Kathy Strader, ASP's Blog

Top 25 Popular Sherwin Williams Paint Colors

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 05:06:37 -0800

Fellow Home Stager Kathy Riggle nailed it in her recent blog! These are great colors for Home Staging. Nice and neutral, grays and beiges; proof that a staged home never need be boring.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Via Kathy Riggle Houston Home Staging-STAGING SMART NSOLD (STAGING SMART N SOLD):

My apologies if anyone else has posted this information. Sherwin Willliams is my favorite paint, and my Account Executive Nubia Heinz recently shared their most popular colors. Thought I would pass it on, as some of these are my staging stand-bys also!

Rank Color No.
Color Name

1 6385/1648 DOVER WHITE

2 6106 KILIM BEIGE

3 6119/1137 ANTIQUE WHITE

4 6126/1123 NAVAJO WHITE

5 6141 SOFTER TAN

6 7008 ALABASTER

7 7005/1004 PURE WHITE

8 6108 LATTE

9 6107 NOMADIC DESERT

10 6105 DIVINE WHITE

11 6142 MACADAMIA

12 6113 INTERACTIVE CREAM

13 6140 MODERATE WHITE

15 6120 BELIEVABLE BUFF

16 6112 BISCUIT

17 7012 CREAMY

18 6127 IVOIRE

19 6128 BLONDE

20 6099 SAND DOLLAR

21 7004 SNOWBOUND

22 7036 ACCESSIBLE BEIGE

23 6121 WHOLE WHEAT

24 6114 BAGEL

25 6122 CAMELBACK

www.StagingSmartNSold.com provides Houston home staging expertise to facilitate a rapid and profitable house sale for area Realtors and homeowners. Staging fees start as low as $150!

Five Tips for Sellers

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 04:56:29 -0800

Five Tips for Sellers

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

It’s no secret that I believe every seller should consult with a Home Stager but the truth is, there are so many things you can do without me. Below are five simple things you can do on your own to prepare your house for sale. You should still consider consulting with a Home Stager but if you do these things the Home Stager can help you will less obvious issues.

*Declutter! When rooms, closets and cabinets are cluttered, they leave potential buyers with the impression that there isn't enough space.

*Fix little things, if you don't buyers will assume you don't take care of the house and wonder what other problems they might find.

*Did you know that brightening up a room will make it appear bigger? Add a coat of light-colored, neutral paint to the walls. Open the blinds and let the light in.

*Clean like the sale of your home depends on it ... because it does.

*Remove personal photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the house. That is hard to do if they’re looking at pictures of you.

For more tips, visit my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter. I’d love to hear your story about how the step you took helped you sell your house quickly!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

It’s Not All About the President

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 05:21:54 -0700

It’s Not All About the President

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Next Tuesday, Americans will exercise their most important privilege, voting. In Texas it may be tempting to think our vote doesn’t count. After all, the only stops the presidential candidates have made in Texas were to pick up donation checks. It is pretty much assumed that the Texas electoral votes are sown up; still we shouldn’t take anything for granted.

Not convinced? Here’s the deal; it’s not all about the President. The Harris County ballot is one of the longest in history. Voters will be weighing in on 56 to 57 contested races, bond referendums and propositions. There is an open seat for U.S. Senator and several U.S. Representative seats. There are also contested races for State Representatives and Senate seats. All these are decisions only Texans can make and have nothing to do with how the rest of the country votes and they are decided by popular vote.

Harris County will be electing a new District Attorney and you’ll be given a chance to vote for Sherriff. Two critical positions you should weigh in on. The City of Houston has placed a number bond propositions on the ballot and area school districts want voters to decide on board trustees. It’s not all about the President.

Since the election is next week, it may be difficult for you to research every issue but why not take a look at your local ballot (Click for the Harris County ballot) and pick a few issues that matter most to you. Do your homework, and then go to the polls prepared. YOUR VOTE MATTERS!! Even though this election has focused largely on the presidential race, you have other choices to make. As long as you’re at the polls, go ahead and cast your vote for President too!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Wordless Wednesday

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 05:31:54 -0700

Wordless Wednesday

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

I’ve never had a “Wordless Wednesday” before. It seems like I always have something to say, even when I shouldn’t say anything. Today, I just want to sincerely wish you a great day!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

What the Heck is Staged to Dwell?

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:00:55 -0700

What the Heck is Staged to Dwell?

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

It is a question I hear often, “What the heck is Staged to Dwell?” It is also called “Redesign” or “Restyle”. Simply put, it is about giving your space a whole new look without buying anything or by buying very little. It is a service Home Stagers, including Memorial Staged Homes, offer.

Over time, the rooms we love can become crowded with furniture and things. Kids’ toys move to the living room, work moves to the bedroom, the bonus room fills with boxes, rooms lose definition and become tired looking. The fresh eye of a Home Stager/Redesign expert can breathe new life into your home. When necessary, we can also advise you on paint colors and help you create flow throughout your home.

Redesign is a great option for folks that have lived in their house for years but it is also helpful to new home buyers. After all, it can be a challenge to figure out where to place furniture that was bought for another space. Buyers’ Agents have been known to gift their clients with Staged to Dwell services after closing.

Using the same principles used in Home Staging, Home Stagers can create balance, flow and harmony in a space using items you already own. Your home should be your haven and when you walk in the door; you deserve to experience a space that functions according to your needs yet fosters peace.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

I Like Winning

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 05:52:04 -0700

I Like Winning

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Recently I had an opportunity to stage a house in a lovely Houston suburb. As usual, I was having a great time, but something made this job different. I was the assistant! The house is over 4,000 square ft., and although we didn’t stage every nook and cranny, two can stage more quickly than one. It can also be more fun to stage with someone else, and it is nice to have another person around to bounce ideas off of.

I like assisting other Home Stagers with their projects, when I can. I love to stage so I will pretty much jump at any opportunity. When I assist with a project it gives me an opportunity to learn from the other Stager but it is also just a fun day. I also know that when I need help on a Memorial Staged Homes project, I can call on someone that I’ve assisted, and if they are available, they will help me.

Most Home Staging businesses are one woman/man shops. We don’t have teams that swoop in on a house to get it prepared for sale. Rather than function in isolation, it is much more pleasant to network with other Home Stagers and lend a hand whenever possible. Let’s face it; one person can’t stage every house. Sure, on a rare occasion, someone will play dirty, but my belief is that if we work hard and compete fairly, we all win, including real estate agents and home sellers. I like winning!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Antique Weekend

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:16:16 -0700

Antique Weekend

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

The Yetti and I are taking a long awaited vacation this week. No exotic location for us; we’re at our farm. Yesterday I took a drive to the nearby town of Warrenton, TX for a day of antique shopping. Twice a year there is a huge Antique Weekend in this part of Texas. There are thousands of dealers from across the country selling antiques, crafts, art and collectibles. More than half a dozen small rural Texas communities located between Houston and Austin participate in the weekend.

Since Warrenton is only about an hour from Houston, a friend, who is also a Home Stager, joined me and we shopped the whole day. Even then, we barely scratched the surface. Antique Weekend is a great place to pick up Home Staging inventory but let’s be honest; yesterday I was focused mainly on my own house and my own taste.

Antique Weekend is a great way to spend a day (maybe get away while your house is being shown) and the weather is great this time of year. While Antique Weekend actually last about 3 weeks, it is in its final days. Sunday, October 7 will be your last chance to enjoy all the fun. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Take hand sanitizer because the facilities are port-o-potties. Cash is king so drop by the ATM on your way there. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Above all be nice to the vendors and they will be nice to you. Have fun!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

This Is NOT Staging, It’s Decorating!

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:55:49 -0700

This Is NOT Staging, It’s Decorating!

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

The 1890 farm house the Yetti and I bought back in February is really keeping us busy but, we are having a great time. After cleaning up from the tornado that blew through just before closing, the first order of business was to add a second bathroom to the house. To add the bathroom we simply took half of the entry hall and put up a wall. One side entry, the other side bathroom, it was the perfect set up. (The entry was originally a dog run, so cool!)

Now that the build out is done like walls, plumbing, paint, etc., it is time for the finishing touches. Here’s the really weird thing; I was struggling quite a bit. Suddenly it occurred to me, “This is not staging, it’s decorating. I can do whatever I want!) Silly isn’t it? I spend so much time focused on neutralizing spaces and focusing on current buyer trends that I had to remind myself that until I’m ready to sell my little country home, I can do whatever I want.

While you are living in your house, surround yourself with things you love. Make your place reflect your personality and forget trends that don’t make you happy, or what anyone else may think. It’s all about you! When you are planning to sell, then you can start thinking about buyers and what they like. At that point you can prepare your house by Depersonalizing, De-cluttering and Defining. If you do, you will sell your house faster and move on to your new home where you can decorate, with your own style, until your heart’s content.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

C & S Grocery and Antiques

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:07:05 -0700

C & S Grocery and Antiques

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Folks in Houston and Austin may know Brenham as the halfway point between the two cities. Oozing with country charm, it is a popular destination for daytrips and weekend getaways. My Yetti and I love it so much that we bought a farm there earlier this year.

In an effort to get to know the locals, we often drop into various shops and engage the people there in conversation. Yesterday morning as I was returning from an in town errand I decided to stop by C & S Grocery and Antiques. I’d been there once before and purchased some vintage wedding photos so I thought I’d try again.

On this visit, I met Mary. She and her husband Marshall opened the store 30 years ago and they are two of the most charming people you’d ever want to know. Marshall gave me a sweet and warm welcome when I arrived. As I was combing through the shelves of oldies but goodies, Mary appeared at the counter. She and I began to chat and I told her that I loved her store and mentioned that a couple of other shopkeepers in the area were somewhat cold after they learned I am from Houston. Mary explained that very often when shoppers visit from Houston and Austin, they are very rude. She recalled how visitors yell across the store at her and offer ridiculously low amounts for her goods. They also make fun of her country store and their country lives. It broke my heart!

