Selling Edge Home Staging

Jan Whitlow Lifetime LASPM Re-appointed to the International Board of IAHSP

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:38 -0800

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jan Whitlow, Lifetime ASPM®, IAHSP® – Selling Edge Home Staging

Phone: 727-639-0458

Date: Date January 5, 2011

Jan Whitlow Appointed to International Director of Meetings of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP®)

Jan Whitlow, Lifetime ASPM®, IAHSP® has been appointed to the International Director of Meetings of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP®) for 2011. In this position, Jan Whitlow will serve international members of IAHSP®, working directly with the IAHSP® International Board of Directors and IAHSP® Chairwoman and Founder, Barb Schwarz, ASPM®, IAHSP®, The Creator of Home Staging® and CEO of Stagedhomes.com to continue to set quality standards for the Home Staging industry, and to serve the public.

IAHSP® International was founded in 1999 to serve the Home Staging industry. IAHSP® is the only international association of its kind dedicated strictly to Home Stagers. IAHSP® has a foundation built in education. Excellence is the benchmark for membership. The ASP®, Accredited Staging Professional® Designation is required for membership in IAHSP®. ASP® members must adhere to educational standards and a code of ethics in order to qualify for membership. IAHSP® members number in the thousands and are located in every state in the United States, and in several provinces of Canada. IAHSP® has regional chapters established throughout North America, which provide local support for members in order to help educate the public about Home Staging, and provide a professional forum for networking and business support. IAHSP® has a non-profit Foundation that raises money for the Worldwide Staging Service Week®, WWSSW®, held annually where IAHSP® chapter members donate time and resources to a local organization or individual in need.

Jan Whitlow is Florida’s only Lifetime Accredited Staging Professional Master®, and has been an IAHSP® member since 2006. Jan Whitlow has also served IAHSP® in the local Pinellas IAHSP® chapter serving as Founding President in 2007, Membership Chairman in 2008 & 2009, WWSSW® Ambassador in 2010 as well as International Director of Vendors & Sponsors, 2009 & 2010. Jan Whitlow graduated from the ASPM® Course Developed by Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® and CEO of Stagedhomes.com, to earn their accreditation as a requirement for joining IAHSP®. Jan Whitlow is the owner of Selling Edge Home Staging, a full service, Professional Home Staging company serving Tampa Bay since 2006. Selling Edge helps sellers & Realtors move residential real estate faster, averaging 42 days on market (in 2010) before they are SOLD.

REALTORS --- Which houses need Professional Staging®?

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 06:28:03 -0800

This is a legitimate question on my part, how do you decide during the course of preparing a house for sale, that a Home Staging® Professional should be brought in? Please comment ... Home Staging® Professionals want to know!

Time & time again I hear, "Staging is for the luxury market." “Staging is too expensive.” ETC. Why? I say (and see it happen every day in real estate), that Staging is for any home, in any market and in any price range.

PRICE - at any price point the right Professional Staging will peek buyer interest by showcasing the property, demonstrate lifestyle, adding pop, adding interest, show flow in & around the home as well as feature the extras the house has to offer. If you are not investing in Professional Home Staging then you are reducing the price more than necessary. "Staging is always less than your next price reduction" says Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® Lower price means lower commission! Realtors® you have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the sellers investment in the property by getting it Professionally Staged!
MLS PICS - if a property is vacant there is nothing to see in the PICS; these PICS are not going to maximize buyer interest and the property will not be shown much. Vacant homes are cold & empty leaving potential buyers with those same negative feelings.
CONDITION - sometimes there is so much clutter & dirt you don’t know where to begin. A Home Staging Professional knows where to begin. He/she knows what to do and most importantly they will read the homeowner well and know how far they are able to bring them along to Stage the property.
BUDGET - a creative Home Staging Professional will be able to do something at any budget point (set by the seller) to Stage the home and improve its presentation in the market place.
SELLERS - which sellers need a Home Staging Professional? They all do! Every one of us bring into our homes all the things we believe we “need”, the things we love and the things that are part of the life we have built with our loved ones. It’s hard to hear that our family PICS need to be packed up, that the sports room needs to be dismantled as everyone may not like the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s hard to hear that our beloved collection of Chia Pets is not what potential buyers need to be talking about as they view the house. Home Staging Professional’s know what to gently say to motivate the seller to get those things out of site and begin the marketing - turning a home into - a house into a commodity for sale!
MARKETING - Staging is marketing! The right Home Staging Professional is one that gets that. One that is trained and does more than go in & “pretty up the place”. In truth, the right Home Staging Professional understands that above all else we need to maximize the equity in the home for the seller and get it sold ASAP.

Every home that is listed needs a Home Staging Professional! Realtors there are Home Staging Professional of all shapes & sizes. BEWARE of hobby stagers; some are talented, some get it but the best Home Stagers run serious businesses, have professional Staging training behind them, are involved in our industry and know what it takes to be your partner in moving real estate quickly with maximum return for the seller AND you! I urge you to make a difference in YOUR business now & in 2011 by finding the right Home Staging Professional to add to your team; one you can trust & rely on to help you market those listings!

PRICE - at any price point the right Professional Staging will peek buyer interest by showcasing the property, demonstrate lifestyle, adding pop, adding interest, show flow in & around the home as well as feature the extras the house has to offer. If you are not investing in Professional Home Staging then you are reducing the price more than necessary. "Staging is always less than your next price reduction" says Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® Lower price means lower commission! Realtors® you have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the sellers investment in the property by getting it Professionally Staged!
MLS PICS - if a property is vacant there is nothing to see in the PICS; these PICS are not going to maximize buyer interest and the property will not be shown much. Vacant homes are cold & empty leaving potential buyers with those same negative feelings.
CONDITION - sometimes there is so much clutter & dirt you don’t know where to begin. A Home Staging Professional knows where to begin. He/she knows what to do and most importantly they will read the homeowner well and know how far they are able to bring them along to Stage the property.
BUDGET - a creative Home Staging Professional will be able to do something at any budget point (set by the seller) to Stage the home and improve its presentation in the market place.
SELLERS - which sellers need a Home Staging Professional? They all do! Every one of us bring into our homes all the things we believe we “need”, the things we love and the things that are part of the life we have built with our loved ones. It’s hard to hear that our family PICS need to be packed up, that the sports room needs to be dismantled as everyone may not like the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s hard to hear that our beloved collection of Chia Pets is not what potential buyers need to be talking about as they view the house. Home Staging Professional’s know what to gently say to motivate the seller to get those things out of site and begin the marketing - turning a home into - a house into a commodity for sale!
MARKETING - Staging is marketing! The right Home Staging Professional is one that gets that. One that is trained and does more than go in & “pretty up the place”. In truth, the right Home Staging Professional understands that above all else we need to maximize the equity in the home for the seller and get it sold ASAP.

Woman's Day Article November 5, 2010

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:34:18 -0800

10 Home Staging Secrets

Prep your house for showings by following this expert advice

By Kimberly Fusaro Posted November 05, 2010 from WomansDay.com

Photo: © Polka Dot Images/Thinkstock

Selling your home sounds easy enough. Just hammer a “For Sale” sign into the front lawn and start bringing in the buyers, right? Not so fast. If you want to get the highest possible sale price, you need to woo potential buyers. That’s where professional home stagers come in: Like a Hollywood set, your home can be turned into a scene that buyers will want to latch on to. If you’re serious about selling, you might want to consider hiring a professional home stager to transform your house into every buyer’s dream—or just borrow these tips from the pros to get it in ready-to-sell condition.

1. Clear Out Clutter
Whittle huge photo displays down to a few frames. Pack up collections and knickknacks that are cluttering your bookshelves, desktop, dresser and end tables. “Show potential buyers your home, not your stuff!” urges professional home stager Jan Whitlow.

2. Let Light In
Pull up the shades and draw back the curtains! “Light creates a positive, cheerful environment,” says professional home stager Trish Kim. During showings, turn on every light in every room. And leave some of the lights on in the rooms that face the street until you go to bed. “If potential buyers drive by after-hours, the welcoming light in the window is very seductive,” says Kim.

3. Make the Background Neutral
If the walls are in neutral shades, the space will feel bigger, says Barb Schwarz, CEO ofStagedHomes.com. You don’t want potential buyers’ initial thought to be, “Well, I’d have to repaint the purple bedroom and the brick-red dining room, to start,” so consider repainting bright-hued walls before you start showing. Even with a neutral backdrop, you can still add “movable color” to the rooms with artwork, bedspreads or area rugs. All add visual interest, but the buyer knows you’ll take them with you.

4. Create a Lifestyle
If you think your home might appeal to someone who entertains, set the dining room for a formal dinner party, suggests Kim. Or turn your master bedroom into a quiet spa-like haven if the whirlpool tub in the master bathroom is a selling point. “Buyers are looking for an upgraded lifestyle,” says Kim. It’s up to you to help them imagine it.

5. Play Music
Have music playing softly in the background. “I call it ‘buying music,’” says Schwarz. Choose something mellow and play it just loud enough so it’s discernable. The idea is to mask the echoey sound of shoes clap-clap-clapping through an empty house—not to start a dance party. Schwarz recommends light jazz without a lot of vocals: something similar to elevator or department store music.

6. Neutralize Odors
Contrary to popular belief, no odor is the way to go. The smell of bread or cookies in the oven might appeal to you—but potential buyers may not agree, says Kim. Open the windows and let fresh air flow through your home. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of trash cans and place a box of it in the fridge to absorb unpleasant smells. “You can’t sell it if you can smell it,” seconds Schwarz.

7. Clean, Clean, Clean
If you’re selling your home, you can’t stash clutter in the closets or have a fridge full of messy takeout containers. Potential buyers will be inspecting every square foot—and that means you should, too. Store clutter in neatly stacked boxes in the basement—or better yet, in a storage unit. Then white-glove clean any and all surfaces, says Schwarz.

8. Rethink Your Furniture
If taking out a few pieces of furniture would make a room feel more spacious, then do it, urges Schwarz. Put pieces that are rarely used (like extra dining room chairs) in storage, then rearrange what’s left to maximize each room’s space. One thing to hold on to: items that double as storage, like an ottoman with a lid, where you can stow clutter at the last minute.

9. “Stage” Every Room
A dining room in top form won’t do you any good if your kids’ rooms look like a tornado just tore through them. “The whole house has to be staged,” says Schwarz. If your children have a hard time getting a handle on their stuff, buy underbed storage boxes and insist they toss their toys in them at the end of every day. Once a week, have them sort through the storage boxes before they’re allowed to watch TV or have a friend over, to keep the clutter under control.

10. Don’t Forget the Outside
“All of the property has to be staged,” says Schwarz. Your house number should be big, shiny and easy to read. Landscaping should be pristine—and give the impression it’s easy to maintain, so opt for simple over fancy pruning designs. Finally, the garage and shed should be in reasonable order, too.

Why are Buyers SO Selective?

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:36:58 -0700

Buyers are extremely picky these days because they can be - real estate is their game in the 2010 market. What's a seller to do? What is the best course of action for a professional Realtor to do? Prepare their property to the best of their ability in order to:

create amazing MLS pics that will make buyers STOP at their listing
create a desire in buyers, making them want to see more from the MLS pics
bring the potential buyers in to see more (you only have 3 seconds to capture your buyer on the internet)
selling in the shortest amount of time
create maximum buyer interest in order to generate more offers, in a shorter time

Three times in the last week I have had buyers express a desire to purchase all the Staging furniture in my Selling Edge Staged Homes. What does that say?

