Valerie Sagheddu ~Home Staging Professional, Poconos, PA 's Blog

So just how did we do it?... The transformation of the Lakefront, lake Naomi, Pocono Pines, PA

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:12:30 -0800

As a professional Home Stager in the Poconos, I am faced with many different types of homes and properties to stage and prepare for this competitive real estate market. Each requires a unique approach based on the characteristics of the home and what can be done to maximize the appeal.

No matter what level of property we stage, every homeowner wants to minimize cost while getting the best possible result, impact and ROI for every dollar invested. Our recent Lakefront property was certainly no exception. The greatest selling feature of this home is NOT the HOME!!! Owning a private beach in this desirable Lake Naomi community is really the greatest selling feature of this particular property and needs to take center stage when marketing to potential buyers.

So What did we do?

We took tons of stunning photos of the lake...

(Check out more amazing shots in the video tour we created below!)

Ok...But what about the house?

Even though the Lake is the star of this show, the house needs to have the best possible appeal as well in order to attract a buyer at this level. There were definitely some challenges to overcome here which is why a Professional Home Stager is worth their weight in gold!

Here is what we did...

Before staging, when you walked in the front door you were greeted by a very challenging layout. The log posts cut the living space right in the center of the room making it difficult to know how to arrange the furniture. This configuration was not working and confused buyers as soon as they walked in the door.

We removed the 2 green recliners and relocated them into another room, pulled one of the sofas from that other space and arranged in with the existing love seat to make a more natural flow and comfortable seating arrangement. And, of course, we brought in lots of pops of color and accessories to infuse LIFE and energy into the space!!!

The space was not very warm and inviting and only 2 people could enjoy the view...

Now you can imagine comfortably entertaining friends where everyone has a view of the Lake.

Before, This Master bedroom was very "yellow" and very naked.

We painted a more pleasing neutral on the walls that will appeal to more buyers. We then took the Log bed that was cramped in another bedroom accessorized it beautifully making sure to tie in the color scheme of green and rust tones from the adjacent living room. Now, this Master with a view a graceful retreat.

This space was an addition designed to maximize the view but was certainly not maximizing function.

Now you can eat, relax and enjoy the view. The recliners from the living room were moved in here to add some soft seating and together with the table create an open floor plan that doesn't block or truncate the space like before. Notice we switched out the blue color for a soft sage green that was more natural feeling. We also continued the color story in here with accessories that add vibrancy and fun!

The owners at one time had a table in this space but it was cramped and stopped the flow....and watch your head on that floating light fixture!

Now, the space feels open but still affords some seating...we removed the fixture as there was plenty of overhead lighting for the space and our dining table is where it belongs.

This Loft area was a bit bare and unwelcoming before...

Now, it's a comfy place to hang. We were careful to again pull in the colors from below to create continuity throughout the home.

This was the bedroom that originally had the log bed as well as desk and other wicker furniture crammed in the other side of the room...

We brought in a smaller bed and was able to use the desk and put some of the other furniture pieces in other areas of the home. We actually used every piece of existing furniture they had somewhere in the home. We just re-purposed them in a way so that each area would feel spacious and uncluttered.

There were just too many colors and finishes going on here making it feel a bit dated and old fashioned.

I love what paint can do for a bathroom. A soft, neutral on the wall, crisp white over the oak, new seat cover, some accessories and now this bathroom feels cohesive and fresh!

Now that's how you sell a house!!!

If you missed my first post and tour of the home you can watch it here...enjoy~

For more information on this property click here.

~Apostle Art Home Staging & Design offers professional Home Staging services to sellers, real estate agents and investors, as well as Design Services for homes and businesses located in the Pocono Mountains Region and beyond. www.apostleart.com ~

If you are selling your home or are a Real Estate Agent with Vacant or Occupied listing located in North Eastern Pennsylvania, The Pocono Mountains, Greater Stroudsburg Area and beyond...Please call us now so we can bring life to your listing and get you results with our Professional Home Staging Services...570-972-7939.

A Rosary bead for the soldiers that Bleed...a deep reflection on our Veterans.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:38:54 -0800

Ok...I didn't plan this "deep" post. I already wrote one today about 11-11-11, so here are 2 choices

If you want a deep post that is light and airy too... go here...

Mysterious Numbers making me Wonder...TELL ME, WHAT DOES IT MEAN ....11-11-11???

If you want a deep post that is heavy and profound...read on...

I appreciate everyone's Veteran's Day posts as they reminded me of how special today is for our country and our world. Those posts prompted me to offer up a rosary for the soldiers who have sacrificed so very much for us all.

If you are not familiar with the Rosary. It is a Christian prayer that is based on the life of Christ. You pray the "Our Father", "Hail Mary" and other prayers as you hold each bead, during which you are also called to meditate on many of the mysteries of Christ's life.

There are four sets of mysteries, Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and the new addition of the Luminous. Each day, a different set of mysteries is to be focused on. It just so happens that Friday is the day we reflect on Christ Sorrowful Mysteries as we remember his passion and the ultimate sacrifice of himself.

