Paying it Forward.....

Recently, a friend mentioned that she was at a Starbuck's drive-thru, and the driver in front of her had paid for her order. She was so surprised and elated at this selfless act!  I thought it was a great gesture and wanted to do the same for someone. 

A few days ago, I was asked by a Realtor to 'stage' a home for an elderly woman with health issues, who was needing to sell her home and move to another city to live with her granddaughter and family. She was surrounded by many who wanted to take advantage of her age and circumstances.  A lovely woman in her mid-80's, she was computer savvy and owned the latest and greatest cell phone. (Can you imagine?!!)  She was as sharp as can be, yet such a tough luck lady!  She stole my heart, and I decided this was my opportunity to 'pay it forward'!  

While staging my client's home and getting it ready to be placed on the market, another Realtor who saw the 'COMING SOON' sign in the front yard called and wanted to show her client the home that very day!  As in TODAY???......3 hours from now????......today???

So with a great coffee buzz (thanks to my client who insisted I try her Paul Newman's coffee!) I transformed into Wonder Woman and jumped into high gear to get the home ready to show within just a few hours!  The Realtor and her client's came through the home, fell in love, and made an offer to purchase!  Paying it Forward:  I charged my client a fraction of my staging fee because it was my turn to 'pay it forward'.  I had an overwhelming sense that this woman could really use a break.  She was dealing with health issues, stressed about the uncertainty of her future, needing to sell her home, move out of town, and purchase another home.  I am exhausted thinking about it...I can't imagine being 80+ years old with all of that to tackle! I am in awe of her will and determination!

I must say that this was my most rewarding job to date!  The ironic thing is that while I know staging helps sell homes faster and for more profit, typically I have to convince others who are skeptical.  My client, however, never thought twice about whether staging would help or not, she knew it was a good idea. And, the payoff....this smart and classy lady is getting lots of interest without even having the house on the market yet!   You GO Girl!!!

Here are a few before and after photos (it was quite a rush job...so pardon the not so sharp photos) of the home.  Paying it forward....so worth it! 

BEFORE:  KITCHEN AND EAT-IN DINING AREA

AFTER:  KITCHEN AND....

EAT-IN DINING AREA

BEFORE:  DINING ROOM

BEFORE:  DINING ROOM 

AFTER:  DINING ROOM

AFTER:  DINING ROOM & KITCHEN

BEFORE:  GUEST BEDROOM

AFTER:  GUEST BEDROOM

BEFORE:  STUDY

AFTER: STUDY

BEFORE:  GATHERING ROOM

AFTER:  GATHERING ROOM

BEFORE:  GATHERING ROOM

AFTER:  GATHERING ROOM

BEFORE:  MASTER BEDROOM

AFTER:  MASTER BEDROOM (This was not the final...it was 'transition mode'!)

AFTER:  MASTER BATH (Did not get the before photo!)

AFTER:  SIDE PORCH (Did not get the before photos)