Oregon's Spotlight on Home Staging and Real Estate

PSSST! The secret to more potential buyers viewing your listing!

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:35:40 -0500

With lots of homes on the market, home sellers need to use every advantage to attract potential buyers to their listing. Want to impress over 90% of them? (If video below doesn't show immediately - refresh page and it should load quickly.)

A special thanks to HD Open House Photography. While this short presentation only includes two of their shots -- I'm sure you found their work impressive like we do!

Margaret Oscilia of Creative Concepts – Home Staging and Contracting serves Salem Oregon and surrounding areas specializing in helping home sellers stage to sell and home owners to transform their homes from ordinary to extraordinary. Services range from staging and paint color consultations, providing rental furniture and decor for vacant homes, re-designing occupied homes to managing remodeling projects.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Small Kitchen Improvements that Yield Huge Returns!

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:07:15 -0500

All too often we see kitchens that lack pizzazz and feel dated. Does this kitchen need a complete remodel? What if a few things are changed to give it a new look? We all know that having a fabulous kitchen helps sell homes!

This kitchen island placement is awkward and small when compared to more contemporary kitchens like these:

{it’s great to be home}

{via House of Turquoise}

Painting the walls and modifying the existing kitchen island transformed this kitchen to a showcase (white cabinets are always in style) that most people couldn’t have originally envisioned! The island was moved and extended with a butcher block top — now providing an eating bar and a contemporary look.

DAA DAAH!!!! – - Wow what a difference!

Amazing improvement on a teensy budget! Lots of DIY instructions too at the link above provided byThe Nesting Game!

Wondering what improvements you can make with a teensy budget? Sometimes inspiration and a fresh set of eyes is all you need! We love brain storming and providing improvement ideas on how best to make your home perfect for you or help prepare it for sale!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Home Buyers HAVE To Understand I'm Living Here! Don't They?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:32:44 -0500

During a recent home staging consultation a home seller (who had children) said "We can't live in a staged home! Home buyers will just have to understandthat we live here".

These home sellers did most of what we recommended to prepare their home for sale, but there were two huge issues not resolved which would have cost them less than $500 -- many months later, their home is still on the market.

On the other hand, we have many sellers who take the "I'll do what ever it takes"approach. When selling a home the "packaging" is so important! Each of four these homes photographed here were owner occupied.

They rented some items from our inventory of furniture and decor. Our staging company provided them lots of tips and tricks on how to best live in a home that was for sale, making it less stressful for their families. Better yet -- each of them sold in under 30 days!

Sold in under 30 days?!!

These homes were NOT super bargain priced. They did have a step up on the competition however because they:

priced where the agent recommended (and didn't have to do a price reduction because of the quick sale)
prepared their homes well for sale (maintenance and staging)
marketed the listings well (professional photography and marketing by agent)

They also were inconvenienced a very short time because the home sold quickly!!

These are just a few of the success stories we have been a part of in 2011. If you want a higher price for your home or don't really need to sell, now is not the time to make a half hearted approach to selling. (And it could be many years before those prices rise.)

These rooms aren't perfect. All have used items the home seller's had on hand to help keep the staging costs down.

The amount these sellers paid for staging was minor compared to having the keep their home on the market for months (and possibly lower the price), not to mention the stress related to living in a staged home for month after month! They transformed their homes from ordinary to extraordinary and the results speak for themselves!

They all portrayed a beautiful home as well as a desirable lifestyle that was awaiting new home buyers. The secret is -- buyers will take into consideration that you are living in a home for sale. BUT -- they won't feel as much "WOW" or as welcomed .... and your home probably won't be the one they fall in love with (and those are the ones that get the offers).

When marketing your Oregon home for sale, make sure it is properly prepared for the best possible sale. Even if you are living in the home, it can look like the dream home buyers are looking for!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Thanksgiving Wishes

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:08:08 -0500

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Wishing you a heart that overflows with thanksfulness -- every day and in every situation. A true recipe for a joyous day!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Are Quick and Over Asking Price Home Sales a Thing of the Past?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:30:00 -0400

The times of sticking a sign in the yard and receiving a full price offer is highly unlikely — BUT — we are seeing amazing things happening this fall in the real estate market throughout the Willamette Valley.

All the homes we staged in September have sold (except one builder model). Coincidence? We don’t think so!

In the first two weeks of October, we staged 11 houses – and by October 22 five of these homes are under contract. No they weren’t foreclosures or short sales or undervalued. They were priced well by their agents and prepared for sale with great care. These houses sold in two to 14 days – prices were from $165,000 to $575,000 – and the houses were located in Salem, Albany and Corvallis.

Here’s one example from a September staging job:

We often deal with estates and out of area heirs who have many aspects of their parents estate to handle. Rather than bargain price the estate, this family chose to have some updating performed, hoping for a quicker sale. Within a few weeks an estate sale was held, wallpaper removed, painting done, new carpeting installed and property was staged.

Here are some before pictures on how the home looked on our first visit:

Think this house is a candidate for a quick sale? Probably not.

How about now? Here is how it looked when it went on the market:

We didn’t even have time to get professional photos taken . . . it went on the market on Friday and by Monday had more than one offer . . . and yes this home sold for OVER the asking price.

Looking for the best possible way to market your home?

You can’t change market conditions, the competition, or your location. We can help you change the presentation of your home.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Beautiful Historic Home for sale - Salem Oregon

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:48:17 -0400

Love historic homes?

This historic home we staged in Salem this past week could just be your dream home!

Or maybe think they lack the features you are looking for or can be stuffy? This home has so many upgrades and is so charming we think it would change your mind!

1510 Davidson SE, Salem Oregon

Wow -- Great curb appeal and beautifully landscaped!

I love the side yard entrance and patio -- perfect for a cozy coffee or entertaining!

Built in 1901 and offering over 2,350 square feet this home offers spacious and gracious living!