There are 5 mysteries a day and as I began to pray them and thinking about the sacrifices our soldiers have and continue to make I came upon some profound connections.

1st Sorrowful Mystery: "The Agony in the Garden"...

How lonely and abandoned He must have felt, no consolation, not even from his own Father. His friends asleep, having no idea how deeply he was suffering by the weight of the sins of the world and no one to share them with. So much mental anguish that is caused him to physically sweat blood. How so, must our soldiers relate to these feelings of abandonment as they sit in the trenches of war? Even those that do return with their life suffer greatly from the psychological scars that sometimes never heal.

2nd Sorrowful Mystery: "The Scourging at the Pillar"...

An innocent man, Bound and Beaten to the point that if he were not the Son of God he would have surely perished at the pillar. (If you have ever seen"The Passion" movie you will understand the intensity of this event) How so, our brave men and women have endured great sufferings for no other cause than human freedom. They are accused of nothing but just scourged for the sake of what they stand for.

3rd Sorrowful Mystery: "Jesus is crowned with thorns and mocked by the soldiers"...

As if his broken body was not enough, they pierced his head with thorns, put a king's robe on him and spat in his face mocking him. How so does the soldier feel as he is pierced in spirit and taunted and mocked and spat on by the people in the streets and enemy soldiers.

4th Sorrowful Mystery: "Jesus takes up his cross"...

They say the deepest, most painful wound Christ felt was the one on his shoulder from carrying the cross. Falling several times under it's extreme weight, bloody face in the dust. How heavy are the crosses of those who serve. The weight is extreme yet they continue to walk on.

5th Sorrowful mystery: "The crucifixion"...

Paying the ultimate price for our freedom. God in his wisdom sacrificed his only begotten Son. Handed him over to the enemy who thought he had won the victory. How many Mothers and Fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters will feel the pain of the loss of their soldier. It is their sacrifice as well.

It did not please God to see his Son suffer. The only way God could even bear it was the wisdom to know that through His sacrifice, the Victory was won... Triumph over evil and death itself!!

So today, as we remember, let's offer up all of our Veterans, those currently serving and all their loved ones to the one who knows as good as anyone what sacrifice means.

God be with them, God bless them, God bring them peace!

Mysterious Numbers making me Wonder...TELL ME, WHAT DOES IT MEAN ....11-11-11???

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:04:49 -0800

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?? IS IT A SIGN FROM THE HEAVENS... IS THE SKY GOING TO FALL...ARE ALIENS LANDING...IS IT THE SEQUEL TO "LOST"...SHOULD I PLAY THE LOTTERY????

CAN ANYONE PLEASE TELL ME???

11-11-11

This is the perfect day for this post...11-11-11! I have wanted to write about this for a couple of weeks now but I didn't even realize that this post was predestined for today.....

THE NUMBERS MADE ME DO IT.....I swear!!

Ok...this freaky thing started happening to me about a month ago. Every time I would look at a clock or my phone it would be repeated numbers like above. It happened once...ok, twice...hmmm...three times...interesting. When it started happening 3 to 4 times a day I really began to think it was quite strange.

I kept pointing it out to my husband and my kids and they were just like..."Yeah, ok Mom...freaky things happy to you all the time!" I suppose there is some truth to that depending on your definition of freaky of course. Anyway, I decided to start snapping my screen shot whenever it happened just to see how frequently it occurred. I just looked back in my folder and found 47 screen shots since September 27th and that was just the ones on my phone!! It would happen in the car, on my stove, just about anywhere there was a digital clock in sight.

So, can anyone speculate as to what these numbers are trying to tell me??

Would love to know your guess...Aliens, ghosts... lottery?

Owning a Slice of Serenity...Beautiful Lakefront property on Lake Naomi, Pocono Pines, PA

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:25:51 -0800

Owning a home with a view is wonderful...Owning a Lakefront on one of the most beautiful lakes in the Poconos ... a Dream Come True!

I often think as I walk out of my front door on a crisp clear night, what a privilege it is to own this section of sky. It's mine! The heavens in all their wonder, thousands of far away stars and constellations...my private view...a perspective unique to the very spot in which I stand and own...my little slice of Serenity.

We recently staged a home located on the Lake in the beautiful community of

Lake Naomi, Pocono Pines, PA.

I couldn't help but be taken breathless at the incredible scenic beauty that I experienced in the short time I spent on this gorgeous property. This "Slice of Serenity " is for sale, ready for someone to claim as their own and enjoy the all the wonder this piece of earth has to offer.

I will share some more of the amazing photos I took in separate post but you can check out the tour I put together here...enjoy!

For more information on this property click here.

For Information on working with a professional Home Stager to enhance your property in the Poconos

visit our website at ApostleArt.com

Pull your pants up Please!! Warning...this may be offensive!!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:49:50 -0700

Looks like these fellows have been swayed by the fashion trend of the last few years!

