Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Redesign, Enter Stage Right

Staging and Redesign Win Award for Homeless Shelter Makeover

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:27:52 -0500

In previous posts, I wrote about the new IRIS National Capital Area Chapter's homeless shelter apartment makeover project. Two of the three apartments are finished. On June 9, 2009, at the Shelter House.org Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, the Chapter received the Community Partner Award for work on the Patrick Henry Family Shelter. As President of the chapter, I can tell you that the results and the response from the staff and the family who moved in were rewards enough for the hours of work spent on the redesign and staging of the apartments . To be the recipients of this award is such an honor. We are so thankful to be able to give back to the community in this way.

As if that weren't exciting enough, we were also presented with an official copy of the United States Congressional Record for June 9, 2009 in which Congressman Gerald R. Connolly of Virginia recognized "Shelter House.org and in particular the contributions its volunteers make in service to our community", and names the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists as the Community Partner Award winners for the Patrick Henry Shelter.

This project, which begain with a desire to redesign and stage one apartment for the Shelter grew into a committment to fulfill an immediate need for three. Deserving redesign has created ripples that we would never have expected.

To see brief videos of the first two apartments please click on these links:

http://www.realestateshows.com/383648

http://www.realestateshows.com/392976

More on the third and final apartment to follow!

Dumpster Diving for Decor-Green Staging and Redesign

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:26:11 -0500

Dumpster-What? Yes, I must admit that we are not too proud to pass up great potential furniture that has been left by the side of the dumpster.

IRIS National Capitol Area members (and soon to be new chapter) have finished their second apartment makeover for the Patrick Henry Shelter House in Falls Church, VA. Key to this project was stretching the bare bones budget by using donated materials and furnishings and finding freebies through craigslist (yes, it is supposed to be lower case) and Freecycle. That also included keeping sharp eyes out for 'potentials" which brings us to the dumpster diving part. One particularly nice "potential"piece was found next to a dumpster by one of our members. It was an old Ballard Design low cabinet with two drawers and only one of its two doors. The narrow piece was perfect for the small apartment and creative eyes saw its reincarnation into a small bookcase.

So what does this have to do with staging a home to sell?

Most sellers are on a tight budget, particularly in this economy. That budget must cover repairs and cosmetic fixes like painting. Once it comes to actual staging, the budget may be next to nothing. I'm not suggesting that everyone should start hanging out at their local dumpsters looking for treasure like this, but to take a look at what the homeowner may be ready to throw out in their quest to pare down for their move. Often furniture with potential ends up in the trash because no one has recognized its value. As redesigners and stagers we can offer our clients this additional service-using our creativity to save them from wasting resources but also showing them how to use reclaimed furnishings in decoratively functional ways. It's another way to be green in our businesses and to show homeowners how to be green in their decor.

To see the video of the family room/dining area redesign, please click here or cut and past the link below:

http://www.realestateshows.com/392976

How Fast Can You Read? Become a Stager Overnight for Fun and Profit

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:55:45 -0500

A friend forwarded this to me and I found it to be more than a little disturbing. Thinking you can go into the staging business by just reading a book? Staging is the same as redesign? Uh, NO. Maybe to someone who has just read a book about it and knows little else about the subject it is.

If a person has talent and a natural ability to assess a home and knows what it would take to showcase it, then reading a book could help them on the way to a career. It might help the home seller understand what is needed to sell a home and allow them to do some of their own staging. Would it tell them all they needed to know about the process? Would it allow them to see their home as buyer might? Would they believe it?

Hands on training in real life situations is the minimum one should expect in a home stager. It's like learning to fly a plane by reading a book. You may learn the fundamentals but what has been left out-hands on experience. Bad staging reflects on the rest of us. Many people have gone into the business as a hobby with little or no training or a true grasp of the scope of a staging project. I have restaged homes for clients who have had bad experiences with "stagers" who talked a good game but weren't able to deliver. Did they learn their craft by watching TV or reading a book?

I am not a trainer, but I feel strongly about training or lack of it, and how it can affect the perception of our profession. The article was meant to be helpful, but it sends out a misleading impression of what it takes to be a successful in real estate staging, both for stagers and their clients

IRIS Redesigners and Stagers Makeover Homeless Shelter Apartments

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:27:41 -0500

In the spirit of HGTV's Deserving Design and the popular Extreme Makeover shows, IRIS National Capital Area interior redesigners have completed one and are working on the second of three apartment makeovers for the Patrick Henry Shelter House in Falls Church, Virginia. Shelter House provides temporary emergency housing and support services to homeless families.

