I’ve been expanding and contracting my business if that makes sense. I’ve been exploring ways of branching out into the areas I love (organizing offices and project managing renovations for sale) and reducing jobs doing things I don’t (like staging vacant houses). So with my project management aspect, here’s another way that realtors can be a great resource for their clients.
I did a recent job for some fabulous out of town clients but these were buyers, not sellers. The agent who referred me had used me on many staging jobs but these buyers were moving from Chicago and wanted to renovate their kitchen and redo the first floor of the house (paint & flooring). She asked if I’d be interested in working with them. Are you kidding?? This was right up my alley as I’ve been flipping houses and renovating houses for over a dozen years. I guess I just haven’t communicated it to people who should know this well enough. Lesson learned there.
What was great about this project is that not only did the agent come off looking great for referring me, my clients were thrilled with the work we did: 3 weeks and a complete kitchen renovation including painting the cabinets, additional trim and cabinets, new hardware, new appliances, new tile backsplash and countertops, sink & faucet and more, plus refinishing all of the hardwoods on the first floor, painting the first floor, fixing a gas leak we discovered and a few other odds and ends. I was their eyes on the ground and made sure everything got done well and on time, plus saving them money with my designer discount and time management skills. They were able to move in with everything done that they wanted.
For realtors – knowing who can do what can be invaluable. Get that list together of contractors and suppliers. It’s what makes your clients remember you not just as the person who shepherded them through a deal but as the go to person for after the sale. Guess who’ll they’ll think of when talking real estate for years to come?
Here’s before & after of the kitchen we did:
