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 They tend to be empty or furnished with pieces that are outdated and old.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
Wingnut Social is Getting an UPGRADE - Episode 179
How to Leverage Your Network the Right Way with Benjamin Shapiro - Episode 178
Instagram’s Feed Refresh: Suggested Posts - Episode 177
Genevieve Trousdale Shares WHY You Should Add Webinars to Your Portfolio - Episode 176
Facebook Partner Monetization for Designers - Episode 175
Laura Wright Shares How to Sell Effectively in EVERY Market - Episode 174
Instagram Reels VS TikTok: The Game Begins - Episode 173
Desi Creswell Shares How to Cultivate a Healthy Mindset - Episode 172
YouTube Mid-Roll Ads Requirement Revamped - Episode 171
How to Pivot Your PR Approach with Courtney Pisarik - Episode 170
Go LIVE from Facebook Messenger Rooms - Episode 169
Pamela Jaccarino Shares How Luxe Magazine is Connecting with Their Audience in Trying Times - Episode 168
Your Pinterest Feed is Getting a Makeover - Episode 167
How to Embrace a Virtual Workplace with Chad James - Episode 166
Your Instagram Comments Section is Getting a MAJOR Upgrade - Episode 165
Why The Design Industry Needs Reform with Malene Barnett - Episode 164
Are Instagram Reels THE Answer to TikTok? - Episode 163
A Glimpse Into the World of Product Design with Tyler Hill
Promoted Pins on Pinterest: Invest in this Ad Strategy
How to Master your Money Mindset [And STOP Struggling] with Nancy Levin
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dear Alice | Interior Design
99% Invisible
The John Clay Wolfe Show
Black Beauty
Grimms’ Fairy Tales
Women Designers You Should Know
Design Better