See 60 second before and after video of the transformation here:

( http://www.realestateshows.com/383648 )

Jewell Mikula, Executive Director or Shelter House remarks: "I am completely speechless; the IRIS generosity towards our homeless families is amazing." Shelter House's mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, counseling, and programs to promote self-sufficiency. The facility is owned by Fairfax County and Shelter House partners with the Department of Family Services to operate it on a daily basis.

Interior redesigners and stagers are known for creative room makeovers using existing furnishings. When these weren't sufficient, they adopted a Green approach and refurbished, repaired and recovered gently used items from those they had gathered that might otherwise contribute to local landfills.

The use of a storage container donated by 1-800- Pack Rats made it possible to accumulate items in advance of the makeovers. Paint, materials and funding were donated by Springfield businesses Jerry's Paints and Fischer's Hardware, American Foam Center in Merrifield and Coverage, Inc-The Insurance Specialists in Chantilly.

If you are a homeowner who is moving and have unwanted, gently used furnishings, consider donating them to a shelter. If you are a stager and are offered these furnishings, consider donating them and your time to make a difference in your community.

For more information on Shelter House, please go to www.shelterhouse.org. Please post here if you would like more information on our project.

Multi-Purpose Society Open House

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:21:13 -0500

Talk about thinking outside the box! A recent New York Yimes article in the Home and Garden section described the open house that was held in the home of the late William F Buckley, Jr. and his wife Pat.

The event was held in two sessions for two different groups for several different purposes. The timed showings were structured to give the event focus-to showcase the property and its contents which are for sale, provide a memorial gathering of sorts for the deceased owners and to provide a venue for a preview party for the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show.

I know that many Realtors feel that holding open houses are a waste of time or at least, a less than effective way to market a property. Is this multipurpose open house the key to more productive marketing, particularly for higher end listings?

To read more about this event and see photos click here

Mahogany and silver pastry cart from GlobeEquipment.com.

The Jury is Out on Yard Art

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:54:41 -0500

Gnome Be Gone and Flamingo Be Gone

Love it or hate it, yard art is definitely a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Many homeowner associations have regulations about the use of decorative accessories in the front yard including the type of mailbox that is acceptable. Few regulate the backyard and that gives the homeowner the freedom of expression that may or may not delight their neighbors.

What separates classy from pretentious? What is corny and what is cute? What is classic and what is dated? Sometimes the lines are blurred by the objects and the materials they are made of, where they are placed, how they are used, the type of home, the neighborhood, and the occupants of the home.

Years ago, I would occasionally drive by a house that had a concrete goose on the front stoop. During the rainy season it had a yellow slicker, hat and umbrella. Then I noticed it had a costume for nearly any holiday. (The cupid costume was particularly inventive.)

I never saw the homeowners or knew if they had children or grandchildren or if they just had a sense of humor. I don't know if their neighbors enjoyed the show or if they thought it was an eyesore. (The costumes seemed well made and were always placed just so.) The people moved and the goose went with them. I miss it and the humor and effort that went in to the display.

I mention this because it could have been an eyesore if the costumes had become ragged or tacky looking. If they had added a lot of accessories or "friends" it would have changed the entire display. The homeowner's association, if there was one, apparently allowed it and it was the only decorative element in the front yard. The restraint, timing and subtle humor made it work, in my opinion.

That's the key to using yard art successfully. You may be restricted to having something only in your back yard but even there, use restraint. Just as too much jewelry will ruin an outfit, using too many decorative accessories outdoors will overwhelm the landscape and your home. You want to limit and coordinate your accessories, though everything needn't match. Continuity in a theme or look will result in a more seamless landscape. Placement is important. Does the piece complete the plantings or compete with them? Does it look like an after thought or stick out awkwardly? Does it make sense where it is or in relationship to the architecture of the home? If it doesn't add anything of value to the landscape then it's clutter.

As with most things in decorating, less is more in using yard art. You may be attracted to decorative dragonfly collectibles or maybe elves but you don't want to create the effect of a swarm of insects or Keeblerville in your backyard-or do you?

I guess it all depends on your sense of humor!

When trying to sell a home, there are no hard and fast rules. When staging a home, many hold to the saying that when in doubt, leave it out. If the yard art is controversial, cutsey, dated or worn it is not likely to help with the sale of the home.

