Elise's Blog

A GO TO HOMEOWNERS MAINTENANCE GUIDE

2008-03-26T22:14:48Z

As a Home Stager to often I see homeowners, who are now sellers, scrambling to cram all home repairs and updates into a short time frame. It is better to keep on top of things then letting them pile up to the last minute. Below I have compiled a list of regular maintenance that should be done in your home. This will help homeowners keep the aesthetic value to their homes and create less time, energy and money wasted when wanting to sell.

HOME OWNERS "GO TO" MAINTENANCE LIST (AESTHETICALLY)

Interior

Paint 3-5 years (especially if there are children or pets)

Carpet 8-10 years

Wallpaper - keep it Neutral, especially if you know you will be moving sooner than later.

Decorating-Try to stick with pieces that are timeless and not a complete fad (definition: something that is embraced very enthusiastically for a short time, especially by many people)-good rule, just because they sell it, doesn't mean we have to buy it.

Kitchen (tough spot)-although there are alot of outdated kitchens (I've remodeled a few of them), just keeping up with changing the knobs every few years can reap benefits. Regularly cleaning the cabinets can also give a quick face-lift.

Vinyl (laminate)Flooring 8-10 years (I know the warranty says 25 yrs to a lifetime)It probably won't disintegrate, but you know it certainly will not look nice for that long, never mind style.

Tile Grout- 1st have it sealed after the tile is laid, 2nd professionally or DYI clean it with grout cleaner or good old bleach. This should have it looking better. You could also scrape up the old and re-grout. Most tile looks nice years and years after it was installed, especially when it was installed professionally. Its the grout that makes the tile look run down.

Exterior

LEAVES!-Rake em'! I know its not fun, but the longer the pile sits the bigger and heavier it gets. Believe me I have seen quite a few yards that have at least 2-3 years of leaf build up.

Lawn maintenance-Fertilize, lime, whatever you can do that will help keep the growth. Obviously there are areas that just won't grow grass. Rely on local plants and ground-cover that will thrive in your area.

Mulch/Wood chips Yearly

Windows (Wood) 5 years-repaint, scrape the chipped paint. Wood windows are a wonderfully aesthetic feature, keep them looking nice.

Windows (Vinyl) every 6 month cleaning inside and out-Of course unless there is broken glass, vinyl windows should last years and years. Clean the windows out side and replace screens with holes.

Power Washing 1 - 2 years-One of the easiest and least expensive things to do. You can have a power-washer come and professionally do your deck, windows, and siding for as little as $150. Or buy one for a little more than that and store it properly.

Wood Decking (Painting/Staining) 3-5 years

AND the list could go on and on, but I will stop here. That will give most honey's a TO DO list for a at least this spring. By the way-I do follow the rules at my own house.

If you have something constructive to add to the list-ADD ON!

Another Town Another 100 Online Listings

2008-03-09T16:25:14Z

Since my last post on 80% of Buyers Search online-How do your photos stack up?, I decided to search out another town. Maybe to give the benefit of the doubt. So another zip code and another 100 listings were viewed. The results are below. This was done off of Realtor.com about 2 weeks ago. You will see that I have broken the graph into 6 important categories.

Here are some of the reasons why I have chosen the categories and why I think that these types of photos will not sell a house, especially when it is being viewed online.

Exterior Only: Buyers think it and Realtors as well. These type of pictures are a red flag that "there must be something wrong with the inside". Even if there is not, the house does not have a fighting chance against a listing with multiple photos and is a featured showcase. People want instant gratification, this can not be achieved through exterior only shots. If there is no emotion to keep their interest, buyers will move on. Most people do not like to play detective. If there was just a picture of the outside of a clothing store, but no pictures or mannequins displaying the type of clothing they sold, would you go into the store? I am sure few people would enter, you would just keep driving, because there was nothing enticing you into the store. *Get their interest, give them a taste of what is inside. And if the house really does not look good inside, suggest getting the house Staged. With tons of creative, low cost solutions, you'll see why a staged house sells quicker and for more money.

Interior/Exterior: Well, obviously as read from above, buyers can feel a connection with a well photographed and Staged house. They can decide pretty much on the spot if it sparks some interest and desire to look at the house in person. Not much to say about this category, other than make sure every picture speaks loud and clear. Make sure the photos are bright and show the best features of each room displayed. Of course to make sure all areas are covered, have the house staged, the pictures produced by a staged house will surely spark the interest of buyers.

