EnergizedSeller

Don't Make the Garage the Forgotten Room

eseller1 — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:17:32 GMT

A garage is extra square footage that should be treated like any other room in a house when it's staged for sale, says Donna Dazzo, a home stager in New York. Show the garage to its highest and best uses, which are, first, to store and shelter cars, and, second, to store and shelter tools, hardware, sporting equipment and other items. In a new EnergizedSeller blog post, she discusses three basic steps to stage a garage when a home is on the market. Here are the three steps:

Clean. A garage must be clean. Don't ignore dirt, debris, leaves, dead insects or oil stains just because the garage is a quasi indoor/outdoor space.

Get Rid of Clutter. Don't use the garage as a dumping ground for items you've removed to stage the interior of the home. Instead, separate those items into piles to keep, discard, donate or give away and then put them elsewhere.

Organize. Separate and store items you want to keep in categories such as tools, lawn and garden equipment and supplies, paint, seasonal items such as beach chairs or holiday decorations, and sporting equipment.

To read the rest of Donna's post about staging a garage, including cleaning tips, go here.

Also, read the Garage Forum for more tips.

BEFORE AND AFTER BUNGALOW

StageRight Home Staging — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:35:00 GMT

This property was adorable. Owned by a senior who lover her things and was about to embark on a new journey to a wonderful senior community.

Before: There was no eating area that could accomodate more than two people comfortably. The kitchen was a galley kitchen that could squeeze in three but not four. Our furnishings were somewhat outdated as was the decor and our budget was tight but we felt we could make this property show to the best of it's ability..

We reused some homeowner art, removed the ceiling fan and dressed up a table that we found and used two parsons chairs and covered them with stretch slip covers.

The good news, the property sold in 17 days.

Breathing New Life Into a Simple, Deserving House

Catherine Lenard — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:20:00 GMT

The subject house was dark, old, badly remodeled over the years, and dated. Positives? A primarily open floor plan and an important intangible—an underlying good feel.

The challenge was to create an updated, fresh look while doing only what was necessary in keeping with the comps of the surrounding houses. As the one-and-a-half-story house had simple, straight lines and was located in a rural, arts-oriented village of an overall resort area, a ‘cottage/farmhouse’ approach was taken to appeal to either a prospective local or vacation home buyer.

Givens: The living room had heavy drapes, dark trim, textured wallpaper, and glossy, suspended ceiling tiles with an embossed daisy pattern, yellowed by age. Here’s what was done:

• Ceiling primed with Kilz stain blocker and painted with a matte ceiling white paint to minimize the embossed pattern.

• Drapes removed and replaced with white blinds.

• Trim repaired or replaced, primed and painted with white, low-lustre latex enamel.

• Wallpaper removed (revealed dark paneling) and the walls painted in a matte-finish (to minimize flaws) cottage white with a hint of light green to complement the pale yellow exterior siding of the house.

• Stained, plush carpet was replaced with a casual and contemporary light-colored berber.

• A ceiling fan was installed with lights that would illuminate a table—the fan blade color harmonized with oak accents in a stair rail and kitchen cabinetry visible from the living room.

• Furniture with simple lines and earth-tone neutrals was used to create a seating area facing a flat-screen television and credenza.

• An oriental rug was used as a color accent under a refinished antique typewriter shipping crate used as a coffee table.

The second ‘before’ photo is the front hallway which was adjacent to the living room.

Givens: A flimsy, louvered closet door adjacent to the front door entrance, suspended ceiling tile, an old plywood door separating the front hall from the living room, an off-center, utilitarian light fixture, faux wood grain paneling . . . need I say more?

What was done:

• Primed and painted the ceiling tiles with matte ceiling white paint to minimize the embossed pattern.

• Repaired, primed and painted the paneling (matte finish to minimize flaws) to match the living room walls for seamless ‘flow.’

• Replaced the hall light fixture.

• Removed the door separating the living room and hallway to continue the open concept of the downstairs area.

• Installed a new front closet door.

• Thoroughly cleaned and sealed the hardwood floor with Gym Seal.

• Added a framed print and a large wall mirror (not visible in photo) to give the hallway presence.

• Added an oriental print rug runner to harmonize with the colors of the living room and add ‘invitability’ and warmth to the front entrance.

http://catherinelenard.com

SOLD GLENDORA HOME PROVES HOME STAGING WORKS

Judy Colburn — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:44:00 GMT

While out an about yesterday, I happened to drive by one of our current home stages and saw a SOLD sign attached to the For Sale post. I called the agent to congratulate him and found out that the house is now in escrow. We staged this property on July 12. This is the living area when I first toured the house... And this is the living area after I staged it... We stage for these agents regularly and average a staged-to-sold ratio of about 34-40 days on their properties. These gentlemen know the value...(read more)

STAGING CANNOT CHANGE YOUR PROPERTY INTO SOMETHING IT IS NOT

StageRight Home Staging — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT

Whether you are a real estate agent or property owner you need to know that home staging is not going to change a property into something that it is not. The process of home staging is to put your property's best foot forward and to elminate objections and distractions. Try as I may and as much as I would like to boast that I can make a $100,000 property look like it's worth $300,000 I cannot, but what I can do is make that property stand head and shoulders above the rest of the properties in that price point, within your time frame and within your budget. I will make recommendations and assist you with the decision making process and help you establish priorities so that you get the biggest bang possible for your buck.

What will staging do for you? Home stagers will assess your property on the outside and on the inside. We will look at landscaping, visual clutter, minor repairs, lighting, color selection, furniture placement just to name a few. We will make suggestions that will improve the marketability of your property but we cannot promise you that you will receive the exact amount of money you spent in return. What will happen, in most cases, is that you will sell more quickly and if priced appropriately sell close to the asking price if not the full asking price. Another thing you will do is reduce your carrying cost and be able to move on with your life. You decide if that is what you want and if it is then hire a reputable, accredited, experienced, insured home stager.

At StageRight Home Staging we are dedicated to customer service. Our services include consultations for home staging as well as actual staging services. We stage occupied and vacant properties, we provide move in decorating, staging to live (redesign using your own stuff), home organization and downsizing services, color selection and project management for remodels and upgrades. We are Accredited Staging Professionals, members of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) and the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Board of Realtors. StageRight Home Staging developed a program that has been approved by the State of Michigan for continuing education for realtors.

StageRight has a preferred REALTOR™ program for realtors with whom we collaborate on-a-regular bases. We hold quarterly Lunch and Learn programs for agents in our service area to keep them up on our industry, what works, what doesn't. We write a monthly newsletter, I teach Staging to sell and Staging to live classes at the local community college at their Life Long Learning Center (Kellogg Community College),have written a weekly article for our local paper titled Ready for Market. We are a Family Partner for Habitat for Humanity as well as supporters of the Pet Friendly efforts of the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. As the owner I am a regular blogger trying very hard to encourage staging throughout south west Michigan.

As a retired operations vice president with a background in design I am prepared to help you market your property. Whether you are a real estate agent or a home owner getting ready for market StageRight Home Staging can help.

Carole Morgan ASP, RESA-PRO

President Southwest Michigan Capter of RESA

RESA Professional Stager of the Year Nominee, 2010

RESA Professional Stager of the Month, January 2010

www.stagerightstaging.com

stageright@jasnetworks.net

269.207.9632

10 Tips to Inexpensively Update your Kitchen

Birgit Anich — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:03:00 GMT

As a professional Home Stager in Fairfield County, CT I see too often kitchens that look outdated. When consulting our clients, we often recommend inexpensive upgrades that will help you sell your house. Kitchen and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in a house and can make or break a deal with potential buyers walking through your house. Here are our Top 10 Tips for simple and inexpensive updates:

Replace old hardware with up-to-date hardware such as brushed nickel handles or door knobs.
If the wood of the cabinets looks worn, consider painting or re-facing the cabinets.
Replace the countertop with a granite countertop. Granite has the perception of being expensive, but it does no longer cost as much as it used to.
When you replace the countertop consider upgrading your kitchen sink with an under-mount sink.
Update your faucet.
Consider adding a backsplash if you do not have one.
If you have a backsplash, but the grout has seen better days, you can use a grout bleach pen or simply a regular White Out (yes, the one on your desk) to refresh your white grouts. About a year ago I have used the White Out to refresh my own bathroom floor and it still is completely white and did not wear off.
Upgrade your appliances – they all should have the same finish.
Add under-mount cabinet lighting.
Give the walls a fresh coat of a neutral color.

When getting your house ready for sell, de-clutter the countertops – leave out a maximum of only one countertop appliance.

If you are not sure how to get your kitchen ready for sale, contact us at 203 434 0669 or info@redesignyourspace.com

5 Furniture Questions to Consider When Selling

eseller1 — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:26:09 GMT

Home buyers should be more interested in your house than your furniture. But the truth is that furniture gets attention as well. Here are five questions to ask yourself about your furniture before you put your home on the market:

1) Is your furniture arranged around a focal point in each room?

2) Is your furniture appropriate for the room it’s in? For example, do you

have office furniture in the office and bedroom furniture in the bedroom?

3) Is your furniture worn to the point that it could be a distraction?

4) Do you have too little or too much furniture in some rooms?

5) Would your furniture benefit from polish or a nice-looking

slipcover?

