The Details of Staging (Kim's Blog)

In the Race to Sell, Sometimes a Stager Has to Shift Gears

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:23:19 -0500

Yesterday morning, I was scheduled to perform consulting duties for one of my favorite RE agents. The particular client I was scheduled to meet with is notably motivated to sell their home as their new custom home is near completion (it will be move in ready in approximately 2 weeks). Because of these circumstances, the agent went against the usual stage-list-show schedule by placing the listing on the MLS without photos before I had been there to steer the seller in the right direction as to how to prepare their house for the market.

Generally, I try to arrive 5-10 minutes after our scheduled consulting time(she is always in attendance and is a tremendous support for my suggestions) so that she can be the first to arrive and run through the procedure of stage-list-show with the client. By the time I get there, they are prepped for my speeches and fully aware of how the race will be run. It works out great that way. But, yesterday was different, because she got stuck in some sand at another listing (a whole other story) and was sidelined in the pits.

Undaunted by her absence, I started prepping the client on how I would conduct the consultation and what they should expect to gain from our time together. I had completed that task and was well into the initial walk through with the client when the agent arrived. I had expected that she would just join us on the tour and things would continue as usual, but that was not the case. The first thing she did when joining us was inform us that she had just scheduled the first showing....in 24 hours.

Now, let me tell you that even though the seller had been well aware of the pending sale of her home, she works full time and has two (beautiful and polite, btw) children to care for. Her husband is also employed full time and though they had started packing and ridding themselves of excess furniture, they were far behind the rest of the pack when it came to race readiness. It became quite clear that the race was on and they were not in need of a consultation, but needed an experienced pit crew to get them ready to run.

We immediately shifted gears, rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Thankfully, many of the rooms just needed a bit of tweaking and as we went through each room making our changes, we also made a mental list of minor repairs and organizational suggestions for them to tackle on their own. In less than three hours time, we had prepped and reviewed 6,000 square feet of space and jotted down a 2 page checklist for the sellers. As we finished each room, it was photographed so that the photos could go online ASAP.

Our work time went very quickly as myself, the agent, the seller, and her two children worked together to get everything done. Many of the things left undone were things only the seller could do and we prioritized them to relieve some of her stress. Though she may not have been 100% prepared that first showing, we left her infinitely closer than when I had arrived and well prepared to complete the race.

I know without a doubt, that we did the absolute best job we could for our sellers and I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish given the circumstances. Unfortunately, it meant not wasting time on before pictures, just producing some quality 'afters'. But, in the end, they are definitely contenders to finish first!

Moving Forward - The SIF Week in Review Aug 17- 23, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:45:29 -0500

No matter what hot topics may temporarily sidetrack us, a continuing theme in the SIF community is moving our industry forward. This past week, there were quite a few posts designed to do just that.

In an effort to continue what Craig and Yvonne started, SIF has joined forces with RESA to put on another set of Round Table discussions designed to help us work together by communicating with one another to work out the bugs within our industry. (I stole Karen's graphic, isn't it nice?)

In reference to these discussions, Maureen Bray asked us to give our inputon what topics would be most benificial to ourselves and the industry as a whole. Karen Dembsky put out a call to action and Juliet Johnson reminded us why all of this, among other things, is so important to our industry. What are those other things, you might ask? Check out Terrylynn Fischer's exciting announcement for our staging friends in the Northwest.

But, moving forward is not all about roundtables and staging expos. It is really about the information we post regularly that educate the general public and specifically potential newbie stagers about the reality of professional staging.

Abby Reilly did an excellent job on explaining why a potential stager should talk to a seasoned pro before jumping on the staging wagon. Cindy Lin, in her infinite wisdom, reminded us that just because you can, doesn't mean you should (a good reminder for even the most seasoned of us) and Kathy Nielson pointed out that your staging reputationis within your control, so you need to decide what kind of stager you want to be.

The way I see it, individual growth is really much more important than our growth as an industry, because the former has an definite benefit toward the latter. If we as individuals are willing to expand our horizons, it only works to expand the horizons of the industry as a whole. Janice Sutton learned a valuable lessonin that regard this week and I am personally glad she shared it with all of us. I also hope she survives her week of latrine duty. In addition to that, Carole Provenzale shared how her wide range of blog content opened a door for someone else to share their services with her. How cool is that? Finally, the lovely Joelle Green shared the benefits of opening yourself up to the possibilities of working with another stager. Together, they achieved stunning results. On that same note, I'd like to congratulate Karen Reynolds on her new business venture. Welcome back, Karen!

Kudos all of you for moving forward and moving the industry with you!

A Guide to Stage it Forward - Why We Delete Posts

Kimberly Wester — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:36:25 -0500

It has been the topic of discussion many times - why did my blog get deleted? Why do we have to be monitored? Isn't this censorship? I don't think it's fair...and so on and so forth.

To set the record straight once and for all, I thought I would write and post a 'guide' of sorts to help everyone understand why we do the things we do and to avoid the inevitable backlash of blog deletion. Because I will delete a post if I have to, no matter how much people throw a fit about it.

So, here it is in black and white.

Why would your post be deleted?

The Point of Stage it Forward is posted at the side of the page for all of to read and understand the purpose of this group. It states:

HOME STAGERS, this is an informational and networking community that believes the Home Staging Industry will grow and mature by reaching out to and sharing with other Stagers. This one FREE site allows Home Stagers to connect and share with their colleagues and clients. Our diverse background is our strength. By respectfully sharing and helping each other, we can all grow and develop so that ultimately the consumer is educated on the benefits of Home Staging and enjoy the benefits of quality service.

So, if it is not clear enough, let me explain. The purpose of this group is to move the industry forward through communication with each other, the RE industry and the general public about the concept and benefits of STAGING. It is also our purpose to elevate the professional image of our industry by working together to that end and doing so RESPECTFULLY. Therefore, posts should be limited to the subject matter of staging and concepts we can all apply to our staging businesses for healthy growth.

So, if your post does not fall into that category by any stretch of the imagination, it will be deleted. Period.

Why do we have to be monitored?

