Jennie's Blog

Messes Send Messages - What does your house or listing say?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:37:23 -0700

Messes Send Messages©

What does your house or listing say?

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

In life 90% of communication is non-verbal. Body language, tone, expressions - they all convey our message more than what we actually say.

Houses send messages too. They communicate with us whether we are living in, buying or selling them. Some messages are of sadness. Some are of depression. Some of joy. Whatever the situation, we can tell when people living in a house have had issues because the house looks neglected. And for good reason - when life takes an unexpected turn, the last thing we make a priority is making sure our house looks fabulous.

Mess Causes Stress©. Some of these homeowners don't realize that by living in disarray they are actually creating stress for themselves and stress can lead to a myriad of health issues. The elimination of "stuff" actually helps de-stress not only the house but the person living IN the house.

When a house is for sale, what message is it giving to the buying public? Messes Send Messages. A house communicates and elicits emotions for a buyer who either loves what they see and feels a connection to the house or not. When they feel that connection the house becomes a must have. No connection means it is a must leave. A messy house says, "No one cares about me," or "Don't buy me because you are going to find other issues with maintenance." A house also send messages about the Sellers such as, "We have given up." or "We don't care about getting the most for our house." And a house that has too much on display also sends the message that there is not enough storage in this house. That simple message can be enough to deter a potential buyer.

Look at any messy house photo and you just feel stressed looking at it. Because "Mess causes Stress" when the house is not prepared for sale the buyer literally FEELS stressed standing among the chaos. They can just look at a photo online and get that feeling of stress. Is it any wonder these houses don't sell?

It's so easy to address this issue when selling a house and yet the big question I have is why are so many houses in poor shape when listed for sale? It's not like the Realtor doesn't see the mess. At least I would hope they notice because it's right in front of our faces. We can give the Seller a little break because when we LIVE with a mess we get used to it and don't see it for how bad it really is. But anyone coming in from the outside who works in this industry HAS to know the house is a mess. And when it's our job to get the seller the MOST money when selling a house, it is up to US to tell the Seller what they need to do.

So why do so many houses for sale still look messy?

Is it because the Sellers don't "get it" that they need to address the issue? Do they not see the value in making changes? Do they resist because it's overwhelming to them? Or do they just not care. I think it could be a combination of all of those reasons.

There are ways to get a Seller to cooperate - especially when they see the benefit for THEM. They will get a better offer when their house shows its best, and their house will sell faster - which means they get to move on to the next phase of their life and into their new home - wherever that is. As professionals serving sellers we need to be equipped with what to say and how to say it so that the Seller is compelled to make changes. We also have to be ready to help them. As a professional Stager, my team and I can and have transformed a house in a matter of hours. It is a very cost-affordable investment with a high rate of return. This takes the pressure off the Seller who may be overwhelmed with the move, with life and is unable to make decisions about what to do. It's a wonderful service we offer - and it makes the Realtor's role a lot easier too because we are the ones doing the heavy lifting, packing, sweating, and setting the scene room by room. The Realtor can be working on paperwork or meeting with a new prospective client and leave the Staging to us.

In all of this process, the key ingredient is to make sure the seller knows we care and this effort is being done FOR them. When they know we care and want the very best for them, my belief is that they will get on board. It might require hand-holding and helping them through a stressful time but in the end they are grateful for the results. Their house can be presented as a stress-free environment for buyers looking for a connection to a place they can call home.

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For help in the Denver area getting your house or listing de-stressed and ready to buy, give Jennie a call. Her Sensational Home Staging stage crew can make a big impact in a short time to help the house sell faster and at the best price. 303-717-7918 www.SensationalHome.com. ©2013 Jennie Norris and Sensational Home Staging.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Best Foot Forward - Don't Sell Your Competition

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:39:00 -0700

Best Foot Forward

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier,

ASP-SRS, ASP-REO

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Helping Sellers & Realtors in the Denver Region

When I was looking for photos to include in this blog post and Googled "ugly feet" the images made me want to retch. There are some UGLY and totally disgusting feet out there! However, I wanted to use the analogy of "Best FOOT Forward" for how we want to sell houses so I am saving you the nasty images of what I saw (blech!) and instead chose one that gets the message across without grossing you out.

The truth is in life we do only have one chance to make the best FIRST impression so we want to have, as they say, our BEST foot forward! When a house is listed for sale and a buyer looks at it online or in person - the house either sells itself or sells the competition. They either want to see more and make an offer or they walk on to the next option.

Buyers compare houses online and in person. When one looks great and the other is not prepared for sale - dirty, dated, cluttered, too dark, smelly, etc. - a Buyer will naturally compare that house to the one that is ready to show and buy. So your choice as a Seller or as a Listing Agent is simple. You either Stage up front to get the positive attention and offers or you don't and you just SOLD your competition.

As a Listing Agent you have to ask yourself, "Why would I want to market an ugly foot?" You invest a lot of your time, energy and dollars to get a house sold. The house reflects on YOUR reputation. When it does NOT sell you are often held responsible and blamed by the Seller - and word gets around the neighborhood. Aren't you in this business to get referrals from happy clients? Of course. So YOUR best foot forward is to make it a requirement that all your listings are Staged BEFORE they are listed for sale. Or else you just help sell YOUR competition because the neighborhood is watching who gets the pending sign out first and at what price the house sold.

Yes I know Sellers can resist change and it can be hard to tell them their house has warts or corns. Yet you are not doing them (or yourself) any favors by marketing their house "as is." I know there are special circumstances that can exist, but for the most part, a Seller wants ALL the money from the sale of their house. Not just some.

Putting an ugly foot on the market guarantees they will not net the most from their house and it guarantees their house will be USED to sell the houses that put their BEST foot forward. Even in a hot market, a Buyer does not want the hairy foot with warts and icky toenails when they have the option of buying the beautifully manicured foot with pretty color and jewelry. Those two houses will NOT sell at the same price and the ugly foot will be used to sell the pretty one.

The changes a Seller needs to make to get their foot from ugly to pretty are usually simple and very effective. In most markets a Staging Consultation where the Seller is given a detailed summary of what to do room by room is an average of $250. That small investment can yield thousands of dollars in return. Anything a Seller can do UP FRONT to help their house show better should be recouped in the sale and help their house sell at the best price.

Best Foot Forward. Get the house Staged by a professional Stager to ensure the house truly has the best opportunity to get the best price. Then when the house closes at the BEST price, treat yourself to a manicure! After all the running around we do for our clients we deserve it!

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For help putting your best foot forward in the greater Denver area, give Jennie a call 303-717-7918. www.SensationalHome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Do Buyers want to Interview and Date Your House?

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:12:20 -0700

Do Buyers want to Interview and Date Your House?

by Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

Online dating is very common these days. People create a profile with pertinent information about interests, hobbies, background, etc. and add photos for those looking online for a match. Based on what is read online, the people decide to set up a date to meet in person. They are basically interviewing a person online to see if there is more of an interest. It's like a job interview - to get the appointment to meet in person, your resume or information has to be compelling and a match to the prospective employer.

Isn't that the same thing we do when we list a house for sale and put our info on the internet for buyers to see? When a Buyer looks at your house online, it's an interview. They are checking out the house and reviewing the information to see if they want to engage further in the relationship. Based on what they see, they either decide to meet the house in person or move on to the next online option. Remember we only have one chance to make a good first impression.

The Wall Street Journal just came out with a highly interesting study that shared 45% of buyers do NOT read agent comments on properties they find online and instead rely on the PHOTOS of the house to either convince them to want to see more or move on to the next online listing. This is a crucial part of the property interview that either leads to a date or moves the buyer to the next online option.

The question becomes, "Is your house or listing making a good Interview impression?" If the photos shown online are of cluttered, empty, dated, and/or dirty rooms the interview is unsuccessful and buyers move on to the next option.

Imagine back when we were dating or if you are currently dating - think about how we present ourselves on a date? Do we go out with our worst clothes on, uncombed hair and heck - why bother showering? No. Hopefully we put our best foot forward to make a good impression and dress nicely, groom appropriately, and make an effort. We smell good, we look good.

So the question becomes, "Is your house Date Worthy? When Buyers come in person does your house or listing make the right first impression for people looking at the house? Does it smell right? Is it clean? Is it appealing? Does it make Buyers want to see more? If not, they will turn around and leave and move on to the next property.

Staging is the KEY to getting successful Interviews that translate into Dates. Photos online of un-Staged houses do not create a good impression for the online interview and will not result in a date. Instead those houses will sit on the market, not have showings because of how unappealing they look, and actually be "used" to sell the houses that sell.

When Buyers come in person for their date, the house better look like it did online - Staged and ready to buy! Using pictures of a furnished house and selling that house vacant when the Sellers move out does not compute to a Buyer. It is misleading and is disappointing to Buyers when the photos do not translate to the reality of what they experience in the house. It's like the old bait and switch of online dating - people load up a photo of a really attractive, fit individual and when they meet in person what they actually get is a mildly attractive out of shape reality. The photos need to match what is seen in person or else a buyer will just turn around and leave. A vacant house does not cut it to get top dollar. Without furniture and decor to highlight the rooms, add warmth and emotional appeal, all a buyer has to look at are the flaws in the house.

I had a client that shared their house was under contract and it fell through. They had already moved out and despite the fact that they received an offer quickly at first, they were now faced with an empty house that did not show well. When the house was furnished they received rave reviews about how nice it looked. When they house was being shown as a vacant product, all the sellers heard were complaints about all the things that were "wrong" with the house - and they had not changed anything except move out. So wisely they invested in Staging so that they could once again create that buyer appeal and give the buying audience more to focus on than the empty rooms.

The last piece of key advice is to keep the house ready to show at all times. Sellers cannot relax in the house once it's Staged. They have to set the scene daily to ensure that any in-person showings or dates leave the best impression. As a professional ASPM® Stager, I have Showing Instructions that I leave with Sellers that include key tips they need to do on a daily basis to make sure their house is date worthy on a daily basis.

In order to Sell successfully the house must interview well online and be selected for the in person date that will hopefully lead to the offer to buy the house! It all starts with Staging for the buying audience - marketing the product properly with Staging and the Seller can eventually relax and move on to their new home once their house SELLS with Staging!

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For help getting your house or listing in the greater Denver area Staged to sell for TOP DOLLAR - give Jennie a call. She has helped over 2,500 clients get the dates and deals they wanted.

303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE www.SensationalHome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Are You a Tweaker?

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:42:08 -0800

Are You a Tweaker?

by Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Helping Sellers and Realtors Achieve their Goals since 2002

No. I am not asking if you are a Meth-head. I am referring to Staging.

Are you a Tweaker when it comes to your hands-on Staging projects? Whether occupied or vacant home Staging projects, I have encountered Staging Tweakers – and the fact is Tweakers lose profit and drive themselves insane because they just don’t know when to stop!

I have witnessed Tweakers in action during the many Staging projects I have supervised both as a Trainer and as a Company owner. These are the people that adjust an item over and over – moving it slightly here, slightly there. Taking it away. Bringing it back. Agonizing over whether the items they are using are “right.” Making changes to the finished product repeatedly. Even driving back to the house once the Staging is done to adjust things one more time.

When I have my Staging Crew – I make it clear up front that we need to execute the plan in each room and move on. If I find I have brought a tweaker with me I have to do an intervention. I need to step in and let them know what they’ve done looks great – and let’s move on to the next area. As compelled as they are to go back and adjust, they are not allowed to do that.

I say we need to lovingly help Tweakers to help them get away from tweaking. The reason I feel strongly about this is I want my colleagues to earn the MOST from the Staging creativity and expertise. When we start tweaking beyond what is truly needed, time does not stop and we may end up taking much longer in a room or house because of our need to make it “perfect” versus sticking to the plan.

Here are the steps you need to take to get out of Tweaker mindset and in to a Stager business mind set.

1. Understand that Time is Money. If you need more explanation on that just read my blog post on that principle and it will become clear.

http://sensationalstagedhomeblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-longer-we-take-less-we-make.html

2. You have to make a plan and stick to that plan. It’s not that things cannot change once you get into the Staging and another great idea pops into your head – the key is to settle on the final product and be happy – and move on. When the Staging is done, it’s done. Think about if you finish earlier than planned? That is a good thing – you have extra time for yourself and made more than you planned!

3. You need to ask yourself, “Will my adjusting this item from where it is right now really make a difference in the Staging?” If the honest answer is yes – then by all means do it. If the answer is no and you are just over-analyzing the room and Staging - STEP AWAY FROM THE ROOM. And Move on to the next area to be Staged.

4. I think we all need to “tweak” our Staging just not to extremes – the final product to assess how it looks from the doorway – are tags showing on pillows, is the comforter straight, are the chairs placed in the right spot? But taking it to extremes reveals a compulsion in some of us that we need to stop. Because it is costing you money. It is costing you sanity.

The fact is whether the plant is 3 inches to the right or left really is not going to make a difference in the Staging. Whether a picture is hung 3 inches to high or low or too far to the right or left WILL make a difference – so fix it.

5. Be Confident in Your Staging. Staging styles differ with some Stagers bringing in a lot of décor and others bringing in more minimal – and the key is whatever you decide to put in a room, on a surface, on the wall – you need the CONFIDENCE to know it looks great and give yourself permission to move on. Just who do you think is coming in the room? I will tell you who isn't - the Staging Police – who will slap the letter “L” on your forehead because you did something “wrong” in your Staging!

If your challenge is about confidence in your work, then I recommend shadowing with an experienced Stager and study the before/after photos of Staging projects to really understand what it takes to be successful.

6. Final Stamp of Approval. At some point in all our Stagings we need to give the stamp of approval for the room and move on. Never drive back to a house because you saw some small “flaw” (to you) in the photos. Remember that Staging makes an overall impression on the Buyer and very few are really scrutinizing what was done close up – unless they want to go into the biz. Some Stagers bring an iron to all their projects and take out all the wrinkles in fabric as they make the bed. I say, get bedding that does not wrinkle! I have a steamer and will use it as needed but when our budget it tight and we need to stick to the clock I am not whipping out an iron to get rid of wrinkles when I can avoid them from the start by bringing products that make me most efficient.

In summary, Staging is subjective and we have guidelines for what we know works for both process and presentation. Simply follow those guidelines and have confidence in YOU and your creative talent. That is the cure for tweaking.

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If you are a Realtor or Seller in the greater Denver area and want to get your house or listing Staged for sale, give Jennie a call. She is efficient and experienced to get your house Staged in the quickest amount of time (which minimized the amount you need to pay) so that it looks great before coming on the market. (303)717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE. http://www.SensationalHome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

The Longer We Take the Less We Make

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:37:16 -0800

The Longer We Take the Less We Make

By Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Helping Sellers and Realtors Achieve Their Goals since 2002!

Time is Money.

We have all heard that before and yet have we really taken that to heart in our Staging businesses? I want to encourage anyone reading this blog that is in the business of Staging we have to find ways to make our time most productive so that we maximize our profit. We are paid for our Creativity and our ability to implement a plan of action effectively.

I did not get into Staging to earn a little bit of money. Staging is a lucrative business when it is treated like a business. When I understood the big picture of the income potential of this business, I got very excited. It is an industry that compared to a traditional job pays a full-time income in part-time hours.

As a Stager, we give a lump sum for our projects – not an hourly rate. In order to do this you must estimate how long you believe a Staging will take and then hit that goal. What it really boils down to is good Project Management.

Here are some key tips to help you make the MOST from the Staging projects you conduct and maximize your profit.

1. Make a Plan,
2. Be the Project Manager
3. Communicate Expectations Clearly
4. Manage the Clock
5. Manage the Budget

1. Make a Plan – I know we have a proposal for the Staging project that gets accepted by the client, but that is not the Staging Plan. The Plan starts with you figuring out what you need to do in each room, what you are bringing with you, who is doing what. If you are doing a Vacant house, make a list of all the things you need to bring with you – write it down. You will NOT remember everything the day of the Staging as you are loading up – and the kiss of death for profit as a Stager is us forgetting some key element of our Staging like a set of towels or the bed skirt for the bed – and having to drive back to our warehouse or storage, or worse, having to go shopping – because we did not plan and write it down.

Until I learned and embraced this concept of simply writing things down, I would be going to sleep the night before a Staging and suddenly remember something I really needed to bring – and as I was drifting off would be repeating it to myself 10 times so that when I woke up the next morning, it would be fresh on my mind. What I found to be true is that I would have a fitful sleep, I would be going over the Staging in my head all night long and once I just WROTE IT DOWN – I slept great!

When you are doing a Hands-on Staging for an occupied – you will have already seen the house so it’s a matter of executing the plan you come up with. You have only allotted a certain amount of time for the overall project, so you have to be the one to keep people on track. That brings me to my second tip.

2. Be the Project Manager – Your role whether you are Staging solo or with your Stage Crew is that you are the PM – the Project Manager. It’s up to YOU to plan the time appropriately and make sure things run on schedule. Stagers that make the most profit are ones that stick to the timetable and keep their crew hustling. We can still have fun – play music and encourage each other but you are not there as a friend – you are the PM and you have expectations for your team and the Staging project.

3. Communicate Expectations Clearly with Your Team – People cannot read our minds. We can never assume they know what the overall plan in, what their roles are, what we expect from them and the project that day. It’s a good idea to take 5-10 minutes to share with your team what the goals are for that project.

How much time do you want to be in the house? What is the overall plan? What will they be doing today? What are the priorities? What are you bringing with you? Where do you need their focus?

The last thing you want is for people to be standing around because they don’t have a clear mandate from you. That kills your profit.

It all starts with you – since you bid on the Staging you hopefully allotted money for the crew you bring with you – and you will have labor and creative helping you depending on the Staging. When you fail to communicate expectations you can expect people to move more slowly and be asking you every five minutes what they have to do next. You need to keep people on track. As an example, a bathroom should take at most 15 minutes to Stage – so you need to set the expectation for the team member Staging that space, and then make sure they stick to it.

4. Manage the Clock - I watch the clock and call out the time and what our goals are 1-2 times during the Staging. If someone is taking too long, you have every right to get them on track because you are paying them. We don’t have to be mean – but we do have to be in charge because this is YOUR project. And Time is Money.

When I have labor with me (movers either delivering furniture or helping move things around in a house) I am very clear on the expectations. When I can, I also never pay anyone hourly – they are always paid Lump Sum – and what I have found is they will work a lot faster when they get a set amount for the project versus an hourly rate. When hired labor gets paid hourly we really have to be on top of these people because they are motivated to work slower in order to earn more. I tell them how long they have and then push them (nicely) if they are going too slowly. If I have a large hands-on Staging I often have the labor come first – we get the big things moved out or around where they need to go and then I cut them loose. The creative happens next and I can have my team members meet me at the house to start their part. That way they are not standing around. If there is creative to do while the moving is happening, you can have that taking place – the key is everyone on the project is productive at all times.

We don’t stop for food breaks, we don’t take phone calls. When they are on my clock, they are working for me and this project takes priority. We want productive partners at all times.

If we are unloading a vehicle, the team members helping better load up their arms with things – not take one little thing in at a time – again we want to maximize profit by minimizing the time we take. Same for a de-stage – we are there to get in and get our things out.

We don’t want to be careless – so we always take the time we need to move things properly using our Staging tools – but the key is not to take excess time to do something as Time is Money. When you are able to take less time than planned, you have just increased your profit and hourly amount you pay yourself!

5. Manage the Budget – You have bid on the Staging project and must stick to the financial parameters. When you plan your Staging, write the plan down and execute the plan, you will maximize your profit. If the Staging runs over schedule, the people with you don’t earn less because you have told them what they will get for the project. You earn less because you are the only variable you can adjust. If movers take longer and are paid hourly, then there is less for you. Instead of making $150 an hour for the Staging for yourself, you will earn, $100 then $75 then $50 if a project really goes haywire.

In the end, the key is in planning the project and clearly communicating expectations to your team. Keep everyone productive while still enjoying the process. Have fun while you are Staging – play music and get into the groove of Staging all the while keeping that clock and the budget in your head. Then you will be pleased to see how much you actually net out of a project and will be smiling all the way to the bank!

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If you are a Realtor or Seller in the greater Denver area and want to get your house or listing Staged for sale, give Jennie a call. She is efficient and experienced to get your house Staged in the quickest amount of time (which minimized the amount you need to pay) so that it looks great before coming on the market. (303)717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE. http://www.SensationalHome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Developing Your Unique Market Brand - Going from Bland to Memorable

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:12:24 -0800

Developing Your Unique Market Brand - Going from Bland to Memorable

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP- Premier

Owner, Sensational Home Staging & Marketing Guru

Helping My Clients Achieve Success - Because That's What I Enjoy!

When it comes to marketing your business, have you developed a strategy that really sets you apart from others that provide the same service? Do you believe that it’s all about your services, your skill or your business strategies?

Answer these questions:

Do you believe that you can appeal to every target client?

Do you believe that anyone can become your client?

Do you believe clients hire you because of your services?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, I have news for you. You are wrong. Yes – wrong.

In order for you to truly develop your key marketing brand and honor yourself you need to understand that you do not appeal to every person and not everyone wants to work with you. When you embrace that fact – it’s liberating!

In life and we pick and choose our friends and partners. Why don’t we have that same discriminating attitude when it comes to our potential clients? It’s a mistake to think that we will magically be able to create this appeal in our business where everyone we meet will want to work with us. Those that believe they have universal appeal end up developing a marketing strategy that basically waters down who they truly are, and focuses on the generic, bland blob of oatmeal approach to attracting a client.

I’ve never cared for oatmeal. The mushy consistency and the bland taste were never my favorite. That’s probably why at 4 years old I fed my morning oatmeal to the stray red tabby cat outside our kitchen sliding glass door. I missed the first half of pre-school that day as my punishment but that is how I got my first pet, Victor.

Mass appeal is dead. The unique, story-telling aspect of who we are draws our perfect clients to us. And the best part is we don’t have to fabricate or engineer a story – we all have wonderful stories called our lives – to draw upon for inspiration.

It’s not about rejection it’s about embracing who you truly are and the laws of attraction will bring your perfect clients to you. It’s about creating an emotional connection through story telling about YOU and your life that makes marketing memorable.

Think about the recent Super Bowl commercials. Which ones were your favorites? Mine were the Clydesdale, the Farmers, and the Old People. They told a story, showed the heart behind the message, made me laugh or cry, and it was memorable. The ones I least liked were focused strictly on the product and did not get to my emotions.

If you want to develop your true unique marketing brand and strategy ask your self some questions and be really honest with your answers, knowing that there are no wrong answers:

• What makes me different or unique? (your background, your talents, your characteristics)

• What am I truly passionate about in my life? (family, friends, your work, a cause, etc.)

• What hobbies do I have? (your interests, your focus when not working)

• What are my core values? (your beliefs, your heart)

If you have trouble answering the questions above, get help from your close family and friends to get some concrete answers.

The things you wrote down – those need to be the focus of your marketing brand. You need to somehow incorporate those elements into your message. Don’t hide who you are under a blob of oatmeal believing that you might offend someone if you truly “put it out there.” Guess what? That person you are afraid of offending is going to figure it out anyway – and not be part of what you are building. And the person that is like you, has the same interests as you, respects what you stand for – they are going to be that much MORE attracted to you because of your willingness to “put it out there.”

So many people think, “If I can just be like (some other person you admire) then I will be successful.” And forget that they can NEVER be that person because that person is already taken!

When a business person is able to craft their marketing around their core values and passions it becomes about the emotional story telling in our marketing instead of focusing on service and how hard we work.

Face it – no one really cares how hard you work or your litany of services you offer – BORING. Yawn. That is not an interesting story. What they care about is YOU and finding a connection to you that makes sense for their life. They care about how you fit with their goals and values.

Embrace who you are – know that you are not a blob of oatmeal – you are a vibrant, interesting human being with opinions, thoughts, and passions. Use THOSE to differentiate yourself and come up with creative ways to let people know WHO you are and WHY you do what you do. When you are able to marry the two pathways of marketing and branding you and your business, you will attract the type of clients you want and success will be yours.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Staging With Your Family - How to Make it Work

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:03:11 -0800

Staging With Your Family - How to Make it Work

Staging with Your Family - How to Make it Work

By Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, ASP-SRS, ASP-SRS

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

Building a Home Staging business is not easy. It takes perseverance and hard work, dedication and long hours. Toss the added challenge of having a family – and you have the question of “How do I make this all work?” How do you roll your roles as spouse, parent and business owner together without losing it?

When I started Staging 10 years ago, my 4 children (3 boys and a girl – the oldest) were 3 to 8 years old. I was also homeschooling them (did that for 5 years). No I am not nuts but love my children and that was the path we chose at that time. When it became necessary for me to once again contribute to our family income, I was determined to not go back into the corporate world where I would leave my children in child care and deliberately found a profession that not only used my creative talents, but was flexible as well. It was not easy to start a business with a 3, 4 ½, 6 ½ and 8 year old!

So I compromised and made it work. In the early years of my business, I did not go to client appointments in the day time. I had to get consultations done in the evening, and would Stage nights and weekends as needed. When I started getting more and more demands for daytime appointments, I added a team member whose kids were older so she was available in the daytime – and she handled those appointments. Stagers on my team will remember midnight completions of vacant Stagings, and zooming to a Starbucks that was about to close with warnings from us on the phone to stop cleaning their machines because we were going to make it in time! I did what it took to make it work. I was able to build a business around my family, I did sacrifice some time with them, and thankfully I have a husband who was supportive from the beginning, and would do child-duty at night when I had an appointment. And I am grateful Staging is flexible and being able to build a team of Stagers helped offload projects that I could not personally handle.

In the beginning my children could not help out much in the business because they were too young. They could help with administrative things like marketing pieces, organizing papers, and stuffing envelopes. You want to find ways to involve your children in your business so that they gain an appreciation for what you do, and eventually can grow into a business partner. You see there are ways to involve your family that are advantageous for you and them – because you can pay a family member any wage you determine for them to help you in your business. A child can earn over $5,000 tax free as your employee and the benefit is this money can then be used by them to purchase things they need such as clothes, school supplies, entertainment – things you would be paying for anyway – but now they are a legitimate tax write off for you. So I found ways to involve my family.

Our daughter (18) helps with the creative side of things in a Staging acting as an assistant on projects where I need help. She has also helped with marketing campaigns on occasion. My boys have grown up to become my labor. Our oldest son is now nearly 6 feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, and at 17 years old is proving himself to be strong, reliable, and did I mention strong? I will sometimes include some of his football buddies when I have a Staging that has bulky items to move around. These boys are polite, hard working, and happy to work for $20 and a pizza. Our two younger boys (13 ½ and almost 15) provide a labor resource for getting items from the vehicles into a house, helping to pack, load, and organize. I remember when our 2nd son proudly exclaimed, “Look Mom! I can carry this area rug all by myself!” The rug was longer than he was tall but he was carrying it and doing a great job! Our youngest son is a whiz at packing a truck, maximizing the space potential in ways that would challenge any Tetrix enthusiast!

My husband has always been available as needed – he has helped schlep inventory, he has driven vehicles, he has helped de-Stage when I was flying solo and my crew were not available. Most of all he has helped open doors for relationships because he is such as great networker and spokesperson for my company. He says the things I am too embarrassed to say because it sounds like I am bragging. He has a full-time demanding job in the high-tech industry, and yet loves the real estate industry and truly understands how I fit within the industry to help serve Realtors and sellers. I know if I did not have his support, and that of my children I would not still be Staging because it would be too challenging to have to prove my value repeatedly to my family and demonstrate that I have a legitimate business.

When I started both my Staging companies, I built from the ground up from scratch. We did not know any Realtors or have any sort of network for referrals in both the cities where we lived. That is the hardest way to build a business – cold – and yet that is how I have had to do it both times. Having the encouragement of family has been key.

Not all of my extended family “got” what I did in the beginning and therefore were not the most supportive. I believe they thought it was a hobby, fad or trend that I would move past and not a legitimate business. Staging was not that well known where they lived so my starting a Home Staging business was probably odd to them. When I started bringing in big dollars that is when my parents’ eyes opened. I have had family members sell and not contact me for help – and that’s OK. They may never totally appreciate what I have done in the past 10 years as a business owner, mentor, trainer, author, and entrepreneur, but my family and I know and that’s all that matters.

And my sisters and brothers in the trenches in the industry know because they are right there with me each day working to increase their business, to be successful, to represent our industry, and to help others achieve their goals along the way. I cannot think of a better role model for my children than a person that uses their God-given talents to develop a business that helps others. The fact that it is a great industry and lucrative is a double bonus. My Staging family that extends all over the world has become a huge avenue of support, encouragement and friendship and I would not be able to do this without them!

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Is the HOT Real Estate Market going to Burn Up Your Commission?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:19:00 -0800

Is the Hot Real Estate Market Going to Burn up Your Commission Dollars?

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Realtors - is the HOT market going to burn up your commission dollars?

It depends.

It depends on how you approach listing and selling houses and how much education you provide to your Sellers.

Fact is, the real estate market is picking up around the country. This is good news for homeowners that have been waiting out the recovery. It’s good news for markets where inventory remains low and demand high. With this good news comes mixed feelings for those working IN the industry.

As a professional Home Stager, this means the opportunities increase because more people will be selling their houses, and the challenge is that pricing will be more competitive for services. I can deal with that because there is plenty of business to go around. But a valid concern is that Sellers and Realtors might believe the house is going to sell anyway so why bother putting any effort into the listing? Why Stage it and invest money to present a house its best to market which may include painting, decluttering, landscaping, updating, and/or furnishing a house when the statistics say that the house will most likely sell anyway?

The answer is that a Staged house will always sell for MORE than the un-staged competition (apples to apples) in any market. In a hot market, a Staged house can get multiple offers, a higher than list price offer, and can be listed at a higher starting price because it does show better than the un-Staged competition. Statistically this is anywhere from 5 percent to as much as 20 percent more for the Seller. A Seller wants ALL the money possible from the sale. $5,000 MORE could be a trip somewhere, pay off bills, or added to savings. $15,000-$30,000 more is HUGE for your client. They don’t want to leave that on the table. Bottom line: Staging helps guarantee the house will sell at the very best price compared to the un-Staged comparable house.

For Realtors, a hot market means more people will jump into real estate, believing it to be an easy money endeavor. More competition means more agents will be looking for ways to get a Sellers’ business and some will use discounted commissions as a way to attract business. How will you compete with these discount agents? Will you reduce your commissions or will you find ways to add value?

Realtors that are eager to “just get houses sold” need to think about the impact a hot market has on their bank account. The seller is not just thinking about whether or not they should invest in Staging to make their house most appealing. They are looking at the commission they are paying to the listing and buyer agents. As the market gets hotter, they naturally want to decrease the payout to the agents involved in the sale. Some even believe they do not need a Realtor and will cut you off altogether and go FSBO.

Your commission IS at risk. The good news is Staging is a tool that helps you KEEP your commission and compete with discount brokers by bringing measureable VALUE to the table. Because Staging a house has been demonstrated to bring 5-20 percent MORE for a Seller with either a better starting price, multiple offers, and higher than list offers, you help the Seller increase their net profits by more than they are asking you to reduce your commission. Paying you as a full service Realtor that does not discount and includes Staging you are bringing them a tool that helps them get MORE for their property. Your 1 to 1 ½ percent that you do not discount to compete with discount agents brings your seller up to 5-20% more so you are helping them net much more than they are asking you to give up.

Your professional Home Stager is your key to keeping your commissions, not having to work harder – just work smarter. And because your listings will look better and sell faster, you will become the “go to” agent in the neighborhood which will increase your number of houses sold each year!

More means more for everyone. For the Seller. For the Realtors. For the service professionals that partner with both to ensure the best price for the sale in the shortest time. Staging is a vital marketing tool for the house – and it will become and even more important financial tool for both the Seller and the Listing Agent.

Contrary to what the public may believe, houses do not sell themselves. Poor marketing, little or no focus on selling the house, and/or little motivation to generate activity are strategies enlisted by discount agents. They have to work 2-3 times harder than a full-service Realtor in order to earn the same income so they have less time and attention to devote to a sale. In their head whether right or wrong they are not as focused on the sale because they are not making the same as a full-time focused agent. These are the listings that have a few or no photos, no marketing flyers, no real marketing focus other than toss it on the MLS and say a prayer that is sells.

I just worked with a client that has had her house on the market for 8 months. She lives in a very desirable area. The inventory in this area is 1/3 of what it was this time last year. Her house should have sold by now. But it has not. The listing agent did NOTHING to market the house other than plop it on MLS. When she asked about making improvements to help it show better, he told her she did not have to bother. He got fired as her Realtor and the house is now listed with a pro-active listing agent that believes in best-foot-forward and Staging.

When you have a way to help Sellers get the best price possible they should want to use it. When you know a tool like this exists you should want to share it with all your Sellers. Whether the Seller invests up front in the Staging or the Realtor helps cover the investment as part of their listing services, the fact is both parties will end up recouping more than the Staging investment with a house that is sold at a great price.

That truly is a win-win. A hot market does not mean you should get burned. Staging before listing is a red-hot winner for everyone involved in the sale!

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If you list and sell houses in the greater Denver region or live in the Denver area and want to sell your house give me a call. I have helped over 2,500 homeowners get the most for their house and partner with Realtors to help give them the edge they want in a competitive market. (303)717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE. http://www.sensationalhome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Marketing Made Simple - NEW BOOK by Barb Schwarz & Jennie Norris

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:12:20 -0800

The latest book released by Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging, President & CEO of Stagedhomes.com and Founder & Chairwoman of The International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) is co-authored with Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, ASP-SRS, ASP-REO, Owner, Sensational Home Staging, and Certified ASP Course Trainer with Stagedhomes.com.

With nearly 70 years of combined marketing and business experience, this book is full of great information and ideas to help any ASP and ASPM Home Staging business owner - new or seasoned - get the exposure and market share they want.

Order your copy by going to the http://www.stagingshoppingcenter.com . The book is on sale for $29 plus shipping and handling - regular price $39. It's a must have for anyone serious about succeeding in the Home Staging industry.

I can say I am very excited to finally see this book in print. It has been a labor of love for several years - one that I put away and revisited time after time - adding to the content and focus of the book. I am honored to share the publication of this book with Barb - my mentor and someone I love. As a business coach and business owner, I know the biggest hurdle any business professional faces is how to market their business to get the market share and success they want. So many are afraid to market, don't know what it really means, and don't have a plan of action or marketing strategy in place.

To me marketing is fun - but it takes work and needs to be consistent to achieve results year after years. My hope is that many will order the book and put into practical use the tips and ideas in the book - and realize that we can never rest on our laurels and must always be "out there" sharing what we do to the market place where we work. We need to change with the times - and keep our approach fresh. That is the only way to have sustained success.

- Jennie

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

The Staging Yenta

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:04:33 -0800

The Staging Yenta
by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO
Owner, Sensational Home Staging

“Matchmaker Matchmaker, Make me a match. Find me a find. Catch me a catch. Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Look through your books, and make me a perfect match.”

Those well known lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof resonate in my head as I think about what we do in real estate and Staging. Take out the cultural-religious aspect of the word and look at it from the perspective of a role we play. . . We are Yentas. Matchmakers. We both do our jobs hoping to make a love match. And when we do our jobs right – it’s a beautiful thing!

When I went to Poland years ago with my family we traveled to many places and one tradition I learned in the countryside was how Polish families let others know if their sons or daughters were ready to be wed. The girl’s family would paint their door red, and the boy’s family would make their chimney very tall. Symbolism aside, it’s a great way to find a match because you know just by looking if the other person is going to be open to the possibility.

In real estate, isn’t that what we work to do as well? Realtors do their best to introduce their Buyers to the perfect house, looking through their “books” (the internet) to find the best match – one the Buyer will fall in love with and want to make their own. Stagers do their best to make that house the perfect match for the Buyer. Let’s face it. A house that is not Staged is like forcing Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof to marry Lazar Wolf. When we bring the perfect match to the Buyer - when that magic happens and a Buyer says, “This is the one!” we clap our hands with joy because we know we have done our part to make the perfect match! And it’s a match that will hopefully last for years and bring that Buyer much happiness.

I am a Staging Yenta©. Are you?

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If you are selling and need to make the perfect match for your house so you get the best offer in the shortest amount of time call Jennie at 303-717-7918. She knows just want to do to bring out the best in your house. Sensational Home Staging - www.sensationalhome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Staging with a Goldilocks Focus - Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:29:17 -0800

Staging with a Goldilocks Focus - by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Sensational Home Staging

A childhood favorite, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, is a fairy tale known by most everyone. Goldilocks is the girl that enters the house that belongs to the Three Bears and proceeds to take a test drive on everything from food, chairs to beds. She would not settle on what she liked until it was, Just right.

Think about it – this fairy tale is a great analogy for Selling a house – and for Staging. Goldilocks is our Buyer, the Three Bears are the Seller and each one has a different Stager that worked for them. We have to make sure our Staging is Just Right. Not too much and not to little. We need to have a Goldilocks focus on our Staging to do just what is necessary to sell the house.

This means as a Stager we have to know when to stop adding things to the Staging – because if we bring out too much and put it in the house, even though it may look nice our Staging has crossed over to decorating. We have to ask ourselves constantly, Is this item really necessary to the sale of the house?

We can’t bring out too little because then the Staging is too stark and will not bring out the warmth of the house and make it feel homey to a Buyer.

Staging is subjective and we each develop our own style where one Stager may like to put more accessories in and another may be more streamlined, and yet we cannot lose sight of the goal.

In my ten years as a professional Home Stager I have seen both done – the stark Staging where someone plops a few pieces of furniture in some rooms and hangs a picture or two and calls it a day, to the Staging where there is so much in the house the Staging itself distracts from the Buyer being able to focus on the product – the house and floor-plan. The overdone houses can sell – and yet I wonder what the Stager is selling when they put so much in the house. In my opinion they have gone from working for the Seller to working for their ego – thinking that every house they Stage must look like a page out of House Beautiful magazine.

The THREE BEARS of Staging:

Papa Bear - This Staging has too much

Mama Bear - This Staging has too little

Baby Bear - This Staging is just right

We need to be objective about our own work – and stand back and ask ourselves, Where does my eye go? If it goes to all the fabulous stuff in the room or to a particular object – then guess what? You probably need to take some of the things out so that a Buyer can take it all in as a whole – the room. Staging is a tool used to help set off the product – the house – and should not be THE focus of the room. I don’t profess to be a judge and jury – we need to be able to assess our own work honestly – and not over or under Stage.

Who do we work for? The Seller, Realtor and Buyer.

What is our goal? To sell the house.

Don’t get me wrong. Our reputations are important. Every house we Stage we are putting our stamp of approval on it and we want it to look good. However, I have said this many times – my goal as the Stager is to help the house sell in the fastest time and at the best price. The goal is to sell the house – not make the house look pretty. Does that make sense? I feel that some in today’s Staging world have that flipped. Their goal is to make the house look pretty – and have lost the focus on selling the house – and instead get wrapped up in a decorating or design mentality instead of keeping their Staging hat on.

As an example, I was called to do a preview on a vacant property that had been on the market for a year, then off the market and rented, and then put back on the market for some time before the sellers finally agreed to Stage the house. They interviewed five Home Stagers, including me. When I met with the Seller at the house, I asked some key questions about their goals relative to the Staging. I could tell the key selling point of this house were the amazing views out the back of the house. I was selected to do the Staging because I met the budget, and the Sellers liked me. The Realtor that had the listing said to me, You did not put as much stuff in the house as this other Stager would have. And I replied, I did not have to. The house got an offer in 10 days after I completed the Staging. I did my job – the house sold. This other Stager wanted a 90 day minimum rental, and very high fees that did not meet the Seller’s budget because she had to create a certain look in the house. She was all about her inventory and her ego versus what was really needed to sell the house, and what was needed to meet her client’s needs.

Could I have put more in? Of course – there is always more I could put in a house – the key to Staging is knowing when to stop. I focused on the product – the house and floor plan – and Staged accordingly so that when Buyers came in they saw color and groupings of furniture, but also were able to focus on that view!

Next time you are Staging – ask yourself, Is this _____ really important to the look of this room or to the Staging or is it excess and could I use it in my next Staging? Be honest. This may save you from having to purchase or rent something for the next house.

We don’t want our porridge too hot or too cold. We don’t want the chairs too big or too small. We don’t want our beds too hard to too soft. We don’t want our Staging to be overdone or too minimal.

We want things Just Right.

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For help selling your house or listing in the greater Denver area, give Jennie a call. (303)717-7918. She knows what to do to sell the house - and not over or under do the presentation with Staging. www.SensationalHome.com

http://sensationalstagedhomeblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/staging-with-goldilocks-focus-by-jennie.html

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

List Price versus STAGED List Price

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:57:12 -0800

List Price versus STAGED List Price

By Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO
Owner, Sensational Home Staging
Denver's Premier Home Staging Resource

Do Sellers sell their houses to get SOME of the money possible from the sale?

No.

Sellers want ALL the money possible from the sale – the BEST PRICE possible so they can maximize the profit from the sale of their house. Not just SOME of the money possible.

Realtors want to earn as much commission as possible from the sale of a house for all their hard work – at least the ones that are serious about having a successful real estate business. And the fact is a Realtor has a fiduciary responsibility to get their clients the MOST from the sale of their house – not just some of the potential money. ALL of it.

Imagine if Sellers understood the difference between List Price and STAGED List Price. Wouldn’t ALL of them want to Stage before Listing?

What is the List Price? That is the price the listing agent believes is a fair price for the house based on a comparative or competitive market analysis (CMA). They take a look at recent solds in the neighborhood that are comparable to the current house being listed for sale, and then they factor in the market. Is it going up? Is it a declining market? And they come up with a price RANGE for the house.

A Realtor does not want to price the house too high – because then they are “chasing” the market for the sale and Buyers always want “a good deal” on a house they buy.

That is where Staging comes in.

What is the STAGED List Price? That is the price the listing agent believes the house will sell based on the CMA, the marketed competition AND the fact that the house outshines 85-90% of the other listings. In a hot market, it is often a higher starting point that just the list price. Because the house outshines the competition, it becomes the “benchmark” for all other properties the buyer is looking at, and ultimately becomes the one they must have. Because Staged houses sell faster than their un-Staged competition, in a slower market they are less likely to experience a price reduction therefore they do sell at a better price than their competition.

A Staged house shows better than the competition and creates this feeling within that makes a Buyer want to buy THAT house. The Staged house feels more spacious, warm, inviting, clean, and easy for a Buyer to envision living inside – and it gets the offer. Statistics all over the country prove that a Staged house sells faster, and for MORE than the un-Staged competition. In a hot market, this can translate into possibly multiple offers.

Now, Staging is not a magic wand that would allow a Seller to demand ANY price for their house – they must still be reasonable and with their Realtor’s guidance price the house within the range of where it will sell. But they don’t have to be at the bottom of the range, or even in the middle when the Staging has included updating such as new carpeting, painting, fixtures, and flooring. They can be towards the top of the range which in many markets means thousands of dollars more for the sale of the house.

For certain a Seller needs to honestly assess their house compared to their competition – and take note of how their house looks compared to others – that might be Staged – because if they choose not to Stage, their house will be “used” to sell the Staged houses.

Did you know that in the Denver area only about 10-15% of the houses are Staged prior to coming on the market? This gives YOUR listing or house an immediate advantage over 85-90% of the marketed competition! Around the country some areas have 50% of the houses being Staged while others are hard pressed to find even 5%.

A Staging Consultation in the Denver area ranges between $125-$350 and the consultation should include a detailed plan for the Seller on what they can do to get their house Staged and show ready. This is a MINIMAL investment compared to the ability to position their house at a better price than the un-Staged competition. Nationwide, the consultations range from $125-$450 depending on where you live and it’s all relative to the market and median price for houses.

Dare I say that the Consultation by a trained Professional Stager one that every Realtor should be using as part of their listing process? Yes.

In fact, the Realtors I have worked with over the years that include Staging as a standard part of their listing process, paying for this service for their clients to ensure it gets done, are the TOP agents in the market. They understand that it’s not worth listing a house unless the house puts its best foot forward – and makes the right first impression.

If you are listing your house – you as the Seller need to take control and make sure your house is STAGED prior to coming on the market and pay for the consultation if your agent does not include it. Get a trained Professional Stager to advise you on what you need to do. Or list your house with a Realtor that includes a 3rd party Staging assessment as part of their listing and marketing services.

The STAGED List Price in some market can be $10,000-$50,000 MORE than just the “list price” – and buyers will make an offer on the house that is ready for them to move in, is clean, decluttered, does not smell bad, feels spacious, updated, looks fresh and inviting.

The alternative is to not Stage, and just price your house where you hope it sells, and then reduce the price if there is no activity. That price reduction is usually 10-20 TIMES the Staging investment. That leaves a LOT of money on the table!

You see, you don’t SAVE by not Staging – you either invest it up front or you lose it on the back end with a lower starting point or price reduction(s).

Why do you need a 3rd party to come and tell you what to do? Can’t you just watch one of those shows? The fact is, it’s hard to be objective in your own house – you live there, you have decorated it with your personal taste and it is hard to separate ourselves from our “home” when it comes time to sell. Selling is also stressful and Sellers are not always in an objective and receptive frame of mind. Realtors don’t want to be the ones to tell their client there is anything “wrong” with their house – whether it’s cleanliness, smells, objects in the house or other changes that have to be made to create the necessary buyer appeal. Investing a few hundred dollars to get an independent assessment from a trained Professional Stager is the key. You can find one in your market by going to the www.Stagedhomes.com site and clicking on the ASP Directory to find a trained and qualified Stager near you.

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If you are a Realtor serving this region or you live in the Denver area and need to sell your house, just pick up the phone and call me to help you get your house prepared for sale. After 10 years and over 2,700 houses Staged, I have yet to meet a house that I could not properly prepare for sale. 303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE. www.SensationalHome.com

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

No Gimmicks - Just Staging - we are not a Me Too industry

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:24:50 -0800

No Gimmicks – Just Staging - We are not a ME TOO industry

by Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO - Owner Sensational Home Staging

I was watching “What Women Want” recently - great movie from Mel Gibson’s heyday – and one of the slogans he and Helen Hunt come up with for Nike was, “No Games. Just Sports.” It got me thinking. With Staging – there are so many “sister” industries sticking a toe into what we do that I am concerned that the public may not be fully aware of what is really needed to sell their house.

Do we really want to be a “ME TOO” industry where

anyone can claim to be a specialist in Home Staging?

What industries am I talking about?
1. Decorating

2. Interior Design

3. Feng Shui

4. Professional Organizing

I have respect for people that are trained in these areas but they are not professional Home Stagers.

To me someone that is a professional has training and knowledge about the industry they serve – Real Estate – and knows where the lines are drawn between these stand-alone industries. This is not to say that someone that has a business in the areas above can’t Stage – I just believe wholeheartedly that they need to get educated about what Staging principles are so that they are providing true Staging – not applying the principles of their specialty industry without understanding what the goals are for Staging a house – because that does not serve the client in the best way and the outcome is not going to be what the client wants or deserves.

And they are NOT the same as Home Staging.

Just because they THINK they know what to do – does not mean they do – and I have seen enough “staged” houses by non-professional "stagers" to know it is becoming a major issue for our industry. If we don’t address it now – our industry will be watered down, we will lose money to these “ME TOO” people, and the purity of Staging will be lost.

Let’s take a look at how they differ from pure Home Staging.

Home Staging:

Definition:

a) Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace, regardless of location or condition. It is using the seller’s timeframe and budget to prepare their house for sale so it appeals to the most buyers, sells faster and at the best price.

The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Staging techniques focus on improving a property's appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone might want. Staging involves depersonalizing a home to make it a house that any buyer can envision themselves living in, and create a broad buyer appeal. It is also a method for protecting the Seller and their family as their house is being marketed to the mass public. The house can still have warmth and pizzazz with things that add color but the goal is to sell the house.

Now, as you read these definitions below – ask yourself, “Do any of the definitions (found online) say the words, ‘real estate’ or ‘prepare a house for sale’??”

1. Decorating:

Definition:

a)Make (something) look more attractive by adding ornament to it.

b).Provide (a room or building) with a color scheme, paint, wallpaper, etc.

Decorating is the service of dressing up a home – it is all about personalizing the home for the people that live there. When selecting paint colors or decorative treatments there is no thought to a buyer and what they would like to see in the home because these people are not selling. So, when a Decorator sticks a toe into Staging their focus is naturally going to be on the “stuff” versus the space.

2. Interior Design

Definition:

a)The art or process of designing the interior decoration of a room or building.

interior design - the trade of planning the layout and furnishings of an architectural interior that may include architectural layout, lighting, painting and furnishing a home or commercial building.

b) the branch of architecture dealing with the selection and organization of furnishings for an architectural interior

Interior Design is also about personalizing the interior of a home or building. Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive.

3. Feng Shui

Definition:

a) (in Chinese thought) A system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (qi).

b) The Chinese art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings, and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects.

According to feng shui websites by feng shui practitioners, The aim of feng shui is to create a living and working (and dying — feng shui is for graveyards, too) environment in harmony with nature and the flow of energy.

4. Professional Organizing

Definition:

a) Professional organizing is an industry that has been developed in order to help individuals and businesses design systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring skills.

Professional organizers aim to help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life. Professional organizers help redirect paradigms into more useful cross-applications that ensure properly co-sustainable futures for their clients' spaces and processes.

The definitions for ALL the sister industries are found online. Did you read the words, “REAL ESTATE, SELL A HOUSE, PREPARE HOUSE FOR SALE, OR SELLERS” IN ANY OF THE DEFINITIONS?

NO. Hmmmm.

How did this happen?

Well HGTV is in part to blame for the blurring of the lines between Home Staging and the sister industries. When you have shows called, “Design to Sell” and have an interior designer floating around the episodes doling out Staging advice – and in reality is remodeling the house and adding design elements – not Staging – it creates confusion within the industry and with the public.

Then I believe Professional Home Stagers that are successful are responsible too. Let me explain. Even though the industry was created in 1972, the late 90’s saw the birth of the launch of professional Stagers setting up businesses to serve Realtors and Sellers for the first time. Back then we were considered “the ugly stepchild” of the design world.

It has taken 12 years of professional Home Staging business owners educating the public and real estate industry about Home Staging to get where we are today. I believe that when the MONEY and SUCCESS part of Staging became known (because Staging can be lucrative) – these other industries realized that what WE do is a necessary part of Selling a house – and it is an industry that does not require a “mad money” mentality where a homeowner will only pay for it IF they have some extra money laying around, like the sister industries.

And they wanted a piece.

Because Staging increases the sellability of a house – Sellers realize it is mandatory and more than that, Realtors realize that it is now a mandatory part of Selling any house. Not only that, but Realtors that incorporate Staging as part of their business practices and listing services are more successful, and will be repeat clients for a professional Stager – versus the other industries that have to constantly be creating new clientele.

How do we “fix” this?

We all need to be sharing what Staging IS and what it is NOT – it is NOT decorating, interior design, feng shui or professional organizing. Staging is a service used in the Real Estate Industry – to prepare a house for sale. Period.

Can someone that is skilled in a sister industry also Stage – yes – BUT they need to understand that they are not using the same principles and the goals are not the same as their primary service area. I also believe they NEED TO GET TRAINING OR EDUCATION in Home Staging - whatever form that takes. The reverse is true too – I know many Home Stagers that are also talented in the sister industries. Usually they market that sister service as an off-shoot of what they do, and they have a background and education in that field.

Now before you get all fired up – if you are in one of the sister industries – I acknowledge that there are talented people in those industries that DO a great job with Staging – BUT those people understand the differences in the industries – and have been able to apply their talent and creativity to Staging – not try to make Staging fit design, decorating, feng shui or organizing.

Do you feel the way I do that it is disrespectful to those of us that invested a lot of time, dollars, and passion into our STAGING businesses to be LUMPED together with those that have done NONE of that?

The fact is any of us COULD market ourselves as a Feng Shui person, a Professional Organizer, or Decorator – because NONE of those industries are regulated. Anyone can set up shop in those fields.

I don’t do that – because I RESPECT those industries and the people serving them – and I UNDERSTAND that they are different than what I do – in process and goals. My passion is for Staging – I love what I do and the process behind it.

On behalf of all the talented Home Stagers serving the real estate industry, I respectfully ask for the SAME CONSIDERATION.

When I do a Staging to Live that is a home makeover I draw the line at where I know I am not qualified to help them – and bring in a re-designer, decorator, organizer, or design person to take over. I have NEVER been brought in to a project any of these sister industries are working on – with a homeowner that is selling – they just take the business. To me, that is wrong and does not show respect for professional Home Stagers everywhere.

My focus though will be on REALTORS and SELLERS – to make sure they know that those other industries are NOT Staging and should not be confused with what Home Staging is. Hire the right person - the best person for the project - that knows what to do - and they will get the results they want.

Who’s with me?

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

"'Twas the Month Before Christmas" -a Staging twist on the old classic

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:36:46 -0800

Enjoy this "spin" on the classic Christmas poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" - adapted for what Stagers do best - get houses sold! - Jennie

Trouble viewing the graphic? Here is the text version:

‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the town

Sellers were asking, “Should we bring our price down?

Or go off the market until sometime next year,

We just can’t seem to get a buyer in here.”

Their houses were marketed during the season

No buyers were coming - what could be the reason?

Perhaps there needs to be more appeal

To help a buyer come make a deal!

Well here’s the solution that’s sure is engaging

From your Staging expert - Sensational Home Staging!

I’ve transformed many houses, to help them look best

From furnished, to vacant, large, small and the rest.

The services are varied, but one things for sure,

Staging a house is often the cure!

The best things about a home - I help buyers see

Using their own items or special inventory.

The data I track proves Staging works well

Even in this market - my Staged houses sell.

The investment in Staging is really quite clear

It will help you sell now versus sometime next year.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Denver Regional Staging Statistics - ASP Staged houses sell faster!

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:09:21 -0800

Anyone in the greater Denver region - check out the latest STATISTICS for houses that are ASP Staged in the region. Stats are provided by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) members of the Denver IAHSP Chapter. IAHSP is the only professional Staging trade association that requires members be educated and accredited in Staging in order to join.

While average days on market decreased from January through October, so did the DOM for ASP Staged houses. Our Stats show that Staged properties were selling 2-5x faster than the regional averages - with some getting offers the first day the house was listed for sale!

Sellers need to know Staging is a necessary tool to help them get TOP price for their house - not leaving any potential money on the table. The houses will sell - but they sell for even more and faster when Staged.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Home Staging Training - Realtors & Stagers - Van Nuys - Dec 3-5

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:05:51 -0800

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to VAN NUYS, CA - DEC 3-5, 2012.

This class is being offered for both Realtors and Home Stagers that would like to earn both a professional Accreditation and Designation for Home Staging. An ACCREDITATION is the highest form of Training in the Staging industry!

Realtors attend the first 2 days and learn about Home Staging as a listing and marketing tool, as well as things they can do to help their own clients prepare their houses for sale. They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professioanls (IAHSP) - the only professional association that serves only Home Stagers and the Home Staging industry, and has standards of membership that begin with education. No other association has educational standards prior to joining - this sets IAHSP apart with our standards of quality, ethics and excellence. Since 1998 IAHSP has set the standards of excellence in the real estate and Staging industry and no other group has the longevity, integrity and history that IAHSP provides.

Realtors earn 14 CE Credits for this course.

Professional Stagers attend for 3 days and learn about the real estate industry and how to work with Sellers and Realtors for business, as well as how to establish, manage, market and maintain a successful Home Staging business. They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) the only professional association founded in education and excellence standards, for the Home Staging industry.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

This class is taught in a LIVE classroom setting with a Trainer that has actual success and knowledge related to Home Staging and real estate. All questions are answered and you have ongoing support from a real person that cares about your success after you graduate. The hours you receive are the equivalent of a college semester course with 24 hours of Stager education and 16 hours of Realtor education.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 14 years of training history, and is based on 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you would like to become trained as a professional Home Stager, enroll now to receive the only legitimate Accreditation available for Home Staging in a live classroom forum. An Accreditation is the HIGHEST form of training in the Home Staging industry.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

Go to www.Stagedhomes.com for information including a course comparison spreadsheet that will give you an entire summary of the most imporant things to consider when getting training, and how our ASP Course stacks up to others that are offered. https://www.stagedhomes.com/PDF/COURSE%20COMPARISON%20SPREADSHEET-SHC%20ONLY.pdf

to Register for the VAN NUYS: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1139292 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

HOME STAGING TRAINING - REALTORS & STAGERS - FT LAUDERDALE - NOV 12-14

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:12:37 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to FT LAUDERDALE - NOV 12-14, 2012.

Realtors earn 4 CE Credits for this course.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

This class is taught in a LIVE classroom setting with a Trainer that has actual success and knowledge related to Home Staging and real estate. All questions are answered and you have ongoing support from a real person that cares about your success after you graduate. The hours you receive are the equivalent of a college semester course with 24 hours of Stager education and 16 hours of Realtor education.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 14 years of training history, and is based on 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you would like to become trained as a professional Home Stager, enroll now to receive the only legitimate Accreditation available for Home Staging in a live classroom forum. An Accreditation is the HIGHEST form of training in the Home Staging industry.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for the FT LAUDERDALE: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1129975 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

HOME STAGING TRAINING - REALTORS AND STAGERS - ALBANY, NY - NOV 6-8

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:08:41 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to ALBANY, NY - NOV 6-8, 2012.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 14 years of training history, and is based on 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for the ALBANY NY: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1021337 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

HOME STAGING TRAINING - REALTORS AND STAGERS - NORTHERN VA - OCT 22-24

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:05:33 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to HERNDON, VA - OCT 22-24.

Realtors earn 4 CE Credits for attending this class.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 13 years of training history, and is based on nearly 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for the HERNDON, VA: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1031471 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

HOME STAGING TRAINING - RALEIGH, NC - SIGN UP NOW - REALTORS & STAGERS

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 08:54:35 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to RALEIGH, NC - SEPT 14-16.

Realtors earn 4 CE Credits for attending this class.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 13 years of training history, and is based on nearly 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for the RALEIGH, NC: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1116872 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Stagers are not Salvage Companies - We don't want your castoffs

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:08:34 -0700

Stagers are NOT Salvage Companies or Junk Removal Resources - We don't want Your Castoffs! - by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging - Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

I am going to rant a bit here – I got a call yesterday from some homeowner that has been storing their furniture and has decided it costs too much to do that so now wants to sell it off. In her words, “Our stuff is too good to just give away so I am hoping we can make a deal.” In fact I have received this same type of call many times over the past 10 years.

As a Stager why is that people think that we are a repository for their rejected furniture items or things they feel are "too good" to “give away” or donate? I know that once in a while a Stager might acquire an inventory piece from a homeowner, but for the most part, what they are rejecting is not anything we could use. Is it the TV shows that are confusing people or just that they do not get our industry? Yes we can use what a homeowner has when Staging a house – and yet for vacant houses where we are in charge of the look, we are going to create a more modern look and color palette than using Grandma’s antique furniture and doilies as accents.

I had another person contact me because he had been an investor and had all this, in his words, “Wonderful furniture that is top of the line.” I took time to go check it out. I wanted to say, “Hey mister, 1980’s called and they want their chunky white wood with gold trim coffee and end tables back.” I did not – I was honest and said I could not use most of what he had – dated, dusty, heavy. But it annoyed me that I not only wasted my time, but that he thought I could use any of his stuff!

For all you homeowners that would like to unload your things and “get a good price” – here is a news flash: We don’t want your stuff! That may sound mean but even I have to sell my stuff at garage sales or donate it when I am done with it – and you know what? I don’t get the price I want for it either – but I am happy to be rid of it. Unless your stuff falls into the following categories, go ahead and put it on Craig’s List or post those neighborhood sale signs:

1. The style of whatever you are unloading is up to date – traditional - transitional to modern. Whatever the trends are for TODAY – not 20 years ago. Whatever I use for Staging must be able to be used in the houses I Stage for today’s buyers – clean lines, not fussy.

2. Your furniture is CLEAN and in new or like-condition. This means Fido cannot have chewed the legs or Fluffy cannot have used the side and back as a personal scratching pad. Forget kids stains and food stains. There is a reason we tell you to remove those pieces for Staging as buyers don’t want to look at that either. Telling me I can just put an accent pillow over the cigarette burn is not going to work for me.

3. Your furniture is a neutral color/fabric. Yes you loved the floral printed sofa but Stagers, not so much. Why do you think we invest in slip covers? There are exceptions but if I am going to use something with color it is not going to be your mauve, floral sofa or hunter green lazy-boy recliner.

4. Your furniture is light-weight and easily moved from house to truck. You may have invested in that hide-a-bed to help create more space for guests but we don’t want to get a hernia moving your sofa around from house to house. If I cannot lift it with one other person, it’s off the list.

5. Your artwork is something I can use in any house for sale. You loved the print of Yoda from Star Wars and paid a lot of money for it – but guess what? It is not going to work in a house for sale today. That also goes for any Thomas Kincaid, Monet framed in brass, or other old wood framed “collectible” you’ve been toting around for years. Today’s art must reflect the style and colors buyers are looking for – and that is why most Stagers weed through their artwork annually and eliminate anything that has not gone to the show or is no longer useful.

6. Your accent décor has to be useful. I don’t want your dusty silk plants that you dragged off your cupboards. Or your old dusty silk tree with lights on it. Same can be said for your old roosters that you collected back when that was the fad. If you haven’t noticed, with Staging we have a saying, “Less is more” so I want less of your used items and more of what will “pop” for Staging and make a statement. I am constantly turning over my accessory stash because things get dated or damaged.

Do you get the point? It’s not that we don’t appreciate you thinking of us – but please be realistic about what we do. We are not the Sanford & Son's of Staging – salvaging your junk because we are desperate for something to stick in a house. Not only that – do you realize that if I have large pieces I have to pay to store and move those items – so I don’t want to be storing items that will be used once in a while – they have to be on rotation constantly.

I cannot speak for ALL Stagers and I am sure there are those that would be happy to acquire your things for “a good price” – but for me – I would rather invest in a piece that is going to pay me back many times over. That’s smart business strategy.

In the future, please spare me the calls to come rescue your furniture and decor that is “too good to give away” – just put your Craig’s List ad together,have a garage sale, and be happy that you are free from storing all that stuff – and use the money to buy some new things. I CAN help you with that – so call me when you are out with the old and ready to bring in the new – I would be happy to help you.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Top 5 Reasons to Stage in a HOT Market

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:54:53 -0700

Top 5 Reasons to Stage in a HOT Market

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging

As the real estate markets heat up and days on market shorten, one school of thought is that Staging is not needed as a tool to attract a buyer because, hey, the house will sell anyway – eventually. That is misdirected thinking because Staging is a key tool in BOTH a hot and soft market! In a slow market Staging helps the house sell faster. In a Hot Market - it will sell even faster - and possible for even more than list!

In many markets all over the U.S., sellers are experiencing swift sales as a result of depleted inventory. Prices are not back what they were prior to the market collapse so using Staging as a tool to get the BEST price for your house is necessary.

1. Staged houses engage the Senses. A Staged house looks, smells, and feels better than an un-staged product. No matter the market, that means it will sell faster – which means it gets the best price while the competition sits and is USED to sell the Staged houses. You don’t want to be in the “used” category.

2. Don’t Sell Yourselves Short. Staged houses will sell 2-5 times faster than the un-staged competition. As a market heats up – this may translate into selling the day or week it’s listed – which also means bidding wars. The Staged house will sell for EVEN MORE than list – which is exciting.

3. Don’t leave $$$ on the table. When a seller falsely believes they don’t need to Stage – or a Realtor does not advise the seller to invest time and dollars to make sure their house is Show Ready, they are leaving equity and profit on the table. You have to remember, people sell their houses for the MOST money possible – not just some money. If they can get another $5,000 to $50,000 out of the sale – they will want that.

4. Be the Market Leader. As the market improves, more houses will come up for sale which increases the competition. You want to lead the pack in the price and presentation categories, not be a follower – watching as the houses around you sell while you sit.

5. Staging is the KEY Marketing Tool. Don’t forget that Staging is the KEY Marketing tool that helps your photos, virtual tours, and in-person showings stand out from your competition. Without it – the 90% of buyers that preview houses online will not get excited about your property.

Staging is easy, it is a low-investment to get your house sold (versus a price reduction) and is necessary to ensure you benefit from the sale of your house – to get the MOST possible in the shortest time. Work with a Realtor that understands Staging is part of the process – and not an option – so they are using every marketing tool available to attract a buyer audience and get your house SOLD!

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If you live in the greater Denver area and are in need of professional Home Staging services for sale or for living, just call Jennie Norris, Sensational Home Staging. With over 10 years of experience and 2,700+ houses Staged - she has yet to meet a house she could not help! 888-93-STAGE or 303-717-7918. Go to http://www.SensationalHome.com to learn more about Sensational Home Staging.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Home Improvements that Yield the Best ROI for a Homeowner

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:20:17 -0700

Home Improvements that Yield the Best ROI for a Homeowner

by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging - Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

CAUTION! As a professional Home Stager I am often asked about improvements that can/should be made prior to listing a house for sale. Really it boils down to the house, market and the Seller's budget. My experience is that when a Seller understands the ROI - they will find a way to make the necessary improvements - and the key is not to overimprove and to invest whatever budget they have wisely. My philosophy is a seller needs to do whatever they can UP FRONT prior to listing the house for sale rather than start at a lower list price and/or lose money to price reductions. It's much easier to come from a marketing standpoint of being able to say, "New carpet" versus giving a carpet allowance and trusting that a potential buyer will be able to look past your stained and worn out blue carpet.

But home improvements don't have to be done only when you are selling - why not invest in your property while you live there - and you enjoy the changes?

What if you are not selling? Upgrading your home is exciting and can also provide a nice return on your investment when you sell. To maximize returns, it is important to know which improvements to focus on and to not over invest in your upgrades.

Check out the list of improvements and percentage of your investment that may be recouped at resale - provided by Remodeling Magazine: Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeling 2011-12 Cost vs. Value Report (http://www.costvsvalue.com).

88-92% Garage Door Replacement
A simple, updated garage door can take years off the look of an older home.

76-81% New Windows
New windows not only give your home a “fresh face,” but they can also improve energy efficiency and buyers appreciate those changes.

75-80% Deck
Outdoor living space is a desirable asset no matter where the locale. No maintenance decking material leaves lots more leisure time too.

67-91% Remodeled Kitchen
A kitchen remodel can reward a seller with a sizable payback. Remember that splurging on fancy finishing materials or sophisticated equipment may cut into profits. Keep it simple.

68% Family Room Addition
The key to maximizing your return is to avoid over-improving and keeping the improvement in line with other homes in the neighborhood.

65-75% Remodeled Bath
A master bath is on many buyer lists, so invest here. If you own only one bath, install two sinks or a double vanity to handle the morning crowd.

61% Bathroom Addition
It takes a simple 5 x 9 foot extra bath to make mornings more civilized for most families. Don’t count on a return on extras like a heat lamp or whirlpool tub.

57-64% Expanded Master Suite
To keep costs down, try to find extra space to create this wish-list item by combining existing rooms and spaces. Heavy structural work entailed by adding square feet diminishes returns.

50% Home Office Remodel
A home office adds to comfort, convenience, and salability, but isn’t among the top projects for adding home value.

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If you live in the greater Denver area and are in need of professional Home Staging services for sale or for living, just call Jennie Norris, Sensational Home Staging. With over 10 years of experience and 2,700+ houses Staged - she has yet to meet a house she could not help! 888-93-STAGE or 303-717-7918. Go to http://www.SensationalHome.com to learn more about Sensational Home Staging.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Home Staging Training - White Plains, NY - Aug 28-30 - Sign up now!

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:14:03 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to WHITE PLAINS, NY - AUG 28-30, 2012.

Realtors attend the first 2 days and learn about Home Staging as a listing and marketing tool, as well as things they can do to help their own clients prepare their houses for sale. They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professioanls (IAHSP) - the only professional association that serves only Home Stagers and the Home Staging industry, and has standards of membership that begin with education. No other association has educational standards prior to joining - this sets IAHSP apart with our standards of quality, ethics and excellence. Since 1998 IAHSP has set the standards of excellence in the real estate and Staging industry and no other group has the longevity, integrity and history that IAHSP provides.

Professional Stagers attend for 3 days and learn about the real estate industry and how to work with Sellers and Realtors for business, as well as how to establish, manage, market and maintain a successful Home Staging business. They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) the only professional association founded in education and excellence standards, for the Home Staging industry.

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 13 years of training history, and is based on nearly 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for the WHITE PLAINS CLASS: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1114213 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE

Home Staging Training - Orange County, CA - August 14-16, 2012

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:08:26 -0700

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to ANAHEIM-IRVINE, CA AUGUST 14-16, 2012.

This class is being offered for both Realtors and Home Stagers that would like to earn both a professional Accreditation and Designation for Home Staging. An ACCREDITATION is the highest form of Training in the Staging industry!

Realtors receive 14 DRE Credits for this class!

ASP graduates also receive access to the Staging University, the largest online resource for Home Staging success and is a private resource available only to ASP graduates.

Only Stagedhomes.com has over 13 years of training history, and is based on nearly 40 years of experience by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz.

If you are a Military Spouse - you can enroll in this course under the MyCAA Program. Click here to find out more: http://www.stagedhomes.com/public/MyCAA.php

to Register for ANAHEIM-IRVINE CLASS: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1030864 If you have any questions you can contact Stagedhomes.com at 800-392-7161 Save $$ off your tuition as an ASP Home Stager or ASP Real Estate Agent by using special codes found online when registering.

Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP-Premier, SRS, REO, Owner & Principal Stager, Sensational Home Staging serving the Greater Denver region

International Staging Expert, Blogger, and Media Personality
Member of International Assoc of Home Staging Professionals since 2003
Why Trust Your House or Listing to Anyone Else?
Over 2,700 Houses Staged and Thousands of Satisfied Realtor and Seller Clients
303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE