WHAT IS A HOME MANAGER?

A Showhomes Home Manager is a person or family with beautiful home furnishings who lives in a vacant home for sale. In exchange for keeping it clean and letting Realtors show the home, Home Managers get dramatically reduced monthly fees, far below the market rate.

Home Managers are professionals who are:

- Relocating

- Building a New Home

- Seeking Temporary Housing

- Going Through Family Changes Such As Divorce

- An Individual or Family Looking To Reduce Expenses

- An Individual or Family Looking to Maintain Their Currently Level of Living or Lifestyle

- Looking To Get Familiar With An Area Before Purchasing

- Looking For Flexibility As There Are No Long Term Lease Requirements

WHY stage?

Competition. With 9 out of 10 buyers previewing or finding their homes online, presentation has never been more important. Staging your homes gives you a competitive edge over your competition. It also reduces low ball offers that buyers associate with vacant properties.

"Price Gets you Interest, Staging Gets you Offers." (Gary Keller, Keller Williams)

Owner Occupied Homes

Known for our success in staging vacant homes, we also help sellers with owner occupied homes. For occupied homes on the market for sale, we can re-design and re-purpose the existing furniture and decor of the home, and using your furnishings, create a "model home" look that buyers respond to. Staging enhances the presentation of your home and makes it more competitive in the market place, helping to capture a faster sale at a premium price (vs. a non-staged home). A professional stager can also provide useful information and often resources to help with packing, moving, de-cluttering and organizing, making your move easier and preparing the home for staging. Staged homes sell faster and for premium prices, bringing a greater net gain to the table for sellers.

Paint

While that favorite shade of purple was perfect for you, it may be a turn-off for that potential buyer. With a Showhomes Update we can provide the perfect changes with our Exclusive Color Palettes which are on-trend neutrals that will not distract from the outstanding features of your home and will provide mass appeal. Your Showhomes staging professional will help select the perfect palette for the look and feel that will place your home above the competition of similar homes for sale.

Home Managers are professionals who are:

- Relocating

- Building a New Home

- Seeking Temporary Housing

- Going Through Family Changes Such As Divorce

- An Individual or Family Looking To Reduce Expenses

- An Individual or Family Looking to Maintain Their Currently Level of Living or Lifestyle

- Looking To Get Familiar With An Area Before Purchasing

- Looking For Flexibility As There Are No Long Term Lease Requirements

WHY SHOWHOMES?

Showhomes is America's Leader in the Home Staging Industry. With over 30 years of experience, and a network from coast to coast, the Showhomes network has helped sell over 30,000 homes worth over $10 billion. We're proud to have partnered with many local and national real estate brands such as Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway, Re/Max, Century 21 and more. We've successfully helped thousands of realtors, homeowners, investors, banks and builders market and showcase their listings for a faster sale and higher price. Our service speaks for itself. Our results pay for the service.

NEW HOMES

But we don't just do homes for sale, we're happy to help you with your new home too! If you're craving a new look, hungry for some new ideas or inkling to have a "makeover" of your own, we can help. Showhomes staging experts can design, ReStyle and provide DIY information or a full service "makeover", transforming your home in as little as 1 day. Showhomes is the leader in decorating and staging; we can help you create the home you'll fall in love with which suits your lifestyle and personal preferences.

REPLACE OLD CARPET

Worn or dated carpeting is the #1 turn-off for home buyers. The thoughts of selecting, purchasing and dealing with installation will have a potential buyer quickly check the home off their list. With a general 3 to 1 return on investment, fresh and new carpeting can be the key to a faster home sale. Coordinating with our Exclusive Showhomes Color Palettes, our light neutral warm and cool tones of carpeting will not only be pleasing to your budget but will give your home a true designer look. All home sellers want multiple offers and a quick, profitable sale. A Showhomes Update can be the answer to what you've been dreading. From palette selections through job completion and installations, we not only provide staging design but bring in qualified contractors to quickly and painlessly prepare your home for sale. The value Showhomes brings and the return on investment is why Showhomes is the nation's leader in Home Staging and Design.

PRIVACY POLICY

This Showhomes Franchise Corporation Privacy Policy (this or the "Privacy Policy") explains our practices, defines our users' ("you" or "your") privacy options and describes how your information is collected and used by Showhomes Franchise Corporation ("we," "us," "our," or "Showhomes").

By using the Showhomes website or any of our features or resources you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

We reserve the right to modify this policy from time to time and will mark new versions with a corresponding effective date. We recommend you visit the Showhomes website to review any changes in our practices.

This Privacy Policy governs your use of the Showhomes® website at www.showhomes.com, www.showhomesfranchise.com ("Sites").

Our Sites may contain links to other websites. These links are not endorsements of any products or services on such websites. These websites may have privacy policies different than our Privacy Policy.

What Information is Collected?
We may collect personal information from you on our Sites or through any other digital or personal communication with you. Information collected by us is voluntarily provided by you and may include information such as your name, email address, and physical address. Our Sites may also collect general information about your technology interface or preferences (such as the type of browser used or the files requested).

The information we may collect includes, but may not be limited to:

• Your contact information, such as your first name, last name, phone number, and email address, to allow us to respond to submitted inquiries;
• For potential franchisees, your contact and financial information, such as your first name, last name, email address, physical address, cash/liquid capital to invest, and net worth, to allow Showhomes to respond to submitted inquiries;
• Information regarding your browser and other technical specifications required to use our Sites;
• Computer data or files, often called "cookies," which may be sent by your web browser and stored on an individual computer to allow our server to "recognize" you through the navigation of the Sites;
• Computer data files, often called "web beacons" that are collected from emails or links on third-party sites that allow our server to evaluate the popularity of those links or the information contained in emails or on third-party sites; and
• Your IP address to measure our website traffic and to help provide a more personalized experience.

Children Under the Age of 13
Our Sites are not designed for children and we do not knowingly collect information from any person we know is under the age of 13.

How is User Information Used and Shared?
We collect information about you in order to provide you with services and also collect information that is necessary for our Sites to work properly. We use personal information about our users for a variety of purposes related to our business, including but not limited to:

• Allowing you to receive information from us regarding Showhomes services;
• Adding information from social media platforms to our Sites where you discuss our services or use a hashtag related to our services;
• Sharing information with our local franchisees regarding your request to become a Home Manager or other request on the site;
• Tracking information about your visits to our Sites to allow us to provide better service;
• Sending or initiating direct marketing programs, such as newsletters or information about new products or services we (or any of our affiliated companies) are offering;
• Contacting you regarding an inquiry on our Sites that you have initiated; and
• Providing information about your usage or preferences to our third-party vendors and providers.

We may share information, in the aggregate, regarding your online browsing preferences to evaluate our services or allow third parties with whom we work to better serve our users. We will not share personally identifiable information in these instances, other than described in this Privacy Policy. We may, however, share personally identifiable information with franchisees or our local business partners regarding inquires you have made for a specific Showhomes® market. All financial information submitted in connection with a franchise inquiry will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third-party vendors.

