A Wee Wordless Wednesday- Animal Print- It's Always in Style! - 08/31/11 10:09 AM
 Look Who I Saw This Morning!

 
 
Spotting a Bobcat at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach is always a treat.  If you keep your eyes open, you might just see one or two waiting to give you a glimpse.  I saw this friendly guy this morning on our walk.
The Bobcat, a smaller cousin to the Lynx, is thankfully a protected species and was placed on the list of endangered species in 1991.   We usually have 3 ways of noting their presence here on the boardwalk:
     1.  A particular scarceness of marsh hare.       2. … (31 comments)

North Phoenix Meetup Sept 8th @ Anna Banana's. Happy Hour Time for Rainers with Tude! - 08/30/11 04:42 PM
OK you fellow Bananas.. if you're anywhere near Anna Bananan's on Sept 8 ... that would be North Phoenix  you need to head to this MeetUp following the online Raincamp.  
Head over to her email for exact directions! If you have any kind of Tude.. you won't want to miss this!
Via Anna Banana - AZ Top Banana! Phoenix Broker CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe):
North Phoenix Meetup Sept 8th @ Anna Banana's.  Happy Hour Time for Rainers with Tude!
 
Calling all Phoenix/Scottsdale Arizona Rainers! R u ready for a fun time with other Rainers?  Would you like to finally … (0 comments)

Pardon Me... But Haven't We Met Before? A Staging Deja Vu! - 08/30/11 08:30 AM
Pardon Me... But Haven't We Met Before?  A Staging Deja Vu!
I wrote a post the other day about not being able to remember everyone's names.  I wish that I had Google Circles in my head.   And often the same thing happens to me with houses. 
I was called in a while back by my friend and Realtor to consult with her Buyer, who was set to write a contract on a house.  The Buyer was catching a flight home that night and was having concerns about where she could put her office since did not have a designated study … (30 comments)

Interior Redesign in Palm Beach County: 3 Tips You Need to Know When Hiring a Contractor for Your New Impact Windows! - 08/29/11 06:17 AM
Interior Redesign in Palm Beach County: 3 Tips You Need to Know When Hiring a Contractor for Your New Impact Windows. 
Whether you live in the north or here in sunny South Florida, replacing your existing windows with Impact Windows is a good way to update your home.   In addition to the added value should you decide to sell your home, there are many benefits that come with impact windows. 
Besides protecting you from Hurricanes, Impact Windows can help deter break-ins; are more energy efficient; can save you money from insurance discounts; reduce noise and can offer some UV protection … (21 comments)

Be Honest... Do You Tell a Friend She Has Spinach in Her Teeth? - 08/28/11 06:45 AM
Be Honest... Do You Tell a Friend She Has Spinach in Her Teeth?
This is a dilemma all of us have experienced.  Do we tell someone they have something in their teeth... that their dinner napkin is stuck to their clothing... or egads.. the TP is stuck on their heel! 
Come on... you know the feeling... do you look away and pretend you don't notice?  Your hope is that either someone else will come along and tell them or you figure if you don't "notice" it, it will disappear. 
The same thing can hold true in our business dealings and in … (52 comments)

You Want to Sell Me What?? And You Don't Even Know Who I Am? - 08/27/11 08:04 AM
You Want to Sell Me What?? And You Don't Even Know Who I Am?
First this is not a rant on telephone sales calls or cold calls... well maybe just a little.   But here is how a call to me went today...
Me: "Room Service Home Staging...may I help you?"  
 Now this is where I here what sounds like someone finishing whatever he was eating.
Salesman:  Pause... "Oh...is this um.. Interior Styles?
Me: "No... this is Room Service Home Staging.  May I help you?"
Salesman:  Uh- oh.. well ..I was calling for Interior Styles.. oh you're a Staging company.. that's … (27 comments)