Last time I checked, SIF had in excess of 2400 members. Not all are active members as many have joined so that they can use our group as a resource to learn more about what we do. That is the point of the group, so that is why they click over to read what we have written about staging. They do not come to read about family events, dance lessons or general pointlessness. There are other groups for that and that is why they join those groups as well. AR has set up the group features to seperate posts into categories, like online file folders. Would you look in the photography group for a post about home inspections? No. Unrelated posts clutter up the group and make it hard for outside readers to wade through the junk to get to the gems underneath. Isn't that the heart of what staging is all about? Our group should be staged for effect, no?

Is it Censorship?

No. If it were, we would rewrite your posts to make them completely acceptable to everyone and that is not the case. There are many posts that I personally have found offensive that have been left up because they do apply to the staging industry, no matter how insensitively the writer crafted their thoughts. WE do not have the capability of picking and choosing what parts of your blog will stay in the group, just whether the whole thing will and there is only on criteria for that - Does it apply to the staging industry or our individual staging businesses or blogs?

I don't think it's fair.

Simply put, that's too bad. We are all adults who are capable of following a few simple rules and if you do not agree with the rules as they are written or enforced, well, I can't do anything about that. There are so many groups where your unrelated - to- staging post would apply that you really are missing out by not seeking those groups out. I have found some excellent recipes in the recipes group and have learned loads of personal things about other stagers in the Stagers Coffee Clutch that makes me feel close to them, even if we have never met. I would never have done those things if I had not ventured away from SIF. Broaden you horizons.

There are a few other reasons to be deleted that you should be aware of:

1. Multiple posts. Sometimes you may accidentally post a blog multiple times. We will delete the excess, if you don't do it yourself.
2. Clear violation of AR Community guidelines.
3. Inappropriate photos within the post. We are about professionalism, people, semi naked people don't really project that image. (It has happened)
4. Inappropriate content, even if it is somehow made to look staging related. Again, professionalism.

Now, on to the last item relating to deletion:

The moderators are human. Sometimes we miss things. When the AR guys feature a post on the main page, it changes its position within the group listing and can sometimes lead to our having missed a post or two. If you point out that one post was deleted while others weren't, it may just lead to the deletion of all of the other posts you have mentioned. Or, maybe the other posts could have some small nugget within the content that can be applied to the criteria mentioned above while the deleted post didn't. It's a judgment call. Please trust our judgment.

So, if you want to continue to post whatever you like with total disregard to the focus of the group, we can't stop you. But, we can delete you. The good news is that we cannot delete it from your personal blog or any other group you may have posted it in. That is up to the moderators of that group, so you may want to check their guidelines as well.

In Case You Missed It - The SIF Week in Review Aug 9, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:19:56 -0500

In case you missed it, and the date on this post is confusing you, this is a 2 week review. A lot of things have happened here at SIF in the last two weeks.

We had a Big Debate. Some called it heated, and it may have been, but I don't read comments much with so many blogs to read. It seemed a valid discussion and one we all be having in earnest sooner or later if we are to advance our industry. Anyway, to the best of my ability, this is the thread:

Ever Get Paid at Close of Escrow? (Members Only) by Erin McGinnis

Why is 1% of the home's list price unrealistic for staging services? by Melissa Marro

The C-Word- Yep..we're going there...CONTINGENCY! (Members Only) by Michelle Molinari

RE: 'Contingency' vs. 'Deferred Payment Plan' (Members Only) b Tom Scanlon

Continuing the Thread... Contingency, Deferred or Real Estate Developer? by Melissa Marro

Popeye's Payment Plan (written on 'contingency')... (Members Only) by Tom Scanlon

If I missed a piece of this discussion, please feel free to post a link to it in the comment section and I will add it to the list.

Three of our very own Stagers threw their names into the ring to become HGTV's next Design Star:

First it was Connie Tebyani with ...... Call me CRAZY - But VOTE for me!

Then Fernando Rosado with ...... ANOTHER DESIGN STAR HOPEFUL....PLEASE VOTE FOR MOI !

Rounding our hopefuls is Kate Hart with ..... Why the heck not! I just added my portfolio to hgtv's Design Star audition!

Anyone else up for the challenge? Let us know!

We got some excellent advice on promoting our businesses in a professional manner:

Let's discuss our portfolio for a moment... How do you present your work? by Melissa Marro

PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION (ASPs, throw away those loose leaf binders.......) (Members Only) by Tom Scanlon

Does THIS go in your protfolio??? (sorry, bit of a rant) by Michele Kaspari

"As the World Stages" Home Staging Pre - Consultation Client Information Sheet (to share & my soapbox commentary) (Members Only) by Karen Otto

Property Feature Sheets by Heather Chotard

We learned Stagers are normal People (kind of).... ;)

Personally, I want to start an evolution! Let's all tell the truth! by Tina Parker

I'm Elaine and I'm a Shopaholic. by Elaine Maines (she has a hard time keeping a secret, BTW.)

Stagers, Minneapolis, and friends from A/R - who knew? by Kym Hough

AN OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION TO ALL OF MY AR CONNECTIONS (friends)... (Members Only) by Lori Howard

But, we do like to smack Realtors on the head with the ovbvious, because.....well... they need it..

Real Estate and the technological world... by Linda Barnett

Home Staging Cincinnati: Furniture Makes All The Difference! by Jo Potvin

You've got to be kidding...SNOW? (Members Only) by Kimberly Hawley

More MLS Madness! Do They LOOK At The Photos With BUYERS EYES? I Get So Twisted! by Teresa Mills Schremm

Much more happened, but in case you missed it, these are some of the things that stuck in my mind over the past 2 weeks. And that is a pretty good testimony to the posts featured here as there were over 5 PAGES of blogs to review for this installation.

So, if you are curious what did not make the review, hit the post date command right under the featured posts, scroll back 5 pages and get comfortable!

Bear With me....I'm Trying!!!

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:18:28 -0500

My apologies again for not having the week in review up. If you have been on AR today, you know there are many glitches with the new features they have added.

