People often ask: what's it like owning a home staging franchise? Do you enjoy it?
I always answer with an enthusiastic, "Yes!" I love being a Showhomes franchisee because we get such great support. The corporate office offers practical, tangible help for franchises and tries to keep things fun and light-hearted whenever possible.
Take last year's Owner's Conference, for example. The theme was 'No Business Like Show Business.' We were invited to a formal dinner at corporate headquarters. We were encouraged to pretend that we were out for a night at the Oscars. Awards were given to various franchisees based on performance.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes the best actors in the film industry for their significant accomplishments each year. Approximately 40 million people tune in to see who has earned the highest honor the Academy bestows.
Just as momentous, although not witnessed by as many people, was the awards ceremony at the Showhomes Franchise Corporation Annual Gathering. The event, themed There’s No Business like Show-Business, was held January 27th at Union Station Hotel in Nashville and celebrated the success of the men and women who were honored. Showhomes is America’s largest home staging company and has 24 franchises in 19 states. In a year in which the real estate market experienced a considerable decline in sales, Showhomes franchise owners encountered double-digit growth – helping homeowners and their Realtors sell more than $192 million in real estate. Leading the rapidly growing company was the Central Arkansas franchise, based in Little Rock.
Jeff and Heidi Ross, Central Arkansas franchise owners, took home the best prize of conference. Their record growth, outstanding loyalty, high customer service, exceptional design quality and their promotion of the Showhomes brand earned them the 2007 Franchise of the Year Award.
“When we purchased our franchise in 2003, we decided then that we would build our franchise on quality and not quantity. Now, almost five years later, the fruits of our consistent diligence have paid off,” said Jeff Ross. “We believe the key to our success has been practicing quality in every area, without compromise, and the continual discipline of marketing to our customers. We now look forward to duplicating our Central Arkansas success as we begin a new franchise in Memphis, Tennessee.”
“Jeff and Heidi Ross operate a business that provides true value to Realtors and home owners in and around Little Rock. They produce some of the best home staging in the country and have a lengthy track record of succeeding and beating market conditions. We are proud of their performance and look forward to what they will accomplish in 2008,” said Bert Lyles, Showhomes CEO. “We are excited that Jeff and Heidi are expanding their expert service to the Memphis market.”
The Ross’ were also honored with the Strongest Market Presence Award for highest market saturation and largest brand presence. This is the first time Showhomes has bestowed this recognition.
Other awards were given to:
Sherri Nichols, Pensacola/Destin, Florida franchise owner, earned the Best New Franchise Award. In her first full year of operation, Sherri performed record growth, exhibited outstanding loyalty, high customer service and exceptional product quality in the promotion of Showhomes.
Beth George, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California franchise owner, earned the Top Revenue Producer
Cindy Montgomery, Minneapolis, Minnesota franchise owner, earned the Top Design Award, for highest product quality and excellence in design and the Most Homes Sold Award, for highest number of homes sold.
Jim Biby, Jacksonville, Florida franchise owner, earned the Most Homes Contracted Award¸ for the highest number of homes contracted and staged in 2007.
Andy Wilson, North and Central Houston, Texas franchise owner, earned the Fastest Sale Time Award, for fastest time to sell, averaging 46 days.
Circle of Excellence Awards
The following Showhomes franchise owners were recognized for excellence in operation, product quality, loyalty and customer service:
Angela Blankinchip – Mobile, Alabama
Jody Lovitt – Southeast Michigan
Donna Muelver – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jim Biby – Jacksonville, Florida
Judy Pokorny – Toledo, Ohio
Henry Graham – Charlotte, North Carolina
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
home staging is tax deductible
Home staging is tax-deductible!
All of us in the staging business know that education is one of our principle responsibilities and greatest challenges. We know that staging creates value and results in quicker sales, but sometimes homeowners and Realtors need convincing.
There is often a perception that staging is something of a gamble. Realtors are sometimes hesitant to approach homeowners with the suggestion that they spend more money out-of-pocket for something that may or may not produce the desired result. Homeowners who have not hired a professional stager before worry that they may not recoup the cost.
This is especially true of those needing to stage a vacant house.They think: what if I spend this money and don't see a return on my investment?
That is one reason why the home manager model works so well. Because we don't charge monthly fees to the homeowner when they agree to have their house staged using a home manager.This situation is completely win-win.