By now you may be wondering what this blog has to do with Real Estate or Home Staging. Well, to be honest, not a darn thing. Since I am a small business and I support other small businesses, and C & S Grocery and Antiques is worth supporting. More antiques than grocery, the store is full of not only antiques, but collectibles, furniture, signs, patio furniture, etc. You can also grab a cold drink and some country sausage if you like. Yes, they carry Blue Bell ice cream! You can find them at 1003 Hwy 105 in Brenham.

Next time you are in Brenham stop, say hello, enjoy and be extra nice. Take your time and chat. Let the experience wash over you. Show Marshall and Mary what a great bunch of people you are! You will not be disappointed

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Choose a Payment You're Comfortable With, not What You're Approved For

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 07:46:27 -0700

The blog below is a must read for anyone considering buying a new home. If you are barely qualifying for the house you are considering, you may be buying the wrong house.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Via Tim Maitski (Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage):

Forget about what you can be pre-approved for. Figure out what you are comfortable with in your budget. Don't get sucked into a higher priced home just because some banker says that they will loan you the money for it. Only you can decide how much money you choose to spend on housing.

You really need to sit down and draft a budget. It's not what most like to do but you need to plan ahead and set yourself up in a situation that works for the money you have coming in. Otherwise you are setting yourself for financial failure.

Estimate utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance. You need to fund a reserve fund for when the big items need replacing. Many think that by buying a single family home instead of a condo that they can avoid those costly monthly condo association fees. Guess what? Those fees aren't some profit center for some business. They are the cost of maintaining real estate that is shared among all the owners in that community. Those costs can be ignored if you own your own individual house but those costs don't magically disappear. Real estate is an asset that depreciates over time unless you keep sinking money into it to maintain it. Look at what happens to those homes that sit vacant during foreclosure. One small leak that doesn't get fixed in a timely manner can destroy a house. Prepare for it. Sooner or later the roof will leak and the AC will breakdown.

While you are focusing on your finances, are you paying too much on car insurance?

Geico is right. You might be able to save 15% with a 10 minute phone call. But I've found that Geico isn't always the cheapest. I recommend you give my insurance broker a call. She has access to many different companies and can shop for the best rates for your particular situation. She saved me more than Geico could. All State and State Farm never are able to get close to what she finds for me. Give Tricia Harris a call

at 770-973-4000 ext. 28. She's with Phoenix Associtates. She knows her stuff and will not only save you money but will make sure you have the proper coverage.

How about life insurance? Are you getting the best prices for the coverage that you need? I use a broker who shops for the best plans for me.

Call Maury Shapiro at 404-310-1327. He also knows his stuff and won't try to sell you stuff that you don't need. He does the same thing that SelectQuote does. He shops a lot of companies and finds the one that matches your needs the best at the best price. Just because a company has great rates for a young guy doesn't mean their rates are good across the board. Some companies go after specific market segments and price their products accordingly.

After you get you financial house in order, then it's time to get a pre-approval letter so you can go out shopping for a house.

Do it now. Don't wait until you see a home you really like. To be taken seriously when submitting an offer, a pre-approval letter is just expected upfront. Most bank foreclosures won't even consider an offer without a pre-approval letter or statement showing proof of funds.

A lender can usually get you approved in about 10 minutes over the phone. They pull your credit and ask you about your income and assets. It's not a big deal.

You aren't locked in to that specific lender. You can make that decision during the due diligence period after you have a binding contract. So don't worry about getting locked into someone you don't know much about yet.

Tell the loan officer your specific situation. The details matter. Sometimes it gets a little tricky when you are starting a new job. You can't get the loan until you receive your first paycheck.

If you will be renting out your previous home, sometimes you need to have a signed lease in hand before they will lend you money for your new home.

The logistics are very important to avoid last minute surprises.

Know exactly what documents you will need if you own a business instead of being a W-2 employee. Sometimes it's more than just two years of tax returns.

How much money will you need up front? Escrows for taxes vary depending on what month you close. What day of the month you close on will impact how much prepaid interest you will pay at closing. It also determines when you first payment will be due. If you close on September 29th your first payment will be November 1st but if you close on October 2nd your first payment will be December 1st. But in the latter case you will prepay October's interest upfront at closing.

If you are shopping for the best rates, just make sure you are comparing apples with apples. I would get quotes at the same time for a specific interest rate and then compare the costs shown on the good faith estimates that they send you. Make sure the day of the month for the closing is the same for all of them and also that the estimates for items such as insurance and taxes and attorney fees are the same. You just want to compare what their specific lender related fees are. All the other things are irrelevant to the decison on who is giving you the best deal. So be careful and know where the bottom line numbers are coming from.

Three loan officers that I recommend are:

Natashia Bush
Prime Lending
770-241-5029
natashia.bush@primelending.com

Craig Bland
Brand Mortgage
678-234-0545

Cameron Stevens
Bank of North Georgia
404-966-2135

Pick someone you feel comfortable with and then get started. I don't benefit from recommending these people other than the fact that I know they are very competent and will be able to get the job done. They also offer many different programs and very competitive rates. The biggest thing is that they are very honest and upfront about everything. They aren't going to mislead you and keep important details in the fine print. Don't get sucked in with some nice sales gimmick and then find out that it isn't what you expected.

