Connie Tebyani's Blog - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Staging and Designing for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (805) 553-9952

What's with all the Stars?

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:21:24 -0600

Just curious...

Have the AR Gods been feeling generous?

There are so many little gold stars floating around, I think I must have bumped my head!

If listing a home this (or any) holiday - PLEASE READ!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:50:36 -0600

This blog is for Realtors, Sellers & Stagers alike regarding the photography that might be taken this season to sell your listing or home.

Home Owners: Although you might be tempted to trek out the HUGE holiday tree and all the trimmings please keep in mind a few things before you go overboard on the trimmings. Your house, while on the market for sale, is no longer your home - it is a product for sale. While you should still live in your home, be aware of what you put out first and what might be included in your listing photography. Keep in mind as well that whatever you unpack to decorate with now, will only add to what needs to be packed up to move later should your home sell quickly.

Sure, a beautiful picture of the holiday tree in your living room might make your home feel warm and inviting - but what about in April if your home hasn't sold? Even a wreath on the front door can tell Buyers looking at your internet photos that your home has been on the market for a long time (too long)

Realtors: Take these same thoughts into consideration when taking photographs of your listings before placing them on the MLS, or discuss this with your professional photographer ahead of time. If your Seller is planning a big tree trimming party, maybe the photographs can be taken before the event so that every picture doesn't scream "I've been on the market since December" when Buyers are looking at the listings in June. Or at the very least, make a mental note that if a home has not opened escrow by say Valentine's Day, that you update and CHANGE the listing photography on ALL your marketing.

The same goes for Mother Nature; in areas where snow is inevitable to taking curb shots of the home, make a note that at the first thaw you get updated pictures of the outside of the home. And you if you're in an area that just got dumped on in the past month WITH snow, do you want all of your listing photos to be showing bright Spring flowers???? The reverse holds in this case, if buyers are looking at your internet photos NOW (when there has been a foot of snow on the ground for the past month), those great curb appeal shots taken in the summer are now screaming "been on the market for months!".

Stagers: Yes, we are visual beings by nature and many are now offering holiday decorating services. Again, think ahead. If the home remotely has a chance of being put on the market in the next 6 weeks, cautiously advise your home owners about the amount that might be used in decorating and not going overboard. I once Staged a house just before the holidays in an "autumn theme" (pears, pumpkins, fall colors, etc) only to have the LREA bring in a full X-mas tree to make it look "more festive"..... in a highly demographically Jewish community. Our job as Stagers is to ensure the home is marketable to the general population, and always remember those all important before and after shots. You don't want all your after shots to be holiday themed to show prospective clients "this is what I can do!" when it's the 4th of July.

I'm NOT a scrooge, I LOVE the holidays - but as professionals we need to think and plan ahead.

PLATINUM HOME STAGING, INC.

Home Staging the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

"OMG, are you kidding me?!" - to "SWEET!"

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:27:37 -0600

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was contacted by the home owner of a condo in the Pacific Palisades, CA for a Staging Bid. After turning the appointment into a Staging Consultation, the Home Owners knew they were going to need to put some good 'ol fashioned elbow grease into the house before they could list it at a price that was competitive in their market. (A Staging Consultation is a room-by-room action plan of what needed to be completed by the Home Owners before Staging could take place, and repairs that need to be done before the home is placed on the market. Usually taking 2 - 2 1/2 hours depending on the size of the home)

The Home Owners are both award winning Graphic Artists and used their home as their offices as well. Although they loved color, they had painted every wall, ceiling and room in flat white. We used almost all of their own furniture, editing out a few peices, moving lots of things around, and adding a few beautiful peices of artwork and accessories to complete the home and a showcase gallery.

Take a look at some of the before and after shots:

You would never believe that this was the SAME HOUSE!

Yes, this IS the same room! In the before pictures, all the windows and doors were boarded up.

This condo is 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath with attached 2 car garage. Completely updated and renovated throughout from floor to ceiling incluging ALL bathroms AND kitchen! Currently listed at approx $1.5M in Pacific Palisades, CA

Here's to a quick sale!

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

ALL HALE Hero Harlen! I used the caped Crusader of Plagiarism...

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:29:18 -0600

As this has been a hot topic on AR, especially in recent weeks, I thought I would share my experience with AR's Crusader of Plagiarism.

