staging: Selling a house in a difficult location? Can home staging help? - 07/24/08 09:12 PM
Selling a house in a difficult location?
Have you considered other ways to market the property besides reducing the price?
While we cannot change the location of a property we can improve the appeal to buyers if the property is indeed in good condition.
There are always buyers looking in certain locations & neighborhoods (obviously … (0 comments)

staging: Home Staging Tip: Fresh look for kitchen window treatment and it's under $5 - 07/17/08 01:52 PM
Want to freshen the look of a dated or worn window treatment in your kitchen? It's really simple!
Purchase color coordinated cotton napkins that work with the colors of your kitchen.I found the ones in the photo at Pier 1 on sale for around $1.28 each.  Remove old window treatment Fold … (10 comments)

staging: How a Home Stager choose the new color on her own front door - 07/17/08 09:32 AM
This summer we've been doing some improvements on our own house.  It had been about 6 years since we did the last major improvements and we were ready to tackle a few more. As a professional home stager I understand the value of improving ones home before even thinking about selling. … (21 comments)

staging: Open House 1:00 - 4:00 PM PM Sunday 7/20/08 740 Mustang Ridge Drive, Murphy, TX FREE Staging Tips - 07/14/08 04:14 PM
 

It's a "Neighborhood Open House"
Join Sarah Nguyen of Janus Real Estate Group and myself, Karen Otto of Home Star Staging at
740 Mustang Ridge Drive, Murphy, TX, 75094 When: Sunday, July 20, 2008 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM It's a neighborhood open house and our friends and neighbors … (5 comments)

staging: Collin College Offers Home Staging CE Course for Sellers & Realtors 8/18-27 - 07/06/08 07:42 PM
 
Real estate professional? Selling a home? Or just interested in learning more about Home Staging?
Check out the schedule of Continuing Education courses offerings at Collin College  
 
Home Staging is a course that is; 
 "Designed for the home owner or the professional real estate agent to prepare a home for resale. Learn … (8 comments)

staging: Sellers, I feel your pain - 07/05/08 11:41 PM
Let me first say, we are not moving. At least not this month.  But we are re carpeting our 2nd floor and replacing our white wooden stair balusters for our enjoyment as well as the future return on investment.
Why did we really want to do this?
Heck, we want to enjoy … (30 comments)

staging: A blog you have to read by a seller - "Selling ( & staging ) a house with kids" - 06/04/08 12:25 PM
 
My Google Alerts had an interesting blog post in it this morning and I want to share the link here.
The blog is written by a seller who had their Realtor stage the listing.
She describes in really good (and humorous) detail the process and how it was to live like … (34 comments)

staging: Do paint, staging and professional photography make a difference? - 05/18/08 09:04 AM
Below are some photos of an owner staged property after receiving a home staging consultation from Home Star Staging. 
Included in a home staging consultation are many, many recommendations. Below are just two of the following which highlight the purpose of this blog:
Paint recommendations Furniture placement / arrangement suggestions The owner could choose to do as much or as … (23 comments)

staging: What does $125 in North Texas get you for Home Staging? - 05/17/08 12:06 PM
 ALOT!
Home Staging does NOT have to be expensive.
Many Professional Home Stagers provide many levels of service at different price points.  Budgets are always considered when I speak to my clients and I am well aware of being cost conscious especially in today's economy.
I'd like to share with you … (9 comments)

staging: DFW Home Staging Professional's Spring Fling in Photos - Fundraiser, Fun & Friendship! - 05/01/08 11:36 AM
Yesterday we had a great time at our annual DFW IAHSP Fundraiser.
Once again it was co-hosted by our valued and much appreciated business partner CORT Furniture Rental at their Inwood Showroom.
Kathy LaMarr, CORT Rep. extraordinaire & our local home stager supporter & innovator, once again out did herself.The food, showroom and tables-capes … (9 comments)

staging: Curb appeal and blind dating = 2 of a kind - 04/27/08 09:04 PM
Analogies are great. They help us understand why something that may not seem important to us at first glance really is. Let's use an analogy for curb appeal when selling your home and why it is so important to buyers.
Let's compare it to blind dating. Bear with this and you're likely … (20 comments)

