Let me be your 'bad guy'. - 01/30/08 11:41 AM
When meeting home owners for occupied home consultations for the first time, I'm always anxious to find out to what extent they are willing to take my recommendations to stage their home.
On a recent occasion, I had the opportunity to meet this REA for the first time at the house I was going to be conducting the occupied home consultation for.  It was because of her suggestion, to have a stager come in, that I even had the opportunity to be there.  She told me that she knew things needed to be done but preferred to let it come from someone else, … (9 comments)

Active Rain Inspiration from one Atlanta Home Stager - 01/23/08 03:10 PM
Active Rain has been an almost daily part of my life since March '07.  I launched my Home Staging business in the Atlanta area, ALR Home Staging and Showcasing LLC, in February '07 with little network, not knowing many local people...nervy, I know.  It was suggested that I check out AR and participate in the blogs. 
BLOGS? 
I'd heard of the word once before, I think it was a CSI Miami episode that they recovered a lead to the case through a blog...didn't know what it was but hey, it helped solve the crime!  Low and behold, I made my Active … (17 comments)

Occupied Staging ~VS~ Vacant Staging - 01/23/08 12:20 PM
Staging a home, whether it's occupied or vacant, is a very smart move for the home seller. 
In general, the reasoning is that a home stager will utilize and create functional spaces that allow prospective buyers to see how the house can be used.  A home stager will ensure that the decor {both furniture and accessories} is appropriate for the home AND the target market that home is being marketed to.  A home stager will ensure the interior is neutralized so the next owner can move right in and call it home, until they are ready to make it reflect them and their … (8 comments)

New Stager Introduction - 01/08/08 03:49 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Jones of Accent Home Staging based out of Woodstock, GA today at the very first ASHSR Metro Atlanta Chapter Meeting.  {Ironically, we live in the same town and never met before!}  She is a partner with Amy Powers, who is also an AR member and an SIF member.
Please welcome Laura to AR...I've encouraged her to browse all the amazing groups to join here on AR but told her SIF is a MUST!  =)  I hope we'll be hearing from her soon!
Thanks!
… (7 comments)

RESA Nominee Here.... - 01/06/08 08:47 PM
For anyone that knows me, I am NOT a cheerleader, especially for myself.  I actually am my own worst critic.  Funny thing, though, I was watching the MTV show 'Made' with my kids yesterday morning.  It was about a HS Junior girl who wanted to run for Junior Prom Queen.   She was this girl that was a typical 'no body' and was going to be running against the Cheerleader and the other popular, pretty girl so she didn't think she had a chance.  What the purpose of the show is to teach the kid how to achieve their goal...they get a … (13 comments)

Looking through your home staging glasses - 01/05/08 03:27 PM
 
This past week I spent time visiting my family and friends in good ole Staten Island, NY.  I did the 14.5 hour road trip with my two kids the day after Christmas and returned two days ago.  Everytime I go 'home' I see my old stomping grounds very differently because the changes that happen are more visible the longer you are away.  I don't know that I could EVER live there again...it's definitely bittersweet to go home. 
My son wanted to visit with one of his friends from 1st-3rd grade...I was pretty friendly with the girl's mom there for awhile so … (10 comments)