One would think that having the Copyscape banner on every single page of my website would be sufficient. One would think that doing "monthly" checks through my Copyscape Premium Account would be enough. And yet, just two weeks ago my site was plagiarized by a Home Stager across the country. Even though the person was not a member of AR, this infraction was taken care of quite quickly and painlessly. But since it was the first of the month (remember: you get five FREE searches each month) I thought I'd give my ‘ol website another check-up and low-and-behold I was AGAIN plagiarized!

Again, by another Home Stager, however this one is located right next door and even used the verbage ON HER AR PROFILE as well as on her LinkedIn.com profile, which is technically how Copyscape caught her in the act.

After a quick email to Harlen the Crusader of AR Plagiarism, within minutes (maybe it was even seconds) I received an email that the offenders AR account has been....well, shall I say: taken for a long walk off a short pier... at least for the probationary period.

PLAGIARISM IS NOT A JOKE!!!

ALL HALE HERO HARLEN!!!

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Water - everything to do about CA, and nothing to do about Staging.

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:21:24 -0500

Earlier this year, you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing, "California is going through a major water shortage, start conserving now." I'm not sure what stopped those messages from airing, nor do I know if they were being broadcast in other areas outside of Southern CA. What I DO know is that there is still a GRAVE water shortage: even more so than even I was aware of until just recent days.

A friend on Facebook posted some pictures of Shasta Lake, located in Northern CA. (Sacramento & San Francisco is NOT "Northern" in my book. You have to drive another 3-4 hours NORTH to get out of the state of CA from these points - just my $ .02) However, as I grew up in Redding, CA, for 15 years, Shasta Lake was and is an important part of me and my life. Every summer we spent weeks on house boats, my family was always one of the first boats on the lake to water ski on the "glass" before other boats could make their wakes. Heck, my first real job was working on the gas docks and store of one of the marinas.

(picture of the "Three Shastas": Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, Mt. Shasta)

Shasta Lake is MASSIVE. It could literally take you an hour in a ski boat to get from end of the lake to the gigantic dam on the other end. Being fed by three major river sources, the lake has over 365 miles of shoreline when full. However, due the dry snow packs and poor rainfall in recent years the water level in DOWN over 155 feet from the crest, and currently has less than 185 miles of shoreline. What moved me were the pictures that my Friend posted during her visit to Shasta Lake last week.

But you ask, "How does this affect me?" It is all about "you", isn't it.....

Shasta Lake, as part of the Mid-Pacific Region of Water Reclamation, provides water to over 35 Counties throughout CA, Nevada and Southern Oregon as well as provides electricity to over 1.5 million people. Shasta Lake also provides water to farming, livestock, and supports a HUGE boating, fishing, camping, tourist and lumber industry in the Northern CA area.

Shasta Lake is pumping out over 5,000 cubic feet of water PER SECOND to supply our wasteful needs with water and power: while it is only being replenished at a rate of 3,036 cubic feet per second - do the math! ( http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryDaily?SHA ) NO, this is NOT global warming, and I don't drink from that pool of thought, it is simply a case of supply and over-demand. My point is this:

Conservation is NOT just about energy, we need to start conserving water as well.

As of 10/24 - 5,250+ cubic feet PER SECOND OUT, only 2,800 cubic feet IN per sec.

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. 2008

Getting the look for Less - Bedding 101

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:19:56 -0500

How many times have you walked into a room and seen all signs of life sucked out of it? Bedrooms more specifically...

How many times have you walked into a home and seen the "master suite bed" look like this? "Clean & White" in this instance is usually portrayed as lack-luster or forgotten about.

Remember, most people spend over 33% of their lifetime IN THEIR BED! Why not make it the MOST welcoming, MOST luxurious, SHOW STOPPING stop in the house? Even if you're not selling your home, updating the look and feel of your bed can only benefit all parties "involved" - pardon the pun.

Here is a way to get a VERY expensive look, on a variety of budgets.

Option #1 - Only available through the Trade, WHOLESALE on this set is approx. $850 (Retail would be about $ 2,250, not including the sheets or down fillers.

Option #2 - Custom made by Designer using local vendors and bolt ends at DRASTICALLY reduced cost; however it IS custom and made to order. Approx cost $450.00, sheet set approx. $80.00 (Total: $530.00)

Option #3 - Duvet cover and sham set bought at local retailer about $70.00, sheet set approx. $45.00, various toss pillows approx $65.00 (Total: $180.00)

A great way to update ANY bed when Staging a home for sale: is to simply buy a great, reversible duvet and sham set in an eye popping color, or a new sheet set in a contrasting color to your current bedding. Pull the covers back and stack the pillows - viola!

