonna scare off buyers I want to shout. All the oak, the outdated flooring!!! I could go on but you get the picture. And I understand the owners know it's a great area, and they love their home. But I often find myself wondering has anyone given them any advice? Even if they do a fair amount to the home to update it, hire a good stager it's going to cost them a lot less than the first price reduction. But really can you tell an agent that their listing needs a make-over?
Elizabeth, I've gone to open houses and introduced myself. I've offered tips in conversation. But I don't think I could call up an agent cold and say I think that judging from the pictures their listing needs work. The agent may have offered a consult and been turned down or maybe they just don't see the value. They might feel they know better.
Oh no I would never. It's just someone who I know...but now well....if it was someone I knew very well I would say something... I just see so many that could use help from one of us.
Hi Elizabeth,
Could have, would have, should have. It is a real balance with pricing and preparing a home for sale. There are so many things we see other agents do that we TRY no to do ourselves, lousy photos, descriptions, over-pricing. It is easy to critique others but harder to judge our own work.
If you are referring to any of our listings, go ahead and let us know. We can take the criticism! We would welcome the feedback.
Lisa
A good thing for stagers to do is to build relationships with agents/brokers. I have seen an increase in awareness over the past few years. There are so many factors when truly assisting clients.
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