Unlike, so many youth (and plumbers) out there, at least these guys don't have to walk and function with this fashion faux pas. Waddling like ducks, juggling all their possesions in one hand, keeping the other on their belt loop so their pants don't end up on the floor.

I just died laughing when I saw this driving home the other day...clever eh! Too good not to share!

Never know what you are going to see in the Lovely Pocono Mountains!!

Happy FALL!!

Fast friends and some fast rising, fresh talent!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:39:45 -0700

I seem to be making a lot of fast friends these days. So many very special people keep popping into my life in droves it seems. I recently blogged about one in my Humble Pie series but there have been many more.

I have a business associate that I know through a local networking group. We were talking one day last year about our kids and it turns out he has a daughter who is 15, same age as my son and they are both very passionate about music. He owns a video production company and recording studio in Stroudsburg PA, Tera Productions,...very cool so he suggest we get the kids together. Well, life happens and finally a year later, last Saturday we go over to see his studio.

His house and studio were like a fairytale! It turns out that he is an artist and a designer as well and his lower level where he works was transformed into a European street scene complete with columns and meticulously faux finished, antiqued walls...a man after my own heart!

We quickly discovered just how much we all had in common and really did become "fast friends"! His daughter, Francesca, absolutely blew us away with her talent. She was having her very first performance ever that night at an event at a local Pizzeria. I am so glad we took the time to come out and see this beautiful young lady perform as I know she has an extremely bright future ahead of her.

You Go Francesca..our new and very special fast friend!! :)

(Just click on the video to play)

Here it is...Val's secret recipe for Humble Pie.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:41:05 -0700

HUMBLE PIE

1 Cup of Compassion

2 Cups of Sugar

3 Cups of Patience

5 Cups of Humility

7 Cups of Self Restraint

2 Tbs of Understanding

1 Healthy sprinkling of Love

Step 1: Check Yourself...

Step 2: Pour out All Self Pride into a large collander and sift until only humility is left.

Step 3: In a very large mixing bowl, quickly but gently fold in all remaining virtues.

Step 4: Zip your lip and pour mixture into a soft pie shell.

Step 5: Let pie heat up but do not let it bubble over!

Step 6: Quickly place pie in freezer for fast cool down.

Step 7: Always serve with a smile!!

I suggest memorizing this recipe so you can make it at a moments notice. You just never know when you might need to serve up some good, old fashioned Humble Pie!

If you missed my Humble Pie saga and like a good story, check out these post...

Peace.

One Slice of Humble Pie Please!

Humble Pie...continued...would you like a slice?

Humble Pie... Slice # 3...Yum!

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:54:26 -0700

One Slice of Humble Pie Please!

Humble Pie...continued...would you like a slice?

Ok...Time to wrap up this pie and put it in the fridge for later.

2 weeks ago, I am at choir practice rehearsing the music that we will be singing on Sunday for Confirmation. I start thinking about how beautiful and spirit-filled the confirmation masses are at our church as we sing for them every year. The royal brass plays with the organ all blending with our voices as the Bishop, priests, Knights of Columbus and conferments proceed down the center aisle. This year, even more special as my daughter is being confirmed as well.

I start thinking about TY. He comes from a very large parish back home and has been attending a smaller local church while here. I consider how much he would probably enjoy participating in this grand affair...I consider inviting him to the ceremony. I think about it for a few days..will my family think I am nuts inviting one of my clients to such a personal event? Well....do I really care...they already know I am nuts!!

I call Ty to touch base on another matter and I ask him if he would like to come on Sunday and back to our home after for some grub. He accepts and is humbled by the invitation...turns out, he likes humble pie too!

When I saw him walk into the Church all dressed in a suit, I was beaming and so was he...Who would have ever guessed from our first meeting to now?? So, afterwards we all gather at my house where TY stole the show. All my kids and my niece were gathered round him swapping stories about snowboarding , music and all sorts. My Mom and sister shared long conversations with TY and even promised to send him the delicious sweet lima bean recipe he enjoyed from the "mini feast" my husband prepared.

Ever since my Father passed and my brother moved to FL with his wife and 5 kids, our family gatherings have not been the same. My Dad was always the life of the party and we have been missing that element for quite a while. TY brought some "new life" to us all last Sunday and we were truly blessed by his presence.

Towards the end of the evening, He found his way to our piano and began tickling the ivories for the first time in months. He misses his family and needs to go home soon. We were all delighted to have him enter into our "little world" for a while and I know he was touched as well but I do pray for things to move forward so he can get back to his life that has been put on hold for too long.

So, Do you think" TY" knows how much I CARE yet????

Funny thing...the reading for the mass the Sunday before this was the story of the wedding feast. the King prepared everything and no one would come so he sent his servants out into the streets to invite anyone willing to join the feast. Ok...so I didn't extend the invitation quite that far but this was a first for me.

Our lives are meant to be shared, we are not meant to be alone but are called to open ourselves up to communion with others and when we do...we are most certainly enrichened by the experience!

Humble Pie recipe coming up next so you can share the sweetness too!