If you're in a high end home and can afford the very best in fabrics, by ALL means, treat yourself! However, living lavishly doesn't have to come at an exorbitant cost. If you see something you like on-line or in a high end store, take a picture of it (aren't cell phones great!) Then look for alternate options that will work within your budget. Remember, keep your receipts, you can always return it if you don't like it. (Unused of course ;-D)

********************************************************************************* Platinum Home Staging, Inc. does Staging, and SO much more! Even if you're not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home? Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for an Interior Design Consultation at (805) 553-9952 Our Staging and Interior Designs are Platinum!

So what exactly IS Twitter?

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:14:55 -0500

Whilst touring through our vast internet I came across a Widget on a blog that said "Twitter". I had heard of it before but never investigated it for myself. Of course my curiosity peeked: I clicked on it and was sent into a whole other dimension.

"What fun!" I thought as I made a cute little wall paper, customized the colors and fonts...."What's this?" I thought as I perused the formats..."I have to add a comment? I'll do that later..."

Long story short: I have NO idea what Twitter IS, and in the last 24 hours I have had 7 requests for people to "follow" me!!!! What?! Are you all stalking me? (LOL)

Or is this another FaceBook style application that I'll have to spend even more time letting my virtual world know what I am doing every minute of every day? DO my "followers" reply? Does it "chat", does it "respond", do I have to put in a comment whenever someone else puts it their comment? Does this promote me or my business?

I need some help here as I'm afraid to drink the cool-aid not knowing what it might be spiked with? Convince me that it's a good thing.... How do you weigh in?

Do You Smile-box?

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:59:17 -0500

I do! Every time I meet someone new, learn somthing new or want to share something with my friends and customers. I blogged about this before, breifly, but just wanted to share directly with everyone exactly what Smilebox is.

Smilebox is a FREE download from Hallmark. You only pay for it if you want to be able to print it out for your own brochures. ($39.99 unlimited for 1 year, or $4.99 if billed monthly) Otherwise it is COMPLETELY FREE to use, change, email, blog, whatever; as long as you don't mind a 5 second snippet of an "ad".

There are literally hundreds of different format options and is a great marketing tool for anything that you need to promote to the public, potential customers, clients, media: it's only limited by your imagination!

So what IS SmileBox? Here's my latest example: HAVE FUN!

Make a Smilebox photobook

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. does Staging, and SO much more! Even if you're not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home? Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for an Interior Design Consultation at (805) 553-9952 Our Staging and Interior Designs are Platinum!

Got Wrought?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:43:23 -0500

Wrought Iron that is?

Just as beautiful jewels dangle from the lobe of a perfectly coiffed femme-fetal, wrought iron can be the final touch to any commercial property, home or grand estate. Setting the tone as guests arrive at your gated motor courtyard or welcoming potential clients into your business reception area or showroom; decorative, custom metal work will set you apart from the status quo.

One of my personal favorites in the Southern California area is Pacific Industrial and Construction Co. locally based in Newbury Park, CA. PIC is a family owned and run business and has been established in the community for over 25 years. The most amazing testament to their success is that PIC does absolutely NO ADVERTISING; their tremendous success is due completely to word of mouth and customer / client referrals. Dealing primarily in custom high-end homes, they are the Conejo Valley's best kept secret: until now.

Now, I'm not talking about smaller items such as candle sticks or side entry gates. Pacific Iron & Construction Co. fabricates grand staircases, wrought iron and glass doors, pergulas and so much more working with everything from hand hammered wrought iron, to brass, to stainless steel and cable railing systems. Literally taking any idea or vision and turning it into a master piece. (Picture is of samples in the PIC Iron Showroom)

Case in point: Platinun Home Staging, Inc. is working with an Interior Design Client who wanted a chandelier for her home. But not just any home, the foyer has 25 foot vaulted ceilings and she wanted this to be show stopper as guests enter. The design team at PIC Iron was able to take a sketch on a napkin and make it into a reality.

The first two pictures are of the spec frame to show the size and scale within the space where the chandelier is going to be installed. This space is viewed from the main entrance to the estate, formal Living Room, the loft office as well as seen from the entire second floor hallway and breezeway.

These pictures show the actual chandelier hanging in the fabrication center awaiting the internal electrical wiring and the extreme level of detail and craftsmanship that has made this company my top choice for the most discerning Interior Design Client.