One last question I get asked a lot. How much should I have the pre-approval letter state that I am approved for? Some are afraid to show that they are approved for much more than the price of the home they are interested in. They don't want the seller to think that they can afford to pay more than what they offer. They might have a point but I would ask you to put yourself in the shoes of the seller.

If you had two offers for $300,000. Buyer one showed a pre-approval letter for $300,000 but Buyer two showed a pre-approval letter for $500,000. Who would you consider was the stronger buyer who you would want to do business with? Personally, I would go with the buyer pre-approved for $500,000. I would think that the other buyer was at the edge and any small change in the deal could end it for them. But think that through and decide for yourself.

My next article is how to go about researching different areas around Atlanta, especially if you are being relocated and you don't know much about Atlanta.

Model Homes vs Staged Models... What's the Difference?

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 06:36:16 -0700

In this post, Melissa Marro explains why Home Staging may be a better option for model homes than Interior Design. It's an important distinction that home builders may not realize. Great blog!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Via Melissa Marro ~ StageListSellNEFL.com St Augustine, St Johns, Ponte Vedra (Watson Realty, Rave ReViews Home Staging):

Model Homes vs Staged Models... What's the Difference?

I'm often asked what the difference between a model home and a staged model in new construction projects. For me, the answer usually comes down to two parts 1) Pricing (cost) 2) Demographics.

For years interior designers have been the source for model homes. Recently that trend has shifted and more frequently professional stagers are being called in. Both of the above reasons intertwine and account for the shift. To understand the variables, we have to examine the traditional builder model.

Builder models usually start off with story boards, created by interior designers, that showcase current trends. The interior designer's goal is to have their story board chosen and to win the bid. To do this, they often create boards that are appealing to the builder, or focus on upcoming design trends. This is an opportunity to showcase their work and flex their creativity. To do this, they often employ custom wall treatments (wallpaper, faux finishes, custom paint designs), custom window treatments, and custom fabric selections (often to match the window treatments).

Staged Models typically utilize an "off the rack" mentality. Professional home stagers are accustomed to dealing with smaller budgets and our goal is to create a stunning showcase using what is readily available. Our goal is to create a beautiful design that buyers will fall in love with while focusing on keeping equity for our sellers - and the builder is a seller.

Demographics are a key component to buyers falling in love with the home. In order to succeed in this, we first need to carefully understand who is buying the home. Professional home stagers study the market carefully and know how to create a story for the right buyer. We know that when you have a four bedroom home, you need to sit at least six at the dinner table. We know that a home that a young family will purchase cannot have "no touch" furniture. It must look like a place where moms and dads will snuggle, read to, and play with their children. We understand that matching window treatments and bed linens probably only appeal to an older segment of the population, and even then it should probably not happen. Many active baby boomers prefer modern touches and clean lines - it's not THEIR parents homes that appeal to them. While all of this sounds like common sense, go to model homes across the country and you'll find that they don't play by today's buyer rules. They instead employ expensive designer techniques - techniques that often backfire.

Because our success is not rated by how beautiful the property shows in our portfolio, but rather how many units are sold, and how long it takes to sell them, the goals of a model home designer and a model home stager are very different. Best of all, staged models usually cost about 30-50% less than our traditional model home counterparts.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Melissa Marro, grew up in St Petersburg, FL, and has spent her entire adult life moving. As the wife to a disabled Navy Submariner, Marro understands the stress of buying, selling and moving. In the 15 years of military service her family served, they moved 12 times, buying, selling, and investing in homes along the way. Finding a passion in real estate, Marro created one of the strongest home staging companies in the nation, before selling it and moving back to Florida. Settling down in the oldest city in the US, Marro now calls St Augustine home.

In June 2012 Marro opened a new home staging company, Rave ReViews Home Staging and started selling real estate in the Sunshine State. While new to the area, Marro is not new to the business. Working in real estate since 2005, she understands the complexity of the market. In 2011, her Charleston based home staging company helped stage and sell more than $20 Million in residential real estate.

For more information on buying or selling in the St Augustine, St Johns, Jacksonville, or Ponte Vedra area, visit StageListSellNEFL.com or call Melissa Marro, Watson Realty, for more information (904-466-2093).

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It’s Like Jewelry for your House

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 05:19:52 -0700

It’s Like Jewelry for your House

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

I like staging occupied homes. For me, staging a vacant house is easy but going into a house that is decorated to the owners’ tastes and transforming it into something buyers will love is a fun challenge. Decluttering, moving furniture around, defining each room, it’s all part of the package.

Now and again when I’m invited to see if there is anything I can do for a house, the agent will complain that it “just doesn’t feel right.” Usually the furniture looks okay and there is not too much of it but something is off. A quick once over tells me that accessories need to be added or adjusted. It’s like jewelry. Sure, the outfit looks great on its own, but add a bauble here and there and it’s a knockout.