We may provide user information to third-party service providers or vendors for purposes of, including without limitation, initiating direct marketing programs on our behalf, data tracking, maintenance or development of our Sites, development of online services or customer service, or other contracted promotional opportunities provided to our users. We will not share your information with third parties to directly market their products to you. We may share this information with any subsidiaries, licensees, suppliers, distributors, affiliates, assigns, successors, or other related entities and their respective owners. We may also share your personal information in connection with law enforcement requests or in response to investigations, subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process to establish or exercise our legal rights or defend against legal claims or as otherwise required by law.

Business Transfers
We may also disclose your information to a third party as part of the reorganization or a sale of the assets of Showhomes, or its subsidiaries, divisions or franchisees. Any third party to which Showhomes transfers or sells the Sites or related assets will have the right to continue to use the personal and other information that you provide to us.

Behavioral Advertising
We may also use third-party vendors, such as Google Analytics, to advertise to our users online. These third-party vendors may display Showhomes advertisements on other websites based on your internet usage. More specifically, these vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytic cookie) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) together to inform, optimize, and serve ads based on your past visits to the Site or another site affiliated with Showhomes. Any information that these third parties collect via cookies is not linked to any personally identifiable information (name, address, email address, or phone number) we collect or you provide on the website. You can opt-out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising by using Google's Ads Settings.

How is User Information Protected?
We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for all user information collected on our Sites.

How Can Users Limit Information Collected?
By providing information to us or browsing our or our franchisees' Sites, you are consenting to our use of your data as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

While we work hard to use and disclose our users' personal information only for the purposes identified above, you can choose not to provide personal information or limit the personal information obtained by us as follows:

• You may have your contact information removed from our marketing lists that are used to inform users of new or relevant products, services, and special offers by clicking on the unsubscribe link in any communication received from us or by emailing us at [ADD EMAIL ADDRESS]; and
• You may limit the collection of "cookies" from your Site usage through your browser settings. However, this may disable our ability to provide you with the most relevant information regarding the Sites.

Your California Privacy Rights
California Civil Code Section § 1798.83 permits users of our Sites that are California residents to request certain information regarding our disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, please contact us via the Sites.

Contacting Us
For additional information pertaining to our Privacy Policy, please contact:

Showhomes Franchise Corp
2110 Blair Blvd
Nashville, TN 37212

Is Spring a Good Time to Sell a Home?

Yes! Spring fever hits, the school year end is in sight, and moving in the summertime presents the least hassles. Listing in early spring gives you time to prepare, and have the flexibility for a long closing date. Having a deal in hand but not having to rush to pack up is reassuring.

Seller's market

Get excited when you hear a real estate professional say "seller's market". This is a time when home inventory is low but demand is high. This can cause homes to sell at list price or above.

Recently, more owners stayed put, unwilling to make a move in a time of uncertainty, so fewer homes were on the market. Upheaval in employment caused renters to seek stability by getting into a home, or homeowners to downsize to reduce expenses.

All this means if you plan to sell, springtime and a seller's market are two great reasons to do so.

Stellar showings through great staging

How a home "shows" is one of the keys to getting a great buy offer. Staging your home is well worth the effort. A professional stager has design knowledge, and access to furnishings and decor items to enhance how well your home shows.

Kitchens are usually a staging focus, but here are some tips on sprucing up other home areas that may push that offer a little higher or win over a buyer who's on the fence.

Patio Perfect

Outdoor spaces are becoming more desirable with a growing trend toward connecting with nature. Your patio surface and furniture may need some attention.

•         Wicker can be bushed off and washed with a garden hose. Aluminum frames can be wiped clean and finished with car wax. Use an oil soap and apply weather resistant stain or a urethane topcoat to shine and preserve woods.

•         Wash cushions and covers with water and a mild detergent. Add an "oxy" booster for any stains. Rinse and let dry away from direct sunlight.

•         Use a pressure washer on concrete and paving stones to make them look virtually new again.

•         Prune trees and shrubs. Add potted plants if there's no natural greenery, or use silk plants. Your home stager can supply beautiful silk plants that potential buyers will never guess aren't real.

Home Entertainment

The trend of staying home more will likely continue for awhile. Creating an entertainment space, even temporarily for showings, can be a big draw for buyers. If you don't have the room to go full-on home theater, create a media area away from immediate traffic that's multipurpose.

•         Comfortable seating arranged around focal point

•         Focal point with large wall-mount TV or stunning Laser Projector System screen. Have a movie or show running at low volume during showings

•         Have a desk area for studying or computer work and stage with a (secured) laptop and books

•         Set out some snack bowls, inviting guests to help themselves to pre-wrapped treats

A Welcome Entrance

Curb appeal is important, but don't invest in major landscaping. Here are a few ways to draw buyer's eyes from the outside.

•         Keep the lawn mowed, and trees, shrubs and flowerbeds trimmed.

•         Paint your front door an enticing color, and place potted plants on either side. The color should be deep and contrast highly with the rest of the house, but also invoke good vibes. According to psychology, these colors represent different feelings:

o   Red: creativity, appetite.

o   Yellow: optimism.

o   Orange: abundance, passion

o   Purple: status, opulence.

o   Blue: trust, confidence.

o   Black: dedication, commitment.

•         Remove drapes that show a blank, vinyl backing to the street. Use sheers or temporary paper blinds to allow light but shield the interior, heightening curiosity. After all, you want buyers to come in and see the whole show!

How Showhomes Franchisees Jim and Kaye Biby Helped Tim Tebow Score With Jacksonville Property Sale

Whether the listing is a $450,000 Miami condo or an $100 million Malibu mansion, hiring a home staging company to stage a property before it's listed is a necessary task when listing a luxury home. Former NFL player Tim Tebow found this to be true this past year when Jim and Kay Biby, owners of Showhomes of Jacksonville, Florida, helped him sell one of his homes in the area. 

Before joining Showhomes, the Bibys both had long and successful careers in the automotive and insurance industries. While attending church on Sunday in the late 90s, the couple met the owners of Showhomes in Jacksonville who were thinking of retiring and selling their business. In that moment the Bibys saw an opportunity that would allow them to become business owners. Showhomes partners with agents and homesellers by providing guidance, support and staging services form homes about to be listed on the market.

"I love putting a house together and seeing the results. I've always enjoyed interior design. I love standing back and seeing the finished results," said Kaye. "We've owned our franchise for almost 15 years now, and being able to be our own boss has been a tremendous experience. When I complete a project and then get the call from the realtor and she says the home is sold? It is the best part of the job."

In April 2020, the Bibys were contacted by an agent they often work with about a home that needed some help. This particular property happened to be Tim Tebow's home in a gated community in Jacksonville. 

Tim Tebow grew up in the Jacksonville area and has strong roots in Florida. He was a Heisman winner at the University of Florida before he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010, where he led the team to a playoff win in 2011. He has also played for the Jets, Patriots and Eagles. These days,Tebow has traded in his pads for a bat. Just this past month, he announced his retirement from playing with the Mets Organization and also serves as a college football analyst on ESPN's SEC Network. 

In 2019, after listing his property in Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club, Tebow purchased one in the same community just a mile down the road. Later that year he had the task of selling the 6,500-square-foot home, and his agent explained the many advantages to staging a home before it is listed. The agent strongly recommended Showhomes based on the Bibys success, and once retained they wasted no time crafting a plan to make sure that this property would make a great first impression on potential buyers. 

"This was a home that was, at one point, featured in Southern Living. We knew we wanted to bring out the home's southern charm," Kaye said. "It already had some furniture in it, we were just brought in to complete the look. We always try to accentuate the features of the home, and that particular home needed to be lightened."

The pair brought in furniture with neutral tones to let the home's details, including the rustic fireplace, touches of brick stand and coffered ceilings, serve as focal points. With the Biby's help, the property ultimately sold for $1.4M.

"Home staging is how we tell the home's story," said Biby. "We have to convey the life a buyer could have if they lived in the home, so we have to create an environment that invites that. Seeing rooms that check the boxes or even gazing out windows and seeing a beautiful view just simply are not enough. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space, and that's what home staging does. Those details help them fall in love with the property." 

That's how Showhomes has built the reputation for being the number-one home staging franchise in the country. The brand was founded in 1986 and today operates as a full-service home staging, management, update and renovation franchise with nearly 60 offices across 18 states. Showhomes caters to a wide range of clientele, but it specializes in working with property owners and agents in affluent suburbs and golf course communities. Showhomes seeks to expand its footprint in markets with minimum home prices of $500,000.

Showhomes COO Matt Kelton and the rest of the leadership team couldn't be happier with the Bibys' tremendous work on the Tebow project. 

"The Bibys have a natural talent and passion that they bring to each project. The level of detail and care that goes into their work and supporting their clients — NFL player or not — is what we look for in franchisees," Kelton said. "I have no doubt that if 2021 brings us more franchisees with the work ethic and dedication of the Bibys, we're going to have an outstanding year, and so are our customers."

Showhomes Closes Out 2020 With Strong Revenue, 5 New Signings and Momentum For Future Market Domination

Showhomes, an interior design and staging services brand that supports both realtors and homeowners, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, so it has seen its share of market ups and downs. But in 2020, the brand met the difficulties of COVID-19 head on and rose to the challenge of essential, front-line work with some downright impressive statistics. 

After finishing out a strong 2019, which saw the brand's gross revenue increase 32% from 2018, Showhomes continued on its mission of making home sellers' lives easier and more profitable.

While COVID-19 restrictions negatively affected the market in March, Showhomes remained active as an essential service. Instead of losing business, Showhomes actually reported a 16% jump in revenue over last March. Matt Kelton, the brand's COO, said it was a blessing to be able to keep working while so many businesses had to close.

"We're just blessed that we're an essential service," he said. "People need to buy/sell houses. Our business is still strong, and real estate is super hot right now. I think it's a testament to the model. In 2021, as we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we're anticipating a lot of growth."

While Showhomes franchisees never missed a beat as essential service providers, Showhomes' corporate office labored behind the scenes to make the business more virtual and COVID-19 safe. This included creating a whole new tech platform where the brand can offer dazzling 3D remote viewings to buyers and digital consultations to sellers. 

By July, Showhomes experienced something of a growth spurt. In the first week of July alone, three new franchisees signed on, undeterred by the pandemic. 

In fact, Showhomes was welcoming a new wave of what Kelton calls "corporate refugees," or professionals who had decided they'd rather take on the brand's demonstrated business model than continue working in the corporate world. For Showhomes, 2020 has seen a wave of this type of franchisee signing on.

"We're going to see a lot more 'corporate refugees,'" said Kelton. "There are a lot of talented people looking into franchising. This is the time when franchising really flourishes. Real estate does well when you have low interest rates, and the economy is still strong."

If anything, Showhomes' big challenge in 2020 has been the shrinking real estate inventory due to how fast homes are closing.

"The biggest issue we have is that inventory is still tight," said Kelton. "Hopefully home builders will catch up with demand."

Not only has Showhomes kept up with demand, but the brand has thrived during the red-hot housing market. With homes in markets across the country selling in record time, and for record prices, Showhomes' model positions it perfectly to cash in on the home buying frenzy. 

By working directly with realtors and sellers, the brand's B2B model has professionals working on both ends, ensuring that jobs come in on time and on budget. Realtors, for example, have been raving about their results with Showhomes in 2020's surging market. 

With tons of momentum and 5 signings in 2020, Kelton feels lucky to offer the opportunity to franchise with Showhomes, a proven growth machine during trying times. 

"Compared to a lot of industries, we're pretty lucky to be where we are and really have any kind of impact from COVID-19," said Kelton. "A lot of industries had to shut down and are still really struggling."

The estimated initial investment to own a Showhomes franchise ranges from $85,600 to $164,500. This includes a $49,900 franchise fee.To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, please visithttps://www.showhomesfranchise.com/.

Budding Showhomes Franchisees Breathe New Life into an Existing Asheville, North Carolina Location

Throughout the pandemic, many Americans have relocated from densely populated urban centers and sought out more suburban or rural homes. And with such intense interest in inventory, premier home staging brands like Showhomes play a critical role in the selling process. The Nashville-based brand has staged more than 30,000 homes over the last 34 years, and its services have never been more relevant. That's why Don and Kathi O'Rock made the decision to purchase an existing franchise with Showhomes and provide customized staging solutions tailored to each of their clients' homes.

With 55-plus locations across the U.S., Showhomes helps homeowners appeal to buyers by making their homes appear move-in ready, providing cosmetic upgrades to flooring and paint as well as on-trend redesign services that help its clients get the most for their money when preparing their home for the market.

"The way I see it is, Showhomes offers the ability to enhance a situation that every homeowner goes through when selling their home. When you look at all the factors that are involved, it's home staging that's going to help buyers commit to investing," said Don. 

Prior to franchising with Showhomes, Kathi had experience in the real estate industry flipping houses and working as a mortgage broker — and she knows from personal experience that a staged home sells much quicker than a vacant one.

"It's always exciting to see the transformation. For most people it's hard to picture living in a home without any furniture," said Kathi. "We just did a redesign of a home that was packed full of things, and once we were done it was like, 'Oh my word!' We're a business that helps people, and that's what life is about, helping people."

Industry experience aside, it was seeing the success of their friends Robbie and Nancy Jones' location in Triad, North Carolina that motivated the O'Rocks to make the move to sign with Showhomes. Once they alerted them that there was a territory available in Asheville, the couples decided to partner together to revamp the underperforming location — a decision Kathi and Don said was a no-brainer.

"Robbie and Nancy have been in the business for six or seven years now, and they started their Showhomes from scratch in Triad," said Kathi. "They already have the knowledge of what it means to work with Showhomes and have been a huge help in being hands-on with our learning."

As Kathi and Don start to take over the Asheville business, they've set their sights on targeting the luxury market. And with the support of seasoned franchisees like the Jones, the O'Rocks are confident they'll be able to partner with realtors and homeowners in the community to make a name for themselves throughout Western North Carolina.