Staged properties make lasting good impressions
in the mix of distressed properties on the market today buyers recognize prepared properties as a good value
buyers cannot always envision furnishing a house so they want what looks good & is easy
if they like what they see they buy it, lock, stock & barrel!

Realtors - I have to tell you many, many of your properties are dirty - you have no idea what a difference a good cleaning can make in the presentation of a property. A dirty property presents itself as neglected, poorly maintained and in disrepair. What are your listings saying?

Buyers are savvy and not easily SOLD. Selling Edge Staged Homes are selling, on average in 42 days in 2010. What is your average? As a professional Realtor you should know.

Its A Beauty Contest out there --- Either you Get that or you Don't

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:17:46 -0700

The competition is fierce in this real estate market. I cannot imagine that it is felt more, in this economy, than right here in Florida. If a property is not dressed for success it will sit on the market longer than it has to. More than ever, to stay alive, Realtors & sellers need Home Staging professionals to help sell for the highest market value and faster. I see, every day the positive affects of Home Staging Services.

2010 --- Nationally, Staged homes sell, on average in 34 days while non-staged homes are sitting on the market over 180 days. That is SIX MONTHS vs Staged properties that sell in just over ONE MONTH. Which sounds better Realtors? Six months of marketing, MLS fees, dealing with price reductions and more. In Tampa Bay Selling Edge Staged Homes are selling, on average in 42 days with 60% selling in under 60 days!

A wise seller invests in Home Staging up front and unloads the mortgage, power bill, water bill, maintenance and moves on ... The Investment in Home Staging is always less than your next price reduction ... absolutely true. It is a beauty contest out there, pain & simple --- beautiful, prepared homes sell --- the others sit.

I have heard many a seller say, "No I won't Stage, not now. I'll just wait & see what happens. I'll tell you what will happen, very little or nothing all resulting in more work, more time & more stress for the listing agent & seller. How long do you want to be on call & waiting for strangers to show up at your door to look at your home? It's stressful, the agony building the longer this goes on ... Stage and Sell OR don't Stage and Sit on the market.

SOLD IN THREE DAYS ...

Joyce Dr - Staged & SOLD in 24 hours

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:43:11 -0700

Three offers for this home 13690 Joyce Dr, Largo, FL - SOLD - priced right by Keller Williams Gulfside, Belleair, FL - VIPMarketWatch. Thanks, Christi CASH Galinski!!

Why Do Realtors Fear Stagers?

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:03:38 -0700

I have Staged® Homes all my life, starting in childhood, constantly rearranging my room. I sold by owner, in under 30 days, for years & years (No more - use a Realtor®) preparing those homes as “Staged®” before I knew the term. I have been doing it professionally & full time in the Real Estate Industry since 2006. Pure Staging® is “helping” Realtors® and sellers prepare & sell property not “actively” sell it. A Pure Staging® Professional knows his or her boundaries concerning price, contracts, inspections & all the rest - that IS handled by the Realtor®. We don’t go there!!! We make ‘em beautiful, Realtor® sells ‘em! We package properties, making the Realtor® look good, the house(s) look amazing, marketing better & reducing time on the market. Pure Staging Professionals save everyone money!

Real Estate is a different industry, in 2010. In all my professional endeavors I have never seen so much skepticism amongst professional people. There you have it! What is wrong? Professional Home Stagers® have trouble getting to sellers as Realtors® live in fear of what we will do, say or that that we will steal a client. NOTE - that’s unethical. Sure it may happen but not all Home Stagers® have their real estate license, I don’t. If you are afraid to use a Stager as you may loose a listing find a Steger that is not a Realtor®! We are out there!! Whether a Pure Stager® or a Realtor®/Stager®. Realtors® have a fudeciry responsibility to bring in Professional Stager® on every listing! Realtors, find a Professional Stager® that you can trust!!

I am speaking up after a recent comment that I saw on Facebook. A Realtor® (I do not know where) by way of a Stager® made a wild statement about Home Stagers®. A seller was interviewing agents before placing their home up for sale; Home Staging came up with one Realtor®. The Realtor® actually said, “Home Stagers® just pose as Realtors® selling houses illegally. Don’t use one.” WHAT? I believe this agent must have run across some less than Professional Home Stagers®, perhaps some with no formal training in our field. A Professional Home Stager® (not the ones I know) would never pose as anything more than someone there to help the seller prepare their home with potential buyers in mind. We are vital part of the Real Estate team, working under the direction of the Realtor® & the seller.

The comment proves some Realtors® are misinformed about the Home Staging® field and need to research it for themselves & find the right Stager®. As Professional Home Stagers® we owe it to our industry to teach what Staging® is and what it isn’t. I’ll tell you a few things Staging® is not:

- I can watch those shows and do the Staging® myself. As a rule we are all too attached to our stuff to know what to keep & what to pack to prepare for selling properly.
- Play music, set the table, some flowers and I’m good - savvy buyers see right past all this!
- My neighbor or relative needs something to do, “loves” this sort of stuff, they can do it. There are right & wrong choices to properly Stage® a home and practices Professional Stagers know to get the job done right.
- I’ll bring in my decorator to do it. Staging® is just the opposite of decorating - it is de-personalizing where decorating is personalizing.

I love my industry! Let me go on record as saying Pure Home Staging® Professionals are a vital part of the Real Estate team and we are making a difference. It is never the job if a Realtor® to sell my services/me to the seller. That is my job. I understand the hesitation to let us meet with the sellers ourselves but think about this. Your sister’s neighbor (that you do not know) is looking for a Realtor®, your sister asks for your listing presentation packet to pass on to the neighbor, she will talk to them on your behalf. Would you do that? I think not. Just as you would not let your sister sell your real estate services I advise against selling Staging Services for a Professional Stager.

