Our individuality and differing tastes mak
e us different.
Take a stroll in the mall or along the shore at Cocoa Beach, Florida and you will see a wide vari
ety of looks and confirmation that we are definitely different!
It is the same with people selling a house or condo.
No matter how often it is spoken - sellers always think their place is special and so much better than the next guy!
The reality is your preferences may be extreme nonconformist, nontraditional, or just plain gaudy.
- Go with the neutral decor even if you think it is boring!
- Go with the traditional exterior paint even though you prefer pink!
- Get rid of excess furnishings although in your mind there is no clutter.
- Forget the fish fry even though the smell is not a bother to you!
- Take all those pictures off the fridge.
- Clear the counters although you like the easy access to your kitchen stuff!
- Open up the blinds although you like the privacy.
- You may love the dog but buyers may not want the chew toys on the floor and the doggies jumping on them!
You have to compete with the other sellers because you are NOT that special…really!
Call a local home staging professional for a consultation! In Brevard County, Florida, call for for a home staging referral!
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
It seems so simple to us. Often, you do have to draw pictures for sellers. Thanks for the post.
You really have to get people outside of themselves in order for them to be somewhat "for real" on what they need to do to get it sold.
A post that's really close to my heart. All of us have been through this, and I have a hard time keeping a straight face with some home owners.
I agree with Larry's comment above! ~ Susan
Great post. It is very hard when the umbilical cord is still attached to their home. Had to hush my mouth many a time ;)
Lori - I am sure you have had to be gentle when revealing your recommendations! Thanks.
Larry - A straight face is a challenge at times - especially when you hear the price that they want!
Susan - Which is worst..bad taste or no taste? Why would someone who can't pick out a nice outfit think they can decorate an entire house?
Jim & Linda - Drawing a picture is a challenge when they have blinders on....thanks.
Susan - I changed the title after your comment! Thanks...
Janet - That is the big challenge! Thanks.
Gary
Fish Fry---LOL--that is the worst. I have shown houses that stink and it is such a turn off to Buyers.
Deborah - Fishy smelling...not good. Wet dog smell - even worse! If you can smell it, you can't sell it!
I love your analogy. I think maybe all those plaid golf pants in Florida have had a lasting impact on home decore. (My mother-in-law is from Melbourne.)
MB
Oh, we have the same problem here in NC too, Gary! Great analogy and I hope that some of those sellers we're referring to actually READ this! My sellers are wonderful listeners most of the time and in this market, that's a smart thing to do! You HAVE to be the best product in your area/price range and decorating can surely make or break procuring a buyer.
Michael - You could be right...golf attire...so awful! And that is being kind!
Debe - You are right...and your properties show it!
I could add that if every inch of wall space is covered with family photos or rock star/movie star/sports star photos, it might be useful to take a few down so that people can see if the walls are actually painted.
Jim - True, Jim. Thanks. Yes, some pictures are ok but not to the point of distracting and hiding!
If all else fails, listen to your real estate agent and then listen to your staging professional!
Gary- came late to the party, but glad that Jim F invited me....
Yes, I have been to the fish fry house, but luckily for us, it was still in the garbage can the next day, with the open lid, in the pantry. Blew my buyer and me right out the door.
Also got to listen to Mr. Yappy-drawers with another buyer. The house was quite nice, and could've even been a possibility, but my buyer was getting such a headache, that he simply said "I'm outta here!" and never came back to that place (we are closing on the nice quiet home he did buy next week!)
Jim - It really is simple! Thanks, as usual for your consistent comments. I do appreciate every one!
Jennifer - I love the Mr. Yappy-drawers, Can I use it? Thanks.