"Western North Carolina encompasses a lot of counties, and there's an opportunity to meet the needs of the luxury market, so that's what we're looking to do," said Kathi. "Having spent time with current franchisees with Showhomes has been an eye-opening experience. It's been worth its weight in gold, and I'm confident in our ability to be successful with the brand."

The start-up costs for a Showhomes franchise range from $85,600 to $164,500, with an initial franchise fee of $49,900. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, please visit https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/.

Why Realtors Love Working with Showhomes

Ask any Realtor, and they'll tell you one of the hardest parts of selling a home is telling a seller their home needs to be redecorated for a sale. That's where Showhomes, the U.S.'s largest home-staging franchise, steps in. 

Showhomes, founded in 1986, has helped Realtors and homeowners sell more than 30,000 homes for a market value of over $10 billion thanks to its comprehensive approach to home staging. 

Home staging has emerged as a lucrative industry in the red-hot real estate market of 2020 as designers and Realtors recognize the tremendous value that a well-furnished and decorated home brings to a property sale. 

But not every home-staging business is created equal. Realtors love Showhomes specifically because of its comprehensive approach and ability to deliver on any project. 

"It's not even a question," said Ginny Sylvester, a real estate broker and owner with two decades of experience in the Western Chicago suburbs said of Showhomes. "I will get more money for your house, and it will sell faster."

Showhomes has developed a reputation for real success that has enabled them to post impressive numbers in 2019 and keep growing amid a pandemic.

What makes Showhomes so special? "They keep up with the trends," said Sylvester. "They have great furniture that looks modern but still appeals to any type of buyer."

Other Realtors pointed to Showhomes' ability to get the job done no matter what the scope. Showhomes doesn't just stage homes; the brand offers four different services that correspond to separate revenue streams for franchisees: vacant home staging, home restyles, home updating and executive home staging.

"I had Showhomes go into a home to do a remodel of the kitchen," Earla Clark, a North Carolina-area Realtor said. "We put it on the market shortly after that and it sold far above the asking price because of that kitchen. We were in a $160,000 neighborhood and got $199,000 for that house. It was because of the design and the quality of materials used by Showhomes." 

Another Showhomes-specific service Realtors love is home management. With this service, a vetted home manager lives in a house while it's being shown. They maintain the property, mow the lawn, keep lights on and clean and in a moment's notice they'll have the home ready for a showing. 

"I just love the all-inclusive home manager option because you end up getting the whole house furnished or staged, and when showing requests come in they take care of that," said Suzanne Ramm, a North Carolina Realtor. "It's hard to leave a vacant house. You never know if a pipe is going to burst or something will happen that ruins your next showing."

But with Showhomes, Realtors can finally be sure their homes will show in tip-top shape every time. 

"Professional, talented, and efficient are what define Showhomes of the Triad to me. The team is extremely responsive to the needs of the homeowner and the real estate professionals. I highly recommend Showhomes of the Triad to anyone looking to spruce up their environment and aid them in the selling process," Frances Giamo, a Realtor with The Giamo Group in Greensboro, North Carolina said. 

Realtors say that Showhomes' quality of work makes them an essential part of the real estate community. Showhomes takes on more of the role of a trusted consultant than a glorified short-term furniture rental company, as some staging businesses position themselves. 

"I list a lot of larger, upper-end homes, and a lot of time they are the original owners," Tamara O'Connor, a Realtor and the broker and owner of Premier Living Properties in suburban Chicago said. "They're well-maintained but were probably last decorated 20 years ago. I can talk to sellers about staging the home to appeal to the masses, but Showhomes will meet with them and do a walkthrough. Through their voice, they can tell them what they need to do and get rid of. It's a huge value, and not as emotionally upsetting as when a Realtor tells them to get rid of their furniture. It makes the sellers not hate me!" 

For O'Connor, it makes sense for her to pay Showhomes even when her sellers won't. 

"At the end of the day, if I go with Showhomes, the house is going to sell faster. They're going to get their sale faster, and I'm going to get my check faster. Plus it's a higher sale, so my staff likes it," she said. 

With 60 Showhomes offices in 18 states, the brand is becoming a real part of the real estate community. When Realtors say they love Showhomes, they mean it. 

"They're just a fun group to work with," said Clark. "It's not just a company we do business with. They're people I want to have a drink with."

The estimated initial investment to own a Showhomes franchise ranges from $85,600 to $164,500. This includes a $49,900 franchise fee.To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, please visit https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/.

COVID-19 Inspires Career Change for New Showhomes Franchisees

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many Americans to reevaluate their careers. Though kickstarting a new career path is nothing to take lightly in any economy, many professionals are feeling that it's now or never. Wife-and-husband duo Jamie and Jason Little had such an "aha moment." Both accomplished attorneys, the couple always dreamed of owning their own business. Pandemic conditions pushed them to think seriously about their futures, and the couple moved forward with a franchise that fit with their aspirations: Showhomes.

Throughout their 13 years together, Jamie and Jason have had to move 10 times for work. Jason's position as a corporate lawyer sometimes had their family moving for six months at a time. In those years of hyperactivity, the couple often had to sell their own home — and quickly. Jamie discovered a passion for staging homes throughout those processes and found she loved the creative aspect of the work. When it came time to move forward with owning a business, the couple's research pointed to Showhomes as the best option.

"All those times we needed to show our homes, there really weren't a lot of great staging company options where we lived," said Jamie. "I had to just figure it out on my own, so I know how valuable this kind of service can be. You have to move, you have to sell. Showhomes is one of those businesses that gets it right."

The Littles looked into other franchises to fully research their options. While day-care and early childhood education concepts were interesting to the couple, Showhomes spoke more directly to the couple's passions. During a time in which so many people are reassessing their careers, the couple discovered that Showhomes not only added value to their own lives, but to their greater community. Living in a county with different levels of income, the couple is confident they can help sellers in their community at any budget.

"COVID-19 definately opened my eyes to the fact that we're in our early-to-mid 40s, and sometimes we need to think outside the box, take risks and challenge ourselves," said Jamie. "Life's too short not to take chances, and that's exactly why we did it. Our business can help homeowners in Williamston County with all different budgets; in these times, we want to live our passion while helping our community."

The Showhomes business model also attracted the entrepreneurial couple. Having decided to begin a new business venture during the pandemic, the low entry cost made Showhomes enticing. As Jamie and Jason continued to research the staging franchise, they were even more impressed. The financing options and significant corporate support offered to new franchisees during the pandemic really solidified their final decision to buy into the brand.

"Jamie always loved design and staging homes," said Jason. "When we first started searching for staging concepts, I put in random search criteria, and Showhomes is what we found. The more we investigated, the more we loved it."

Showhomes Chief Operating Officer Matt Kelton said the brand was excited to welcome the power couple to the brand. Along with the Littles, Showhomes has welcomed two additional franchisees in the month of July. Right now, the staging brand is targeting three key regions for further development: Northern California, Seattle and the Washington D.C. area. As the year progresses, Kelton is hopeful Showhomes will continue to grow successfully.

"We're always excited to welcome new franchisees to the brand, but now is such a special time to be bringing people into the Showhomes family," sayd Kelton. "We're eager to expand our reach as the year continues, and I know we'll continue to find really great talent to grow the brand."

