Special offer

Palin's Puff, Artful Staging?

By
Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster Realtors

I started out thinking about some of the Broker Open House tours I went on last week, especially the one which truly amazed me as to what the owners must be thinking when it comes to the sale of their home.  I have been lucky for the most part, most of my seller's were not stuck in their own decorating ideas and took my suggestions well.

       Anyway, I thought about the impression one particular home made on the majority of us Realtors who visited.  In the beautiful two story foyer were hanging two stuffed animal heads.  Now, I am certain this owner must be a hunter.   I do not necessarily object to hunting.  My father always claimed the deer population need to be controlled or otherwise they would starve to death.   Staving was much crueler than being shot, especially if the hunter really did use the meat to feed his family.  That makes perfectly good sense to me.   I also realize it is a sport, of course, and most people want to display their trophies. BUT not in the foyer of a home, Please, especially if your objective is to sell your home.  I know the listing agent heard our comments loud and clear on this matter.  


Putting politics aside, I did come across this picture in The New York Times with Ms. Palin relaxing in her office.  I was a bit taken back by her pillow
Photo by Anchorage Daily News









  I realize she is not intending to have her space invaded by unknown guests, but I do wonder about her choice in this matter. My office, if I had a sofa to relax on, would possibly have a beautiful throw.   Each to their own, I guess.

 Neutralizing is the safest bet to getting buyers envisioning themselves living your home.  Before you try to figure out what things you might want to change, take some pictures of your living space.  Pictures can help you to take a look from a different perspective.  I like to offer my sellers a chance to look at some of the  Virtural Tours I do BEFORE we place it in the MLS.  It helps to sometimes soften the blow from the agent's and buyer's feedback.

Posted by

Tanya Spotts                                                                       

Multimillion Dollar Top Producer                                                SUBSCRIBE HERE   
This Spot's For You!  ( http://ThisSpotsForYou.com )

 Long & Foster Realtors
508 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176 

 Cell Phone: 703-618-1218

 Office Tel: 703-777-2900

 Office Fax: 703-777-5627

Email: Tanya.Spotts@longandfoster.com

L&F Office Green Ambassador 

Comments (8)

Angelia Garcia
Pure Realtors - Dallas, TX

That is a bad picture.  What was she thinking?

 

Oct 08, 2008 04:56 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I love it.  Gov. Palin stuck a sharp stick in the eye of every anti-gun person in the country. 

Oct 08, 2008 05:00 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate

Hey, Tanya. I would almost have to believe that this photo was photo shopped. Even if it was not, I still find her to be an outstanding person. Thanks, Jim

Oct 08, 2008 05:11 AM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Tanya~ Is that a REAL picture?  If it is, it is a bad picture! LOL! 

Oct 08, 2008 05:19 AM
Marie Meyer
Keller Williams Realty - Central Valley, NY
Orange County New York Realtor

Hi Tanya ... Animal heads are not going to appeal to many buyers.  I think decor should remain as neutral as possible.  Every time I show a home with a couple of heads on the wall, it does not go well.  I had a horrified child run out of one house with dad in toe.  End of showing! 

Oct 08, 2008 05:22 AM
Ilyce Glink
Think Glink Media - Chicago, IL
Best-selling author, award-winning TV/radio host.

Tanya-- You're right that certain decor can throw buyers off (like a giant bear head....) Taking pictures is a great way to gain some perspective. Having a friend or relative come over and look around could help, too. Thanks for the tips!

Oct 08, 2008 11:01 AM
Anonymous
Heather Steele

Hi Tanya!  Got your card in the mail - thank you!  That was so sweet of you!  Looks like you're getting plenty of comments these days!  While I like Sarah Palin, I could probably do without the bearskin.  Its a bit much.  But I suppose, when in Alaska, right?

Oct 15, 2008 02:57 PM
#7
Debbie White
Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK
I Sell Alaska!

Sorry for the late post on this, but your blog came up when I was searching for something.

Yes, that is Sarah Palin, in her Anchorage office (not the capital city, by the way).  That isn't photoshopped and she does have a bear and the crab in her office.  It's more common than you might think in our area.

Oct 24, 2008 10:30 AM