About one month ago I received a call from a homeowner that was getting ready to prepare their home for sale and wanted to find out more about my services. She had a limited budget and wanted to get the most for the least amount of money. Don't we all! Since this was an occupied home I suggested that all she might need is a 1 hour verbal staging consultation which cost only $50.00.
Two days later I met with the homeowner's Cindy & R.J. and their 4 home schooled boys. The home is a manufactured home located on 2/3 acre property in rural Murrieta. The owner's and I went room by room discussing what needed to be accomplished to create a large, warm and inviting home that would attract potential buyers.
One week later I received an email from Cindy -
Janice,
We are so appreciative of your time and expertise. We actually tackled every room this last weekend and boy what a difference!!! I would love to have you come by and see what we have done only because we are so impressed with the changes that you suggested. We had family over on Monday and they couldn't believe the transformation either. The clutter is gone and we found some real bargains on trees and decor. The pantry and master closet will need a couple of "starbucks nights" after our boys are asleep and maybe a few things here and there but now our home feels much better. If you ever need a referral or testimonial be sure to contact us as we may be your biggest fans yet. We don't know if the house will sell or not in this market but at least we can put our best foot forward within our budget.
Thanks again and if you want, give us a call so you can come take a quick look at the results.
Here are some of the results I saw upon my staging consultation follow up -
The first picture below on the left was the first room you viewed when you entered through the front door. We transformed the rooms back to their intended purpose. The living room was put back where it belonged! As was the dining room below. Basically one BIG flip flop!
Here is the master bedroom, yes I suggested to store the exercise equipment in the garage. But the garage was already full and believe it or not they use the exercise equipment! :)
And what would my post be without a bathroom transformation.......
I was so pleased with the homeowner's work I was shaking as I was taking these pictures. They completed most of the suggestions I recommended and their hard work paid off.
Bottom line....Can they do it....Yes they can!
1st Stage Property Transformations
Janice- This is great....I am so surprised that they actually followed your advice. Many people ask for advice, but when we tell them, they don't listen....
The house really looks inviting now, and a buyer has visions of how they can use it much better. The other way was crowded....for showing :) Nice job!!!
Great job Janice, your report was well executed by your client. It was worth way more than what you charged too! Your client got a lot for the money. Your service prove that staging is affordable.
Kathy Dyer
Janice- OK, this has to be one of my all time favorites for DIY! You and those folks deserve a cookie award! I can't believe you were able to give them all that in instruction in 1 hour! You are super-stager!!
Jackie
Janice: FANTASTIC results! I do alot of consults that the homeowner will do most of the work. I come back and follow up, tweak a few things, and get the after pics. I am constantly amazed at how well many clients listen and do everything you tell them to. This is a great example!
Janice, WOW!! What a great job on your part and the homeowners, all should be very proud!
Penny White, Beststagedesign Inc.
Janice they did a very nice job with your very nice information. Don't you just love it when the homeowner pays attention?
Janice,
Congratulations to you and your clients on a job well done! This example just goes to show how much can be accomplished with a modest budget.
Janice-
This must've been so rewarding for you! Kudos and thanks for sharing.
Great job Janice. Its nice to see that your client's implemented your ideas.
Sheryl Delorme
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! This is a great testament to staging works and with a little guidance, we can make it work.
Cheers,
Cindy
Janice you ROCK!
I'm telling you this is really a great way for homeowners to go when the budget is limited. A verbal consult is cost effective and if the owner is pro-active and does the recommended work you are living proof (in photos) that the results are the same. Yes it would have been great to get a full staging job out of this, but many people are cash strapped and we can provide cost effective means to help them achieve their goal without breaking the bank.
REALTORS ... are you hearing and seeing this?!!! We can provide your clients with verbal and written consultations as part of your listing/marketing package! The results are priceless!
Beautiful transformation woman! I'm shocked it only took you an hour to tell them in detail how the rooms should look but you obviously did it! Now about your fees...only $50??? Very affordable I must say...I hope they didn't live far from you or the gas alone might start creeping up there :)
Wonderful work!
