Missed Opportunities

PalmHarbor SFTYesterday was one of my favorite days of the year - the opening of the State Fair of Texas! Millions of people go through the gates looking for entertainment and many are even looking for a new home.

Big Texas is always the focal point of the fairgrounds, and Palm Harbor Homes has been very fortunate to have a home displayed just behind the big guy himself. I can't imagine how much of an investment this is for Palm Harbor and I was anxious to see the home.

Imagine my surprise when I walked into the home, oohing and ahhing and taking a ton of photos and not one salesperson (there were multiple) approached me or said a word to me. Or to anyone else walking the home for that matter except for talking to them about buying a chair.

What a missed opportunity! These sales people had more traffic in this time period than they probably see in a year, a beautiful home to sell and educate visitors with about manufactured housing and Palm Harbor, but instead they stood there looking like they hated being there. I felt really bad for Palm Harbor that their investment was obviously not being appreciated by their sales team.

When a consumer comes into a model home, it's for a reason - they are looking for decorating ideas, they are interested in buying a home, or they may be looking for someone else who wants to buy a home, but bottom line there is an interest that brings them in our front door. Consumers don't want to be sold anymore, they are looking to us for information and to be educated to help them feel secure about their buying decision. Until we open a discussion with these potential buyers, we won't be able to sell them a home. As a Lifestylist® I make make the homes as beautiful, meaningful and interactive as possible, but it's still up to the sales team to engage the buyer and sell them the home.

Why Buy a Manufactured Home?

Hobbs Spa Trop Overall AfterHobbs Kitchen AfterThe days of being able to tell if a home is manufactured or a site built are quickly coming to a close. Today's manufactured home can offer as many options as it's site built competition if not more. Technology and manufacturers have come a long way in what we can offer consumers today anywhere in the country.

I just got back from Hobbs, NM working with an amazing retailer - Young's Factory Built Homes. This isn't your "old school" retail center - even though they have been in business since 1958 nothing at this retail center is aged or dated. You can tell be the photos that the homes are well presented and would make anyone a proud homeowner. They asked me to come in and add some design trends to their interiors and I'm hoping to share what we accomplished in the next few months.

Making your house feel like a home doesn't have to cost a fortune - something as simple as adding color with colors in trendy colors and adding a few accessories can make all the difference. Pillows are another easy way to add warmth and softness to any interior - plus they are great to curl up with on a cold day!

If you have a chance stop by Young's and experience in person the trends we have shown. Tell them The Lifestylist® sent you!