Here it is...Val's secret recipe for Humble Pie.

Humble Pie...continued...would you like a slice?

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:20:18 -0700

This post will make more sense if you read part 1...

One Slice of Humble Pie Please!

Ok, my head is spinning...You may say many things but telling me I don't care is complete irony because I honestly and most sincerely couldn't care more and I just met you!! That is just who I am but I get that you don't know that...yet.

So...Do you want me to consult with you or are we going to just continue to debate all afternoon?

I could have just walked out the door at this point but instead, I took a deep breath looking around at the flowery furnishings, needle point wall art, sculpted dark brown 70's carpet, nicotine stained walls, Burgundy curtains and wallpaper borders and I just couldn't do it. This house needed me, the Realtor needed me, this client needed me although at this point he still had no idea just how much. So he finally agrees...let's do a consult...ALLELUIA!! Um...isn't that why I came here in the first place?

Well you can just imagine how the next hour or two went on. It was almost comical...like am I being PUNKED here? Am I an a merry go round? Swirling conversations, jumping, skipping, hopping, bouncing here, bouncing back there, quickly tell me more but don't talk too fast. Give me options... but here's what I think... but tell me what you would do. I am not doing this... but tell me what I should do. Ok, don't tell me what I could do, but what to do, but I probably won't do it....aye yai yai...Mamma Mia...Lord help me please!!!

So,in the middle of all of this hoop jumping, I am starting to see a need, an openness, a desperation, a desire to do the right thing and get this home sold. So what's the next step?...Yes, I am insane enough to offer a next step. Why? Because I DO CARE!

The Realtor calls me a day or so later to commiserate and says..."He said you were like oil and water. Maybe because you are so "arty" and he is so "technical"." So I am a bit surprised because I thought we actually ended the consult well and I was sending him a proposal for All the work to be done, painting, flooring, staging etc...So, having no confidence or hope of working with him again I prepare everything and send him the quote.

Long story shorter than long...

He ends up doing everything I recommended!! Over the following few weeks we are spending a lot of time together. My husband did the painting and finds out that him and "TY" as I will call him, share a love of music and both play classical piano. (Guess he is "Arty" after all!) My son goes to help one day and also shares the music and another common interest...video gaming. Turns out, TY loves his games and they had a blast together in between coats. So I begin to learn more about TY and his situation. He is from the west coast and has been over here, away from his family for over 8 months trying to get affairs in order and this house on the market. It belonged to his Aunt and who passed and he has been getting a lot of pressure from the other heirs about getting the job done. He tells me he has been super stressed in his isolation and lost in what to do and confessed to dragging his butt. He also told me how amazed he was that within 24 hours of meeting with me, his whole outlooked changed! Everything made sense and for the first time in a while, he had HOPE !

Can You imagine...who knew?

Once we moved past that initial...who are you, you just want my money, what's the point...TY was a completely different person. We had pizza together one night when I was staging late and I learned that he is very active in his Church back home...we are both Catholic and love our faith...an even deeper bond was created. We become friends but even something more actually, we are support. I got him now and he got me. We laughed about our initial meeting, about his quirks and mine and our common "OCD" nature. I have been there when "other" people have tried to work with him for the first time and I see him revert back to the same scattered self. I see the perplexed look on their faces and think, "How many seconds till they head for the door...one, two...GONE?" I am so glad I stayed, swallowed that pride and ate that humble pie.

There is just a little more to this story if you are interested.

I will wrap it up in part 3 along with my secret recipe for Humble Pie

Stay tuned friends!

Humble Pie... Slice # 3...Yum!

One Slice of Humble Pie Please!

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:05:38 -0700

Life is really funny at times and it never ceases to amaze me how one situation leads to another, to another, to another and often times you look back and think to yourself..."Who Knew?"

This is a story of an unexpected guest and a feast that started with a slice of Humble Pie.

"Maria on her Confirmation Day"

My daughter, Maria, made her Confirmation last Sunday afternoon. We had decided not to have a "big shindig" with the extended family this time. Instead, we just planned a small gathering afterward with my Mom, my sister, her husband and my niece. I suggested we just get pizza since we wouldn't even get home until after 6pm but my husband cannot just "do Pizza"! He loves to cook and so we ended up with more of a mini feast of sorts.

So, now to the humble Pie and my unexpected guest...

Back up about 6 weeks..

I get a call from an agent I work with on a regular basis. She gives me the name of a client who is ready for a Staging consult. She warns me...HE IS VERY DIFFICULT...you will need to pull out all of your reserves of patience on this one!!

Great...I love a challenge!

So I show up...ready to jump right into the consultation process. First we sit down for a few minutes to overview some things before we get started...or so I thought. What actually happened was a 45 minute grilling session and trial of my character, services, values and patience beyond what any saint could bear let alone little ole me!!

Hey...wait a minute, I thought I was here for a consult??

