Home Stager Changes a Potential Disaster to an Opportunity

By
Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel Realtors

This is a short-story about how Home Stager, Kathy Burke, changes a potential disaster to an opportunity.

It has happened to all of us at one time or another.  The listing is signed, Kathy completed the staging consultation and once the seller's typical To Do list is completed (declutter, depersonalize, clean, touch-up paint, some minor purchases) the house will go on the market and be fabulous.  That is until the Pest Inspection returns with over $15,000 of unexpected repairs.  And worse, the repairs require removing the marble tile in both bathrooms and the cost to reinstall marble tile versus generic tile is a significant additional expense to the $15k bid.  Not going to happen.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes and now the bathrooms will only be generic.  What to do?  Call Kathy Burke of Sensational Home Staging!  My original question for Kathy was "What color should we pick that will most appeal to buyers?"  The answer I received was soooo much better.  Kathy provided fabulous design ideas using off-the-shelf tile products, a few inexpensive tweaks and, ta da!, a totally upgraded bathroom with a "designer look" and all within the budget.  Buyers are going to love it!  Suddenly the potential disaster is a wonderful opportunity.

Kathy's approach to creating a designer-look on a budget suddenly made me realize how valuable her expertise could be to Walnut Creek homeowners (or anywhere in the East Bay) contemplating improvements, not just sellers.

Comments (5)

Kathy Burke
Sensational Home Staging~~Danville, CA - Danville, CA
S.F. East Bay Home Staging

WENDY.......THANK YOU for blogging about our discussion on how to "solve" your bathroom dilemma...so appreciate the kind words.  I think many still think of home stagers as someone bringing in a few decor items and art.....most professional home stagers can provide a full array of services.  It's all about the "vision" and some creative thinking.....THANKS for having me on your team!!

Dec 01, 2011 04:34 AM
Wendy Cutrufelli
Alain Pinel Realtors - Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa Realtor

I must admit, I was one of those that thought of home stagers as professionals who bring in decor and art.  An important aspect of selling to be sure, but my eyes are WIDE OPEN now about how much more you bring to the table!

Dec 01, 2011 04:42 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Hi Wendy ~ If I was a seller located anywhere in the East Bay, I'd want to have the expertise of Kathy Burke.  Time and again she helps sellers and their listing agents achieve a faster sale, both with her expert advice on cost-effective cosmetic updates, as well as her incredible staging ability.  So nice of you to feature Kathy's talent with this post!

Dec 01, 2011 02:38 PM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Kathy is a true professional and a great stager/home stylist.  More people need to CALL KATHY and get her into their home to take advantage of her expertise!  Believe me Wendy doing a blog post about her is about as good as it gets for a stager!! 

Dec 02, 2011 03:20 AM
EC, JF, Double R and Zoey the Cool Cat
Russel Ray Photos - San Diego, CA

I had no idea that you could run into such expenses in the bathroom. Wow.

Dec 05, 2011 03:41 PM