I have tried different ways to market myself in the past, but one method will always stand the test of time---postcards via good ole' snail mail.  I still like getting mail in my mailbox, the thing that is planted in my yard, out in front, on a wooden pole with an metal box on top.  Some people forget about these old things, but they are still used.  Computers are not the only means of communication.  Unfortunately, when I check my mail, the one outside, all I seem to get is bills, bills, bills.  That is why it is so refreshing when I get something in this tiny box that is NOT a bill.  I don't care what it is, it is exciting, and I'm going to read it, simply because it is NOT a bill.  Wow, real mail.  Someone took the time to put something on paper, address it, and apply postage and actually get it to some sort of postal worker.  That's cool, and it took effort.  I'm admire the effort.  So, as I think of how I feel, I think that maybe there are others out there that feel the same way, so I will try to send out postcards to reach potential customers.  And I have found a wonderful website that is easy-to-use and offers a creative twist to mailing postcards.  I found www.marketingwithtrivia.com and have really enjoyed using their services.  They provide a quality product, they were prompt with the work, and the customer service was excellent.  I highly recommend them.  And the trivia questions on the postcards are fun.  So, while the internet is the wave of the future, I do still like wading in the old streams from time to time.

Well, the election is FINALLY over.  No matter who was your candiate, please be supportive of our country, her values and our new administation.  There is always a winner and a loser in every battle, but it is the American people who must ensure that the country is not a loser.  Please pray for our nation, our leaders, our troops and our future.  When darkness and despair seem overwhelming, remember there is always tomorrow and a chance for a brighter day.  It is in adversity that we must be the strongest.  My prayer is for my country tonight, and the hope that tomorrow will be better and brighter.

You ask, what do Staging and the Olympics have in common?  One simple thing---lots of preparation and a great reward at the end.  These athletes I have been watching are immaculate machines that spend each waking moment, each breath, each tick of the clock, working towards one goal--the gold medal.  They prepare, prepare, prepare for a single event that is over in a matter of seconds, and the outcome can change their life completely.  It takes hours upon hours of work, and training to achieve the necessary qualities that one must possess to become an Olympic athlete.  The body and soul must be in essence a machine that can operate without fail.  Everything must be perfect, the body and the mind, to achieve the ultimate goal of winning the gold medal and be the best of the best.   Think of all that a person does in a day, the food we eat, the amount of sleep we get, what we watch on television, what we read, who we talk to, what vehicle we drive; all the choices we make for ourselves that carve the person we are.  Now imagine what the Olympic athlete must choose for himself.  He must make incredible sacrifices to become the person he is; to be the best he can be.  He can't allow himself the indulgent luxuries that we take for granted.  But his reward will be well worth the hardship and challenges he goes through, for the prize is greater than anything we can  imagine.  To achieve such success as a athlete is the ultimate prize, the epitome of success for an athlete.  To have the fortitude, and determination to challenge yourself and reach for such a goal is an incredible undertaking.  But those that expect the best for themselves will strive for the best.  This is where Staging comes in when you are selling your home.  If you want the best for yourself, strive to have the best, do the best, prepare the most, and have the best "machine" available on the market--one that is fail-proof.  Make the necessary changes to your home that will ensure that your home will appeal to ALL buyers, not just a select few.  It can takes hours of preparation, and many sacrifices on your part, but ultimately, you will be rewarded for your hard work.  Just as an Olympic event lasts only a matter of seconds, a buyer spends a very short amount of time in your home; so make every second count.  Prepare, Prepare, Prepare, Stage, Stage, Stage.  Any short cuts will have an effect on the outcome of the sale of your home.  Your gold medal is waiting for you, but you, and only you can make the dream a reality. 

Most people think Staging costs too much money.  That all depends on how creative you are.  There are ways to find money.  I read a story where one family had an estate sale, sold all this "stuff" that they no longer needed, and were able to pay for cleaning, staging, moving, and more.  Staging is an investment, not a cost.  But if you need help finding the funds, think creatively.  It CAN be done. 

What is it that is driving people to Blog, Blog, Blog?  Business, that's what.  Blogging is a new way to increase traffic and substantially grow your business.  You can write about anything.  But people today go to the internet first to find things.  So make sure that you are visible on the internet.  It's a simple and easy way to increase visibility for you and your company.  And it's a way to bounce ideas and problems to others.  It's a win, win for you and the consumers. 

Did you know.......

94% of Staged home sell in less than 30 days.

There is now available a class on home staging at Baton Rouge Community College.  I will be teaching a 3 day course on Home Staging Tips and Information.  The class is on Saturdays from 9:00 - 3:30, the first three Saturdays in October.  (one open date for LSU, and two away games)  So no excuses.  If you'd like to learn more about Staging and the benefits of Staging, check it out.

Paige Pace - Roux Staging, Baton Rouge, LA

Selling a house or selling a car, you need to get both detailed.  You don't think twice about detailing your car before you sell it, so why would you NOT detail - STAGE - your home.  You home is more valuable, and should be treated as such.  If you don't want to cheat yourself out of potential profit, make the investment in Staging and get top dollar for your home.

Always make sure your home is free of clutter.  You have decided to move, so start packing early.  This is a simple step that really can help sell your home faster.