Home Staging Vacant Home Gets Full Price in Days

When I was doing marketing for large corporations I never got that warm and fuzzy feeling that I was making an important difference in the world.

That all changed when I discovered home staging.

It’s no exaggeration to say that our home staging services can have a profound and positive impact on our clients’ lives.

Perhaps that’s why so many former nurses are attracted to home staging. They want to use their creativity, but they still want to help people.

This home staging success story about a recent project by Staging Diva Grad Kate Perry of Accents and Amenities LLC (PA) will show you what I mean.

Wheelchair-Bound Client Stuck with 2 Mortgages

Kate had been an RN for 21 years when her department closed and she lost her job. This provided a great opportunity for her to reinvent her career and continue to make a difference.

A young woman contacted Accents and Amenities LLC after finding Kate’s home staging business online.

She was in desperate need of help with the sale of her boyfriend’s condo. He had MS and his condition was worsening. They couldn’t live in his old place because he was confined to a wheelchair and the space just wouldn’t work.

Sadly, the vacant condo had already sat on the market for 8 months.

There was little buyer interest and the feedback was that it was too small. Clearly you can’t make a condo larger, it is what it is!

This negative feedback is not uncommon with a vacant property.

Potential buyers have no vision for how to use the space, or how large it is when there’s no furniture in place as a reference.

(Read my article on 5 Reasons Empty Rooms are a Bad Idea When Selling Your House. )

Why many real estate agents don’t recommend home staging a vacant home is a whole other conversation!

The frustrated young couple was stuck paying two mortgages (that they could ill afford) and had already taken several price reductions during the 8 months the vacant condo sat on the market.

Within a few days of hearing from the client, Kate Perry identified the appropriate target buyer and completely staged their condo. Since it was a small condo, she staged it for a 20-something couple, or single person.

To keep costs down, Kate suggested the clients supply accessories from their current home to give the condo a cohesive appearance.

Sold 2 Weeks After Staging

The clients were thrilled to be involved in the decisions and especially with the results. A great weight was lifted off their shoulders when an interested buyer (a single man) made a full price offer within 2 weeks of staging! The deal closed before the holiday season.

Kate writes, “I could not have asked for more perfect, cooperative and appreciative clients. This wasn’t an extensive project but I am extremely satisfied with the results. This couple certainly wishes they would have staged 8 months ago when they first listed their property, but they’re relieved that the stress and extra mortgage are behind them and they can get on with their lives.”

“The Staging Diva Training Program helped get my business off to a great start,” says Kate. “Debra offers so much practical and valuable information. She motivated me to put my best foot forward and get started doing something I love. Kudos to Debra for sharing her knowledge so selflessly!”

Thanks to Kate for that feedback and for providing her home staging photos and details about this project.

Share Your Home Staging Success Story!

I’d love to write an article about you and get you some free publicity for your home staging business. At the same time, by sharing your home staging success story you’ll know that you’re inspiring others and get positive feedback from our readers. Simply fill out the quick online form I’ve created to share your success story.

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®
President, Six Elements Home Staging and Voice Of Possibility Group Inc.

Debra Gould has always believed that life is the adventure you make it. Not wanting to miss opportunities to try new things or to reach the end of her life wondering “what if?”, she has been a master at personal re-invention and transformation. A home stager since 2002, she created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program in 2005 to help others make a living from their creativity. There are over 9,000 Staging Diva students in 23 countries.

Comments

Stacy Goade, Alaska Premier Home Staging says

March 12, 2015 at 7:11 pm

Kate, congratulations on impacting lives in a new way! What a success story. We can all be proud of you, and at the same time; proud of what we all do as home stagers.’

It is the untold story; how we do in fact touch the lives of the home sellers we work with. I find it to be one of the most satisfying elements of my home staging business,. “Bless, and be blessed.”

Debra, wonderful write up and another one of your affirmation for all of us about the value we bring to others through home staging.
Kate Perry says

March 12, 2015 at 9:52 pm

Thanks so much Debra for sharing my success story with your readers. I am happy to say that business has recently taken off and I’m loving every staging minute! I look forward to sharing more stories with you.
Susan Atwell says

March 13, 2015 at 10:50 pm

Congratulations! One of the best parts of staging a home is helping others. I’m glad to hear that there are other home stagers trying to save their clients money by using as much of what they already own. Great job!
- Debra Gould says
  
  March 16, 2015 at 11:53 pm
  
  I totally agree Susan, it brings so much meaning to our jobs, to make a difference for others.

“The Staging Diva Business Training Program is worth every penny!

While there are other home staging courses out there, I’m so happy I follow the business model Debra teaches in her program. It is specific, concise, and thoroughly explained.

In addition to her courses, Debra offers SO many supplemental materials that are incredibly helpful too. The community of Staging Diva Graduates is another bonus, as we all support each other and share each other’s wins.”
— Cristin Lyons (NC)*Raleigh Staging & Design

“The Staging Diva Program is very well organized and explains in the most straightforward terms how to set up your business, maintain and grow it.

By the time I was on Course 3, I had already completed three home staging jobs which more than paid for all the training!

Debra’s step-by-step process allowed me to start a 2nd career doing something I probably should have been doing all along!”
— Rob Reinhart (CA)*Make It-Home

“Once I decided home staging was for me, I was terrified of starting my own business. Staging Diva Training gave me the confidence to do what I love, and contribute to our income after being out of the work force for 15 years.

Debra gave me the information I needed to get over my fear of failure, charge what I’m worth, and get out there and start my home staging business!”
— Kelli Hughes (TX)*ReAbode Home Staging and Redesign

“I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found the Staging Diva Program. I bought it without hesitation and began my training immediately.