For more information about furniture in a for-sale home, read these 12 helpful tips. Also check out any of these posts:

1) Furniture Overview

2) 9 Tips For Marrying Form And Function In Small Spaces....

3) How To Make Unmatching Furniture Better?

4) Floating Furniture

5) Furniture Placement In A Living Room

Home Staging and Home Selling Tips Newsletters

eseller1 — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:18:56 GMT

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (August 26, 2010)

Topics covered:

5 Crucial Furniture Questions
Lighten and Brighten

Question and Answer
Stored Stuff

Chrome Fixtures
Before and After
Dining Room Staging

Living Room Staging

Stage Your Home For Fall
Highlighted Posts of the Week

On the Move..... Once You Get The Keys To Your New Place
The ABC's Of Home Staging
What Not To Do When Selling Your Home

This Weeks Highlighted Experts

Karen Eubanks
Stefanie Levine
Donna Dazzo
Julea Joseph

Cindy Garruba

Tori Toth

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (August 19, 2010)

Topics covered:

Painting: Homes Facelift
Backyard Sanctuary

Question and Answer
Replacing Fixtures
Before and After
Bedroom Staging

Living Room Staging
Appeal To Senses for Home Sale
Highlighted Posts of the Week

On the Move..... Once You Get The Keys To Your New Place
The ABC's Of Home Staging
What Not To Do When Selling Your Home

This Weeks Highlighted Experts

Tori Toth
Debra Ostrus
Donna Dazzo
Alana Merritt

Heather Cook

Cindy Garruba

Tori Toth

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (August 12, 2010)

Topics covered:

Kitchens Sell Homes
Challenging Market
Question and Answer
Convert To Nursery

Price Reduction

Small Plastic Grapes
Before and After
Bedroom Stagings
Buyers Perspective
Highlighted Posts of the Week

On the Move..... Once You Get The Keys To Your New Place
The ABC's Of Home Staging
What Not To Do When Selling Your Home

This Weeks Highlighted Experts

Karen Otto
Cindy Garruba
Donna Dazzo
Kimberely Pacholko

Mary Fasnacht

Tori Toth

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (August 5, 2010)

Topics covered:

Family Affair
Make Your Home Standout
Question and Answer
White Refrigerator
Before and After
Master Bedroom Staging
Bedroom Staging
Can You Keep A Secret
Highlighted Posts of the Week

Considerations When Staging A Dining Room
A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words
Home Staging Consultations Is The Key To Closing

This Weeks Highlighted Experts

Karen Otto
Laurie Calhoun
Gina McNew
Wendy Timmons
Kimberely Pacholko

Bonnie Mushnick

Tori Toth
Birgit Anich
Rhonda Conchola

Donna Dazzo

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (July 29, 2010)

Topics covered:

MLS Photos Sell Homes
Fun And Smelly Facts
Question and Answer
Gunk On Carpet
Before and After
Living Room Staging
Living Room Staging
Dont Raise Red Flags
Highlighted Posts of the Week

Considerations When Staging A Dining Room
A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words
Home Staging Consultations Is The Key To Closing

This Weeks Highlighted Experts

Mary Fasnacht
Allegra Dioguardi
Kate Case
Ashley Whittenberger
Lynn Chevalier

Helene Canning

Martha Stanton- Smith
Birgit Anich
Rhonda Conchola

Donna Dazzo

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (July 22, 2010)

Topics covered:

How To Deal With A Low Ball Offer
Create Headboard For $45
Question and Answer
GFCI Plug
Hardwood Scratches
Before and After
Sitting Room Staging
Dinette Area Staging
Why Maximize Home Equity
Highlighted Posts of the Week
Considerations When Staging A Dining Room
A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words
Home Staging Consultations Is The Key To Closing
This Weeks Highlighted Experts
Donna Dazzo
Rhonda Conchola
Birgit Anich
Martha Stanton- Smith
Alana Merritt and Heather Cook
Marcie Geffner

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (July 8, 2010)

Topics covered:

Price Cuts: Tips For Home Sellers
Energized Expert Advice
Question and Answer
Can you paint stained shingles?
Before and After
Living Room Staging
Kitchen Staging
Q&A With An Appraiser
Highlighted Posts of the Week
Considerations When Staging A Dining Room
Home Staging: One Leg of a Three- Legged Stool to Selling a Home
Staging Works Wonders (Most of the Time)
This Weeks Highlighted Experts
Jill Bank
Birgit Anich
Donna Dazzo
John Wade
Karen Otto
Sue Geurs
Laurie Calhoun
Kate Case
Yvonne Root
Marcie Geffner

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (July 1, 2010)

Topics covered:

Can You Keep A Secret?
Great First Impression
Question and Answer
Slanted Floor
Painting A Sport Court
Before and After
Staging A Living Room
Staging A Kitchen
Properly Market Your Home
Highlighted Posts Of The Week
“Staging Paints A Picture"
“It All Comes Down To WHat The Buyer Sees And Perceives”
"Staging Works Wonders (Most Of The Time)"
This Weeks Highlighted Experts
Amanda Alligood
Judy Colburn
Jill Banks
Manuela Tantawy
Anita Carrington
Teresa Meyer
Karen Otto

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (June 24, 2010)

Topics covered:

Low Cost, Valuable Solutions

Easy Lighting Update
Question and Answer
Seller feels appraisal is too low
Before and After
Bonus Room
Living Room
Vacant Homes Don't Sell
This Weeks Highlighted Posts
“Stage With Purpose"
“What Home Buyers Want”
"Staging Works Wonders (Most of the Time)
This Weeks Highlighted Experts
Carole Morgan
Donna Dazzo
Jill Banks
Ashley Whittenberger
Jennie Norris
Beth Lester
Diane Beck

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (June 17, 2010)

Topics covered:

Dining Room Case Study
4 Home Selling Wall Tips
Question and Answer
Fake Plants or Real Plants?
Before and After
Living Room
Dining Room
Pets Are A Turnoff
New EnergizedSeller Website Features
This Weeks Highlighted Experts
“When can I move in?"
“Selling A Home Yourself? It's Not A Good Idea.”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Kathy Passarette
Wanda Richards
Donna Dazzo
Sue Geurs
Laura Harvey
Lee Ann Kramer

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (June 10, 2010)

Topics covered:

Cold Hard Facts
Re-Use Out-Dated Mirror
Question and Answer
How To Sell Stigmatized House
Before and After
Dining Room
Bedroom
Update Your Fixtures
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”It's A Mini Re-model! Its A Redesign! Its A Staging!”
“When can I move in?"
“Selling A Home Yourself? It's Not A Good Idea.”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Manuela Tantawy
"B" Lucas- Thrower
Donna Dazzo
Donna Schoby
Birgit Anich
Allegra Dioguardi
Judy Colburn

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (June 3, 2010)

5 Tips To A Successful Home Sale
Can Elvis Sell This House?
Question and Answer
Air Conditioning Problem
Before and After
Living Room
Master Bedroom
Kitchen Staging Recipe
Highlighted Posts of the Week
"6 Things Pet Owners Cant Afford To Ignore When Selling Their Home"
“What' Should We Do About Landscaping Around Water Fountain”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Amanda Alligood
Marcie Geffner
Mary Fasnacht
Jill banks

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (May 27, 2010)

Topics covered:

Master Bedroom Case Study
Failure Is Not An Option
Question and Answer
Do Buyers Still Want A Formal Dining Room
Before and After
Living Room
Master Bedroom
Dining Room
EnergizedSeller Experts Reply
Highlighted Posts of the Week
“What's So Bad About An Overgrown Lawn!"
“What' Should We Do About Landscaping Around Water Fountain”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Judy Colburn
Ame Herbert- Chaney
Holly Bellomy
Teri Clardy
Lee Ann Kramer

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (May 20, 2010)

Topics covered:

Updated Appliances Make Better Impression
What Buyers Want In A Vacant Home
Question and Answer
Garage Storage Problem
Before and After
Bedroom Staging
5 No- Cost Home Staging Tips
Highlighted Posts of the Week
“Needs Updating With Very Limited Budget"
“Give Them Something To Remember”
"Selling Safety"
This Weeks Featured Experts
Judy Colburn
Karen Otto
Carole Morgan
Donna Dazzo

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (May 13, 2010)

Topics covered:

How Much Is Your Home Worth
Home Buyers' Begin Search Online
Question and Answer
Is Gravel A Solution For Grass Problem
Before and After
Staging Living Room
Staging A Living Room
5 No- Cost Home Staging Tips
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Home Staging Process”
“Master Bath Vanity from Oh No! To Oh Yeah!"
“Walk This Way”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Manuela Tantawy
Martha Stanton- Smith
Donna Dazzo
Carole Morgan
Karen Eubank
Allegra Dioguardi
Marcie Geffner

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (May 06, 2010)

Topics covered:

5 Quick Inexpensive Home Fixes
How to Fix Cracked Tile
Question and Answer
Big Storage Room
Before and After
Staging Living Room
Staging A Dining Room
Clutter- Free, Neat and Clean
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Finding the Right Balance When Staging an Occupied Home”
“Brain Research Offers Insight Into Human Behaviour"
“Selling a Home Yourself? Its Not A Good Idea”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Jill Banks
Martha Stanton- Smith
Donna Dazzo

