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The Gift Shop Syndrome

By Doug Francis

Gift Shop

Gift Shop (Flickr credit: beautifulcataya)

Ugh, their house looks like a gift shop!

You can’t imagine how many times I have heard that observation from home buyers in a hushed tone so that the home sellers couldn’t hear. Hey, that comment really needs to be taken to heart by anyone planning to sell their home anytime in the future.

The reality is that your stuff is a turn-off, is distracting, and making your house look smaller than it really is… are you following?

Honestly, that collection of art things reflects your taste, and you should do everything to preserve that collection before you put your home on the market.

Tip: Avoid looking like a gift shop

When your Realtors give me a call asking for feedback on homes that my client got the gift-shop-vibe from,  I constructively give them ways of giving their client useful and helpful advice.

For example, the way I do that is by allowing them to say “that guy from RE/MAX said that your hand-blown glass collection…” you can fill in the rest.

In reality, by not wanting to hurt your feelings, your agent is not helping you. Understand that today’s home buyers are glued to HGTV’s programming and maybe it’s about time for you to tune in too. Please?

Over this past weekend I told an agent who was holding an open house that she honestly needed to tell the home sellers that they needed to thin out their stuff by 30% because we could barely walk around the house. And that my clients were looking at the stuff, not the house.

Hence, the gift shop syndrome!

Getting that perfect accent piece at Pier 1 Imports or Target is fine – do it.

But if your house looks like you have walked into HomeGoods, …well, then you are off the mark by a mile.

I give my home seller clients a checklist for getting their home ready to sell in 30 days. The goal is to make a mental shift from being an owner to being a competitive seller. You want positive attention, not come across as another yard sale.

So get to work, get a truthful opinion of your home, and think to yourself, “does my home look like a gift shop?”

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: HGTV, real estate

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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