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Lost to Followup

By Linda Sticklin

Home Stager with Home Staging & Organizing

October 15, 2007 02:07 AM

I offer a followup visit to homeowners of an occupied property as part of my staging consultation. There is no additional cost--it is included in the consultation fee. Yet, I find that many homeowners do not take advantage of the followup visit. The purpose of the followup is to "fine tune" furniture and accessory placement and offer final suggestions. I tell homeowners to contact me once they have completed the work from the written consultation to schedule the followup.

Of course, I am always interested in seeing the final product and gathering the "after" photos. I miss the gratification when it doesn't happen! I am curious why sellers do not take advantage of this additional visit. Have they not followed through on the recommendations? Are they just too busy to be bothered? Are they fully confident in their ability to follow my instructions to the "T"?

Do you offer a followup to your consultation and what is your experience?

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Julia Maher

Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT

Connecticut Home Stager

Linda: I have offered to do the same when I do a consultation, and have been invited back maybe 20% of the time. I don't know why, but I have a feeling it's because they haven't done all the "to dos". In fact, I'm still waiting for updated photos to be posted on MLS for some of these properties where I was called in after they'd been on the market for a while. I have called both the Realtors and the homeowners, but no call backs. I know it's not me...

Oct 15, 2007 03:49 AM

Cindy Lin

Staged4more School of Home Staging - South San Francisco, CA

Host, The Home Staging Show podcast

I haven't done consults yet since my market doesn't really call for it. But I would recommend to make it a mandatory one, even just 15 minutes and say "you did a great job!" because sellers need to know that they are held accountable. Also I would love to take a picture to see the end result! It's all about building your portfolio!

cheers,

cindy

Oct 15, 2007 04:24 PM

Anthea Click

Fresh Perspectives - www.InsideNashvilleHomes.com - Franklin, TN

Nashville Home Stager - Selling Nashville, TN homes quickly!

Linda,

I will write down a date to come back and fine tune. This holds the selles accountable knowing they have to get it done before I come back. Otherwise they can drag their feet and it can go on and on. You can also call to see how they are progressing and ask if they have any questions. Best of luck!

Oct 16, 2007 01:52 AM

Cheri Dueker

Transitional Designs, LLC - Saint Louis, MO

Transitional Designs, LLC, Home Staging St. Louis

Linda: I always schedule the followup when I do the consultation. I also attend the first open house to make sure the house is show ready before the doors open! This is a great way to get after photos. Maybe homeowners are afraid you will criticize their efforts so make sure you stay positive.

Oct 16, 2007 02:52 AM

Nicola Lindsay

Nicola Lindsay ReDesign and Home Staging - Saint Stephen, NB

CRSS

Never leave it in the owners hands to return a call to you. You want to be in the drivers seat with your time and energy.I agree with scheduling when you do the consultation, They know you are coming and then can decide to do all you suggest or cancel totally. Some people have to have their hands held through projects and be encouraged along.

Oct 16, 2007 03:54 AM

Linda Sticklin

Home Staging & Organizing - Berwyn, PA

Thanks all for the feedback. Great idea to schedule the followup at the time of the consultation--I hadn't thought of that!

Cheri, I will try attending the first open house. If for no other reason, I will get the gratification of the "after" photos!

Oct 16, 2007 11:54 AM

Lost to Followup

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