Please share your thoughts!!

I'VE GOT A PROBLEM!!! TAMPA BAY REALTORS CAN HELP!!!

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:36:26 -0700

My Staged Homes are selling so my warehouse is bursting with furniture & accessories. Average time on the market before going in contract 42 days - that's right - my Staged homes are selling!!!

Tampa Bay Realtors - its time to vamp up those vacant homes and Stage them. Call me 727-639-0458

As Professional Stagers we must put the needs of the Sellers first.

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:24:58 -0700

In this economy more & more, as professional Home Stagers we must put the financial needs of the sellers first. Yes, we look good when we turn an ugly duckling into a beauty contest winner - SOLD! We achieve this by practicing Home Staging in the truest sense:

Home Staging is preparing a home for sale so it sells faster and for more money, all the while keeping the sellers time frame & budget in mind. Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging

Most of my recent projects have been somewhere in between vacant & occupied Staging. Let me explain. Two have been retired people moving into assisted living leaving items behind that would not fit in the smaller quarters; today's Staging was of a second, beach condo used by the local owners on the weekend.

Each home had its challenges as we had certain furnishings we had to work around and small budgets. Here lies the truth in Staging ... creativity. How creative is your Stager? What can he/she do with outdated; less than the latest looking furnishings to bring attention from potential buyers in MLS PICS as well as in person. After making every effort to more items to storage; other family members or a charity of seller's choice - Staging is really always the same; a Professional, Creative Stager can do something on any budget and with what is left!

Get the seller to CLEAN the unit!
Do as much painting, updating & repair as the seller can handle
POP with color enough to keep buyer interest; not too much to draw attention away from the property
Demonstrate lifestyle; when staging beach properties I always make sure the attention is on the beach
Always be cognoscente of flow in & around the home

To see more of my recent Stagings go to www.facebook.com/jan.whitlow

HGTV Summer Staging tips from HGTV's FrontDoor

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:13:38 -0700

Top 10 Staging Transformations

See how even small improvements can take a home from unsellable to irresistible

By Shannon Petrie, FrontDoor.com | Published: 1/21/2010

#1: Hide-and-Seek Bedroom

Believe it or not, this messy half-playroom, half-office is actually a master suite. Staging this space as the bedroom it was meant to be -- with stylish bedding, coordinating window treatments and framed artwork -- makes this room appeal to grown-up buyers.

TIP: Many homeowners are guilty of having a "junk room" -- that space where toys, exercise equipment, office supplies and other odds and ends all converge. But when it comes time to sell your home, that room has to go. When homebuyers see a room full of junk, the value of that space is lost on them. Before putting your home on the market, stage every room with one clear purpose.

Get staging videos and articles in FrontDoor's Ultimate Guide to Staging

See a step-by-step slide show of this amazing transformation
Watch videos and view slide shows of more bedroom makeovers
Learn how to price, prepare and promote your home for sale in our Home Seller's Guide

NEXT: FrontDoor's Top 10 Staging Transformations >>

GO TO: FrontDoor's Top 10 >>

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http://www.frontdoor.com/Sell/Top-10-Staging-Transformations/55507/p1

Top Five Reasons Vacant Homes are Tough to Sell

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:40:40 -0700

5 Reasons Vacant Homes are Tough to Sell in Today’s Market

Print Article

RISMEDIA, April 12, 2010—A vacant house is like a vacant stare. Something is just not right.

Trying to sell a vacant house adds obstacles and depresses the sales price, says Showhomes, a nationally franchised home staging company. Showhomes uses live-in home stagers to lower the cost of staging and produce faster home sales. Take a look at their top five reasons why selling a vacant house is often a mistake in today’s market:

1. People don’t simply buy houses; they buy the next chapter of their lives.
This is an emotional experience and emotion influences what people buy and how much they will pay. Vacant houses are devoid of life, and the chance to make an emotional connection is lost.

2. Vacancy distracts buyers from looking at the house itself.
They wonder: “Is this a divorce? Why did they move out? Are they selling because they have money problems? Is this home hard to sell?” They’ll make a low-ball offer, thinking the owner is desperate.

3. When a house is vacant, buyers focus on flaws.
They look at nail holes, carpet wear and gaps in the molding rather than how the space works. In a vacant house, floors, walls and ceilings are all the buyers see. This drives the price down.

4. People can’t visualize how furniture fits.
An empty bedroom might appear awkward or a living room might seem cavernous. Some spaces might confuse buyers because a use is not obvious. Buyers are derailed and move on to the next house.

5. Vacant houses don’t show as well as staged and occupied homes.
Without people, even the best home quickly looks and smells vacant. Dust settles, leaves scatter, and stale smell spreads. These cues often shorten the showing time, leading to fewer sales.

“Home owners don’t realize how much harder a vacant home is to sell. In today’s market, you have to win the beauty contest,” says Thomas Scott, VP of Marketing at Showhomes. “Vacant houses simply underperform staged homes and the increased sales price provides an excellent return on what staging costs. Choosing to stage your home should be an easy decision in today’s market.”

http://rismedia.com/2010-04-11/5-reasons-vacant-homes-are-tough-to-sell-in-todays-market/

Business Changes - Change with it or Business Ceases

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:09:35 -0700

It has been a few months since I have posted a relevant; lengthy blog. As I begin this morning (I have been up since 3 AM) I cannot say this post will be either relevant or lengthy.

Needless to say those of us in real estate related fields are feeling the change much the same as are Realtors & Brokers. OUCH! As I told my mother in her latter years, "Life Changes Every Day; more on some days than on others." This certainly is the era for mega change. At my age I cannot say I like the turns our country has & is making. Much of it scares me; our government is not loving businesses & their owners these days; more fees; more taxes; its a shame. I happen to believe small businesses are the life blood of the USA. Well, that was not the drift I thought this would take.