Kathy - Thank you. Since the homeowner called me I wasn't surprised that they followed my advice. I knew they were interested in learning all they could about improving their property for sale. I was pleasantly surprised how well it turned out! I think sometimes when REA's give staging advice it gets unheard. Kind of like Stager's giving homeowner's Real Estate advice. Hearing advice from a professional within their profession can make all the difference. :)
Kathy D. - Thanks. It was all verbal which I love! You sound like my husband he thinks I need to up the ante! I love being able to offer affordable pricing to my clients. :)
Jackie - Awww you are as sweet as that cookie! Yup, 1 hour. I am originally from NY which sometimes works in my favor. I am a fast talker and walker! I like the "super stager!" Thanks.
Kathy P. - Thank you. I always offer to come back for FREE. This way the owner doesn't feel overwhelmed after the consultation. They know I am only a phone call away!
Carole - Thank you. It is a great combination when there is mutual respect between the owners and the stager! Win-win!
Linda - Exactly! You hit the nail on the head!! I hope Realtors and homeowners see this post and realize that staging does not have to cost a small fortune! Thanks for commenting.
Teresa - Thanks! Don't you wish they were all this cooperative. I would love to see some of your consultation after pictures.
Penny - Thank you. We are all proud. We will next be thrilled when the home sells!
Dionne- Thanks. You are very wise to offer staging consultation's to every home seller. I know some REA's that will not take a listing if the owner's don't stage!
Terry- "When Janice Sutton talks, homeowner's listen!" Ha! Remember EF Hutton..maybe I am dating myself. Sorry I couldn't resist. :)
Michelle - Thank you. Yes, staging is affordable. We just need to keep spreading the word.
Kathy R - This was very rewarding for me. This is why I do what I do. I love to help people. This family is wonderful and I was lucky to work with them.
Dawn - You are too kind. I am blushing. Thank you very much!
Sheryl - Thank you. When the owners call you you can count on them listening. They were great. :)
Judy - Thanks. I love doing consultations. There is so much homeowners can do to make their property "show ready." Can you believe this is a manufactured home?
Rhonda - I was thrilled when I went to see the final results. The owner was so proud of what they accomplished. It was heartwarming. Thank you.
Cindy - Ha! So do you love it? ;) I would do consult's 24/7 if I could. They work!!! Thanks for commenting.
Heather - The owner's were thrilled and love living in their "staged" home. She said it is so nice not to have clutter. I hope I get 50 more consults too!! Thanks.
Karen- Thanks for commenting. I too hope the REA's are listening. Most of my calls from REA's are for vacant properties. I would love to work with more occupied homes. Less cost with great results. Thanks for the 5. I am honored.
Beth- Awwww shucks thanks. If we ever get to chat on the phone you will understand why it only takes me 1 hour. :) This consult was only 5 minutes from my home. I could have almost coasted there!
My husband is always trying to get me to raise my price but I just can't. I think it is a fair price and sometimes I feel bad taking clients $$$. I know I have to get over that.....I do need to feed my family.
Janice,
That's awesome. It's amazing what a consultation alone can accomplish if the homeowner's follow the plan.
Tanya - Thanks. I agree with a little direction a lot can be accomplished! The owners were great!
I would say these people got their $50 worth and more, what a great transformation. Sometimes we just need to see through someone else's eyes.
Janice, Do not underestimate how much your time is worth. Think about the time away from your family and the time you spend getting ready for a job... You are obviously doing a great job. Your client listened to you and did exactly what you told them to do and it looks great.... What a validation!!!!!
I believe for most of us, staging is a labor of love... You have to love this business..
Stacy
Great job
Stacy
Abby - Thank you very much!
Stacy - I will be reevaluating my cost basis. I have been hearing from many stager's and my husband that I should be adjusting my charges. Ugh. I love staging so much that I would stage for free if I could! :) Thank you for your kind compliment.
I LOVE THIS, Janice they did an excellent job. I agree with Stacy that at times I am ready to give away my services but if you had to go to an office every day you be paid an hourly wage, don't shortchange yourself you are excellent at what you do. I know I know we all love this soooo much we would do it for free, but
Phyllis Pafumi
Janice,
Great post! If I have someone in need in San Diego I will give them your web site address. Are you o.k. from the fires?
Mike Lewis
Peg - You are so sweet. Thank you. I would love to help you and Charles. Just say when! :)
Mike - Thanks! I appreciate you passing along my information to anyone in need of help.
My family and I are fine. There seems to be one or two fires about 15 & 25 miles south of my property. We are very lucky.
Janice,
Stay safe!
Mike Lewis