Because the art of communicating is so critically important, I decided to retool a previous post I had made regarding communicating the need for changes to the home/listing.
Whether you're an Realtor/agent, a professional home stager or even a friend, there's a fine line we walk when it comes time to suggest the need for improvements to a home.
As the picture suggests, staying behind the line is fine. Crossing over it can sometimes lead to treacherous water.
So why is it challenging?
- There's several reasons. Here are two:
1. We don't want to offend the homeowner and
2. We don't want to jeopardize the relationship with the homeowner.
As I've uncovered, there are several Realtors/agents who are comfortable with telling the homeowner exactly what needs to be done. And for those that I've partnered with, they're also extremely comfortable suggesting home staging as part of the solution.
I've also met with agents who aren't as comfortable and therefore, utilize my services to educate the differences home staging can have on a home.
As you prepare to have the conversation, it's important to consider the following:
- It's a win-win situation for everyone. So, go in with confidence.
- Back up your suggestions with a purpose. For example, suggesting that a home owner remove a "doll collection" or any collectible for that matter, makes sense. Why? You want the homeowner focused on the home. Collectibles are often admired by buyers and can actually distract them.
- Be honest yet delicate with your suggestions. Telling a homeowner that the purple room, for example, is hideous will likely place you in hot water. Instead, try saying something like "because we want to appeal to a broad base of prospective buyers, we may want to consider changing the color of the room.
In summary, while the tasks associated with communicating the need for change can be difficult, it's an important topic.
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Serving home sellers, agents, builders and investors, they have the experience, skills and inventory to help make your home and/or listing stand-out from the others on the market. Kathy Nielsen, Owner and Principle Design Specialist is considered an expert in the field of home staging. Her expertise has landed her on the pages of Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Home Improvement; Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal Constitution and will soon have one of her homes appear on HGTV's Sleep On It
With their extensive home staging portfolio, you'll quickly learn that they have the expertise and knowledge on what it takes to make your home and/or listing appeal to the prospective buyers. For a free no-obligation appointment, contact them today.
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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Hi Kathy. Recommending a good home stager who is comfortable having frank and enlightening conversations can definitely make the difference between a listing that sells quickly and one that lingers on the market too long.