Change with the times:

Are you following a business plan?
Are your goals written down?
Are you remaining optimistic? Never let the naysayers & negativism get you!
Do you know where to go to seek advice? Each of us need some from time to time
Write a plan
- work it
- follow it
- tweak it
- carry it

Where there is a will there is a way! I know in my current business, in the beginning I was running on shear passion & will; the more I learned the more real my confidence grew. It used to be "Fake it 'til you Make it." Have I made it or arrived? I think not but my confidence has been built as I have learned from mistakes & triumphs. My business is evolving all the time; weekly, daily, hour by hour. I go with it as we all should.

Change comes everyday - live it and learn from it ... Example: a small 3/1 in our area was going up for sale by the investor owners @ $104,900. The majority of Realtors® in our area would not think this was an appropriate property for Staging (in Florida there is a misconception that high end homes ONLY benefit from Professional Staging). This property DID benefit from Staging as follows:

8860 - 54th St N, Pinellas Park, FL Staging Budget under $1000 - SOLD in NINE DAYS - no more carrying costs!

2009 Home Staging Stats Updated

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:46:54 -0800

Stagedhomes.com Releases Survey Results: Staged® Homes Sell Almost Six Times Faster Than Non-Staged® Homes

Statistics gathered by Stagedhomes.com shows that 95.6% of homes Staged^® by an Accredited Staging Professional, ASP^®, sell within 37 days compared to an average of 212 days for non-Staged^® homes. ASP^® Staged^® homes are on the market 83% less time than a non-Staged^® home.

“Home Staging is a statistically proven method that typically sells homes faster and for more money,” said Barb Schwarz, CEO of Stagedhomes.com. “The results are further proof that the investment of Staging^® a home is less than the first price reduction,” she added.

Schwarz developed the concept of Home Staging^® in the early 1970’s and has since trained over one million Real Estate Agents in her professional training and speaking career about the concepts of Home Staging^®. She is a nationally known and award-winning speaker, author and trainer. Schwarz developed the Accredited Staging Professional^® designation and course program and she is the Founder of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, IAHSP^®.

The statistics report is based on survey results gathered from over 1,000 Accredited Staging Professionals^® across the US and Canada from July, 2009 through December, 2009. Please click here to view a complete statistics report at Stagedhomes.com

Professional Home Staging is the fastest growing new career opportunity in the real estate industry. Recommended by top real estate agents and as seen on television, Home Staging is professionally preparing homes for sale, so that they appeal to the most amount of buyers and generate the highest price in the least amount of time on market. In today’s market conditions, Staging sells homes. Home Staging is NOT decorating, fluffing, interior design or redesign! Instead, Home Staging is detailing, de-cluttering, depersonalizing and preparing a seller’s home to give it a “model home” appearance so that the potential buyer can “see” themselves living in the home.

For more information and full story go to www.stagedhomes.com/blogs

Complete List of Staging Tips given to St Petersburg Times January 2010

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:38:15 -0800

Providing the Selling Edge in Real Estate ... Always Exceeding Expectations!

Direct 727-639-0458 FAX 727-596-9446

Jan@Sellingedge.net www.SellingEdge.net

Clean your home top to bottom, in & out. A clean home presents itself as a well maintained property. A dirty & cluttered home will turn buyers away.
De-personalize. Put away family photos, mementos and personal collections. All these item distract from the home, preventing potential buyers from focusing on its features and the lifestyle portrayed by living there. Home Staging® is not decorating, in fact it is just the opposite, it creates a space that will appeal to the broadest number of buyer possible.
Less is more. For example: in bookshelves, china hutches, etc. remove half to two thirds of what is in there leaving a lighter, less cluttered look. During a showing the focus needs to remain on the homes features and condition not your things.
De-Clutter. As a rule we have too many things in our homes to properly market them for sale. Before a property is listed the sellers should start packing for the anticipated move. Storing items off site is preferred but the garage is a viable alternative as long as the items are neatly stacked.
Neutralize. It is vital that each potential buyer mentally move in at first glance. If a home is taste specific to the sellers this often prevents potential buyers from mentally moving in. Purchasing a home is an emotional decision, buyer positive visualization & feelings are vital in order to sell.
Beautiful Internet Pictures. Take and post several excellent photographs on the Internet, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is where buyers will search first; www.realtor.com, etc. are services available to local Realtors®. Approximately 86% of Buyers will begin their search on the Internet!
Make sure your home smells nice. Ask a friend to come in & honestly tell you what they smell when they enter your home. Sellers get used to the way their home smells and often don’t know they need to open the windows for a few hours to add fresh air and/or add air fresheners or candles. Good scents are vanilla, fresh rain, sents that will not overpower potential buyers.
Hire a Professional Realtor® Interview at least three Realtors® and choose one that you are comfortable with.
Price your home Right!! Price is directly related to days on the market. A property that is not priced competitively will sit on the market for months where as a properly priced & properly Staged® home will bring a lot of interest & showings; the more interest the sooner the offer comes in.
Invest in small updates for the property for sale bringing the decor up to date. In a buyers market buyers purchase up to date properties in stellar condition. The buyers that want fixer uppers are few & far between in 2010. Gone are the days of the “carpet allowance” should it be obvious that the carpet is worn. If it is too much work for sellers to replace the flooring the buyers will feel it is too much work for them.
1. Update lighting with inexpensive ones from your home improvement store.
2. Remove dated window treatments; be creative replacing them with a new look.
3. Bathroom & kitchen cabinets can be updated often by replacing the door hardware and a coat of paint if need be.
4. Paint! Its inexpensive and can freshen rooms, cabinets, etc. Painting can go a long way on a small budget.
Curb Appeal
1. Add a pop of color near the front door by way of annuals, window shutters or a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Remember buyers will linger in this area as the front door is unlocked. The front stoop needs to be inviting, clean & interesting.
2. Pull the weeds & add mulch to all the flower beds
Define every room. From the threshold of every room its purpose should be obvious to everyone without saying a word. For example, dining room needs to show as a dining room. Potential buyers will be turned off if they are in your home and have to stop & figure out which room is the dining room. For example, if you are using the room as an office or craft room it must be converted back to a dining room.
Be prepared to move fido & his belongings off property during open houses & showings. As not everyone owns & adores animals it is best not to have them present in photographs or on property while potential buyers are looking.
Hire a Home Staging Professional.
1. A Home Staging Professional will look at your property from the buyers perspective and make recommendations accordingly.
2. Your investment in Staging your home may be a tax deduction; check with your accountant.
3. Hiring a Professional Home Stager is less money than you think. As in the case of Realtors®, interview at least three and hire one that you are comfortable with. The Home Staging Professional should:
  1. Have been formal training specifically in the field of Home Staging®
  2. Have insurance
  3. Be able to provide references
  4. Have a portfolio of their work
Think Marketing, Marketing, Marketing!!! When your home goes up for sale it becomes a house for sale and must be prepared for the next family that will make memories there.

Happy New Year - Let's Thrive in 2010!!

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:48:17 -0800

After many challenges last year in my personal & family life I am "over the top" ready for 2010!! I am expecting great things ...

They are already coming!! In today's St Pete TImes I have the privilidge of being featured in a story on Home Staging. I was found because of my ranking on Google AND my Blog. I worked hard in 2009 to do both! It is a blessing to be found and recognized!

Many thanks to B Buckberry Joyce St Pete TImes staff writer for writing the story. YOu may read the abbreviated version @

http://www.tampabay.com/features/homeandgarden/stage-your-home-to-look-its-best-to-buyers/1064051

Are You on the Offense or Defense?

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:45 -0800

Job losses, higher taxes, loss of jobs, H1N1, Iraq, war, hate ... fear, destruction and more. The news these days is not good. It is true, “When life gives you Lemons make Lemonade!!!” Within every cloud is a silver lining.

So perhaps you have lost your great paying job and just do not know what to do next. Have you forgotten that you disliked that job; that it was never what you pictured yourself doing every day and it certainly was NOT your passion. The silver lining is showing itself if you are out of that job ... you now have time to find your passion and a way to make work your reason to get up every morning! We still live in the greatest country in the world, have the greatest opportunities are available to us and we are Americans!

What are we to do with this Opportunity? May I use football to make my point? When the players take the field there are two teams, the offense & the defense. A good offense has the play and works their plan. If at first the strategy doesn’t work they have three more tries to gain 10 yards before starting a new set of downs. Without executing the offensive plan the team with the ball would fall prey to the defensive who will make take first move making victims of the offensive. I am always on the offense making a plan and "taking it 10 yards." If I lose yardage, drop the ball, fumble or am even intercepted I still go back to the drawing board and reformulate my plan. I press on no matter what!!

My point? There is a silver lining within any loss; freedom being one. In the case of a job loss you gain the freedom to turn your passion into your occupation. I never thought my passion for home design could possibly provide me money, success and the fulfillment it does today. I had never heard the term Home Staging yet I had been doing it for years. I certainly did not know it could be my career and professional success.

If your income is down, your house value has tanked you owe it to yourself to fight you way up, out & into a new life. Do not wait for something to happen. Do not be on the defense; it’s destructive!! Join the offense and make a plan/play. There are no promises of perfect sailing but we only have one chance at this thing called life. Live the life you have been given and make it the best it/you can me.

What are you good at? That is probably what you should examine as you make your offensive move. We all have hidden talents, some not so hidden that we could use to do our own thing and do it better than anyone else. What do you have to loose by following your dreams and living your passion? Trade that unemployment check for a life long dream, your dream! What could be better? It's not just about work, it's loving what you do, the pride of ownership and knowing your purpose for getting out of bed each day. All of these things are what America was built on. We need to pick ourselves up and get back to it! The government has never been the answer and it never will be, our perseverance and drive is the answer.

So get up and heal your wounds and get on with living the life the good Lord gave you! We will get back to the America I know and love through individual effort.

ASPM Course Atlanta, GA

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:08:49 -0700

I'm in Atlanta this week to further my Staging training under the teachings of Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®. I look forward to seeing Barb today through Friday and making new ASP friends. As I arrived at the hotel last night I found some old & new ASP friends in the restaurant - what fun!! There were a lot of laughs as there will be all week ... can't wait! More later!

Harborside Condo - S Pasadena, FL

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:23:13 -0700

7974 Sailboat Blvd #203 - lovely upgraded unit move in ready!! Contact Denise Hobbs for showing 727-492-4175 - EMAIL Denise@DeniseHobbs.com

Top FOUR Home Improvement Myths

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:38:06 -0700

I receive an excellent newsletter, FrontDoor Unlocked from HGTV. It is one place where relevant facts are revealed by HGTV in regards to selling real estate; not always so on the shows. Often in the name of "drama", Staging and its proper use to sell a home quicker and for the highest market value is lost! That is a topic for another day ... Everyday I am confronted with sellers & Realtors® that are misinformed about Staging; how to & what to do ...

Please pay special attention to #2 as it's more than applicable when Staging your Home to Sell

From the HGTV FrontDoor Newsletter dated 9/11/09 Top FOUR Home Improvement Myths

http://www.frontdoor.com/sell/Top-Four-Home-Improvement-Myths/28/p1/?nl=FD_v092_4Myths

Myth #1: Any remodel is a good one.

You may think any home improvement is a good one, but not all improvements are created equal. For example, one homeowner had a concert hall of his very own built in his ranch-style home. Unless the next homeowner is an opera singer, he may not want a balcony in the den. When making a renovation like this, keep in mind you might want to sell the place one day.