This is an incredible home for under $300,000!!

Spacious rooms, beautifully maintained and so many upgrades!

Beautifully updated kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless subzero and viking appliances.

We love the bay window seating area too -- and what could be a better neighbor than Bush Park!

The Bush Park view from home adds to this bay window appeal

One of my favorite spaces is the sunroom I'd love to have my office there! I hope you'll visit this beautiful home to see it as well as the rest of the spaces and see all this home has to offer!

Four bedrooms, beautiful built-ins -- so much to see! Come explore this home this Sunday! Open house is from 1-4 October 16th.

Want more information? Contact Cris Brennan at 503-510-8084 and here is the link to listing details.

Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager with Creative Concepts – Home Staging and Contracting serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas who specializes in helping home sellers stage to sell or re-design to live well. Licensed, bonded and insured contractors – CCB#180695.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Home Selling Strategies in a Shaky Real Estate Market

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:35:37 -0400

When preparing a home for sale in Oregon, it's important to remember that details make a huge impact to potential buyers. Taking the time to enter the market with the best presentation possible can yield great results. What has happened lately for some of our clients has blown us away -- full price offers within days of listing!

The last three houses we staged in Corvallis have moved so quickly -- all had offers within days. Their secret -- attention to every detail.

Clean - white glove clean - from pressure washing to windows washed

Maintained - Completing those deferred maintenance items helps buyers see the home as "their perfect home" instead of a "to do project".

Professionally Staged - Some of these properties had been on the market for months. As one of the sellers noted (whose home has been on the market occupied and then vacant before we provided professional staging): "I can't help but think that the staging had a huge effect on the buyers' opinions as they toured the house. And the fact that we got a full price offer only 6 days after staging certainly implies a job well done!!"

Professionally Photographed - All too often we see our staging work not photographed to it's best advantage. We work with many many real estate agents and most of them are excellent marketers and negotiators -- not photographers. We have professional camera equipment, but our photos do not compare to the work of an expert real estate photographer. With 94% of home buyers looking first on the internet at homes - staging and photos really count!

Most home sellers and real estate agents would think this room looked good enough when listing their Oregon home.

Our clients knew they needed to be looking fabulous to attract a good offer.

The well used (and small scale) blue sofa set went to the family room along with the artwork that didn't give a contemporary feel.

Professional photography makes the details really pop!

This kitchen had beautiful cabinets, granite and was spacious and light.

But without professional staging and photography - really didn't say "WOW"!

Like it does in this after photo!

This dining room went from bland and boring . . .

To an inspired setting -- showing potential of shared meals and memories.

Looking to have your home stand out in a shaky market?

It takes a team of top notch professionals. We are pleased to offer our clients great contractors, landscapers and cleaning professionals to help prepare their home for sale with ease and at an affordable cost. We sincerely appreciate Brian Corcoran of HD Open House Photography for making our staging work look beautiful in photos!

Before you list your home with a real estate agent make sure it is ready to stand out and be ready for that quick and good offer!

Don’t know where to start? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home’s full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time. We’d love to help you determine how to best to prepare your home for sale in this competitive market.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

How do Home Sellers Feel about Working with Stagers?

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:45:55 -0400

Many real estate professionals are hesitant to suggest staging professionals to home sellers, and for some good reasons:

Sellers are emotionally attached to the home – and suggestions made that change the decor or ambiance of the home can be upsetting.
What if the seller does a bunch of changes and the house doesn’t sell quickly? Won’t they be irritated for the inconvenience and time spent?
What if the suggestions made are too expensive and frustrate my home seller?

Here’s the feedback we received this week from some “resistant to staging” clients. (Well – in reality almost hostile clients!) We were hired at the insistence of the real estate agent.

Just a thank you for your help with staging our home. We have already implemented many of your suggestions. The small things were easy and fairly inexpensive to do. It’s amazing what a difference a few well placed accessories make! We are now working on some of the bigger things. We were impressed that you were practical and understood our situation as you made your recommendations.

And from the spouse who was also at the same consultation:

I expected for you to quickly give us a list of “to do items” and didn’t understand why you were explaining so many things in detail and taking so much time. I realized that my wife wasn’t very receptive during the consultation, but everything you suggested has turned out so much better than we could have imagined. We both now see the value of your recommendations. It all clicked for me when you said that we were not only selling a home but a LIFESTYLE. We cannot believe the difference in the way our home “feels” after implementing some of the changes.

And from another home owner who owned a very difficult to sell rural property. They knew they needed staging and hired us before contacting an agent:

Thank you, Margaret. The website went live sometime Tuesday night, and the first showing was Thursday morning. We signed his full-price offer this morning (Saturday). Can you believe it? Actually, you probably can…We’re both a little shocked. Thanks for all your magic!

From another overwhelmed seller who had a home that was already lovely, but a few improvements made it ready to sell:

I wanted to send you this email last week, but this stager (you!) came into my house and gave a “to do” list that I followed closely and finally completed the list yesterday, and I am exhausted! I am not always receptive to change but you had such great ideas and I followed them, and the house looks beautiful!

Thank You so much for your patience and seeing the potential when I could not. I listed the house tonight. Thanks again, you are awesome!

A professional home stager is trained to:

Tactfully make suggestions and make a easy to follow plan so sellers aren’t overwhelmed
Provide statistics and examples to support their recommendations to help clients understand why the improvements are necessary
Know not only the “why” to do things, but the “how” to do things so implementation of the staging plan is easy
Work within the clients budget and find solutions to time and money constraints (because there are always limitations)
Be a resource to maximize every home’s potential so it looks beautiful in photos and in person

So what do home sellers think about working with a real estate staging professional?

They love our job almost as much as we do!

Here's the before shot of the master vanity - sorry it's not the same exact angle as the after which is posted above.

Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager with Creative Concepts – Home Staging and Contractingserving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas who specializing in helping home sellers stage to sell or re-design to live well.