PIC Iron serves the entire Southern California area spanning from Santa Barbara to San Diego, Malibu to Arrowhead.

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These 'aint your grandma's Wallpapers!

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:02:53 -0500

Who would have thought that your grandma's tea cups on the walls in the kitchen, the metallic floral or the burlesque velvet wallpapers would be back "in"?

OK - maybe none of the above, but the wallpapers of today are very cool and are VERY much the new and hot "in" option to simply painting your walls. Whether it is simply adding a new texture or raised pattern to your walls to then paint over with your favorite color or adding natural beauty and drama, here are three of my favorites.

My #1 all time favorites are the Phillip Jefferies Ltd. line of wall coverings. Made from renewable resources such straw, bamboo, cork and banana leaves: these green products are NOT your grandma's wall paper. Available in every color under the Tuscan sun, they will also make your pocket book feel like you just spent a week in Tuscany as they are no small investment...but worth every penny. (available only to the trade)

My 2nd Choice would have to be some the newer fabric and embroidered wallpaper applications that are now coming out. Some are so beautiful and ornate, they are works of art in-and-unto themselves. One wonderful source for these is Fromental where they actually come in many different color options and styles. However, again these are not for the faint of pocket book as they are made to order to your specifications, measurements and are handmade in the UK. (YES, this is ALL embroidered threads)

Now if you're looking for a great alternative that is much more budget conscious, easy to apply and you don't have to wait weeks for production, my 3rd Suggestion would be to try one of the embossed wallpaper options which can even be found at your local hardware store. Steves Wallpaperon line has a huge selection of paintable embossed wallpapers ranging from the look of antiqued tin plates to grasscloth. After applying a basecoat paint and lite glazing, you could get close to the same effect as a natural grasscloth wallpaper, but with a little more elbow grease from you and possibly a friend. You're pocketbook won't hurt as much as if you went with "the real thing", but your arm might be a bit soar by the end of the day.

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Unsolicited "THANKS!"

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:31:23 -0500

In a current time when it seems that everyone has tightened up their belts due to the volatile stock market, corporate bail outs, elections and whatnot. It seems that everyone is holding on to every last penny is preparation for the sky to fall.

But yesterday I received the kindest, most rewarding voice mail I had ever received to date from someone I have never met, never spoken to, never even knew his name. You see, I performed a Staging Consultation for a large home in Tarzana, CA a couple weeks ago. The young couple have had their home on the market for a couple months now and needed someone to come in and tell them what needed to be done to better prepare and show their home to buyers. I spoke to the owners a few days later, who said they were, "In the process of implementing my suggestions..." but never heard from them again.

Although I wish I could record the voicemail for all to hear, you'll just have to read it and imagine the sort-of "Clive Peirce" English accent to the voice and enthusiasm:

"Hello, Connie, my name is Ted McGxxxxx. I'm the Agent for the Hunt's and they just shared with me a copy of your report. I must say I was so impressed with your spot-on professionalism and detail of the report that I decided that I simply must call you. I am so impressed by how the Hunt's have taken your suggestions into account, how extremely please they were with you and the report: that with your permission I would like to forward a copy of this report and your information to the surrounding offices as well....." I could go on, but this was the gist of it and I have been walking on Cloud 9 ever since.

Of course I did call and thank him as well personally. But I just wanted to share with everyone that even on a cloudy day, there is always a silver lining, and to keep in mind, that EVERYTHING you do professionally is seen and touched by MORE than just the people you come in direct contact with.

Remember that even the smallest of details, the smallest of services, is a direct reflection of you. Now - go touch somebody the world.

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Getting Interviewed? GREAT! Now, interview your interviewer!

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:38:13 -0500

As a follow up to my recent blog, Public Disclaimer to Ventura County Star article, I realized that I may have been just as at fault for any misunderstandings which may have risen from the verbal interview itself. I was so excited, so caught-up in the fact that it would be a HUGE media push for my company, that I completely threw one of the cardinal rules of business out the window.

Interview your Interviewer

When applying for a job back in high school or college, even today: we routinely make a point of taking a few minutes to ask THEM questions: What duties will I be required to perform? What are the hours? Does this position provide health benefits? And so forth. We also typically do this in business today: We interview the home owner or Realtor to make sure that there is a good "fit".

Instead, I just yapped-yapped-yapped boasting my fabulous statistics on homes selling so quickly once Staged, that Home Owners should do their homework before hiring "just any" Stager, etc...