Summer Redesign and Real Estate Staging Tips

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:50:12 -0500

Pottery Barn Glass Vases

Whether you are redesigning a room or staging it for the summertime market, create the feel of summer indoors with these quick tips for a seasonal room makeover:

Clear out heavy, dark or other season specific accessories. Pack up woolen throws, accent pillows in dark colors, heavy candlesticks, containers of pinecones and wood stacked in the fireplace or firebox

Clear clutter. Fewer things and less "STUFF" will make the room feel more open and fresh-and will require less maintenance.

Let there be light!. Remove heavy curtains and replace with lightweight panels or sheers. For light or privacy control, consider installing inexpensive "quick shades" which will filter light.

Remove area rugs where possible. Polished wood floors reflect light and seem cooler, as do tile floors. If a rug is needed, try a lightweight woven rug or one of the indoor/outdoor designs that look like wool or sisal.

Brighten up your color scheme. Whites and pastel versions of your color palette can be introduced through strategic placement of accessories.

Go natural. Shells and elements from the sea are classic summertime accessories. Ferns, tropical leaves and flowers in simple arrangements or in a cluster of glass bottles bring the casual feel of outdoors inside. A few glass containers in odd numbers with pale stones and wisps of sea oats or ornamental green grass, for example, are architecturally interesting accents.

Add color. If a sofa or chair needs a lift, add color without weight by using a woven sarong, shawl, or tablecloth as you would a throw.

Mix it up. Replace a wooden table with a glass or tile and metal outdoor piece. Birdbaths and planters can make interesting table bases.

Home Staging a Pet Kennel

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:35:22 -0500

Decadent Digs Kennel Covers

In a previous post, Don't Move the Dog Crate!, I shared some solutions for the problem of what to do about pet crates when staging- attractive end table/kennel combination furniture. The pieces weren't inexpensive and may not be within a home seller's budget.

In searching for other alternatives I ran across this web site and its solution to dressing up regular metal kennels. The options for fabric and trim are limited and the effect may not be for every decor or taste but it does present another possibility for disguising the kennel. Slip covers that allow air circulation may be a possibility that has not been considered. Slip covers, who knew?

Home Staging: What Makes a House Dated Part 2

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:11:11 -0500

In my previous post, Part 1, I mentioned some outdated furnishings and decorating trends that distract or detract from a home's features. Those things will leave the home when it sells. In the meantime, buyers may be able to look around, past or through these to see the home for what it is and the potential it has for their needs and lifestyle.

So now we are talking about the structure itself. Take away the furnishings and what things in the home will make it seem dated and turn off buyers? Remember that the most appealing home is one that is move-in ready.

Wall colors can impact the way buyers perceive the space so the generally accepted practice is to have the walls a more neutral color to make the room move-in ready. Even though color is more prominent in homes these days and people are becoming more confident in living with it, not ALL buyers will appreciate the effect that bold or saturated colors have on a room. Stark white walls with one bold accent wall color not only take a room back in time but can make the room feel uncomfortable because of the sharp contrast. Buyers may think it would take too much time and too many coats of paint to cover that decorative accent and move on to the next house.

Vinyl flooring with a lot of detail can date a kitchen and make the room appear smaller.

These floor patterns from the 60's were considered very "in" at the time.

Any flooring that is worn can make a room look tired and dated, even hardwood. Worn carpet, no matter what color, looks dated. Some styles and textures of carpet can look old, but if they are in good condition the attention can be focused on more pleasing elements in the room.

Some paneling can make a room look dark and dated. Mirrored walls can look dated depending on the application. Solid colored red brick walls and fireplace surrounds, often seen in 50's and 60's homes, are dated looking and are commonly updated by coat of warm white paint.

Spindled room dividers that don't protect from changes in room levels are dated decorative features.

Now let's go outside and take a look at dated landscaping and other home features.

Things that make a house look dated and destroy curb appeal:

Old, overgrown shrubs, especially those about to obscure the windows
Plantings so close to the walkway that you have to push your way through to the front door
Discolored sidewalks and driveways
Painted concrete patios or breezeway floors or those with old green indoor/outdoor carpeting
Worn railroad tie retaining walls
Edging made of bricks set on an angle
Overgrown azaleas cut in a severe hedge form
Trees with heavy limbs in need of pruning (NOT topping!)
Steppng stones that are disappearing into the yard
Painted tire planters
Old roof solar panels
Faded front door
Old outdoor light fixtures that are too small in scale for the home
Light fixtures that contrast with the style of the home
Leaning fences

Some things that date a home can be easily remedied, while some may require an investment in time and money to bring a home's appearance up-to-date. Which things are worth it and which things aren't will depend on a seller's time, budget, the price point of the property and the buyer's interest or lack of of interest in the home. The more motivated the seller, the more likely that updates will be done.