Can I Afford to Have my Home Staged?

What do buyers think of a staged home?

Selling a home in 2011? Tips from the Pros

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Is Your Hobby Killing Your Home Sale?

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:57:55 -0500

My job as a professional home stager takes me into over a dozen homes a week and I meet some fantastically creative people along the way. It is amazing to me the unique things people do, create and collect - a fun part of my job.

All too often I have to tell these clients that their hobbies are going to prevent them from getting a good price for their home.

The doll collector, whose guest room housed hundreds of dolls,
the former antique dealer who can't let go of so many beautiful antique pieces,
the rock collector - whose every flat surface contained rocks, crystals or agates,
the quilter, whose fabric collection would be the envy of many small shops
and the scrapbooker whose papers, punches and cute items have taken over not only the desk, but cabinets, storage bins and more.
yes - I've worked with them all in the past few months and each and every one of them is killing their own home sale.

Sound extreme? If you can answer yes to any of these questions - your hobby (or lifestyle) is killing your home's quick sale!

Do you have furniture pieces in rooms where they don't belong? Desks in the dining room? File cabinets in the master bedroom? Collectible cabinets in the guest bedrooms? Is your bedroom, family room and dining room places of serenity where people can enjoy the space without viewing lots of "________" (file in your vice - books, model cars, fabric, work piles, etc).

How much is your hobby costing you? If your home remains on the market more than 60 days your agent will probably recommend a price reduction of at least $10,000. Are you sure you can't live without your "stuff"?

Home buyers are buying space.

Collections and hobbies take up a lot of space and usually don't photograph well.

Keep your "stuff" and I guarantee your home will remain on the market longer than necessary.

Time and time again I see that those who pack up their hobbies and get ready to move are able to do so. Their homes sell. Others who drag their feet and tell me they "can't live" without these things for a few months have homes who remain on the market month after month.

When you're selling your home, you're selling a lifestyle too.

And don't just stuff everything in your garage. Get a storage unit, pack it off to a friend's garage, or to mom's attic. Potential buyers want to think there is enough storage for all their stuff along with room for their cars in the garage.

The quickest selling homes in 2011 are:

Priced accurately
Prepared beautifully
Presented (marketed) well

Pack it up, and get ready to move. Take a break or reduce your hobby to a small space. It will save you time, energy and get it sold!

Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager with Creative Concepts - Home Staging and Contracting serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas who specializing in helping home sellers stage to sell or re-design to live well.

Can I Afford to Have my Home Staged?

What do buyers think of a staged home?

Selling a home in 2011? Tips from the Pros

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

We've Got you Covered for Valentines Day!

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:12:19 -0500

Still searching for a great gift for your Valentine? Pressured for a perfect idea?

No - flowers and candy will not be noted as original and spectacular. Dinner in a crowded restaurant - not my idea of a good time either.

We've had some smart hubbies contact us for a Valentine gift certificate for a home makeover -- (we call it room redesign or sending your home to the day spa)!

These homes are NOT horrible or messy but these smart guys are really out to save some $$. They've heard or seen how a room makeover has given homes a fresh look and not cost a fortune. They are banking on the fact that we'll make the homes look fabulous and they won't have to buy a house full of furniture.

On a day to celebrate love, what’s better than enhancing the place that is most special to all of us — our homes!

We've done lots of "room makeovers" this past year. Clients have been thrilled and found the process so fun! One client said "I'm so glad I finally gave my home the "spa treatment" and the attention it needed. I never would have come up with some of these ideas and my friends are so impressed at how things look!"

Your home’s "spa makeover" is crafted to fit your budget and personalized needs, and can contain many elements. For example:

Using your furniture and decor, our professional home stager will give your rooms a fresh new look!
Do you have a room that needs painted but paralyzed at choosing colors? We’ve got beautiful paint palette solutions!
Want a beautiful space, but don’t have the time to pull the details together? We know how!
Need some ideas on furniture, decor or updates, but stymied on where to start?

Make yourself (and your home) look good. Skip the traditional and go for the WOW! Sending your home for the spa treatment is something you'll all enjoy for years!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Home Selling is a Lot Like Speed Dating . . . Ready? Set?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:16:21 -0500

Most readers have heard of "speed dating". An event where singles meet each other for three to five minutes, get an idea of if this person is interesting, and then move on to the next person to see how they compare. Those of us lacking quick wit or knock-out looks may be intimidated by this dating process. Nerves may take over and all of a sudden we're a wall flower at the junior high dance again. Talk about pressure!

Selling your home in 2011 is a whole lot like speed dating.

This past month our daughter was looking for a property and sent us a list of 45 potential homes to tour. "Which ones should I see?" In less than an hour my dear hubby had cut the list to five, these were toured and an offer made that day.

Lesson one: If rooms look cluttered or dated or your photos aren't great quality - you aren't ready to sell. Never mind that everyone's mom told them not to judge a book by it's cover -- they will. You wouldn't show up at for a speed date in your duds from 1995 -looks matter.

Declutter, update and have great photos. (Over 90% of home buyers shop on line). May sound basic, but if you do, you'll already be beating out 85% of the competition. 2010 studies showed that listings with great photos sold for more than listings with point and click camera photos.

Lesson two: If you aren't fascinating, they're going to move on. People shop for homes with logic - but a home that shows a desirable lifestyle and is easy to "fall in love" with will get more attention.

You may think looking good is enough, but there's got to be more to hold home buyer's attention. Little known factoid: The average length of a home showing is three to six minutes.

Never mind that you spent more time getting ready for the showing than most women spend giving birth to their first child. They're going to be zooming in and out unless you stand out as the best AND tug on their heart strings too.

Lesson Three: You better have them at hello. Curb appeal, first impressions, call it what you want -- but it is key. Home buying decisions are made within the first 20 seconds of entering a property.