Only for the article to come out focusing on "Stagers giving back to the community" (which I DO and HAVE on several occasions, but the interviewer never asked me about THAT) as well as affiliating me and my company with another highly well know training program which I have absolutely NO affiliation with. I failed myself by not interviewing THEM, and asking all important questions, such as:

•· How did you hear about me/my company?

•· What is the focus of this story?

•· Who else will be featured in the article and what other information I can provide?

•· Where will I/my Company be featured within the article? (beginning, middle, end)

•· If I provide pictures, are you going to print credits with EACH photo?

•· Do you want statistics and testimonials?

•· Will my contact information such as phone number or website be included in the article?

•· And most importantly ask YOURSELF: How will this press move myself, my company, my industry forward?

There is always the old adage, "Any press is good press", but don't get so hungry for ANY press that you allow your good judgement to go the wayside.

Just preaching to the masses from my own experience - Lesson Learned

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Public Disclaimer to Ventura County Star article

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:20:23 -0500

September 14, 2008

While honored by the opportunity to be included and featured in an article about home staging and the industry in the Ventra County Star Newspaper, there are some gross mis-quotings that occurred which we felt must be addressed publicly.

Connie Tebyani, owner of Platinum Home Staging, Inc located in Moorpark, CA is not, nor has ever been, affiliated with IAHSP, HSP or any company owned or facilitated under Barbara Schwarz or any of her programs, trainings or accrediting courses.

Never during the course of the verbal interview with the writer of this article was IAHSP ever mentioned, with the exception that, as stated by Connie Tebyani, "There is currently no governing or nationally recognized oversight body for the home staging industry such as the Better Business Bureau as a whole." Connie went on the explain that, "There are some agencies that will ‘certify' or ‘accredited' only their own members which have taken their training courses. Other organizations such as the Real Estate Staging Association are member based organizations with a strict code of ethics and any Home Stager can join regardless of their training or affiliation." Connie Tebyani is an active member of the Real Estate Staging Association, of which no mention was made in this article.

A retraction request has been submitted to the Author of this article as well as the Supervising Editor on September 14, 2008.

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I've been having an affair...

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:47:41 -0500

I wanted to confess and share openly here that I have been having an affair. My better half, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. had some inkling I'm sure... Being gone all day and not answering the phone, ignoring my text messages until the next morning, actually "passing" on some jobs because I, "already have plans...."

But here it is, out there for all to see, and I'm afraid that PHS, Inc. is just going to have to be OK with this "other" party..... It has been taking all my free time, even when I thought my business was "slow" and waiting for the next wave, I knew I could always turn to my other obsession to keep my imagination running rampantly wild.

Some of you might actually know this "other party" as I have slipped up a few times and exposed some portions of .... Well,

Here it is, for all to see! My Mistress!

We have been decorating, landscaping, finding just the right accessories for, changing fabrics, refinishing antique furniture, lighting, solar panels, outdoor heaters, making it a GREEN HOUSE as well ~ you name it.

It will continue to be my "affair" as we still have a few finishing touches, and are now marketing the property for on-location filming, print ad photography, etc... NO, It's not my home (I only wish someday it might be) It's a home of one of my clients here in SoCal.

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Partnering with local Stagers... Why would you NOT?

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:38:06 -0500

Many Professional Stagers have been posing the question of "Do I or don't I" partner or work with fellow Stagers in my area? Here in SoCal I believe that there are quite a few of us that have embraced the fact that, although we may at times be competing for the same business, it only drives the industry forward and betters ourselves amongst the business mindset.

Whether you "hire" another Stager to help on a project, or have the karma mindset of scratch-my-back-and-I'll-scratch-yours mentality, it can only help but benefit BOTH parties. I for one need to send out HUGE thank you's to some of which I have sent referrals to, and whom which have either reciprocated the favors, or personally helped on Staging properties with their own sweat equity.

Michelle Minch ~ Moving Mountains Design Home Staging

Terri Lucas ~ Exclusive Home Staging

Janice Sutton ~ 1st Stage Property Transformations

Monica Soberman ~ Stage to Move

But a HUGE thank you, goes out to Patti Glover of Stage It In a Day

Literally calling upon her assistance the night before I was to Stage a property (completely in a bind) she came through and helped with flying colors. I can NOT thank her enough and look forward to working with her in the future! The following are a couple pics of the fruit of our collaborative labor. THANK YOU, Patti!

