| |
tips: Good Enough to Eat! - 04/12/07 11:26 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)
|
tips: Out of the blue...or was it? - 03/27/07 11:12 AM
There have been a few blogs posted recently on marketing your business. Two of my favourites include: "Are you working on your business?" by Melissa Marro and "How do you market yourself?" by Alyse Bromberg. Both deliver the same underlying message, to be successful in these business (or any other) marketing needs to be part of our regular routine. Our days are busy working in our business, at the end of the day we would sometimes like to kick back and relax. But we need to take time to also work in our business and to do it on a regular basis. I have
(11 comments)
|
tips: Home Staging Hits Oprah - 11/21/06 02:12 PM
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)
|
tips: Hubba Bubba…And the case of the Curb UN-Appeal. - 11/13/06 01:02 PM
When I first passed this neighbour’s house, I nearly went off the road. My first thought was “Yikes, what are they thinking?”. Then thinking better of the situation, I realized that no one would choose to paint their home this colour – would they?Recalling when I once painted a room a deep wine colour, the recommended primer was a Pepto Bismol pink. I couldn’t get the real colour up fast enough.It must be just that, a tinted primer for a rich red (mmm…maybe…Benjamin Moore’s Lyons Red CC-68) or burgundy (the Radicchio CC-32 would work well) these would look sharp against the
(17 comments)
|
tips: Attn: Stagers in the Rain...Oprah is talking - 11/07/06 12:45 PM
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)
|
tips: Collections, chaos and Creating Calm. - 11/07/06 08:50 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)
|
tips: It’s Easy Being Green - 11/02/06 01:00 PM
Whether you have family members with sensitivities to commercial cleaning products or you're looking to help our planet, using “green” products isn’t that hard. With two young boys and a glass top table, commercial glass cleaner used to be a staple in my house. Until one day I ran out and needed a quick substitute. Mixing a quick solution by pouring 1/2 cup of vinegar into a clean spray bottle and filling the rest with water, I was on my way and I’ve never looked back. Use it with newspaper (I always thought this was an old wives tale but it
(3 comments)
|
tips: The True Heart of Home Staging - 11/01/06 06:19 PM
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)
|
tips: Simple Home Staging Ideas – Family Rooms - 10/31/06 02:57 PM
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)
|
tips: The ICK Factor and Bathroom Basics - 10/24/06 09:07 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)
|
tips: CUSTOMER UN-SERVICE - 10/18/06 03:50 PM
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)
|
tips: DON’T BE BLINDED! - 10/17/06 09:48 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)
|
tips: Home Stagers Unite - Part II - 10/10/06 08:52 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)
|
tips: My love affair with…. - 09/14/06 08:49 AM
In my last blog, “Propping Up” Open Houses, someone mentioned their recent purchase of a P-Touch label maker.I must confess, I have been in love with my P-Touch since I bought it over 3 years ago. It cost only $40, but has been far more valuable than that to me.I use it for absolutely everything I can:* File folders* Rubbermaid storage containers (my second favorite organization item)* Tupperware storage container that hold all my pantry items* Spice jars* File storage CDs* Toy bins* Marking the electrical panel* Schoolbooks, binders and duotangsI do have to caution you, addiction to this handy little
(5 comments)
|
tips: "Propping Up" Open Houses - 09/13/06 05:43 PM
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)
|
tips: "Propping" Up Your Business... - 09/13/06 09:58 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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucie Quigley
Halifax,
NS
More about me
HOLT modern Home Staging
Address: 37 Foxberry Hill, Glen Haven, Nova Scotia, B3Z 2V9
Office Phone: (902) 449-4658
Cell Phone: (902) 449-4658
Email Me
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.
Links
Archives
|