In this example I would like to show the importance to Realty companies of their lobby reception area to the public. Whether it is a potential home buyer or an agent looking to join the sales team, first impressions count.
Gabe Bianchi of RE/MAX Premier opened the new location at 9100 Jane Street in Vaughan situated beside the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre . His concept for the new building was to create a main street atmosphere within the building. Two mortgage brokers, two lawyers, a home staging company amongst others are right in the building to serve the agents needs and to provide immediate answers to the buyers questions.
Part of the vision was to have the lobby staged by Advantage Staging. My suggestion was to change the look of the lobby every three months. Easy Decor rental furniture has provided the furniture for the first vignette. I chose warm coloured, abstract artwork from a local art supplier and the props and accessories are from my rental inventory. Every three months the look will change to keep interest high and create a positive energy in the building. Now the agents are looking forward to meeting their clients at the office as they have a story to tell that is unique to their location. And who wouldn't want that Advantage?
Investment, minimal.
Impact, priceless.
Winner of the Trailblazer of the Year Award 2009
Michelle, Very nicely done and a great idea to keep interest high.
Looks fantastic! What a fun idea to change the decor every 3 months... nice that the owner agrees to it. So I am assuming that you are the home staging company located in that building? I love the whole idea.
Michelle, Once again you have made the bland look warm and inviting. I still think it's a talent that i don't have. I suppose it's a good thing there are people like you around. I wonder how long staging companies have been around. Seems like I have only heard much about them over the last 3-4 years.
Hi Judi, it's all about keeping the real estate office in the front end of the trends for real estate offices. If you can invite your client in to your office and handle all of their questions right there, right then you have an edge over the competition.
HI Leanne, I change the decor every three months to showcase my staging to the agents and to the clients. The owner loves the idea as it gives his agents something to talk about with their clients and give them the ability to show their clients why home staging is so important to get the results they are after with the sale of their property. I have preferred pricing agreements in place for furniture rental, artwork etc. that may be needed in the home staging process. If you show buyers what they are expecting to see they will put in an offer on a property. With the lobby redesign every 3 months I can introduce new ideas to everyone on how to accomplish this.
I am the home staging company in the building. The owner introduces me to everyone that visits-lawyers, clients,potential agents that are thinking of joining the REMAX Premier team, other businesses in the plaza for designing their spaces etc. It is a win, win, win situation for everyone.
Have I mentioned lately that I love what I do. The idea of having a "main street" shopping experience for your clients is an idea for the times. Buyers and sellers want answers right now and we can give them what they are looking for without leaving the building.
Wow Michelle what a difference! I did our local Chicago Title office and have been trying to get a few of the real estate office to make some changes. Have to keep plugging along! I can't imagine, although I see many, offices without lobby seating??? Does no one ever have to wait?
Great idea! Would love to do the same for some of the realtor offices we partner with!
Michelle, You are a great marketer! Love the staging (especially love that rug) and the fact that you are in a building with a real estate company and other professional offices. Please post the "new" lobby when you change out the "staging"!
What an innovative idea...I'm sure they love it!
This looks fantastic Michelle! I love the idea of changing it out every three months and I'll bet you're enjoying your new office digs. Congratulations!
Hi Ginger, it does astound me sometimes how little thought goes into the first impression in office reception areas. This is the area that should highlight the culture of your office and show visitors you welcome them and are expecting them.
Hi Heather, give a whirl in your area. Make sure to have partnerships in place with furntiure suppliers (could even be a store instead of a rental furniture company), artwork etc. so you can present a solid, ready to go sales pitch when you arrive to speak with the office manager. It's pretty hard for them to turn down an idea like this one. No work on their end and benefits for everyone involved.
Hi Diana, I will definitely be posting the next look. The area rug is where the whole design concept developed from. It is always easier to pick the area rug, fabric or artwork and start from there for inspiration. The rug is from Rona Hardward store believe or not. Called Taj Mahal Regular $ 240 for $ 120. Always start with the red tags I say!
Where better to be as a stager than in a building where over 75 agents and countless home owners need your services.
Hi Cindy, the owner Gabe attended the REMAX Kickstart event this year and this was an idea he heard about there and had been contemplating for awhile. When we met, it all clicked and here we are today as a main street of services to buyers and sellers.
Hi Jackson, Thank you for stopping to see my lobby. Now you have to really stop in when you are in Toronto next week. It is only about 20 minutes away, I will even stop in to pick you up. Although I may have to put the top down on the car- you are one long cool drink of water!
Hi Michele, The staging for this office is so stylish, it makes you want to sit down and drink it all in! I do have a question about the art, you stated "the abstract artwork from a local art supplier", does he let you rent these prints? How does that work, I'm curious.
I hadn't realized you now have a storefont, wow that's a big step, best wishes for you!
Hi Cynthia, I rent the art pieces from the supplier then I offer them for sale at the end of each month to the Realtors in an email blast which is done through the REMAX office system. They can purchase them for closing gifts or for personal use.
I am looking forward to an exciting year as part of the main street culture in this office. It is a natural progression for a real estate office to take so that clients can enjoy one stop shopping.
Michelle, beautiful work! I love the idea of updating every 3 months and of selling the art at the end of the lease term. Wonderful ideas and a beautiful update that I'm sure will bring in more clients to this office.
Hi Annie, I am very fortunate to have met up with a very progressive thinking realtor in Gabe Bianchi at Remax Premier in Vaughan. He is open to new ideas and sees the value in marketing his office to clients in way like no ther realty office. His agents have a unique selling proposition to offer the clients. A team of people to help sell their home. An in house stager, lawyer, accountant, home inspector, mold remediation company amongst a few. The agents do not have to leave the building to have their questions answered, the person they want to ask is just down the aisle.