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Your home has been on the market for months, now what?

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:15:41 -0500

Before we answer the first question, we need to address a few more scenarios about why your home hasn't sold.

The first and foremost being: Are you listed with a Real Estate Agent? Or are you trying to go it FSBO? If the later is your situation, you really need to suck it up and start interviewing Professional Agents in your area (not your cousin's-best friend's-sister who is a Realtor located 45 miles away) The money you were trying to save by not paying the commission has already been lost in delaying the sale of your home and carrying costs. Bite the bullet! List with a Professional Realtor who knows your area, neighborhood, your target demographics and can market your home far better than you can and are.

The second part of this goes hand-in-hand with the first: Your asking price. If you are at the top of your market in your asking price, your Realtor will either a) Give you a reality check and adjust your price accordingly, or b) be able to market the home to the right demographics.

Lastly, take a HARD look at your home and ask yourself, "What can I do to make it better?" If you answered your own question with, "nothing, my home is beautiful..." Then it's time to call in the additional services of a Professional Home Stager. Obviously, if your home has been on the market for months, it needs something you're not willing, ready or able to do. For very little investment, most Professional Home Stagers offer a consultation service.

From curb appeal, de-cluttering to paint colors, flooring or misc. upgrades and repairs: a paid Consultation will give you the road map to ensure your home will show at its very best every day. If the 7-10 page typed report seems a bit over-whelming, ask the Stager to give you a bid to have them perform part or all of the suggested items. It's a great place to start, and you have nothing to lose....except maybe another mortgage payment if you continue as "status-quo".

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3 +2 Penthouse in Hancock Park, CA

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:38:45 -0500

Classic Handcock Park Penthouse

316 North Rossmore #606, Handcock Park, CA,

This beautiful 6th floor Penthouse in Handcock park is located directly across from the Beverly Hills Golf Club.

Panoramic views of the golf course and city skyline extends all the way to the ocean.

Classic 1920's, FULL serivce building.

Put Platinum Home Staging, Inc.
to work for YOU!

(805) 553~9952

Details

Asking Price:

1,369,000

MLS:

08-305179

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Contact Info

Platinum Home Staging, Inc

Dir 805-553-9952
Email | Website

Got....Interns?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:58:21 -0500

After years of working in Retail and HR Management, I don't know why I hadn't thought of this sooner! However the epiphany finally came me as I thought, "How the H*LL am I going to juggle x, y & z as my company grows and expands?"

Tah-dahh (fanfare!) Angles sing, doves fly and the sunlight parts the clouds!

INTERNS!!!

Did you know that your local College, University or even the local JC has dozens of students who need to perform Intern hours in their field of study to earn their degree? Interior Design, engineering, architecture, etc are just a few of the untold treasures to be found by contacting the Career Center or Instructors who teach the classes.

Tight on budget and can't hire additional help at this time? Did you know all you have to do is stipulate that the Internship is a non-paying, but applies to their intern hours and applies to their college credits for the course? Or you can state that a future possition may be available for the right canidate.

You can even stipulate: I want a first year Student for "Staging" projects, but you may also want a 2^nd or 3^rd year Student for Interior Decorating or Design clients.

Just thought I'd share my epiphany with you all, I have to go now: I‘m interviewing my first Intern =)

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Which would you prefer?

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:28:50 -0500

Here is how a penthouse unit in Hancock Park, CA has been represented (and on the market) since October of 2007 Here is how the home will be repsresented after Staging by Platinum Home Staging, Inc. As a Realtor, and / or a Buyer, which would you prefer? *********************************************************************** Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

Homes KEEP selling w/ OUR help!!!

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:00:55 -0500

Another Staging Success!

Ventura, CA

This Home Owner knew that over 87% of buyer's shop the Internet first, before ever requesting a personal viewing.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. chose paint colors, flooring, Staging as well as assisted with exterior and landscaping.

These Happy Home Owners opened escrow within 3 weeks!
(Aug 2008)

Let us help you SELL your home or listing. Our Professionals are ready to serve you!
(805) 553~9952

Contact Info

Platinum Home Staging, Inc

Dir 805-553-9952
Email | Website

Getting back to basics - Why what we do is SO important

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:20:38 -0500

Wellworth Ave, Westwood
Owner Occupied home is Staged and opens escrow within 1 week!

