When selling real estate the objective is getting the best price for your property. This requires showing the property in the best light possible. We are here with Barbara Bliss a Showhomes franchise owner. Staging is part of what they do, however, they go well beyond to get the best price in the shortest time possible.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led to your current role at Showhomes?
A: Formerly a Real Estate Broker, I had used Showhomes services and sold eight townhomes for 99 percent of their list price with staging by Showhomes. I also flipped houses successfully. Owning a Showhomes franchise was a perfect blend of my passion to help buyers visualize a home, and it provided a steady income and more stability.
Q: How does working with Showhomes differ from other companies in your niche?
A: The business model really separates us from anything you can get in the market in the area. Using Showhomes is really a no brainer for a homeowner, because we provide whole-house staging for one flat fee that is payable at closing, plus the homeowners’ utilities are assumed for a cost savings in the meantime. We consider ourselves a ‘boutique’ staging company; each Showhomes is special. Our projects are each created specifically for the house with high-end furnishings and accessories.
Q: Can you give me an example of how you have helped a particular client,who could not find a buyer, to move their home quickly using your services?
A: We recently helped a homeowner and their Realtor sell their property in two days after the listing sat stale on the market for close to a year because the house felt dingy and dark, and the floorplan was unusual. With Showhomes staging, the rooms came alive and more easily defined. The buyers could picture the ease of living in this Showhome and immediately made an offer. The homeowner stated they wished they had called us sooner.
Q: What is the most common problem you see sellers have when trying to sell a home that is not staged?
A: When a house is not staged the flaws are magnified, and when the house sits it becomes stigmatized.
Q: What is the most common thing you see sellers do that can lose them the sale?
A: They wait too long to call to see if it sells first before staging. However, if they stage out of the gate, they will sell it faster and for more money.
Q: What are the top three questions your clients ask when considering your services?
A: They ask: How much does it cost? When can we start? What style will you stage the house?
Barbara Bliss
As a Chicago native, Barbara Bliss has an extensive knowledge of the North Shore-Barrington territory she serves. Her background as a Realtor for eight years, flipping homes, and a Business Management degree from Robert Morris University makes her a top competitor in the home staging industry.
Barbara has won multiple awards during her time at Showhomes annually earning Circle of Excellence, Director’s Choice for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction (2013), Franchisee of the Year (2009), Shooting Star (2010) Best New Franchise (2005), as well as. Barbara doubled the revenue when she began in 2005 and has continued this success with consistent increases in revenue year after year with 2016 on course as an all-time record.
For more information on Showhomes please visit: www.showhomes.com
