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"I just never saw all of those issues" said the Realtor

By Ginger Foust

Home Stager with Certified Staging Professional

November 04, 2012 10:59 PM

"I just never saw all of those issues" This is what a local RE agent said to me after we visited a 5000+ square foot listing which she knew had issues but she didn't see them as a buyer would see them.

Initially this agent gasped at my consultation fee but she decided to go ahead because she knew that she needed help with this listing.

This is an estate situation and the only heir that was willing to do anything to his parent's home was overwhelmed. Well, when I got done with the consult he was even more overwhelmed BUT he had a list of priorities and he knew what he was facing and where to start.

Dream Interior Redesign and Staging Oakhurst CA

You can see just a few of the glaring issues in the above photos. Mauve carpeting in every room, wallpaper in most rooms, mauve tile in the entry which had a lot of damage, heavy draperies in almost every room, an exterior entry way that no one would see as desirable.

After leaving this consult the agent called me and thanked me for my time and reaffirmed how valuable my time had been and worth every penny of my consult fee. She realized that the asking price for this house was way out of line. Since she and the son had taken part in the consult they now had common ground to discuss where to go with this extensive project.

This week I will follow-up with the son and ask how I can be of further help. The agent just said that she doubts that they will do anything to the house except lower the price and walk-away.

Sometimes a consult doesn't lead to a job for me but when I can help sellers and their agents get a better grip on the reality of the situation, I'm pleased.

Dream Interior Redesign and Staging Oakhurst CA

Visit our website at http://www.dreamredesigns.com for more information or call 559-877-2442 Dream Interior Redesign and Staging by Ginger Foust is a full service, licensed and insured Professional Home Stager, Interior ReDesign/Decorating Specialist, consulting and training company.

Locally serving the California foothill and mountain communities of: Oakhurst, North Fork, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Ahwahnee, Wawona and Mariposa. Also serving areas of: Fresno, Clovis and Madera, California and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

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Sally Weatherley

EXIT STAGE RIGHT - Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Home Staging, Home Stager Vancouver, B.C

Ginger - Oooh, I bet you were just itching to get at that wallpaper!!! Interesting how a Consult can have more than one purpose. Instead of leading to renos and staging, this Consult lead to a reality check and a meeting ground for the Realtor® and home owner. What an interesting spin.

Nov 04, 2012 11:35 PM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Melanie and Sharon, the seller was relieved to hear my expert opinion even though he didn't like it and I didn't expect him too. Thank you for commenting!

Nov 05, 2012 12:58 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Sally, every room had some kind of issue that I would have loved to get after but alas I don't think that will happen. It's just too big of a project for the expected outcome. It has however good for everyone involved to be on the same page. Thank you for your thoughts!

Nov 05, 2012 01:00 AM

Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging

Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR

"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Ginger ~ I'm so glad they hired you for this needed consultation ... and while some clients don't have the budget for staging, at least they benefitted from your expert opinion (and it sounds like their agent did, too). If they lower the price but end up with a sale, it will certainly have been worth their small investment.

Nov 05, 2012 04:39 AM

Alicia Barrington

THE ORIGINAL HOUSTON HOME STAGING - Katy, TX

Houston Home Staging Presents Alicia Barrington

Hi Ginger!

Estate situations can be difficult. Many times the executor of the estate is so emotionally involved they either can't move an inch, or they swing out too far, and over spend in renovations. Having a professional, objective opinion certainly assures them success!

I'm sure we'll all look forward to hearing of this listing's success!

Nov 05, 2012 04:47 AM

Sharon Tara

Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH

Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I recently had the same consult! I will be writing a post about it soon. The house was basically trapped in a time warp...no improvements since the 70's. In my case the heir has a brother and both of them are married....one couple wanted to slap a price on it and walk away, and the other couple called me in because they wanted to know what needed to be done prior to marketing the home....hoping to get as much money as possible. The brother is "loaded" according to his sister-in-law (my client) and doesn't need the "inheritance" as much.

Pretty much the same outcome as your consult....way too much for the heirs to handle. The were very pleased they had called me though because it gave them a clearer picture of how to determine asking price. Also, they listed with the agent that I suggested....and loved her!

Nov 05, 2012 05:57 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thanks Maureen. This poor guy was already at his wits end and at first I felt like I was just adding fuel to his family fire but in the end he was very appreciative. Phone call today yielded no answer so I'm going to email him.

Nov 05, 2012 08:23 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Tom they sure are! I had one estate situation where the attorney had to step in and demand that some upgrades and staging happen quickly. It is difficult for the heirs for MANY reasons. Thanks for commenting.

Nov 05, 2012 08:25 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Sharon, glad that I'm not alone and thanks for your comments. I even shot this guy a quick written report so that he could share it with his non-cooperative family members. Overall it was a mixture of frustration and relief for him...I think.

Nov 05, 2012 08:27 AM

Kathy Burke

Sensational Home Staging~~Danville, CA - Danville, CA

S.F. East Bay Home Staging

Ginger....They called in an expert and received GREAT and valuable feedback...hope they act on it!

Nov 05, 2012 10:32 PM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thank you Kathy. As a renovator oh boy would I love to get my hands on this house and make it a showplace because the views of the sierras are amazing but I don't believe that's going to happen. Hope you are well!

Dream Interior Redesign and Staging Oakhurst CA

Nov 05, 2012 11:34 PM

Julia Maher

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

Connecticut Home Stager

At least you provided the reality check to price the house appropriately for "as is" rather than "as we wish it was"...very thoughtful post, Ginger!

Nov 07, 2012 02:08 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thank you Julie. It's a service that certainly is needed and fortunately this REA saw that!

Nov 07, 2012 09:32 PM

Marianne Cherico

Interiors by Marianne Cherico - Foxboro, MA

Home Stager -Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Ginger-Isn't it funny how people see THEIR homes through rose colored glasses??? That is why a reality check from a seasoned stager like you is so crucial:)

Nov 11, 2012 05:57 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thank you Marianne. Since this statement came from the RE agent it was just another affirmation about what we do and how we help people.

Nov 11, 2012 10:53 PM

Janice Ankrett

Burlington, ON

Staging Professional

Ginger, I had a similar consult. In my case the family opted to do some painting, replace a light fixture and tile the foyer. The kitchen update and bathroom updates were left out.

Nov 25, 2012 02:17 AM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thanks for commenting Janice. This family has chosen to do nothing and their payback will show that but that's their decision.

Nov 25, 2012 10:25 PM

Joe Jackson

Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH

Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

a second set of eyes can really help on staging issues.

Jan 21, 2013 08:55 PM

Ginger Foust

Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA

Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Well, the Realtor from this project just called to tell me that they took this house off the market and moved a bunch of family members in.....and so it goes.......

Feb 23, 2013 03:06 AM

Joe Jackson

Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH

Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Buyers and the inspectors always see this issues, you can not ignore them

Oct 05, 2013 10:45 PM