Home staging addresses several areas when selling a home. Of course there is decluttering, depersonalization, defining spaces, furniture placement, color selections, curb appeal, repairs, cleanliness.. . .the list goes on and on.
It is impossible to be an expert in every aspect of your business. More importantly, there is no need to be. Just because I know how to paint, doesn't make me a "painting expert". I submit that you're presented as an expert in your "field" when you refer to the experts in their "field".
The majority of homes that are staged to sell do not undergo major renovations prior to selling. Certainly, painting, updated lighting, cabinet pulls & faucets are switched out, flooring updates etc. More common are the smaller cosmetic changes that can have great impact on the home and are easy on the budget.
During a recent consultation of a high end home the seller intentionally saved the master bathroom for the last room to view. Why? It was the only room in the home they had not updated. And now it was time to sell. Original plans called for a complete remodel. Selling brought a change of plans.
The new game plan was implementing cost effective updates without completely gutting the bathroom. The project was more involved than hardware and counter/flooring changes. There were so many questions, many of which I was able to share my recommendations. But there were many I could not answer as I am certainly not an "expert" on bathroom design/layout. When we talked about our options cost questions also arose. This project was going beyond the "usual" staging. It was time to call in reinforcements.
I stepped up and announced, "I am not an expert at bathroom design, but I know someone who is." In fact, I had two contacts to refer. I assured her that I had complete confidence in my ability to stage her home, but would like to secure an "expert's" opinion on the bathroom.
She seemed relieved. I was not able to answer all her questions, but I was able to put her in touch with someone who could. A true "expert" in that field. And it wasn't going to cost us a dime.
I made my calls as soon as I hit the car, and they were in touch with the seller within the hour. The "painting expert" was there the next morning quoting out his projects. She commented on how impressed she was with the response and connections as she had sought out help with the bathroom before without success.
So, don't be afraid to admit you're not an "expert" in every area of your business. Just be sure you know someone who is. It will ensure you look like the "expert" too.
Simply Staged Inc. is a Professional Home Staging Company Serving Rockford IL and the Stateline Area. We specialize in staging vacant and occupied homes for sale. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com
Michele ~ You are so right, we can't know everything about, well, everything! When a client asks me a question and I have no expertise in the matter, I tell them "I don't know, but I can find out", and I will. At that point, if they are interested I will put them in touch with my expert.
Very well put. I like the quick response aspect, too. It all reflects on the original referrer.
Great post! I wish it always worked that quickly. Sometimes it takes more than a day to connect the two parties. You obviously have a great relationship with your "experts".
People appreciate honesty and admitting you don't have all the answers is perfectly acceptable. It's not what you know but who you know sometimes.
Great post! It is important to have a good team of reliable, competent vendors ready to work with you to quickly respond to your clients needs. It eases their stress and makes our project go smoothly.
You're right - I have had to do this in the area of formal window coverings as well.....but I'm going to keep learning!
Sounds like you have your "expert" referrals set up too Kathy. They are invaluable.
Thank you Sheridan. I couldn't agree with you more. A while back I had a bad experience with someone I referred, and quickly found a replacement. It makes the whole team look bad.
Yes Shelia, it would be great if it was always within an hour of leaving, but not always possible. So far, I have been very fortunate and my referrals are very good about returning calls.
You said it, Sharon!
"Eases their stress and makes the project go smoothly." You point out important factors Cathy, which will ultimately play a big part in the customer's overall satisfaction.
I am with you Beth. I keep learning every day. I have no intention of becoming a bathroom design expert, but will certainly be learning a few things during this project. Part of what make our job so much fun.
Michele - I know I appreciate it when someone is honest with me, it proves their integrity. You're a smart business women!
Well Stated Michelle, your approach just goes to show how professional and valuable you are to your sellers. I am also very careful when it comes to suggestions regarding remodels. I let clients know that I although I can help with the selection of granite, tile, cabinets and paint, I don't get involved with anything that requires any structural changes. I also bring a list of qualified resources, subcontractors etc to my Stagings so I have that referal information at my fingertips.
