Home Staging & Redesign, Home Stager & Home Redesign Athens, Tennessee

What do do with a small vanilla box.....

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:12:22 -0700

When there is little budget or time to do a thorough staging--READY 2 STAGE HOME STAGING & REDESIGN has a solution. Vignette staging can be your magic trick when you have a "small vanilla box."

Recently our Realtor Partner--Kathy Rohsenberger of Coldwell Banker Hamilton & Associates, Cleveland, Tennessee--had a new listing that was vacant with only an oak table and chairs in the dining area left by the sellers. READY 2 STAGE to the rescue!! We were there in a flash with our blow-up mattress in tow and a load of beautiful accessories ready to work our magic to lure in those potential buyers.

The first area that a potential buyers would see is the living area. There was no budget to rent a sofa and tables, but the fireplace--the focal point of the room could certainly benefit from some accessories.

WOULD HAVE SOME GREAT PICS, BUT KEEP GETTING BAD GATEWAY AND PROXY ERROR!! FRUSTRATING!!

Here is the link to the listing....at least you can see some pics that way! Click HERE

The kitchen was newly redone, but lacked any kind of color or charm. Just a few quick accessories brings in the warmth of a homey kitchen waiting for it's cook.

A Master Suite is the retreat of the home. With very little budget, you can create a space that will appeal to even the most hard to please buyer. We simply blew up a queen-sized air mattress, placed it on top of 4 plastic totes--which carried in our accessories--and VOILA--instant bed!! Add some beautiful bedding, lots of pillows, bedside table with lamp and you have a beautiful photo for the internet listing, and something besides a vanilla box for your potential buyers to look at.

STAGING WORKS PEOPLE!

It's only been a week since staging and no news yet, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for a quick sale.

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

FINALLY.....My very first Realtor Partner

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Sun, 16 May 2010 21:08:11 -0700

Well, after 16 months of networking, blogging and meeting new Realtors, READY 2 STAGE HOME STAGING & REDESIGN has it's very first Realtor Partner!!

Kathy Rohsenberger of Coldwell Banker Hamilton & Associates in Cleveland, Tennessee has chosen to be the very first Realtor in her area to offer staging with each of her new listings. So far our partnership has proven successful.

Two of her new listings have sold within 1 week of staging! Now that's what I'm talking about!!

We are so excited about the future with Kathy and we are looking forward to improving the look of her new listings--one house at a time!

Do you want to partner with a local home stager? We can help make those small changes that can catch a buyer's eye. Just give us a few hours and we can show you the difference staging can make. Call Lori at (423)506-3718

READY 2 STAGE IS READY 2 SERVE SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE and surrounding areas.

BEAUTIFUL SPACES CREATE HAPPY FACES!!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Update on Beautiful Luxury Home in Ooltewah!!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:39:17 -0700

Exciting news!! Our last staging: Beautiful Luxury Home in Ooltewah is under contract!! We staged on Monday--Open House on the following Sunday--Received an offer at the Open House--Another offer the following Monday--Under Contract on Tuesday!!

Realtor extraordinaire Kathy Rohsenberger with Coldwell Banker Hamilton Associates knows the value of staging. This is the 3rd house that we have staged for her and her clients and she has this to say about the most recent experience:

" We had three showings yesterday and one second showing today. Your work was the best yet and I can't say how much I enjoy working with Lori and Crystal."

She also gave us kudos after another house that went under contract within 3 days:

I am delighted to have found Ready 2 Stage and Lori Donegan! As a professional Realtor I set high standards for myself as well as those with which I work. Lori and her staff certainly fit the bill. I have used Ready to Stage on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. One of my listings had a contract within three days! I truly believe that through Lori's work I can count on many more showings than I would have if my listings had not been staged.

Lori and her team work in perfect harmony with my sellers, amazingly creating a calming atmosphere that puts all parties at ease in what can be a very stressful time for the sellers. The result I get from Ready to Stage is literally "picture perfect".

One of the many things I like about working with Lori and Ready 2 Stage is the flexibility in services that are offered. Because every seller is different, she works with their budget, house, furnishings and circumstance to stage and create a feeling of a warm sellable house even from a pallet of starkness or clutter.

I encourage you to contact Lori and let her show you before and after pictures. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Kathy Rohsenberger, Affiliate Broker

Coldwell Banker Hamilton and Associates, LLC

We are so pleased to partner with Kathy and would love to partner with other agents in the Tennessee Valley. Call us to find out how we work and make your listings sell!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Beautiful Luxury Home in Ooltewah, Tennessee

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:50:57 -0700

Attention Realtors and Home Buyers!!

Kathy Rohsenberger and Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign have teamed up to prepare and offer this beautiful luxury home in Georgetown Landing. This upscale subdivision is located in Ooltewah, Tennesse, a terrific location for those soon to be employed at the new Volkswagen Plant.

This home has upgraded features including granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, Master Suite with jetted tub, soaring vaulted ceilings, and extensively detailed moulding.

There will be an Open House on Sunday April 25th, from 2-4 p.m. Drop by, browse through the beautiful interior, and make your offer!

Click this link

for a photo flyer and further information.

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

The Beast becomes a Beauty!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:45:17 -0700

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign recently staged this bachelor pad. A young urban professional is moving on to a bigger and better job in a larger city. Kathy Rohsenberger and Ready 2 Stage to the rescue!! The house is quite a beauty but is hidden under some "Beastly" clutter. After a brief consultation, the home seller had his homework, and after a long 3 day weekend of de-cluttering and furniture removal we were ready to bring out the "Beauty."

BEFORE

AFTER

Notice the speakers and stereo equipment. They are now tucked behind

the beautiful chaise.....at least until after the Open House.

BEFORE

AFTER

As you can see, there is great furniture to work with, it just needed to be

put in the proper place.

BEFORE

AFTER

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Realtor Showcase 2010

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:48:56 -0700

Last week was the River Counties Association of Realtors Annual Showcase in Cleveland Tennessee. This venue allows us exposure to 100+ Realtors and we get to share our information with them. We thoroughly enjoyed our two hours of networking and we are hoping for some new calls and jobs in the near future.

This year our booth was decorated to "shine." Our movie theme was glittering with stars and candlelight, and of course a spotlight on our banner hanging above the table. A friend let me borrow her "vintage-looking" popcorn machine and we filled bags labeled: "Your listing "pops" with Ready 2 Stage. We also gave out bottled water with our label attached--didn't want our salty popcorn to dehydrate them! We also had little "emmy" trophies to give away that were labeled: "For award winning listings contact Ready 2 Stage" Don't think that I came up with these catchy slogans on my own! My super encouraging staging guru Sheila O'Mara is a genius when it comes to those!

Didn't get a good picture of it, but we also had a red carpet in front of our table. I simply laid down two red plastic table cloths and duct taped them to the carpet. The red carpet led to our computer slide show that was running our before and after pics. Thanks to Sarah & Heidi of RCAR for their hard work, for making us feel so welcome and for pulling our name in the drawing for an Outback Steakhouse gift card!

Now Realtors: MAKE YOUR LISTINGS SHINE WITH READY 2 STAGE!!

Have you considered adding a Staging Consultation to your listing package? Makes great business sense and your listings will "Shine."

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

--Need Your Professional Opinion--

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:56:02 -0800

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign is currently in the process of redesigning a conference room for Tennessee Log Homes. Using a limited budget we are utilizing the current table in the room which is in need of some help. The table has two black "marble" inserts that have been cracked and it also seems that the wood underneath has a slight bow in it. We need your ideas and suggestions on replacement materials for this area. Thanks in advance for your budget-friendly ideas!!

