In 2008, I understood, respected, and embraced agents who also prepared their own listings for sale. Ditto 2009-2011.
2012, it started getting old, and now, here, in 2013, I suggest that *most* agents who do their own Staging are diminishing both our jobs.
Agents who have kindly, graciously chosen to extend themselves in an extraordinary way to sellers who really don't have a lot of other choices are similarly respected, as are agents who are pleased with how their systems work. My suggestions are meant for agents looking for a better way in this new market.
It has nothing to do with territory, taste, or ego. SURE> indirectly it's about money (when the topic is real estate, everything is about money at some point), but more to the point, it's about updating a business model.
To support this premise, it's important to first discuss what Staging is, what it entails, so wrote about some of The Refreshed Home's latest projects: YES! New Toilets, CO2 Detectors and Clever Signage: All Part of Staging.
YES>it's wonderful for an agent to be comfortable having 'the talk' with a seller... and a quick perusal of any MLS site will demonstrate there is no shortage of properties could be bettered....so isn't any effort better than no effort?
Perhaps- short term, and for that seller and agent. But big-picture, and for the most part, in 2013, I suggest agents' getting involved in the minutae of getting their sellers' property ready for sale is counter-productive to their business, and diminishes both our jobs.
Research has proven 55% of a messages' impact comes from non-verbal communication, what we do says more than what we say. Jumping in, you may think you're being productive...saving them money...showing you care. In shaky 2008-12 that was a message with real value. But in 2013...?
IMO it helps reinforce most every misconception about our jobs (FUN! EASY! MAKING HOUSES PRETTY!) , every reason you find yourself rolling your eyes over, or thinking bad thoughts about...the bad behaviors sellers show, and any casual attitude they have about their own responsibility preparing and maintaining their house for sale.
- You may very well have that kind of talent, but do you really have that kind of free time? Do a full job once, you'll see how demanding and interactive it is. And what other-more productive activities/opportunities are missed, because you are discussing paint colors and lighting fixtures?
- Do you not know, or work with any good Home Stagers? Your sellers know a little about this mysterious entity called Home Staging, but they expect you to know more.
- Don't have anyone you know/like near you? Talk to me about Remote Consults
- When there's a hole in the roof do you throw on some overalls, and climb up with a roll of tar paper and a nail gun? Do you think your sellers expect this? or might be more impressed if you did? NO, (and hopefully no, and no!). Here it's enough you spot a problem, address it with seller, and discuss in terms of how it'll affect saleability-why not approach Home Staging in the same way?
- Just because we can make something look easy, it does not make it so. You and I have both worked years to be good in our chosen fields. Just rolling it into the deal diminishes both our jobs. It tells sellers it's an easy giveaway, the RE equivalent of Ginzu steak knives. No one will appreciate the gravity of the task-or the value of getting it done if you don't 'tell' them> by showing it needs to be handled by a trusted professional.
Again-if what you have works, that's great. But if you've read this far, chances are it doesn't. Time is not a renewable resource. Talk to this Westchester County Home Stager today, let me show you how quickly and easily make your clients happier and have better looking listings, while you ease into a more satisfying, more productive MO.
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