If the outside shows repair issues or is mossy and dirty, a subconscious image of poor maintenance is already forming. Walk in the front door and I tell my clients this viewpoint is the "big wow". If it isn't that way, we better make it that way. More important than breath mints on a first date, your first impression needs to be memorable.

Lesson Four: Professional help is affordable and worthwhile.Sometimes we need that older sister to give us a few dating pointers, and maybe your home needs a professional stager who knows the ropes.

A recent survey by Homegain shows a huge return on investment for $$ spent utilizing a stager's expertise.

Thinking your home can't stand the pace of a speed date? A professional home stager has the expertise to transform ordinary to extraordinary.

If you are selling your home in 2011 — you can’t change the market, the competition or your location. You CAN create a better presentation and your home will attract the attention it deserves!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Tickled Pink with 2011 Color Trends?

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:20:58 -0500

Color Trends - If it isn't anything you've investigated before, color forecasting is a fascinating process and has wide-spread influence.

Did you think you saw a lot of turquoise last year?

Turquoise was Pantone's color for 2010. Soon we were seeing turquoise everywhere - clothing, accessories and home decor.

Calming, soothing and refreshing - in a troubled economic time it became a hit color and soon crept into most of our closets!

So what's the color for 2011? Honeysuckle - imagine raspberry sherbet or a cross between coral and fuchsia and you'll have the color nailed.

From the Pantone press release:

"While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. "

Hmmm - now I'm not much of a pinky person and have never thought of a pink color to be "emboldening". While we have designed childrens rooms around pink colors, our staging company has never used this color - even as accents. But, I think this color will be creeping into our inventory very soon!

This spring we predict we'll be seeing Honeysuckle pillows, bedspreads, glass accent pieces are going to be our inventory.

What do you think? Tickled pink with the new color?

You may not be loving it now, but I'd bet by 2012 you have some of it in your home or clothes closet!

Want some ideas of some ways to use Honeysuckle in your decor? Here our home staging blog on some cute products we've found!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Selling a Home in 2011? Tips from the Pros

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:31:24 -0500

Looking to get the most money for your home in 2011?

Experts say it boils down to two key points. When selling your home there are only two elements you can control – price and presentation.

If you don’t want to keep lowering the price, a home must speak volumes of value and have a fabulous presentation. Staging adds perceived value and provides the atmosphere home sellers are looking for when they want to invest in a property to call home. In 2010, over and over again our staged home sold for more money and quicker than the competition. Homes that had been on the market for over a year were staged and sold successfully.

But What do Real Estate Agents Say? This isn’t something that only we’ve experienced in 2010 – it’s being echoed by real estate agents and business experts alike. AOL Real Estate’s What Works NOW recently released this video which echoes what other professionals are advising home sellers in 2011.

PRICING: Price for exactly what your home is worth from the start – a home that is overpriced will sell for less as it becomes subject to price reductions as it lingers on the market.

PRESENTATION: To sell successfully in 2011, homes will have to look much better than the competing neighbors’ properties. This video recommends making repairs and inexpensive upgrades and home staging.

Home Selling in 2011 will continue to be a price war and a beauty contest. Our tag line is “You can’t change market conditions or your location, but we can help you change the presentation of your home.” The professionally staged home stands out when viewed online and in person.

Staging costs less than most home sellers might guess – with consultations starting at $100, real estate professionals agree that hiring a home stager from the start and entering the market ready for the competition is a wise choice.

Staging is what your competition is doing. In the past few weeks our company been approached by more real estate professionals than ever before — asking us about what our staging services entail and incorporating it into their 2011 plans. As one agent said “I can’t afford to take a listing that won’t work with a home stager. These listings sell so slowly or not at all — the marketing costs become too high. I tell my sellers stage it or lower the price – there isn’t another option.”

If you are selling your home in 2011 — you can’t change the market, the competition or your location. You CAN create a better presentation and therefore command a better price. A home selling strategy that will get your home sold in 2011!

Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas who specializing in helping home sellers stage to sell or re-design to live well.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Your Pics May be Good - But I've Got More!

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:17:26 -0500

I love looking at listings on-line and so often when I view them in person the impression I get online is so different (not to mention horrible photos, but I won't go there in this post). Give it to Salem agent Melina Tomson not only to provide great photos of her listings, but also provide such a cool floorplan option so you can really understand the pics!

Love this software and how it benefits home buyers!

Via Melina Tomson, M.S. Principal Broker/Owner (Tomson Burnham, llc Licensed in the State of Oregon):

You know who you are. You want it cozy and quaint. Easy to clean and ready to go. Maybe a place to grow some of our amazing Oregon Hood strawberries?

If so, I want you to check out this little cottage I just listed in Keizer, OR. A nicely done kitchen remodel, good room sizes, and the benefit of having a living room and family room, this home is great for starters, downsizers, lefties, righties, well...you get the idea.

The basics

3 bedrooms

1 bath

1497 sq feet

.18 acre lot

$1716 in property taxes for 09-10.

The rest..I'll let the pictures do the talking. Just click on the camera to see what I see through my lens from that vantage point. I'll wait.

Kinda cool, huh? Great. Now call or email me so I can show it to you in real life.

Chat with me

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Avoid the Gift Giving Grenade!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:41:10 -0500

You’ve all had these type of bombs drop into your hands.

Gifts you didn’t need
didn’t want
Clothes that were wrong/ill fitting/etc
Perfume that smelled like it was from the 80′s
“Special” decorating items – (where should I hang this Big Mouth Billing the Singing Bass?)

You’ve probably given a few of these gifts too.

Like the plate of goodies to the diabetic, wine to the neighbor who is going to AA, or stuff that simply clutters up peoples lives.

We give gifts to make others feel special, they keep it because it was from someone special . . . no wonder most of us bemoan of too much “stuff”!

We hate clutter and while those slippers might be adorable – I already have three pairs – please don’t buy them for me!

Now I’m no grinch and love to give — but want to give something they will love — long after the gift wrap is tossed!

Here’s some quick, easy and no-clutter gifts ideas!

prepaid car wash card
tickets to an event – a movie, concert, dinner theatre, comedy show
Specialty things they can use up and don’t normally splurge for – specialty teas, coffees, wines
Donation to a local charity in their name
Gift certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure
Organizing services – who doesn’t want to start 2011 with a fresh start?

Of course these are my top favorites! We have lots of clients booking these home improving services with us for 2011 — What a fun way to start the year with a fresh clean house, or a room that looks all new (with things you already own)!

The gift of cleaning (one time special cleaning or on a regular service) – sparkling clean with no sweat is DIVINE!

Interior Redesign Home Makeover – Make a home or room a tv star! Create a fresh look for a room or the entire house using your existing furnishings and decor. What a great idea to get a fresh start on 2011!

Color & Paint Consultations - Painting a room provides a huge impact for low dollar – if it is the perfect color! Paint it the right color the first time!

Make sure your gifts are loved far into 2011 and not tossed out with the fruitcake! For more of services click here. We also work with top notch contractors and service providers so love to give you referrals to experts you can trust!

Margaret Oscilia is a Professional Home Stager serving Salem Oregon and surround areas who specializing in helping home sellers maximize their equity when preparing to sell.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

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We don't need a stager, we need an Exorcist.

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:34:19 -0500

Many will think that poorly prepared listings are a rare case, but unfortunately I rarely see listing photos that couldn't be improved. Home sellers count on real estate professionals to advise them on how to sell their homes the quickest, for the least hassle, and for the most money. Some agents are afraid to:

hurt feelings or make their sellers uncomfortable,
don't want to spend the time needed to fully explain what needs to be done to prepare the home,
lack faith in the ability of their seller to improve the property,
are naive on the nuances of home selling psychology and marketing at it's finest.
underestimate the power of photos in his market where 90% of home buyers are shopping for homes on the internet!

Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor®, Evanston Real Estate (Evanston Condos, Evanston Homes, North Shore Homes):

YES, this is a property currently for sale on our MLS. When it popped up on my screen it actually made me "gasp".

Most properties could benefit from a decluttering, or a stager... but this property... I think it may be beyond staging or decluttering. I think this one may call for an Exorcism.

There isn't a surface that doesn't have "something" hanging on it, or from it. There isn't an uncovered surface. It's literally a cacophany of colour and junk.

I can't believe that the agent listing this property allowed these photos to be taken, let alone published on the MLS.

Perhaps, in defense of the agent, the place looked much worse before the photos and the agent thinks that NOW it looks so much better... "You should have seen the junk that she got outta this house!"

Do you think these photos show the property to its best advantage? Do you think it does the property a good service, and will help it sell?

Yikes!! It makes me think that Linda Blair must live here. As you cross the threshold, the walls will begin bleeding and a disembodied voice will quietly cry... "Get out" (oh, wait... that was the Amityville Horror).

Oh, well... they're both appropriate here. I think this is enough to make the average stager cry.

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Santa Baby! I Need a Room Make-Over!

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:26:56 -0500

Dear Creative Concepts: I need a Home Make-over! I’d love to have a home I “fall in love with” every time I walk in the door. For me – finding cute home decor is the easy part – having it look great when I get it home can be a challenge. I buy things that are so cute and then get home and think, “what do I do w/ it now?!”
How do I get a room to look “pulled together”? I’d like a stylish look, comfortable for my family but one that I LOVE!

Thanks,

Design Challenged

Dear Design Challenged:

Thanks so much for your email! First off – let me assure you that you are not alone. Often a fresh set of eyes and a little fine tuning can take a home from ordinary to extraordinary!

It’s what we do everyday, and putting our expertise to work will save you time, frustration and money! Giving your home a Re-design Makeover is like sending your house on a trip to a spa . . . it will have a fresh, rejuvenated and inspired look!

Following are a few options we offer – they can be customized to fit individual needs.

Re-design Consultation – A re-design specialist will evaluate your spaces and create a plan on how to transform them into the look you love. Whether you are looking to purchase a few items or use what you have, our staging expertise and shopping know-how will stretch your design budget.

Based on the initial visit – you can add a comprehensive report which will give you photos of items to buy, where to buy them, color choices – or have us do the shopping for you!

Half- day Makeover – It’s like a spa trip for your home. While you are out, two re-designers will use what you have to give you a fresh look that is warm and inviting. Once we’re done, if there are added items that would complete the look, we can even shop for you.

Paint Color Consultation – The perfect paint color sets the tone for a beautiful room. Save money, time and frustration by starting with the right color the first time! Imagine choosing colors from large 8×11 samples instead of the little paint strips!

We can’t wait to help you create a beautiful space to come home to!

Footnote: This email is one we received this week and this designed challenged friend has booked our services for January to get a fresh new look for her home!

PSST — Here’s a little secret! Gift Certificates for Home Makeovers or Re-Design Consultations are a perfect gift! It’s a no-clutter, start 2011 beautifully gift that is bound to please!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Color Trends for 2011

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:22:55 -0500

Wondering where home decor colors are heading? We love Benjamin Moore Colors (and the coordinating Pottery Barn products). Here's a great blog on the color forecast for 2011 by Benjamine Moore! We've used lots of smokey purple tones in our design work, but maybe we need to add it to more of our staging too!

Via Donna Dazzo Home Stager in the Hamptons & New York (Designed to Appeal, LLC):

In home staging, we like to stick to a neutral color palette so that we can make the home that's for sale appeal to the broadest range of buyers. However neutral does not have to mean boring.

I love to use pops of color (red, turquoise, orange, greens, blues) in throw pillows, artwork and decorative objects against the more neutral background colors (beige, grays, whites) in the furniture, bedding and walls.

Even so, I love to see what colors the major paint companies forecast to be THE colors for the upcoming year. I like to use these colors for inspiration.

Benjamin Moore's color designers are forecasting vintage wine as their Envision Color 2011's Color of the Year.

Vintage Wine

2116-20

According to Benjamin Moore's website:

"First seen on the fashion runways of New York, Paris, and Milan, this rich hue with a deep brown base and a hint of smoky violet is just as magnificent in the home.

As an undertone in many of the latest wood finishes, leathers, and other textiles, vintage wine, and its lighter variations, will make a great paint color pick for many applications over the coming years.

From deep smoky wine to wildly pumped up fuchsia, purple promises to be a predominant color in home décor in 2011."

While I've never used purple or violet or wine-colored accessories in my stagings, maybe I will have to try it for my next vacant staging.

Forecasted Colors for 2011

In addition to their Color of the Year, the Benjamin Moore color team also comes up with a palette of colors they are forecasting for the coming year. The color team reviews cultural, social, and political conditions and looks at how they affect fashion and design trends. Their analysis led to a central Balance theme with three related "style movements"-Soulful, Spirited and Dreamy. Each of these style movements were then defined by six Benjamin Moore colors.

Soulful...

Communications technology has drawn the global cultures closer. What may have seemed strange now appears familiar to us. On the style front, this is visible in ethnic designs, pattern-on-pattern, and handmade decoration such as beading and embroidery. Colors that reflect this include Benjamin Moore's:

Vintage Wine 2116-20

Wasabi AF-430

Amulet AF-365

Casco Bay 2051-30

Hush AF-95

Etruscan AF - 355

Spirited...

By spirited, this means anything that makes you feel happy, joyful, playful. In fashion and furnishings it's reflected in designs featuring geometrics, stripes and cubes, and dots and curlicues. Loud and bright colors are balanced with gray, black and white. Benjamin Moore colors comprising this palette are:

Royal Flush 2076-20

Grape Green 2027-40

Wrought Iron 2124-10

Paper Mache AF-25

Storm AF-700

Lucerne AF-350

Dreamy...

From a design perspective, dreamy means transparency, sheerness, blurriness and softness. The Benjamin Moore colors that reflect this style or mood are:

Gray Mirage 2142-50

Genesis White 2134-70

Porcelain 2113-60

Etiquette AF-50

Kendall Charcoal HC-166

Smoke 2122-40

Each year Benjamin Moore announces their predictions for the upcoming year in a booklet that's free and available through the company's extensive network of stores. The booklet contains decorating ideas, photo illustrations, plus the forecasted palette of 18 colors for 2011.

© Copyright 2010 Designed to Appeal, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Carpet Allowance - A Shoot Yourself in the Foot Home Selling Strategy!

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:07:57 -0500

I’ll be getting in trouble with some real estate agents over this one, but I have strong opinions on the “carpet allowance” question! What does “carpet allowance” say to me?

The seller doesn’t have the time or money to get new carpeting, so maybe I can negotiate the lower selling price.
There may be other items that need repair or replacing that haven’t been done.
If I’m not a handy or visual person, I’ll probably not be impressed by this home. You’ve lost the “fall in love factor” – which is key to getting an offer.

Giving an allowance doesn’t change the first impression, gives another items to negotiate, and buyers ALWAYS overestimate the cost of potential repairs. Here’s a perfect example!

Recently we were hired for a home staging consultation for a darling South Salem Oregon home. It had been on the market for some time, was getting showings but no offers. The owner wanted to know what else they could do to make it more desirable.

We rearranged some furniture, made some recommendations. The the biggest problem was the carpeting.

It had traffic wear and was a blue-gray that looked anything but contemporary.The owner said they were giving a carpet allowance of $3300.

Hmmm -

I knew that replacing the carpeting would cost far less than that -

plus give them a wow when potential buyers walk in the door!

We called Jerry Havlinek of JK Carpet Center and this beautiful new carpeting was installed for about HALF of the offered carpet allowance!

These photos don’t do justice for the change in the ambiance of the home — and that speaks volumes to buyers!

The bedroom before looked good compared to many listings online.

The carpeting would not appear neutral to someone that doesn’t love with the color blue however!

When choosing your carpeting, stick to a medium neutral beige in a warm tone for a broad buyer appeal.

(Or, just call Jerry of JK Carpets and ask him to bring samples that Creative Concepts would approve of! Our clients get discounts too!)

By changing the carpet this home seller now has that “WOW! This home is really nice!” feeling when everyone looks at it – online and in person. Not only was the carpet almost half the allowance, but the home now shows it is contemporary and move in ready!

When selling YOUR home – make sure it says WOW – not fix me! You are selling so much more than just a structure – you’re selling a lifestyle and dream! My dream home doesn’t include worn out carpet – does yours?

Can’t wait to hear that this house has sold soon – because we know it will!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Selling Your Oregon Home During the Winter Months

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:38:09 -0400

We've heard from a few home sellers that they plan to take their homes off the market until spring.

Do experts think prices will be higher in the spring? No.

Will interest rates be lower in the spring? Very unlikely!

Will there be more competition in the spring? Yes.

Wondering how to improve your odds for a successful home sale in Oregon?

Keep the thermostat set at least 62 degrees, make sure each room is well lit for evening showings and make sure the curb appeal and staging remain in tip top condition!

This blog by Catherine Condon says it so well:

Via Catherine Condon (Integrity Residential Brokerage):

Selling Your Home During the Winter Months

Here in New England we are blessed with 4 seasons and we're coming up on winter. Whether you're a REALTOR or the average person, I'm sure you've heard this statement "I'm going to take my house off the market because no one is looking to buy during the winter." Or, how about this? "I'm going to wait until spring to put my house on the market when there are more buyers looking and prices are higher." While on the face of things, these statements may seem logical, let me point out a few reasons why it may not make sense to wait.

Let's take a look at the first statement:

No one is looking at houses during the winter - Interestingly, we aggressively market and sell property year round but Integrity Residential Brokerage closed more homes from October - February than during the spring. I find that serious, well qualified buyers look at housing year round.

Less inventory = Less competition: That means that those "serious, well qualified buyers" that are looking at homes will have less to choose from. Your home will have less competition which may, in fact, result in a better sale price.

Young home vs. new construction: Perhaps you own a young home and you've been competing against aggressively priced new construction. During the winter months, unless the foundation has already been poured, construction of a new home is quite difficult. Your young home now looks mighty attractive for someone who needs to move now!

Relocation Buyers: Statistically, more relocations happen in January than any other month. This is an excellent source of potential buyers that you may be missing, if you're waiting until spring.

Less showings: You may get less showings but the folks viewing your home are likely serious, well qualified buyers, who want to move now.

Now, let's take a look at the second statement:

I'm going to wait until spring when there are more buyers and prices are higher - Waiting until spring to market your home may result in more showings but how many of those are motivated to buy at that time? Typically, in the spring, we'll see buyers who are thinking of moving, have a house to sell, haven't been pre-approved, or want to consider owning vs. renting.

Are prices going to be higher in the spring? Only time will tell but I wouldn't count on it. During the past couple of years, values have been declining markedly. While "waiting for the spring" might have been a good plan 5 years ago, it no longer has merit. Every passing month could result in a lower sale price.

In summary, there are plenty of serious, well qualified buyers searching for homes during the winter months. Interest rates are at a historical low. Your competition is sitting it out waiting for warmer days. Now may be the just the right time to sell your house!

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you! We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

If you'd like to search for property currently on the market, click on the link below. You'll have access to every property currently listed in Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Market conditions vary month-to-month and differ depending on location, style, amenities and price range. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

Catherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Is "a little" Home Staging Beneficial?

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:39:25 -0400

Dear Creative Concepts,

I have a beautiful home that will be listed for sale this week. We would like to hire you to warm it up with some home staging -- add some towels, art and a few dishes in the glass kitchen cabinets. Please let me know if you do this type of staging?

Corvallis Oregon Home Seller

Dear Corvallis Oregon Home Seller,

You are absolutely correct that adding staging helps give vacant listings a warmer and inviting feel. Our staging business has never provided such minimal staging as you describe for several reasons.

When we help home sellers prepare homes for sale, we know it is like preparing for a job interview. First impressions will be made from your home's resume - the photos and write up on the multiple listing service.

Over 90% of potential home buyers shop first on the internet and make a decision on whether this home is of interest to them, or not. Having the best possible photos is how each home presents it's resume. Even the best professional photographs of vacant rooms cannot communicate a home's ambiance or room sizes well.

Place a vacant home compared to one of our staged listings, and the staged property gets:

more clicks on the internet,
more showings,
sells quicker and
sells for more money.

A properly staged homes photographs well and has a warm, inviting ambiance in person. Room sizes and uses are well defined and features are highlighted.

Home buyers shop with logic -- they are looking for a home of a certain size, number of bedrooms or location. Rarely do they purchase a home they don't "fall in love" with. Professional Home Staging caters to these emotions and helps buyers "see" a home's possibilities and visualize the lifestyle they would have living there.

Adding a few accessories to a vacant home is a good start, but far from what we call Professional Home Staging. We feel it is our responsibility to inform you that from our experience, we know "a little staging" will not have much impression on home buyers.

Your entrance into the real estate market creates more interest than any other time, unless you make a significant price reduction. This price reduction would be far more than the cost of any staging project we would propose.

We provide two levels of staging, which we define as Platinum Staging, and Investor Staging. Platinum Staging showcases rooms with the perfect furniture and decor for the maximum impact in person and online. Investor Staging has less furniture and decor, but main rooms are well defined and a welcoming ambiance is created.

We have two warehouses of decor and furniture, which has helped us keep our rates competitive and more affordable than most home sellers expect. We'd like the opportunity to view the home and discuss different strategies to help you market this home effectively!

Sincerely,

Margaret Oscilia

Real Estate Stager and Redesign Specialist

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

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From Messes to Eye Candy!

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:36:04 -0400

Last week a local blog (Desperately Seeking Salem) advised:

“you will want to read this local business’s excellent blog about what it does to make messes into eye candy.”

Eye candy . . . mmmmmm. I like it!

While it’s not a description I’ve ever used when describing interior design or home staging ideas, I think it’s a perfect description of our business!

If you’re wanting to:

create a home that makes you smile when you enter the door

a house that is appealing to buyers,

changing those messes into eye candy can be easy and affordable! It’s just knowing how and what to improve – and that’s our speciality! This recently staged home is a perfect example.

The above faux paint job screamed 1990 when you walked into this beautiful master suite. Painted over by the owners for less than $20, a few colorful towels and decor — now it looks like an asset, not a “to do” project.

In the great room, the wall color was beautiful, the flooring neutral, but these two colors did not go well together. This is especially a problem when the room is vacant because it gives buyers the feeling of “why doesn’t this home say welcome”?

Ever enter a room and it just doesn’t “feel” right?

By adding some contemporary decor and furniture, the focus was now on how the space could be used! The room now was warm and inviting from the first impression.

This home was on the market for about a year and a half before we were called for a staging consultation.

Located in Albany, Oregon where the average days on market are 142 and 11 months of inventory are currently listed, the odds were against this home in getting a quick sale – even if the owners implemented each of our recommendations.

We met and armed them with a detailed “to do” list, which they implemented within a week. We the returned, providing a basic home staging package of furniture and decor.

An offer was received in two days.

It’s always hard to resist candy — even if it is just eye candy!

What can you do to make your space irresistible?

Related Posts:

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Stripping -- Home Stager Style

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:51:37 -0400

Professional Home Stagers get a work out nearly every day stripping.

This work is not for those looking for an easy job. It can mean long hours and lots of hard, demanding work.

Come with me and see what we do!

We strip away dirt - and make sure home sellers have their homes sparkling.

From the front gutter's mildew to the caulking around the tub -- if your home is for sale this is the cheapest thing you can do to create a great impression on home buyers!

Need something cleaned? We know experienced professionals and products that perform! (Did you know you could get your windows washed for $4 a pane - inside/outside AND the track?)

Professional Home Stagers strip away the years. If your home has dated decor, wall colors or furniture a staging consultation can help you create a contemporary image!

We personalize our homes to create the perfect atmosphere and ambiance - but sometimes it's hard to know what's missing.

Or why the look doesn't "work.

Interior design tips and affordable ideas are plentiful during staging consultations.

Whether you're creating a look that gives you joy each time you walk into the room,or want to neutralize and prepare to sell --

-- staging experts help strip away the blandness or dated feeling and make sure the home has a fresh and inviting look!

Professional Home Stagers strip away the distractions!

Have too much clutter?

Don't know how to get organized - where to start?

Want potential home buyers to "see" your home,

. . . and not your stuff?

Staging addresses these areas as well.

Clutter eats up valuable time AND discourages potential home buyers.

Stagers always have great tips on storage, home organization and uncluttering too!

(We also can recommend professional organizers who can transform your home or office spaces, making them more efficient!)

Professional Home Stagers strip away the frustration of "preparing to sell".

We're all experts at something.

How do you make sure your home has "THE LOOK" that sells?

Hire experts who do it every day.

When professional stagers are hired for a "selling" consultation, they analyze each room thoroughly --

-- making sure it will appeal to the maximum number of potential real estate buyers.

Years of experience can make this daunting task easier, more efficient and less costly.

There's lots more that home stager's strip away --

One you probably already guessed is the wallpaper that was oh so cute 10 years ago!

But that's another blog altogether!

Here's other blogs you may find of interest:

Want To Get Your Home Sold?

My Home is Beautiful - Do I Really Need to Hire A Stager?

Can I Afford to Hire a Home Stager?

About the Author: Margaret Oscilia, RESA-PRO home stager of Creative Concepts and Contracting specializes in creating “Va-voom” for rooms! Her team provides home staging and interior re-design services throughout Salem Oregon and surrounding cities with two warehouses of decor and furniture available for home staging rental.

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Want a Great First Impression? Give Your Sofa some VaVoom!

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 10:56:02 -0400

At our warehouse, we have a wall of pillows — sorted usually by color and crammed into our racking by our skilled associate, Judy Klassen. Judy is organizer extraordinnaire and I would post a photo, but I made a mess of them yesterday pulling inventory for a job and she would not be happy to have you see it!

But back to my point! I LOVE pillows and the magic they bring to your couch! Since we have a WALL of them in every color imaginable, I should limit myself from buying any more – but I just couldn’t resist these cuties I bought this week!

Isn’t it SO CUTE! Got it for only $15 too!

Now why, is this woman getting so excited over a pillow?

A few great pillows can make magic happen on your sofa! A few super pillows and presto — great sofas look even better, and if your sofa isn’t new–they can look great! Pillows add warmth, texture and atmosphere to a room – and so inexpensively! We love great looks on the cheap – don’t you?

These pillows were $50 on Neublack.com – love them too –

but not the price tag!

When shopping for pillows, you need at least 3 for the couch and some coordinating ones for your chairs. Less than 3 looks s-k-i-m-p-y – trust me.

Pillows with a bold pattern, geometric or a kick of color can make the most neutral and dull sofa come to life!

I work with clients every day who are preparing their homes for sale — often who have VERY sorry sofas! Here’s my secret for a stylish look.

Add color (or hide problems) with a neatly folded, nicely contrasting throw. The “flung over the back or arm” look is out – neatly folded only please! (I love the nubby ones with lots of texture and don’t do this is the heat of summer.)
Have up to five darling pillows on the sofa — I know some interior designers like them squared off like little soldiers . . . I like them angled into the corners. To me looks a little more comfy. I usually use three or four.

Sounds too easy? Wonder which pillows to combine or how to buy the perfect ones? That’s why you need to call me!

Creating spaces everyone loves to come home to!

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!

Make it Easy to Paint Over Bold Colors

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:32:48 -0400

Dear Creative Concepts:

Is it worth the money to buy "high hiding" primer or just do an extra coat or paint when painting over bold colors?

Sincerely,

Dreading to Paint

Dear Dreading:

I totally understand how you feel! I've hesitated in the past to purchase a "special" primer -- but know that using paint primers can:

reduce surface preparation
improve coverage
block stains
prevent peeling
and make topcoating faster!

Surfaces that are properly primed will attain the truest paint color in fewer coats.

Hmmm -- but is it REALLY worth the $$? (I hate wasting time, but really hate wasting our clients money too!) I just finished a project and have to say emphatically YES!

Here's a pic of this wall before

-- a dark eggplant color.

Dreaded painting over this one!

(Yes - this is the same fireplace, we did have the bricks refaced which is another story!)

I ordered high hiding primer in 70% of my new wall color (Sherwin Williams Basket Beige).

When we painted I could not believe that it covered almost entirely with just the primer coat!

Must confess that I've been a hard head and painted three coats over a beautiful red room before and could still see the red tone through the paint - aarrrggg!

So yes - I'm sold on using the right primer and making the job quick and easy.

Another tip - go to a paint store - not the big box store. I LOVE the fact that the experts at our local paint stores do this ALL DAY every day. They know their stuff and are more than willing to share their knowledge!

As home stagers, we provide paint color consultations throughout the Salem, Albany and Corvallis areas. When going to the effort to paint, make sure it creates a warm, inviting and beautiful environment. Paint has incredible power – and can create an atmosphere you love!

Other related blogs:

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Repairs - Beautiful Results!