Today I have decided to do some hardcore research and fact-finding. I'm hoping those involved directly in the home staging facet of the real estate industry respond in large numbers to my quest for information and knowledge regarding their services.
For a while now, my wife has spoken about my need to "think outside the box" in regards to my services and marketing. She's directly involved in my work as she does my marketing and thankfully ... has always served as my number one promoter. She pushes me to think beyond the marketing I am already seeing done. She also inspires me to try marketing efforts that are new and go beyond the norm for my business and company. Together, we also "tweak" good ideas and personalize them for myself and referral partners t
o use to our, and customers, advantage.
But, right now we're focusing on what we both are finding is a quickly growing service in our area ... that of Home Staging. With so many homes currently on the market, home owners and realtors are trying to find ways to make their listings stand-out from the crowd. Staging can definitely fill that need and serve as an useful tool, reaping big dividends for sellers, realtors, and lenders alike.
The advent of cable TV shows showcasing the talented and creative individuals of home staging has securely embedded their services in the minds of viewers. Realtors relate to me, that expectations for a home's design and layout have definitely risen as a result of these informative shows. Buyers simply demand that a home's visual appeal and physical condition be at a higher standard than before.
I am always searching for ways to enhance my services beyond the normal scope to my referral partners. Just like the houses on the market, I too need to find ways to make myself and the services I offer distinguishable and of greater value than those provided from others in my industry. My success depends on it. Obviously nothing replaces hard work, outstanding service, and results. Bringing extra value to my partners is key though. Earning their respect and future business is my goal.
With that said, I wish to pose some questions to home stagers themselves. I'm really searching for feedback and input regarding the following:
- Would you align yourself and offer your services through a lender?
- Would you consider a contract for services through that lender?
- Is a flat-rate or reduced-rate possible in exchange for "preferred" partner standing?
- Would you co-op in some manner with a lender ... and possibly the realtor/referral partner involved in a transaction?
- Have you aligned yourself with a lender in the past? And, if so, what was the arrangement?
- Will you in return for a "preferered partner" status with the lender, offer the same to the lender, co-op market, and provide leads?
- Have you had success at this type of co-op partnership? Provide feedback please ...
- Provide any thoughts, feedback, suggestions, or valuable input you may have?
It's been pointed out to me that many times, the home stager is becoming the first point of contact for home owners considering an upcoming home sale, even before a realtor. Because each pa
rtner named within this trifecta of services could possibly be that starting point for future business, would it not make good business sense to join our efforts? Each could greatly enhance and expand the scope of their contacts and business while also benefiting the other.
I truly believe that an alignment of services between myself and a professional home stager would serve my realtors/referral partners, clients (both future and past) extremely well, and also benefit their business as well as mine. The input I receive from those within the home staging profession will prove invaluable to me and is greatly anticipated. If realtors or others within branches of the real estate industry have tried such an association, your input would also be welcomed.
Thank you in advance for your feedback, time and consideration of my request!
Gene Mundt, Professional Mortgage Banker www.genemundt.com Chicago Bancorp
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