I’m excited and inspired. The courses exceeded my expectations and gave me the knowledge to confidently start my own staging business.

So grateful for what I learned from Debra. She shares her gifts and talents so generously!”
— Mary-Maye Lorriman (UK)*Room by Room Interiors Ltd

“The Staging Diva Program was such an influential part of my home staging business plan. The business tools, processes and procedures Debra Gould outlines in the program set you up for success.

I have taken other courses but none compare to the comprehensive program with Staging Diva.

I truly appreciate all Debra’s help and guidance through the courses and group coaching calls. She is such a great inspiration!”
— Lori Carbone (NJ)*Spaces That Speak Home Staging

“I love Debra Gould’s straight forward approach and candor. As a home stager, she knows first-hand what it’s like in the field. Debra is running her own staging business as a real business and knows what it takes.

Debra is truly an uplifting woman and I continue to aspire to follow her lead. Her amazing passion for home staging is felt all the way over here on the Jersey Shore.”
— Wynette Williams (NJ)*Red Robyn Interiors

“The Staging Diva Program taught me many secrets about home staging consultations— especially how to charge, and have no inventory.

I took another home staging course before Debra’s and the Staging Diva Program really helped build my business. Debra forced me out of my comfort zone, she is such an inspiration! Now I know I can make a difference in many people’s lives.”
— Susan Bierig (NJ)*Re-deZine The Shore Way LLC

“I loved Debra’s no-nonsense style of running a home staging business, it’s very easy and straightforward. She keeps it simple, and it all “clicked” for me.

I now have the confidence to get out there and do what I am passionate about. I knew I had the talent, and now I have the business knowledge to round out my staging business. Thank you Debra!”
— Judy Chizmar (PA)*Judy Chizmar Home Transformations

“The Staging Diva Program is fantastic! I wish I had found it before completing a different home staging course. The program provided me with valuable business information that the other course lacked.

I am very impressed with Debra Gould. It is quite evident that she is honest and ethical in all her dealings with her students and clients, and that’s #1 in my books.

She truly has become my mentor!”
— Monique Milne (MB)*Milne Well Dressed Homes (MB)

“I’m so glad I came across the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. It’s a perfect fit for me with Debra sharing her business model and what has worked for her. She takes the guess work out of how to run a successful home staging business.

Debra is supportive, down to earth and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can now express my creative passion with more confidence following her guidance.”
— Shelley Giffin (QLD AU)*Rooms for Miracles

“The Staging Diva Program is very comprehensive, flows well, is explained simply, and the content is engaging. I loved the combination of information from Debra mixed in with student questions.

I do not need a business background to be successful as a home stager after taking the Staging Diva courses. They gave me the confidence I needed, to know that I can be successful.”
— Haana Nyamekye (MD)*Zuri Sophia Interiors

“I love that I’m pursuing a career that pays me to be creative, rather than spending my time working for someone else.

Plus, I have the freedom to be available to my family when they need me.

The Staging Diva Program filled in all the questions that I still had after completing another ‘hands on’ program. Thank you Debra, I now have the confidence to build my staging business.”
— Tracie Lacroix (BC)*Sold by Design

“This is the first time in my 57 years of life that I am pursuing something solely for myself — despite my often paralyzing fear!

I’m optimistic and excited to see what the new year has in store for me— due in large part to having found the Staging Diva Program and feeling prepared to take this new journey as a home stager. Debra, thank you sincerely!”
— Lisa Tyus-Lee (OH)*Lights Camera Stage LLC

“Debra’s knowledge and expertise on how to start a home staging business have inspired me.

As a seasoned Real Estate Agent who already staged clients homes, I believe this is a great business to be in.

I am moving my dream of staging homes into a separate business because Debra taught me how in the Staging Diva Program. Thank you Debra!”
— Leslie Manson (BC)*Staging Homes by Leslie

“I appreciate Debra’s candid approach. It’s the reason I chose the Staging Diva Program over other home staging courses.

My first project sold the first day on the market for more than the asking price. This confirmed I’m in the right business.

Thank you, Debra!”
— Casey McDougall (TX)*Custom Home Staging

“I loved the Staging Diva Program! I was skeptical about the format at first, but it was great. The notes were concise and easy to follow. Students asked questions I was wondering about myself, and Debra is clear and direct.

I’m confident in my decorating abilities, but wasn’t sure how to run a professional and profitable staging business. Debra walks you through the entire process.”
— Deborah Brischler (CA)*Home Staging Solutions

“The Staging Diva Program will help me avoid possible mistakes and has provided great clarity on many grey areas— which is great!

I love staging homes and since doing the program, I love it even more as I am confident that I can provide a really worthwhile and valuable service! These home staging courses are very practical. I wish I had completed them sooner!”
— Clodagh Doyle (Ireland)*Placelift Property Renovation Specialists

“I have never been so driven, passionate and totally motivated as I have been since completing the Staging Diva Program. I have not lost any steam nor any excitement.

The fact that the program is start-up business and marketing related to home staging makes it so perfect.”
— Dane Caldwell (ON)*2 Hounds Design

“I knew what I wanted to do as a home stager, but I didn’t know how to go about it. Staging Diva gave me the processes and I followed them.”
— Meg Ritchie (AU)*Gold Coast Homestaging

“I already have a knack for the decorating part of home staging, but I lacked the business side of things.

The Staging Diva Program was great to have at my fingertips so I could listen at my own speed and in my own time.

I was concerned about handling all the paperwork I thought had to be involved in the contracts and such, but Staging Diva has made it SO much easier!!”
— Amy Brown (MO)*Simply Staging by Amy

Wheelchair-Bound Client Stuck with 2 Mortgages

Sold 2 Weeks After Staging

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