Greetings!
A couple months ago I shared the incredible statistics that are coming out all around the country on professional real estate staging. Of course, staging does not guarantee a faster sale, but more often than not, offers come in earlier when a home looks not only well taken care of, but beautiful. But WHY does this happen?
First I'll give you some well-known reasons; then I'll tell you what I think is the major difference between home shoppers now and buyers 20 years ago.
*A well-prepared home says, "I've been taken care of."
*A vacant home feels cold & lifeless, not "home."
*Most people have great trouble visualizing furniture placement, unusual rooms' function, and updated decor.
So what's the big difference that has developed in home shoppers over past 10-20 years?
Simply put, buyers' expectations have grown more sophisticated; they are looking for an entire experience - a whole lifestyle. Much of this can be attributed to the wealth-increasing decade we have had. While this has now changed directions, aren't your clients still looking for a "model home," even if they can't really afford it?
Now buyers will have an experience the moment they walk through the door of your property. You can leave it to chance and hope for the best, or you can prepare an experience that will help them mentally move in.
Do you realize how strongly our emotions affect our buying decisions? Whether it's what shoes to buy or which bag of cookies, smart marketers know how to trigger our emotions. The same holds true when we buy a home - there are emotional connections that need to be made before we will put an offer on a particular house.
These emotional triggers are not something your typical seller knows how to prepare - nor do most real estate agents (please don't take that personally if you really do know!).
Professional home stagers are trained in capturing and producing this experience. A staging consultation is a very inexpensive way to have us teach your clients how to present their home in its best light. We leave a very detailed list of instructions for them to carry out, after discussing the concepts with them. Sellers also have the option of hiring us to come back and help them with finishing touches.
Are you giving your sellers every advantage by making a staging consultation a regular part of your listing presentation?
First-time realtors always receive a 10% discount on staging services. I'd be happy to talk with you. Please call me at 310-809-7467 or visit my website at www.hsdca.com.
Until next month,
Beth
If you have a friend who might be interested in this information, please forward them a copy here:
Beth Lester
Home Staging Designs of California
(310) 809-7467
P.S. I greatly appreciate my clients & will treat your referrals with great care.
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