John P. Barkett, MAI, Co-Founder

John Barkett, Co-Founder of IHA, is a certified General Real Estate Appraiser by the State of Florida as well as a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI).  He holds a Masters Degree from New York University (NYU) in Real Estate Valuation and Analysis and has been working as a real estate professional for the past 22 years.  Over the past several years, John learned of the profession of staging and became acutely aware of the value of this industry.  As a home owner, he lost a long term tenant who had been leasing his “for sale” home in St. Petersburg, Florida.  After consulting with his realtors, John decided to have his home professionally staged and moved back in to facilitate the showing process.  In doing so, he assured his home was “show ready” at a moment’s notice.  It was at this point that John hired a professional home stager to increase his chances of getting his home sold quickly and for the highest price.  The results were incredible!  The house sold within just two months for market value during these downward economic/housing times!

Having lived with the pain of carrying a vacant home for sale and not being ready to purchase another, he decided to manage and show other vacant homes.  As a result he has assisted local owners and realtors expedite the sale of their vacant homes.  The most recent home he staged and managed was under contract within just 9 days!  It had sat vacant for five months prior with virtually no activity.  It was at this point that John and Donna (Co-Founder of IHA) saw the need for their combined services and mapped out a full-service solution for both the home owners and realtors that fit the unique needs of a vacant home.  The result was the creation of Ideal Home Advantage (IHA).  IHA assists home owners/sellers and real estate agents in the following ways:  1) accurately positioning houses for sale through certified appraisal practices; 2) by facilitating in-home management services through matching pre-qualified Home Ambassadors and their furniture/accessories to the homes; 3) professionally staging the home; and 4) assisting in aggressive marketing practices by utilizing state-of-the-art photography, virtual tours and web marketing.