Dear Lori,
I'm a Realtor and I really love reading your blog. The information that you give has not only helped me with my listings, it has helped me with my own house! Bonus! One question that I seem to have a lot in my listings is how to handle those dated swag and jabot-type window treatments that people have. I know that buyers today don't want that but I've learned this can be a touchy subject when I mention it to my clients. On a personal note, I'm finding it hard to find curtains that I love for my own house. Any advice on either one of my dilemmas?
Thank you so much and super happy to help you figure out both! Today, let's focus on your client issue and in my next post, I will do a deep dive into your dilemma.
First, I want to say, I am not singling out swags and jabots as problem window treatments in this post. There are so many homes with beautiful swags and jabots like this one.
But typically, what can be fear-inducing is needing to have a conversation about something like this…
Oops, I mean this! (so interesting when art imitates real life, isn't it?)…
Very often, the client has spent a lot of money to get this look and is very proud of their custom window treatments. So yeah, basically they are on the same emotional level as having a kid that you've spent a lot of money on and are very proud of. And that's not so much a joke but an observation.
But, before you recommend taking these kinds of window treatments down, you have to consider a few things first.
Questions to Ask When Replacing Window Treatments
Where is this window treatment?
We always have to be thinking about return on investment (ROI) with any recommendations that we make. If these window treatments are in one of the first few rooms that people will see (these are your SIR's–Super Important Rooms), then we can make a stronger case to have the client remove them.
I dive deep into the concepts of ROI and SIR's in my course “Stage Your House To Sell”. I love these concepts because they often save our clients hours of work and hundreds of dollars as they prep their houses to sell.
So, if you decide that based on these two criteria, it is best to remove the window treatment, I always get out my camera first and I look through the lens before I say anything. Once I have confirmed that the window treatments are in fact being a diva in the photos (ie what my eye goes to first), then I address it with the client.
There is one caveat to this…doesn't it feel like I always have a caveat? I know. I'm sorry. But this is a really, really important caveat.
Will there be significant damage to the wall/ceiling if the window treatments are removed?
Many times I have wanted a client to remove these kinds of window treatments, but haven't recommended it because they were attached at several points across the wall above the windows and the walls were wallpapered. This is the worst-case scenario because removing them and just adding curtains on rods will not hide the damage. Then do you recommend the client invest in painting a room if the wallpaper is fine but now damaged because of one of your recommendations? It is a slippery slope and not always necessary. Which leads me to…
Is there a way to introduce modern touches to make the room feel updated?
Our team literally amazes me with the transformations that they create. And over time, we have learned some great hacks to make rooms that feel old and tired come to life in a way that appeals to modern buyers. So, if there if it is a major issue to remove these window treatments, let's work a little smoke and mirrors into the equation. Accessorizing with art, pillows and tabletop accessories is magical and really make a HUGE difference. And honestly, in almost every house that we have worked in we can find those items tucked throughout the house that will do just the trick.
But…
Oh no, not another but!
Wait, this is a good one, I promise!
If it appears that you can remove the window treatments without creating a to-do list a mile long to repair the walls, then here is what you say when you make that recommendation….
“What today's buyers want is simplicity and they want to see the gorgeous features of the room when they look at your online photos. I'm worried that they are going to miss the beautiful (windows, view, moulding, etc) because they are only seeing the window treatments”
Now, give them a solution
Once, I have broken the news that we should replace the window treatments, I like to make it super easy for them to get exactly what they need to replace them with.
Start with Measuring
Measure from the floor to the highest point on the wall above the window. So if there is crown moulding, you go to the bottom of the crown moulding. As a guide, houses with 8 ft. ceilings will most likely need drapes somewhere around 94″. The drapes should go from the highest point possible to the floor and hang straight.
I would purchase drapes that are closest to the height that you measured erring on the side of going long–they can always be tucked under neatly. We don't need perfection, just a nice, updated look. HomeGoods and Ikea are always my go-to source for drapes when selling. They come in longer lengths and are usually under $50/pair.
Hand Then Straight
Definitely tell your clients that part about having them hang straight. Many people still like to tie them back but it is more modern to have them hang straight.
Give them some nice options
Most people love a template and a quick solution. You can totally be that for them and guarantee that they end up with something that looks great! To help you out, I've put together some of my favorite budget-friendly drapes that you can recommend. Most of these are sold “per panel” so you need to order two (and don't forget to make sure that the length is correct). Click the image for shopping links and Pin it to a Pinterest Board to keep handy for you and/or your clients:
Hope that helps!
xo,
Lori
Leave a Reply