Celebrate the Day- I Can Vote Thanks to Our Mothers and Grandmothers.. AND Let's Not Forget Our Favorite 4 Legged Friends! - 08/26/11 09:16 AM
Celebrate the Day- I Can Vote Thanks to Our Mothers and Grandmothers.. AND Let's Not Forget Our Favorite 4 Legged Friends!
It's another day to celebrate and today is Women's Equality Day.  Did you know that women did NOT have the right to vote until 1920 when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed giving us the right to vote? 
That is less than 100 years ago... not all that long.  Today we take it for granted that a woman can pilot a plane; be a medical practioner beyond being a nurse; run a Fortune 500 company; or take a … (15 comments)

I Need Google + Circles In My Real Life to Help Me Know Who's Who and How I Know Them! - 08/25/11 02:31 PM
I need Google+ Circles in My Real Life to Help Me Know Who's Who and How I Know Them!

Having lived in different cities I'm always running into people that I think I know.  Problem is I'm never sure if I know them from living here in Delray Beach; my hometown of Houston or from a few other cities I've lived in.  Or... maybe I don't really know them at all! And do I know them socially or from my work.   
So as not to offend anyone, I make it a practice  to always smile and say "Hello" as if they're … (70 comments)

Wordless Wednesday- I Thought You Said Come For Dinner... NOT Come BE Dinner! - 08/24/11 06:19 AM

… (37 comments)

"Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is Real Estate Jeopardy!" - 08/23/11 10:09 AM
Julia Maher of Nestings Home Staging in Fairfield CT wrote an excellent post about Real Estate Jeopardy.  Are you putting the sale of your home in jeopardy by not showing the possibilities and purpose of your rooms?  This is especially true for unusually shaped rooms or over-sized rooms.  
Make sure that if you're selling your home Buyers will know what they're looking at!
Via Julia Maher, Connecticut Home Stager Staging Fairfield & New Haven Counties (Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes):
"Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is Real Estate Jeopardy!"
 
Hello, everyone!  Thank you so much for being here today!  … (16 comments)

Hurricane Irene- Palm Beach County Information - 08/23/11 09:50 AM
 Hurricane Irene- Palm Beach County Information
There's no need to go into panic mode because it looks like South Florida has dodged another bullet.   Irene is to be far to our east as it passes our coasts.  
And while this may be true, because it is such a large and strong storm we could still experience tropical storm conditions.  
Whatever the outcome, this is a good time to review your hurricane preparedness plans.  Here are some quick tips:
1.  Check your flashlights and batteries.  We don't need a hurricane to lose power, and if there is storm damage, power … (9 comments)

Realtors and Stagers..Just for one day let's try not using the evil "D" Word. - 08/22/11 06:40 AM
 Realtors and Stagers...Just for one day let's try not using the evil "D" Word.  
 
No not some of the other "D" words that we use (although you may be having one of those days where you want to use one) but I'm talking about the other over-used "D" word........DeClutter!
HGTV and the emphasis on Staging has made the word a household name and yet it's not yet in Merriam-Webster's dictionary.  We've used it so much it rolls off our tongues like butter.  When I ask a Realtor about a listing they want me to stage... first word out … (102 comments)

Come to a Birthday Party for Roy Kelley! Please Bring a Flower To Leave a Birthday Wish! - 08/21/11 10:51 AM
Happy Birthday... Roy Kelly!  Please Bring a Flower To Leave a Birthday Wish!
You know Roy!  We've seen his beautiful pictures of flowers left on our comments! 


Roy brightens anyone's day when he leaves a "flower" in your comment as well as sharing with us all of the beautiful pictures he takes.   Did you know that Roy graduated from the University of Virginia Law School?  
Today is his birthday so please leave a Birthday Wish along with a picture of a flower in your comment!  If you don't have one in your stash... get a copyright free … (39 comments)

Speechless Sundays- No Words Necessary - 08/21/11 06:21 AM

… (20 comments)

Active Rain Trivia - How well do you know your fellow Rainers? - 08/20/11 02:38 PM
Debbie Gartner, our favorite flooring lady, has given us a fun trivia post today.  See if you know the answers and even if you haven't a clue come back later to find out.  
No fair cheating.... scroll through the comments before you reply.  Have fun and enjoy your Saturday. 
Via Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Fairfield CT):
Here are some fun trivia questions about our fellow members.  See if you can identify them.  Some are easy; some are challenging.
1.  Who has the highest # of featured posts?
2.  … (13 comments)