Turns out, this particular man is very technical minded, extremely analytical and super suspicious. The conversation turned out to be the most challenging one I have ever had with a client as I was called to defend myself and my services but hardly given a word in edgewise to do so. He basically told me that I couldn't possibly care about whether or not he sells his house. I get paid regardless for my services so therefore I have no interest in the effectiveness of what my services do for him whatsoever!!

Oh.. and he started in on the Realtor too..."They have a conflict of interest the second they take you out to look at properties."... Say What?

CAN YOU IMAGINE??

Has anything like this ever happened to you?? What would you do??

Ok, I've got to make this a two part post so I can tell you the full story of what happened.

Humble Pie...continued...would you like a slice?

I was inspired this morning by Steve Jobs story...you've got to live before you die!

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:21:51 -0700

I really didn't know much about Steve Jobs but I was curious when I saw this link and was inspired by his story. A few of the quotes he shared really stuck with me and when faced with the brevity of our lives, things seem to take on a new depth of meaning.

Funny how death makes us reflect on life!

The two go hand in hand as you can't have one without the other!!

How Staging took me to "Higher" ground!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:15:24 -0700

Staging takes you places!

I love the fact that being a professional Home Stager has allowed me to travel all over my region to places I didn't even know existed... all right in my own backyard!

Over the Pocono Mountains, through the valleys, down private roads, behind gated communities...the spaces, places and properties I have seen and transformed over the past 5 years have been truly incredible.

My most recent staging though, took me somewhere I would have never imagined...a space where something magnificent took place...

...A place where Heaven met Earth in the most beautiful way.

This special place was not a million dollar mansion with magestical views but rather the humble gymnasium of my kid's Catholic school. Not pretty, not new, nothing fancy...but this staging of a different kind has been one of my most rewarding for sure.

A very special young man who has graced our school for the past year with his service was ordained over the weekend and choose to have his first Mass at our school which is quite an honor...the kids absolutely adore him!! Sooooo....operation transform the gym into a church was in effect. It was simple but served as a great backdrop for an incredible event which I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of.

Not something you experience every day...Take a minute and watch the video I put together of the Ordination at the Cathedral and then his First Mass. There are some really beautiful images....

So tell me... what exactly does it take to be called a "professional"?

Tue, 31 May 2011 20:02:37 -0700

"Umm...there is something sharp on my tooth...is that just the cement?"

"Oh yes, says the assistant confidently...all I see is material there. Just wait two hours."

"That's funny", I think to myself..."She didn't even look at my tooth... how could she know that?"

I got my first crown a few weeks ago. It wasn't right. It was about twice as big as it should have been throwing my bite way off. So.... Mr., Dr., Dentist, "professional"gets out the grinder and starts whittling away my tooth so I can close my mouth again. It is still not quite right but I agree to leave and sit with it for a while and see if it magically improves.

It didn't. So I returned last week for some more whittling. He grinds and grinds and grinds some more and voila`...no more super sized, gargantuan tooth.

A few days pass and I think...right...let's get some floss in there. I made a good start...up, back and forth and then POP...out comes the crown!

It's a holiday weekend so I remain toothless for 3 days. I call. "...We are really busy but we can see you at 12:30." Great! So I arrive promptly and wait...and wait...and wait, over an hour and a half later....it's finally my turn...Yippee!

He cleans the tooth...I think...I hope. He tries to put it back in and it won't stay. "I think we need to use a stronger material but we don't have any so you will have to come back. I am going to put it back in temporarily for you". Fine...whatever...I love hanging out here anyway!

He puts it back in and I am on my way but... it feels sharp...material right? It feels different too. When you live with something everyday and it is part of your body, you know when something changes. So when I get home I decide to investigate. I get out my little dental mirror...oh so professional of me...and....

OH MY GOODNESS...

He put the stinking thing in backwards and the sharp thing I was feeling was really the edge of my exposed tooth!!!

So What does it mean to be a professional?

I think it means that you at least have a clue as to what you are doing! It does not mean you are perfect, flawless or always right. It should mean though, that you care enough to take the time to do your very best. Having fancy training and an alphabet list after your name is nice, but what does it mean if you are not treating every client as if they were your first, last and only?

Just Saying...

So what does being a professional mean to you?

The anatomy of a low cost, High style Staging in the Poconos!

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:37:25 -0700

The anatomy of a low cost, High style Staging in the Poconos!

Staging Homes for Homeowners and Real Estate Investors in the Poconos doesn't necessarily need to be a "High End" affair...but it should be "High Style!" in order to get the best results.

Showing off a home by creating an environment that buyers will have an emotional connection to is the key to selling faster and for more money in this competitive real estate market.

At Apostle Art Home staging & Design, our mission is to help increase appeal without breaking our clients bank. We could certainly set up each property as if it were a model home but in our experience, most properties do not require that level of investment in order to get great results. Of course, price point does play a role. If you are selling in a higher price range, the furnishings you use to stage the home should always reflect the desired lifestyle of the potential buyer.

Selling a home is like selling any other product, you need to focus your marketing efforts with your end buyer in mind. Companies invest an incredible amount of money packaging and marketing their products because they know it works. Your Home is likelyto be the biggest "product" you will ever be selling so the packaging and marketing are essential.