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (April 29, 2010)

Topics covered:

Lighting Sets the Mood
12 Bathroom Home- Selling Tips
Question and Answer
Cracked Tile Solutions
Before and After
Staging Bedroom
One Week, Three Offers
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Home Stagers and Property Flippers- A Perfect Match”
“Pole? What Pole?"- Home Staging Works!
“Staged to Get the Buyers in the Door”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Manuela Tantawy
Carole Morgan
Carol Snyder
Donna Dazzo
Amanda Alligood
Gina McNew

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (April 22, 2010)

Topics covered:

Curb Appeal Case Study
Does Your Home Pass The Sniff Test
Question and Answer
Furniture Solution For Dining Room
Before and After
Staging A Living Room
Bedroom Staging
Home Staging Mistakes
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Walk This Way”
“Pole? What Pole?"- Home Staging Works!
“Selling A Home Yourself? It's not a good idea.”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Karen Eubank
Sharon Hawk
Bonnie Mushnick
Donna Dazzo
Amanda Alligood
Michelle Molinari
Mary Carter

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (April 15, 2010)

Topics covered:

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook Case Study
Cabinets Make A Kitchen
Question and Answer
How To Handle Child Gates
Before and After
Vacant Master Bedroom
Dining Room
Mulch and Home Staging
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”How To Address Paneling When Selling Your Home”
“The Power of Rapport In Building Your Home Staging Business ?”
“Attracting Buyers To A Very Slow Sales Area”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Karen Eubank
Sharon Hawk
Bonnie Mushnick
Kimberley Pacholko
Amanda Alligood
Linda Barnett
Mike Warfel

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (April 8, 2010)

Topics covered:

Ignore Details, Lose Sale
Prepare Your Home for Sale
Question and Answer
Kitchen Remodel Ideas
Before and After
Kitchen Remodel Ideas
How To Sell A Vacant Home
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Why Home Staging Matters”
“Vacant Master Bedroom Staging?”
“An Open House Checklist to Successfully Sell Your Home”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Judy Colburn
Donna Dazzo
Bonnie Mushnick
Cathy Borman

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (April 1, 2010)

Topics covered:

Home Staging Case Study
Curb Appeal: The Main Picture
Question and Answer
Nickel or chrome fixtures?
Staging problem
Before and After
Apartment Staging
10 Mistakes Home Sellers Make
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Bankers, Do You Really Want To Play Landlord”
“Old Paint Cans, What To Do?”
“An Open House Checklist to Successfully Sell Your Home”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Cathy Borman
Judy Colburn
Donna Dazzo
Birgit Anich
Michelle Molinari
Ashley Whittenberger

To read this weeks newsletter, click here

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (March 25, 2010)

Topics covered:

Fireplace Is Focal Point Of Room
How Much De-cluttering is Enough
Question and Answer
Painting Appliances?
Cracked Tile?
Before and After
Library
Living room
10 Mistakes Home Sellers Make
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Inspector Stager”
“Old Paint Cans, What To Do?”
“Stage Your Home But Dont Put it on the Market”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Cathy Borman
Karen Otto
Donna Dazzo
Carole Morgan

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (March 18, 2010)

Topics covered:

Driveway, Walkway Make First Impression
Virtual Staging Goes Live
Question and Answer
Kitchen countertop?
Uneven wallpaper?
Before and After
Living Room Case Study
Simple Fix
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”Home Staging Has Business Value”
“Home Buyers and Home Sellers: Who Were They In 2009”
“From Bowling Alley to Livable Space”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Kate Case
Lee Ann Kramer
Donna Dazzo
Birgit Anich
Carole Morgan
Amanda Alligood

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (March 11, 2010)

Topics covered:

Make Your Bathroom Home-Buyer Ready
Buyers don't like your house? It's nothing personal.
Question and Answer
Furniture solution.
Gender specific room.
Before and After
Living Room Case Study
Creating Wow with Simple Updates
Highlighted Posts of the Week
”10 Changes You Can Make To Speed Up The Sale Of Your Home”
“Please Put the Seat Down!”
“Home Staging Is Just A Marketing Ploy or Gimmick!”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Karen Otto
Cathy Lee
Birgit Anich
Carole Morgan
Diane Beck

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 25, 2010)

Topics covered:

Pricing decisions should be grounded in reality
Overlooked Bathroom Can Cost You
Question and Answer
Painting Process?
Is it an upgrade?
Before and After
Living Room
Dining Room
Details, Details, Details
Man Cave
This Weeks Featured Experts
Marcie Geffner
Wayne Warshawsky
Angela Tharp
Lee Ann Kramer
Allegra Dioguardi
Amanda Alligood

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 18, 2010)

Topics covered:

EnergizedSeller Tips Get Offer First Day On The Market
Make Most of Small Spaces
Question and Answer
Get rid of odor?
Laminate or Carpet?
Before and After
De-clutter Example
Living Room
Loft
Closets as Home- Selling Feature
Highlighted Posts of the Week
“ECO Friendly Paint Tip"
“Home Staging a Way to Reduce Days on Market”
“What's That Smell?”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Cathy Lee
Jane Ann Lance
Birgit Anich
Carole Morgan
Wayne Warshawsky
Catherine Jeffery
Ilaria Barion

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 11, 2010)

Topics covered:

Safety First
$200 Makeover Pays Great Dividends
Question and Answer
Flooring Problems
Water Stains
Before and After
Gameroom
Bathroom
Red to Elegant
Highlighted Posts of the Week
“Home Staging Solves Buyer Objections”
“Declutter, Declutter and then Declutter Some More”
“Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Homes”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Judy Colburn
Manuela Tantawy
Carole Morgan
Karen Eubank
John Badalamenti
Karen Otto

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 04, 2010)

Topics covered:

Contract Negotiation: Terms and Conditions
MirrorMate (Add a frame to a mirror)
Question and Answer
Do I replace cheap bathroom fixtures?
Is leaving a knife block in the kitchen ok?
Before and After
Basement Makeover
Living Room
Stage for Success
5 Reasons to Hire a Realtor
Highlighted Posts of the Week
“Gutters—Another Key to Curb and Buyer Appeal!”
“Tips for Maintaining a Freshly Staged Home”
“What are the ‘hot colors’ for spring?”
“Does the Average Homeowner Know When To Call a Home Stager?”
This Weeks Featured Experts
Joanne Abrahams
Kate Case
Deb Waters
Diane Beck
Margaret Oscilia
Katie Griffin Ross
Lynn Chevalier
Marcie Geffner

Click here to read this weeks newsletter.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (January 28, 2010)

Topics covered:

Seller Listing Agreement
Yellow: 2010 Color of the Year
Before and After
Window Treatments
Bookshelves
Fireplace Improvement (Brick Anew)
Question and Answer
Should poster be taken down?
What questions should a home seller ask a prospective Realtor?
EnergizedSeller Wins Innovator of the Year
This Weeks Featured Experts
Marcie Geffner
Kate Case
Lee Ann Kramer
Karen Otto

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Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (January 21, 2010)

Topics Covered:

Give Your Home a Smile
Shuffle Duffle
Before and After
Cluttered Kids Study
Living Room
Dining Room
12 Home Selling Tips
Question and Answer
“My bedroom serves as both a bedroom and office, and there is nowhere else to put my desk and bookcase. How can I stage this room?”
Stage a Vacant Home
Highlighted Posts of the Week
Is Your House Selling Strategy Complete?
Start Now To Sell Well
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Part 2
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Part 1
This Weeks Featured Experts
Diane Beck
Mary Fasnacht
Birgit Anich
Ashley Whittenberger
Karen Eubank
Allegra Dioguardi
Lynn Chevalier
Lee Ann Kramer
Sue Geurs
Gina McNew

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kalamazoo and battle creek home staging

StageRight Home Staging — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:05:00 GMT

Life is great as I have been extrememly busy these past few months.

I had a presentation last Tuesday to a group of business professionals and they are hooked on the idea of staging being a marketing tool. At first they really didn't get it and were very skeptical of this fad called "home staging". They previewed it as just another gimmic. But when confronted with the stats and when presented as a "must have marketing tool" they really got on board. They were practically giddy now that they really understand how it all makes sense.

The line that really got them thinking was this " In the past buyers expected to buy what the sellers were selling, and remodel later. In this market of over-supply (and instant gratification,) buyers look until they find something just right, or they keep looking. Some staging involves minor cosmetic updates, neutral but attractive in nature, that make the product motivating. While a price reduction may not make any difference at all in the buyer’s perception of marketability, minor updates and presentation can make a huge difference.

The only thing we did here before staging was remove the old wallpaper mural and paint. The rest was staging. The property sold but more importantly this particular property was no longer considered "old". We made the entry tile work.

Presentation and perception make all the difference when marketing your largest personal investment.

At StageRight Home Staging we are dedicated to customer service. Our services include consultations for home staging as well as actual staging services. We stage occupied and vacant properties, we provide move in decorating, staging to live (redesign using your own stuff), home organization and downsizing services, color selection and project management for remodels and upgrades. We are Accredited Staging Professionals, members of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) and the Battle Creek Board of Realtors. StageRight Home Staging developed a program that has been approved by the State of Michigan for continuing education for realtors.