Getting the Hang of it-Cool Hardware You May Not Know About

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:55:29 -0500

I'll admit that I am addicted to hardware and gadgets. Anything that promises to make the work of staging faster and easier will get my attention. Keeping it is another matter. In my quest to find the perfect picture hanging hardware and accessories I have tried quite a few, each with it's own pluses and minuses. I've also come across a few interesting web sites in the search.

The following are some of my favorites and some you may or may not have heard of in your own search:

Attach-its (previously posted here)

"No Tools" Push and Hang Picture Hangers

OOK Shield Picture Hangers Serious business

Canvas Hangers quick and easy-no wire needed

Floreat Hangers

Foam Fast Hangers Great for kids rooms

Heavy Duty Wall Hanger (similar to Hercules Hooks)

Picture Hanging Tool Similar idea as the Picture Plumb

U Can Do Hardware

Picture Hanging Solutions

Have I missed some of your favorites?

Real Estate Staging-Tricks of the Trade or Tips of the Trade?

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:56:48 -0500

Real Estate Staging Tricks or Tips?

In real estate staging, interior redesign or decorating-choosing the right scale of furniture to fit a space and the purpose of the room is a matter of common sense.

Using only small furniture doesn't necessarily make a small room look bigger so the idea that sometimes circulates out there that we as home stagers or interior redesigners use small furniture to trick buyers is absurd. In fact, a few larger scaled pieces can actually make a small space seem bigger because the eye registers that the space can accommodate such furniture.

Obviously you wouldn't try to squeeze a piece like this into a small room:

but it could be perfect in large home with 20 foot ceilings that needs large scaled furniture to make it feel more cozy.

Using mirrors, reflective surfaces, and oh yes, lighting, can make a space appeal more appealing and brighter. Creating window treatments to control light and privacy are common practices.

So is any of this trickery? Any decorating, arranging or staging of a space to make it look its best should be a reality check. It says, "this is the space and this is one example of how it can be used".

Buyers have a limited amount of time to see a lot of homes. Some have likened it to speed dating. They don't have a lot of time to stop to consider how a space might be used or how their furniture might fit in the rooms. They need to have it spelled out for them in the quickest, easiest and most memorable way.

The phrase, "tricks of the trade', does not refer to trickery. Trickery is hiding or obscuring, something no professional stager would do. Perhaps we should instead use the phrase, "tips of the trade" to avoid confusion-and maybe suspicion.

Quick Demo Sells Homeowner on Real Estate Staging

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:22:00 -0500

How do you convince a homeowner that home staging can be fast and affordable?

This guest bathroom was functional but needed some oomph. It was neutral; too neutral. It needed COLOR. I shopped the house for potential decorations and accessories and found two framed posters in storage that provided the color focus that this room lacked.

Before, the large mirror reflected nothing but a blank wall. Now the two colorful prints bring the room to
life.

The room makeover was accomplished in about 90 minutes which included the search for the prints, accent towels and accessories, lowering the towel bars to accommodate the size of the prints and patching and painting the old towel bar holes.

The homeowner was astonished at the change and even though there were other things that needed to be done in the space, she was sold on this quick makeover demonstration.

Home Staging-What if Your Toolbox Disappeared?

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:27:31 -0500

Rolling Tool Case by Bob Villa

What if your toolbox disappeared suddenly and you had to start over? Catastrophe, right? Most of us are so used to the tools and accessories that we use daily that to have to start all over again could be mind numbing. We have built up our supplies over the years through trial and error, picking up pieces here and there as the need arose. If you had to list all of the things you had, could you? Do you have an inventory list?

Sheri Davis of Transformations Home Staging has had that happen. As bad as it sounds, this is an opportunity for Sheri to start over with a fresh inventory and a new rolling tool case-or two. It's also a wake up call for all of us to make a list of our supplies and sources in the event that this could happen to us, too.

Let's help a fellow stager out with recommendations on fave tools, hangers, gadgets, containers and more. What splurges are worth it and what aren't? What tool did you buy and never really used? What tools are the ones you use over and over?

Do you have online sources for tools, accessories and parts? Or maybe a local source that will do mail orders? Have you had really good luck with a manufacturer when a problem came up with one of their products? Do you buy any items in bulk for a great price? Now is the time to share your advice and learn from others at the same time.

If you have posted a tool or supply idea, please post again here with your link to make it easier for others to find.

Thanks and good luck Sheri.

Weigh to Go- Tool Makes Art and Mirror Hanging Easier

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:37:58 -0500

When it comes to hanging artwork and mirrors when doing wall arrangement for staging, do you take a chance and guess at the weight when selecting the proper hangers? Do you use the weigh-yourself-then-step-off-the-scales-and-weigh-yourself-again-while-holding-the-piece method which requires more time, an accurate scale and quick math skills? Why take a chance or do the dance when you can be more efficient and professional by simply using a hanging scale?

Sometimes referred to as a fisherman's scale, a hanging scale takes up little room in your tool case and can be a time, anxiety and even a money saver by avoiding using the wrong hooks. You can find these in sporting goods stores and sporting goods departments in places like Walmart and Kmart, though generally the maximum weight you will find in these places will be closer to 25 pounds.

Larger capacity hanging scales like the one below may be available in specialty catalogs devoted to travel needs:

This one is $14.98 from The Johnson Smith Company or Sky Mall. It has a capacity of up to 75 pounds and includes a retractable measuring tape.

If you are want something a little more sophisticated and/or a scale that has a larger weight capacity, here is another model to consider. The one shown below has a digital read out and has a capacity of up to 100 pounds. It is $29.95 and runs on two included AAA batteries. It is also available from Sky Mall

Both models weigh less than a pound and can fit easily into a tool case. It's a great tool to have in your inventory.

It can also save you excess weight fees for overstuffed luggage when traveling!

Home Staging-What Makes a Home Look Dated? Part I

Tue, 27 May 2008 16:43:26 -0500

Historic homes have charm and ambiance that have been acquired over the years. Older homes that are not quite historic may also have charm, character and interest that come from building techniques and craftsmanship or possibly features that aren't common in today's homes.

Styles change and desired features change as well. Rooms with specific purposes once gave way to Great Rooms. Sunken living rooms and family rooms were once cutting edge. Railings and half walls allowed kitchens, breakfast nooks and family rooms to flow into each other to make the areas more spacious. The trend in many areas is to eliminate these "barriers" altogether.

A seller can't remake an older home into one that features all the latest desirable features, nor should they have to. Older homes may have features that are unique and that can outweigh the lastest building inovations that may be tomorrow's dated fads. The key is to make sure that the decor doesn't make the home feel old and dated.

So what makes a home "dated"? Some things, no matter what condition they are in, will automatically date a home. Vinyl flooring in an entryway leading down the hall and into the kitchen says "dated". Laminate countertops, especially faux butcherblock designs, look dated. Windows heavily dressed with swags, jabots, and curtain panels, can date a room and diminish the natural light. Mirror panels mounted on a wall with plastic clips in bathrooms and other rooms can look dated. Although wallpaper is making a comeback, metallics, flocked patterns and embossed vinyl with pale florals are some examples that will still look dated. Older faux painting techniques such as high contrast sponging and stencils in primary colors can easily date a home.

Decorating trends and fads that were once the rage can be dated. Macrame wall hangings or plant hangers, roughly cut wood paneling, chevron or diagonally applied wood paneling, plates and artwork hung from bows and ribbons, and older track lighting with large round white or black spotlights are just a few examples. Some are easier to change or eliminate than others to give the home a fresher and more updated appearance.

What makes a home dated will often vary from one region to another. In Virginia, where traditional decor is influenced by Williamsburg and other historic homes, brass fixtures are as still as popular as the pewter styles and remain classic.

What dates a home in your particular area?

Summer Advertising and Marketing-Take me out to the Ballgame!

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:12:37 -0500

Olympic Baseball by Michael Dudash

Summertime and the living is easy-and so is advertising and marketing if you know how to play the game.

Baseball is America's game and professional minor league baseball is its most affordable and family friendly version. It can also be an affordable and effective way to advertise and market your business.