At Showhomes we always point out that the value of staging lies in several key factors. Staged properties sell faster. Faster sales result in higher commissions for agents and reduced carrying costs for homeowners.We have a long list of success stories to prove it, but when I sit down with a homeowner or Realtor with my proposal of services, well, those benefits can seem awfully intangible.
One of my standard selling points has always been this fact: staging always costs less than a price reduction. Why not pay $5,000 for staging and get an offer close to the price you want? Isn't that better than cutting the price by $20,000 - $30,000?
Well, if you put it that way...Even so, some people are reluctant.However, I think that a tax deduction might be seen as a more tangible benefit than those that come under the umbrella of 'reduced carrying costs'.
I think I am going to add that to my Showhomes spiel.
In question form, no less: "Did you know that home staging is tax deductible?"
"Why no", they will say - captivated and intrigued, wanting to know more....
"Yes. Home staging is an investment. A legitimate, tax-deductible selling expense."
I'm not a tax expert or a CPA, so I will recommend that they speak to some such professional about the particulars, but I think it is important to inform homeowners and Realtors alike of that benefit/option.Home staging services paid to a professional can be considered an advertising expense. Staging is still such a new concept to many. I am sure this fact is not widely known.
Contact Natasha at 864.423.4936
All of us in the staging business know that education is one of our principle responsibilities and greatest challenges. We know that staging creates value and results in quicker sales, but sometimes homeowners and Realtors need convincing.
There is often a perception that staging is something of a gamble. Realtors are sometimes hesitant to approach homeowners with the suggestion that they spend more money out-of-pocket for something that may or may not produce the desired result. Homeowners who have not hired a professional stager before worry that they may not recoup the cost.
This is especially true of those needing to stage a vacant house.They think: what if I spend this money and don't see a return on my investment?
That is one reason why the home manager model works so well. Because we don't charge monthly fees to the homeowner when they agree to have their house staged using a home manager.This situation is completely win-win.
At Showhomes we always point out that the value of staging lies in several key factors. Staged properties sell faster. Faster sales result in higher commissions for agents and reduced carrying costs for homeowners.We have a long list of success stories to prove it, but when I sit down with a homeowner or Realtor with my proposal of services, well, those benefits can seem awfully intangible.
One of my standard selling points has always been this fact: staging always costs less than a price reduction. Why not pay $5,000 for staging and get an offer close to the price you want? Isn't that better than cutting the price by $20,000 - $30,000?
Well, if you put it that way...Even so, some people are reluctant.However, I think that a tax deduction might be seen as a more tangible benefit than those that come under the umbrella of 'reduced carrying costs'.
I think I am going to add that to my Showhomes spiel.
In question form, no less: "Did you know that home staging is tax deductible?"
"Why no", they will say - captivated and intrigued, wanting to know more....
"Yes. Home staging is an investment. A legitimate, tax-deductible selling expense."
I'm not a tax expert or a CPA, so I will recommend that they speak to some such professional about the particulars, but I think it is important to inform homeowners and Realtors alike of that benefit/option.Home staging services paid to a professional can be considered an advertising expense. Staging is still such a new concept to many. I am sure this fact is not widely known.
Contact Natasha at 864.423.4936
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Quick Solutions for Creating a Master Suite Retreat in time for Valentine’s Day
For the Master Bedroom
De-clutter – De-cluttered rooms are more inviting. De-cluttering also frees up visual and mental space. For a quick solution, place non-essential items in a clear storage bin and store outside the bedroom for later organization.
Clean, Clean, Clean - Cleaning induces a calming effect and helps you breathe easier. Clean with a light lemon or citrus fragrance or odorless cleaners.
Update Bed Linens – Place new sheets on the bed. If you don’t already own any, invest in colorful, luxurious Silk, Satin, or Egyptian cotton sheets.
Choose a relaxing color or pattern that you will enjoy. Add decorative pillows for a punch of color.
Update Window Treatments – Hang light and airy drapes that compliment the bed linens.
Add fresh flowers - If you have a garden, cut a bunch of fresh flowers, place them in a vase with water and set on your night stand. If not stop by your local florist and pick up some.
Add candles – Place candles on your dresser, centered in front of the mirror. The reflection of the lit candles will serve as mood lighting. Scented or unscented candles can be used.
Add music – Soft instrumental music set at a moderately low tone also helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
For the Master Bath
Update Bath Linens – Place fresh hand towels on countertops and/or towel racks and hang fresh bath towels near tub and shower.
