As some of you are aware, I have been collaborating with a micro business specialist named Earl Netwal on a system called Market Maker. This system is specifically designed for Home Stagers and can turn your website into an interactive marketing tool.
(There are still some spaces available, if you are interested in finding out more about Market Maker click here also, if you are curious as to what it looks like on your website, mine is now live-check it out here - then click to enter at the site)
As part of my collaborative efforts I have been writing a series of short “follow up” messages that get sent over the course of time to potential clients who visit the websites of members of Market Maker. These articles are designed to turn potential clients into actual clients by establishing you as an expert and starting a “relationship” or as Earl calls them “love letters”. 
Some of the articles are meant to be persuasive in that they explain the benefits of Home Staging and how and why Home Staging works but others are purely informative tid bits designed and targeted for people potentially putting their homes on the market (ie: tips on preparing for a move etc).
While writing these articles it occurred to me that they are very useful and have multiple applications. I’m presenting to Realtors next Monday and I thought I would bring some of these as “give aways”. Others could be used as follow up emails to Realtors met at an open house etc.
This one took me five minutes to compose. It seems like a “no brainer” to us but after visiting some open houses recently I realize that it has potential and makes it easier for everyone to have it in writing!
I thought I’d share it with you.
Open House Day
The day has finally arrived, your big debut! I know the temptation to hang around and hear the comments from prospective buyers is huge, but don’t give in to it. Plan an outing with the family; make it a day of it. You’ve done your part, now relax and let your Real Estate professional do what they do best.
Here is a quick checklist to review before you leave:
• Beds should all be neatly made
• Laundry clean and out of sight
• Ditto the dishes
• Fido and Felix should be out of the house-I know….probably the toughest one on the list but very important!
• All lights should be on
• All window treatments and blinds fully opened
• Personal grooming products (toothbrushes, shampoo etc) and medications should be tucked away out of sight.
• Commode lids closed and bathrooms spic and span-fresh towels displayed
• Fresh flowers in vases strategically placed
• Jewelry, valuables and prescription drugs should be in a safe place
• Buy a tub of cookie dough and leave it for your Realtor with a cookie sheet and platter to serve hot cookies to home shoppers.
• If it is winter and you have beautiful photos of your Spring/ Summer yard and garden, leave those with the realtor to display
• If there is snow, make sure the walk and driveway are clear
• Open the windows briefly and air the house out for cooking and personal odors just prior to leaving
Phew! OK! Go have fun knowing you have packaged and polished your product to the best of your ability.
Allegra Dioguardi is the president of Styled and Sold Home Staging located in Sag Harbor, NY ";The Hamptons";
Allegra is the author of Styled by Design, a Guide to the Design Principles of Home Staging.
Allegra has a degree in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design and 26 years experience merchandising homes for sale.
www.styledandsold.com 631-899-3305
Allegra, you are a wonder! Another great idea.
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