Wiscasset Drive, West Hills
Sold for within 97% of asking price after Staging

Saint Thomas, Oak Park
Received 5 offers and closed escrow for $ 20,000 over asking price within 45 days of Staging!

Arroyo Del Mar, Camarillo
Vacant for over 7 months, Staged with PHS, Inc. and currently in Escrow in just 10 days!

Effingham, Los Feliz
Vacant remodel, Staged and opened escrow in 1 week!

These are not tales of lore from a Real Estate market in the past, where Sellers can only dream of full price offers and being able to sell their homes within the first weeks on the market. These are happening in today's volatile Real Estate market - Just in the months of June and July 2008 alone! What do they all have in common? They all embraced the marketing tool of a Professional Home Stager.

Where a "price is king" mentality is running rampant in today's current Real Estate marketplace, there are some key things that home owners can utilize before they consider a price reduction. Yes, the home does need to be priced right to be competitive with comparable homes in their geographical areas. However, considering that some areas literally are competing with hundreds upon hundreds of homes in the same price range - Seller's and Realtors need to understand that there are ways to make their home stand out amongst the sea of properties that potential buyers will be looking at.

What is Home Staging?
Using another analogy; When you sell a car, the first thing you do is wash it, clean it inside and out, take pictures in bright sunlight and make sure everything is working under the hood. Why not then take the same approach when selling your most valuable asset; your home? The cost in comparison is usually less than a fraction of a % of your homes sale price, and will ALWAYS cost less than a price reduction.

Room-by-room, in doors and out, a Professional Home Stager will give you a thorough understanding of what a Buyer will see through their eyes as they tour your home or condo. Many times home owners can't "see" the clutter or realize the smells which will be left imprinted on the minds of potential buyers. A Professional Home Stager will alleviate the negatives which distract the buyer, and showcase your home - not all your personal belongings. Stagers will also make sense out of awkward floor plans, ensure better traffic flow and bring the buyers eye to great details of the home such as a terrific view, built-ins or crown molding.

Why Should Every Home Owner & Realtor Consider the Services of a Professional Home Stager?
Simply because over 87% of today's potential buyers "shop" the internet for homes before they request a personal viewing of the property. If your home does not translate well via pictures on the internet, home owners will "write off" every property that does not appeal to them visually in that very first impression. Here are some examples:

In this home, the first MLS photo shows how this home was represented via the internet two years ago when it was still considered to be a Seller's Market - yet they received no offers.

The room looks huge and cavernous, and although there is a fireplace, it gets dwarfed by the overall size of the room.

The second picture was Staged by Platinum Home Staging, Inc. using all of the Home Owners own furniture, then adding a few accessories. By bringing the room into scale with furniture and accenting the fireplace; the second picture brought a potential buyer, within the first few DAYS of being listed, from over 45 miles away to see the home and who ultimately made an offer. (This home was Staged by PHS, Inc. on July 22, 2008 and is currently entertaining multiple offers)

Staging is not only for the million dollar listings, in fact it is the homes under $750,000 that would benefit the most from the services of a Professional Home Stager. Staging does not have to be expensive either. Seller's who are on a tight budget can benefit from a Staging Consultation, where for about the same price as it would cost to detail your car, a reputable Stager can present a room-by-room, indoors and out report of everything needed to prepare your home for sale. Repairs, cleaning, upgrades, furniture editing and placement, even paint colors and curb appeal suggestions : A Professional Home Stager will be able to give several different options that will fit each home owner's budget and get them the biggest "bang for their buck", without wasting valuable time.

If the Consultation Report seems too overwhelming for the Home Owner to do themselves, Professional Home Stagers can do all the work for an agreed upon fee, as well as be able to extend great rates from storage and moving companies, cleaning services, upgrades and repairs.

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Call me CRAZY - But VOTE for me!

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:25:57 -0500

Glam?

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UPDATE!

A call to arms fellow Active Rainers! Yes, I just uploaded a video to HGTV (what was I thinking?!?!) I appologize that the video quality is poor, but I'm hoping that my work wil speak for itself.

Let's try and get at least ONE Stager into the mix this year! So here is the link, VOTE 5 - DESIGN STAR!

(click on image to go to HGTV)

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Yes, call me CRAZY!!!

During Season 1 all my family & friends said, "You should do that!"

Then Season 2 came and went and everyone still said, "You should do that!"

But after seeing this last season of Design Star (and quite honestly complaining about this year's contestants) "I decided that I HAD to do that!". I figured if what the contestants put out this Season was the "best-of-the-best" I knew I could do better! So instead of complaining and putting down what they presented this season, I threw my hat into the ring and entered for Season 4.

After all, as a Home Stager, we have to think on our toes, get the biggest bang-for-our-measly buck, know our colors, floor plans, attention to detail and how the room will translate in an Internet presence, photo or TV. Someone has already voted that I "don't have a chance" -lol - but that's OK. I tried to download a before and after video to no avail. so pics will have to do.

God help me, but Vote for me!

(click on the images for the links)

Platinum Touch Video The Platinum Touch

SoCal Stagers rally together for Foster Kids

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:10:12 -0500

A project that has been over 2 months in the making finally came to fruition on Monday July 21, 2008. It all began with one of my best clients taking myself and her brother to the Dream Center of Los Angeles. After touring the facility, seeing the GREAT works that they do within the community, and then visiting a "soon-to-be" home for 6 Foster Kids ~ We were hooked. The brother pitched a rather large grant to the Foster Home, my client spearheaded what was "needed" and my company stretched the budgetary dollar as far as possible.

What was really exceptional was the answer to the call for help in putting the whole thing together. After speaking with family and friends about the project, (and not soliciting donations in ANY way) they not only donated their time by driving the long distance to help decorate, but also donated additional bedding, clothing, furniture, artwork, accessories and "care packages" or each of the kids! I would especially like to thank the following:

Kathryn & Randy Moseley - Donators of Grant that started it all!
Ida Somero - Director at the Dream Center
Terri Lucas of Exclusive Home Staging
Lynn & Hunter Feldman, & Rusty, Torie & Jake Feldman - additional contributors of time & TONS of misc items to complete the project (no relation to each other, but best friends =)
Cort Furniture Rental for donating all the mattresses
Brooks Furniture Rental for donating all the headboards, frames & mattress pads
Warehouse Discount Center for giving us GREAT deals on all new appliances

These are a few pics of the fruits of our labor ~ I really wish we could be there when the kids see that THIS is going to be their final home in the Foster Care system.

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Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs!

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:48:42 -0500

Signs, signs......signs I'm not ready to sell my house! At least that is what this is telling potential Buyers. These signs are telling Buyers, "This is MY house - and it could be yours, but not yet...."

When preparing your home for sale, as a Home Owner you need to be able to detach yourself from your home. It's no longer going to be your "home", and you now need to begin the mindset of selling a "house".

Although, in my humble opinion, it is a travesty to completely sterilize your dwelling from all personal touches, however the help of a Professional Home Stager can help you determine what items might be appropriate, what items you might consider to begin packing and turning your next dwelling into your NEW home, and assist in giving advice on what might be just TOO MUCH.

Although these Sellers are world travelers and whose photographic genius could rival that of any National Geographic - even as a Stager I found it exceedingly difficult to focus on the fact that I was just there to do a consultation. (These photographs really were amazing). However, they plastered the walls of almost every room and hallway. If my trained eye was distracted - so are the eyes of the potential Buyers ~ which may explain why this penthouse in historic Hancock Park, CA has been sitting on the market since October 2007.

Stay tuned for the transfermation in future posts!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc ~ 805-553-9952

I Staged it Photo Contest - my entry =)

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:30:32 -0500

Connie Tebyani - Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

1. Vacant new home - This particular home, although new, had some rather "awkward" areas in the floor plan. Our staging made sense of those areas, brought attention to the details of the architecture and most importantly: kept to the style of the home AND the demographics of the potential "hollywood industry" buyer. This home went into escrow in just 1 week! (June 2008)

2. Vacant Resale Home

Same home: Above was the master bath, which with very little investment, updated the bathroom to feel new, even though the home was almost 10 years old. Below is the attached master bedroom. Note: in the master bedroom part of the "staging" was that the wood floors were extremely damaged by pets and water damage, therefore it was replaced with high end carpeting to ensure that there would not be ANY negative impression left on potential buyers.

3. Repositioned / removed furniture - This room was the first room seen when entering the home ~ the "not-so-formal" living room. Since this staging was using the home owners own furnishings, and was a horse ranch home, we brought the ranch feeling into the front living room, welcoming buyers to the large living space.

4. Furniture Added

(added chair, accessories, bedding, lamp, draperies, sconce)

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I know it's a lot, but this is what the instructions said to do =)

Connie Tebyani - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. (805) 553-9952

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