staging faqs: Staging FAQs: Can I Pay You at Closing? - 10/05/12 10:35 PM
Welcome back to Staging FAQs where the Home Staging experience is de-mystified TRH-style...that is you learn, maybe smile, and get back to your life, all in 400 words or less.
The very short answer is "no", this Westchester County Home Stager gets paid like any other contractor-a retainer at the start of a project, and in full at it's conclusion.
YES, I do ask sellers to make decisions and spend money on my recommendations, but remember, Home Staging supports what a seller and their agent do; it's just part of the equation of what it takes to get a property … (23 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: Why Stage an Estate Sale Property? - 09/01/12 06:27 AM
Welcome back to FAQs, the series where the "House" Specialty is short answers to your home decor, and Home Staging questions.
Properties being sold to settle an estate have distinct goals, usually to sell quickly, for the best price. But in this market, buyers want a deal, AND a good-looking place-elements usually at odds with the "As Is" mindset of most heirs and executors. I suggest putting an estate propety's best foot forward is a means to an end.
Two things happen with bad listing photos. They are ignored, or they ring the dinner bell, inviting lowball offers-neither condusive to moving … (14 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: "So- What's WRONG with My Wallpaper??" - 08/09/12 11:42 AM

Welcome back to FAQs-the series where the specialty is snappy answers to your most burning questions on home decor, and home selling.
"SO-what's WRONG with my wallpaper??" is a big, big question these days. And the short answer is usually nothing is wrong with your wallpaper...per se. But this is not a logical question, it's an emotional one.
See, when you live in your home, any decor you are fond of-and doesn't violate any local ordinances pretty much works. However, when you want to sell the house, you want a warm and welcoming vibe, so many people to like your … (7 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: What is a Buyer Consult? How Does It Work? - 07/05/12 05:06 PM
FAQs is an on-going series that answers the questions I hear most often. USUALLY in 4oo words or less, but this is really a two-fer, so loosening up on that part. Last post asked why buyers don't use their imaginations- got some really good feedback from you guys, and it's a great segue to this next question.
That buyers should be able to use their imagination when looking at a unremarkable, or unprepared property is a lose-lose supposition. My first point was that sellers lose out on 95% of their market out of the gate; but let's talk about the buyers's perspective … (4 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: Why Can't Buyers Just Use Their Imagination? - 07/04/12 02:01 PM
Welcome back to FAQs, an on-going series that answers the questions I hear most, in 400 words or less.
This question/protest comes up whenever a seller does not like, or does not want to do what I recommend to help get their hosue sold. 
And it's probably the quickest and easiest question to answer. 
Ready?
Buyers DON'T use their imagination because largely they CAN'T use their imaginations.
Visualizing spacial potential, carrying colors in your head, being able to project change onto a static space is like being able to ice skate, do math, or having freckles: it is a gift, something you … (32 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: Who Pays? - 06/28/12 08:17 PM
Another good question, and easier to answer!
The Refreshed Home creates good plans, helps people make wise decisions, so they can get on with their life. SO-anyone looking for this to happen could be the one who hires-and pays me.
Homeowners hire me most often, but busy Westchester and Fairfield county professionals in tangent fields pay me to be on their team too.
Like the homeowner, they want to save time and stress. They want the project to go smoothly and quickly. It also lets them spend their time doing what they do best. They like to hire me because I … (6 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: What Are the Statistics of Your Success? - 06/22/12 10:51 AM
FAQs is a new, and on-going series that answers your questions about Home Staging, Interior Decorating, or The Refreshed Home-each in 400 words or less. You can click here to read earlier posts.
Statistics can be a comfort when entering uncharted territory; they can illustrate history, trends and performance. But they only have value if they're applicable to your situation; and they're only as good as the consistency of the information gathering and reporting process.
Which is why I don't participate, or utilize them.
Not saying anyone's numbers are fabricated, but look-I'm an analytical thinker. These are self-reported figures, with too … (8 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: What Does Staging Cost? - 06/17/12 04:17 AM

Have a love/hate relationship with this question, too. It's the question most everyone wants to ask first.
Many do-why not, it's important and valid- but in my experience few really listen to the answer.
They believe a Staged house to be an absolute standard, or want Staging to be like a gallon of milk- defined, known product they can comparison shop. I get why, but it's not how it works. The short answer is : IT DEPENDS
A good analogy is a typical doctor visit. The doctor doesn't start poking and prodding, or ordering tests-they start by getting tuned into … (4 comments)

staging faqs: Staging FAQs: What is Staging? - 06/12/12 06:32 AM
Many thanks to Anna 'Banana' Kruchten for a recent contest she and Kerrie cooked up: tell the story of what you do through a series of FAQ blog posts. I was late to that party, but have jumped on the concept in a serious way. Here is the first of what I expect to be a solid series- each with a self-imposed  maximum of 400 words. 
 
Staging FAQs: What is Staging?
Truth be told, I have a love/hate relationship with the word 'Staging".
It's the word most people recognize, but there are so many misconceptions...and it just sounds kind of fake, prissy-pants to … (6 comments)