I have helped clients declutter and cleanup their house; but not to have them decide to stay.  However, I have written such a good description of the house that I've had a seller call and say, "What was I thinking?  After I read your description of my house I realized that's exactly what I've always dreamed of having.  We've changed our minds and are going to stay in the house ... sorry!"

Paul gratefully NO if they did I would be really bummed out:))Endre

LOL Great question, Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, and I was just telling this story yesterday!  I helped someone prep for a sale, including de-cluttering and gave advice for updating; they did the work, loved it and stayed!  They said they love it so much, they thought they would stay a year or two longer - that was 3 years ago!  

Just keep in touch with them - they WILL eventually list - and list with you!

Are you going to "Love it , or List it ?"

I have spoken to prospective sellers(and buyers) who have had a change in plans during different parts of the process.   It's always nice when they decide to move and include me as their agent.    

Hasn't happened to me but I can understand a change of heart.

Fortunately, not. What a bummer to invest that much time to have it go no where.

No, but I have seen it happen to friends. It does happen.

Yes and No.  I've helped de-clutter but those were not the clients who changed their mind.

YES.  I spent 2 consecutive weekends - 10 hours a day packing and driving boxes to storage. They ended up not selling NOT because they decided they loved their house too much now ... but because the market started to tank. 

Never Again.  I am not in the moving and storage business. 

We have had sellers joke about it, but I can not think of one that actually changed their mind.-Kasey

Yes! After a home stager came in and rearranfed existing items, and removed a few. they decided to stay! It does not happen often!

Yes... Initially, I confess that I felt disappointed but after further contemplation, I was truly happy that they made the decision that they felt was best for them.  Ultimately, I always want my clients to know that I truly have their best interest at heart.

No it hasn't happened!

   They should have you over for dinner twice a week, for the next couple of years.

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, No I haven't. Isn't there an HGTV about this?

In 31 years it happened only once. They cleaned, painted and made some imrpovements to increase the value. Then what the wife hated, she then loved and they stayed

Sort of. In one case they had to sell. In other, there was a death in family which caused change in plans, so they had to stay. In another, elderly parent went into nursing home, so owner needed to live nearby. One thing I have observed is, adult kids of eldery seem to have little interest in helping their parents decluter, and they don't want things like antique furniture, collectibles, etc these days. In another case near me, I actually pointed out to the seller that it would make more sense for him to stay in the house instead of selling.

No sir, it won't happen

If the Seller is truly motivated to sell it won't be the condition of their current home that once "fixed" results in them staying...

No, but I could definitely see that happening. 

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, - it almost happened a couple of years ago! Luckily, they still liked a new construction and went ahead!

Giving them pointers I have done obviously... physically helped them declutter... No its not in my job description. But I have had people decide not to sell after having a listing agreement in place yes.

I have not.

Yes, and unfortunately they were under contract with their house and one they were buying. What a mess!

I have not had that happen, Paul. I have had them say how nice it looks and joke that maybe they shouldn't sell.

Paul I've had a few say that they LOVE the home after staging and maybe they should stay. But they move on.

No... we always provide a stager.... and they always go forth and sell...

Years ago I had one couple who after a consultation with my stager solved their problems with their house and they decided to stay! They paid the consultation fee:).

You SOLD it to them!

or go with another agent.....

That's a new one on me Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, 

yes I have

At least you can say you made a difference in their lives and enabled them to learn to really love their home.

Paul,

I have heard of that happening.  A

I have heard of this happening.

Its like a person that was shown a new way to wear their hair or clothes

I've never done that but when I presented my pictures to them, they would say what a beautiful home it is and maybe they should stay.  But, fortunately, they never actually stayed.  LOL

We helped an older women do this, but she didn't stay, her family had hired another Realtor!

I've come very close to this happening.

No

They probably did not "decide" to stay, disingenuous clients know how to find complimentary service in unsuspecting professionals.

I have offered ideas on paint, carpet, etc. and they stayed.

Wow, Thay would not be good but I can see it happening.

I have never had hat happen, but can see that it could.

No.  Hopefully it will turn into some good karma and referrals for you.

I have given instructions and had them follow them and then decide they have a great palce and stayed iving there.

I don't do clean up or declutter - so the answer is no LOL

I have helped decluttering and cleaning up because the photographer is coming and seller hasn't cleaned up despite his promise.  Luckily that doesn't change his mind!

Hasn't happened yet, but OMG what a bummer !

No.