As for Jamie and Jason, the entrepreneurs are excited to continue to establish their business in the Nashville area. The couple has been impressed by corporate's support throughout the opening process, as well as by the community of franchise owners who have been willing to help them as they open for business. As the opening date draws near, Jamie and Jason feel confident about the success of their business and look forward to what the future holds.

"When we began this process, we obviously didn't know what the future would hold," said Jamie. "Corporate and the other franchisees have been so helpful on an almost daily basis. They call it the Showhomes family, and it's true. We did not expect that we'd get this kind of support. Everyone wants to make sure we succeed, and that community atmosphere goes a long way."

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise ranges from $85,600 to $164,500. This includes $49,900 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit https://showhomesfranchise.com/

New Franchisee Yasmin Buale Signs on to Bring Showhomes to the Central Denver Market

Franchisee Yasmin Buale is bringing her love of design to the home staging world. Thanks to Buale, Showhomes, America's largest home staging franchise, will now have a presence in Central Denver, Colorado — specifically Central Park (previously Stapelton) and Northfield. 

Showhomes was founded in 1986 and has since helped realtors and homeowners sell more than 30,000 residential properties worth more than $10 billion. The brand offers franchisees four different revenue streams: vacant home staging, home restyles, home updating and executive home staging. Today, Showhomes has nearly 60 offices in 18 states with plenty of hot markets available for franchising opportunities.

Buale, who has an extensive background in the hospitality and retail industry, decided to look into franchising for a career pivot after COVID-19 made her realize she wanted the opportunity to fulfill her dream of owning a business. She worked with a franchise consultant, who evaluated Buale's interests, ultimately suggesting Showhomes as an ideal option.

"When COVID-19 happened, I decided to look into starting my own business and taking control of my future," said Buale. "I was a stylist at Nordstrom for a while, and I knew I wanted to enter the design world. When my franchise coach suggested Showhomes, I immediately knew that it was the right fit."

Buale interviewed with Showhomes COO, Matt Kelton, to discuss everything about the opportunity to make sure that the partnership would work. It was clear that Showhomes offered a strong operating system, diverse revenue streams and a proven business model, along with incredible leadership expertise. She purchased the franchise on July 3 and immediately started training, including enrollment in the brand's online university to become a certified home designer.

"The Showhomes team has been so incredibly supportive throughout the whole process," said Buale. "The leadership team is very hands-on and I've received a thorough education on every part of the business. I was set up with a director of operations who helped me oversee the business, marketing, PR and more. The support really made me believe in the company."

Showhomes has also adapted this support infrastructure in response to COVID-19, in part, by ramping up its marketing support and digital efforts. The brand now offers virtual consultations and electronic proposals. Showhomes has introduced a customizable online quoting tool and provided its franchise system with an enterprise version of Zoom to allow for seamless video conferences. The leadership team is also focused on franchisee communication and making sure everyone is up-to-date on what's happening in their market. 

Buale plans on opening remotely in the beginning of October and recently hired the first member of her team. As Buale points out, she is confident that the Central Denver area will be perfect for the Showhomes model. 

"Despite COVID, business and real estate is very hot right now in Denver and many builders and contractors are moving here," she said. "People in this area are looking to handle home updates or prepare their home for when the market kicks back up, which is our bread and butter. While buying a franchise in the middle of a pandemic could seem like a risk, I've had so much confidence from day one because we offer an essential service and sales are continuing to rise systemwide."

Buale also notes that Central Denver home prices have continued to go up and that luxury home staging is becoming more popular as homeowners look for ways to elevate their space to fit those rising price points. In the territory that Buale will serve, there are over 54,000 homes. 

"I live in the Central Park area and I am very familiar with the community, including realtors, builders and homeowners," said Buale. "I couldn't be more excited to bring Showhomes to my community and slowly expand throughout Denver over the next couple of years."

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise ranges from $85,600 - $164,500. This includes $49,900 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit https://showhomesfranchise.com/

Gaining Momentum: Showhomes Experiences Growth Spurt in July

SPONSORED

Gaining Momentum: Showhomes Experiences Growth Spurt in July

In spite of a tough economy, Showhomes capitalizes on its ability to provide services remotely to have a strong end to Q2.

Sarah Baumann

Contributor

8:00 AM • 08/27/20   Franchisor Spotlight

Since early March, the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting the economy at all levels, and affecting industries in different ways. In the real estate industry in particular, agents have had to get creative to sell properties. Home staging company Showhomes has demonstrated that their services play a critical role in the real estate market now more than ever and have proven that remote services can make the difference in the buying and selling process.

People are taking note of the value Showhomes can bring the real estate industry. As many people are reconsidering their career choices and looking to take ownership of their livelihoods, people are investing in the staging franchise. In the first week of July alone, Showhomes signed three deals in Denver, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee and Franklin, Tennessee.

"We've been really happy with the growth we've seen in the latter half of the quarter," said Chief Operating Officer of Showhomes Matt Kelton. "Our model is proving to be pandemic-proof. In a tough economy, sellers want to be sure they're getting the best price for their homes, and staging is one failsafe way to ensure that homes sell at the highest possible rate."

In a world where social distancing is necessary, the ability to work remotely has also been a driving factor for new franchisees to invest in Showhomes. The staging franchise is also developing new services to help their franchisees stay on pace with the changing times. Virtual tours have become an essential capability in the real estate world, and Showhomes has developed their own program that includes an incredible 3D tour.  Virtual consultations and digital proposal capabilities have also been rolled out to keep things as socially distanced as possible.

"Showhomes is in the heart of the home-selling season, and, hopefully, when the pandemic eases up, we predict we will see an explosion of business as the sales cycle is compressed by several months," said Kelton. "March was surprisingly strong with a 16% revenue increase over last year. We also saw a 30% increase in YTD total gross revenue over Q1 of 2019, which was already a record year. Overall, the support and proven infrastructure that we are able to provide franchisees during times like this is why our franchise partners invest in our concept in the first place."

These are just a few of the ways that Showhomes has changed and adapted during the pandemic. The franchise has also offered financial resources in these challenging times to current franchisees, such as guidance on the CARES Act, SBA loan applications and Paycheck Protection Program loans. Showhomes' team has also upped their game in the training and development of franchisees, with frequent team conferences and newsletters to keep everyone updated on new processes and health codes.

"As an essential business supporting the real estate industry, we remain open in 100% of our locations," Kelton said. "In this unprecedented environment, timely information is essential, and we're focused on supporting franchisees through these challenging times."

The brand's franchisees are certainly meeting the challenges COVID-19 is presenting head on, and their leadership team has taken steps to acknowledge their hard work. Showhomes recently recognized franchisees in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina for excellence in restyles, updates, and best design among other awards given out at its annual conference, which was held virtually in July. Its location in Triad, North Carolina was recognized as the Showhomes franchise of the year.

As Showhomes continues to demonstrate their ability to grow in the pandemic, the franchisor is setting its sights for growth in particularly hot real estate markets such as Northern California, Seattle, and various locations in the Northeast like Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia. 