No Photo: Refer to Exterior only

Benefit from Staging: I put this category on because I am committed and passionate about Home Staging and Staging Real Estate to sell. There were so many photos that showed overstuffed, over cluttered and just plan outdated rooms. An over cluttered room does not bring anything soothing to the eye of the buyer. Just take a look at any furniture or home furnishings magazine. If the photographer took a picture of an over crowded, over cluttered, mish mashed room, would anyone buy from the store? No way! I make every room photo ready. Rely on my talent and knowledge of how furniture should be placed to entice buyers, not scare them away.

Vacant: Again, entice buyers visually through proper furniture arrangement and nice decorative accessories. A big empty living room or master bedroom, can confuse the buyer. The house has to look like a HOME in order for buyers to feel an attachment to a house being viewed online. I can create this with easy solutions and having my own inventory makes it cost effective for sellers that have had to move while their house is still on the market.

Just Fine: I thought this was the best name for this category. Because when I viewed the pictures, everything did look just fine. The pictures were clear, the house was neat, not cluttered, there were minimal personal touches, such as family photos and pet paraphernalia. Some of the houses looked as though someone went through and did a mini stage of the house. The towels in the bathroom were neatly folded, or the bed was nicely made with throw pillows. Although these touches help, it does not mean the house was Staged. I have yet to see any house no matter how clean that could not benefit from staging. A Staging Consultation will take care of any questions of what should be done or what should be left alone when a house is going on the market. With careful research of each home, I can consult with the sellers about what changes will show the house to its fullest potential.

The categories are based on photos for Exterior only, Interior and Exterior, No Photo, Benefit from Staging, Vacant, and Just Fine

Homes Priced 169,900-599,900 100 listings viewed

Exterior	Interior/Exterior	No Photo	Benefit from Staging	Vacant	Just Fine
32	55	1	97	12	3

Tip: Take every advantage out there to make every listing and advertisement stand out.

Rooms Like New,LLC assisting Realtors, Builders and Sellers, make their houses sell better.

"A Staged House is Selling Better!"

This is a question that should be asked

2008-02-21T10:05:37Z

What about Home Staging?This is a suggestion and a question that I think all Realtors should ask their clients.

Especially the Realtors who have picked up a recent listing that was previously listed with another Realtor. You have to really prove to the new client that you are different and that you will sell their house differently. Chances are if the listing did not sell previously, I am sure that the Realtor did not offer Staging.

There are many obvious reasons that Home Staging should always be offered to the sellers. One of them being a quicker sale, this has been consistently proven again and again by Home Stagers. And if the sale moves quicker than I am sure your word of mouth will move just a quick.

Who wants to be the Realtor that loses a listing and then a few weeks later the same listing is up with another Agency? Having Home Staging in your marketing plan will ensure that your definitely did everything to make the listing stand out from the competition.

Being a Home Stager is a wonderful blessing, because I not only get to help out Realtors with their listings, but I am helping out the Sellers as well. Its a win win on all parts!

Making the suggestion for Home Staging is very simple and there is no longer any pressure on you the Realtor to make sure the Sellers pull everything together for an open house or walk thru.

Give Rooms Like Newa call and set up a Consultation for your listings. I can do this over the phone and by viewing photos on-line. Another convenient way to make sure your listing is on top!

Back in the AR game

2008-02-21T09:40:05Z

I have been sick for a week with the flu and literally had no strength to get to the computer to check my email or AR. I have missed so much being able to check up on all the activity on AR. Although I am not thankful at all that I came down with the flu, I am thankful that I was able to miss and truly appreciate that which is AR and what makes this such a great community.

I have listed some of the reasons why I Love being involved with AR!

INSPIRATION~ All the blogs and experiences really inspire me to keep writing and blogging

MOTIVATION~ From fellow Stagers who tell stories and events of their daily activities inspire me to continually GET OUT THERE and MARKET! MARKET! MARKET!

IDEAS~ Great ideas for growing my business and delighting in everyone elses growing business (back to motivation)

HELPFUL~ The always, always helpful community, answering questions and giving some great advice! Thanks!

Feel free to let me know what your have enjoyed about AR! Keep up the great blogs and information! Glad I am back and glad I finally kicked the flu.

80% of Buyers Search online-How do your photos stack up?

