Despite Housing Market Doldrums, Showhomes Home Staging Grows at Record Pace

Existing-home sales fell nationally in July from already-low levels, and experts say the housing market will take at least another year, or longer, to emerge from its long slump. The stock market is on a bumpy ride too; and no one has a clue when it will stabilize.

But there is good news emerging in this uncertain economic scenario, especially for homeowners trying to sell their homes and the Realtors who help them. We are thriving at Showhomes Home Staging. In fact, our growth is exploding.

Homes staged and managed by Showhomes, many of which have been on the market for years, often sell in a matter of weeks and for top dollar.  Showhomes Home Staging franchisees all over the country are stacking up success stories for clients. Many are experiencing their best year ever in 2011.

The mother and son team, Jeff and Nancy Smith, owners of Showhomes Orlando are up 64 percent. The Muelver family, who owns a Showhomes Home Staging franchise in the Milwaukee area, was cited this year for chalking up record revenues in an already thriving market.

Jim and Kaye Biby, who co-own Showhomes Jacksonville, are also having a stellar year. The Bibys are experts at working with bank-owned properties that have been languishing on the market for a long period of time.

“We’re noticing that more people are willing to try different approaches to getting their home sold,” Jim Biby says. “Most of the bank-owned properties and short sales really need the touch of elegant staging and a live-in Home Manager, in order to sell. We dramatically increase the odds in favor of the home selling.

“Now that the banks have discovered us, I expect that market to keep heating up,” Biby adds.  “There are still millions of foreclosures on the market. I expect more and more banks to discover Showhomes services.”

Other markets with skyrocketing sales include Tampa, Fla., Memphis, Tenn., Coral Gables, Fla., Suburban Chicago, Los Angeles, Calif. and more.

“Showhomes seems to always make a successful transition through whatever situation is out there in the real estate market,” Donna Muelver says. “It is a sought-after and much-needed service that works whether the economy is up, down or just lukewarm.”

Showhomes is expanding rapidly with 75 franchises in 24 states. For the past six years the company posted record revenues and helped many homeowners sell in a tough market.

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