Today I staged a space that had some real challenges. The unit was a decent size for downtown, but it was 3 floors, each with only one room. The issue? I disagreed with the agent/owner as to how the unit should be promoted. In the end, the client won - it's their property & their money. I did my best to overcome the issues presented.
These are the current MLS photos:
Kitchen living/dining combo
Master bedroom
This is what I created & the photos I have given the agent to replace the MLS photos:
Here is also a real estate show I created for this home, something I now do with all of my staging jobs...
The budget on this home was low & I actually wanted to do it differently - but that's another story. If you were looking for this type of property, which would you more likely visit - the home with the first set of photos or the second?
One of the biggest things professional stagers do is to entice buyers to visit the property. The more buyers that actually come to the property, the higher the odds of a sale (& better offer)!
If you are in the Charleston market & looking for a way to set your listings apart, give me a call.
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. Selling her successful home staging company in January 2012, Marro is now a full time speaker and instructor for Staging And Resign and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.619.1593 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
Staged ALWAYS looks better than empty. You did a great job and the photos you took were much better than before.
Wow Melissa, great job! It looks like a totally different home, very warm and lived in. Thanks for sharing...
I love what you did!!! I think the place looks night/day different and is now much more warm and inviting.
Kathy
Hi Melissa,
Your photo's look great! You did a good job with what you had to work with! I went on a consultation Tuesday and I had similer obstacles with the owner. She wanted to show the seating area off the master as a workout room and I show it as a seating retreat in the master, she wouldn't listen. What do you do? just back down? I really tried to explain my logic but she just wouldn't listen! Any suggestions?
Rhonda - Thanks for the heads up! I'll go correct that immediately. It seems so easy to miss one litle thing that can really increase/reduce the level of professionalism. I appreciate you watching my back!
Teresa & Penny - Good grief it really would be nice if they would let us do our jobs - I mean this is what they are hiring us for! My opinion on this is to be clear and firm. Give solid reasons why your answer is better. In the end, it is their home, their money - do what they want. Perform the job the best you can within their perameters. If it doesn't sell, I remind them that I wanted to do it differently.
Heather - I do occassionally rent. I don't have a good rental company here so mostly I use my own furniture. This home was done with 100% of my inventory. The couch I just bought from Havertys back room. Great, supple leather - $450. It is actually a loveseat, but it feels like an apartment/condo sized couch. For the bedroom, I've given up on blow up beds, I have too many problems with them deflating (even brand new ones) so I've gone to 2 box springs. They are easier to move & cost less than a mattress & box.
Melissa,
Is that really wine on the table...sure looks like the real thing. Love your idea of using 2 box springs. I'm still using the inflatables but I always worry about the deflation issues.
Great job and very inviting!
Yes, it is real wine. I had a new years party 2 years ago and everyone brought me wine. I don't drink - well, almost never - so what wasn't consumed at the party has become props! lol....
The box springs have really worked out. They are only about 1/3 more the cost and I don't have to worry about deflating beds, holes, etc. This is my new plan. I think I really screw up Sam's Club's inventory though... buying all those box springs but no mattresses! lol....