2008-02-11T14:55:50Z

LIEBMAN: Very critical, 80 percent of buyers right now start their search on the Web. So, when they go and look at your home on the Web, they're seeing lots of other houses out there your pictures better look really pretty and your price better look really competitive or you know what, they're going to click right by it.
Pam Liebman is the CEO of The Corcoran Group, a real estate firm OPEN HOUSE Aired February 9, 2008 - 09:30 ET on CNN

After watching Pam Liebman on CNN I decided to research some of the Evesham Twp, and Marlton area listings on-line. I spent several hours reviewing about 100 houses. I broke the listings into categories as listed below. It was interesting to see how many listings just had pictures of the exterior. If in fact 80% of buyers are viewing on-line, than why would just a picture of an exterior ever be enough? And listings that had interior pictures did nothing to strike a buyers attention or interest in the house. Out of the 100 listings I saw 8 that I would say looked great and probably would sell before the Sellers took it off the market. I am confident in my research because I have educated myself on what buyers are looking for. I have the talent, and creativity to pull a home together to make it Stand out from the competition.

*Houses are selling, but a Staged house is selling Better!

Sure your listing may eventually sell with out Staging, but for how much, 10-20K under asking? As Pam Liebman said, "your pictures better look really pretty and your price better look really competitive or you know what, they're going to click right by it."

Here comes the Plain and Simple part, make the listing look great on-line, inside and out, and you already increased the selling potential of that property. The more interest in the property, the better the chances of the listing selling for asking price and higher. Staging Works!

Realtors, Agents, Brokers and Sellers need Rooms Like New, LLC to make their listings stand out against the competition.

Rooms Like New, LLC is a Full Service Staging Company

Providing Specialized Staging for Vacant, Open Houses, On-line Viewing, Occupied, New Construction

“A Staged House is Selling Better”

VIEWED 100 LISTINGS PRICED $99,000-$232,200 IN THE MARLTON/EVESHAM ZIP CODE 08053
2/11/08

VACANTS	Listings that would BENEFIT FROM STAGING-Based on photos provided online	LOOKS GOOD AS IS-Based on photos provided online	EXTERIOR ONLY PHOTOS/NO PHOTO
11	44	8	37

609-456-6878

EliseSharpless@comcast.net

Open Houses for marketing?

2008-02-11T10:13:04Z

I was recently wondering if visiting Open Houses was a good way to get the word out about my business? Has anyone had success doing this? I have developed a flyer for the Seller, telling them why I stopped by and what I felt I could help them with. How can I assure that the Seller actually gets the flyer from the agent? Any suggestions would be great! I plan to do it this weekend and I am busy trying to come up with things to discuss with the Realtors when I go. I am not nervous about going to the Open Houses, just worried that I may come across as "Soliciting"? Is that crazy thinking? Thanks in advance for your advice!

South Jersey Home Staging

2008-02-02T10:43:15Z

Home Staging in South Jersey

Elise Sharpless owner of Rooms Like New, LLC, Burlington County, NJ, services all of the following counties, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester. Although these are the primary counties she will service, she will also travel to help a client who is long distance. Elise will travel to Sellers who are up to 50 miles away. But Sellers who live further than this need not worry, because they can still benefit from her Full Service Staging and Redesign. Long distance Staging is made possible via telephone and email.

These are some of the ways that Long Distance Staging gets accomplished.

Telephone- Via telephone for a one on one phone conference to discuss your homes potential.

Email- I will ask you to email me some pictures and then to make an appointment for a follow up phone call. While we are on the phone we will discuss each picture that was sent and what transformations I can map out for you.

A complete Home Evaluation Report (HER) will be sent via fax, mail or email. A HER is a lengthy report for Sellers to help them stay focused and on track of what needs to be accomplished. A follow up progress call will be made in about 2 weeks and any additional questions can be answered at that time.

I am also always available through email and during regular business hours via phone.

Thanks for checking out Rooms Like New and I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve SOLD on your house.

I will also go over the pictures on my own and make some "visual" changes so that you can see more hands on. Some recommendations that may be made are painting, power-washing, lawn maintenance, removal of wall paper, kitchen cabinet quick transformation, de-cluttering of bookshelves, cabinets and closets. This gives you an idea of what Phone/Email Staging is all about. It is simple and easy. Please email me for more information about all Home Staging and Redesign services at EliseSharpless@comcast.net and we can arrange a phone conference.

