Whether you're an agent or even a friend, telling someone that they need to make improvements (sometimes drastic, sometimes minor; cleaning for example) can be challenging.
As the picture suggests, staying behind the line is fine. Crossing over it can sometimes lead to treacherous water.
So why is it challenging? Because we honestly don't want to offend the homeowner. And perhaps for some, they feel it could jeopardize their relationship with the seller.
Now granted, there are some agents that have no problem whatsoever with suggesting anything and everything to the seller. For those in that bucket, I applaud you. I would also like to recognize the thousands of agents that go far beyond the call of duty. Case in point, the agent I worked with on the last vacant home I staged cleaned the fireplace, replaced all the light bulbs, found a sale on a microwave (the list goes on and on....).
For those that find it a bit more daunting, there are solutions. If you don't already have a home stager as part of your team, I'd look to add one quickly. Here are a few reasons why:
- Home staging professionals are in the business of educating the homeowner on exactly what improvements need to be done to help move the home more quickly.
- Bringing a professional stager out to ALL your listing implies that you aren't singling their house out but rather offer this service to all of your listings.
- There's an art to communicating what needs to be done and why. An experienced stager has had this conversation with many homeowners and will handle the situation delicately and professionally.
Kathy ~ Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC
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
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- Atlanta Home Staging Consultations - Check out what the homeowner did
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Constructive critcism... I would approach it just like as if you were doing a performance evalutation with an employee. You want to address what they are doing well, discuss areas that can be improve and explain how those improvement will benefit them.
Thanks, Yvonne.
Robert - excellent analogy!
Oh Blue Ridge Real Estate - You're so right!
Ken - Great!!! I'll give you a call and provide you with what ever you need!
Kathy
Good points Kathy. I think not making the homeowner feel like you are putting them down is the hardest part. I like to use the word "tired" alot when explaining some of the things that are wrong. They know its old and needs updating, and tired is not an offensive word.
Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!
Lisa - You're welcome.
Paula - I too like the idea of this blog being in a newsletter! And you're right, with each home you do, your skills and confidence grows!
Terry - I hear you on the "tired" look.
Kathy
State your expectations as confidently as you state your staging fees ;-)