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$1.39 Home Staging

By
Real Estate Agent with Blackburn Investors Realty

See this switch plate? Yes, all the switch plates in a home that someone was trying to sell were like this.   The house was vacant, but these said everything a buyer needed to know about the house -- it screamed "estate sale". It screamed "granny". It screamed "desparate seller". It screamed "clueless Realtor".  

switch plate

It would have cost the seller (or agent) $1.39 each to replace.  When talking to clients about listing their property, the first thing I do is ask for permission to be blunt. (I say blunt or frank because I hate it when people say "To tell you the truth" or "Honestly" because I'm always honest. Just not blunt.) They always say yes.  Of course!! That's what homeowners want --an expert's opinion.  

And I don't just criticize...I always offer inexpensive suggestions for improving the property's appeal to buyers. Come to think of it, most fixes are free or very low cost. Like switchplates and painting.  But instead of doing this, most agents are in a mad rush to list properties before the ink is dry on the contract.  Why is that?!

Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker

Jennie, it's the little things that buyers will notice and take away as clues about the seller's situation. This is such an easy and inexpensive change that I can't believe someone didn't do it before the house went on the market. 

Nov 26, 2012 07:28 AM
Jennie Blackburn
Blackburn Investors Realty - Redington Shores, FL
Beach & Waterfront Realtor

I know, isnt it crazy? In these situations, I assume the listing agent is a family member or friend that does not work in real estate full time...what I refer to as an 'Accidental Agent' meaning they stay licensed in case they 'accidentally' sell something.

Nov 26, 2012 07:46 AM
Beverly Carlson
Carlson Properties 325-721-2429 - Abilene, TX
Abilene's Staging Realtor

Oh, my who   would do that to a switch plate?  Framed in lace REALLY!

Dec 01, 2012 01:37 PM
Anonymous
Jennie Blackburn, Realtaholic

I know, Beverly. Poor switchplate.

Dec 03, 2012 01:22 AM
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