"These are difficult times for folks, and our services aim to make things a little easier for them to navigate the stressful process of selling a home," said Kelton. "We intend to keep our momentum going through the third quarter and are excited to see where we can grow from here."

Visit here for more information on Showhomes.

Staging franchises are booming as home listings are drawing more attention

After experiencing the sheltering at home phase of the pandemic, people are putting more emphasis on their homes and their surroundings. Some are upgrading and remodeling, while others are selling and moving to more quarantine-friendly quarters. City dwellers are looking to the suburbs for more comfortable living spaces. In May, the number of views on properties with suburban ZIP codes increased 13%, according to realtor.com data. Because of the increased demand, home staging services have seen a boom in activity.

Home sellers look to staging services to help sell more quickly and for a higher price. Any professional Realtor will tell you that a beautifully-decorated home will move faster than a vacant or cluttered one. Showhomes, a franchised home staging company, offers four different services to help home sellers get top dollar and create more interest from buyers. 

The company started in 1986 with its home manager service and grew to offer four key services including staging, redecorating and updating. All four services are extremely valuable to Realtors, who are the biggest referral sources for their franchise owners. Franchisees can offer all or focus on just one service area. 

The unique home manager service offers a fun perk for franchisees: they can choose to live in the homes and serve as caretakers while the house is on the market. Not all Showhomes franchisees take on that role themselves. Most enlist professionals to reside in the homes and maintain a lived in—yet presentable—atmosphere in exchange for a reduced rent. 

Showhomes franchise owners come from all walks of life, including designers, builders and corporate refugees. Many are husband-and-wife teams who run the business along with a staff of decorators and stagers. Here, Showhomes franchise owners share their experiences with the brand.  

Nancy & Robbie Jones, Showhomes of Triad, NC

With different skill sets, Nancy and Robbie make a great team. Nancy focuses on sales and design work and Robbie on renovations and the financial end of the business. In time, the couple has built a solid foundation in the community and has established strong relationships with local Realtors. "So much of what we do is referral-based," says Nancy. With nine employees, the Joneses have grown their business over time. "If you're passionate and willing to put in the work, you can make a great business for yourself with Showhomes," says Nancy.

Michael & Janine Callahan, Showhomes Fox Valley/Suburban West, IL

With a career in franchise sales, Michael Callahan knew about many different types of franchises. "Showhomes was really unique and was a perfect fit for Janine and I," Michael says. "We sold our forever home and jumped right into property management. We're living in our 14th Showhome as property managers since we launched the business in 2009."  

"We love being creative and helping people. We get to do both with our business. With most of our referrals coming from Realtors, we set up fun events to market the business. Recently, we rented a trolley and took agents to several of our open houses for a tour. At each stop, we served food and drinks. We were able to invite other suppliers like insurance companies and real estate photographers to help sponsor the event," says Michael.

Showhomes Franchisees Chris and Lisa Gulliver Stage NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers' Home

If there is any husband-and-wife duo who understand how to unlock a home's sale potential, it'sShowhomes franchisees Chris and Lisa Gulliver.

The Gullivers, who own and operate the brand's San Diego North Coast location, recently completed a major home staging project: the family home of NFL star Philip Rivers, his wife Tiffany and their nine children. The famed San Diego/L.A. Chargers quarterback recently signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts and needed to put his home on the market. Located in the upscale, gated community of Santaluz, the house is listed for $3,849,000 and boasts six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and more than 6,800 square feet of space on a one-acre lot.

"This house was a special place where Philip and Tiffany Rivers raised their family for over 11 years and it just had a really good vibe to it," Lisa Gulliver said. "The property is built for privacy, but all of the spaces are light and bright. It's a wonderful, comfortable, family home. Home staging is about showing buyers the possibilities of what a house can be and for this type of high-end home, luxury staging will always attract more potential buyers." 

In terms of renovation, the Gullivers hired contractors to perform work on both the interior and exterior of the home. This included painting all of the walls and cabinets, replacing countertops with new white Quartzite and replacing the kitchen and bathroom fixtures. New carpeting was also installed. Exterior changes included painting the entry gate, the stucco walls and the courtyard walls.

In terms of staging, the living room, formal dining room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom suite, as well as a downstairs kids playroom and upstairs teen suite, all received the luxury treatments and were filled with tasteful, high-end furnishings to highlight each room's assets, such as high open-beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and crown moldings. The staging was specifically selected to feature an airy feel that the home boasts on its own. The Gullivers are thrilled with the finished look and cited the kids' playroom as one of their favorites in the home.

The Gullivers first joined Showhomes in 2010 and have since made major waves in a competitive market. The opportunity to stage Rivers' house came thanks to a repeat referral, which is how the franchisees receive most of their business. In this case, the repeat referral came fromShaun Worthen of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Worthen has sold Rivers' properties in the past and needed home stagers who could handle this particular high-end project. The Gullivers have focused their reach in recent years on San Diego's top realtors and typically work with homes in the $2 million to $10 million range. As Showhomes franchisees, the Gullivers could also offer remodeling services to the Rivers family, ultimately taking the partnership to the next level.

Worthen certainly appreciated the Gullivers knowledge and professionalism and gave them his full endorsement. "Philip Rivers has been a great client of mine for many years," Worthen said. "To get Philip Rivers' family home ready for market, I knew Chris and Lisa were the right team for the job. They brought a wealth of design expertise and remodeling skills to this project and they always give 110%. The duo did an amazing job on this property and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out."

The ability to bring their vision to Rivers' home and facilitate this kind of change is exactly what the Gullivers love about franchising with Showhomes.

"It's really an amazing experience to walk into a home in the morning that looks less than spectacular and make it look spectacular by the time we leave," Lisa said. "Working in a higher-end market means we get to bring out the potential of some truly beautiful homes. There's a lot of satisfaction in transforming a home into the best that it can be."

As Showhomes franchisees, the Gullivers were well-equipped to showcase the property to its full potential. Showhomes was first founded in 1986 and operates today as a full-service home staging, management, update and renovation franchise with nearly 60 offices across 18 states. The core communities the brand serves across the country are golf course communities and wealthy suburbs, catering to a wide range of clientele, including those who possess homes on the more luxurious side. Showhomes seeks to expand its footprint in markets with minimum home prices of $500,000.

Such quality work is indicative of the caliber of franchisees Showhomes attracts to its franchise system. Showhomes COO Matt Kelton and the rest of the leadership team are certainly thrilled with the Gullivers' work on this particular job.

"The Gullivers have a genuine enthusiasm for what they do and bring that excitement to their jobs every single day," Kelton said. "This high level of passion, care and attention to detail is exactly what Showhomes seeks in franchisees, and with people like Chris and Lisa on board, the future is certainly looking bright for our brand."

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise range from $70,550 to $103,000. The franchise fee is $49,900. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit https://www.showhomesfranchise.com/. 

How Showhomes Is Supporting Franchisees and Pivoting as an Essential Business

The traditional list of human needs is food (including water), shelter and clothing. Showhomes, America's largest home staging franchise, has been focused on the shelter area for over 34 years and their business model continues to thrive as an essential service. For many customers who need to sell their home during this difficult time, Showhomes' staging services are more important than ever, especially as many realtors are seeing a decrease in homebuyer interest. 

As industries across the world are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are being forced to find ways to adapt in the midst of social distancing orders and mass closures. As most states re-classify real estate as an "essential service," Showhomes is able to continue business for operations in all of their locations although they are having to adapt to changing market conditions by focusing on vacant home staging and virtual consultations. To continue offering customers these essential services and positioning franchisees for success during this unprecedented time, Showhomes has implemented several new initiatives, including marketing support, vendor partnerships, 3D virtual consultations, financing options for staging and resource newsletters. 

"As an essential business supporting the real estate industry, we remain open in one way or another in 100% of our locations," said Chief Operating Officer Matt Kelton. "In this unprecedented environment, timely information is essential, and we're focused on supporting franchisees through these challenging times. We are also communicating heavily with franchisees and working continuously on creative solutions to help offset any impact of COVID-19."

Showhomes has been providing franchisees with newsletters and Zoom conferences in order to keep everyone up-to-date in relation to the brand's new initiatives and the variety of programs available for small businesses across the country. In the weekly newsletter, the Showhomes team offers resources in relation to the CARES Act, SBA loan applications and Paycheck Protection Program loans. Showhomes has also continually followed updates and protocols recommended by the CDC, local departments of public health and the World Health Organization to guarantee the safety of guests and team members.

"While we want to be sensitive to people during this time, it also is a good opportunity to make people aware of our services while so many are stuck at home," said Kelton. "We are fortunate that 100% of our franchisees are able to continue offering their services, so it's important to make their customers and the general public aware that they are 'Open for Business. We are advertising aggressively on digital platforms like Google, Facebook and Instagram and over the last 30 days our overall web traffic has quadrupled and our franchisee leads have doubled compared to a year ago.

In addition to making sure homeowners feel safe and confident in Showhomes, the brand is implementing new strategies to adapt to the changing demands of the industry. Virtual services have never been more important to real estate agents, whether to keep themselves and their clients safe or to comply with orders from our government. Showhomes is looking for ways to enhance business during this time, and a big part of that is getting comfortable in creating an end to end digital experience for the customer. The customer is able to receive an instant online quote for their home staging service, franchisees can provide an online video consultation, a digital proposal will be created, a digital contract will be signed, and they can pay via one of our digital merchant services providers. The entire transaction can be conducted in a matter of minutes saving time both for the customer and the franchisee staff. 

Marie Bonnet, a Showhomes franchisee based in San Diego, notes the importance of these digital offerings. "Throughout this crisis, I have continued to focus on social media in order to keep our customers informed," she said. "Moving forward, I think that the real estate market will become more digital than ever—the habits we are developing now will be the way we continue. Real estate agents will use more and more digital videos to show the listings, and the buyers will use digital offerings to find and choose the houses they will visit."

Showhomes is developing new services to keep up with the changing landscape, including virtual consultations, electronic proposals and incredible 3D virtual tours. Last month, Showhomes rolled out the customizable Levitate online quoting tool to all websites with tremendous results. For example, Showhomes Tulsa received a lead from their website for a $950,000 house, and the franchisee was able to close a $6,000 home staging job the same day. To keep up with the growing popularity of video conferencing, Showhomes has provided an enterprise version of Zoom for all of their franchisees. 

"Showhomes is in the heart of the home-selling season and, hopefully, when the pandemic eases up, we predict we will see an explosion of business as the sales cycle is compressed by several months," said Kelton. "March was surprisingly strong with a 16% revenue increase over last year. We also saw a 30% increase in YTD total gross revenue over Q1 of 2019, which was already a record year. Overall, the support and proven infrastructure that we are able to provide franchisees during times like this is why our franchise partners invest in our concept in the first place."

Through these initiatives, Showhomes has worked quickly to make sure franchisees are not only able to survive during these trying times, but also come back stronger than ever before. 

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise range from $85,500 to $121,300. The franchise fee is $49,900. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit https://showhomesfranchise.com/.

Leanne Gemma Followed Her Entrepreneurial Spirit to Franchise with Showhomes

Showhomes, America's largest home staging company, often finds franchisees like Leanne Gemma who apply a background in real estate to a new, rewarding business opportunity. Gemma went to school to prepare for her early career as a software developer, though much of her professional experience was centered around product management—the area where she felt her skills truly shine. These skills eventually led her to franchise with Showhomes.

In addition to her career in software project management, Gemma always had a passion for real estate. "I've been investing in real estate for 15 years," said Gemma. "I've always wanted to have a career in real estate, but I could never find quite the right fit."

Gemma had been looking into franchising on her own when she discovered Showhomes and inquired to get more information. "I found Showhomes to be a good fit for bringing my two worlds of experience and other aspects of my personality together," said Gemma. "The product and customer service aspects from the product management jobs, my personal passion for DIY home improvement and design projects ad my interest in real estate management all came together."

One of the things that stood out to Gemma about Showhomes was the potential for several diverse revenue streams. "It's not just a staging company where you're doing vacant home staging — there are all kinds of possibilities." Showhomes also offers home restyles, updating, and staging with a home manager who prepares your home to sell for you.

Gemma, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, opened her doors on March 1, 2020, and she is in the early stages of marketing her services. "I have hired a salesperson, and she is ramping up here and will be full-time starting in April. We're having some early meetings with real estate agents to work through the details."

According to Gemma, Raleigh, which is in an exciting period of growth, is a perfect market for a business like Showhomes. "There are a significant number of people moving to Raleigh every day," said Gemma. "It's definitely a growing area and a vibrant market. Real estate here is very diverse. You have a lot of executives for large companies in the area and a lot of starter homes, but there are also homes that have been around for 30 to 40 years that could use some updating. The programs that Showhomes offers can update your home for you, and help with staging for occupied or vacant residences, meaning we have something for every situation."

While a real estate shortage may impact other cities, Gemma says that Raleigh has remained particularly resilient.

Gemma, who is also a married mother of two young children, says that the flexibility that comes with business ownership is also a perk for her. "Certainly being able to have more flexibility is a benefit, and I'm looking forward to it very much," Gemma said. "Being completely in control of all aspects of running a business is something that I find really challenging and invigorating. I'm very excited to see what the future holds with Showhomes."

"Leanne is a great example of how successful Showhomes franchisees can be, especially when they incorporate previous skill sets into their new career," COO Matt Kelton said. "It's truly inspiring knowing that Leanne was able to follow her dreams and get into the real estate business because of Showhomes' franchise opportunity."

New Showhomes Franchisee Uchenna Okwodu Ready to Serve West Hills, California Market

Showhomes, America's largest home staging franchise, is about to get a higher profile in a very lucrative market. Thanks to new franchisee Uchenna Okwodu, Showhomes will now have a presence in West Hills, California, located in Los Angeles' western San Fernando Valley region. This will be the brand's fourth franchise in the Golden State.