The inserts in the table measure 25" X 30 1/8" X 1/4" thickness

The room has a wood ceiling and beams and is rustic in nature, but we have designed a little more updated look with more modern colors and pops of black in the framed artwork on the walls. Please include any suggestions as to how to deal with the warping wood underneath and replacement materials. Thanks all!

Do you have redesign needs in your office? We are here to help. Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign can work with your budget to achieve a new and updated look in any space. Call us today for a consultation and plan!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY--Go Away Winter!!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:19:34 -0800

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Frugal or Tight-Wad--You be the Judge!!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:04:05 -0800

I have always been taught to be frugal and not wasteful--my kids call me "tight-wad!" For a while now, I have been stashing away the small bits of old candles that didn't completely burn--thinking that I would use them to make more candles. I finally got to do ti!

I gathered all my supplies--most found at Hobby Lobby. Wicking, metal wick holders and vanilla scent (one of my favorites) along with a metal coffee percolator--minus the inside--for melting the waxes.

Not quite sure exactly how to do it, but I was determined to give it a try.

Step 1 I first chopped the wax up into smaller pieces--@ 1 inch--and placed them in the metal container. I used all the white/light colors together to produce a purer color. I then set the metal container inside a sauce pan with @ 2 inches of water in it. I turned the heat to low/medium.

Step 2 I prepared all those previously used glass candle jars. (To easily remove old wax from glass containers--just put them in the freezer for a few minutes--it will pop right out.) After a thorough washing I placed a piece of wick--left long enough to wrap around a pencil into the small metal tab and squeezed it closed with a pair of pliers.

Step 3 Use a hot glue gun to attach the metal tab onto the bottom of the candle container. Wrap the wick around a pencil--keeping it tight-- and lay the pencil across the top of the candle container.

Step 4 When the wax is completely melted, add your favorite scent and stir. Pour the hot wax into the candle jars, filling to your desired level--and it's easy as that!

**Do not remove the pencil until the wax is completely hardened! I removed mine too early and it caused a well to form in the middle of the candle.**

Step 5 Remove pencil and trim wick to 1/4 inch.

I am pleased with my first attempt at candle-making and my conscience tells me: "Way to be frugal--TIGHT-WAD!!"

If there are some things that I missed or tips that I should know, please let me know for my future candle-making experiences!!

***DON'T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS AND COUNTERTOP FROM HOT WAX!!***

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Thankful Thursday--Praising God for 77 years with my Aunt Louise

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:26:34 -0800

I am so very thankful for my Aunt Louise. Growing up she was just like my 2nd mother, having spent many nights at her house with my cousin. In July of 2009, at the age of 76 she underwent a very difficult surgery to repair a problem with her heart. Over the next 6 months she has suffered many complications and setbacks from many different causes. She is currently in a rehabilitation facility working her way back. She desperately misses her home and cooking meals for her family and friends. We all miss having her around for the fun.

In December, she turned 77. Her family met at the rehab center for a birthday celebration. We shared food and laughs and well wishes for her return to her good health and her home. Just feeling extra Thankful for her on this Thursday......

Aunt Lou Jean, William, Me, Ginger, Aunt Louise, Sarah, Greg & Uncle Don

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

A day at the Spa...

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:03:55 -0800

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign recently was asked for our ideas for a renovation project. Dynasty Spas in Athens, Tennessee was needing a fresh new look for their customer lobby/lounge area and some bathrooms. We were more than happy to oblige. We created our very first sample board for them.

After a few months, most of the renovations are complete. Some of our suggestions were taken and some were not. The owner, having great taste and design skills of his own, used our insight and suggestions combined with his preferences to make it what he wanted. We are pleased with the outcome of this project and would like to share the photos with you.

Originally the lobby was to have hardwood flooring installed. It was later decided that tile would be most durable and practical in this high traffic area. (Still looking for just the right area rugs for the space.)

This area was for casual meetings etc. so some comfy seating was in order.

Their current sign with water feature was to be made into more of a focal point in the space. We suggested using wood and stone to frame the feature and make it more prominent.

Here is a shot of the finished focal wall.

Do you need a fresh new look in your office or waiting area? Call Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign. We can help you with fresh ideas and project management. From start to finish we will see your project through.

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Executive Home for Sale in Cleveland, Tennessee

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:57:30 -0800

This beautiful executive home in Cleveland Tennessee was one of our recent stagings. It was a natural beauty--good bones and fabulous acreage. Our job was to help the seller simplify and de-clutter. It was a joy to work on such a beautiful and well-kept home.

If you are interested in living in the beautiful Tennessee Valley--near State Parks, Golf Courses, Lakes & Mountains--this could be your dream home.

Click this link for a flyer and photo show: Executive Home in Cleveland, Tennessee

For all your Home Staging & Redesign needs contact Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Putting some make-up on a Natural Beauty

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:38 -0800

We recently staged a beautiful Executive Home that was going on the market in Cleveland, Tennessee. At first glance the bones of this house are naturally beautiful, but there were a few obstacles that kept it's true beauty from shining through. As all homeowners know, it is extremely easy to accumulate lots of clutter over the years. Little things stuck here and objects place there.....after a while you don't really see your home objectively. That's where it's helpful to have "fresh eyes" to evaluate the situation. This home seller was so used to seeing things where they were, that she could not see things as they should be. Here are a few of the changes that we made:

In the kitchen:

Before: There is too much clutter on the countertop; and the book nook is crammed full of books. With some packing away and artful arrangement this kitchen looks fresh and new.

Before: There are too many distractions behind the little sofa, and they were blocking a beautiful view of the lake outside. (Just wish I had remembered to remove the trash can for the after photo! Uggh!)

Before: The dining room was painted a taste-specific lavender. Perfect for the owner to live-in, but maybe not perfect to attract a buyer. The color was changed to a beautiful neutral that anyone would love.

Before: The guest room is another example of being too taste specific. Although the lavender walls and yellow comforter would be perfect for a sweet young princess--a prince might not be quite so amused with it. The change is significant--leave NO WORK for your potential buyers.

Before: The living room was one of the "first impression" rooms and needed some ingenious furniture placement. The first thing you saw upon entering was the a cluttered curio cabinet and the side of a leather chair. There were also 2 heavy furniture pieces blocking the windows. The sofa was a little small for such a grand room. We suggested that they switch the larger sectional from the downstairs family room and the rug along with it. Much richer colors and better proportions for the tall ceiling and windows.

This home is a jewel, but some minor flaws were hiding it's brilliance.

--Home Staging can unveil your diamond in the rough--your FOR SALE HOME--into the hot commodity that it deserves to be!--

**After photography by Debbi Gerdt**

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

AFTERS of an Office Redesign

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:20:31 -0800

Here are the After shots of our latest office Redesign. We used the Realtors "Magnolia" theme to create an office that is calm and relaxing--perfect for a lady who's a sweet Southern Belle. The existing office furnishings were not quite fitting into our color palette, but sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.

The little alcove behind the desk just screamed table, mirror and lamp to me, so that's just what we did. We also added a floating shelf to anchor the artwork. Not sure if the candles will ever be lit in an office setting, but they look pretty.

The words over the window provide calming inspiration and were so easy to apply. Those were a first for me, but I am sure to work with them again. The valance was kind of a last minute added detail. Wasn't quite sure if it was appropriate for an office, but I think the softening effect that it had on the large window was a good move.

Sprucing up your office can entice you to be more productive, because you like to spend more time in your beautiful relaxing space. Consider making some changes in your work space today!

To see all of the befores click HERE

BEFORE AFTER

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Needing an office redesign?

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:45:58 -0800

A New Year deserves a New Look! Does your office space need to be perked up? Don't you just work better when the space around you is well lit and inviting?