Carole Morgan Owner, President StageRight Home Staging

ASP, RESA PRO, Nominated as RESA Professional Stager of the Year 2010

RESA Stager of the Month January 2010

269.207.9632

a must have marketing tool.

In this market of over-supply (and instant gratification,) buyers look until they find something just right, or they keep looking.

Staging may involve minor cosmetic updates, neutral but attractive in nature, that make the product motivating. While a significant price reduction may not make any difference at all in the buyer’s perception of marketability, minor updates and presentation can make a huge difference.

Staging is a must have marketing tool.

In this market of over-supply (and instant gratification,) buyers look until they find something just right, or they keep looking.

Staging is a must have marketing tool.

In this market of over-supply (and instant gratification,) buyers look until they find something just right, or they keep looking.

Staging is a must have marketing tool.

In this market of over-supply (and instant gratification,) buyers look until they find something just right, or they keep looking.

The Forgotten Rooms When Staging Your Home for Sale: The Garage

Donna Dazzo — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Many home sellers think that it's perfectly okay to leave their garage "as is" when selling their home, or worse, think it's okay to move items out of the house and stuff them into the garage in an effort to declutter and minimize furniture and personal items.

Well, it's NOT OKAY! The garage is extra square footage and should be treated just like any other room in the house when staging it for sale.

It should be shown to it's highest and best possible use - to store and shelter cars most importantly, and secondarily, to store and shelter tools, hardware, sporting equipment, etc.

It's NOT to be used to store furniture and other items that should be discarded, given away to family or friends, donated or stored offsite in preparation for your move.

A clean, neat and sparse garage will tell the buyer he has plenty of room to store his car(s) and tools.

Here are some specific stips for staging your garage when your home is on the market:

1. Get Clean - A garage must be clean. Just because it's a garage and is quasi indoor/outdoor space, doesn't mean it's okay to have dirt, debris, leaves, dead insects, oil stains, etc.

Begin by removing everything from the garage (this will help prepare you for the next step).
Then sweep the floor and brush cobwebs away from corners and ceiling.
Remove oil stains with TSP cleaner purchased from your local hardware store.
Hose the or powerwash the floor it if there is adequate ventilation to dry it and the temperature is above freezing. Or at least mop or scrub the floor.
Painting the floor, walls and ceiling, makes the garage seem newer and cleaner and tells the buyer you must really take care of the rest of the house.
Wash the windows, if any, and make sure all bulbs are in working order.

2. Get Rid of the Clutter - don't use the garage as a dumping ground for all of the items you've so proudly removed to stage the interior of the home. A few boxes or plastic bins of items are fine, however. Begin by removing everything from the garage in preparation for cleaning and/or painting it. Separate items into Keep, Discard, Donate or Give Away.

3. Get Organized - For those items you are keeping, organize them into categories such as tools, lawn and garden equipment and supplies, paint cans, seasonal items like beach chairs or holiday decorations, sporting equipment, etc.

Here are some suggestions for getting organized:

Pegboards or slatted walls and hooks

Plastic shelves and bins

Tool organizers

Sports Equipment Organizers

Overhead Storage Systems

Photo source: www.uglyhousephotos.com

Storage items: www.spacesavers.com

WITH OCCUPIED HOME STAGING FORM AND FUNCTION MATTER

Judy Colburn — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:01:00 GMT

My friend has decided to sell her home and asked me to help her stage it for sale. My friend is a huge believer in staging and I will go as far as to say she is my biggest fan and has promoted me to everyone she knows - without me even knowing it! She told me up front that she needed a lot of help, that it was a big house and she was really overwhelmed and she was very open and agreeable to my suggestiosn and advice.

Of course I agreed and we set up an appointment for me to do a walk-through.This is the first room I saw as I entered the house;

Living Room Before

The formal living room was being used as the kids playroom. The kids are ages 5 and 2 and they are very active. It is important that they have a place to play and being a 2-story home, my friend wanted their playroom downstairs where the family spends the bulk of their time. Completely understandable for living purposes but not for selling.

After finishing the walk through, it was clear what we needed to do. First of all, we have to turn the playroom back into the living room - not only because that is the rooms' intended purpose - but also because it is the first room you see when coming into the house.

This is a large home and there is a living room, family room and upstairs bonus room. So here's what we did. We removed all of the toys and furniture out of the room and moved the furniture from the family room into the living room. The living room is smaller so to make it appear more spacious, we took the chair and ottoman out and packed them away.

Family Room Before

In a perfect world the playroom would go but this is an occupied home and the family must be able to continue to function while the home is on the market. So, we took the furniture from the unused upstairs bonus room and moved it downstairs to the family room and because the kids still need a place to play, we made the upstairs bonus room the playroom.

Living Room After Family Room After Playroom After

After a lot of hard work, we were all pretty happy with the results. The house shows really well and buyers have been very positive about the property. The first people who came through submitted an offer. We're expecting this home to sell fast!

When selling a home while still living in it, changes have to be made that can and will create inconveniences for the family. In this case, we really needed to keep the play room but by moving it upstairs and keeping all the kids toys contained to that one space, buyers can see the home's beauty and function and it makes "sense" that there would be a play room. Yet, they can envision using that bonus room to suit their needs.

Pro Staged Homes Home Staging & Redesign San Dimas, CA 91773 909-714-1149 www.prostagedhomes.com judy.colburn@prostagedhomes.com

Tread Carefully When Seasonally Staging a Home for FALL

Julea Joseph — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:40:00 GMT

Here are a few thoughts on FALL Decor for your home.

Retail can be overwhelming, you can be swayed and tempted a few times within an isle these days. From new color combinations in the ornament lane, to adorable tiny bales of hay to adorn your tabletops - Retailers aim for you to spend. So here is a philosophy to apply when seasonally decorating -

When seasonally staging/decorating a home keep true to the bones of the home and the decorative style of the interior. Be very careful when dressing and styling the home to keep in-tune to the price point, architecture, and decorative interior style of the home whether it is for sale or not.

Example: A Colonial looks best with classic seasonal decor on the outside - The burlap Hoe-Down theme looks out-of-place with the classic lines and refinery of the home. Instead, replant your entry Urns with seasonal finds - Tall grasses, mums, kale, pumpkins or gourds. Or create a bit of whimsy with a pumpkin topiary by stacking graduated sized pumpkins within the urns. Symmetry is key when working with formal style. (Pumpkin Topiary www.lowes.com)

Inside: IN this same style home, an entry or dining table looks festive with a fall inspired floral in an eye-catching container of polished copper or silver. Apple baskets or primitive wood containers will not be in-tuned to the home's style. Instead, mix in a bit of everlasting pods, berries or branches to bring a bit of the "nature" trend alive. Purchase plaid or a fall colored stripe yardage from a local fabric store for use as runners, simple throws or as pillows. The plaid or stripe pattern will pair beautifully with your traditional interior design. Want to create that cozy feel - Look for throws in a small pile "fur" such as sheared mink.

On that same note, it is a struggle these days to find the time to even consider not using paper plates, paper table clothes and throw away serving trays when hosting a celebration. DON"T! Unless you have over 60 coming, paper is just a no-no. Whether it is a Broker's open or a Holiday gathering for friends and family, take the extra effort and make it special.

Example: Broker's Open - If you have to get "throw-away," purchase clear plastic or at least the paper square plates in a solid color. Crazy patterns and motif only fight with what is on the plate, and if they're extra cute, become the conversation rather than the home... Transfer the chow to new platters. If the food is store bought, by this simple move, it goes ready-made to home-made. from thrown together, to thought out. Add a bouquet of fresh seasonal flowers, a "with compliments" bag of pumpkin seeds with your card attached, and you've just made a great statement.

10 Home Staging Tips to Make Your Next Listing Look like a Model Home

Julea Joseph — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:24:00 GMT

What is it about Model homes that make them so appealing? Is it the freshness of all new; is it the sassy paint colors, the perfectly placed furniture, art and accessories or the beautiful groomed backyard that makes you want to plop right down on that comfy club chair, or light the grill on the patio? Well.... Yes to all the above. A builder holds hosts to an array of skilled professionals to make that Model beautiful. From blue print to drawer pulls that Model home is meticulously planned.

Beyond the nicely placed furniture, Model homes are the current reflection of the home environment needs of the target market of the Builder. They are a turn-key product, designed & packaged for the desires of perfect buyer.

Models homes are lovely because they have the latest and the greatest, are fresh and new and are meticulously detailed. Psychology, more than decorating is applied to makes them look so fabulous. From architecture to floral arrangements, Model homes are planned with "YOU" in mind.

So how can you the Realtor make your next listing as appealing as a Model Home? - Here are 10 ways.

•1.) Clean. Those nice angled vacuum lines, gleaming windows, and perfectly manicured lawns in Model homes speak to a potential buyer - You don't have to do a thing. A Realtor can translate that into - A little elbow grease goes a long way. A super clean home says "turn-key" to the potential buyer. Have every inch of the home, blind slats to porch light glass, super clean and perfectly coiffed. According to a national 2009 survey done by Home Gain (www.homegain.com,) a $100-$200 cleaning investment gives an 872% return!

•2.) Fresh & Smells Good. People buy homes on emotion, and your 5 senses are a direct path to your brain. If a home smells and looks "funky," "doggy," "smoky," or if the stove is coated with cooking gone bad - The home is off their list. Just like you would detail your car to sell, invest in clean and spotless carpets, patched, repaired and freshly painted walls and new appliances if the old have seen better days. Be wary to skip this step and take the low road with room refreshers, candles and stove burner covers - Potential buyers are not fooled.

•3.) Color. Any advertising executive will tell you color is key to properly packaging a product; and a listed home is just that, a product. Throw away the off-white manta of old school home staging rules - Welcome to the era of HGTV. Using color is a powerful and inexpensive way of making that home stand out from the rest, and with so many decorating TV shows boasting the benefits of color, you better get hip to hues. From 1^st Web impressions to curb-appeal, color is a strong emotional tug for the potential buyer. Update yourself on the latest color trends in wall color, appliance, fixtures, etc... and apply it to your target buyer. For home staging, use earthy, calm tones for the bigger areas such as wall color and add pops of saturated colors in the details; such front doors, accessories or annuals.

•4.) Make Space. The joy of a Model home is the acres and acres of unused storage space & beautifully organized closets. Reduce, organize, upscale and edit all the home's spaces when it comes to closets and storage areas. If the home's price point dictates, upscale the closets with custom organizing options.

•5.) Clear a Path. Consider that many people with be walking through the home. Make sure traffic patterns, entrances and exits are well established. Too much furniture, undefined entrances and awkward walkways confuse and discourage buyers from moving about the property. Follow a Model Home's lead and create a concise walking pattern for potential buyers starting a curbside to back fence.

•6.) Lovely Layouts. From the landscape to furniture placement, take a clue from Models homes that continuity and flow make for a good mix. Create curb appeal with nicely maintained landscaping, added annuals and perennials, an inviting stoop and well groomed walk and driveways. Inside, make sure each room depicts what its function is, enhances the highlights of the room (i.e. fireplaces or upgrades,) and allows the buyer to envision themselves in the space.

•7.) Set the Mood. Create ambiance and character in the home with well thought out placement of sensory and lifestyle components. Soft music, lighting on dimmers, candles lit, and fresh floral are all great ideas for Broker or Open houses. If you have concern about candles, battery operated candles that even have timers built in are now readily available. Stage the dining room table tastefully, or set the stage in a back yard with a detailed patio retreat. Offering helpful lifestyle hints has always been in the Model Home arsenal and always a huge hit.

•8.) K.I.S.S. On the opposite note, don't over accessorize, go over-board with the lifestyle tips or create "store bought theme" rooms (i.e. Chef-with-a-Hat Kitchen or Anniversary Bathtub area complete with Champagne bottle.)

•9.) Appeal to a Target Buyer. Consider "WHO" the ideal buyer is that will be interested in the property, and market the property accordingly. From advertising photos to furniture, consider who will find this appealing and desirable.

•10.) Market, Market, Market. Model Homes have great marketing incentives inside and out. From clear address markers, great signs, to small exit giveaways, to survey - market that listing to the fullest.

Julea Joseph of Reinventing Space has created her own recipe for success with her signature Interior Stylist Philosophy. Always a few steps ahead, Julea launched her home design business in 1999 when interior redesign & home staging were just in their infancy. Rather than offering just redesign and staging, she developed a menu of blended services that fully embraces and captures the lifestyle of a home - She Celebrates the Soul of a Home.

Lighten and Brighten Your Way to a Successful Sale of Your Home

Donna Dazzo — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:27:00 GMT

When selling a home, it is very important that it be light and bright. Buyers do not respond well to dark spaces.

Here are a few home staging tips and tricks to brighten up your home:

Remove screens from windows - this lets more of the natural light through -keep them in the garage if possible so buyers know you have them
Wash the windows - seems to be common sense, but you'd be surprised at what a difference it makes!
Remove awnings from windows and over doors
Trim or remove overgrown bushes and trees that are in front of windows

Replace drapes with sheers where possible - sheers provide warmth and softness to a room but still let the light show through
Swap out low wattage bulbs for higher wattage ones
Keep all lights turned on during an open house or showings
Use uplighting in dark corners - either a tall floor lamp called a torchiere or a can light placed on the floor
Place wall and floor mirrors where they can reflect natural light
Use neutral paint colors on the walls
Brighten up dark furnishings with throw pillows or a table runner in bright colors

Doing these simple and inexpensive changes to "lighten and brighten" when selling your home can reap its rewards - a 572% return on your investment, according to a Home Gain survey for 2009.

Paint: One of the Most Effective Yet Inexpensive Home Staging Tools

Donna Dazzo — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:16:00 GMT

When your home is for sale, it is now a product that needs to appeal to the greatest number of buyers. Walls, along with the floors, are the bones of a home and they need to be in good condition and neutral in appearance so that they do appeal to the greatest number of buyers.

People are heavily influenced by color, and it is difficult for buyers to look past the dark purple or other strong colors on the walls.
Paint is an inexpensive but effective way to re-decorate a room. It can update a kitchen or bathroom, make a small room seem to be larger, and make architectural details like molding or built-ins pop.
Dirty and scratched walls and peeling paint turn off buyers.
Potential buyers will be thinking about how they have to take the time and spend the money to repaint; or even worse, thinking ‘I don’t want to buy this place”.
Painting does cost money for both labor and materials, but its benefits far exceed its cost. Even if the buyer is willing to make an offer, you can bet it will be less than asking to compensate for the paint job they will have to do.

Paint Sheens (all Benjamin Moore Regal)

Follow these guidelines for choosing paint finishes:

Flat – good for ceilings (use Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White). Can also be used for walls if the walls have a lot of imperfections as these would be more noticeable when painted with a sheen or gloss. However, flat paint is more difficult to clean than paint with a sheen or gloss.

Eggshell – good for bedrooms and living and dining rooms. Highly washable, durable and stain resistant.

Matte – good for busy areas like hallways and kids’ rooms as it is a flat paint but highly stain resistant and durable.

Pearl – good for hallways, bathroom and kitchen walls, and kids’ rooms as it is highly durable and can withstand repeated washings.

Semi-Gloss – good for trim and doors, and also kitchen and bathrooms. It is highly durable, scrubbable and washable. Use a color in the white family to make trim pop.

If you prefer to choose one finish for walls in all rooms, then Eggshell is recommended.

Paint Colors

Before purchasing any paint, test a sample on the wall. Benjamin Moore now sells small jars of the most popular colors, or invest in purchasing a quart. If the wall has a dark color on it, hold a white piece of paper next to your sample. Look at your sample painted swatch at different times of the day to see if it changes color with the lighting.

When painting a home that is for sale, it is best to stick with neutral colors. And that doesn't mean white, as it is very stark and cold. It also doesn't mean it has to be some variation of off-white or beige, but can be a certain shade of green, blue, brown, gold or earth-toned red.

If you wish to "play it safe", the following is a list of colors that are in the off-white or beige category.

Recommended Neutral Paint Colors For Walls

Below are color swatches of my recommended netural paint colors, as well as a list of the colors. Keep in mind that the appearance of the color on the swatch may not reflect it's true color as it depends upon the monitor settings with which you are viewing them.

Natural Wicker (OC-1)
Elephant Tusk (OC-8)
Muslin (OC-12)
Cedar Key (OC-16)
Collingwood (OC-28)
Tapestry Beige (OC-32)
Misty Air (OC-44)
Hazy Skies (OC-48)
Gentle Cream (OC-96)
Pale Celery (OC-116)
Celery Salt (OC-136)
Shelburne Buff (HC-28)
Edgecombe Gray (HC-173)
Manchester Tan (HC-81)
Rich Cream (2153-60)

Note: All Benjamin Moore

Do you have any favorite neutral colors you use or recommend? I'd love to add them to my list.

Using Your Senses for Home Sales

Tori Toth — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:11:00 GMT

When a homeowner has their place on the market, it’s important to appeal to buyers. Besides price, a buyer makes a purchase based on emotional connection points, which home stagers like to tap into by using our five senses. When the buyer can see, smell, taste, hear and feel the lifestyle of a seller’s home they’re willing to consider purchasing the property.

Here are ways home stagers use the five senses:

Sense of Sight. Within 10-seconds of looking at a home, buyers have already made a decision based on their first impressions. Curb appeal that is warm and welcoming will ensure the buyers will walk through the door, but it’s determined through their sense of sight. Keep the exterior and interior clean and clutter-free. It’s important to remove extra furniture, accessories and kid’s toys to maximize wall and floor space to create the illusion of bigger rooms. Home stagers also use vignettes in each space to show buyers the purpose of the room and how they can expect to live there. When setting up a home for an open house, make sure there is a reading spot, a place to have morning coffee, entertain or play a game with the kids. Be creative use your own live experiences in the home to attract the buyer’s eye to a certain lifestyle. But as we all know looks aren’t everything!

Sense of Smell. Homeowners tend to overlook the odors in their homes because they are used them, but believe me the buyers will smell it and it could be a deal breaker. While pets are a big problem in this area, there are ways to avoid buyers from detecting an animal How to Keep Your Pet a Secret from Home Buyers . Besides pets, cooking odors, like fish and curry, can linger in your kitchen. Sellers should make sure to empty the garbage, keep the refrigerator clean and do the dishes these can all lead to unwanted smells if not taken care of. Baking soda absorbs odor and is a good trick to keep the kitchen smelling fresh. Piles of laundry in bedrooms, baths and closets can also lead to unpleasant odors, so make sure to wash clothes (and put them away) before a showing. Use vanilla, flowery or baking smells to lure in buyers, but be weary if the scent is too strong buyers can get turned off.

Sense of Taste. Look at buyers as guests in your home. Be a gracious host and offer drinks and snacks as a way to say thanks for stopping by. Depending on the lifestyle the seller is trying to portray will determine what to serve. For instance, if it’s a luxury condo on the market choose a Bellini cocktail and crepes, or if you’re selling a country home lemonade and fruit (especially sliced up watermelon.) Use tastes to jog a buyer’s childhood memory to help them relate to the home.

Sense of Hearing. Sounds can be a positive or negative energy in a home. If a property is beachside, leaving the windows open to hear the ocean waves and seagulls will remind buyers why they’re looking to live at the beach. In contrast, if a home is near a major highway it’s important to drown out the noise. A seller can use a water fountain or soothing music to reduce the negative noise.

Sense of Touch. Buyers like to touch things, so make sure door knobs, pulleys, banisters and furniture are clean. They will open cabinets, sit on furniture and touch anything they can get their hands on. To promote this sense add different textures throughout the home like using soft throws and pillows to accentuate the coziness of the space.

The ultimate goal is to keep potential buyers in the space as long as possible. If buyers feel comfortable in the home, they will stay longer. Using the five senses to promote a home is an easy way to guide the buyers to the closing table.

Stage Your Backyard Sanctuary

Debra Ostrus — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:05:00 GMT

When you are marketing your home to sell don't neglect to stage your outdoor spaces. Creating a backyard sanctuary is one of the smartest things you can do to make your home stand out from the crowd. Our lives are all so busy nowadays and people crave a space where they can relax, get in touch with nature and enjoy a private getaway from their hectic lives. Find a sheltered corner of your property and create an inviting spot for your potential buyers to imagine themselves savoring a well-deserved glass of wine after a long hard day. Here are a few ideas to get you started creating your own sanctuary:

Cluster a few comfortable chairs in a friendly conversation grouping where you can enjoy a beautiful view or a quiet sheltered area.
If you have a covered porch, a rug and cushions made for the outdoors can remain outside all summer but if not you'll need to bring them inside when rain threatens.
If your cushions are looking tired, buying new ones will really add a fresh look to the space.
Flowers and plants are a must but be sure they look great- a couple of large pots bursting with colorful flowers or fresh green foliage is easier to take care of and look much better than a bunch of small containers with spindly looking plants in them.
People love the peaceful sound of trickling water so include a small water feature or fountain if you can. This also helps to mask traffic or neighborhood lawn mower noise.
Candle lanterns or small firepits add a suggestion of warmth and romance even when not lit (never light and leave unattended).
Maintain your outdoor living area by regularly sweeping or shaking dust and leaves off your rug and cushions and trimming dead flowers and leaves from plants.

Stage your backyard sanctuary and create a welcoming and inviting space for your potential buyer to give your home that "something special" they're looking for.

Debra Ostrus

HSR Certified Home Stager & Redesigner

Professional Organizer

Spaces Streamlined
Home Staging, Organization & Restyle

253-468-8134 Gig Harbor, Wa

debra@spacesstreamlined.com
www.spacesstreamlined.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK

On The Move...Once You Get the Keys to Your New Place

Tori Toth — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:10:00 GMT

Whether your moving down the block, across town or cross-country, moving can be a stressful time for homeowners.

While it's important to have at least 8 weeks to plan a move to reduce stress, successful Realtors sell their client's home in less than 2 months, so it's best to prepare your client's for the big day while their home is still on the market. A move can sneak-up on sellers, which can leave them vulnerable to feeling rushed out the door---forgetting key components to their move.

To have them avoid thinking they have more time than they do, present them with a moving checklist Stylish Stager's Inc. Moving Checklist so they can easily conquer small tasks leading up to moving day. Make sure to have them check out different moving companies, change subscriptions and get important records.

Invite them to hire a home stager, our company will not only prepare them mentally for the move, but we will get their home buyer ready, while clearing out clutter and packing away unwanted items. There is nothing more frustrating than throwing items into a box that you're going to get rid after the move. The home staging process helps homeowners transition from the past to the future and can make them more excited about the upcoming change.

Tell your client's to spend their remaining days saying good-bye to people and places they may not see for awhile. Throwing a party may be one way for closure, or inviting family and friends over to help pack can be a personal way to interact with them one more time. Remind those moving to take time out for themselves and enjoy the time left.

Even the most organized can feel stressed because of things feeling out of their control. Make sure your clients have a back-up plan incase they have problems with a moving company or their painters didn't finish the bedroom.

Check on your clients after the move, it takes time to make a house, a home, they may feel uprooted and need a pep-talk. Staying in touch can help generate new leads and grow your business.

What NOT to do When Selling Your Home

Donna Dazzo — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:34:00 GMT

I couldn't believe my eyes!

Here was an apartment featured in the Sunday New York Times' "On the Market in New York City" column. As I viewed the pictures of this and the other two properties online with my home staging eyes, I cringed at the thought that someone thought it was okay to photograph and sell these properties in their current condition. While they are not horror stories, the three featured properties could all benefit from some free home staging advice.

So here it is:

1. Upper West Side Condo - the personal photographs and wine bottle collection need to be removed. Buyers shouldn't be distracted by these and, more importantly, buyers need to envision themselves living in your space. They can't do that with your photos of your family, friends, vacations, etc. staring at them.

Also, while the seller and/or real estate agent think the pulley system for suspending the bicyle from the ceiling is an added feature of the apartment, it is VERY distracting. The buyers' eyes will immediately go towards that rather than the beautifully renovated kitchen with its unique oval window. And couldn't the bed have been made better before shooting the photo? It looks like at the last minute the comforter and toss pillow were just thrown on the bed.

2. Upper East Side Co-op - home staging is all about making the house or apartment appealing to the broad range of buyers. While the homeowner might love the orange walls in the living room, MOST buyers won't. It's okay to keep the orange toss pillows as an accent color, but it's time to break out the paint and change the color of the walls to something more neutral (not white, but a soft beige).

3. Clinton Hill Co-op - OMG!!! Is that a dog and a kitty litter box in the photo?? Again, when your home is for sale, it must appeal to the broad range of buyers. You might love your dog and your cat, but not everyone is an animal lover. And worse, some potential buyers may be allergic to animals, so they wouldn't even consider looking at this apartment for their new home.

This apartment could also benefit by removing the highly taste-specific wallpaper and thinning out the book collection in its wall-sized bookshelves.

Home Staging Tip: Return Rooms to Their Originally Intended Function

white swan properties — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:26:00 GMT

When preparing your home for market it is usually wise to return rooms to their originally intended function. In this photo below the home owners used one of their 4bedrooms as an office. While this is a common and practical solution for many home owners, especially empty-nesters and home based businesses it is not as practical from a home seller's vantage point. A bedroom that looks like a bedroom is always more saleable than a bedroom that looks like an office. Typically home buyer's will pay more for each additional bedroom a home has. If it looks like an office they tend to see it as an office and discount it a such.

In this second photo the same room is professionally staged to once again look like a bedroom. A desk has been included in the design for practical purposes for the home owners while the home is on the market. The desk and chair though have been greatly scaled back and demoted to a supporting role rather than center stage. Including the desk area also suggests to buyers a potential dual purpose/function for the room while still clearly appearing as a bedroom.

Home Selling Is A Family Affair

eseller1 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:43:36 GMT

For home sellers who have children, the home-selling process becomes a family affair, says Karen Otto, a home stager in Dallas, Texas. Children, especially those who are old enough to understand, should be told what’s happening and be brought into the process as soon as possible. Here are three points she makes in a blog post on EnergizedSeller.com:

If the children are old enough, make them responsible for keeping their rooms, closets and common areas clean.
When you’re ready to let other people know you'll be moving, include teachers, coaches, parents of your children’s friends and others who associate with your children on a regular basis.
Get your children involved. Make moving an exciting time for your family.

To read the rest of her points, click here. For more insight on moving and kids, check out these posts:

Savvy Home Sellers Are Looking For REALTORS® That Offer Home Staging Consultations

Cindy Bryant — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:09:00 GMT

More and more homeowners understand that in any market, especially this one, a seller needs to do everything possible to get a home sold. That's why they are looking for real estate agents that offer this service, or know of a home stager they can recommend. A home staging consultation is the most cost effective service a seller can get before putting their house on the market.

Why do Home Sellers Want Professional Home Stagers?

Home sellers don't want a generic list of "Things to Do"handed to them from their agent.
They want personalized service from a professional stager that can pinpoint specifics about their home and make recommendations.
They want an unbiased opinion from someones that's not involved with the commission.
They want to know with confidence that their home will show better than their competition down the street.
Real estate agents shouldn't be concerned with the buyer being insulted in suggesting the use of a home stager, quite the contrary, sellers are looking for this add-on service.
They know staging is the hottest marketing and merchandising tool out there.
It also gives the home seller satisfaction knowing that the agent is doing everything he or she can do to help sell their home.
Don't have the time to do it themselves.
Understands the concept, but doesn't know how to implement the process themselves.
Lacks the decorating skills, and has better things to do.
Sellers know it's a must in today's market and it's a win-win for all parties involved.
Some real estate agents will pay for a home staging consultation as part of their marketing plan, but typically a home seller pays for costs associated with home staging.
All REALTORS® should be able to recommend a professional home stager that can provide not only staging advice, but furnishings and accessories for a vacant home.

Front Entranceways That Sizzle

white swan properties — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Whether you are staging your home to sell or dressing it up to enhance its over all appearance do not forget to pay attention to the front entranceway of your home. One of the quickest ways to dress up this area is through the use of container plantings and accessories. When choosing plants and containers for this area choose ones that are in keeping with the price of the home and the growing environment you have.

In this first photo of a shady front entranceway (with a patio), a bistro set is both welcoming and adds charm. The hanging baskets in the background contain a mixture of plant material well suited to the growing environment (fushia, begonia, streptocarpus and torenia). The fern in the urn adds just the right finishing touch. (Note: if you are using metal urns that have rusted give them a coat of black trem-clad rust paint before you place your plant material in it.)

In this second photo of a higher-end home this home owner has selected larger, bolder and more stunning containers filled with ferns and ivy. A secondary urn is placed out front of these to add colour. (Note: when dressing up the front entranceway of higher priced homes small containers of your walmart variety rarely enhance the home. Larger homes require larger container plantings...more expensive homes require more expensive plantings).

In this third and final photo of yet another higher priced home this home owner has once again selected larger containers filled with ferns. Adding ceramic containers filled with hot orange begonias helps to strengthen the impact and add colour.

How to Keep Your Pet a Secret from Home Buyers

Tori Toth — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:52:00 GMT

As a proud owner of two dogs and a cat, I understand when homeowners are hesitant about removing their pets during the home selling process. It's hard to see past the hairy couch where they cuddle up next to you while watching your favorite show, those chewed-up spots on your molding during their teething phase, or toys flung all over the place after playing fetch (yes even my cat can fetch). That's why many times Realtors end-up with a snapshot of their client's furry little friends, rather than those magnificent built-ins.

Unfortunately, animals don't sell a home and in many cases they hinder the buyer from even considering the property. According to the Humane Society, more than half of homeowners don’t own pets, making it clear that not every buyer is going to be animal friendly.

Before putting your home on the market, get an honest assessment from a home stager, neighbor, or friend to determine what needs to be done to conceal your animals from potential buyers. Here are some products to manage your pets during the selling process.

Curb appeal is top priority during the selling process and when your 4-legged friend decides to use your front lawn as their bathroom, brown spots can appear. The chemical balance of dog urine burns the grass. While watering the grass often deters stubborn spots, you can also use Dogonit (the cure) to help repair your grass.

Inside, pet hair and odor are the biggest problems. Odors can make or break a deal. If your home smells, don't plan on having buyers stay long. To avoid litter box odor use The Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box it scoops away the contents and contains the smell for weeks at a time. You can also use Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Super Gel, safe for people and pets by using five essential oils to neutralize unwanted odor.

For pet hair, homeowners should vacuum their house daily. Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum is amazing it not only promotes cleaner air but the vacuum doesn't lose suction. Make sure to vacuum the furniture as well since you never know when a buyer may stop by. To help keep up with shedding use The FURminator it removes your pet's undercoat and can reduce shedding by 90-percent.

Like pet hair, you want to maintain their nails to avoid scratches on your hardwood floor, carpet or furniture. Pedi Paws is one of the safest ways to cut their nails without hurting them.

To avoid any more destruction of your home while your away give them The Kong, it’s a rubbery toy that stores treats and will keep your pets entertained for hours rather than having them play with your shoes, wood or furniture.

While these products are a way for you to animal-proof your home when selling, you should always remove all pets items (leashes, cages, food bowls, toys, etc.), as well as, remove your pet when a showing is scheduled.

It would be ashame to take all of these steps, but still have evidence an animal lives in your home through your MLS pictures, so make sure your Realtor or you, photograph your home rather than your loved ones.

Good MLS Photos Sell Homes

eseller1 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:11:35 GMT

Spend some time on a multiple listing service (MLS) website and you’ll soon see for yourself how important photos are in marketing a for-sale home. It’s amazing to see the photos some people allow to be shown on the Internet to promote their home: We’ve seen pets, clutter, outdated rooms, cleaning supplies, bad lighting and more. Worse still, some sellers have only one or two photos or none at all.

As Mary Fasnacht points out in a blog post, Point2Technology conducted a study that found listings with 21 or more photos received many more page views, interests and leads than those that had fewer photos.

Allegra Dioguardi, in a 90 second interview, discusses the direct correlation between the quantity and quality of photos and how long the home is on the market.

You wouldn’t put poor or limited photos in a product brochure, so don’t do it for the biggest asset you’ll ever sell, your home.

EnergizedSeller has a lot of tips about good photos. For example, here are some from Kate Case's blog.

Clean each room. Get rid of clutter and make sure the counters sparkle and look fantastic.
Close the toilet lids and put out fresh towels.
Pick up yard debris and remove cars from the driveway.
Bring in fresh flowers for tables.
Remove garbage cans before taking pictures. A potential buyer doesn’t want to see an overflowing kitchen trash can or bathroom waste.
Take pictures with the lights on and off and with the blinds open and closed, so you can post the best-looking pictures online.

Ronda Conchola in a post about MLS photos also recommends this:

Remove personal items that show pets, eclectic design choices or religious views.
De-clutter. Less is better. Show off the home’s positive architectural details and features.

Your marketing photos will keep people from showing any kind of interest in your home, and you'll never know about it. If you want to get people in the door, improve your home and then take a lot of great photos.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...in July.

Judy Colburn — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:02:00 GMT

I did a home consultation for a high-end property that has been on the market for a while the other day. The real estate agent said he really needs to get this house sold and needed my help. So we went to meet the seller. The curb appeal was awesome. Well maintained, groomed landscaping, good exterior. I walked in the front door and was greeted by a hanging on the entry wall. Oooh - it's Christmas. I love Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holiday. But wait. Isn't it outside. Aren't...(read more)

Brain Research Offers Insight Into Human Behaviour

Rearrangements — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:53:37 GMT

This site is all about staging and selling so you might wonder why I'm posting a topic like this. Since staging is all about making house shoppers into home buyers, knowing how buyers decide to buy helps us make our staging more effective. Here is some information you might find useful. It explains why people get a first impression in seconds and spend the rest of their home-tour trying to validate the impression.

Feb. 10, 2010. Business Week reported on research by neuroscientist, Benedetto de Martino of University College London (UCL), a visiting researcher at Caltech. The recently completed study shows that an almond shaped part of the brain called the amygdala is the source of human aversion to money loss. This function seems similar to the amygdala’s role in fear and anxiety. This part of the brain registers rapid emotional reactions. Previous studies at UCL had shown that decision making triggered both the amygdala and the prefontal cortex which is known to be involved in higher order reasoning.

If we thought our decision making was totally rational and logical, perhaps not. It seems that emotional responses play a part in our decisions before we even start the rational thought process.

As a realtor, a home seller or a home stager we shouldn’t ignore the scientific evidence on the role of emotion in human decision making. When a buyer is home shopping, we certainly don’t want to trigger his sense of caution with the “red flags” that hint of deferred home maintenance. We would be better off to use the impact of emotions to provide positive first impressions.

Secrets of Placing Decorative Objects

Donna Dazzo — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:59:00 GMT

Particularly if you are selling your home, it's important that surfaces not be crowded with too many decorative objects, a.k.a. "knick-knacks".

It's also important to remove personal collections of objects, as you want buyers to be viewing your home, not your collection of dozens of salt and pepper shakers.

It's also important that the objects be placed properly.

When using decorative objects…

DO group them:

in odd numbers such as 3s and 5s
in varying heights in the group
in like types and colors

DON’T:

Place objects in a straight line
Place all the objects in the corner of the table
Place objects so that they block the view of a seated guest
Place one large weighty object on one end of a table or shelf, and a tiny object or group of tiny objects on the other end
Crowd the surface with too many objects

Here are some of my favorite places to shop for great-looking but inexpensive decorative accessories:

Target has a small but sharp-looking selection of decorative objects (also great for lamps, bedding, bathroom items and throw pillows)
Pier One for candles, candle holders, faux greenery (and fantastic prices for throw pillows, placemats, napkins and stemware)
Home Goods, the Superstar of stores for a broad selection and inexpensively priced decorative objects (as well as lamps, bedding, throw pillows, bathroom items, kitchen items, glassware and artwork)
West Elm and CB2 for urban modern decorative objects and accessories
Christmas Tree Shops (no, they just don't sell Christmas items) for beach house accessories in summer
Bed Bath and Beyond for its great selection of bathroom accessories

What are your favorite places to shop?

How To Deal With A Lowball Offer

eseller1 — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:40:13 GMT

"Weak housing markets embolden bargain-minded homebuyers to offer much less than the seller’s asking price," writes real estate reporter Marcie Geffner.

"While there is no agreed-upon definition of a lowball offer, any price that’s discounted enough to provoke the seller’s wrath may well qualify for that distinction. Conventional wisdom says sellers shouldn’t bother to deliver a civil counteroffer to buyers who present a lowball offer because they may prove excessively demanding or miserably difficult to work with during the transaction."

"But that approach might not be so wise," Geffner states.

Find out why having a good attitude in this situation is a better approach. >>

Longer Lifespans Mean We'll Need Every Dime of Our Home Equity

Rearrangements — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:25:24 GMT

Stats Canada released a new study in February, 2010, showing that Canadians’ life expectancy has increased to 80.7 years. With rising prices for everything and a big national debt looming from our recent government spending spree, the pressure is certainly on for those homeowners on fixed incomes. Seniors will need to stretch their dollars more than ever. That will include maximizing the equity they take away in their pockets when they finally sell their long time homes.

I feel that many seniors don't get as much as they could when selling their homes. I think it's mainly because the homes are not brought up to the tastes of buyers who are often a generation or two younger. I suppose if you’ve owned the home for 30 or 40 years even a mediocre price seems like a king’s ransom compared to what you originally paid for it so a price cut seems better than bothering about the floral wallpaper or the dark panelled basement.

I recognize from my own home selling experiences that it’s difficult for any of us to recognize the flaws in our own places. Even if we note something is not up to scratch, we think buyers will look past it. But today’s busy buyers are looking more and more for move-in ready. They are even willing to pay a premium for a home that is ready to live in versus one that needs fixing according to a Maritz Research study.

Another problem for seniors might be that the stress of touching up the old home on top of the already stressfull downsizing and moving process is just too much to deal with. They may have always done their own redecorating, but no longer have the health and stamina to tackle it alone. A few thousand less on the price seems like a small price to pay compared to the risk, outlay and upheaval of having to deal with painters, handymen and flooring installers. And then I suppose there’s the fear of getting ripped off by disreputable trades – just like we see on the popular Holmes on Homes TV show. And maybe there is the rationalization that whatever finishes they pick won’t be popular with the buyers anyway.

Fortunately there is now a rising industry to help them out – right from deciding what needs doing to managing the trades and cleaning up after Fluffy before the open house. The Home Stagers are here! Even better, Home Gain’s 2009 study of the top 12 best return on investment things to do in preparing a home for sale reports that this new fangled home staging brings an estimated return of nearly 6 to 1. Now that’s better than playing BINGO for the grocery money!

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words

Rhonda Conchola — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:13:00 GMT

After a recent search through several listings of homes for sale, I discovered that there are many that lack a true understanding of the fact that "A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words".

As I was browsing through homes even at the highest end of the six digit range, I often found it very hard to see any home at all. In fact it was truly difficult to look past the various styles of personality captured in the photos which only lead me to wonder who currently lived there. Some, even contained images of the homeowners in the listing photos which of course gave me first hand knowledge of exactly who did live there! OMG! From over bearing home furnishings to over crowded built-ins to homes hidden by trees and oh yeah, did I mention the startling combination of paint colors!! Needless to say, if I were truly looking for a home I would never of made it to the virtual tour of many of these homes! I must also add that even the most extravagantly decorated home still contained TOO MUCH PERSONALITY to ever see myself living there.

As quoted by many a stager, home staging is not the time to display your love for pets, eclectic design or religious views. A professionally staged home will always stress that you are selling space, and a home's positive architectural detail and features. While on a recent staging consult, the homeowner surprised me as she explained that when she originally bought her home she had never even seen it till after going to closing on it! She bought it sight-unseen solely based upon the listing photos! How long has your home been on the market? How many showings do you have each day? Have you checked your listing photos? Is your home properly staged to sell? By hiring an expert in home staging you open the door to an unbiased view of your home with a perspective often over looked by those untrained in professional home staging. Why wait? Call one today. www.prremodelanddesign.com

How to create a headboard with WOW factor for just $45

Birgit Anich — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:22:00 GMT

When staging we at Redesign Your Space here in beautiful Connecticut are very mindful of home sellers budget. In order to meet our clients budget we come up with creative ideas that create the wow factor needed to appeal to buyers. Here is one of our ideas we recently used to stage a bedroom creating a nice headboard for $45. It can easily be done by anyone who is just a little handy with tools.

Step 1:

Purchase a reed fence and cut it to the desired size of the headboard. You just need to cut the wire that connects the reeds with each other - don't cut the reeds themselves.

Step 2:

Paint the reeds with 2 coats of spray paint. To get an even look spray the front and the back.

Step 3:

Create a frame with inexpensive decorative trim. You will have to miter cut the trim and then glue and staple it together in the corners to give it a stronger hold.

Step 4:

Spray paint the frame in the desired color.

Step 5:

Staple the reeds onto the back of the frame. Make sure to create the right tension.

Step 6:

Add hangers to the back of the frame.

Step 7:

Hang the headboard on the wall.

Step 8:

If desired, add artwork for an enhanced effect and you are done - see the AFTER photo:

Home Staging Consultation is the Key to Closing

Donna Dazzo — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:04:37 GMT

If you could invest a few hundred dollars knowing your return on investment could be in the thousands, why wouldn't you?

A home staging consultation by a home staging expert will provide you with everything you need to do to make your property look its best to potential buyers.

Studies have shown that in 2009 the return on investment in staging was 586%.*

Furthermore, owner-occupied homes that were staged spent 78% less time on the market in 2009 than owner-occupied homes that weren't staged.**

And the sooner the home is sold, the more the seller saves on mortgages, taxes and utilities.

For a fee of only a few hundred dollars, a Home Staging Consultation usually involves:

Walking through the home, including the front and back yards, with objective, buyer's eyes - most homeowners are so used to their home's flaws, they don't see them anymore
An assessment of furniture, decorative accessories, clutter, personal objects, needed repairs, room focal points, balance of furniture, ease of traffic flow through rooms, smells, color, among others
Completion of a detailed Action Plan for each room and outside to get the home in show-ready condition
Proposal of staging and other services - the homeowner can do it all themselves or the home stager can help with some or all of it

Here are what several homeowners had to say after I did a home staging consultation:

"Donna Dazzo spent several hours at our home for a home staging consultation. She immediately impressed us with her keen observations of every detail in each room. It was so helpful to hear [her] comments. To view our house through someone else's eyes, who is gifted enough to suggest simple changes that make a big difference...is a win/win situation."

Carol and Ed Coakley

Southold, New York

"Donna's insight and assistance was invaluable in getting my apartment ready to sell. The apartment feels light and airier now, more comfortable, better flow, more coordinated, inviting, and much less cluttered (I don't even remember what I used all that clutter for to begin with) I wish I'd have thought of staging the apartment earlier for my own enjoyment."

Jack LaFata

Brooklyn, New York

Jack took our Home Staging Consultation Action Plan and did everything himself. After the initial $300 investmet in our home staging consultation, he invested $1000 in our recommended purchases, $950 in painting the apartment, and $80 for a monthly storage unit.

He should be proud. Though his apartment received a full price offer after the first weekend open house in late May, he finally signed a contract in early July for 96% of asking with a neighbor intent on combining the two apartments.

Here are some before and after photos of Jack's apartment:

*Source: 2009 Home Gain Survey of Real Estate Agents of Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements

**Source: Real Estate Staging Association

Six Great Pet Blog Posts for Home Sellers

eseller1 — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:27:50 GMT

Pets are important members of many families, and their needs and safety must be considered when your home is for sale. But allergies, fear, sanitation and culture are some reasons why potential buyers may pass on a house that has pets. Below are six EnergizedSeller blog posts on this subject. If you have pets and want a successful sale, please take the advice from those who are involved with home selling on a daily basis.

   1. “Why Remove Pets During Showings?” by Laurie Calhoun
   2. “Got Pets? Selling a house? One sniff could snuff a sale,” by Karen Otto
   3. “Did You Know Pets are a Possible Turn-Off to Home Buyers?” by Donna Dazzo
   4. “Six Things Pet Owners Can’t Afford to Ignore When Selling Their Home,” by Jill Banks
   5. “Important Home-Selling Tips for Pet Owners,” by Kate Case
   6. “Home-Selling Pet Tips,” by Yvonne Root

To read an EnergizedSeller overview about pets and home selling, click here.
Also, for fun, check out all the photos submitted by fellow pet owners here.

Considerations when staging a dining room

Birgit Anich — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:18:00 GMT

When preparing your home for selling make sure that realtors and potential buyers can easily move through your dining room. But what is the right size of table for your dining room?

allow at least 3 to 3 1/2 between the table and the wall or any furniture to give enough space for people to walk around easily. See drawing...
for chairs allow 24 to 28 inches plus 4 to 6 inches between chairs

Before deciding about the size of your dining room table, take the measurements of your dining room, draw them to scale on a piece of paper and take the 3 feet measurements off the wall. For traffic areas such as door ways you want to make sure that you have enough when the chair is pulled out. So, add anohter 1 and a half feet in these areas. Then take the measurements of the remaining inner area to see what the right size of your room is.

Additional furniture like side boards or hutches only fit comfortably if the room is large enough to place this piece with still having 3 feet between the furniture and the dining table. When staging make sure that this extra piece does not look too heavy and overpowering in the room. If it does, take it out to show buyers the spaceousness of your dining room.

How many people can a dining table seat?

For rectangle tables it depends on the width of the table whether the table is wide enough to fit a chair on the ends of the table.