Replace the soap – If you have old half-used bars of soap, replace them with full fresh bars of soap.
Add candles and flowers - Place candles in a safe area near the bathtub where you can light them and put them out easily.
For any other ReStyle or Design tips please give us a call at 864-351-8305.
De-clutter – De-cluttered rooms are more inviting. De-cluttering also frees up visual and mental space. For a quick solution, place non-essential items in a clear storage bin and store outside the bedroom for later organization.
Clean, Clean, Clean - Cleaning induces a calming effect and helps you breathe easier. Clean with a light lemon or citrus fragrance or odorless cleaners.
Update Bed Linens – Place new sheets on the bed. If you don’t already own any, invest in colorful, luxurious Silk, Satin, or Egyptian cotton sheets.
Choose a relaxing color or pattern that you will enjoy. Add decorative pillows for a punch of color.
Update Window Treatments – Hang light and airy drapes that compliment the bed linens.
Add fresh flowers - If you have a garden, cut a bunch of fresh flowers, place them in a vase with water and set on your night stand. If not stop by your local florist and pick up some.
Add candles – Place candles on your dresser, centered in front of the mirror. The reflection of the lit candles will serve as mood lighting. Scented or unscented candles can be used.
Add music – Soft instrumental music set at a moderately low tone also helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
For the Master Bath
Update Bath Linens – Place fresh hand towels on countertops and/or towel racks and hang fresh bath towels near tub and shower.
Replace the soap – If you have old half-used bars of soap, replace them with full fresh bars of soap.
Add candles and flowers - Place candles in a safe area near the bathtub where you can light them and put them out easily.
For any other ReStyle or Design tips please give us a call at 864-351-8305.
Monday, February 9, 2009
showhomes gets results
After several years of an amazing boom, real estate markets all across the country have slowed to a trickle of what they had been in previous years. Homes have become much harder to sell, there are more homes on the market than at any time in history and these homes are taking far longer to sell.
Showhomes, America's Largest Home Staging Company, has been a ray of light in the otherwise gloomy market. Showhomes helps home owners sell high-end vacant homes and has experienced record growth as aresult.
"Showhomes' unique strategy of staging and helping Realtors market vacant luxury homes produces real results," said Matt Kelton, chief operating officer for Showhomes Franchise Corporation. "We are proud to announce that the company experienced 45 percent revenue growth last year. In the last three years, the company has been experiencing rapid growth, almost tripling its same store revenue. In addition, the Showhomes franchise system is growing rapidly as we add new units."
Showhomes has dramatically beaten market conditions - with staged Showhomes selling as much as 50 percent faster than comparable vacants, Kelton said. The company's service is high in demand becausethere are more houses for sale today than at any point in U.S.history, and there are more vacant homes for sale now than ever before. Showhomes - known as America's largest home staging company -began its operations in 1986 and started franchising in 1994. It currently has 23 franchises in 19 states, and has recently been listed as one of the hot franchising trends for 2008, Kelton said.
Selling a vacant house in any market can be a challenge. Vacant homes take much longer to sell than occupied homes and often sell for 10-20 percent below list price. Buyers have trouble visualizing their furniture in a vacant home and in a slow real estate market like today flooded with inventory, vacant houses simply get passed over in favor of more welcoming furnished homes. Good taste, beautiful furniture and well thought out design enables buyers to visualize an organized and decorated Showhome as their own.
For more information on how we can add value to your vacant home call: Natasha A. Little 864.423.4936
Showhomes, America's Largest Home Staging Company, has been a ray of light in the otherwise gloomy market. Showhomes helps home owners sell high-end vacant homes and has experienced record growth as aresult.
"Showhomes' unique strategy of staging and helping Realtors market vacant luxury homes produces real results," said Matt Kelton, chief operating officer for Showhomes Franchise Corporation. "We are proud to announce that the company experienced 45 percent revenue growth last year. In the last three years, the company has been experiencing rapid growth, almost tripling its same store revenue. In addition, the Showhomes franchise system is growing rapidly as we add new units."
Showhomes has dramatically beaten market conditions - with staged Showhomes selling as much as 50 percent faster than comparable vacants, Kelton said. The company's service is high in demand becausethere are more houses for sale today than at any point in U.S.history, and there are more vacant homes for sale now than ever before. Showhomes - known as America's largest home staging company -began its operations in 1986 and started franchising in 1994. It currently has 23 franchises in 19 states, and has recently been listed as one of the hot franchising trends for 2008, Kelton said.
