home staging: “You’re the agent…so sell my House!”
- 06/19/07 09:45 AM
...said Mimi to the camera while sitting in her cluttered, shocking green living room. I nearly fell off my chair. "You've got to be kidding me, right?" was all I could think of. No, this wasn't a client of mine but rather an episode of "Buy Me" on HGTV. The tag line for the show is "If these walls could talk" (I think I heard Mimi's walls crying from neglect, but anyway!) The show chronicles the history of a home from the perspective of each the owner, real estate agent, including recommendations, home staging and all the stress that goes along with … (11 comments)
home staging: Home Staging on 20/20
- 06/15/07 05:02 AM
After reading Karen Reynolds blog posting about ABC'c 20/20 re-broadcasting their segment on home staging I decided to do a little poking around on the Internet. To my surprise I managed to find the clip on-line on the stagedhomes.com. Here is the link if anyone is interested: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/092705_2020.php Now, I don't want to step on any toes, if someone has already provided this link but I came across it and wanted to share it with everyone. I does give a more realistic view on home staging (Oprah's got a little bashing with high price tag of her home staging segment) however they did have an … (1 comments)
home staging: Good Enough to Eat!
- 04/12/07 04:26 AM
I had someone asking me about sources for fake foods to use in staging. I haven't used any to date but these items might be useful for staging a vacant home or a model home. Here are a few links that I found: http://www.incredibleinedibles.shoppingcartsplus.com/page/page/1252403.htm http://www.leeleescreations.shoppingcartsplus.com/page/page/440720.htm http://www.themedecor.com/ http://www.donnamariesfakefood.builderspot.com/page/page/1303569.htm http://www.displayit-info.com/food/food.html http://www.justdoughit.com/menu.htm Using props may not be for everyone but they can be a great way to add a little life to a room. Although fake food is initially more expensive than its real counterparts, if properly cared for it can be used time and time again. I would also caution against using too much fake stuff, a little can compliment a … (7 comments)
home staging: Trust me; I am a home stager after all!
- 04/11/07 06:59 AM
Every now and then life leads us to a fork in the road. Down one side is more of a continuation of what you have done, probably what would be considered the "safe" route. The other side is a little scarier, perhaps tempting you to be more adventurous. I recently reached that fork in the road...needless to say, being the type of person that is always up for a new adventure, has chosen the road least travelled. So what does this all mean? We are moving but not just down the road or across town, we are moving far. Although, it doesn't … (9 comments)
home staging: Spring Curb Appeal
- 03/20/07 06:01 AM
After a long winter of freezing temperatures and mounds of snow, nothing is appreciated more than the spring thaw. Just the thought of being able to shed the layers of coats, hats mitts and boots will bring a smile to anyone's face. However, the arrival of spring's beautifully warm days, posses a problem to homeowners looking to cash in on the Spring Real Estate Market. As the lovely fresh layer of snow melts into a mucky, salt laden pile crusted with odds bits of trash, a once picture perfect home worthy of being on Wisteria Lane can look more like a set … (10 comments)
home staging: Simple Solutions
- 03/19/07 02:52 AM
Staging a relatively newer home can be trickier than staging a "lived-in" home because they often haven't seen a lick of paint since the builder applied that lovely shade of off-white. The builder's grade paint is not washable and shows every speck or dirt and hand print. Leaving the walls looking dull and dirty. The problem is amplified by every room looking this way. Try telling the homeowner that they need to paint the house top to bottom and then pull it all together with staging. Most homeowners will become weak in the knees and turn progressive shades of white. This is where you … (10 comments)
home staging: Home Staging Hits Oprah
- 11/21/06 06:12 AM
Today is the day to see Oprah and Nate Berkus’ version of home staging. The show features a family living in a home that lacked the right touches to inspire and “wow” buyers. Their home had been on the market for over 100 days with dozens of viewing.During his initial tour of the home, Nate pointed out key problems such as a neglected patio, shabby kitchen, carpets in poor condition and a master bedroom that was more “Whoa” than “Wow”.With a budget of $10,000 (Yes...Oprah considered this a budget! Most staging is done for alot less than this) Nate and his … (31 comments)
home staging: Attn: Stagers in the Rain...Oprah is talking
- 11/07/06 04:45 AM
Fellow stagers of the rain, we might just have some publicity coming our way! While watching a recent segment of Oprah, they announced upcoming shows…”Wait - did I hear right?” I thought.Did Oprah say that “THE” Nate Berkus will be giving tips on how to get your home ready for sale?After further investigation I found this posting on her website:
Home Ready For Resale? Have you decided to move, but your house desperately needs a face-lift before putting it on the market? Are you looking for decorating tips to making your home more appealing to potential buyers?Do you need ideas on … (5 comments)
home staging: Collections, chaos and Creating Calm.
- 11/07/06 12:50 AM
A person’s home is a reflection of who they are. Simple elements in a home will show you someone’s believes, their values, likes and dislikes. Personal collections play a big role in this.There are as many different types of collections as there are people and each collection hold its own meaning. When selling a home it’s these very elements that can crowd and distract a buyer. However, telling the homeowner that their prized possessions need to be packed away can be a very daunting task.It is my experience that you need to “read” the homeowner first before making a single suggestion. … (6 comments)
home staging: The True Heart of Home Staging
- 11/01/06 10:19 AM
OK – I’m going to start by waving a white flag, not to surrender but to call a truce. There has been plenty of debate surrounding home staging, covering many different points, but I think that both real estate agents and stagers alike can agree:- Home staging has been around for a number of years, although depending on geographical location it can be a newer concept- Barb Schwarz seems to be the first to really “introduce” it into the mainstream and has also done a lot to further the industryBut where the debate continues is mainly centered around:- What is the … (9 comments)
home staging: Simple Home Staging Ideas – Family Rooms
- 10/31/06 06:57 AM
Every home has its own uniqueness and that needs to be kept in mind when preparing a home for sale. This is especially true when dealing with the typical family home.Just about all-family homes display their own level of clutter and personalization that comes with everyday living.The family room pictured below was a bit gloomy and cluttered, but there are several basic elements, that given the right setting, would really work well in this area.The first step involved painting the walls a slightly warmer colour. Basement family rooms tend to have a “colder” feel (at least in Canada that is!). It … (6 comments)
home staging: Hallowe'en House Contest
- 10/26/06 07:52 AM
Joining in on the Hallowe'en Fun...let's add a contest for homes decorated for halloween. Come on fellow stagers, strut your stuff. Here is my house, show us yours!
… (3 comments)
home staging: How instant coffee changed our lives...
- 10/25/06 06:32 AM
A common question from home stagers is why real estate agents fail to see the value in our services.For me, the answer is easy – we are a new industry and we can’t expect to change the world overnight.Take instant coffee for example, I once read an article outlining the problems of selling instant coffee back in the 1950’s.The manufacturers thought that they had this great product that housewives across North America would buy by the busload because of all the TIME it will save them.And what happened? Sales were pitiful to say the least. After actually talking with women and … (5 comments)
home staging: The cost of Home Staging
- 10/25/06 02:27 AM
On behalf of all home stagers, I'm conducting an informal poll on what real estate agents believe our services cost. We would love to hear from all agents on Active Rain. A 2 hour consultation would consist of: - Room by room review - Specific recommendations provided in writing giving the homeowner an Action Plan to implement our recommendation - Hands on help to arrange mantles, de-clutter shelves and reposition furniture. - Recommendation for paint colors and flooring if required. - Supply resource contacts for painters, handymen, storage companies, pet sitting, etc.
Also be sure to let us know what area you are from because that … (12 comments)
home staging: The ICK Factor and Bathroom Basics
- 10/24/06 02:07 AM
Never has there been a room that can have a larger impact on a buyer than the bathroom. It’s a room of such intimate exposure and can often display what I call “The ICK Factor”.Here’s a checklist to keep your listings on track:- Replace the plastic shower liner and wash the shower curtain.- Take note of the shower rod; if it isn’t in pristine condition cover it with a simple plastic tubing liner (not sure what the “technical” term is). They are readily available in home centers and hardware stores. You cut it to size and clip it over the existing … (5 comments)
home staging: CUSTOMER UN-SERVICE
- 10/18/06 08:50 AM
Quest for the best…Yesterday morning, I dashed out in the middle of a down poor of rain, on a quest to have my hair trimmed. Simple enough task, right?I arrived at the local big-box-shopping-plaza in search of a haircut before picking up me youngest son from kindergarten. Dashing across the parking lot, I got absolutely drench, one time I didn’t care what my hair looked like.I opened the door of the shop and was immediately told by the clerk that they didn’t open until 10AM…it was 9:53AM. Standing in the rain, getting wetter by the second, I ask if I may … (2 comments)
home staging: DON’T BE BLINDED!
- 10/17/06 02:48 AM
I’ve seen it time and time again, and each time I can’t help but flinch. Mini-blinds, PVC blinds and vertical blinds scream of the 90’s to me and not in some trendy “retro” way. Your area might be different but in these parts of frosty old Canada, they are so “yesterday”.They were a popular and affordable option in many homes, and I’ll confess I have had them in my home too. But that was a long time ago. Esthetically, this type of window treatment is not pleasing in a room because they quickly date the décor. They also tend to block … (2 comments)
home staging: Home Stagers Unite - Part II
- 10/10/06 01:52 AM
I have had a few comments about “Home Stagers Unite” but I need your input as to how you think our network might work. What would you like to see? How should it all come together? … (5 comments)
home staging: "Propping Up" Open Houses
- 09/13/06 10:43 AM
Open HousesWhen I stage for an Open House I charge a flat fee to go in and add those extra touches that really close a sale. By limiting the use of your props, you will prolong their life and protect your investment.The fee includes the cost of:1) Using the goods for the Open House2) My time to set-up and pack-up everything.When establishing your pricing remember:1) Open Houses are almost exclusively on the weekend.2) You have to go in, set-up and often work around the homeowner finishing their prep work.3) Be sure to bill Out-of-Pocket Expenses such as fresh flowers, fruit and … (13 comments)
home staging: "Propping" Up Your Business...
- 09/13/06 02:58 AM
I have started building a “prop” library but I’m starting off smaller with a more cost-effective solution. I decided to begin with purchasing accessories to help add personality to rooms without homeowners incurring additional costs.Smaller items such as dinnerware, glasses and placemats are great for creating an inviting kitchen. Mirrors, simple printed artwork, accent pillows, candles, colourful towels and luxurious bathroom products are also great items to have on hand.Being the frugal shopper that I am, I look for items that are on sale. Great places to look include Pier 1, Linens n’ Things, IKEA and Home Sense.I store these items … (5 comments)
Information, tips, ideas and resources about home staging. Helping realtors and homeowners to prepare their properties before selling to achieve faster results and better selling price.
...said Mimi to the camera while sitting in her cluttered, shocking green living room. I nearly fell off my chair. "You've got to be kidding me, right?" was all I could think of.;)
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