RENOVATOR MARKETING

Whenever we have an exclusive listing that requires extensive renovation, I reach out to my favorite resources to help position us to provide tangible, substantive, insights around the potential future of that property.....and cost, a subject most either want to avoid or know nothing about.

Recently, we listed a magnificent Gilded Age townhouse with Stacey Kanbar and Julie Kopel:?we immediately reached out to Lee Stahl, the owner of?TRH New York, a super-experienced contractor who knows and understands costs. He provides a fully baked service including architectural, engineering, permitting, construction, etc. and has been invaluable in providing us with estimates for renovation as well as potential floor plan layouts and renderings. Most buyers have little to no imagination: the others often lie! Imagining the 'future' of a property that requires substantial work is not easy, even for the most trained professionals. Lee provides a booklet like?THIS?to help clients see (and budget) the future. I feel it's our duty to provide prospective clients with a very clear potential view of the future....including potential costs. Who wants to talk about renovation costs at the time of purchase? That is never very comfortable, but most clients truly?appreciate a clearer picture on this subject.

Some agents are design professionals. Some are contractors. The value they bring to the table is enormous, but I feel a third party can also be invaluable in giving the consumer a much clearer perspective of total cost, once fully renovated. Lee does not hold back: he does not only provide the 'cheapest option' which is sometimes tempting. While many don't love reality-checks, they do appreciate them. Honesty is still valued by most.

So next time you market a property that requires a full renovation, know that any and all renderings, floor plans and cost details are an invaluable asset in your marketing materials, maybe even more so than the images you may be showing of the property's existing condition. Do YOU have the resource/s at your fingertips to help you put together all these assets? Every seller should ask this question of their agent.