Showhomes was founded in 1986 and has since helped realtors and homeowners sell more than 30,000 residential properties worth more than $10 billion. The brand offers franchisees four different revenue streams: vacant home staging, home restyles, home updating and executive home staging.

Today, Showhomes has nearly 60 offices in 18 states with plenty of hot markets available for franchising. The brand's target growth markets include Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Showhomes is specifically looking to open franchises in cities with growing job markets that are also seeing an influx of white collar workers. The brand mainly targets estates in the top 20% of home values in a given market.

Okwodu, who has an extensive banking background, decided to look into franchising for a career pivot and specifically explored retail franchise opportunities. She worked with a franchise consultant, who evaluated Okwodu's interests, ultimately suggesting Showhomes as an option.

"When the consultant suggested Showhomes, I was immediately interested," Okwodu said. "I've always had an inclination to organize and friends have always asked me to help them stage their homes."

Okwodu officially opened for business on March 1. She is thrilled with her new venture and believes it will fill a much-needed gap in the West Hills market. In addition to West Hills, her franchise will serve the nearby cities and neighborhoods of Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Northridge, Mission Hills, Encino and Van Nuys. She plans to purchase more territories as business develops. 

"West Hills has a lot of upscale housing," she said. "I've spoken with a lot of realtors in the area and home staging is no longer a 'nice-to-have'. It's a necessity. Homeowners who want to sell their houses need to stage them if they want to make a good impression and stand out from other homes on the market."

Okwodu feels confident to get her business started after receiving comprehensive training from the Showhomes corporate team.

"Showhomes has a really good support structure," she said. "As a new franchisee, you spend a week at corporate headquarters in Nashville for training and you also do some training online. My background is in banking, and it was really helpful to get trained in areas of the business that I wasn't familiar with."

The Showhomes leadership team is thrilled to have Okwodu join its ranks and add a fourth location in California.

"Uchenna brings amazing business acumen to the table thanks to her banking experience," Showhomes COO Matt Kelton said. "Southern California is a market ripe with opportunities for the Showhomes brand, and we're confident Uchenna will act as an excellent representative in West Hills."

Thanks to strong corporate support, a need for Showhomes' services in the region and a true passion for home staging, Okwodu will no doubt take the West Hills market by storm.

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise range from $60,500 to $100,300. The franchise fee is $39,900. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit https://showhomesfranchise.com/.

Showhomes Philadelphia-Area Franchisees Monica Estes and Allyson Piccolomini Attribute Major Growth to Careful Planning and Relationship Building

Aunt-and-niece duo Monica Estes and Allyson Piccolomini had one goal in mind when they decided to open a Showhomes franchise in the Philadelphia area in 2014, and that was to have fun. They certainly have had their fair share of fun since then, aided by the immense professional success they've generated. Their franchise is one of the most successful in the entire Showhomes system, and they have set up processes that will ensure even more success in 2020. 

Before franchising with the full-service home staging, management, update and renovation franchise, Estes spent several years working for large corporations. Her niece Piccolomini, who had just graduated from college three years prior, had experience working for a furniture manufacturer in customer service, marketing and e-commerce. What's more, Piccolomini had a vision for what a community business should be, and Estes had the capital. Together, the two had the combined experience, means and vision to achieve personal and professional success through franchising. 

The past two years have been especially rewarding for this dynamic duo and their Showhomes of the Main Line franchise. Estes and Piccolomini, who opened Showhomes' first franchise in the Philadelphia area, a market where the brand was completely unknown, attribute their most recent successes to careful planning, building relationships and, above all, caring about their work and leaving no detail untouched. 

Their success has not gone unnoticed, either. Estes and Piccolomini were showered with well-deserved recognition at the brand's annual conference in August 2019. They received the Top 5 Revenue Generators in Home Updates award, the Top 5 Most Homes Sold award, the $300K in Revenue Milestone award and the President's Award for Market Penetration. They were also recognized among franchises open for 36 months or longer that attained the largest year-over-year increase in sales revenue for 2019. 

"It feels so validating because when you're building your business you're just climbing up and up and you never bother to look at the view," Estes said. "The conference really just gave us the opportunity to enjoy the view for a minute." 

The Showhomes leadership team is certainly thrilled to have Estes and Piccolomini as part of the franchise family. 

"Allyson and Monica are a great example of how successful Showhomes franchisees can be, especially when they adopt all of our suite of service offerings," COO Matt Kelton said. "They also show a high level of care in everything they do, including customer service, which has greatly contributed to their success." 

As much of a success as 2018 was for Estes and Piccolomini, they knew they weren't quite where they wanted to be just yet. The spent the beginning of 2019 planning and creating a roadmap for what the rest of the year would look like, all of which has prepared them for the position they currently occupy and plan to further improve upon in 2020.

"We relocated our warehouse, expanded storage capabilities and hired more staff members," Estes said. "We also acquired a better grasp of inventory and management processes, which has enabled us to do more with the same amount of infrastructure. Last year was truly a good transitional year for our franchise." 

Estes and Piccolomini do a lot of home staging in their market, so it was critical they get the inventory part of their business under control. This includes taking excellent care of the products they put in the homes. 

"We take very good care of our furnishings, and because of this, we get the most use out of them," Estes said. "When they're not in use, they are always wrapped and protected from the elements. We also make sure any soft goods we use are freshly laundered because that is crucial in helping create that emotional bond between a for-sale home and prospective buyers." 

Then there is the relationship-building aspect of the job. From real estate agents to their fellow franchisees, Estes and Piccolomini are adamant about building long-term relationships. 

"From the beginning, we built good relationships with up-and-coming agents and helped them grow their businesses as they became bigger and better," Piccolomini said. "We also have great relationships with investors in the area, and this has all given us a good reputation in our market. We're very customer-focused and we also just pride ourselves on having a good quality product and being there to help real estate agents as much as we can." 

They both also attribute their success to the brand's support. 

"The Showhomes leadership team is really focused on the quality aspect," Estes said. "They follow up with and survey all of our clients, and Allyson and I always know we're going to get that good feedback. It's validating knowing that a client enjoyed a successful sale of the home on which you worked so hard." 

Estes is thrilled she made the switch from working for large corporations to owning and operating a franchise. One of the biggest draws of Showhomes, she said, is the brand's sense of community. 

"At Showhomes, there are more resources for goal-setting and for sharing successes and from learning from each other," Estes said. "Allyson and I also enjoy the franchise model and how the entire infrastructure is set up for us. If we had had to do that on our own it would have sapped our energy. Thanks to Showhomes, we can simply focus on serving customers in our geographic location. And we can have fun." 

Estes also credits her niece for her having such a strong vision. 

"It's on her shoulders entirely, in my opinion," Estes said. "She's the one who built it from nothing in this market. We didn't buy an existing franchise. It was all her vision about what our brand was going to be locally. She had the vision to create that emotional connection that kept people coming back for more." 

The startup costs for a Showhomes franchise range from $60,500 to $100,300. The franchise fee is $39,900. To learn more about franchising with Showhomes, visit 

https://showhomesfranchise.com/.

Showhomes Closes Banner Year in 2019 Setting Record For Best Systemwide Revenue in Company History