ASP® Staging Success Stories as Told by ASPs®

I love hearing success stories! Virtually every day I hear from ASP® Stagers and REALTORS® all around North America, even internationally, share stories on how their Staging assignments made a difference for their seller, and agent when applicable. They also share how becoming a Stager changed their lives, and how the ASP® Real Estate Agent Course transformed an agent’s  business from struggling to achieving results previously not thought possible. A few years ago as I was writing my most recent book, Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market, when I had the pleasure of receiving a huge amount of success stories and some of them were included in the book. I thought I’d share with you some of the wonderful successes Stagers and real estate agents in our ASP® family have achieved and shared with me over the years. Some stories speak to how quickly a Staged home will sell. This home was Staged and sold during January in Connecticut, which is traditionally one of the slowest sales months. The REALTOR® and homeowners were both concerned about the property, as it had some quirky features and was not a “traditional Connecticut property. They worried that it wouldn’t sell quickly. We updated the powder room with new fixtures, pained several rooms, decluttered, and rearranged quite a bit. The results were fabulous: they received and accepted an offer for full price on the first day. Others speak to how a Staging assignment doesn’t just sell the home, but also provides an excellent marketing tool for REALTORS®. Here’s what Jennie Norris, ASPM®, shared: This house was ASP® Staged and listed on the MLS by the ASP® REALTOR®. The same floor-plan house was for sale up the street – sitting on the market for over 4 months and still no offers. The house I stated got an offer in 2 weeks of being Staged and listed – while this other house continues to sit. The Staging helped attract the buyer who was eager to make an offer – even in our slowing market. The ASP® REALTOR® has the sign-rider hanging from this sign and is featuring the fact that the house is ASP® Staged as a key marketing tool! I especially loving hearing stories about how Stagers, REALTORS® and Sellers truly take a team approach to get the home sold. Here’s an inspiring story about such a success: As with most of my Sellers, after I take the listing I give them 2 weeks to do “their” Staging homework based on my room by room recommendations. In this Seller’s case, they painted rooms, cleaned carpets, landscaped with mulch-flowers-pruning, removed furniture, added room fresheners, bought Staging bathroom towels, area rugs. 2 days before we go on the market, I come by and “tweak” the home by meeting with the Seller and doing last-minute adjustments such as rearranging furniture, adding fresh/natural flower arrangements, plug in deodorizers (I only use apple cinnamon) etc. At this point, I do my virtual tour and photos for the multiple listing service. I believe in the value of having the client involved in the “Staging process.” They have a vested interest and often it is fun for them to learn all the techniques I have taught them while I am working on their house – they can move on to their new home and see it with their new “Staging” eyes. Also, all the REALTORS® in the area know our homes are the best (and they make appointments to show them because of it!). They know our Sellers have been coached about the value of Staging and these homes will stand out above the rest in the marketplace. More quotes by successful ASPs® are available in Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market. Barb Barb Schwarz, ASP®, ASPM®, IAHSP®, AB The Creator of Home Staging® CEO Stagedhomes.com® Founder/Chairwoman IAHSP® and The IAHSP® Foundation