Flaccid and limp? Not good in the bedroom. . . - 11/27/07 09:31 PM
Yeah - yeah - got your attention . . . but really where was YOUR mind going?  I was talking about AIR BEDS - of course.  Ever had one deflate on you after you left?  (One key reason why we need to check on our Staging to make sure things still look good!). 
What an embarrassing call THAT is. . .  "Um, Hello - Jennie?" "Yes" - "This is ____ - and well, the bedroom bed looks sort of funny - and limp."  Uh oh!  A leak, a hole, or an improperly screwed on sealer - and you have "Flaccid Bed … (19 comments)

If you want to know what to charge - just ask - 11/27/07 02:24 PM
As a follow up to my rant on the red light district Stagers - http://activerain.com/blogsview/287074/Get-off-your-back  I thought it would be good to put this one up so that anyone reading this who wants to know what to charge - it's easy. . . just ASK.
I cannot imagine a Stager established in business that would not share with a new(er) Stager what they are charging when they work the same market.  I know there is the whole idea of "competition" but really, why wouldn't I tell someone what I can get for jobs - and what I charge for various services - … (17 comments)

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling at SIF - 11/19/07 03:31 AM

I was reflecting back on my participation on Active Rain and the SIF Group - nine months have gone by since I posted my first blog and began to read what others were sharing. I know we don't always agree, but I was thinking about where I am today versus back then.  What I realized is I really feel like there is this barrier I can't get past or won't be allowed past? I am not sure which - but it is frustrating, and to be truthful, a little hurtful.  It is a glass ceiling in that you are led to … (34 comments)

ARE WE HEADED AWAY FROM OCCUPIED HOME STAGING? - 11/16/07 03:52 PM
In a private email exchange last night, another AR Stager/blogger was sharing she asked:  Are we moving away from the principles of arranging and using what a seller has in their house in the Staging process and towards becoming "rental" businesses? Is our focus on vacant homes overtaking our other possible (and needed) services?
When I responded to her - she shared that I had a "blog" post - so here it is.  I know that much of the market around the US is vacant.  In my own market an estimated 40% of the homes for sale are vacant - your market may … (16 comments)

NEW STAGERS - WORK FOR FREE AND FOR HOW LONG? - 11/16/07 03:21 PM
New Stagers frequently email or call me asking to "shadow" me for jobs.  I get calls from interior design students as well that would like to complete hours towards their education and internship - and ask to tag along.  My policy is that I use only Stagers (not decorators or designers) - because it's too much for me to have to explain the principles behind what I do - staging is not decorating, yada yada.  But I have brought new people out many times - and it's a way for them to watch and learn and gain confidence.
Question I have is if … (6 comments)

NAKED LADY TRIES TO SELL HOUSE! - 11/16/07 12:19 PM
OK - so it's Friday before a HOLIDAY WEEK!  Yay!  Thought I'd have some fun with us all with that enticing topic title. . . and even more fun sharing the reality of the title - and the disbelief I STILL get when I go into a house and they have this type of art or sculpture or item in their house - and it's for sale!  This was a HIGH end house in our area - over $2 Million - and the house sold and the sellers moved out and let the buyers in BEFORE the escrow closed - and then it … (10 comments)

SO - DO YOU THINK EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT HOME STAGING? - 11/15/07 10:53 PM
When it seems so commmon sense to us - those that work in this field - isn't amazing when you come across people that STILL do not know what Home Staging is?  If you ask some Stagers they might tell you or me that "the market is saturated" - and the opportunity for expansion and more business is shrinking. 
I am sitting in an airport ready to fly home to my family, and have to share that the last 10 people I have interacted with on the way to the airport, in line in security, sitting at a Starbucks, etc. - … (15 comments)

AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY? BID FOR JOBS WHERE YOU ARE "USED" - 11/13/07 01:37 AM
Chalk it up to experience . . . I should know better considering how long I have doing this. . . but even I jump at the chance to bid on jobs with the trust that my information will be considered with the same care and consideration that I have put into the proposal.
I was asked to bid on a $1.2 million property - that was supposed to be marketed for a quick sale.  Located in an exclusive neighborhood about an hour from my house, I drove to meet the Realtor, and toured the house, took my pictures, asked all the … (23 comments)

RENTAL COMPANIES - FRIEND OR FOE? LET'S BUY A CAKE WITH NO FROSTING! - 11/12/07 11:45 PM
I know there have been other posts on this topic, but recently I have had to do battle with some rental companies in my region and elsewhere to help dispel the myth that renting furniture is "Staging."  I have had "discussions" with large national companies on behalf of Stagers, sticking my neck out to straighten out what I feel is a blatant misperception being fed to the public. The misperception is that "rental companies can Stage a house."  Is furniture the only thing needed in a vacant house? Some sellers believe that is true - and this damages what we do as Stagers.
Anyone else out … (27 comments)

DO YOU GROUP NEGOTIATE? - 11/12/07 11:18 PM
Do you know how to GROUP NEGOTIATE or do you keep any great deal to yourself - hoping your "competition" will not figure out what you found?  Do you understand there is power in numbers?
When you go to stores or to wholesalers - do you ask about discounts for yourself? Most places will give Stagers a standard 10-15% discount, and maybe more if we flash our re-sale licenses.  But how many of you realize that when you are in front of a store owner, you have the "power" of negotiation on your side?  You see - it's not about only you … (2 comments)

Give a surprise Staging as a Gift to someone or a group this holiday season - 11/12/07 07:03 PM
I have been off the blog for a while - busy with kids, school, training and Staging - as many of you are.  One of my most recent projects though gave me pause because it made me realize how much people need us and how we can be such a GIFT to those around us. "Tis the Season - it's almost upon us - the "official" kick-off of the Holiday Season....
Already I have created and donated a "12-days of Christmas" wreath to a WCR Auction, helped fundraise, and have agreed to help with a Habitat for Humanity Parade of Holiday Homes.  … (7 comments)

 
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Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP, ASP-SRS, ASP-REO

Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

Littleton, CO

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Sensational Home Staging

Address: www.SensationalHome.com, 1-888-93-STAGE, Littleton, CO, 80127

Office Phone: 88893STAGE

Cell Phone: (303) 717-7918

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Jennie's advice and experiences about Home Staging shared with colleagues and clients.

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