staging: Laundry room lesson - clean, clear & clutter contained - 04/14/08 01:22 PM
When selling a house it's important to look at every room of your house through a buyer's eyes as they would see it upon previewing. 
Want a simple way to see it from their perspective? Take a photo of it and see for yourself. It isn't always what you expect. 
This is a small … (34 comments)

staging: Home Staging CE Course for Realtors & Sellers - Collin College, Plano,TX begins April 21 - 04/14/08 09:05 AM
It's still not too "latte" to enroll according to the Collin College Schedule of Continuing Education course offerings for January - April 2008. 
There is still time to enroll for the April 21st -May 12th  Home Staging CE course.
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Days: MondaysLocation: Court Yard Center at Preston & … (0 comments)

staging: New Website for Real Estate Experts & Professionals - Please join me FREE! - 04/13/08 08:40 AM

I have had the pleasure of working with the folks at energized seller.com (who by the way found me on Active Rain) over the past few months as the initial phase of their new website a "community for helping the motivated seller" took flight. 
I am happy to post this … (38 comments)

staging: Got Pets? Selling a house? One sniff could snuff a sale - 04/09/08 04:27 PM
Pets. We love them if we own them, they're our babies and a part of the family. However when selling, they become a different story when others will be entering and previewing your property.
First and foremost, for the safety of your beloved pets, consideration must be given to how they will be kept safe while showing. … (13 comments)

staging: "Sell This House" Staging Experts answer seller's questions on Washington Post segment - 04/05/08 12:22 PM
My Google Alerts came up today with this segment in the Washington Post, from Thursday, April 3, 2008.
It was a question and answer session with Roger Hazzard and his co-host Tanya Memme from the show Sell This House on A & E. Curious I went and read through the post … (15 comments)

staging: Stage"ducational" Broker's Tour - 03/30/08 09:31 PM
Ever try to think of different ways to draw a crowd to your broker's tour on a new listing? Now I know food and drink are part of the usual suspects at these events, but how about in addtion to that, adding an informative "educational" portion of the tour?
For those Realtors who have a … (15 comments)

staging: Collin County & Active Rain Realtor $pecial - Home Staging Consultation Coupon - 03/28/08 05:33 PM
 
Home Star Staging is pleased to offer Collin County Realtors & local Active Rain Realtor members outside of Collin County in nearby surrounding areas this April Home Staging Consultation Coupon.
I'd like to get to know you and show you how I can help you help you and your clients sell faster and for … (7 comments)

staging: A Most Valuable Player in a Successful Home Sale & it's FREE - 03/17/08 04:29 PM
Sellers, do you want to know what is one of the most valuable things you have in terms of the successful sale of your home and it's FREE?
I'll give you some hints:
It's a something we never seem to have enough of It's gone before you know itSometimes it seems to stand still It flies … (14 comments)

staging: You get MORE at the Habitat ReStore - Staging Props for cheap! - 02/12/08 04:26 PM
I almost didn't want to post this because I know not all professional home stagers have access to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.  But....If you do have a ReStore location near you, I highly recommend you go and check it out and get on their mailing list (if the store has … (49 comments)

staging: Thank you John McConnell, Professional Real Estate Photographer - 02/11/08 10:57 PM
I just wanted to thank my friend and trusted business partner, John McConnell for sharing his time and talent tonight in the Collin College CE Course on Home Staging.
John voluntarily presented a wonderful Power Point presentation, answered questions and gave some great tips on how to take better Real Estate photography … (19 comments)

staging: Free Home Staging Event February 16th, 2PM- Denton Public Library, South Branch - 02/07/08 12:54 PM
Mark you Calendars North Texas Home Sellers!
Staging Your Home for Sale - Presented by Professional Home Stager, Karen Otto
Favorites
Login or register for a free Pegasus News user account in order to add this to your favorites. (As a bonus, you'll also unlock cool features like The Daily You, custom local … (13 comments)

staging: Collin College, Plano, TX Offers Home Staging CE Course for Sellers & Realtors - 02/06/08 08:56 AM
t's not too "latte" to enroll according to the Collin College Schedule of Continuing Education course offerings for January - April 2008. 
Although the February class is now underway there is still time to enroll for the April/May Home Staging CE course.
Proudly announcing Home Staging a new CE Course offering at Collin College. 
Home Staging is a … (10 comments)