I am crossing both fingers that you see this post, because I have not been able save a draft in any of the 5 times I have attempted to do so. All of my attempts to start a post have been lost the minute I hit the post button. I was trying to periodically save a draft as every two or three clicks through AR to link to other posts gets me logged out.

I know the AR guys are on it, becase Jon Washburn assures me they are. Kind of...

Anyway, I will restart the process in a word file and try to get it posted before you all decide to fire me...

Where's the SIF Week in Review?

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:15:20 -0500

Well, sorry to say that there isn't one at the moment.

You may have noticed that I have not posted the last two. Thanks to Kathleen Garvey and Karen Dembsky for covering those while I attended the All American Soapbox Derby Championships with my family (my youngest competed in the stock division).

And thanks, also to our phantom moderator who covered that for me while I was away. ;)

Anyway, it has been a crazy week after 8 days in Ohio - the laundry, the cleaning, 2 family birthdays, etc., etc., and furthermore, etc.... Today, I de-staged one property and delivered furniture to another (yes, I remember saying I was not going to do that anymore...I need to pay off some inventory...).

I am tired. It is after 10:00 at night and I have only been home for 20 minutes. I choose to sleep rather than review. I may do a double review next week as there is a THREAD that seems to be carrying on into this week that I find very interesting.

In any case, anyone willing to pitch in to review once in a while? I'd be willing to maintain a schedule so to maintain my sanity.

ZZZZZZZZ..........

We're Just a Bunch of 'Head- Bangers'...The SIF Week in Review July 6-12, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:18:42 -0500

Sometimes we all feel like in promoting and actually doing our staging work, we are banging our heads against the wall. We ask ourselves why we understand the what and why of staging when so many others take so much longer to get it. Or don't at all.

This was a week where there seemed to be a lot of 'Head-banging' going on. Such As:

I KNOW It's a DINING Room, But... by Julia Maher

Come On In, The Water's Fine!??? by Julia Maher

Vacant and Empty...that's a good thing??? by Ginger Foust

Why trade my dirty carpet for your dirty carpet? A little bit of history. by Terrylynn Fisher

My Name is Mud by Ana Hitzel

Why would a Developer choose to forego.....(a bit of a rant) by Connie Tebyani

But, take heart, stagers! There is proof that people are getting it! They are looking to us for our expertise - or at least admitting we have some! The proof is here in SIF that they are starting to bang their heads right along with us:

Home Staged by Non-Professional, yep it was me by Kevin Corsa

Stagers - I need your professional advice! by Michelle Hall

Help with the house next door. ....My reputation as an Estate Specialist is getting around by Virginia Tatseos

Emergency Staging: No consultation, no accessories, no notice! (Members Only) by Lisa Roy

So, I encourage you to continue banging your heads, but with a new perspective...Rock on and the world will eventually join the party!

'Night at the Roxbury' photo courtesy of msn images.

A National Sport That Depends on Local Involvement: Why Realtors (and their companies) Should Get Involved.

Kimberly Wester — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:07:05 -0500

My daughter races a soapbox derby car. Recently she won her local event and was awarded the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the All American Soapbox Derby Championship in Akron, Ohio.

Now, I confess that as supportive as I was of this pastime, I am not much involved in it. My husband used to be a race car driver and is very enthusiastic about it, so I let him take care of the whole of it. I like to say 'it is their Daddy/Daughter thing' and let them at it.

However, with her recent accomplishment, my involvement is now called upon as this championship requires a week long stay in Akron by the whole family during which we will attend many planned events. I certainly do not want to attend these events having no knowledge of the sport, so I was prompted to do a little research and find out what it really is all about.

That leads me to the point of this blog:

In doing my research, I stumbled upon some recent newspaper articles on Ohio.com that came as quite a surprise to me.

Derby Faces Uphill Battle

Derby Deserving of Sponsors

It seems that this much loved family pastime is struggling to keep its head above water because of lack of corporate sponsorship. In that past, companies such as Levi Strauss, Chevrolet, Home Depot and NASCAR have given what seems like (to me) nominal sponsorship fees considering the size of these corporations but have recently backed out for some reason or another, leaving the AASBD Association high and dry.

Admittedly, some of these sponsorship issues seem to stem from a past leadership problem within the AASBD itself, but new leadership is now in place and looking to rebuild. So how, you may ask, does this apply to Real Estate Companies and Realtors at large?

1. How many times have we heard - especially from national real estate companies - that all real estate is local? So it is with soapbox derby. The championship is a once a year - and as I've stated, often once in a lifetime - event, but the local associations are where the real activity happens, just like your local real estate office. Many local groups not only run their local championships, but what they call rallies as well. These rallies are run for racers to earn points and experience behind the wheel. Plus they have a whole lot of fun.

2. If a national company were to take advantage of the corporate sponsorship level, that would give their local offices the opportunity to market themselves in this venue as well (not that you couldn't do that anyway). Sponsorship at the local level happens in many ways. Some companies offer prizes, other give as little as $200 for a 'corporate' sponsorship for operating costs, others (such as myself) sponsor an individual racer to help them defray necessary racing expenses - just like NASCAR. That sponsorship need is based on the individual racer and can be as much as you are willing to give.

3. Most racers spend a minimum of $500 to build a car and any sponsorship is appreciated - and can get your logo on the side of their car. Believe me, these racers pay attention to who the sponsors are and patronize them out of pure appreciation. They are a die hard crowd and want to see the sport and those who support it thrive.

I'm sure I could come up with 100 more reasons why this is a worthy sport in which to invest your marketing dollars, but what it comes down to - for me - is that this is an organization that encourages family togetherness and community involvement like no other.

To encourage the family dynamic, the rules state that the child driver must be involved in the building of the vehicle, making it a joint effort between parent and child. The rules are designed to give everyone a fair chance at being a winner, but in the end, everyone is treated like one no matter where they placed.

In the realm of community, the individuals involved in this sport are there for the love of their kids, but are also very supportive of their competitors as well, much like we find here in the AR community. I can tell you that at our local association, there are few exceptions to that rule. Of course, there are a few who are there to win at any cost and are always looking to bend the rules to get ahead, but once their intentions are figured out, they are not much welcome among those who are there for the right reasons.

As my daughter climbed into her car for the champion- deciding run, she was cheered on by almost every parent and child she had previously beaten and was heartily congratulated on her win by those who quite reasonably could have been bitter at their own loss, but that is not the soapbox way. And who does not want to be part of that?

So, big real estate, I encourage you to put your national money where your local mouth is and give this sport a chance to make a financial comeback. Your community will love you for it.

Our local winners.

Your Business? ...Or Your Life?

Kimberly Wester — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:41:31 -0500

Sometimes, you have to chose between your business and your life. I'm not talking about whether you chose to breathe or stage, I'm talking about making a choice to continue your business as is or change to better suit the needs of your personal life.

Over the past few months, I have known this choice was coming. Let me backtrack a little....

When I started my staging business 3 years ago, I had been a focused and dedicated stay at home mom for 10 years. Faced with empty and unfocused days as my youngest was starting full day kindergarten, I decided to follow a new path - start a business doing something I love. It seemed simple enough to work during the day and be home when the kids were home ... and it was, since no one had heard of staging at that point and I was spending the majority of my time teaching people what I do...not actually doing it. :(

As the business grew and I spent less and less time at home, I thought it would be okay, since the girls were getting older and much more independent. I was kidding myself. This past year has been the most difficult for my family, especially my oldest daughter. As we struggled through the last part of the school year, I denied that my job had anything to do with her issues, that it was just a bumpy year. This past week, I had an eye opening conversation with her that revealed just how unavailable I had become to this child who was on the verge of becoming a teenager.

While my business was flourishing, I was failing my child. And I find it completely unacceptable.

So, here are my choices? Keep growing my business, try to right everything in the mean time and hope we look back on this some day as a learning experience..... or make some changes to the business and make myself more available to the people who undoubtedly need me the most?

Well, this may be a hard decision for some people, but it is actually a no-brainer for me. I'm not a big believer in the 'having it all' lifestyle. I've seen too many moms who've kidded themselves for years that they are sacrificing nothing when in reality they are just not seeing what has been lost. So, I am adjusting the business. Drastically.

In reevaluating the past few years, I have determined that the portion of my business that takes me away from home the most and is the biggest drain on our lives is staging vacant homes. Not to mention that the inventory is taking over our house - and putting a huge strain on how we live in it. So, effective immediately, I will be phasing out his service from my business.

I will continue to consult for those I have partner agreements with, but will no longer be marketing myself to new agents or offices. Will my business survive? Well, I don't really know, but that is really not my main concern. My main concern is geting my relationship with my precious girls back on track so that they will have the stability they have been missing and need so badly. For now the business will just have to wait.

So...Your business or your Life? I choose life....

NW Indiana Summer Fun: Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

Kimberly Wester — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:54:19 -0500

Conveniently located just off of State Road 49 in Chesterton, Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is both an amazingly peaceful spot for a picnic or a nature walk and a nature photographers paradise.

Carefully planted with native foliage and wildflowers, it is also sprinkled with genius landscaping, rockscaping and engineered structures that include bridges, waterfalls, ponds and walking paths.

The main structural showpiece is an outdoor ampitheater that offers incorporated leveled seating and sits above the largest and most breathtaking waterfall in the preserve.

My girls and I were recently invited to picnic here with my family. At first, I was hesitant to go, as my girls aren't really the picnicing type - especially in such a peaceful spot. To my amazement, the girls embraced to the peacefulness of the spot and enthusiastically took it all in. They were even very patient with me as I indulged my obsession with the macro setting on my camera.

I truly believe that words cannot describe such a beautiful place. I will simply show you in the photos I was able to shoot that day.

As the foliage is destined to change with the season, I'm looking forward to going back and seeing the changes as they take place...and getting more photos.

2353 Horizon View Ct. Valparaiso, In

Kimberly Wester — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:41:11 -0500

Located in picturesque Harrison West, this home offers more than just your average construction. Expansive wood floors accent beatiful tile work, cabinetry and craftsmanship. Architectural detail abounds in this well planned, family friendly abode.

Amenities include:

Large master suitePrivate office
Private office
Sunny breakfast nook
Main level laundry
Stately fireplace
Large Deck perfect for summer entertaining
Upper level guest rooms with Jack and Jill bath
Rambling finished basement with ample storage space
4 bedrooms
3.5 baths
3 Car garage
2308 sq. ft not including basement
$399,900

Come see your future home! Contact Amy Redman of Seramur Properties, LLC at 219-617-6700.

Valparaiso, Meet Your Local Soapbox Derby Champs!

Kimberly Wester — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:32:23 -0500

From left to right: Abby Wester, age 8; Devin Corneil, age 14; Katie Sokora, age 13

Fun was the word of the day as Valparaiso held its annual soapbox derby local championship Saturday June 28th. As is the tradition, the racers zoomed down the hill right on Lincolnway, the main thoroughfare in town. With the cooperation of many corporate sponsors, our local A.B.A.T.E. club who served as volunteers, the Valparaiso administration and the weather, race day went of without a hitch.

Our local Champs are:

Stock Division: Abby Wester, age 8, John Simatovich Elementary

SuperStock Division: Kate Sikora, age 13, Chesterton Middle School

Masters Division: Devin Corneil, age 14, Benjamin Franklin Middle School

These excited young racers will now show their stuff at the National Championshipevent in Akron, Ohio to be run at Derby Downs Saturday, July 26th.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most racers as many young hopefuls race for years and never make it to the national event. Congratulations and Good Luck to all of them!

If you are interested in participating in the soapbox derby locally or sponsoring the event, contact local director Paul Zulich at 219-462-5244. For more information about the All American Soapbox Derby Association visit their website at www.aasbd.com.

It's a Walk in the Park...SIF Week in Review June 21-28, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:55:41 -0500

Ah, a day in the park. I had one of those this week. It was a nice day, actually...I'm planning on writing a localism post about it....But I digress.

The funny thing about a day in the park is that you look forward to the fun you will have, prepare for every anticipated activity and pack a spectacular lunch, but there are always those minor details that you forget you have to deal with - or didn't anticipate at all. Much like our careers in Home Staging..

The fun we expect to have:

No Headboard... What to do?... What to do? by Michelle Finnamore

...and the LREA said, "This can't possibly be the same house!" by Connie Tebyani

RUG IMPACT by Melody Salazar

Staging Photo Contest by Shell Brodnax

Bachelor pad goes downtown chic by Lisa Roy

Being (or Getting) Prepared:

Be Prepared Is Not Just a Motto for the Boy Scouts! Establishing A Relationship With A Furniture Rental Company by Gina McNew

Constant Contact - Newsletter Tutorial by Melissa Marro

What's in your WALLET? (Er, Staging Proposal) (Members Only) by Mark and Leslie Hoyt

Does Your Insurance REALLY Cover Your Inventory? You Better Check! (Members Only) by Charlene Storozuk

Getting Creative in a Challenging Economy by Nika Stewart

Picture What You Preach by Craig Schiller

Unpredictable Weather:

Does your datebook have 'snow blindness'? Fill it up... here's how! by Melissa Marro

Does your business come in WAVES? (Members Only) by Elaine Maines

What's Working & What Isn't? (Members Only) by Dane Caldwell

Don't forget you have to pickup what the dog left....

Staging Consultation Cancelled Due to Freebie Offered by Other Stager! (Members Only) by Nicole Hurst

Why Can't I Make Them Understand? by Stacey Holt

Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? (Members Only) by Heather Durren

Burned by a referral this week... grrrr.... (Members Only) by Michael Fontana

NO ONE TOLD ME THIS BUSINESS WOULD BE SO HARD ON MY VAN! (Members Only) by Donna Schoby

The Benefits of the Outing:

Its hard work...why we do what we do by Annie & Bob Pacieznik

Fabulous Follow up on Trial and Error by Kym Hough

I hope you have all enjoyed our collective walk in the park...please come again!

Today.... I Became .... an 'Angler'

Kimberly Wester — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:18:46 -0500

I have seen it done many times. I have very rarely thought it made sense. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it does, but I have seen it done so many times and so seldom needed to do it that I figured it was something I would never be.

You know, an 'Angler'. Stagers who put furniture and beds and area rugs on an angle. Seriously, in the 3 years I have been staging, I have only put a bed on an angle twice. Truth be told, the first time I was helping another stager with a job and she insisted on it. I didn't want to do it, but it was her job so I gritted my teeth and angled the bed. The second time it was because the room was weird and it was the only way the bed would fit. I hated it. It screamed 'staging class' to me. (Seriously, I have taken two staging classes - both times almost every room in the house was angled - I wanted to be the rebel that DIDN'T angle) I swore I would never do it again.

There was that time I did it in a living room, but that was because I was competing with a baby grand piano and otherwise you would not have been able to walk through the room. Okay, maybe I have angled more than I thought, but it is not something I choose to do often. What was I talking about again?

Oh, right!

Today, I staged a house that truly is beautiful all on its own. Great woodwork, really great wood floors, nice tilework, nice light fixtures, you name it. The problem was the living room. No matter how I aligned the sofa with the fireplace, it just wasn't right. Directly across, it looked bad from the entry. Perpendicularly, it blocked the pathway to the kitchen...on both sides. I thought about going with 4 chairs. My husband refused to take the sofa out of the house. I even considered asking the owner to relocate a column (just kidding). What's a girl to do?

Suck it up and try it on an angle, that's what. To my surprise, I loved it...

I may not do it again for a very long time, but yes, I will consider angling again. Of course, only if absolutely necessary. :)

934 Kendall Ct. Crown Point, Indiana 46307

Kimberly Wester — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:20:27 -0500

This beautiful home is located in Whitehawk, an exclusive development that boasts an award winning golf course. Newly renovated, this home is in true move -in condition. All new appliances, cabinetry and granite countertops, fill a spacious, yet efficient kitchen.

All brick exterior
All new landscaping
3278 Sq. ft
Wood flooring in entry and dining room
Main Floor guest suite
Main Floor laundry
4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Expansive Master Suite
Crown Point School system
$549,900

Come see the best buy in Whitehawk. Call Kathleen Keilman at Classic Properties GMAC Real Estate (219) 663-3500.

We are on an Uncharted Road...The SIF Week in Review June 8-15, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:19:42 -0500

Personally, I hate traveling without a plan. I like for things to be smooth and uneventful so that I can arrive at my destination on time and without incident. However, life is rarely like that...especially in the world of staging, where the journey is uncharted and the destination unknown.

The members of SIF have chosen to travel that road together and help each other along the way. This is what our road looked like this week.

THE UPS...

Shift Happens! by Akanke Cadden

Staging Here For The Long Haul? by Tori Lyn Ross

When One Door Closes, Another Shall Open - A $5 Million Dollar One!! by Elle Larsen

Why do we do what we do? Put caring back into your mission. by Lori Kim Polk

Dream Along with Me is DONE! More Photos..take a look... by Ginger Foust

The Downs...

The secret truth about Home Staging Statistics - 0.4% - the truth is in the numbers. by Akanke Cadden

My First Vacant and It's Robbed! (Members Only) by Leanne Zumbrunnen

Asking to be paid for your expertise - too much to ask? by Michael Fontana

De-Staging: The Least Favourite Part of a Home Stager's Job by Charlene Storozuk

As much as We hate to, We gotta do it... by Kimberly Wester

The Sharp Turns...

SIF Radio - Moderators Exposed! Replay here... by Juliet Johnson

On occasion, I'm wrong...that's right, I said WRONG!!! (Members Only) by Elaine Manes

You'll never believe what came to my inbox today.... by Melissa Marro

Using Hookers to Attract More Business by Gary Woltal

The Things We've Learned on the way...

You Were Recommended by WHO? (Members Only) by Michele Hess

Is Your Blog Reaching It's Intended Audience? Read the brick that fell on my head... by Cari Pilon

Sail Your Own Ship for Smooth Seas by Gary Woltal

R E C I P R O S I T Y - (to the tune of RESPECT) Find out what it means to me (Members Only) by Karen Otto

Thanks to all show shared their experiences so that the road will be smoother for all of us!

For Karen, Sheila and Shobha - A Peek at My Marketing Packet

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:34:40 -0500

I told Karen Dembsky (many months ago) and Sheila (many weeks ago) that I would post this and Shobha's post reminded me of my promise, so here it is.

Without showing too much of the package itself, below are some photos to kind of illustrate what I am talking about.

The Realtor packet that I have created uses a special poly folding file folder. All of the information is contained in the file and is folded in a way to keep everything from falling out and is easily filed by agents so to keep it at their fingertips. I print up a label for the tab with my business name on it so that it is clarly marked for them (as if the bright blue color is nto enough).

I find it is accepted with much more enthusiasm than a regular folder, which may not be so easy to keep at hand. Most agents find it impressive (or so they say) and I hope the obvious effort that has gone into them decreases the likelihood that it will get tossed.

I have taken advantage of the folding flaps by attaching a self- stick pocket for business cards and a clear cd envelope for my powerpoint presentation.

Some of the information I keep in the file:

Several Flyers for them to share with sellers
The benefits of working with me
List of Consulting services
List of Staging services
A copy of my 'Staging Process for Realtors" blog
A copy of my '5 Things Buyers Should Never See in Your Listing' Blog
Flyers for sold properties - with stats, if available.
New things as I find them beneficial.

If you are looking to put something like this together, keep a few things in mind:

1. Keep your color theme unified for a professional package.

2. Place your logo and tag line (or copyright) on each page so that should it become seperated from the file, they know from where the information came.

3. Do not let your packet get stale. Add new things when available, remove things as they become ineffective.

4. Make the packet uniquely yours to show your personality, but do not get so sidetracked by uniqueness that it looks unprofessional.

5. Try to keep your package within your budget, but keep in mind you have an image to grow (or maintain) so don't go too cheap.

6. Keep one (or two) on you at all times as younever know who you will have the opportunity to share it with.

7. When doing office presentations, put together a modified version so that you can have a higher volume available at a lower cost to you, but with the same effect.

8. I also have modified versions for sellers and FSBOs.

This entire package cost me under $4 a piece. I only give those to agents that I meet on an individual basis. The modified version was around $1.25. I use those for larger audiences.

I hope this helps all of you get your marketing packages together. If you have any ideas on how I can amp up my efforts, I'd love to hear them.

What do you all do?

It's the emotional investment that will cost you.

Kimberly Wester — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:04:48 -0500

In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about the difference between a home, a house and a product and how the difference is the emotional attachment of the seller. It is quite often the case that the emotional attachment cannot be overcome ends up costing the seller much more than they bargained for.

You see, an emotional investment can be the mostly costly investment you make in your home, even beyond what you invest in time and money. It can also be the investment that will actually put you into the most debt.

It can cost you TIME.

When an emotional attachment is so great that you refuse to make changes to the property because you ‘love it', you are narrowing your pool of buyers to those who share your specific taste. You may be waiting a long time.

If you refuse to make changes or pack away personal belongings because ‘it is your house until you move out of it' you are preventing a buyer from forming the emotional attachment THEY need to WANT to buy it. You may never move out of it.

If you refuse to settle for the list price your Realtor suggested due to comps in you area because ‘they have no idea how much work we have put into this house'. You may have emotionally inflated your price to one only you would pay.

It can cost you MONEY.

If a buyer does not like your specific taste in décor, they automatically start thinking of how much it will cost to change it. Buyers tend to overestimate that cost and then deduct that from your asking price for their own compensation. If you refuse to make changes to your décor because you spent thousands of dollars to have it done in the first place (however long ago that was, even recently) you are allowing that expense to cost you over and over again.

Even if you agree to your agent's listing price, yet refuse to make changes, your home could sit on the market for a long time. That leaves your agent only one option: reduce the asking price. It gives a buyer an option you don't want them to have: a low ball offer.

It can keep you from MOVING ON.

It is totally understandable that when you live in a house and make it your home, you will be emotionally attached to it. Every home should be loved and cared for by the people who occupy it. However, if you allow those emotional ties to tie you so tightly to a house, you may never be able to let go. That can also prevent you from moving out and moving on.

If you, or one of your sellers, have come to the realization that emotional attachment is keeping your property from selling, contact your local professional home stager. A home stager can help you get through this trying time by offering you a neutral third party view of what is holding back that sale.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are located in the Northwest Indiana area, contact Kimberly Wester of Details Staging and Redesign at 219-241-7252.

As much as We hate to, We gotta do it...

Kimberly Wester — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:30:31 -0500

My apologies to anyone who may be upset over this, but it just has to be done.

If any of you were able to listen in to tonight's radio show hosted by Juliet Johnson, you may already know that oe of the requirements of the job of moderator is to delete posts that do not apply to the group.

Unfortunately, MEME's fall into this category. From this day forward, all MEME posts will be deleted from SIF. These have fallen into a grey area for some of our moderators in the past and have been allowed to slide, but due to recent events and opinions expressed by members of the group, it has been decided that the issue is more black and white and will be approached accordingly. All non-staging related posts - or posts that cannot be applied to your staging business - are to be deleted, period, meme's included.

On the bright side, this allows all of us to branch out to other groups for networking such as the Meme group set aside for that specific purpose and do not forget the Stagers Coffee Clutch.

For those who have recently expressed their discontent over the deletion of posts, it is agreed that if this rule applies to one, it must apply to all, and so it shall be.

An Agent's Unreasonable Demand - And What I Learned From It

Kimberly Wester — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:12:40 -0500

It has been quite some time since I have been able to write a blog about my adventures in staging. Not because I have not had anything to write about, but because I have not had time to write at all. But summer is here, school is out and I finally have a day off, so I wanted to share this story with all of you because I learned so many valuable lessons from the situation.

A few months ago I was summoned to an investment property by a real estate agent whom I had never worked with before. She had gotten my name from another agent and was hoping that I could come to a listing appointment with her. You see, the seller asked for a stager she said and she wanted to show him that she could provide one.

Upon entering the house, the seller was visibly surprised that I was there. The agent introduced me as part of her team - huh? - and made it appear as though I worked with her exclusively. At this point I was confused. I got the sense that he was put off by it and I decided to politely shake his hand and then quietly follow them through the house, making my presence as unnoticeable as possible.

During the course of the tour, I heard the agent say things that made me want to run out the door. The look on the sellers face told me he didn't like what she had to say - or her for that matter. I was kicking myself for not insisting that we meet before our tour to make sure I wanted to work with her at all. But, it was too late for that, so I kept my mouth shut as most of what I had to say would contradict her and that would be extremely unprofessional on my part. I did, however, manage to have a few moments alone with the seller during which I showed him my portfolio and explained briefly the benefits of staging his property. He asked if I could send him a bid, though not that enthusiastically.

I left the property convinced that the seller was not going to hire that agent - or me for that matter. I prepared a bid with little hope to hear from the seller again and went on to the next project.

Over the next few weeks I received various phone calls and emails from the agent that were pretty unsettling. Mostly, she wanted to know if I had heard from the seller, but the most disturbing call was when she had informed me that she had been researching stagers on the internet (why?) and saw that most of the stagers in our area are mostly real estate agents (yep, its an issue) and wanted to make sure that I was not an agent myself. She wanted to make it clear that I was not to steal this listing out from under her. Again...HUH? I assured her I was not an agent and didn't want to be one. As a final comment, she informed me that if she didn't get the listing, I was not to agree to stage it. In shock over that statement, I dumbly agreed and hung up the phone.

A few quiet days went by and I unexpectedly heard from the seller. He informed me that he had not been looking for a stager, but after talking with me, he thought I could be the missing link in his business that he had been looking for. He was excited about my abilities and definitely wanted me to come out to the property again and talk with him some more. Unsure what to do, I agreed to talk. After all, he had never asked for me to be there in the first place (still confused) and I thought I owed him the courtesy of explaining myself.

After a second tour of the property, I decided to come clean with the seller and explain the situation and tell him what the REA had insisted upon. The seller was outraged. He told me that he had no intention of listing with her, especially after hearing her demands, and that she had no right to decide for him who he could work with and who he could not. He also pointed out that he decided to list with that agent, but hadn't liked me, she surely would have found another stager without hesitation - she had been researching other stagers, afterall. He ranted on for several minutes, adding a good scolding for me for agreeing, as it is my staging business and not hers - I should not have let her make that decision. I took the scolding, because he was right.

Since then, I have built a good working relationship with the seller. Not only did I stage the property, I also chose the paint colors and did some personal shopping for him. He is a great client - as we bonded over our controversy - and I look forward to working with him again despite his many quirks. I have also had a chance to scold him back for some decisions he made, so we are even. :)

Anyway, I took away from that experience a few valuable lessons:

1. It is your business - you decide who you work with.

2. Be honest with any referring agent that you are not a package deal. You can send them a small referral fee if it is an issue.

3. Never give an agent any power over your business - The power is all yours.

Images courtesy of MSN live search images

Best Blog Awards .... SIF Week in Review - May 11 - May 17, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 18 May 2008 22:38:37 -0500

To acknowledge outstanding work in their field, Stage it Forward would like to acknowledge the following bloggers with the 'best blog of the week' awards. Though our awards do not carry the cache of the Oscars, the small gold star awarded certainly is coveted by many.

Without further ado, here are the winners in each category. (to view all of the nominees, click on the 'more featured posts' tab on the SIF home page)

Best Consumer Content: (it's a tie)

Conne Tebyani

for

Note to Sellers: In today's market, Buyers want your home in PERFECT condition

Can't argue with Connie, that's for sure!

and

Abby Reilly

for

A Home Stager could be an RX for Moving Stress

So true... the advantages we offer are endless.

Best Business Advice:

Amy Prouty

for

Stagers: If you don't know what you are doing, don't do it! (Members Only)

Someone had to say it...

Best Ethical Question:

Cindy Lin

for

Is this legal? (Members Only)

Maybe legal, but right I do not know...

Best Marketing Approach:

Juliet Johnson

for

"Gr8 crib 4 u :-)" -- Marketing to Younger Buyers

Yep, she's a genius!

The 'It's Not All About the Money' Award goes to:

Betty Haney

for

Today We Gave It Away For Free - And Meant To! (Members Only)

Aren't Margot and Betty Cool?

Most Humorous (and insightful) Post:

Susan Peters

for

It's Really Hard to Sell a House with Your Legs Crossed!

LOL....I will never look at a tied towel the same again!

Best 'We Are More Than Just Stagers' Post:

Kym Hough

for

Stagers Are the Most Important Professional in Your Contact List

How do they live without us?

The 'Always Do the Best for Your Client' Award goes to:

Kate Hart

for

Telling the Truth Can Hurt but It Also Helps Sells Homes!

Way to go, Kate!

The Reality Check Award Goes to:

Lori Kim Polk

for

Animal CSI and the life of a rug. (Members Only)

I believe she has already awarded herself with a smack on the forehead... :)

Congratulations to all of you! Wear your Gold Stars Proudly!!

Apologies to all for the lack of 'swag bags'....;)

Staging Solves the Mystery - Which Room is Which, Revealed

Kimberly Wester — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:03:56 -0500

In my previous post The Mystery of Vacant Listings - Which Room is Which?, I asked a simple question. Please identify the function of the rooms based on the photos given. Not many attempted to identify them, but the few that did try were unable to accurately identify all 4 rooms.

When you consider those that did give it a try, we are talking about very talented stagers who have seen many, many different houses and have learned that there are certain architectural markers that will tell you what a room is, even without a description, yet even they missed the mark.

So, what, you say? The agent could always list the rooms function in the comments, right? Well, not many of the vacant homes in my MLS have room by room descriptions. So, if your average Joe buyer were to look at those homes on the MLS without knowing what architecural markers to look for and no description posted, how are they supposed to know what they are looking at?

Just as many have said before, furniture dictates function. By having this property staged prior to placing the photos on the MLS, the seller removed any doubt as to what buyers are looking at when viewing his property online.

Mystery Room #1:

Answer: Dining Room

Mystery Room #2

This is my favorite mystery space because its purpose was a mystery even to the seller. It is a room located just off the master suite connecting to the bonus area above the garage that serves as a second master closet.

During the initial walk through, we discussed three possible uses for this space: Excercise room, office or dressing area. Considering the demographic of the neighborhood, the target market for the home and other existing features of the home, we defined its purpose as........

Answer: Home Office

Mystery Room #3

Answer: Master Suite

Mystery Room #4

Answer: "Formal" Sitting Room

I chose not to go too formal in this room as it is open to the living/family room. Upon entering the house, you automatically assume that this room is the living room, until you look through to the next room and see what obviously IS the living room.

This seller knows that photos of a vanilla box after a vanilla box does not inspire a buyer to schedule a personal showing or attend an open house. He made sure that he increased the effectiveness of his marketing efforts by having his property staged prior to listing.

More photos of the property

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you have a vacant listing in need of definition in the Northwest Indiana area, contact Kimberly Wester of Details Staging and Redesign at 219-241-7252 or kim@detailsstagingandredesign.com.

www.detailsstagingandredesign.com

The Mystery of Vacant Listings - Which Room is Which?

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:57:48 -0500

I have heard it said many times that the cost of staging is not a worthy one when it comes to vacant homes. Staging has been described as just another way to fleece a builder - or an agent, and a waste of time and effort, especially in this market.

Below are some photos of a home I recently staged. Had the seller decided against staging, these are the photos that would have been placed on the MLS. Can you tell me which room is which?

Place your guesses for rooms 1 through 4 below and I will reveal the truth in time...

SIF Week in Review April 27 - May 2, 2008

Kimberly Wester — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:34:03 -0500

This is going to be a very quick review this week - no fancy graphics or themes, just simply the most memorable posts (for me, anyway) of this weeks posts. If you are having the same kind of week I am having, God Bless You! I hope you get enough time to read the review - let alone each individual article!

Here's to Staging it Forward and keeping each other busy.....

Does your local home stager generate leads and make you $$$... by Maureen Henry

Price? Condition? Presentation? Now tell me again which one is King? by Gary Barnett

Refusing to Work with a Stager Can Cost You by Emma Vargas

Hairdressers, Home Stagers and What the Heck do They Do? by Yvonne Root

Price Reduction Is NOT a Marketing Tool! by Dawna Graham

Putting perfume on a pig won't bring in the bacon by Terri Lucas

Not All Bananas in the Bunch are Ripe and Ready by Craig Schiller

The Option of Hourly Home Staging Services by Abby Reilly

Cindy Answers: What Staging Course Should I Take? by Cindy Lin

Vacant homes = Belles of the Staging Ball. Occupied Homes = Cinderella BEFORE the Fairy Godmother showed up. by Judy Kincaid

Red Lipstick and Masking Tape? (Members Only) by Julianna Hind

Thanks to all of you who did such a wonderful job to make your post memorable - even during a week when I cannot remember if I am coming or going! Great Work!!!

A HOME is Where You Live. A HOUSE is What You Sell. A PRODUCT is What People Buy.

Kimberly Wester — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:18:35 -0500

In today's market, it is important for sellers and RE agents alike to realize that standard marketing techniques are no longer sufficient when selling any property. In days past, an MLS listing and a few marketing avenues would do the trick to get buyers in the door. However, with so much competition on the market, that just isn't enough anymore.

Today's buyer is much more savvy than in days past. With the onslaught of staging and real estate shows, buyers are learning they should have certain expectations when searching for a future home. Should those expectations not be met, they will move on to the next property until they find one that satisfies them. With that reality, sellers and their agents need to become even more savvy in the ways of marketing their homes effectively.

They must take the step of emotionally divesting themselves from the property and see it only as a house. When they are able to view it in this way, then the non-emotional objectivity will help them to develop the property as a product - available for sale to the mases.

To illustrate this point, I have taken the definition of these words from the dictionary:

HOME
1 a: one's place of residence : domicile b: house2: the social unit formed by a family living together3 a: a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also : the focus of one's domestic attention <home is where the heart is> b: habitat

- at home 1: relaxed and comfortable : at ease <felt completely at home on the stage>2: in harmony with the surroundings.

With this definition, it would stand to reason that a HOME would be a place of emotional attachment. The place where memories are made and kept, a place of safety and joy, a place of security.

In this case, the home bears a significant meaning for the family and usually has been customized in decor and function to meet the specific needs therein. Understandably, when a home is in this condition, it will hold great appeal for the seller but may not hold the same for someone who is viewing it for the first time and is not privy to the memories that have created such a great attachment.

HOUSE
1: a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families

When a seller has has achieved some level of detachment from their home and can view it as others may see it, it becomes easier for them to make the necessary changes that will present it as a HOUSE - a place where anyone can live, not just the current residents. Once this emotional change occurs, they are one step closer to taking advantage of what staging can do for them - market their house as a product.

: PRODUCT
(1): something produced; especially : commodity 1 (2): something (as a service) that is marketed or sold as a commodity b: something resulting from or necessarily following from a set of conditions <a product of his environment>

Staging is the process of preparing your home for the real estate market in a way that will appeal to the widest range of potential buyers by creating a universally acceptable package which draws attention to the best of the property while making the most of its flaws. In other words, it packages it as a product.

A home is transformed into a house that people can not only envision themselves living in, but will also want to buy. It is not intended to trick them into buying something that is not right for them, but to show them that with the proper usage, it can work for them.

Staging will not make a property mortgage worthy to EVERY buyer, but it can make it worthy to MORE buyers. That is the basic premise of staging - to assist sellers in turning their home into their house so that it becomes a marketable product for their agent to get it sold! It is a win-win-win proposition for all involved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you live in Northwest Indiana and want to learn more about the benefits of staging your house for the real estate market, contact Kimberly Wester at 219-241-7252 or email at kim@detailsstagingandredesign.com.

Visit www.detailsstagingandredesign.com for more information.