The good news......a talented, resourceful, professional stager can help your home look like a million bucks without investing a million bucks!

This is a property we recently staged for a real estate Investor here in the Poconos that was listed for about $120 K.

Whether investor or homeowner, every dollar counts. So how did we transform this once lifeless, vacant space into a warm, inviting and desireable one for less?

Let's break it down...

Love seat (Bought second hand) ... $40

Slipcover ... $60

Accent Chair (most expensive piece) ...$150

Decorative accent pillows... $100

Area Rug ... $80

Wall Art... $25

2 Topiaries... $60

Table accessories ... $35

2 Lamps ... $40

Coffee Table ...$40

2 table cubes (Bought these second hand, originally orange, painted expresso)... $30

Total cost for furnishings...$660... That is a whole room for less than you would spend on one sofa!!!

Total value for the talent, experience and resources to pull it off...PRICELESS!!!

________________________

The other "Good News" for sellers in the Poconos is that they do not have to spend hours and dollars shopping for or purchasing any of these items because we have invested in a full warehouse of furnishings in all styles shapes and colors to suit almost any home. Our affordable monthly rentals make Staging the best investment to package and market your property effectively.

So, when style counts and budget matters..

....hire a professional Stager who knows how to get the most bang for your buck!!! For it may often be true that you get what you pay for...BUT...sometimes you actually get MORE!!!

God calling...."Draw near"...and give Him what He wants most!

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:24:04 -0800

"Draw near"

How little man knows and senses My need! My need of love and companionship. I came to "draw men unto Me," and sweet it is to feel hearts drawing near in Love, not for help, as much as for tender comradeship.

Many know the need of man; few know the need of Christ.

+++

(Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

Have we ever really thought about what Christ wants? I am not talking about our obedience to his will or his greater plan for our lives because that is really more about what is good for us rather than Him. I mean what are His needs? If we call Him friend, do we ever really consider his "feelings"?? Do we even know or care how He feels, or are all our conversations with Him more on the selfish side? He already knows our needs! Not that we shouldn't ask, but why not just tell Him how much we Love Him instead?

Just simply say...hey Jesus...BTW...I LOVE YOU!!!

That's it. No long drawn out supplications, just...I love you...and thanks! Look at this incredible image of our Lord above...I just melt when I gaze into His eyes, and I know his heart is melting for me as well!! Why not make a habit of telling Him daily how much He means to you...it will brighten His day for sure!

Blessings,

~Val

__________________________________________

+++ The above message is an excerpt from the book "God Calling" compiled by A.J. Russell. It is really written by two women...called "the two listeners"...straight from the heart of God!!

You can get God Calling on Amazon for $6...I highly suggest!!

"PRAYING in the Rain"

(Welcome to the group "Praying in the Rain"... Don't be surprised if you us praying for everything from now on...and why not??... come join us and make this day, a day you pray!!)

God Calling...How to conquer!

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:21:22 -0800

"How to conquer"

Joy is the sovereign balm for all the ills of the world. There is nothing that Joy and Love cannot do. Set your standard very high. Aim at conquering a world, the world around you.

Just say, "Jesus conquers"--"Jesus saves"-- in the face of every doubt, every sin, every fear.

No evil can stand against that, for there is "none other name under Heaven given amoung men, whereby men can be saved." To every thought or want or lack, "Jesus saves from poverty," to every fear, Jesus saves from fear." Do this to every ill and it will vanish, as night when sun arises.

+++

(Photo: "Just outside the city"... Leeds, England...Valerie Sagheddu)

If you read my post yesterday, you will know that I have some conquering to do. There are areas of my bussiness that I need to overhaul. I was letting it overwhelm me for a while but I am definitely on my way to conquering it. Not that I will get it all accomplished at once, but I am conquering the "fear" that I am associating with the tasks at hand. "With God all things are possible"....and we will conquer together! Boy am I glad he is on my side, I just need to keep reminding myself to step aside so he can do his thing!!!

Blessings,

~Val

__________________________________________

+++ The above message is an excerpt from the book "God Calling" compiled by A.J. Russell. It is really written by two women...called "the two listeners"...straight from the heart of God!!

You can get God Calling on Amazon for $6...I highly suggest!!

"PRAYING in the Rain"

(Welcome to the group "Praying in the Rain"... Don't be surprised if you us praying for everything from now on...and why not??... come join us and make this day, a day you pray!!)

A Valentine Sunrise that has love written all over it...and a beautiful Pocono Morning!

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:07:29 -0800

I was so looking forward to today knowing it was going to be warmer than it has been for weeks here in the Poconos. While the cold and snow is great for the skiers... we had 2 properties to de-stage so the milder temperatures were a much welcome and anticipated blessing.

So, still rubbing the sand out of my eyes and stumbling to the sliding door on my upper deck, I peeled back the curtain to be greeted by the day and this was my

"Good Morning"...

Pinks and purples in full array...All I could think was that this was God's Valentine...His way of saying "I LOVE YOU!"

What better way to start the day?

LOVE, SWEET, LOVE!!!

There is nothing more Sacred...

...or more beautiful...

...Than LOVE!

Happy Valentine's Day...and Thank You God!!

( The Pocono Mountains, PA is an incredibly, inspiring and beautiful place to live and enjoy. Why not plan a visit? )

God Calling..."The way will open"

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:17:56 -0800

The Way will open

" But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

Isaiah 40:31

You must be renewed, remade. Christ, Christ, Christ. Everything must rest on me. Force is born of rest. Only love is a conquering force. Be not afraid, I will help you.

Be channels, both of you. My Spirit shall flow through and my Spirit shall, in flowing through, sweep away all the bitter past.

Take heart. God loves, God helps, God fights, God wins. You shall see. You shall know. The way will open. All my Love has ever planned, all my Love has ever thought, you shall see each day unfold. Only be taught. Just be a child. A child never questions plans. It accepts gladly.

+++

(Photo: Ancient Church in York, England...Valerie Sagheddu)

I choose this "God Calling" today because I needed the reminder. It is so easy to get caught up in life's challenges. So easy to doubt, to question this or that. God tells us again and again..."Be not afraid, I will help you." But do we believe it?? Do we trust, or do we let fear paralyze us at times and prevent us from relying on God's promise to see us through.

"Everything must rest on me." I pray we all remember to place our days, our situations, our lives, in His most loving care and to know, that in His time...the way will open!

Blessings,

~Val

__________________________________________

+++ The above message is an excerpt from the book "God Calling" compiled by A.J. Russell. It is really written by two women...called "the two listeners"...straight from the heart of God!!

You can get God Calling on Amazon for $6...I highly suggest!!

"PRAYING in the Rain"

(Welcome to the group "Praying in the Rain"... Don't be surprised if you us praying for everything from now on...and why not??... come join us and make this day, a day you pray!!)

Active Rain Anonymous...are they coming for you next? (An animated movie!)

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:24:24 -0800

Active Rain Anonymous...are they coming for you next?

OK...I think I had way too much fun with this contest. And why not? I am so completely addicted to Active Rain.

The following movie is based on a true story...yes...the story of an addict. A story far too familiar in the households of my fellow friends in the rain. If you can relate to what you are about to see...

...Look OUT!!! They may be coming for you next!!!!

(Click on image below to view movie)

60 degrees and sunny...Vegas here I come...that is if I can get out of this winter wonderland I'm in!!

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:09:38 -0800

Winter hurts!!! I mean literally. I was going to open the door to my van yesterday which was encased in ice and as I grabbed the handle ...without my gloves on....and felt a sharp jab to my forefinger. Ouch! It actually drew blood! That is some nasty ice...but I have to say....it was extremely beautiful to look at...from the inside looking out anyway. I did venture out though...camera in hand...I just couldn't help myself.

Now with the forcast calling for temperatures BELOW ZERO this week, Vegas couldn't come at a better time! We have been hammered with snow and ice all week and now arctic temperatures...

Goodbye TUNDRA...SUNSHINE HERE I COME!!!

This is my driveway that was so perfectly shoveled before we got dumped on 2 more times this week!!

Now it is frozen until who knows when...May probably!!!

This last one sums it up nicely!!!

Yep...I make me some great lemonade... and my cup is always half full!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:46:53 -0800

I just can't help it...I am a positive person...hopelessly positive if that makes sense!

It really doesn't matter what the situation is, where I find myself in life, big things, little things there is always

something gained,

something learned, something shared,

something given.

Those who are hopelessly negative may not understand the hopelessly positive and may at times think our peaceful reactions to life's troubles are "unnatural". Well, in a way, that's true. My peace does not come from the natural world but from above. My faith and my trust in my Heavenly Father's ways are the key to my positivity, my peace, my hope and my life!

As many of you know, my recent trip to the Uk provided plenty of opportunities for making lemonade. We frequented several different hospitals while there which was not fun by any means, yet beautiful on many levels. My in-laws live on the outskirts of the city of leeds. Typically, when we go into town we are viewing everything from ground level. This time we got to climb the great heights of the hospital's many floors.

Luckily...she had a room with a view..

The zoom on my new camera is amazing! If you look back at the first shot you can see how far away I really was from this mosque!

Again...go back and see if you can spot this building in the first shot...zoom,zoom,zoom!!!

Taking her home...

Have camera, will travel....and make lemonade!!

Seriously....do I really need to "STAGE" the snow too?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:18:26 -0800

We got a bit of the white stuff yesterday...about 6-8 inches. It was the light and fluffy kind...not great for snowballs but perfect for shoveling...especially when your driveway is over 70 feet long like mine!!!

So my husband sets out, shovel in hand...he is on a mission. I come out to help...I am on a mission too...

...to take photos of the deer tracks on the lawn! Just kidding...I took the photos AFTER I helped shovel...LOL!!

So he starts blasting through, throwing snow here, throwing it there, he wants to get out!

What do I do?

I methodically choose a starting point, develop a plan of action and proceed to remove the white stuff in a highly organized fashion. Line by line, row by row, making sure it is cleared right up to the rocks that line the driveway forming a wall on either side. I go back, retrace my steps, making sure the surface is level and clean and even everywhere.

My husband...he's been gone an hour already!

Staging runs through my veins...I cant switch it off... it resides in the very fiber of my being!

...and not a snowflake out of place!

Life goes on!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:23:28 -0800

I was going to keep this in draft to post while I am England but Sherilyn Cervantes' post Sometimes life is better from the inside looking out inspired me to post today instead.

Sherilyn....this is for you!!!

"Life Goes on"

With the break of each new day...Life goes on.

When unexpected comes your way...Life goes on.

As sunshine fades and darkness falls...Life goes on.

When earthly life hears deaths cold call...Life goes on.

Where peace and light and Love rule all...Life goes on!

- Valerie Sagheddu

Funny thing about my art sometimes...it often evolve in ways I don't intend. The spiral symbol has been used in almost every culture since the beginning of time and often represents the cycle of life, Resurrection... life, death and the continual momentum of both. I have always used spirals in my art to represent and infuse "LIFE". So last year I set out to create these spiral wall plaques and tree ornaments. I put the "Life goes on" really thinking about life after death and as a remembrance of those who have passed from this life to the next. After I made them though, I started to think about how we usually use this phrase to mean, no matter what you are experiencing in life...it goes on.

We all go through tough times but if by the grace of God we get through it...Life goes on.

...and if we don't...Life goes on!

Blessings!!!

~Val

Come...the doors are always open.

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:55:26 -0800

"Come"

The doors are always open!

When joy comes & praise calls,

They are always open.

In the cold of the night when

Darkness surrounds the soul...

Always open.

Even when we think

We shouldn't go in, out of pain,

Out of shame...always open.

Always open for God's precious ones.

YOU are God's precious one!

Come...for although you might think it too late,

There is always room inside.

-Valerie Sagheddu

I just wrote a post about why I have not been posting...I've been very busy playing with clay... Sorry...I've just been wallowing in the MUD...and next I'll be splashing in puddles across the pond!!

Before I was a Professional Home Stager...I was... and continue to be an artist!

Soooo..... I thought It would be nice to share some of my Art (Clay, paintings and photography) from time to time and the inspiration behind it. There is always a depth to my work that is not always apparent so I write lots of poetry, like the one above, to go with my pieces or I will attach a scripture verse. I give out little cards with each work sold that has the appropriate saying or poem on the back

and this on the front...

My sincere hope, in my work and in

my life, is to create, inspire and uplift.

To touch hearts and reach souls.

To take time and be still...

seeking always the divine,

and doing always His will.

-Valerie Sagheddu

Barbie in your Box Truck...Really?

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:07:33 -0800

Well...I knew the day would come when I would get the question from someone. My sister already knew ,of course, but not many others have been privy to our "Private Staging World"!!

That was until Buffy came along...

Sitting in my box truck in Buffy's driveway, waiting for her to gather up so we could head out to our next staging job, I noticed that my dear friend was looking a bit disheveled...No, not Buffy...BARBIE!!

That is just wrong...Barbie always takes time to make sure she looks her best. So, realizing she needed a bit of help, I fixed her bathing suit on straight, took out the rubber band from her hair that was keeping it all tangled and quite unkempt, and started combing through her locks with my fingers. I even had a little bit of hair gel in my purse that I used to smooth out her tresses. Oh...and whats this? A piece of plastic sticking out from the back of her head. Oh my...where are the scissors, quick!!!

AAAHHH...that's better!!

Poor Barbie, she would have been so embarrassed had someone seen her in such a sorry state! Thank Goodness I was able to get her looking presentable again before Buffy arrived in the truck.

Ok...now she is looking at me, wondering why I am posing Barbie on the dashboard for a photo shoot. She naturally assumed that one of my daughters had left her in the truck...NOT So I'm afraid. What Buffy didn't realize was that she was not just sitting in the cab of any old 14 Foot Box truck, but that she was in the "BARBIE Box Truck"

Let me explain...like many men, my husband has always insisted on naming our vehicles. The conversion van I used for staging before I got my big truck was called "BIG BILLY"! So when I got my truck a few years ago we had to name her, but what???

Betty Box truck...no, Birtha...NO..Belinda....well that could of worked since she was a "Go Go"!!

Then the light bulb went off...BARBIE!! It's absolutely perfect! Barbie is like the perfect staging icon. think about it. She ALWAYS looks her best, fresh, clean, ready to go! Peppy full of energy, epitome of health. She is attractive, beautiful, eye catching...just like our Staged properties! People have, and still continue to buy Barbie year after year. She never goes out of fashion and neither will a home that is properly prepared for the real estate market...styled and looking it's very best!!!

Do your listings look their best???...call a stager today!

C'mon Barbie...Let's go Party!!!