Why do interior designers and home stagers need professional relationships with realtors? How can this relationship further your business and put dollars in your pocket? How do you build those relationships in the first place? Darla and Eric Reeves set out to answer these questions in this episode of Wingnut Social!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut SocialEric is one of the few that can stage a home, sell it, and remodel it. Because of his degree in interior design, he can help buyers visualize the potential of the space when he’s showing it. He can help people see how to make a home of their own. He can also advise buyers of resale value and help them determine changes to make that stay within the budget of the neighborhood. When Eric started his business, it was geared toward home staging because there was nothing in his area. As a realtor, seeing how homes were presented, he knew his market needed the service.
Why interior designers should network with realtorsEric points out that realtors are a great resource to home buyers and sellers. New home buyers might need an electrician, plumber, contractor, etc. Most of the homes in Eric’s area are resales—not new construction—so remodeling is always a consideration. Most people who own a home at some point will need to sell or buy. The homeowner will likely ask you for interior design recommendations. That’s why a symbiotic relationship between designers and realtors is imperative.
What benefit does the realtor get? When you’re a great resource for your clients, it keeps you top of mind. When they go to buy or sell, you’re the person that comes to mind. Eric’s market is a lot of second homes and vacation homes. They tend to be empty or furnished with pieces that are outdated and old. They often need a designer’s touch to help them move.
How home stagers can sell their value to realtorsEric recommends that home stagers and interior designers need to build a good relationship with realtors—and know your numbers. You need to be familiar with the inventory on the market. You need to understand if the market is hot or barely moving. It’s all about perceived value. 95% of people start their home searches online. So you need to communicate to your client the value of a well-staged home.
You also need a professional online presence (website and social media). You need a packet of information that’s exceptional that you can provide outlining the services you offer. You also need to be able to communicate the value of your work (and how it can lead to more money for the homeowner and realtor).
Eric believes there’s a place for both normal and digital staging. If someone needs a quick turnaround at a low price point, digital staging may be the way to go. But Eric points out if he’s showing a home with staged photos online but walks into an empty house, it’s a letdown. People don’t have the vision to see what could be. But if you can learn to do both, do it. You don’t want to be the Blockbuster of the interior design industry.
Listen to the whole episode for some networking tips + tricks from Darla!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes by
PODCAST FAST TRACK
https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Promoted Pins on Pinterest: Invest in this Ad Strategy
How to Master your Money Mindset [And STOP Struggling] with Nancy Levin
TikTok SPILLS Their Algorithm Secrets
Want to Be the Next Design Star? [Here’s How] with Kristin Giese
Designers: Jump on the TikTok Bandwagon NOW
The Flexibility Act: Paycheck Protection Program Loan Updated [Aaron Smyle Explains]
Instagram Monetization: NEW Live Badges and IGTV Ads
Ways to Diversify Your Revenue Stream with Shayla Copas
Instagram Launches ‘Guides’ Feature: What Does it Mean for Designers?
#AmplifiedMelanatedVoices
Sharing Inspiration Posts [The Pros and Cons]
How to Get ‘Seriously Happy’ About Your Business Model with Rebecca West
How Instagram Live is Stepping it Up
It’s Time to Incorporate Wellness Design in your Business with Christina McManaway
The LinkedIn Events Feature: Why You Should Use it
Redesigning Your Brand Identity with Joan Ravasy
The NEW Facebook Live Features Being Rolled Out
Digital Marketing Budget for Designers: Kate O’Hara Shares Her Formula
Messenger Rooms: The NEW Feature Facebook is Launching to Rival Zoom
How to Deliver an Exceptional Client Experience with Ashley Uhl
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dear Alice | Interior Design
99% Invisible
The John Clay Wolfe Show
The Turn of the Screw
Black Beauty
How to Decorate
Art + Audience