Susan: There are always going to be people that must sell, and there are always going to be people that must buy, regardless of market conditions. Job relocation, death in the family, divorce, are just a few of the reasons for forced relocation. Staging by a Professional Stager makes the home stand out amongst the unstaged masses insuring a better shot at selling faster and for more money, regardless of the market conditions. If there are fewer buyers, then sellers must work that much harder to insure that their home is seen and makes a good impression when it is seen.

Here in TN, one of the biggest complaints is the new construction market.  Builders and developers are offering outrageous buyer incentives and thrwoing up houses left and right.  Something a lot of sellers can't afford to do.

Also, I've noticed (at least on a few listings I have) I am getting more and more calls about a lease purchase.  The reason being is that the buyers are are uncertain of the market right now and don't want to commit to anything.

Overall, this market is effecting me, both good and bad.  On the bad side, not much is moving, therefore it creates a good side.  It makes me get out there and work harder and get those creative juices flowing!

Michelle - well said! Staging is a key tool for sellers in today's market (or in any market, really!).

Todd - interesting points!  I love your attitude to view these trends as a motivator!

How will the market impact me. I will have to get some new hobbies, work on the my blog and websites, play tennis more and of course make less money. When things slow down you are glad you worked hard when things were hot. Its going to be slow for a much longer time than most of the agents think.

Personally, I think this is a great market to get out there and grab market share. even though sales have dropped, so have the number of agents out there.

Susan-

 

I couldn't agree more.  When the market was hot, buyers seemed to overlook the flaws.  Now, they want perfection.  They want a clean, uncluttered "model home".  So now it is time for the seller to spend a few bucks and hire a professional stager.

Design by Marla, Burbank, CA.

Eric - what a great opportunity to develop yourself and improve your tennis game!  Great networking ideas!

Steve - good perspective - supply and demand is not just about houses for sale...the strong will survive!

Marla - It's well worth the bucks to aim for perfection!  Buyers do want it all, especially if they believe prices will continue to come down.

The worry I hear buyers voicing is where and when the bottom will be.  My own results this Fall have been more sales than homes taken off without any offers.  2 of my stagings sold in the first couple of weeks, and closed fast, with the furniture having to be picked up before the 3 month minimum.  The biggest disappointment was a house that looked really good, but was so overpriced that nothing could save it.  Plus, it had a funny energy to it - the people were selling because they didn't like it, not because they had to.  Yet, another overpriced thing did sell, and for the right price.  (not the high listing price, but the fair market value)  What does all this tell us?  Staging is no panacea - it cannot "make up" for bad location, horrible condition or ridiculous asking price.  But it can entice you to really look for the possibilities.

Susan, You are a very wise woman. I appreciate what you have to say about the overall trends and what will happen because of the present market. Now is not the time to leave the marketing to chance. Wise home owners will realize that the old adage, "You must spend money to make money," is even more true now then it was even a few months ago. Thanks for the great post.

I think even if a home is priced right it is in competition with new construction and others that may be a tad better condition. Staging can make the difference and as you pointed out Susan, it is affordable.

It just goes to show ya that staging works in any market.  I, like Juliette, continue to help sell homes in this market within days.  Yes, prices have dropped, it is all relative. Staging really does make a difference. Surround yourself with people who are not affected by this market..... slow market, huh?... what?

Juliet - First of all...GREAT meeting you on Friday!  Funny how the market mandates the price, huh?

Yvonne - So true about spending $ to make $!  And it's only going to get "more" true!

Gary - Thanks for your comment!  It's all about getting an edge over the competition!

Lori - I like your attitude - Slow market, huh?  Bring it girl! ;)

Susan, you made one of the most perceptive comments I've read lately when you wrote "Buyers are waiting for an overall price collapse of the market".

There are still consumers who believe that housing will completely crash, that houses will be available for pennies on the dollar.  This belief ignores the fact that (1) land values tend to underpin home prices, due to scarcity and site development costs; (2) there is a "floor" under the cost of a house, based upon commodity prices for building materials, and (3) people will always need a roof over their heads.

Eric - wow...thanks for taking that thought to the next level! 

I am getting all my homes staged now....however sometimes its hard to get the client to leave things alone or take the staggers advice.....I had one client that took really 4 months to finally listen....This business would be so much easier without all the people....lol

Todd Hueffed

http://www.thathomezone.com/ in partnership with Keller Williams North Seattle

Hi Todd...you sure are smart! ;) 

Susan,

What does it cost to stage a $400K home in Farmington, CT that is in typical condition?

Rob

Hi Rob, Nice to meet you!  Short answer...a lot less than a price reduction!  Longer answer - It depends on if it's vacant or occupied, and whether or not the homeowner wants to do the work themselves or have it done for them.  If you give me more specifics, I'd be happy to be more specific in my answer.

Thanks Susan. Here's a link to the virtual tour for a property that I am considering staging. It is currently vacant. Please let me know what  you think. http://circlepix.com/home/FVXEWW

Rob

I'm in the quiet corner of CT and have yet to see a staged house.  If a house is vacant or new construction it is void of any decorations or furniture.  If not for ActiveRain I would not have known there were any stagers in CT!  No one has asked about staging yet but if I mention it the seller usually says they can't afford to do it.

Susan - You're right, it's just good business.  No amount of staging is going to compensate for an overpriced listing though and there's no escaping that.

Jackie

Hi Jennifer - yes, CT is a bit slow to catch on.  There are some realtors, however, who are starting to include staging consultations in their marketing package to differentiate themselves.  Plus, if the homes sell faster, it's less mktg $$ they need to spend, and they get a very happy client who tells others of their experience.  It's also helpful to the agent to have someone else be the "heavy" to tell the homeowner what they really need to do to prepare their home.  And, it's a supply/demand thing.  The more staging catches on, the more stagers you'll find.  For now, the few stagers that are here, are really focusing on educating both agents and sellers.

Jackie - That's why it's really a team sales effort...the agent, stager, and inspector!

Hi Susan,

Nice post. Thanks!

Rob

Thanks Rob - had no idea in November of 2007 this would still be going on! he he he.