staging: Selling a home this spring? Plan Now! - 01/16/08 07:20 PM
 
 If you are a home seller preparing to sell a home this spring the time to plan and prepare is NOW!
There is never a second chance to make a first impression. The first 2 weeks after listing are crucial. 
Don't leave first impressions to chance.
Getting your home in show-ready condition … (10 comments)

staging: You want me to stage when? A day in the life of a North Texas Professional Home Stager - 01/14/08 08:40 PM
Dear Clients,
I would like to explain to you how I work.
This is not meant to offend, just to educate you on the steps I take when I start the home staging bid process and when you'd like me to stage your property in the next day or two from initial contact, I'd like you to … (46 comments)

staging: Houston meets Dallas at the SIF North TX Roundtable Hosted by CORT Furniture - 01/12/08 05:00 PM
Thursday, January 10th I had the pleasure of moderating the first North Texas SIF Roundtable discussion for area stagers held at the CORT Furniture Conference Center in Irving, TX.  Although there were only 10 in attendance, we were able to gain valuable insight and learn from each other's varied experience.  For those … (30 comments)

staging: Selling Houses or Pencils? What's the Difference? - 12/29/07 02:22 PM
I'd like to give a lesson on Retailing 101 and how it applies to home sales. 
For anyone selling a home welcome to the world of Real Estate Merchandising. 
Let's put it in terms of another retailer though. A retailer of Pencils.
If you were the Acme School Supply Retailer of Pencils  what … (42 comments)

staging: Selling a Home in Collin County in the New Year? Here's a Home Staging Coupon just for you! - 12/29/07 12:27 PM
 
 
 Before Listing Put Your Property in Good Hands!
If you're planning on selling a home in 2008 start thinking NOW about what you can do to prepare your home for sale. Whether you're a home seller or Realtor you could benefit from a Professional Home Staging Consultation to get you on your way … (2 comments)

staging: North Texas Home Stagers WE WANT YOU! SIF Roundtable January 10th,2008 - 12/27/07 10:53 AM
Howdy again North Texas (and other parts too!) Home Staging Professionals!
It's not too late to join us for the SIF Roundtable on January 10th, 2008 (see details below). As of today there are 10 confirmed attendees. 2 of which are coming all the way from Houston, TX! 
This event is open … (3 comments)

staging: Dallas IAHSP Staging Professionals Elect New 2008 Board - 12/11/07 11:25 AM
The following announcement was posted to our Dallas Chapter IAHSP (DIRC) members yesterday by Barie Pinnell, 2007 Chapter President.  I spoke with Barie yesterday and she and I agreed we should post this here for anyone who may be interested in the happenings of the Dallas Chapter IAHSP and the new board members.
It … (6 comments)

staging: Localism brings you back to life - 12/10/07 02:34 PM
Have you checked your Localism "feature"page lately?  I hadn't until my , "alerted" me today to that page for whatever reason.  I don't really know why I was "alerted" (I'm still figuring all of this out).
But as I checked my Localism page I noticed what I have here below "Articles by Karen … (15 comments)

staging: Mikasa Stores Closing Nationwide December 31, 2007 - 12/05/07 02:28 PM
For anyone that hasn't heard this already, MIKASA stores & outlets will be closing their stores December 31, 2007.
Although you'll be able to shop other retailers for their products, there will be no more physical store locations to shop from and if anyone's shopped the outlets before, they have a … (4 comments)

staging: North Texas SIF Roundtable Open Invitation - January 10th, 2008 - 12/04/07 10:09 AM
Howdy Fellow Stagers!
As moderator of the North Texas SIF Roundtable, I am pleased to invite you to The North Texas Stage it Forward Roundtable to be hosted by CORT Furniture Rental in their Irving Showroom Conference Center. Arrangements have been generously made through CORT Furniture Representative and one very cool lady, Ms. … (12 comments)

staging: An ASP Stager Tells All! What's an IAHSP Chapter Meeting Really Like? Tales from the Dallas Chapter - 12/02/07 07:01 PM
A funny thing happened on my way to check out an article I recently wrote on Ezine Articles. There was a link to a site for a local Staging Company in Plano, TX called "center stage of plano".  Of course I wanted to check this site out!
Who was this Center Stage of … (21 comments)

staging: Ezine Articles #8 Selling a Home During the Holidays - Should you Decorate? - 12/01/07 09:17 PM
Selling a Home During the Holidays - Should you Decorate? is an article I wrote for Ezine Articles online magazine. Below is a summary and a link.
Selling a Home During the Holidays - Should You Decorate?
By Karen OttoShould you decorate your home for sale during the holidays? How will buyers … (4 comments)

staging: Meet My Magic Man - Professional Real Estate Photographer John McConnell - 11/29/07 11:16 PM
I'd personally like to welcome John McConnell, a.k.a. My Magic Man, to the Active Rain Real Estate Network. 
Please check out John's first blog and say hi if you'd like.
John is a Professional Photographer in North Texas who understands the importance of high quality photos for Real Estate listings.  Whether posting to the MLS … (3 comments)

staging: Sellers - Unwrap your walls and reveal the gift to your buyers - 11/14/07 11:18 AM
Wallpaper, wallpaper on the wall are you the fairest of them all?
Love it or hate it or have no opinion of it, most Professional Home Stagers do address the issue.  It comes, it goes, it's in fashion it's not. It's neat, it's versatile, it's dated, it's faded, out, in ...  your feelings … (26 comments)

staging: Feel free to use me - 11/09/07 07:33 AM
Feel free to use me and I mean it.
I was inspired over the course of this past year to write some articles on the subject of home staging as well as other topics of interest.  It is my desire to educate the public in an informative as well as entertaining way … (16 comments)

staging: My Magic Man - 11/07/07 09:09 PM
OK I'm sold on the professional photographer for staged home photography now. 
Not that I wasn't before but I just hadn't gotten to know any before I met John McConnell, Professional Photographer (aka Magic Man) over the course of the last few months.   He's not only a great photographer but he's also a … (50 comments)

staging: North Texas Home Stagers I'm looking forward to January's Round Table - 11/06/07 06:25 AM
Greetings Fellow Texans!           
I am honored and pleased to have been asked to lead the North Texas Professional Home Stager's Round Table Discussion. 
Although the exact date, time and place have yet to be determined, I am fully confident that we'll be able to make this Round Table a rousing success!
Please … (20 comments)

staging: I work on vacation too - Miami memories - 09/30/07 10:03 PM
Last weekend I went "home" to Miami, Florida for some quality time with my family. I had planned a trip over the summer, but September rolled around too quickly and I just forced myself to make the airline reservation and set aside a long weekend.  Time flies too quickly, whether you're having … (26 comments)

staging: WW Staging Service Day Dallas, TX - Part 2 - 09/30/07 04:43 PM
Wow, it's been a busy couple of weeks but I wanted to share with you our final project we completed as the Dallas Chapter of IAHSP (DIRC) the week of September 17th, 2007.
It all began at the beginning of the year with our planning.  In July we hosted a Summer Fiesta … (4 comments)

staging: World Wide Staging Service Week Part 1 - Dallas, TX - 09/17/07 08:50 PM
This is the first part of 2 that I wanted to share with you on how the Dallas, TX IAHSP Regional Chapter (DIRC) of Accredited Staging Professionals(ASP) shared their talents, time, resources and services for the designated World Wide Staging Service Week of September 9th - 16th, 2007.
Our motto, Think Globally, Act … (11 comments)

staging: The adventures of my little side table Part 1 - 09/15/07 01:13 PM
In my work as a Professional Home Stager, I had the pleasure of using my little side table steal yesterday in a vacant property I worked on.  I used it in 3 places for this one property.  Now that's useful!
The little side table is happily sitting in a home in Garland, TX … (35 comments)

staging: The swinging Real Estate scene - Is your house "Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now"? - 09/10/07 08:21 PM
We all know about the concept of Mr. Right and Mr. Right now as it applies to the dating scene.  What may appear great on the surface doesn't always ring true. 
I'd like to compare dating to home selling and see how they fare.  Want to take a peek?
Let's assign … (8 comments)

staging: House needed for FREE STAGING of an occupied home for sale in/around IRVING,TX - 09/05/07 08:42 AM
The Staged Homes ASP course is coming to Dallas, TX, once again, September 25th, 26th, and 27th.
Click the link for more information if you are interested in attending the 2 -day (for Realtors) or 3 - day course (for Stagers) (contact me if you are taking the 3 day course, I … (12 comments)

staging: ReStore - Habitat for Humanity's resale shop - Plano,TX & beyond - 08/24/07 01:03 PM

If you haven't already been you must check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in your area.
I went for the first time today to my local Plano, TX ReStore , which recently opened last April 2007, and found a treasure trove of items that are useful for my staging business as … (26 comments)

staging: Sticks & Stones can... make you money - 08/21/07 07:32 PM
Funny thing happened while checking out at Target the other day...
I was purchasing a variety of items for my staging prop inventory. River rocks were some of the items because they were on sale and I like to use them for different things from spa like bathrooms to table scapes,
stones … (31 comments)

staging: Ezine article #6 - Safety Tips For Sellers To Consider Before The First Showing - 08/15/07 02:48 PM
Safety Tips For Sellers To Consider Before The First Showing is an article I wrote for Ezine Articles online magazine. Below is a summary and a link.
Safety Tips For Sellers To Consider Before The First Showing
By Karen Otto
While the vast majority of buyers are in the market to actually purchase … (10 comments)

staging: Ezine articles #5 - Canned Soup Or Houses - Why Bother With Packaging? - 08/15/07 02:42 PM
Canned Soup or Houses - Why Bother with Packaging? is an article I wrote for Ezine Articles online magazine. Below is a summary and a link.
Canned Soup Or Houses - Why Bother With Packaging?
By Karen OttoWhether you're selling canned soup or a house, packaging counts. Just like any other product on … (7 comments)

staging: Canned soup or houses? Why bother with packaging? - 08/07/07 06:22 PM
Think about the last time you purchased something, anything at all.  Let's say it was a can of soup. 
Imagine the canned food shelves at your local market are crammed and disheveled as you look for your brand.  You're getting annoyed. The first couple of cans you spy are dented and … (61 comments)

staging: Just stopping by to say thanks Val! - 07/13/07 07:06 PM
Val - thank you for taking the time and initiative to get this group up and running. 
I've posted two blogs I had written a while ago about vacants here, since this is the "vacant" home group to go to.  It is a much needed forum and a great place to … (3 comments)

staging: Company is Coming - Everyday! - 06/18/07 09:33 PM
Imagine a day where company will be showing up on your doorstep  - everyday!
I don't know about you but I wouldn't be too happy in that knowledge if I wasn't aware of my guest's arrival.  If you're like me, when I host my company I want it to be an experience, … (42 comments)

staging: Homeowners - Can you Stage? - 06/09/07 10:46 AM
Some questions were swirling in my head as I awoke this morning and I wanted to put them out here for thought.  This is geared towards homeowners but of course I'd love to hear from anyone who may want to share or add a comment.  I was thinking about Homeowners and … (8 comments)

staging: The "Eyes of the Buyer" - 05/12/07 09:35 AM
 I like the term the "eyes of the buyer" that really says a lot about what STAGERS can do for a property.  Yes, staging is preparing a home for sale to sell quickly and for top dollar, but how do we "prepare"?
The first step is a simple.  A direct, understandable sentence to say to a … (16 comments)

staging: Designing to Sell Secret - A Staging Consultation - 05/11/07 10:35 AM
  OK, here they are!!! The stars of HGTV's hit show - Design to Sell! -
You know the drill, they start the show off with a Real Estate Professional (not the seller's agent though an independent third party) walking through the homeowner's house, the owners are "next door at a … (17 comments)

staging: REALTOR Question - What would motivate you to refer a Stager to your client? - 02/28/07 09:08 AM
I'd really love to know what motivates a Realtor to want to refer a stager to a client or not.  I would love to understand the factors you use to determine if the property is in need of staging or not.  Some thoughts I came up with and it can be a YES … (6 comments)

 
Home Stager: Karen Otto, Collin County, Plano, TX Home Stager (Home Star Staging)
Karen Otto, Collin County, Plano, TX Home Stager
Plano, TX
More about me…
Home Star Staging

Office Phone: (469) 964-0516
Email Me
As a North Texas Professional Home Stager this blog is a collection of information, thoughts, and ideas on the staging profession as currently experienced. I welcome comments and suggestions and hope I may help the home staging and real estate community in some way by my contributions on my blog. I am passionate about educating the public and real estate community on the benefits of home staging.


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