Myth #2: I can do it myself.

You may be convinced that you can do it just as well as a contractor, but news flash! You can't. You may just have an unrealistic idea of your "knack" for remodeling. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but know your limits. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Certain low-risk projects are simple to tackle on your own, but there are others (like electrical work) for which you need a professional.

Myth #3: Pools add value.

A lot of people think adding a swimming pool or hot tub is a sure seller. That's not always true. Location is extremely important. If every day is summer in your climate and it's a pool-friendly region, that's one thing, but if you live in a cooler climate it could be different story. In most areas of the country, adding a pool is a scary proposition. It's a big liability and can be a lot of work to maintain in the off-season. You should think long and hard about building a pool. It could end up being a big money pit.

Myth #4: Follow the latest design trends.

Many homeowners think it's a good idea to follow the latest design trends. Not true. For instance, peach wallpaper went out in the '80s. Outdated features must go before a house goes on the market. Granite counters could be shag carpet of the future. Neutral colors or palettes have more of a timeless feel and will appeal to far more people.

Virtual Staging - Virtual Short Sale

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:35:26 -0700

In the context of trying to reinvent the wheel Home Staging has now entered the Virtual World. Although I have offered a different form of Virtual Staging on my web site for over a year now) I never intended and never would do it in the manner now being offered. I have been asked if I could take empty rooms and enhance them with furnishings. My answer is, "No, I don't & won't do it." It may be the latest in technology to Stage vacant homes but this road is full of pitfalls. My advise, be smart don't go down that road!

To achieve the Virtually Staged look pictures of empty rooms are taken and "virtual" furnishings, accessories & upgrades are dropped in all the show the property Staged. Here are the problems I see:

Buyers & Realtors alike will be sorely disappointed upon walking the property as it may still be:
- Unkept
- Outdated
- Dirty
If a property does not look as it is reflected in MLS pictures it is an absolute turn off for potential buyers. There are enough challenges in the current real estate. Selling is tough enough, I see no good reason for "virtually" creating another objection to overcome in order to make the deal.
Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® makes another valid point about Virtual Staging. As Realtors you are bound by a Code of Ethics. One is NOT to misrepresent properties for sale. Virtual Staging could, in some cases be considered misrepresentation. You may read Barb's full blog post on this subject @ www.stagedhomes.com/blog

Technology is terrific but we live in real homes, with real walls, rooms, flooring etc. We all "live" in reality not the virtual world! Up to 87% of buyers may look for their next home on the Internet first they buy their next home by seeing, touching & feeling it! That is where decisions to buy are made! Buying a home is such an emotional experience, one that starts by viewing homes in person! We buy homes that excite us and that we fall in love with. Professional Home Staging evokes positive emotions in potential buyers; Real Professionally Staged properties will never be replaced by Virtually Staged ones.

I cannot tell you the times I have received PICS first before previewing a vacant home for Staging. I may have an idea of how to Stage it from the PICS but those options always changes once I walk the property. Home Staging in real Estate need to remain in "reality."

307-12th Avenue, Indian Rocks Beach, FL

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:23:40 -0700

For more information on this completely remodeled home call -

David Christ and Associates Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast

Seminole, Fl. 33776 727-385-5275 Cell

DavidChrist@Realtor.com www.DavidChrist.com

www.BestDealsOnTheBeach.com www.REOsalesFL.com

Staging Scripts - What are yours?

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:10:50 -0700

I am realizing more & more many Realtors are apprehensive when it comes to approaching their Sellers about Professional Home Staging. Its tough and takes finesse. Myself, I have worked hard and with have practice become better at it. When I get an opportunity to speak to Realtors® my focus these days is to open their eyes & educate them on Staging Scripts. First, here are some wonderful sayings to add to your communication skills. In time they will become natural to you. Every single one works!

Phrases to remember - from Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®

You can’t sell it if you can’t see it.
Tell me about that.
When I think I can, I can. If I think I can’t, I can’t.
I usually receive what I believe.
Buyers and agents only know what they see, not the way it is going to be.
Whether or not there is a budget, we can do a lot.
We don’t want you to spend money. But rather, we ask you to make an investment of your time, energy and dollars for the highest rate of return in the sale of your home.
Let me tell you how I work.
Remove the “if ’s” from your life and replace them with “as soon as”.
We are going to do this together as a team.
Staging is a feeling.
Stand at the doorway to each room and say what you feel about what you see.
Staging is creating a feeling in the room that makes buyers want to come in.
Staging each room begins at each room’s doorway
We need to get the buyers to mentally move into each room before the house will sell.

Scripts -

Homeowner has an odd collection of items on display all over the house.

“I see you collect . Tell me about it ... let them talk; the ensuing conversation will lead you to say ... I see, I’ll bet this is quite a conversation piece when you have visitors. Now, when we sell your home we don’t want potential buyers focusing on this. We want potential buyers to focus on the unique features of your home and lifestyle provided by living here. If we were to leave this collection on display I’m afraid it would distract them. I suggest you start packing for your anticipated move and place these treasured items in storage.”

Home is dirty; buried in clutter; it’s hard to tell the last time the place was cleaned well.

“In this kind of market, where Buyers have so many homes to choose from, they are very selective. Potential buyers will look in every closet, cupboard, under rugs and in every corner. It is very important that we get this home “Q-tip clean.” That means if you can get a Q-tip in a space it needs to shine. A Q-tip clean home shows that it has been well care for & well maintained over the years.

As you pull up to the house you cannot see the front for the overgrown trees & bushes.

How your home looks from the street should read like a best selling book cover. It needs to provide interest and a real desire to see more in potential buyers. We need to trim the trees from the bottom up and the shrubs from the top down making sure there is a clear view of the front entrance from the street.

House needs painting & repair.

Buyers today want move in ready homes that appear to have been updated within the last two years. You may not want to invest a great deal of money in remodeling and you do not have to. We agree that you should get as much bang for your buck! In this market your home needs to stand out from the crowd of distressed properties on the market. Well prepared & Professionally Staged homes are setting the standard for the homes for selling quickly today. I have a great Staging Professional that can come in with just right advice on what to do to make this property appeal to more buyers.

I don’t need a Stager to Stage my house it’s just fine the way it is.

Every home that goes up for sale need some preparation, by bringing in a Professional Home Stager we will gain that third party perspective needed to prepare your home specifically for a faster sale @ the highest market value. A professional Home Stager will know what is best and what we do to need to do in order to make a quick sale. Of course you will have the final say on all decisions.

Too much furniture.

During showings it’s vital for the flow in & between rooms be as easy as possible. Removing some furnishings will improve this and make showings easier for agents & buyers. By bringing in a Professional Stager to help us decide what to keep, what to store and the most advantageous furniture placement, to draw attention on your home’s great features we will preset your home as a quality investment.

It’s a Short Sale. I have no money to Stage

We need to be creative first, last & always. Currently, ASP Staged Homes sit on the market 32 days while non-staged homes are sitting on the market an average of 187 days - that’s a difference of 145 days or almost 5 months. Even with a short-sale the shortest amount of time on the market will save you time and money.

My neighbor is a good decorator; she/he can do it.

I am sure he/she is very talented, but by using a trained, Professional Home Stager we will know the home has been prepared with the buyer foremost in mind. There is a big difference between Decorating for Living & Staging to Sell. Please think about it and read the Staging information I have included in my listing packet.

So what are your Staging Scripts?

Like the Odometer Rolling over ... Perhaps Today I will top 11,000 AR Points

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:30:46 -0700

With this post @ 10,900+ points this post may just do it!

I am at a MAPS BOLD training in St Petersburg, Florida today. BOLD is a 7 week Training/Coaching class for Realtors held by MAPS out of Austin, TX. I love Real Estate Coaching even though I am not an agent. Real Estate Coaching can benefit related Real Estate Industries too. Today the discussion is about Mind Set, Energy & what you generate is what you receive in these same areas. I agree/agree!

I am this weeks sponsor; providing lunch in return for getting 15 minutes to talk about my business. It went very well! There are about 50 top agents from our area here - I love/love being with these type people - movers/shakers in real estate that are here for the long haul - learning and hunkering down in this economy. These Real Estate Professionals are still standing, still selling property and thriving. Its the mot encouraging things to see!!

MAPS training is terrific. I have been involved several times; once had the privilege of coaching Home Staging on 2 SHIFT calls with Tony DiCello, MAPS Coach. We must not quit, we must not stop and we must remain positive regardless of our circumstances.

Change comes from within us and what er project is returned to us.

Examine your energy and know you are the one that creates it.

How Staging Your Listings Can Make You More Money

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:59:38 -0700

Is is a proven fact that Staged Homes sell faster & for more money. According to StagedHomes.com -

In the current market Staged Homes are setting the bar for presentation in real estate AND selling first when compared to unprepared homes!

How does this make Realtors more money?

Fewer price reductions. When the average price reduction is between $25,000 & $50,000 not only is the seller loosing money - Realtors are loosing it too as commissions decreases are directly related to price reductions.
By limiting the price reductions on the limited listings in the current market you increase your commissions!
Adding Staging to your services offered to sellers means you present yourself as a full-service professional; a one stop shop so to speak.
When you provide more service(s) to the sellers they are less likely to ask you to reduce your commission.
When you provide more service(s) to the sellers they are less likely to go to another real estate professional.
You are bringing added value and making your clients extremely happy.
More referrals and expansion of your Word of Mouth business as happy clients tell their friends!
Your expenses are cut by Staging as the time on the market is reduced, directly effecting what you have to spend on marketing!

Staging your listings makes absolute sense! In your area look for a Staging Professional you can trust and work with well as an intrigal part of your team. They are out there.

Where do I find a Professional Stager?

www.stagedhomes.com
www.iahsp.com

Home Staging Changes Lives one House at a Time

Paying Others to Write Your Blog - Honest, Ethical - There is a Question!

Jan Whitlow, ASPM, #1 Pinellas Staging Professional (Selling Edge Home Staging) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:21:41 -0700

I am beginning to think I am a rules gal; & a real purest, perhaps too much a purest! I (as many of us) have been receiving solicitation emails from "writers" that will write & post blogs for me for a fee. This just does not sit right with me. Am I the only one?

Blogging on ActiveRain is always on my mind yet I do not get to it as often as I should. I'm out there working & building my business, not sitting in my office writing. I don't have time to blog, even weekly, anymore. The thought of hiring someone to keep up (and keep my ranking in tact) is tempting but I cannot do it!

Is it wise? Is it ethical? Is it what the creators of ActiveRain intended? In my opinion, no.

Trust - It's not wise to put blog post out there, written by others, with your name on it. Of course proofing is always intended but will that be another thing you/we don't keep up with? Can we keep up an have true knowledge of all posts if we allow this? I would never trust a stranger to access my AR account or any blog using my name.
Content - yes, the general topics can be discussed even suggested with proper proofing before posting but who keeps up with the comments & responds to those?
Ethical - lastly is it ethical?

I'm just going to throw that one out there for discussion as it's opinion. In this fast paced world it takes a lot of energy to keep up. It can be downright overwhelming to stay ahead. Ethics out the window, many people care about getting ahead more than they care about how they have treated people and contributed to the well-being of their community at the end of the day.

Me, I cannot hire someone to write my blog although I should as writing does not come easily to me. I could up my rankings if I had someone to up my posts. I don't think so; not for this purest.