Amanda Alligood's Home Staging Blog

From bowling alley to livable space

Amanda Alligood — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:11:00 GMT

I've been driving past this property for months daydreaming about buying it myself and turning it into a Victorian restaurant/store. It had everything, parking, access to the interstate, situated between two great neighborhoods, and very close to Center City Philadelphia. I finally, out of curiosity, decided to look it up on Realtor.com. Much to my surprise the inside was recently remodeled, was listed as a 3 bedroom home, and sat vacant! Then it hit me...maybe I wasn't noticing this place because I should buy it, I should stage it! I made a few phone calls and after a little back and forth with the seller they agreed to let me stage the main living area. The home has an open floor plan and was showing like a "bowling alley". After two years on the market this is the seller’s last attempt at selling before they may have to rent. I don't think they should have any problems now. Check out our before and after pictures and let us know what you think.

Vacant Home Staging-Before and After

Amanda Alligood — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:36:00 GMT

Recently Staged

Hi everyone! I wanted to make sure you could see pictures of our most recent vacant property staged by Sunflower Creations. This project had a complete turn around of 48 hours! Yes, that’s insane but we’re so happy with the turnout.

Check it out:

3BR, 1B, EIN KIT

Hope you enjoyed looking at our work! Need a home stager or have home staging / interior redesign questions…email amanda@sunflowercreationsonline.com

Sunflower Creations serves Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties in PA.

Home Staging Curb Appeal for Winter Blues

Amanda Alligood — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:43:00 GMT

Let’s be honest the inside of your home is the main factor when trying to sell but all those inside upgrades mean nothing if you can’t get the buyer inside. This can become even more difficult when listing in the winter months but no need to fret we’ll help you overcome the dreaded winter blues and get your home looking its best.

* Clean all the windows and make sure to avoid streaks.

*Add a pop of color to the front door. A nice painted door can draw attention to the house especially in the dark winter months and it will look great in pictures (get your home ready for the internet). Don’t forget about the garage, a fresh coat of paint to match the front door or a good scrubbing may be all it needs to look picture perfect.

*Update the fixtures on the front porch. With the daylight hours shrinking during the winter months adequate lighting is a must for evening showings.

*Replace that dingy old welcome mat and make sure to keep the new one swept and clean. Salt and snow can collect quickly; a good shake can keep it nice for showings.

*Clean, paint, or replace the mailbox. If your mailbox is black and rusty hit it with a coat of primer and white spray paint for a new look at a used price! If budget allows purchase a new one and remember to keep it plain and simple, no geese or paintings of flowers on the mailbox please.

*Make sure house numbers are clean and visible from the street.

*Use planters with winter greens or holly bushes for a pop of color and life to the front porch. Line the stairs with potted greens or add two potted plants to either side of the front door.

*Place small lights in the windows at the front of the house. These can be purchased inexpensively and add a nice inviting touch to the front of your home.

*Repair any cracks in the sidewalk and keep it clear of snow and ice.

*Keep trash and debris out of the yard.

*Do not go overboard with holiday decorations. The potential buyers needs to see the house as it will look in its everyday condition. Decorations can take attention away from the house.

Follow these steps and you should have buyers knocking at your freshly painted door in no time!

***INSIDER TIP*** Keep a few pictures of the exterior of the house from the summer months in a nice frame or small album in the entry way. This will allow the buyers to see the landscaping and how the house looks all year round!

Need more staging advice or just want to talk real estate email Amanda@sunflowercreationsonline.com

Dining Room Before and After

Amanda Alligood — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:32:00 GMT

Sunflower creations was able to transform this vacant dining room into a dining room fit for a king. A perfectly set table was just what it needed! Having a set table helps the buyer envision what their life would be like in their new home.

Find more information on house staging, home stagers, house stagers, home sellers, home staging tips and home selling tips.

Before and after: from drab to fab!

Amanda Alligood — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Here's how Sunflower Creations transformed this drab guest bedroom into a blissful oasis. In order to show off the available space and to open the room up we moved the bed away from the wall and added a small night stand. Placing the bed in front of the window draws attention to the wonderful amount of natural light and beautiful trim work the room has to offer. We also made sure to re-arrange the furniture for easy maneuvering around the room. After clearing out the clutter we added some soft bedding, an interesting lamp, and some cozy candles. These small changes have a big impact on potential buyers.

Find more information on home sellers, house staging, house stagers, home stagers, home staging tips and home selling tips.

Home Staging-Preparing your home for the Internet

Amanda Alligood — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:32:00 GMT

84% of home buyers hit the Internet to screen houses before stepping foot in the door. It is imperative to prepare a home (cleaning, de cluttering, de personalizing, and staging) before pictures are taken. Curb appeal, large bright living spaces, and neat appearances will keep your home on the buyer's "must see list". Buyers don't want to waste their time with a house that looks 'mediocre' online. So before they even step foot in the door give them the "WOW" factor online. Hire a professional stager, a photographer (in some cases the stager will offer this service) or take your own photos, and be ready to start showing!

Start and end with the foyer, creating a lasting impression

Amanda Alligood — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:34:00 GMT

When selling a home you want to capture the buyers immediate attention, hold on to their attention, and leave a lasting impression as they exit. A great room to accomplish all of these things at once is in the foyer. It is the first room the buyer sees when they enter and the last room they see when they exit. Whether you have a breeze through or a grand foyer here are some things to consider when getting it buyer ready.

Floors: Worn out, outdated, or unclean flooring is an immediate turnoff to potential buyers. If your floors are in good shape make sure to give them a deep cleaning before listing the home. Tiles that are cracked damaged, or need new grout should be repaired. Replacing a few tiles is a relatively easy task that can be taken care of by the home seller. If it seems even the slightest bit worn or outdated go with your gut and replace it.

Walls: Consider removing flashy wallpaper and drab colors from the walls. A bright neutral color on the walls will welcome buyers into what they see as a cheerful clean home. Choose colors carefully and don't forget dark colors tend to make small spaces appear smaller. All cracks, holes, or damaged drywall/plaster needs to be addressed as well.

Furniture: If there is limited space consider a small open console table with an organized spot (small basket) for mail and keys. If space permits a bench or chair for removing shoes is a great option. Umbrella holders and coat racks need to be cleared off as to not give the impression of a tight space.

Closets: Make sure closets are clean and organized. Try to remove 3/4 of the articles in the closet to maximize the visual storage space. Listen to my tips on getting closets buyer ready.

Lighting: A well lit foyer is a welcoming foyer. Update any old light fixtures. If there is room for a console table add a small lamp and scented candle to add to the inviting tone. Be sure to utilize all the natural light available by opening blinds and curtains.

Details: A rug, a small mirror above the console table, and art will be the special details the potential buyer will remember. Use candles, fresh flowers, or plants for an added touch.

Make sure the foyer is easy to navigate through and appears as large and welcoming as possible.