If you’re a D-Y-I sort of person, it is important that you understand that Home Staging is much more than rearranging furniture and taking down personal items. Home Staging is strategic in that you can use furniture and accessories to draw attention to the features that make your house special. You can also use accessories to evoke an emotional response in Buyers and cause them to connect with house. Finally, accessories can be used to add pops of color to an otherwise neutral space.

If you are attempting to stage your own home, it can be difficult. You probably have a space where you’ve always known you needed a special something but never found the item that was perfect for your family’s style. You’re off the hook now because it is not about you anymore. The accessories you use should look good but they need not be expensive. Be careful not to get carried away. Think odd numbers and do not feel you have to fill every available space. Remember, you want people to look at the house, not the stuff. Try not to use anything that is smaller than a bowling ball.

If this all seems overwhelming, consider consulting with a Home Staging professional. Since your well-staged home will likely sell faster, and for more money, your investment will pay off.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

The Housing Market is Pretty Good, Why Stage?

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 05:24:38 -0700

The Housing Market is Pretty Good, Why Stage?

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

It is pretty easy to make the argument for Home Staging when the market favors the Buyer. The reasoning is that the house will sell faster if it is staged. So what if houses in your neighborhood seem to be selling within about 3 or 4 months like they are in much of Houston, TX? Is Home Staging worth it? If you can afford the extra mortgage payments and you’re not in a hurry to move on, maybe not. Of course there no certainty your house will sell in that period of time and you will likely accept a lower sales price than you would have preferred also.

What? You didn’t know that staged homes generally command a higher sales price? Kristen Kemp of TLC’s Property Ladder says that “Staged Homes generally sell for 6% – 10% more than homes that haven’t been staged.” That’s a lot of money! The longer your house is on the market, the more likely you will be to reduce your list price. On average, houses that have been staged sell within one month.

The Real Estate market in Houston, TX has not suffered the way it has in other parts of the country, but in no way can Sellers take anything for granted. By staging your house, and pricing within the range recommended by your agent, you greatly increase you chance for a quick sale at a price that will make you happy.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

“I Stood in Your House While People Looked At It”

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:47:44 -0700

“I Stood in Your House While People Looked At It”

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

When leaving the grocery store I noticed a For Sale By Owner (a.k.a. FSBO) periodical. Since it caught my attention, I thought I’d take it home and look it over. While flipping through, I noticed an ad with a smug looking woman with her arms crossed and a box saying, “I stood in your house while people looked at it. That’ll be $16,000 please.”

My first reaction was to think that if all your agent does is stand in your house while people look at it then you hired the wrong agent! I always recommend an agent for Real Estate transactions but Sellers need to do their homework and thoroughly look at both sides before making a decision. If your decision is based solely on how much money it will cost you, you’re very likely to make a choice you will live to regret.

The decision to use a Home Stager is just as important. Whether you decide to Stage your home yourself or use a professional requires a firm understanding of exactly what you can expect from a Home Stager and what the likely result will be. A qualified Home Stager will do a lot more than move furniture around. You’ll want to work with someone that understands the market and knows how to use furniture and accessories to show off the best features of the house. There are Sellers that know how to decorate their home, and frankly it is just lovely and very personal. Home Staging is not decorating. If Home Staging is not done well, it will be as if the house was never Staged at all. The result may be extended days on the market and more mortgage payments for the Seller or even a reduced asking price.

Most Home Stagers offer a variety of services to suit your budget. Before moving forward, speak to a Stager and find out what they offer. They will usually be happy to show you ways you can save your hard earned money. Whatever you do, don’t go cheap! Your home is a major investment and making good choices from the beginning will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Do your homework and make your decision based on all the information, not just costs.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Whoa! What Happened Here?

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 04:25:41 -0700

Whoa! What Happened Here?

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

As you can imagine, every once in a while I walk into a house and think, “Whoa! What happened here?” What may surprise you is that it is not the house that is full of clutter that surprises me as much as an occupied house that is practically empty. Clearly there was a misunderstanding about what Home Staging is all about. Yes de-cluttering or editing is an important part of Home Staging but it is possible to do too much of a good thing.

Below is a picture of one of my favorite rooms. It was a room just off the patio that had a lot of sun. I wanted to show it as a retreat of sorts and make it feel comfortable and inviting. I did not pack it with furniture and there is not a tchotchke on every shelf, but the space is defined and according to the Agent and the Seller the room was very inviting. I guess the Buyers liked this room, along with the rest of the house. The house was under contract within two days of Staging.

Home Staging is about a lot more than de-cluttering. By Staging your house, you use a careful balance of furniture and accessories to draw attention to the best assets of the house and distract from the less than appealing features. If you’re not sure how to use accessories along with pieces of furniture to make Buyers fall in love with it, talk to a Home Stager. The Home Stager can either point you in the right direction or do the work for you. It’s your call! Whatever you choose, do not take de-cluttering to such an extreme that anyone thinks, “Whoa! What happened here?”