Helping Sellers achieve their goals through Staging is my passion and dedication. I take great lengths to educate myself on the many benefits of Staging and I am happy to share my knowledge with all Sellers and Realtors.

Check me out on ActiveRain.com/EliseSharpless

South Jersey Home Staging

2008-02-02T10:41:28Z

Home Staging in South Jersey

These are some of the ways that Long Distance Staging gets accomplished.

Telephone- Via telephone for a one on one phone conference to discuss your homes potential.

Email- I will ask you to email me some pictures and then to make an appointment for a follow up phone call. While we are on the phone we will discuss each picture that was sent and what transformations I can map out for you.

A complete Home Evaluation Report (HER) will be sent via fax, mail or email. A HER is a lengthy report for Sellers to help them stay focused and on track of what needs to be accomplished. A follow up progress call will be made in about 2 weeks and any additional questions can be answered at that time.

I am also always available through email and during regular business hours via phone.

Thanks for checking out Rooms Like New and I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve SOLD on your house.

Check me out on ActiveRain.com/EliseSharpless

Why do you love your TOWN/STATE?

2008-02-01T10:11:52Z

I can tell you at least 20 things I DON'T like about the state of NJ. But I can also equally list what the Great things are about my Garden State.

I love to travel and want to know about your State/Town and what you love about it. I guess I am getting a little Cabin Fever and want to take a virtual tour of peoples lives in or outside of NJ.

* I live in a nice safe town, I don't worry about crime, and I know my children are safe in their own back yard.

* Shamong is rural as far as most outsiders are concerned, I like that. No traffic, only in Medford on the weekend.

* A great school system with some great extra curricular activites for the kids

* Gosian Pond

* Lots of playgrounds and walking trails

* Binkleys 5&10 this is a personal favorite with lots of history for my family

* going for walks with my girls down our road.

* My 1 acre back yard and all the plants and flowers in the spring and summer.

* traveling down Rt 206 and seeing all the trees change colors

* 35min to Atlantic city, Philadelphia, the Shore

* Love the Shore and Atsion Lake in the summer

* Skiing in the winter

* Local Restraurants like the Red Lion Diner, Red Lion Inn and Riveria Pizza-they all have saved me from cooking many a nites

* Local people in the community who are friendly and willing to help

* The scenery around Batsto Village and the back roads that take you through the blueberry fields in the summer and the cranberry fields

* Great Produce! Lots of road side stands for FRESH SWEET JERSEY CORN (cant wait)

* The sweetest Strawberries grown locally from either Contis or Russos Farm market

* Cider Donuts

* Cheesesteaks at a variety of eat in and take out places

* Family who are local

* The Medford Library and Atco Library for story time

* RED WHITE AND BLUE shop in Berlin-LOVE finding inventory and accessories-Secrets out

* Walk around the Promenade and window shop then go to Cold Stone for a treat

* Meeting and marrying my husband in Shamong and living here with our beautiful children!

Paper Staging? What is up w/ this trend?

2008-01-31T09:50:48Z

Ok now this is maybe the 2nd or 3rd time I have seen this. I was a little surprised when I saw it the first time. But the second time I saw it I must saw I was quite baffled. Paper Staging what is it? I went on a consultation for a vacant property and there it was. Pieces of paper layed out in places where furniture should go?!

Huh?

Yes, 8x11 printed paper laying on the floor saying "TWIN BED HERE" or "COMPUTER DESK". I am all for creative visulaization but I hope this is not a new trend in the selling field. The most recent "paper staging" I saw was on an HGTV show. These sellers took the cake on Paper staging. They even had it on the counter in the laundry room and garage. Unbelivable, also unreadable. I would have given anything to have been able to read what the sellers had written for the counter and cabinets. "CANNED FOOD GOES here"? Or by the laundry room "DIRTY TOWELS in washer"? I only hope that it was the sellers who came up with this idea. Because the Real Estate Community seems to smart and to educated on Staging to have come up with this concept. I hope I do not continue to see this trend grow. I have seen enough of Paper Staging for awhile.

Fellow New Jersian Property Tax payers!

2008-01-27T13:05:59Z

New Jersey Real Estate Values: ï¿½ ï¿½ ï¿½ ï¿½ Your House As Seen By:

Yourself...

Your Buyer...

Your Lender...

Your Appraiser...

Yourï¿½New Jerseyï¿½Tax Assessor...

Someone sent this to via email. I thought it was funny and wanted to share it with all of you.

Elise Sharpless

Green Friendly Cleaning

2008-01-15T23:10:16Z

As I mentioned before I have a new lifestyle. A newer healthier, naturally better lifestyle. I stopped using harsh chemicals for about 6 months now. I tucked this article away, and came across it when cleaning out my files. Who better to share this with then my new ARers! Believe me I know you all are not House Cleaners, but I am sure one of things may be helpful in your own home or for a quick fix at a property.

Olive Oil and Lemon Juice to polish furniture. 1 cup OL Oil with 1/2 c lemon juice in to a spray bottle. Shake and spritz on a cloth, wipe on wood furniture, buff and polish dry with a clean cloth.

Lemons- 1 slice of lemon in a dish of hot water, bring to a boil in microwave until it creates steam. The steam will help loosen the grime inside , wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

Baking soda~ Use a small amount on tough grease stains on stove tops. Works really well on ceramic or glass top. It works a scrubbing agent. Dampen a paper towel and scrub in circular motions until the spots come off. For really tough spots scrub with the baking soda and then add a small amount of vinegar. Let sit for a few mins and it will wipe right off.

Good Cleaning!

Elise

A quilt rack turned into a side table

2008-01-15T11:24:14Z

Hi again, I am on a mission to share all these great ideas while I have few mins in my day.

This project was done with my husband. He is so handy! I can just tell him my ideas and he does his part to get it done.

I had purchased an antique quilt rack years ago at a flea market. It probably cost about $15. I used it as a quilt rack for a long time at my old house, but after moving to the new house my decorating style had changed and I had no use for it. I loved the style and design of the piece. It was off white and had chipped paint. I liked that when I was in the Shabby Chic days but now it needed a more traditional cleaned up look. Once in the bigger house we needed more furniture, especially tables for lamps in the living room. Poof, a light went off one day when I came across the quilt rack in the basement. So my husband made a top for it out of scrap lumber, he added some trim to the sides to make it fit snuggly on the top. I painted the whole piece a cranberry red color. Now it is a beautiful end table with a lot of character. I love Revamping furniture!

Blah lampshades for a Chandelier-REVAMPED!

2008-01-15T11:13:51Z

After buying our new home, money was limited to fix it up. I wish I wasn't too overwhelmed at the time or I would have made it a point to take more pictures. We purchased this Chandelier from an on-line catalog for about 1/2 the price of what Home Depots was selling in for. I think it was about $79 for the chandelier. It came with white shades but the just werent "done up" enough for my taste. I finally came up with a solution for the lamp shades. It was easy, but of course I made it alot more difficult because I was looking for the "right" ribbon to use. I went to 4 different stores and after being completed frustrated at the last store I just bought this ribbon. I didn't know how it was going to turn out, but I tried and I am very happy with the outcome. I spent $1 for the lampshades, 3.97 for the Ribbon (one spool per shade). Thats it, I had the paint pens and the glue gun and sticks. So all together the custom shades came to $5 a pieces. Simple Simple Simple. Everyone notices my chandelier now!

Take the ribbon and wrap it around the shades from top to bottom. I chose not to use fabric, because that would have been a lot more difficult to cut to fit. The ribbon molded to the shape of the shades and just a little bit of hot glue to keep it in place. The ribbon is an iridescent sage green that is beautiful when the light hits it. It has some blue undertones which tie in nicely with my valances. The ribbon was non wire, but wire would work nicely too. I then just free hand drew the flowers and scrolls. The colors are brown and light blue.

The Final Product. I love how the Ribbon gives it a sophisticated overlapping. I had bought some beads to glue along the bottom edge, but that made the look to formal for my dining room. I will keep you all updated because I plan to revamp my living room shades soon!

$5 Artwork for Kitchen

2008-01-15T10:57:38Z

Here is some of my "inexpensive" artwork that I use in my own kitchen.

The pear pictures are from a Dollar Store the print was an 8x10 size, I needed two small pictures for the space, so I cut them to fit the 5x7 frames. The frames were 2 for 5. The smaller plaque in the middle was made from a wood plaque from AC moore and some stickers I found there as well. I simply painted the plaque a deep wood tone, roughed it up a bit and glued the sticker on. It says "apple orchard". There is also a sign in there that I love.

