| | | February 2009 | Vol 4. Issue 2 | | | | | | | Greetings! | | It is still cold outside, but showings are heating up! CSS is reporting their highest activity since last summer. Are your listings ready to be shown? Dont' miss out on one of the busiest sales seasons of the year. The criteria for home sales has always been location, price and condition. To make the most of this season, make sure your listings are priced competitively, are move-in and show ready! | | More than just a pretty face, staging PAYS! | | After working in the Charleston real estate market for nearly three years now, we have been able to comprise statistics showing that staging not only increases showings, makes homes feel warmer, shows size, scale and lifestyle, but it actually can make the seller (and selling agent) A LOT of money!! One of our most recent studies took a subdivision in Mt. Pleasant and compared the staged vacant properties to the non-staged vacant properties that sold in 2008. What we found was that the staged homes sold at an average of 2% more than the non-staged and sold a whopping 201 days faster! When we calculated the increased offers and saved carrying costs it equaled approximately $42,250! What did that mean to the listing agent? In addition to happier clients, more referrals and less marketing fees... an increase in their commission of $1267.50 (after buyer split, before agency split). Click on any of the links below to view or print one of our flyers: | |  | | Just a Reminder... | Owner Occupied w/ Consultation Report: $150 less than 3000 sq ft $225 greater than 3000 sq ft | | Upcoming Classes: | | 
LUNCH & LEARN WED., March 4, 11-1 $25 includes catered lunch AGENT STAGING COURSE March 26 & 27 $350, includes meals on both days | | | | | Make your listing stand out in this market... |  A big part of getting homes sold in this market is getting traffic to the home. MLS has increased the allowed number of photos to 26 and really all of these should be used for proper marketing. Is it enough, in this market just to fill MLS with photos like the one to the left? Yes, this is a beautiful home, but is it inspiring? Does this make buyers want to see more? This is the same room after staging. As part of our standard staging and marketing package, the after photos and a visual tour were provided to the agent after we were done, allowing this agent to more effectively market this gorgeous downtown listing. As a prospective buyers agent, which is more likely to inspire your clients to view the property? As a prospective listing agent, which is more likely to get you higher offers? More showings means increased likelihood of a quick sale. A quick sale increases the liklihood of a good offer. What are you waiting for? | | | | Charleston, now is the time to prepare your listing and have them ready for the busy season. Because we are fortunate enough to be in one of the stronger housing markets in the country, homes are still selling. Make the most out of each transaction for both you and your clients - utilize all the tools at your disposal and watch your business (and sales) grow! Sincerely, | | Melissa Marro, Bevin Googer & the entire First Impressions team
First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign 843.822.2622 or 843.425.0138 Look for our Articles and Ads in Real Estate Executive Magazine
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