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Some Things you can’t Control

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:49:19 -0700

Some Things you can’t Control

(Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

When it comes to selling your house, there are just some things you can’t control. Disturbing news if you’re a control freak, but you can’t very well change the location of your property, right? There also isn’t much you can do about market. Strong or weak, it is what is. If we each had the power to fix the economy, I’m pretty sure it would have already been taken care of. We also have to let go of any notion we may have that we have any control over area competition and current interest rates. While you’ll want to be aware of what is going on in the housing market, you’ll want to spend your energy on what you can control.

Turn your attention toward your house. Before your house ever hits the market, take a look at the condition, inside and out. You are in control of any repairs that need to be made and any gutters that need to be cleaned. You are in control of broken tiles and outdated fixtures.

You are also in control of presentation. Is all the clutter gone? Is each room defined? Will Buyers be able to see the best assets of your property? Whether you Stage the house yourself or hire a Home Stager, do not skip this important step. Home Staging will draw Buyers in emotionally and make those all-important listing photos look great.

Finally, you control the price. Whether working alone, or with an agent (I recommend an agent), you will need to know how many houses are for sale in your area and how much recently sold houses were sold for. Do not look at how much your neighbors up the street are selling their house for. Making a decision on the sales price of what is likely your largest invest based on someone else’s choice is almost always a bad idea. Also be careful about pricing high to give yourself “wiggle room.” If you price within market range, you will likely generate more interest and may even drive the price up. In any case, the list price is your choice.

By focusing on the things you can control when it comes to selling your home, you become a valuable member of your sales team. It’s not easy. You’ll have to do your homework and it may require a bit of elbow grease, but if done right, you’ll likely avoid having a house that goes stale on the market.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Home Staging DOES NOT Have to be Expensive (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:22:46 -0700

Home Staging DOES NOT Have to be Expensive (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

I hear it all the time. “The house is too small for the Sellers to consider Home Staging.” What!?! I’ve never seen a house that couldn’t benefit from Home Staging. Yes some properties need more help than others and some Seller have to spend more money than others. What I’ve learned is that many home owners and agents believe that if a house is on the lower end of price ranges Home Staging is not an option. Not true! Home Staging does not have to be expensive.

For a very reasonable fee, most Home Stagers offer a consultation. The Home Stager talks, you take notes. At Memorial Staged Homes, we will not only tell you what to do, we will push around some furniture, de-clutter a shelf for two, whatever can be done within 2 hours, for only $150. A very small investment when you consider that a Staged home usually earns a 6 -10% higher sales price.

“What if my home is empty?” you ask. A Home Stager can provide that second set of objective eyes that may be necessary to help you get buyers excited about your house. You’ll be given paint suggestions as well as recommendations for updates and repairs that are important to buyers. A Home Stager can also show you how to use folding tables and air mattresses to their greatest advantage. Yes, really! We can also assist you in renting affordable furniture for primary rooms as well as using accessories in rooms that may otherwise sit empty.

Home Staging does not have to be expensive but more and more it is becoming a necessary part of the home selling process. Do not assume that Home Staging is not for your house. You may be surprised.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

This Photo Will Not Sell Your Property ((Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:17:16 -0700

This Photo Will Not Sell Your Property (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Sellers often believe that after they sign the listing agreement with an Agent, they just need to sit back and wait for the Agent to sell the house. The truth is, selling a house is a team effort and you, the Seller, are a part of the team. After all, no one has as much to lose if the sale of the house is delayed or it doesn’t sell at all.

One very important step Sellers should take is monitoring their listing on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Take a look at the pictures that your Agent has posted to entice buyers and make them want to see more. When you look at a photo, ask yourself, “What feature is this photo highlighting?” “Does this photo show how this room is supposed to be use?” “Would I want to spend any time in this space?” I could go on but you get the idea.

I’ve posted a few pictures here that show exactly what should NEVER show up on the MLS but if you look around, pictures like these really do show up every day. There is no way around it; photos are an important part of the process in selling your house. Do your part by removing clutter, cleaning and defining each room. Give the photographer something to work with. Then check the photos to make sure they do not look anything like the ones I’ve posted.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Consider the Red Cross (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:10:31 -0700

Consider the Red Cross (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Years ago, I recall a tornado ripping through Granada, MS. I was there for an ex’s class reunion and a friend told us about his house being completely destroyed. The only thing left was his kitchen table and the napkin holder on top of it. He shared that as he stood there, staring at the debris, when someone from the Red Cross walked up and handed him money and information on how to get further assistance. He didn’t have to fill out any forms; he didn’t have to describe how the money would be used. It was understood that the small amount of money he was receiving was to meet his immediate need until he could file an insurance claim.

That was back in the 80s and that story has stuck with me all these years. It made an incredible impact on me. The memory is freshest in times of natural disaster like the recent floods in Houston. While my Yetti and I were fortunate, the folks in North Houston were not so lucky. The rain that we all had been hoping for came, but then it wouldn’t leave. It was heartbreaking. The Red Cross was there setting up shelters for the people affected by the storm.