This art work was made from a pack of 4 for $1 art work posters I found in the dollar spot at Target. The small posters sat in my draw for at least 2 years until I needed a large print in my new kitchen. I taped all four posters together, spray painted a white frame black which I already had and PRESTO, expensive French artwork for less than $5.

Trust GOD He will do amazing things in your life and business

2008-01-14T19:34:32Z

I heard two great Radio messages this past week that really opened my eyes and heart to Gods calling.

The first one was a woman telling about how to be confident in your self. To really know your abilities, your strengths and weakness. To take pride in what you do and what you do well. I was very touched by this message because it made think about what my strengths are. As I listed my strengths and abilities(mentally because I was driving), I began to feel that perhaps they were insignificant. A two of my strengths are my creativity and design talent. IT got me to thinking, will I really ever make a difference or be the next Mother Theresa by becoming a Home Stager and Designer.I mean I want to design rooms, and living spaces, it is not really anything that special.

Well, that thought was way off. Because as I was thinking that and turning my strengths negatively around in my head. God was already working in my heart. As the week progressed I continued to have those negatives thoughts, until I heard another Radio Program. This time it was a preacher talking about God and how he designed each one of us just right. How we are all His works, and God doesn't make mistakes. Wait hold on, did I just get a rebuking from God through XM radio. So if that is correct which I believe it is. Then God is the Great Designer! He designs, He has creativity. He doesn't have a typical 9-5 desk job. He made everything, He Designed everything. OK that hit home, because it made me realize that people need design. They need people like me to give that to them. Just as I need an accountant for my finances, because I cant possibly do it on my own. Someone needs me to give them a fresh look to their home. I shouldn't belittle my work, because after all the Heavenly Father created me and made me in His perfect design. I know first hand what Joy a great space can give to someone. I know what peace someone can get out of an organized room that was once so cluttered you couldn't make sense of it. I know what satisfaction I get out of helping people in this way. I also know what it means to someone when you help them close a chapter in their life to open the next chapter. I believe wholeheartedly that is what I can achieve through Home Staging.

What are your strengths and talents? Do you give God the credit He deserves for giving you those abilities? Do you use those strengths in a positive way? Take time really list your strengths, no matter how little you think there are. Incorporate those strengths in your work, and daily life. God Bless.

Healthy Tips for Staging

2008-01-07T11:05:17Z

I have been on a journey towards a more Natural and Healthy lifestyle. I just wanted to share with all of my fellow AR members some helpful, healthful things I have done.

~BACK STRENGTH~

First and foremost I have had a great understanding about the health of your back. As stagers we know what a job staging can do on your back and muscles. A good stretch in the morning is one way to help keep those aches and pains at bay. Some really good stretches that are quick and easy can be found through many Yoga poses. Several local public schools in my area offer inexpensive classes in the evening. I took a class for about 3 months and learned some really useful back stretches. Check out your local resources. Another important stretch I have learned is in the hip area. This area gets really tight and should be stretched daily. This will keep you limber and ready to freely move about while staging houses.

~PROPER SUPPORT~

You need great support especially when moving and being on your feet all day. I know that this is not fashion forward but invest in a good pair of sneakers. Whenever possible wear them while staging a home. Try not to work barefoot, this may be more comfortable for a short while, but you will soon pay the price of very sore legs and feet. Remember to wear the same supportive shoes when you are only running around. It dawned on me that even though I merely "shopping" and doing other areas of my job, I am on my feet more than when I am just staging a home. I had a tendency to wear a nice pair of heeled boots or heeled shoes to look more pulled together. But again I certainly felt the pain of my mistake later in the evening. Plan ahead, the steps add up quickly and that is why sneakers are really important whether running errands or Staging a house.

Invest in a pair of "support hose socks" or medical socks most of them can be purchased at a local Drug Store. You will need to take the measurement of your calf to get the right fit. I try to wear them a few times a week, especially when I know I will be on my feet all day. The can be uncomfortable after several hours of wear, but I have never regretted wearing them at the end of the day.

~STAY HYDRATED~

Simply put! Drink, drink, drink, WATER! Just when you think your may have drank enough drink some more. Your body needs that water. Stay away from all the sodas and sweetened drinks, they only run you down. Need a quick pick me up have an apple. I put a water bottle in the freezer at night, grab it in the morning and throughout the day I take a drink of nice cold water. If you fill up a 16oz sports bottle you are cutting down on plastic bottle waste and getting more than half of your daily water intake.

These are just some of the many ways you can keep fit and healthy for the New Year. Your business needs you and so do all those sellers!

Good Luck and Happy New Year

Elise Sharpless

Rooms Like New, NJ

My Bank?

2007-12-21T07:31:33Z

Can any helpful ARer please tell me what this is all about. Just when I think I got this AR figured out I find something new to learn.

Thanks

Elise

Staging advice for homeowners

2007-12-19T15:52:09Z

I am trying to get a letter together or postcard, to send out to Sellers in the area. I have marketed myself to Realtors in the area various ways. BUt I feel I need to reach the Sellers directly. Does anyone have some suggestions as to what I should definitly include in my letter. I have some information, but just wanted to see what you have all learned that really catches their attention.

Also how many of you have taken to advertising in a paper or magazine. Is this usually helpful? I am trying to decide what my next step should be.

Any advice is helpful.

Thanks

Elise Sharpless

Staging a house for Christmas

2007-12-19T15:46:37Z

I am so proud of this house I wanted to share it with all my new AR friends. This is actually a dollhouse but I got a kick out of "staging" the rooms for a very important client. My 2 daughters. I hope they have as much fun with this doll house as I did. I saved a lot of money making it myself. ANd it is much bigger than the one a PBkids for over $200. This cost me about 70 to make. I bought a dollhouse bookcase at acmoore with a coupon and the wallpaper is scrapbooking paper. The furniture is a perfect fit for this size house. Merry Christmas ALL!

Friendly and Helpful AR Bloggers

2007-12-16T21:20:29Z

Thanks to all fellow AR bloggers who are helping make my newbie experience less frustrating and more enjoyable. There have been several blogs that are specially written for people like me. I do not consider myself completley out of touch with the internet. Although it did take me a long time to finally understand XM, MP3 and IPOD. Boy technology does move so fast. There was a time when I was on top of my game, but lately I feel out the loop.

I think that is why it took me so long to pursue AR and set up my profile. But for the Newbies out there now, its not that hard. You just have to set aside at least an hour to concentrate and figure it all out.

I will try to pay forward the favor and post anything that I think would be helpful to any new AR members.

BTW- AR is for ActiveRain(that took me a few blogs to translate)! =)

Missed Oppurtunity-Learn to Speak up!

2007-12-16T10:21:29Z

I was at a cookie exchange last night with some fellow mommies and amongst us were several "home demonstration consultants". As a past "consultant" of one company I was proud to say that I am now selling myself(so to speak). As the other women were talking about this product and that, I didnt have much room to talk. I was content just to sit and listen and then I thought "Dont miss this opportunity to speak and promote". So I managed to jump in on the conversation(which for me is not hard to do) and turned it on me and my business. Everyone at the table was shocked, they had no idea I had started my own business and was pursuing it!

Wow! that was eye opening. Now some of the women I am friends with but there were a few that I am just getting to know. So my thought was I dont know their situation and they certainly do not know mine. Hey someone here might have a sister, brother, mother or cousin that is moving or trying to sell that could benefit from my services. SO SPEAK UP GIRL! And after I spoke and explained my business, several women were interested in my services. Whether they will actually use my services I dont know, but I put myself out there. I also confidently talked about my business and many talents. Which can be hard to do, I feel it is easier to sell something else than yourself. It was very difficult to start saying I was good at decorating, organizing, rearranging and my other various talents. But the more I do it the better it is getting.

In fact in my talking to one girl, who I am pretty friendly with told me that her sister just hired someone to come in and stage her house. OUCH that hurt. Because I didnt speak up sooner I missed that one.

But I try to learn from all my experiences and being in that position definitely opened up my eyes to self promoting and self marketing. I am glad it happened, sorry I missed out on the job, but glad I had the experience to learn and develop from that point.

Elise Sharpless

Rooms Like New nj

Missed Oppurtunity-Learn to Speak up!

2007-12-16T10:20:58Z

Elise Sharpless

Rooms Like New nj

Missed Oppurtunity-Learn to Speak up!

2007-12-16T10:19:34Z

Elise Sharpless

Rooms Like New nj

Missed Oppurtunity-Learn to Speak up!

2007-12-16T10:18:46Z

Elise Sharpless

Rooms Like New nj