Realtor 911 Call

Home staging opportunities come from many sources – website, this blog, word-of-mouth, and Realtor partners.  The most interesting home staging opportunities come from “Realtor 911 Calls” for help.  These calls involve problems and issues with the house needing an “intervention” by a professional home stager.

In some instances, my Realtor partners share the problems with the house before I arrive so I am somewhat prepared.  “We need to take the ‘Mee-Maw’ out of this house”.  In other instances, they ask if they can buy an hour or two of my time to consult on a listing.  When I arrive, I quickly discover that this was really a “Realtor 911 call in disguise” as this house does require a strong home staging intervention!  “This kitchen is why she wanted my time today.  Now I get it.”

Here are just a few samples of the seller comments that prompt the “Realtor 911 Call” from my partners:

·         “I love my family and want their pictures on every wall of every room.  Who wouldn’t want to see my lovely family pictures from the past 3-5 generations?”

·         “I’ve had these dollies, ruffle curtains, calico lined baskets, and mementos in my house since my children were in school in the 70’s.  They are a part of who I am.” 

·         “What’s the problem with using my dining room as a home office?  It is a great use of space.”

·          “I’ve been a teacher 20 years. This house is full of teacher gifts hanging on every wall and displayed on every possible surface.  They just show the love my students had for me.”

Of course, there may be more fundamental issues that really detract from the possibilities of the house.  The home sellers adore Felix the Cat or Fido the Dog.  As a result, they forget about how much their lovely pet smells up the house.  They are surprised to learn that some buyers have pet allergies and will leave their house within 5 minutes of entering – never to return!

Another fundamental issue requiring a “Realtor 911 Call” is paint coloring.  The seller’s response to the idea of repainting rooms in their house is often:

·         “Why wouldn’t a home buyer just love my beautiful pink bedroom and bright yellow kitchen?” 

·         “I just paid $500 five years ago to have these rooms painted.  And you want me to paint them again?”

My Realtor partners bring me in on these “Realtor 911 Calls” because they know that I will be firm but tactful in helping the seller understand what needs to be changed, removed, updated and painted.  I have a sufficient track record of success both with easing the seller into making these changes as well as having those types of houses sell relatively quickly. 

Plus, I can play the role of “bad cop” (although I am more like “not exactly nice cop” – my mother did not raise a “bad cop” daughter!!!) while my Realtor partner can play the “good cop”. 

We work together to help the seller understand the realities of selling their house  as well as the possibilities and benefits of making the recommended changes and staging their house to appeal to as many buyers as possible.  In the end, the most important possibility is selling this house so that they can move on to the next life adventure in their new home.

Remember to always dwell in possibilities!

Cindy