Selling a vacant house in any market can be a challenge. Vacant homes take much longer to sell than occupied homes and often sell for 10-20 percent below list price. Buyers have trouble visualizing their furniture in a vacant home and in a slow real estate market like today flooded with inventory, vacant houses simply get passed over in favor of more welcoming furnished homes. Good taste, beautiful furniture and well thought out design enables buyers to visualize an organized and decorated Showhome as their own.
For more information on how we can add value to your vacant home call: Natasha A. Little 864.423.4936
Friday, February 6, 2009
walk it out
Showhomes Greenville owner Natasha Little will participate in the 12th annual Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego, California. She is training for this endurance event as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of the volunteers on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.
"I lost my sister Michelle to a blood cancer in May of 2005, so this charity is close to my heart. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!"
Natasha learned about Team in Training through Phil and Amy Parham of Biggest Loser fame. "Phil and Amy sent out a newsletter that mentioned TNT in the sidebar. I went to one of the local info meetings and felt compelled to register. Team In Training® (TNT) is designed to help women and men from all fitness levels achieve their athletic dreams by offering unparalleled coaching and access to some of the best events in the world. In return, we get the added satisfaction of raising funds to help the Society find a cure and offer much needed support to cancer patients in the meantime."
This year participants have roughly five months to train for several different endurance events, including a long distance bike ride, a triathlon, and their choice of marathons.
"I lost my sister Michelle to a blood cancer in May of 2005, so this charity is close to my heart. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!"
Natasha learned about Team in Training through Phil and Amy Parham of Biggest Loser fame. "Phil and Amy sent out a newsletter that mentioned TNT in the sidebar. I went to one of the local info meetings and felt compelled to register. Team In Training® (TNT) is designed to help women and men from all fitness levels achieve their athletic dreams by offering unparalleled coaching and access to some of the best events in the world. In return, we get the added satisfaction of raising funds to help the Society find a cure and offer much needed support to cancer patients in the meantime."
This year participants have roughly five months to train for several different endurance events, including a long distance bike ride, a triathlon, and their choice of marathons.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
why stage?
We love these quotes by Juliet Johnson, author, speaker and leading authority on home staging luxury real estate in suburban New Jersey.
"Home staging - aka getting your home into the best possible show shape so as to trigger an emotional response in the prospective buyer - is the proven way to shore up the value of any property offered for sale. Studies have shown that a staged house sells for 20% more than non-staged homes on properties priced over $200,000 and for 10 - 15% more on homes less than $150,000 - according to Thom Scott of Showhomes. So, if you want to get rich with your investment property... or maybe just sell your house for the best possible price, stage it!
"To shore up the price of your property for sale (i.e. get rich... or at the very least get what's rightfully yours), take the time to present your property really well. (which is just another way of describing staging!)
"Show the buyer how to live in the home. We have an 'add water and stir' society; people prefer to have an expert tell them something rather than have to go down a learning curve, make expensive mistakes and not have an optimal experience. Give each room a function, some color and some style. Buyers respond to emotions, and the best way to engage the emotions is with color (hence the existence of painters for as long as there's been mankind!)
"If a house costs $255,000. Your first price reduction is going to be at least $5 or 6 thousand, no? For half of that, you could have staged the whole house, or at least the principle rooms, for 3 months! Yes, you would have out of pocket expense on the staging, but what would your carrying costs have been?
"Staged homes sell 20 - 30% faster. In your market, how long is the average days on market? Chances are it's at least 60 - 90 days (and getting longer as 2008 progresses) If you can sell you home for a higher price, and not have it sit on the market deteriorating thereby saving untold amounts of money, to say nothing of time and emotional expense, wouldn't you agree, it makes financial sense to stage the home?"
Sellers often say that they can't afford to stage. If you look at it this way, you can't afford not to stage in today's market.
20% more....that's the difference between getting the $360K your house is worth or $300K a buyer might offer if your home is vacant.
10% more on homes valued $150K or less. That's $15,000 dollars you may have left on the table.
Remember this if nothing else: Staging always costs less than a price reduction!
Quotes were excerpted from Juliet's blog post: "Home Staging is a Rich Man's Game - Yeah, If You Wanna Be Rich!" To read the full article click here.
"Home staging - aka getting your home into the best possible show shape so as to trigger an emotional response in the prospective buyer - is the proven way to shore up the value of any property offered for sale. Studies have shown that a staged house sells for 20% more than non-staged homes on properties priced over $200,000 and for 10 - 15% more on homes less than $150,000 - according to Thom Scott of Showhomes. So, if you want to get rich with your investment property... or maybe just sell your house for the best possible price, stage it!
"To shore up the price of your property for sale (i.e. get rich... or at the very least get what's rightfully yours), take the time to present your property really well. (which is just another way of describing staging!)
"Show the buyer how to live in the home. We have an 'add water and stir' society; people prefer to have an expert tell them something rather than have to go down a learning curve, make expensive mistakes and not have an optimal experience. Give each room a function, some color and some style. Buyers respond to emotions, and the best way to engage the emotions is with color (hence the existence of painters for as long as there's been mankind!)
"If a house costs $255,000. Your first price reduction is going to be at least $5 or 6 thousand, no? For half of that, you could have staged the whole house, or at least the principle rooms, for 3 months! Yes, you would have out of pocket expense on the staging, but what would your carrying costs have been?
"Staged homes sell 20 - 30% faster. In your market, how long is the average days on market? Chances are it's at least 60 - 90 days (and getting longer as 2008 progresses) If you can sell you home for a higher price, and not have it sit on the market deteriorating thereby saving untold amounts of money, to say nothing of time and emotional expense, wouldn't you agree, it makes financial sense to stage the home?"
Sellers often say that they can't afford to stage. If you look at it this way, you can't afford not to stage in today's market.
20% more....that's the difference between getting the $360K your house is worth or $300K a buyer might offer if your home is vacant.
10% more on homes valued $150K or less. That's $15,000 dollars you may have left on the table.
Remember this if nothing else: Staging always costs less than a price reduction!
Quotes were excerpted from Juliet's blog post: "Home Staging is a Rich Man's Game - Yeah, If You Wanna Be Rich!" To read the full article click here.
Monday, February 2, 2009
about their partnership
Tanya and Natasha were introduced in May of 2008 and became fast friends. They discovered that they had many things in common. Both relocated from the D.C./Baltimore area. Both have an entrepreneurial spirit. And both of them love to shop for home furnishings and accessories.
"What's my favorite thing about Tanya? The thing I noticed instantly was her willingness to cooperate and share resources and ideas. She was clearly very ambitious, but also very helpful and supportive and sincere. I knew immediately that we would be able to form a profitable partnership and I am happy to say that we have become good friends as well." - Natasha Little
“Natasha is very outspoken and she’s a go-getter. Once I realized that we share the same vision and are each willing to do put in as much work as it takes accomplish our goals, even when it means long days and sleepless nights, I knew that we could form a successful partnership. Our styles are very complimentary, so working together is easy. It just flows. We both have a passion for all things real estate and helping others. We share a mutual respect for each other’s businesses and support one another completely. It’s the best of both worlds.” - Tanya Venable
Tanya and Natasha remain independent owners of their respective companies, Fresh Eye Designs, LLC and Showhomes Greenville, but continue to collaborate to provide a full-range of design services and marketing support to local Realtors and homeowners.
Contact Tanya at 864.351.8305
Contact Natasha at 864.423.4936
"What's my favorite thing about Tanya? The thing I noticed instantly was her willingness to cooperate and share resources and ideas. She was clearly very ambitious, but also very helpful and supportive and sincere. I knew immediately that we would be able to form a profitable partnership and I am happy to say that we have become good friends as well." - Natasha Little
“Natasha is very outspoken and she’s a go-getter. Once I realized that we share the same vision and are each willing to do put in as much work as it takes accomplish our goals, even when it means long days and sleepless nights, I knew that we could form a successful partnership. Our styles are very complimentary, so working together is easy. It just flows. We both have a passion for all things real estate and helping others. We share a mutual respect for each other’s businesses and support one another completely. It’s the best of both worlds.” - Tanya Venable
Tanya and Natasha remain independent owners of their respective companies, Fresh Eye Designs, LLC and Showhomes Greenville, but continue to collaborate to provide a full-range of design services and marketing support to local Realtors and homeowners.
Contact Tanya at 864.351.8305
Contact Natasha at 864.423.4936
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