Are You Dressing for the Job You Want? - 08/20/11 01:12 PM
Are You Dressing for the Job You Want? 
No.. this is not a fashion post so gentlemen feel free to read on!  I wrote a post a few days ago about my WCR Breakfast that featured Lou Ludwig and mentioned how he is always dressed as a professional.  Eric Cooper, a favorite photographer-blogger here, asked me in a comment why I thought wearing a coat and tie made you a professional. 
He asked a valid question and I do agree with what he said and that is "Professionalism IS an Attitude."   Just because someone is wearing a suit and tie … (16 comments)

Today We Can Celebrate Those Who Give Of Themselves...Look to the Sky.. and Top it Off with a Favorite Treat. - 08/19/11 06:48 AM
Today We Can Celebrate Those Who Give of Themselves...Look to the Sky... and Top it Off with a Special Treat!
Yes, it's another one of my National Holiday posts!    And since it's Friday we need a day to ease us into the weekend!
 
August 19 is World Humanitarian Day.   It is a day to honor, appreciate, recognize and thank those who give up their time, and give of themselves to help those in need. Aid workers go where they are needed and that may mean Haiti, Japan, Somalia, and yes, even Afghanistan. Did you know that in 2010, … (23 comments)

WCR of the Palm Beaches Breakfast Meeting- Who Knew about LOU??? - 08/18/11 01:16 PM
WCR Breakfast Meeting- Who Knew about LOU??

I just returned from the Women's Council of Realtors August Breakfast Meeting and look who our guest speaker was..... Lou Ludwig.   If you've been here at Active Rain for any length of time you've probably read is daily Motivational blogs .  And, if you haven't I encourage you to stop by.  It's a great way to get your day started and it makes you stop and think... really think about what he says. 
But something else I know about Lou is that he has been supportive of my blogging efforts since I started … (22 comments)

MeetUp Locations Announced! - 08/17/11 07:24 PM
The Meet Ups have been announced so scroll down and find one near you.  If you can't find one in your area, why not host one!
This is a great opportunity to meet people whose blogs you've been reading here!   I've had to opportunity to meet only a few Active Rainers and I'm looking forward to meeting more!
So come on out and let's take part in the first Meet Up!!   Come on Stagers!  Let's Get out there too!!!
Via ActiveRain Corp.:
Ladies, have you been waiting for a special occasion to bust out those new shoes?  Gentlemen, still dying to … (11 comments)

Kindergarten- I Have No Idea Who that Little Kid Was! - 08/17/11 07:25 AM
Kindergarten- I Have No Idea Who that Little Kid Was!
Seriously, I really don't know who that little girl was... it was 56 years ago!!  Isn't it funny how there are some things you can remember as if it were yesterday and then there are others that had you not been told you were there, you would not have believed it. 

Well, my first endeavor at higher education was not totally forgotten by me.  I do remember my teacher, and I apologize because I'm sure she was a good teacher but I cannot remember her name, anyway, she came to … (37 comments)

Kindergarten ain't just for kids! - 08/16/11 12:44 PM
If you didn't participate in Charles Buell's Under the Kitchen Sink contest, this is one we can all do.  School is starting (or has started for some) and with that comes memories of our own childhood.. especially starting in Kindergarten.
Write your own story and let us share in your childhood.  This should be a fun read... remember the Diary of a Realtor challenge! 
So, fire up the dendrites and try to remember back to when you were 5.. for some of us that will take quite a bit of firing!  Stop by Charles' blog but if you'd like to stop … (10 comments)

Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- If You Must Leave Your Home Vacant, at Least Do These 6 Things! - 08/16/11 09:47 AM
 Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- If You Must Leave Your Home Vacant, at Least Do These 6 Things!
If you are selling your home in Palm Beach County, or anywhere for that matter, it is usually best to show it furnished.  
However, there are situations where your property must be left vacant, and if you do here are 6 tips that will help your property in the "race for the sale".
6 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home:
1.  Make sure every inch of your property is white glove clean.  Because there is no furniture, your Buyer's focus … (42 comments)

Look at What Active Rain Did- Buttons on Top... I Love Bling! - 08/15/11 06:30 AM
Look at What Active Rain Did- Buttons on Top... I Love Bling!

