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Two Homes Sold 1st Day On the Market! ... What Did a Tract Home by a Busy Road and an Older Bungalow With Only 1 Bath Have in Common?

On the surface neither one of these homes seemed like the type to be snapped up in a single day on the market. The tract home was rather nondescript ... master bedroom had no attached bathroom, and it backed up to a busy and noisy street. The bungalow had 3 bedrooms and only 1 tiny bathroom ... really tiny! So what did these two properties have in common that had them both sold the first day on the market? I can sum it up in one word: Teamwork!

1.  A seller who was committed to doing everything within their power and budget to completely prepare their house to go on the market. They painted, re-carpeted, made repairs, and spruced up the landscape.

2. A broker who did their homework and priced the home correctly for the neighborhood and current market conditions. They took many photos and created great marketing materials to stir up interest for the initial broker's open tour.

3. A stager (me, of course) who used their expertise in display and arrangement of beautiful furnishings, accessories and art to accent the positive features of the house and to add warmth and wide appeal.

In both scenarios, we all worked together as a team. We discussed the particular issues of concern in the home and the most likely types of potential buyers who might be interested in a home in the area. I was supportive of the broker's suggestions, as the broker was of mine. The seller knew they had hired two great professionals and they acted on the advice they were given.

Nobody can guarantee you that your property will sell in a day. But, if you are to have your best shot at selling quickly and for top dollar, be sure to assemble a great team.

I'm showing a single "before" photo and two "after" photos of each property .... and yes, these both sold during the last part of 2008.

You can see more of my work at Pangaea Interior Design, Model Home Decor, Home Staging and Redesign, Portland, Oregon.

sold in 1 day - living room photo before staging

sold in 1 day - living room photo after staging

sold in 1 day - living room photo after staging 2nd view

sold in 1 day - living room photo before staging bungalow

sold in 1 day - living room photo after staging bungalow

sold in 1 day - living room photo after staging bungalow 2nd view

 

 

Comments (16)

Allegra Dioguardi
Styled and Sold Home Staging and Staging Training - Westhampton Beach, NY
Home Staging & Training, Suffolk Co. Long Island

That's fabulous! Hang on to that Realtor (and they shouldn't let you go either!) ! Great job Pangaea! The homes look beautiful! I love hearing encouraging stories like this.

Feb 10, 2009 12:33 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Pangaea ~ Teamwork is critical in today's market, isn't it?  Your team did the job on these two homes beautifully!  I love the art in the first home above the fireplace ... and I see you use those great Dolce chairs from Target too.  Great work!

Feb 10, 2009 03:34 PM
Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling
Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

Thanks Allegra --- It was actually two different brokers, and so nice to have sellers who really put some elbow grease into getting ready for market.

Thank you Maureen --- I see I'm going to have to reupholster those chairs. Too recognizable. But they are so universal. They look good just about anywhere!

Feb 10, 2009 03:47 PM
Leslie Olson
Leslie Olson Interiors - Austin, TX
Interior Design and Redesign - Moved to Austin!

Congratulations on two very successful sales!  And while it would be tempting to tout the success based on your wonderful staging, it's refreshing to read that you gave the credit to effective and positive teamwork -- so very important. Beautiful work, Pangaea!

Feb 10, 2009 05:47 PM
Kathy Passarette
Creative Home Expressions - Mount Sinai, NY
L.I. Staging/Decorating

Wow Pangaea, they both look great!  I love the last shot of the first house - it really shows off quite a bit of what you did and the house.  What a winning combination you had with the three of you on board to get these houses sold.  Congratulations!

Feb 10, 2009 10:33 PM
Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling
Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

Leslie - Thanks for your comments. Yes, I have really become passionate about that element of teamwork. The most fabulous staging in the world will not make up for a wildly overpriced home or one which has filthy carpet or seven gaudy paint colors on the walls! Also, I so very much want brokers to know that I see this as a team effort. I have had sellers say "my broker suggested painting my front door. Do you really think I need to do that?" And I have said absolutely! Your broker knows what she's talking about. I want brokers to know that I will not undermine them and that we present a united front. So important to the trust level. I am not the Lone Ranger :0)

Feb 11, 2009 04:50 AM
Lori Donegan
Ready 2 Stage - Cleveland, TN

Thanks for this post.  It is so encouraging to hear that there is still great teamwork going on and that it truly works.  Great photos and beautiful staging job.

Feb 11, 2009 10:06 AM
Diana Young
Staging Seattle, King & Snohomish Counties - Edmonds, WA

I always love looking at your staging photos, Pangaea!  Your use of color is wonderful.  I totally agree with you that when the seller, broker (agent) and stager all work together, success will follow!  Wishing you continued success.

Feb 12, 2009 05:06 AM
Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling
Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

Diana - Thank you so much! You made my day! Nice to be appreciated. :0)

Feb 12, 2009 05:13 AM
David Peterson
Synergy Staging ~ specializing in vacant home staging - Portland, OR
Home Stager Portland OR-Synergy Staging-Portland Oregon

Beautiful work as always and congrats on the quick sale.  It is always reassuring, especially in a market like we are in now, that teamwork and a well executed plan can garner the results we strive for.  Keep up the good work!!!

Feb 13, 2009 05:45 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Congratulations on the quick sales. I had an estate sale on a townhouse that sold in one day. After painting, carpeting and tiling the townhouse left the 1980's behind and sold in 2009! It feel great when a owner, agent and stager team can work well together and achieve a success.

Feb 15, 2009 11:02 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Hi Pangaea, I'm a huge fan of your style. I love the colorful circles on the vases w/ the curly willow and the circular art above them. Just fabulous! Congrats on the quick sale too.

Feb 15, 2009 12:27 PM
Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling
Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

Cynthia - Thank you so much for your nice compliment! I love those vases too. The circular art above them is one of my own. I've been enjoying painting canvases to use in my staging.

Feb 15, 2009 06:49 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Pangaea, I love it...did you use a metallic paint or is it way the light is hitting your art work? Is any other of your original artwork in these photos?

You need to blog about your painting, please!

Feb 16, 2009 03:48 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Thanks for the email Pangaea. Please let us know what medium you use, do you make or buy your own canvases, and all the details. I like to play w/ paint too but I'm no where near your fabulous talent. I'm really looking forward to your blog!!!

Feb 16, 2009 09:04 PM
Holly Gray
Rising Moon Interiors - Kalispell, MT
Professional Home Stager - Bigfork, Kalispell, Whitefish Montana

It is obvious you have a great sense of style. I love the clean lines & bright colors you use. Wish I had more opportunities to stage a bit more modern. But , I really liked the way you tied the antler in on the mantle, it softens the angles while adding some "nature". Great work, & congratulations!

Holly

Feb 19, 2009 03:44 PM