For the record, I'm not use to saying NO. Having staged hundreds of homes and millions of dollars in real estate throughout the Atlanta area, I know how beneficial staging can be.
The truth of the matter is that I've only said NO to two; both happened this year.
The first time was via the phone when the seller had informed me that he only needed the staging for a day. He explained that he was attempting to trick the potential lender in believing that he lived in the home. The conversation ended quickly.
The second time happened recently with an investment property I was asked to see. The investors live in California and had purchased three investment properties here in Atlanta.
Having passed the phone interview, I was on my way to see the first of the three properties.
NOTE: The home pictured is NOT the home but it's close. The home is part of a collection of photos taken by Kevin Bauman Photography. Kevin is an incredible photographer who has an incredible eye. To see more of his photos, visit his site at Kevin Bauman Photography.
I secured the keys from the agents' office and hit the driveway with a lot of trepidation.
The lawn, recently mowed, lay covered in hay. Appears the last time it was mowed had been months prior.
The car port was leaning. Not slightly leaning, mind you. This puppy looked ready to topple over.
Georgia Interior Solutions (GIS), LLC is Atlanta Georgia's Premier Home Staging Provider. Owner and Real Estate Staging Expert, Kathy Nielsen has appeared on the pages of Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Home Improvement; Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. You can also see one of her staged homes on HGTV's hit show Sleep On It.
With their extensive home staging portfolio, you'll quickly learn that they have the experience and knowledge on what it takes to make your home and/or listing appeal to the prospective buyers. Contact them today for your free no-obligation appointment: 678 522 8392.
Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392
RESA Professional Stager of the Year - Southern Region 2011
Whether your home is vacant or occupied, this Atlanta Georgia Home Stager, Kathy Nielsen, understands what it takes to sell a home quickly. Her homes have graced the pages of several publications, appeared in TV commercials as well as on HGTV's hit program Sleep On it.
With years of experience and a massive inventory - Kathy makes the perfect choice.
Home Staging Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Blog: Atlanta Home Staging
- Kitchen Transformations
- Short on Space? Keep it Simple
- Tips on Selling Your Home From a Professional Stager
- Curtains. Should they stay or go?
- How to dress up your coffee table and end tables when selling
- Quick tips for table settings
- How will buyers remember your home?
- Atlanta Home Staging Consultations - Check out what the homeowner did
- Atlanta Loft Gets Home Staged
- How to ensure your home appeals to a broad base of prospective buyers
Hi Kathy - you bet there is nothing wrong with saying no. I tell clients all the time that I do not want to cost them money and if they want to stage a house like the one above without making the necessary condition improvements I will be costing them money instead of helping them invest it wisely in getting the home sold.
Ethical stagers everywhere do the same - I am sure. Kym
Glad you bloged the story, Kathy -- what a mess this was for you. You did the right thing . . . of course!
You must let us know if you see staged photos posted!
Wise choice Kathy! I would have done the same thing for what it is worth. If the house you went to see looks like anything like the one in the photo - I think maybe complete demolition and then rebuilding would yield better results!
I have turned down listings because they didn't want to do anything to help their property show better/sell. I do not want to waste my time and money - someone else can punk a sign in the yard and will be happy to do so.
Kathy -- I've turned down a few staging "opportunities," too. In one case, the Realtor was so grateful that I was honest enough to tell him that painting, cleaning, and light fixture replacement was more important than staging that he sent me a thank you note with a gift card -- completely unexpected, but appreciated. Integrity is more important than jobs.
You SO did the right thing Kathy! The picture you presented here (I know, it's similar to the real one) is pathetic. If the Realtor really and truly thinks it does not need basic work prior to staging, he/she is not being ethical. Good for you to stand your ground!
I love the "honesty" from the first guy in your story. Some People.
Kathy - No amount of staging can get a potential purchaser excited about a home in such condition. You're right, their money should be spent where it would do the most good. Lipstick on a pig--
Good for you Kathy! Sometimes no amount of staging is going to help a home that needs so much work. When we stage a home, we put our signature on that home. Our name is on the line and our reputation.
Haaa! I wonder if the investors in CA really knew what it looked like. I feel sorry for that REA, she is not being honest and thinks that she can sway a buyer to look passed it? Who is 2 crayons short of a crayon box here?
Kathy: I know it was difficult for you to let the home owner/investor know about the condition problems of their "investement". Having purchased the property sight unseen, and having been assured that the property was a good investment, they must have been shocked by your report. I'm glad they were able to get over their shock and recognize your professionalism and the valuable service your provided them by being honest.
Shame on that real estate agent. I wonder if she also sold that house to those investors...
I had to do that today, but the listing was over 5,000 sf, in a gated subdivision, and priced at 650K, but it was about a $450 property. It wasn't quite upgraded for that price range, I had to tell him to make upgrades was a better investment.
I had the same thing a month or so back. Remember? The REA wanted me to Stagebut the carpet was buckling so badly it was a trip hazard? (I know you remember, because you read ALL my posts, right? ;) Saying no is hard to do, but your professionalism and integrity will always win in the long run.
Kathy I think it is wonderful you were thanked for your professionalism. You also made the homeowner wiser about ethical stagers. Thank you!
The pain and anguish you would have suffered, knowing that staging a property like that was not reasonable, and money that should have been spent elsewhere, (like a wrecking ball!) was averted by using good common sense, and an ethical attitude. The Realtor will find someone to stage, or do it themselves, but that will still not sell the property! As they say, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...
Kathy you give us a good name. I have said no in the past for similar reasons. I posted my frustration about it once. It was helpful getting support and reinforcement from other Stagers here on AR that I was making the right decisions. It hurt being new and trying to get established but it was the right thing to do. The pay off; a good rep and being able to sleep at night knowing you are doing right by people. Good for you.
The bad thing is that agent unfortunately just may find that one "Stager" that will do it. Karma!