It was like waking up on Christmas morning to find Santa had been at your house.  Did you see the new Google+ button and all the buttons added to the top of your post?
The AR Staff has been working this weekend and look what we have!  So now someone doesn't have to scroll all the way down through our blogs... or past line upon line of "LINKS"  to Like or do whatever it is they want to do with us!
Thank you Active Rain!
… (24 comments)

Are You a Toll House Loyalist or a Best New Anything Rebel? - 08/15/11 06:20 AM
Are You a Toll House Loyalist or a Best New Anything Rebel?
I know, what the heck does this have to do with Staging, Real Estate or SEO??  Well, it doesn't.. not really.  Yesterday was one of those boring... too hot to "play" outside... no football on TV kind of days.  So, my husband decided to make some Turtles.  You know what they are.. the chocolaty, chewy nutty things all dentists love for us to eat. 

Anyway he used Nestle's Chocolate chips and as we had some left over, I put the rest in a plastic container.  And, I made … (6 comments)

Almost Speechless Sunday- Pretty in Pink! - 08/14/11 11:00 AM

This is a favorite out at Green Cay... the Roseate Spoonbill.   Many visitors to Green Cay mistake them for Flamingos, but I think these beautiful birds are just as interesting.  Like other birds, their plumage was sought after for many years, causing these striking creatures to drop to  only 30 or 40 breeding pairs in Florida.  Conservation and placing them on a protected list has brought the population up to over 1000 pairs in our state.  
As they wade through shallow water, their heads go back and forth with their bills in the water until they feel "dinner".   … (24 comments)

Palm Beach County School Supplies- What You Need To Know! - 08/13/11 08:28 AM
Palm Beach County School Supplies- What You Need to Know!

School begins in Palm Beach County on August 22!   For our children that means making the most of the "free" time they have left... packing in as many trips to the beach or mall that they can.  It means cherishing every minute past 8 a.m. that they get to sleep!  
And, I can remember that back to school for me meant buying the largest box of Crayola crayons they made!  Unfortunately for many years budget cuts and the economy have made it hard for many children and schools … (15 comments)

Palm Beach County School Bus Information- Let's Get Off to a Good Start! - 08/12/11 06:27 AM
  Palm Beach County School Bus Information- Let's Get Off to a Good Start!
School Buses will soon hit the streets of Palm Beach County as the 2011 school year begins on August 22.    If you're not sure whether your child will qualify for bus pick up or need information on the various routes you can find that at the Palm Beach District Transportation site.
At this site you can go to BUS ROUTES and scroll to find the name of your child's school.  And, according to the Florida Statutes and the State Board of Education Rule, students must live … (28 comments)

Palm Beach County School District- Your 2011 School Calendar and More! - 08/11/11 06:37 AM
Palm Beach County School District- Your 2011 School Calendar and More!

It's still in the 90's and we haven't had a hurricane yet, so that must mean that the start of the 2011 school year for Palm Beach County is starting.   Here is a printable calendar   that you can get in English, Creole, Portuguese or Spanish.
Some important dates you'll want to know:                                                           September 5-Labor Day          September … (15 comments)

National S'Mores Day is August 10- Another Day to Eat Chocolate! - 08/10/11 06:42 AM
National S'Mores Day is August 10- Another Day to Eat Chocolate!
I know there are other days that are national days of celebration and remembrance but any day that celebrates chocolate in any form is my kind of day! For those of you who were a Girl Scout ( that would be me), S'mores are a campfire tradition.  In fact the first recorded version of the recipe was from a Girl Scout Handbook from 1927!
               
Cooking S'Mores is more fun when done outdoors over a grill.   In fact anytime you have an available grill … (36 comments)

The Active Rain Community- It's Not Just About Real Estate Leads...It's About Providing Reassurance to Parents. - 08/09/11 09:13 AM
The Active Rain Community- It's Not Just About Real Estate Leads... It's About Providing Reassurance to Parents. 
I've read many testimonials from Realtors about the leads they've received which can be attributed to their blogging efforts here on Active Rain.  And, they've received referrals directly from the other members here. If you doubt this just scan through the daily posts here. 
 
But there's another great side feature about Active Rain of which many of you are already aware..... and that's the fact that by interacting here at the community you have a long list of "friends" whom you can call … (18 comments)

Boca Raton Home Staging- Things You Need to Ask Before You Get Additional Storage Space! - 08/08/11 11:33 AM
Boca Raton Home Staging- Things You Need to Ask Before You Get Additional Storage Space!
Whether or not you are selling your house in Boca Raton or anywhere else in Palm Beach County, chances are you have been told to store or remove some of your "clutter".    Your Realtor no doubt brought this up when you listed your house.  If you've had a Home Staging Consultation, your Stager probably suggested packing up unnecessary items so you won't detract from your Buyer being able to see the space your house has. 
That's often easier said than done.  You're still living in … (28 comments)

Chestbumping.. Who Do You Think Copied Whom.. The Football Players or the Birds? - 08/07/11 06:38 AM
Chestbumping... Who Do You Think Copied Whom... The Football Players or the Birds?
I am so excited that the NFL Preseason kicks off August Thursday, August 11!   I love football and NFL lockouts and over-the-top salaries and egos aside.. I can't wait!  
As of today Brett Favre is still retired; Chad Henne is still the Dolphin's Quarterback, and the Eagles and Patriots made the last few weeks interesting! 
But even if you don't like football, you've gotta love the Chest bumping!  You've seen it.. two big guys jumping up in the air and bumping their chests.  I still haven't figured … (16 comments)

How to Increase Blog Traffic with Engaging Content - 08/06/11 08:49 PM
Rebekah Radice of Benchmark Mortgage in Colorado Springs, CO. has written another great post to help us increase traffic to our blog. And, as we've been told, a good blog begins with good content.  
If you're still struggling to write your posts or even if you've been writing for years, you'll find Rebekah's post informative.  And, don't forget to read all the way to the end for her "Rules to Apply to each post"!
Via Rebekah Radice Colorado Springs FHA Loan 203k, VA Mortgage, Loan Pre-Approval (Benchmark Mortgage, Colorado Springs FHA, VA, Pre-Approval):

Once you have established your blog … (0 comments)

If You Have to Knock Someone Down to Build Yourself Up.. You Might Want to Remodel Your Attitude. - 08/06/11 11:16 AM
If You Have to Knock Someone Down to Build Yourself Up...You Might Want to Remodel Your Attitude!
Unfortunately we see this too often in our personal and professional lives... and of course, it really rears its ugly head during an election year.   Friends will often pass along negative gossip about their "friends".  Politicians pull out all the stops to show what their opponent is doing wrong or to dig up "dirt" on them. 
And, we see it everyday in negative advertising about a competitor's product.  
We're all selling something, aren't we... our product, our services, and ourselves. But if that's … (98 comments)

Home Staging in Boca Raton.... Consider Me Part of Your Marketing Team! - 08/05/11 08:44 AM
Home Staging in Boca Raton... Consider Me Part of Your Marketing Team!
Dorie Dillard of Coldwell Banker in Austin recently wrote an excellent post in which she likened a Listing Agent to the Business Manager in the sale of a client's house.  I could not agree more, and if you are wondering what role your Realtor should play in the sale of your property, please take a look at her post. 
So if the Listing Agent is like a Business Manager, then consider your Home Stager as part of the Marketing Team.   
Home Stagers are not just there to move … (18 comments)

Time to List.....NOW! - 08/04/11 10:46 AM
Marco Giancola of Castelli Real Estate Services, reminds us that even though we're in our hot humid days of August, if you're planning on selling your house in the fall, now is the time to get your house "show" ready!  Take care of any repairs or deferred maintenance NOW.   Contact your local Professional Home Stager for a Staging Consultation and get a game plan of what to do. 
Don't wait until the For Sale is up to paint, declutter and clean up.  Take advantage of our prime selling season and get a jump on your competition.
Via Marco Giancola,P.A. Realtor … (0 comments)

Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- Why are You Making Your Buyers Wonder and Wander Through Your House? - 08/04/11 06:10 AM
Home staging tips in Palm Beach County... Why are you making your Buyers wonder and wander through your house? Today's Buyer has a tough job... how to navigate through the many properties available and choose the one that fits their needs. If your property is one of those out there in the sea of houses on the market today, don't make it any harder for them. Wondering.....      1. Don't make your Buyer wonder what a room is for.  Is it the dining room or office?  Define your rooms either for their original purpose or help show your Buyer the possibility … (25 comments)

How To Beat the Heat with Some Red and Green! It's National Watermelon Day! - 08/03/11 01:23 PM
How to Beat the Heat with some Read and Green!  It's National Watermelon Day!
With temperatures in the high 90's today in Delray Beach....and even in the 100's in our midwest anything you can do to beat the heat and keep you hydrated is a big plus!
Today is National Watermelon Day!  Settle down.. it's not an official government day so you still have to go to work.  But why not pick up something fun to help you through these hot days! 
Just a few fun facts:
* Watermelon is 92% water!  No wonder it's a great thirst quencher!* The first … (21 comments)

Wordless Wednesdays- Nature's Little Wonders. - 08/03/11 06:21 AM

… (23 comments)

You're a Person...You're NOT a Machine? Thank You for Answering! - 08/02/11 06:57 PM
You're a Person... You're NOT a Machine?  Thank You for Answering!
I know this subject has been discussed ad nauseum but I had another occasion yesterday where answering the phone got me another client!
MS Client called "after hours".... I was actually preparing dinner.  When I answered the phone.. she was surprised and excited at the same time.  
   "You're a person! You're not a machine!  Thank you for answering."
I realize that you can't always answer your phone.  When I am giving a Staging Consultation my Client is paying for my time, so I do not take calls then. 
… (24 comments)

You Guys Really Want More Information... Don't You!?! - 08/01/11 08:31 PM
You Guys Really Want More Information... Don't You!?!

I wrote a post yesterday that covered how to locate new members.  In fact it's not just new members you can locate, but you can go back and see who joined when.  
So in my comments, Linda Jamail Marshall, a Houston agent, asked me about States.  Since I'm from Houston, I have a soft spot for anyone from there so I thought I'd show you another fun place!!
Linda wanted to know if there was a place that showed all members by state or by city.  You bet there is!

 Go … (19 comments)

Wellington Homeowners- Top 3 Ways To Get Homeowners Insurance Discounts - 08/01/11 12:16 PM
Everyone wants to save money and Nestor and Katerina Gasset have given homeowners 3 ways to that AND protect your house as well!
You don't have to tackle all three at once.  Fit them in to your budget or at least make them a part of your game plan. 
Don't forget... we're just in hurricane season, so make sure you stock up and have a personal plan for your family.
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Homes For Sale (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Wellington Homeowners- Top 3 Ways To Get Homeowners Insurance Discounts
Local home inspectors and insurance agents … (0 comments)

Palm Beach County Parks-River Bend in Jupiter - A Multi-Historic Site ! - 08/01/11 10:35 AM
Palm Beach County Parks- River Bend in Jupiter is also a multi-historic site just minutes away!

A favorite spot for photographers, kayakers, canoeists , and hikers, River Bend Park is also a multi historic site.    Two battles of the Loxahatchee River took place here during the Seminole War in 1838.  There are battlefield reinactments as well as walking tours available.  
But, evidence has been found of a continual time-line of pre-historic and historic habitation dating back to the Archaic Period, over 5000 years ago!
And if you're in the mood for some fun exercise, you can take a … (6 comments)

 
Head%20shot%20july222010 Ambassador_large

Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224

Delray Beach, FL

More about me…

Room Service Home Staging

Address: Delray Beach Florida, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach,Palm Beach County , and Beyond!

Office Phone: (561) 914-6224

Email Me

Clicky Web Analytics

Clicky

Locations of visitors to this page


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog