I just had to share this feel good story about my latest Staging client in South Florida. Did you ever have a client that you just thought "Why can't all my clients be this nice and easy to work with? I did a Staging Consultation last night and I walked away thinking it would be great if I could clone him as well as his wife, baby and Lotto, his Jack Russell Terrier.
"Be brutally honest with me." That was his request! When's the last time you heard that? He had already spoken with his landscapers; the painters were on stand-by; and there were absolutely no raised eyebrows or looks of doubt at suggestions I made. He'd watched some of the shows on HGTV and even clipped some "Before" and "After" pictures that he thought might work in some of his rooms.
Lotto, aka, Jack Russell Terrier, was never in the way and left the room when his owner told him to. Jeff said that the small water and food bowls set out for Lotto would be removed and put out only when Lotto needed them. No doggie odors, no doggie doors to conceal. Check that item off the list.
"I'd rather spend the money to repair the tiles that are broken rather than lose a possible extra $20,000 in the sale price. " Finally, a client who recognizes that by investing in upgrades, repairs and Staging, he's enhancing his ROI.
So, there were no Staging hints or techniques in this post but I felt I would be remiss if I did not express my "thanks" to a special client! My wish for all fellow Stagers is that you have the chance to have at least one Special set of clients like I've had.
P.S. Did I mention he offered me the best Espresso I'd had in ages?
Kathy, isn't unfortunate that they are so few and far between that we can vividly remember those "special" clients. I still keep in touch with my best client ever from almost three years ago.
I suspect your Client has found out, or will find out, what the rest of us already know:
Hi Kathy, yes, your client is a dream come true. The seller is also VERY motivated. I find that the more motivated the seller is, the easier the staging!
It is true, they do exist! I've had the pleasure of that wonderful fantasy family myself and you don't soon forget them. What a nice bonus when you realize you have gotten the dream client!
HI Kathy!
Clients like this compensate for the...not so like this. I have to admit that except a few, most of my clients were great. And the ones who were great, got great results, became my redesign clients, spread the word... the ones who weren't...well...not so much(as Borat says)
I would love a few of those clients myself.
I am with Virginia-after you clone him could you send him to the Bay Area please! He is a dream come true!!
Ginger- you're right. But when they come along you really appreciate them.
Russel-thanks for the encouragement and beautiful pic.
Beverly- absolutely right about their being motivated. I guess we know right away when they aren't.
Sharon- yes a dream client. And, it is so good to know that others have been as fortunate to have them as well.
Monica-Yes, a happy client is like walking advertisement not only for you but for the industry.
Virginia-Wish I could send them your way. How's Ormond Beach coming?
Cathy Lee-if only I could. But until then, we certainly do appreciate the good ones that come along.
Now there's a keeper!
Hopefully his house will sell at lightening speed and he will tell all his friends, that tell their friends ... and so on ans so on ... BTW when the others are done with the Clone send him North!
Kathy - thanks for sharing with us. I believe we get more of what we appreciate so hopefully you will have more clients like this one!
Liz, my client is actually doing it the right way. . . he's not listing the house until it's Staged! If I could, I'd send his clone to all my fellow Stagers.
Tessa-From your lips to you-know-whose ears!
I received a thank you note and a gift certificate for a massage from a client who'd just paid me dearly to stage her mother's home. Being a bit suspicious, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. ;) Long live happy clients!
Holly, wow, lucky you!!! And, what I wouldn't do for a massage right now. Keep up the good work.
Kathy I am impressed. I will definitely keep you in mind next time I have a listing in Boca Raton or Delray Beach that could benefit from staging. I hope to meet you in person some time soon! Keep up the good work.