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign is currently completing an office redesign for a valued customer. A Realtor who is a former home staging client has asked us to give her new office space some life and comfort.

Ms. Phyllis Robinson of Crye-Leike Realty in Athens, Tennessee has been such a joy to work with. She totally trusts our judgment and tells us to "just fix it up!" She had a few things to work with, and we constructed our plan around them. We hope she likes the results. Here are a few BEFORE pictures of the space. We will finish up today and the AFTER pics will be in the next post.

It's a little bland isn't it? Not an inspiring place to do your work or bring your clients. Stay tuned to see the finished product!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Ready 2 Stage is the Big "1"

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:08:40 -0800

Happy New Year to you and happy One Year Anniversary for Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign! Can you believe it is 2010? What a whirlwind year.

We are very appreciative for all of you that have supported us this year and we look forward to serving you in the future. We have sculpted our business to fit the needs of you - our customers. When we first began, it was difficult knowing how the public would respond to home staging and redesign. We feel that with a year under our belts, we are now better equipped to serve you and meet your needs.

The increase in interest in home staging in the Tennessee area is rising. Did you know that un-staged homes stay on the market an average of 182 days, while STAGED homes sell within 37 days? Staging a home prior to listing can yield a 586% return on investment. That means with an average home staging cost of $300-$400, you can receive $1500-$2000 extra on the sales price. What a difference staging can make!

Since it is still relatively new in this area, we would like to offer a 20% discount on a basic consultation during the month of January. A consultation takes about one hour, and gives the home seller a better understanding of what should be done to prepare the home for the market. You will receive valuable information that could save you thousands in the future. Give it a try!

Here’s an overview of 2009:

1. Cindy St. Athens -
http://www.realestateshows.com/370453

2. Meadowcrest Commons -
http://www.realestateshows.com/422348

3. 1831 Timber Trail Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/423623

4. Newman’s Woodlands Estates -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=429012

5. Fairlane Drive Sweetwater -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=448057

6. Holly Brook Circle Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/448512

7. Ridgetop Drive Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/450948

8. Highland Avenue Cleveland -
http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=456150

9. Tips for De-Cluttering -
http://www.realestateshows.com/366593

Please take time to check out our website to learn more about Ready 2 Stage: www.ready2stage.com

Realtors: you can make larger profits in 2010 by incorporating Home Staging into your listing package. Call to find out how!

We welcome your questions, and you will be surprised at how affordable Home Staging can be!

Looking forward to a great 2010--to God be the Glory!

Sincerely,
Lori Donegan
Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign
www.ready2stage.com
(423)506-3718
ready2stage@gmail.com

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle, Fa la la, la la, la la la la

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:47:20 -0800

Do you throw away your old scraps of Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon? How about old Christmas cards?.....Well, this year I decided to go "Green" and use those small bits of leftover paper and ribbon. Even if they didn't necessarily coordinate and match with each other....they look quirky and fun. Those small pieces of paper are perfect for wrapping small gift books for teacher gifts, or jewlery boxes for someone special. Don't toss out the wired ribbon that was wrapped around that gift basket! Reuse it to tie onto your boxed candy gifts.

How about those beautiful old Christmas cards? I absolutely hate to throw them out, so I chose to cut around the beautiful pictures and wording to make a new tag for another gift. (Just be sure the person's name is not written on the back! ha) These cards are still special, and can bring happiness to someone else.

I used quite a bit of the stock that I had saved for years and avoided buying more wrapping paper and gift tags this year; and the result is a beautiful eclectic mix of wrapped gifts.

Do you have thrifty ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling this post-Christmas season?

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Urgent Prayer Request for 7 year old boy

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:27:22 -0800

Dear ActiveRainers,

I have an urgent prayer request for a 7 year old cousin, who has suffered a stroke. He is on life support and is unresponsive to medication. So concerned for him, and I am asking all of you to lift him and his family up in your prayers. He has a large extended family that is very close, so that they can lean on each other. We are all believing that a Christmas Miracle is needed, and pray for God's good and perfect will.

Please help us pray for Cole Puryear, who is 7 years old and lives in Athens, Tennessee!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Virtual Tour of Ready 2 Stage Photo Staging

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:56:22 -0800

Recently we did photo staging for a home listed by Kathy Rohsenberger of Coldwell Banker Hamilton Associates, Cleveland, Tennessee.

The before & After pics were posted in a previous blog:

UPDATE on We're photo staging again!

Just thought that I would share the visual tour and you can really see how great it turned out. Just a few minor things that I would change, (that always seems to happen when I look back at photos), but overall a good finish.

Visual Tour of Highland Avenue, Cleveland, Tennessee

If you are a Realtor in Cleveland, Tennessee and surrounding cities, call Ready 2 Stage to improve the photos for your listings. Statistics show that when searching for a new house-buyers look on the internet first. If your photos don't SHINE they will pass you right on by!! Let us work for you!!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

UPDATE on We're photo staging again!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:12:24 -0800

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign recently staged this house in Cleveland, Tennessee listed by Kathy Rohsenberger of Coldwell Banker Hamilton Associates.

Whew! Today was quite a ride....first of all, it is extremely cold in Tennessee right now! I began the morning having to get a boost from the hubby for the "Ready 2 Stage Mobile." My battery was dead as a hammer! Being a little nervous about the battery going dead again during our staging time, I left my vehicle running for a while....just to make sure. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. and began our work. With assistance from the Home Seller and Realtor we jumped right in with both feet.

I always try to make a plan by looking at our before pictures, but it just seems that things always have to be tweaked a little. We began in the Dining Area.

After that we moved to the cute little kitchen. I love cobalt blue glass, so I contributed some of my personal collection to enhance the home sellers pieces. Cannot get these pics to line up for some reason!

Next came the Master Bedroom. There were actually too many furniture pieces

in this room, but the seller insisted on keeping them together. Turned out pretty!

Last, but definitely not least came the Living Room. Quite a challenge! One corner was consumed by a massive bookshelf unit that the home seller was leaving for the buyer. This shelf had more books than some libraries! After instructing them to remove at least 3/4 of them, we rearranged a bit and added accessories to give it the best look possible. The room was somewhat dark and difficult to photograph. Really should have been painted--not an option.

We are hoping that this staging is as successful as the last:

Cookie Cutter House--Staged for a quick sale!

If you are a Realtor in the Southeast Tennessee area, call us to see if this can work for you!!

(423)506-3718

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

We're Photo-Staging Again!!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:42:45 -0800

In a previous post Cookie Cutter House--Staged for a quick sale! we were unsure of the success of doing a "Photo-Staging"--adding some of our accessories for good photos and then removing them. So I wanted to update everyone of the status of the "Cookie Cutter House." It is sold!! Within 3 days, the Realtor showed the house 6 times (all calls from seeing the pics), received an offer, and closed within 26 days of staging.

Well, here we go again! The same Realtor has called for another small house that just needs a bit of help. Next week we are scheduled to do the same thing, and we are hoping for the same result. Check out the "Before" pics below and I will post an update next week.

Thanks for all your comments and encouragement!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Helping Prospective Buyers to See Your Home As Their Own

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:41:32 -0800

It takes a smart home seller to realize that putting their home on the market is more than just popping a "For Sale" sign in the yard. It takes lots of work and preparation to put your property in it's best shape for showing.

It's a proven fact that once you have lived in a house for a few years--you can no longer see it objectively. There needs to be fresh "buyer's eyes" to show you how to present and emotionally connect with those coming to view your house. Most people think that surely anyone can see past my clutter and see how pretty my house really is! That is definitely NOT true. Clutter and too much furniture is very distracting to most people who enter, and statistics show that only 10% of home buyers can visualize and see past the clutter.

Here are some examples: This is a beautiful kitchen--anyone can see that, but there are things that distract you from seeing the real beauty. There are knives hanging on the backsplash, tons of spice jars on the hood, a breadbox, and other kitchen utensils, spices and too much distraction on display. There are also too many books in the island book nook. De-cluttering and turning on all the beautiful lights were a surefire way to get a great photo for this seller to advertise their most valuable asset--a spacious well appointed kitchen, with plenty of storage space.

#1 on your list of important things to do before putting your home on the market is: DE-CLUTTERING!!

Be smart and hire a professional to guide you in preparation to sell.

Call Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign--serving Southeast Tennessee--Athens, Cleveland, Sweetwater, Dayton, and all surrounding areas.

BEFORE AFTER

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Ready 2 Stage Introduces 206 Fairlane Drive, Sweetwater, Tennessee

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:38:09 -0800

These photos are of home that was recently staged by Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign in Sweetwater, Tennessee. The home seller is also a Realtor and understands the importance of having a home properly prepared BEFORE putting it on the market. The home was prepared keeping the maximum ROI in mind and an offer was received within 8 days of listing. Negotiations were not finalized so the property is still for sale, but interested buyer's should act quickly.

Click the link below to view a flyer of this valuable property:

http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=448057

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Cookie Cutter House--Staged for a quick sale!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:27:41 -0800

Our most recent staging job was a bit of an experiment.

A Realtor had a new listing that needed a bit of help, but they couldn't afford a full-blown staging. The Realtor asked if we could do "Photo Staging"--bring in some accessories and stage JUST for the photos. She (The Realtor) also wanted to pay at closing. Having worked with her before and knowing that I could trust her, I thought that I would give it a try.

The week prior, I popped in to this little house for a quick 15 minute consultation to see what kind of accessories that I would need. These homesellers had made some great updates to their home and had fairly nice furnishings and accessories to work with.

The following week, after coming up with somewhat of a plan, I threw a few accessories into the READY 2 STAGE mobile and hit the road. We arrived at 11:00 a.m. and walked out at 1:00 p.m. They had completed MOST of the suggestions that I had left for them to have done before staging day, so it all went pretty smoothly. The results were beautiful and all of us were pleased. I wasn't entirely happy to remove the accessories that we had brought in, but we tried to leave it in the best showing shape possible.

The Realtor has now told me that within 3 days there were 6 showings and 1 offer on this place! And, by the way, the Realtor went ahead and penned me a check when the job was done. She was pretty confident that the closing would be soon.

What do you think of this idea?....I'm sure there will be some skeptics, but it was a fun and relatively easy job, and I truly believe that it will help educate home sellers and Realtors in this area and bring staging to the forefront a little bit more. Enjoy the pics!

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation

Bathrooms are a pain in the rear!

Lori Donegan (Ready 2 Stage) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:08:39 -0700

Well, it happens every time! I try my best to take a photo of a beautifully staged bathroom, but I keep showing up in the picture myself.

This bathroom was especially challenging! Almost every wall was sporting a mirror. As it ends up, I found myself lying on the floor shooting upward--probably a good idea--you can get the beautiful light fixtures that way!!

I am finding bathroom photography to be the most challenging. Most of the bathrooms are so small that a decent picture of it is nearly impossible. You don't really want a picture of a toilet--all bathrooms have those.....you can't really stand in front of the vanity to take your picture because you will get a huge flash and your wonderful reflection.

Not a very attractive photo, but that's just about the best that you can do with a bathroom this size. Let's just face it small bathrooms are just that-- small bathrooms. Should you show them on the listing website? Everyone knows what a toilet looks like. I have decided that unless there is something spectacular about a small bathroom, that I should just leave it out of the photo line-up. What's your opinion?

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign serves all of Southeast Tennessee

Lori Donegan--Founder & Owner

Crystal Clarey--Staging Assistant

Check out our website: www.ready2stage.com

Or call (423)506-3718 for your in-home consultation