I am a realtor and a stager. I just did a listing presentation for a vacant home that had a great room the size of russia -- and they wanted me to bring in furniture. Yes, hire experts AND know when to say "no"
Its good to know your limitations and when to call on a real expert for help. I dont know all the requrements on insurance, appraisals or title work and wouldn't try to do it all myself. That is why we need to for good teams with people we can count on to help.
Well said. The good thing is that you learn so much each time from contacting those experts. for me, it doesn't mean that I won't "call in the big guns" when needed, just that I at least can speak intelligently about it and let those who are in the know make the final decision.
Michele, It is SO nice to have a small team of people you trust to do the things you can't....and you can refer to them with complete confidence. Great points, we can't be experts in everything.
Hi Michele,
I agree 100%, I think people have more faith in me when I bring in other professionals - rather than trying to be a jack of all trades. My agents try to be everything ... it's like a general contractor personally fix the the plumbing too. People hire us because we know what it takes to get the job done, not because we are a one-man-show.
Best regards,
Mike
You're absolutely right - what's important is to have those contacts that are the experts! I can't put in tile, but I sure know who can . . . Keeping a good updated list is what your clients really need.
I know alot about mortgages, title work, inspections, electrical, pumbing, carpeting and a whole lot more. More importantle I know who to call.
Thanks Debbie!
Having our resources at your fingertips allows us to handle any staging demand - great advice Janine.
Sounds like you have a busy schedule with both Realty and Staging Gina. You must have lots of energy.
Excellent Example Roland!
Very well put! I could not agree more. Keep up the good work. Sylvie
I enjoy the challenge of learning something new too Leigh. But as you said, will not hesitate to call in the experts when necessary. When members of your team shine everyone looks professional.
Carole,you brought up two integral factors. . .trust and confidence. Isn't it wonderful when you find those qualities in your referrals.
"People hire us because we know what it takes to get the job done, not because we are a one-man-show." I think you summed it up nicely Mike!
Put in tile. Yikes! I can't do that either Lisa! - You are right we are not expected to be the expert in all areas.
Virginia, you said it! Announcing we know who to call only makes us look more professional.
Thanks Sylvie!!
Preach it. Part of my marketing is that I am the expert or the fact that I know someone who is.
Sounds like you have a great team in place too Mike! Crucial for success.
I agree, I always find an expert to answer questions that are beyond my expertise.
There's nothing wrong with not being an expert in everything. I think when you get in trouble is when you try to be.
So true, Michele. Two of my most successful tools are having experts' phone numbers at the ready in my cell for repairing and updating by home sellers and Realtors, and also a collection of retailers or websites in my head for design clients.
You may not be an expert in all areas Michele, but you are definitely a pro! I was called in on a redesign job last year and then the owners started talking about turning their garage into a family room...I had to quickly say the same thing...not my area, but I know someone that can help. (Of course I had to give them my advice on looking at resale)
I like that Lyn! "You get in trouble when you try to be"
Patricia, I like your idea of adding retailers & websites to our contacts too.
Sounds like you were an asset to the sellers Donna. I am sure your recommendations when it comes to resale were very helpful in their planning process.
Michele, you're very smart not to act as if you're an expert when asked about recommendations outside your realm of expertise. It can definitely get you in trouble. But having those referrals at hand to immediately provide for your clients makes you a great resource for them!
Michele -- Excellent post and I agree 100%! When we try to experts at everything it really makes people doubt our credibility doesn't it! I love having trusted experts that I can refer business to! We recently were helping with a remodel on a home where the client was doing a complete kitchen overhaul -- thankfully we know a wonderful cabinet maker who came up with some wonderful ideas -- and now she has custom cabinets for much less than the big box stores cabinets!
And make sure that "someone" is reliable. I would hate to recommend someone who doesn't call back, doesn't show up, or changes pricing midstream, etc., which happens in my area more than I care to say. Thanks for the post.
Thanks Annie!
Thank you Margaret - sounds like you just finished a fun project too.
Extremely important point Kelsey. When we refer people they are a reflection of our business as well as the Realtor who referred us.
Michele I don't have a hard time telling them I don't know everything. On some high end homes I reccomend they get an appraisal. My comps just don't give me the accurate numbers sometimes.