Signs, banners, programs, and scorecards bearing your business logo and information are well know ways to advertise but the minor leagues have many other ways in which you can gain recognition. Teams usually have auxiliary entertainment to go along with the game such as pitching and batting contests, races, promotional giveaways, T-shirt cannons and more that allow your business tie-in. Would you like to thank clients, court homeowners in a new territory or thank your referral sources? Become one, or the only sponsor, of a game. Or buy a block of tickets and have your group, and yourself, recognized by the team's announcer. At an average of $8 for each ticket your investment can gain you literal visibility and lots of word of mouth buzz. Before and after advertising of your group's night at the ball park will stretch that recognition. Tie in your group night with a charity and benefit even more people. Many teams have ties to charitable organizations or you can work with your own favorite cause.

Newsletters, broadcast spots and appearances by mascots are other ways to promote your business.

Professional minor leagues focus on being the hometown teams and welcome working with local businesses and organizations. How do I know this? I happen to be married to the owner of Blue Thunder pro ball (McKinney, Texas), the 2007 championship winner of the Continental Baseball League and have seen how the partnerships benefit the businesses and the communities they serve. So take your business out to your local minor league team's games and make this your winning season.

Oh and did I mention that many teams have a Fantasy Player Position? It makes a great charity auction item or prize drawing. Talk about generating BUZZ!

In Support of Home Staging Props and Techniques

Sun, 11 May 2008 16:12:35 -0500

Which rooms to stage and how much staging is needed in a home is a subject that is often discussed and debated. The one thing that is generally agreed upon is that the goal is to showcase the physical space-it's architectural features and amenities-not necessarily the furnishings.

Occupied homes may not need much supplimentary help but vacant homes usually do. Occupied homes may have a cozier feel while vacant homes may have a stark or abandoned feel. The more upscale the home, the more people expect to see something that is a WOW. What might look pretensious in a mid priced townhouse or condo might be just the thing in a property three times its size. Setting the table for dinner, in advance, may be the norm in your area but may look odd in others. Some staging techniques, like ribbon-tied towels in the bathroom, have evolved to keep them from being used and therefore always neat and tidy. (In occupied homes, separate towels are reserved for everyday use and then tossed in the hamper.) Staging that might seem over the top may be quite practical when trying to maintain an orderly interior.

Staging is set dressing in the theatrical world and that's what we do for homes. We have a physical space and we dress it to highlight the home's features. If the home is rather bland and/or lacking in architectural excitement, we can show how the rooms may be used and how they may be more interesting. If a homeowner doesn't have much of a budget for more updated furnishings, using props may divert attention from the decor and help buyers concentrate on how they could live in the home. If the rooms are spacious, why not show it's potential for entertaining? If a room is small, why not make it into a cozy study?

Some stagers get pretty creative. Birthday parties, afternoon tea and even a mock crab feast have been used to give a space some oomph. Why not? If the props are done well it could be something fun that would stand out in buyers minds. Are fake foods lame? If they are really fake looking then they aren't really helping the situation. Nicely crafted "faux foods" like cookies or cakes can look wonderful in a kitchen and never age or draw bugs. I have seen them used in both occupied and vacant homes where they have looked very nice. Using fake foods where you might expect to see them sitting out in a normal kitchen isn't so strange. Plastic bacon and eggs, however, might be pushing it, but that's just my opinion.

Home staging isn't trickery. It isn't used to hide or cover up flaws. It exists to show the home at its best and to help buyers see the potential in the property.

Marketing for Less-online printing source

Tue, 06 May 2008 17:19:56 -0500

I just learned about a great source for nearly all of your printing needs-and the phone is answered by a real person.

PrintforLess.com is the name of the business and the services that they offer are amazing-and convenient.

According to Melissa Galt, the services that they offer are over and above many, if not most printing companies. In her most recent newsletter there is an offer for $25 off your first order using the code RP177777. This may be good only for orders generated through her newsletter so be sure to mention that you heard about it through the May 6th Interior Destinations.

Interior design entrepreneur, speaker, and coach Melissa Galt publishes the award-winning "Interior Destinations" bi-weekly ezine with 3,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, sign up now for your FREE tips and your personal subscription now at MelissaGalt.com

Staging the Refrigerator

Sat, 03 May 2008 10:10:48 -0500

Have you heard it all now? Staging the refrigerator?

The 'fridge, medicine cabinet, pantry, under the sinks, closets, and the other nooks and crannies that a homeowner and you may overlook are fair game for buyers to inspect and draw conclusions on the home, what it will store and how it has been cared for over the years. It will also tell them a lot about the homeowners.

You've done a beautiful job of staging the home. It passes the checklist of things that need and should be done. Nothing looks dated; the house looks clean and neat. But open up the refrigerator and oh, my!

And buyers WILL open the refrigerator. It is part of the house and they want to see how much it will hold. If the first thing that hits them is the odor, that spells trouble. If the second thing they see is the jumble of leftovers, sticky jelly jars, forgotten fruit in the crisper that now looks like science experiments gone bad, and anything else that may cause queasiness, that may spell disaster!

They don't know, nor do they care, that this may be a temporary situation that came up because of a hectic schedule or kids putting things away that should be cleaned off. They may see G-R-O-S-S in big letters and wonder why the rest of the house is so neat but a place where cleanliness is so important, isn't. What else don't they know about the house? Have the homeowners only recently cleaned up the place to sell it? Maybe they should look a little more closely for other flaws. Maybe they should leave and look at another house...

Pity the poor homeowner. They have enough on their minds (was going to say plate) and now they have to keep the refrigerator clean and tidy along with the other spaces mentioned. That's where they may draw the line. You can hardly blame them. But in a slower market or when the inventory of homes for sale is high, this kind of thing can be what buyers use as a yardstick to measure one house against another.

Hanging in there: Attach-its, Great Hardware for Staging

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:46:36 -0500

You may have seen these advertised on TV and wondered if they work-they do! I happened upon Attach-its a few years ago when browsing through the big box hardware store. The package had been marked down so I took a chance and bought it. A few weeks later I had the opportunity to put them to the test. I needed to hang fairly heavy pictures on a wall but an air return duct was located directly behind the wall. Years before, the clients hit metal when they tried to hang the pictures on the same wall so the expanse remained bare for years.

Attach-its are mounted on the object and then you simply position the piece and push it into the wall. The hardware makes small, thin slits into the wall rather than holes. The prongs rest on the drywall. Because they only need to be as deep as the drywall, you can use them in cases where you might otherwise drive a hole into metal ductwork.

I have used them in my home to hang heavy mirrors that otherwise would have required using the keyholes in the back. I don't know about you but I can't stand working with those things since they are often uneven or off in some other way. The Attach-its have worked beautifully.

The only time I have had trouble is if the wall is slightly bowed. You can build up the surface on the back of your object with the necessary thickness of wood to compensate for the bow, securing it to the object then adding the Attach-it.

You can buy these in bulk from the manufacturer or through Amazon. They come with a mini leveler called Level-it.

Attach-its

Open House Voyeurism

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:27:27 -0500

(Signs from USAbode.com)

I just read an interesting article about attending open houses as a hobby or a past time. This Open House Voyeurism, leads the author to guess about the home's occupants and their reason for selling based on the personal effects he notices when he tours the house (and peeks into their medicine cabinets).

It's an article worth reading on several different levels. Though fairly light-hearted, his observations underscore the importance for homeowners and their stagers to remove personal items as much as possible from a home. We know that the emphasis should be on the property and how it may be used, not the furnishings. This article puts it into another perspective, one that may click better with some resistant homeowners. Reading that someone may be looking through their medicine cabinet may be enough incentive to ensure that it is cleared out.

The image of a stripped hospital bed and adaptive equipment in the bathroom may affect different buyers in different ways. As stagers, we don't want to distract the buyers and cause them to puzzle about the occupants. We want them to to concentrate on the home.

The article is, John Moore on the Guiltless Pleasure of Open House Voyeurism.

Don't Move the Dog Crate!

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:53:21 -0500

How many of you have struggled with clients about their pet paraphenalia? It's not difficult to put away the toy basket, clear the floor of pigs ears, bones and catnip mice. The real problem comes with the dog crates (usually LARGE) and the litterbox. Oversized dog beds and cat jungle-gyms and ferrett runs are not desirable focal points in a room either. These things are a reality in a home, so how do you deal with them?

In an ideal world, there would be an accommodating neighbor, friend, or family member who would house the pet and equipment until the house had a contract. During an open house, everything might be stowed in the car and the homeowner would drive off until it is over. For the remaining time that the house is on the market, what can be done?

It is difficult to stage around these things. Decorative screens, plants, and furniture placement can only do so much. Small rooms may have few alternatives. I ran across this dog crate end table recently, and although not an inexpensive solution, it could be the answer for some homeowners and it can be used in the new home. Less expensive models may be available, too. This one is available from Alsto online.

OK, so what do you do with a ferret run?

Add This to the Red Flag Warnings for Home Buyers

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:17:51 -0500

Each month, HGTV's FrontDoor.com issues a list of top tips for buyers and sellers. The latest one of red flags for home buyers has the usual caveats about foundation cracks, poor yard maintenance, lots of homes on the street for sale, homeowner renovations that may not be up to code, and more. Two items on the list stood out.

The first mentioned "off limit" rooms or areas, and that an interested buyer should request to see the entire home before considering making an offer. I have never encountered "off limit" rooms, have you? Why would a room be "off limits" unless there was a problem? Why would you put a house on the market with a problem and why would you expect someone to buy without seeing the entire home? Why would you not think to ask to see this forbidden terrritory?

The second cautioned buyers to beware of only one newly painted wall. It suggested that there may have been a major problem that had been repaired and to be sure to ask about it. It's a good point, and I have resolved to mention this to any homeowner who is considering touching up just one wall in a room to make it look fresh. Better to remove all doubt and make the entire room look good-or will that be suspicious too? Hmm

To read the article go to FrontDoor.com.

The Urge to Purge-Green Spring Cleaning, Staging, ReStore and More

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:15:16 -0500

A sure sign that a house is soon to go on the market is the frenzied fix-up activity just before the for sale sign goes in the ground. Mounds of often usable items end up in the curbside trash, when with a slight bit of effort it can be put to good use. Not an attractive site in a neighborhood where other homes are on the market.

Sometimes that activity is contagious and spreads to nearby neighbors. I've seen the remodeling fever catch on as soon as an open house has been held. Neighbors with the same model are inspired to upgrade their homes. When I see this happening I try to spread the word about ReStore, the Habitat for Humanity's resale warehouse for appliances, architectural elements, building supplies, cabinets, paint and more. When I do a staging consult and see that a homeowner has a stash of wood, moldings, doors and assorted hardware that we both know won't be used and certainly not moved, I suggest donating the things to ReStore.

Each ReStore location is different and at any given time they may not accept certain items because of overstock or the condition of the item. Cabinets that are in bad shape won't be taken, but the doors may be accepted if they are in good condition. I once had a homeowner who had been quite a handyman and had unopened boxes of screws, nails and other hardware. In less than an hour the workroom was cleared by at least half and the things were picked up in just a few days. The organizing part of staging was done! When he realized that his collection was going to be put to good use and not go to waste he was all for donating them.

Now what to do with the things ReStore can't or won't take? There are groups like Christmas in July and other volunteer organizations that may be local to you who would love to have your donations. Theatre groups can often use wood, hardware and tools. Freecycle is another option.

Garden tools and equipment, sporting goods and other items that are often stored for years and seldom used are often needed by organizations, too. Freecyle to the rescue here too.

"Green" alternatives are preferable to contributing to the landfill. I include information about donating to local organizations in my home staging consultatons and urge all of you to do the same. If any of you have more ideas please share them, and if there is a post on Active Rain that I haven't seen that addresses this please let me know.

Staging the Garage-the Next Decorated Space?

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:08:06 -0500

At what point do buyers expect the garage to be another decorated room?

I'm used to explaining to homeowners that their garage needs to be clean, neat, as empty as possible of unnecessary storage items and randomly placed shelving and hooks. Rarely do I run across a garage that doesn't have painted drywall, but sometimes the taping is loose and needs to be fixed. The Rorschach Test oil splotches that the homeowners have become accustomed to obviously need to be cleaned up. Ant, roach and mouse traps need to disappear-and fast. Any signs of old leaks or water damage need to be addressed, primed and painted. Weird wiring, hanging chains and other question marks need to be eliminated. The space needs to be able to hold cars. This is the minimum that any homeowner should do, in my opinion

Buyers don't expect to see painted floors or garage flooring in this stage of the game unless you are talking about higher end homes. As the cost of storage systems and floor options comes down, more and more homeowners will go for the look and consequently buyers will come to expect it as they do finished and furnished basements. HGTV shows and ads are pushing these "Man Spaces" with refrigerators, TV's, ambient and task lighting and more. They are wonderful to look at. Is this space a stager's final frontier?

There is no doubt that a home with a "garage makeover" will have an appeal and it will definitely stand out in the market of similar homes. It may be over improvement in some, depending on the expense and detail. It won't necessarily warrant a higher price on a home, but in a slow market it may just be that extra edge.

So what's next, staged attics?