It’s not just here in Houston of course. Whether it’s storms in the Northeast, tornados in the Midwest or wild fires out west, when the need is immediate, the Red Cross is there. In order for Red Cross to be available immediately, they must have the funding that will allow them to meet needs BEFORE the crisis. If you have set aside a portion of your income for a non-profit donation, consider the Red Cross. If you contribute to the Red Cross, the next time you seem them in action, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done your part to help.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Clutter, Typical? (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 05:11:33 -0700

Clutter, Typical? (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

So I ran across this article on Yahoo about how clutter dominates the typical American home and I had to share. I’m not exactly sure why they needed Anthropologists to determine that most of us have clutter. All anyone has to do is ask any Home Stager or Real Estate Agent.

Before

Staged

Clutter isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes clutter is a room crowded with furniture. Now and again, it is a collection. Other times it is an office full of paper, but you know where everything is right? I know there are people out there with the organizing gene, but for the rest of us we have clutter and you know what, it’s okay. It is okay that is unless you are selling your house.

Before

Staged

Once you make the decision to put your house on the market, it becomes a commodity. It is most likely your most costly investment and ignoring clutter could cost you money when you sell. Would you consider selling your car with discarded paper littering the floors and dry cleaning hanging from the back hook? Probably not. Most people know that a clean and uncluttered car will garner a higher price. Your house is no different.

If you are living with clutter, the good news is you are pretty typical. If you are attempting to sell your house with clutter, it’s like throwing money out the window.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Hurry Up and Wait (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:03:20 -0700

Hurry Up and Wait (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Clearly, there is no room for those who dawdle in the Real Estate business. Customer demand coupled with intense competition requires us to not only be on time, but early. It is the nature of the business, I accept that. What I am beginning to wonder is if we are training clients how to treat us?

You know what I’m talking about. The client wants information on a house right away or they tell you they need to move forward quickly and even tell you why it is critical that time is of the essence. We don’t want to lose a deal so we move appointments around, skip meals, and jump tall buildings in a single bound to assist the client or potential client with whatever it is they need. Then, we hurry up and wait. The client is unavailable. They do not return our calls and there is no response to our e-mails. When we finally hear back we get, “Oh yeah, we were on vacation” or “wow, it has been really busy around here.” Really? Are you kidding me?

The truth is, if there is any way I can meet a client’s needs within their required time frame, whether real or perceived I will do it. Actually, I want to do it. I really enjoy Home Staging and seeing my client’s homes sell quickly and for a really good price. It keeps me hopping and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Still, if you are demanding that I look at your house immediately and have it completely staged even quicker, please understand that if I tell you that I am unable to meet your timeframe, it is only because I want to do the best job possible for you.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

A Very Narrow Market (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 05:45:08 -0700

A Very Narrow Market (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

“The house has been on the market for a year.” That’s what the agent said when he called me and asked me to stage the house. Although the town home was beautiful, it had been a FSBO. It was also five stories and appealed to a very narrow market. After a year with no offers, the Seller was ready to move on and she allowed me to stage the property.

Although I know a lot of people have great success with FSBO sales, I feel very strongly that an agent is a valuable asset to a Seller. Even if the house sells quickly, an Agent can almost always get a higher sales price. It just makes sense. I’d worked with this particular Agent on a similar town home before and we both knew we had our work cut out for us.

As I said before, the house is beautiful. It is also clean, has updated fixtures, and recently painted walls in a very appropriate color for a contemporary home in a great neighborhood. The trick to staging a house though is to also acknowledging the not so great features of the house, then overcoming them. There was no getting around the fact that this house probably would never be a family home. The master bedroom was on the fourth floor and the second bedroom was on the first floor. There was no formal dining room which, based on comments is a hot item for Buyers.

The Agent went to work with marketing and I Staged the home in the contemporary design that was called for. I also added a few traditional touches that tend to warm a room and are unexpected but can serve to garner emotion. You always want a house to evoke positive emotion in a Buyer.

The town house sold in two and one half months. That is a little longer than average for an ASP® Staged Home but I was delighted. The Seller was pretty happy too. After all, we started with a “stale” property that appealed to a very narrow market. What’s not to be happy about?

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

That Will Not Happen Again (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 06:14:53 -0700

That Will Not Happen Again – (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

As I was loading the truck to visit a house today, I thought back to a time when I was caught completely off guard when Home Staging. The Agent invited me to look at a house that she had listed for over 6 months and thought a bit of Home Staging might move things along. She asked me to meet with her and the Seller, explain my process, and if the Seller was agreeable we would move forward.

So here I go, bee bopping over to the Seller’s house all ready to present my information. I’m dressed in my presentation attire, including heals, and ready to conquer the world. The Agent arrives at the same time I do so we walk in together. The Agent introduces me to the Seller, spends 5 minutes explaining what I can do and tells the Seller she will split the cost with her. Then they both look at me and the Seller says, “What do we do first?” She wanted to start right that minute! I didn’t have another appointment so why not? The clothes can be cleaned, right?

The one hiccup I ran into is that I didn’t have my tool box with me! The Seller was very accommodating and the couple of times I needed a tool she gave me what I needed. It was also challenging moving furniture since I didn’t have my handy dandy furniture movers. Although everything worked out just fine, that will never happen again!

These days I never go on any kind of Home Staging appointment without my tool box. I learned a valuable lesson that day, but the fact is, I did learn. Flexibility, creativity and being prepared are the hallmarks of a great Home Stager. This job certainly keeps me on my toes!

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Home Staging Can Give Realtors® a Competitive Edge (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:53:30 -0700

Home Staging Can Give Realtors® a Competitive Edge (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Most Realtors® believe that Home Staging works but are hesitant to suggest Staging to their clients. Sometimes it is because they are afraid of suggesting the Seller spend more money preparing the house for sale, some do not want to suggest Staging for fear of offending them. Still others believe the house they’ve listed is too small to make home Staging practical. The fact is; it is a rare house that would not benefit from Staging.

When a Realtor® uses Home Staging as a marketing tool in their listing presentation, it can really give them a competitive edge. There are several ways to do this. Start by forming a relationship with a Home Stager. Any Stager will happily put together information and help you understand the process, benefits and costs so you can discuss Home Staging with your Seller.

Another option for helping a Seller understand the benefits of Home Staging is putting your money where your mouth is. Imagine the impact of offering Staging to your client at your expense. This option need not break the bank. Most Stagers will offer a discounted rate to Agents who use them on a regular basis.

Some Agents offer a complimentary Staging report to their clients. The Stager visits the house, and writes down everything the Seller should do to Stage the house themselves. Other Agents offer to pay for the first hour or two of Home Staging services. It definitely tells the Seller you believe in Home Staging if you are willing to foot part of the bill.

Why not take a Home Stager with you on your listing presentation? Sometimes your seller will be more receptive to an expert that knows all the answers to their Staging questions. A skilled Home Stager knows how to make an Agent look good.

Whatever you do, work with your Stager in co-branding and marketing activities that will result in more listing appointments. The house you list will stand out from the competition and will likely sell faster. You win and your client wins.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Are You the Client that Makes My Job Difficult? (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Kathy Strader, ASP (Memorial Staged Homes) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:24:07 -0700

Are You the Client that Makes My Job Difficult? (Perspectives on Real Estate and More from a Home Staging Pro)

Last week I did a Comprehensive Staging Report for a wonderful couple. They had already done quite a bit of work toward preparing their house for sale and made it very clear that they were open to any suggestions I had. In order to show the house at its very best, they were willing to sleep on air mattresses at the house they were moving to in order to leave the bedroom furniture behind. The agent was at the appointment and all I could do was look at him and think, “You lucky dog, these people are awesome!”

The truth is, most of my clients are a delight to work with. Every now and then everyone in this business runs across a client that makes it very difficult for us to do our jobs. Follows are just a few of the phrases that I, or the Agents I work with, hear:

“The Buyer’s Agents need to do a better job of educating their clients.” - Said in response to repeated remarks by Buyers that the house is very out dated.

“If they don’t like the color, it’s not that big of a deal to paint it and they can do it themselves.” – Apparently it is a big deal, you don’t want to paint it and you aren’t receiving offers.

“They will just have to get over it.”- Generally said when referring to cluttered closets and garages. Actually, they don’t have to “get over it”, they just make an offer on another house.

“I don’t want my neighbors in my house.” – Neighbors have been known to bring Buyers to a house.

“I want to list the house at $$$$ so I can afford to buy XYZ.” - Buyers are not interested in what you need; they want a product for a fair price.

If you are an agent and your client has said any of these things to you, you have my sympathy. If you are a Seller and you have uttered any of these phrases, perhaps it is time to step back and examine your home selling strategy. Remember, we all have the same goal; to see your house sell quickly and for the most money possible. When we all work together, we can make it happen.

Wishing you a quick sale!

Kathy Strader, ASP

www.MemorialStagedHomes.com

Kathy@MemorialStagedHomes.com

Rank	Color No.	Color Name
1	6385/1648	DOVER WHITE
2	6106	KILIM BEIGE
3	6119/1137	ANTIQUE WHITE
4	6126/1123	NAVAJO WHITE
5	6141	SOFTER TAN
6	7008	ALABASTER
7	7005/1004	PURE WHITE
8	6108	LATTE
9	6107	NOMADIC DESERT
10	6105	DIVINE WHITE
11	6142	MACADAMIA
12	6113	INTERACTIVE CREAM
13	6140	MODERATE WHITE
15	6120	BELIEVABLE BUFF
16	6112	BISCUIT
17	7012	CREAMY
18	6127	IVOIRE
19	6128	BLONDE
20	6099	SAND DOLLAR
21	7004	SNOWBOUND
22	7036	ACCESSIBLE BEIGE
23	6121	WHOLE WHEAT
24	6114	BAGEL
25	6122	CAMELBACK