Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms~ N.Myrtle Beach, SC

The Renewed Rooms Inspiration

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:53:39 -0500

The fires in Horry County, SC have been devastating for many families. Renewed Rooms will be donating Home Staging Inventory to needy victims. Please contact WMBF News, North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce or the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce for details. Below is a link for a clip from WMBF news

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1145743117653&comments=#/profile.php?id=1049769477&ref=profile

Active Rain Members, Rain Buckets Of Generosity!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:42:40 -0500

Active Rain Member and Chapter President of IRIS National Capitol Area , Pam Faulkner just made headlines in the Prestigious Washington Post.

The Chapters efforts, which has taken many hours away from their personal business, is true generosity, especially during these turbulent financial times when many small business owners of Real Estate and Redesign companies are struggling to keep their own doors open.

After the washingtonpost.com article many readers left lovely remarks. What an honor to be recognized by The Washington Post community for helping to bring a ray of sunshine to many who are dealing with daunting personal challenges such as the one described of a single mother who lost her home to foreclosure.

I wanted to personally thank them, as a fellow IRIS member located in South Carolina and member of the Board Of Directors for IRIS, An international, non-profit organization of Redesign and Home Staging business owners.

Below are two links that have highlighted their good work! I hope you will take the time to read the article and see their beautiful results!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042901287.html

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/news/redesigners-turn-temporary-housing-shelters-into-homes-the-washington-post-43009-083477

Realtors, North Myrtle Beach/Myrtle Beach SC...I'm Looking For A Rental Property...

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:10:50 -0500

WMBF News Journalist, Laura Thomas interviewed me today for a segment because I am donating Staging Inventory and the redesign to families that have lost everything in the fire.

She gave me the name of a family that just moved here with their adult children. They lost everything and had no insurance. I have been in contact with them and as one can imagine, they are overwhelmed but appreciative with the outpouring of generosity that everyone is showing.

To help them, I'm looking for a rental property that will accomodate the entire family. They are all employed...evidently the land-lord of the property they were renting won't give them back their deposit (some people are unbelievable).

If you have anything available...and is a property that is empty. Please let me know ASAP. When done, Laura wants to do another story on how the family was helped.

You can contact me at: renee@renewedrooms.com or call 843-385-0599

Thank You!

North Myrtle Beach, SC is on FIRE!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:10:13 -0500

So far, 30 sq. miles are burning all around me... It really makes you realize what is really important in life.

For pet lovers, there are shelters all around for owners with pets. They say they are taking this lesson from Katrina... I say THANKFULLY you took the lesson from Katrina.

It is so comforting to see folks who have just lost everything say "These are things...it is life that is important"...even though they cry.

It is so comforting to see a community come together to help one another in a time of need.

It is comforting to see local goverments...go above and beyond...

It is comforting that middle America says "God Bless America" even when the upper class want to treat us like second class citizens.

A Proud IRIS Member

Renee Pratta

Guess what Grand Strand...I'm waiting!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:42:14 -0500

Tes, Grand Strand, here I am, waiting for you to call to have a home staged! What? you dont think you can afford Staging....think again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Call Renee at 301 538-3746~

Spring is...Springing! It's Time To Take The Time To Get To SOLD!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:07:18 -0500

I've had the opportunity to live in many areas of the country over the years. All comes with its share of creatures, critters and unique demographics. For many of us around the country, Spring is Springing up all around us!

Swans in the lake in my back yard Little River, SC

Now is the time to take the time to spruce up the outside so the potential buyer will want to see the amenities on the inside and get your home SOLD!

Place a new, non-descriptive welcome mat at the door

Doors should be refreshed with a new coat of paint
Make sure the entry to the home is clean. No cob webs or dead flowers
Hardware on entry doors should be updated ... it helps to make it easy for the Realtor to easily let your potential buyer into the house!

Windows should be squeaky clean. Once inside, let the sun shine in. Nothing is cheerier than natural light. Remove those heavy drapes, open the blinds and your home will shine!
Don't forget to have a friend do the "smell" test... we get use to the odors around us, your buyer might not appreciate Fido's, flowery smell...
For an extra splash of shine place yellow flowers at your entry door. It has been said that the color yellow has a psychological and aesthetic effect on our brain. Help make your home memorable with a fresh pot of beautiful flowers!

Don't forget to schedule an appointment with a Home Staging Professional for a consultation. They will give you a thorough, non-biased assessment of the critical items that need to be completed to help you get to SOLD! A good source to find a professional is: www.westageandredesign.com

Beware of Wolves In Sheeps Clothing! Can't wait for "Auld Lang Syne"!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:07:12 -0600

Wow, what a year... I can't wait for 2008 to be over!

I met two young women exactly on December 5, 2007. I believed everything they said....they had been taken by a "staging trainer" I didn't bother to check their credibility. I was on top of the world.My business was about to explode. All my predictions of success were coming TRUE....UH----OHHHHH!

It was a farce. Early in the relationship...these women entered a contest for home staging. While I was uncomfortable because they did not do the work...I kept silent. After all they were a part of my company...but there was more and more that didn't add up... I kept asking for signatures...they kept hesitating.

Their vindictiveness was not something I had ever experienced before...I said enough...they erased all of my Vizz-vox productions, (I have proof), they made my entire year a living hell....Accused me of things they were doing... it was the most unbelievable time of my life...I LEARNED A VERY VALUABLE LESSON...ASK QUESTIONS....MAKE SURE YOU GET SIGNATURES FIRST...

Their demands were enormous....and you need to know they come off as so sweet and honest. But after the "you are great"....all of a sudden nothing was good enough, they refused to pay for much but demanded even more...it was an amazing time.

Oh, I won both law suits I filed against them but they are some of the shrewdest, most manipulating women I have ever met... BEWARE! E-mail me and I will personally talk to you about who and what they did so you don't have to suffer what I have this past year. They have cost me $1,000's...I'm still surviving but it has been brutal, emotional,and not worth what I thought they would bring to the table....

I can't wait for 2009! Except for my membership in IRIS, my family, my great clients and friends it has been a horrendous year and I can't wait for the new one.

Happy Holidays to you all and Here's to a great 2009!

Time To VOTE IRIS Members

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:14:34 -0600

The world has been spinning with Recession, talk of DEPRESSION, losses of value and more! I continue reinventing my "fool proof" business plan to be able to continue following my passion. My fingernails are clutching the edge of the ledge to keep my business going...there are good days then a few steps back with bad ones... but I believe that the persistence to survive and be able to continue doing what I love will conquer in the end! There is a saying and I'm paraphrasing... the rock stands strong but the flow of the water always wins because of PERSISTENCE....

It is my sincere hope to service IRIS as treasurer for a full term. If you feel I am the one who can help with the already wonderful changes that IRIS is implementing please vote for me!

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!

Renee Pratta, IRIS, CISS, DCI

Renewed Rooms

Specializing in Real Estate Staging, Interior Redesign and Training

1021 2nd Avenue North, Suite 3

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

843-663-1512 Office 843-663-1525 Fax 843-385-0599 Cell

Time To VOTE IRIS Members

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:11:22 -0600

Hi Everyone:

The world has been spinning with Recession, talk of DEPRESSION, losses of value and more! I continue reinventing my "fool proof" business plan to be able to continue following my passion. My fingernails are sometimes clutching the edge of the ledge to keep my business going...there are good days then a few steps back with bad ones... but I believe that the persistence to survive and be able to continue doing what I love will conquer in the end! There is a saying and I'm paraphrasing... the rock stands strong but the flow of the water always wins because of PERSISTENCE....

It is my sincere hope to service IRIS as treasurer for a full term. If you feel I am the one who can help with the already wonderful changes that IRIS is implementing please vote for me!

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!

Renee Pratta, IRIS, CISS, DCI

Renewed Rooms

Specializing in Real Estate Staging, Interior Redesign and Training

1021 2nd Avenue North, Suite 3

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

843-663-1512 Office 843-663-1525 Fax 843-385-0599 Cell

Inside, Outside, Underneath and Over The Top Of The Box Marketing...

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:34:56 -0500

In my unending search to find new ways to market my services, I often feel like there can't be another idea, there can't be another way to make a home Stand Out From The Crowd...then all of a sudden I see a new spin on old ideas.

How about a Progressive Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at several properties. My family has always revolved around food and I know, Realtors love to eat! So plan a Progressive...with the Realtors you work with which will "show off" the property and your work and help the seller get to SOLD.

How about a "theme" house for those vacant properties. I think others have had long discussions on this one. I believe in it...I believe it makes the house memorable. I have done a "Corporate Retreat" where I used the characters of the TV show The Office as the guests...even had a "team building" exercise going on downstairs, gift baskets, luggage...it got attention!

Welcome Board

Gift Basket

Luggage with ID Tags

Not to long ago a much heated discussion on Fake Food. I voraciously read all the negative comments... I happen to love using the stuff...it gets attention! Before I became a Real Estate Home Stager, I worked in a model home that had fake Sushi...it was always commented on. People thought it was fun...made them imagine having a party...

OK sometimes I put my personality into my staging. I was missing the fun and camaraderie I felt when having "Crabs and Beer" at Captain Billys in Southern Maryland when I staged a house on the Intra Coastal Waterway in South Carolina...so I made my own crab feast for all to enjoy...

I know a "normal" house would not put uncooked pasta in a bowl and set it on the table or have asparagus tied in bundles on a napkin...but it was colorful AND it got attention...

Anybody else willing to share what you do to make your properties memorable and get people in the door?

Yesterday...grueling...Today, Glorious!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:45:51 -0500

I had to deal with the first of unfinished business yesterday with business owners who seem to have nothing better to do than create vendettas...it was unpleasant! I was exhausted, but I faired well. Thanks to the many who are there cheering me on!

Today, GLORIOUS! It has been a slow summer along the Grand Strand, I was getting nervous... oh, what to do, what to do????

Funny, phone started ringing off the hook beginning last week...and, I was scheduled to speak at the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors "Nuts & Bolts" presentation before the monthly luncheon today.

Never got home from the grueling day (can't wait for it to be resolved so I can move on) until 10:00 p.m. finished my presentation, made sure my projector worked, made sure my handouts were in order around 1:30 a.m.....up at 5 YUK....

Ran to get a tape so I could tape my presentation, make copies...get the item I always use for my "ice breaker"....Then...people begin trickling in, we start nice conversations... I brag about my kids (my greatest accomplishment) they brag about theirs... There really are honest, nice people out there...I'm energized!

Before I know it the room is FULL How wonderful! Questions are asked, lots of them...I'm handed over 25 business cards to follow up.... I'm energized ready for 2008 to be over and really, really starting to look forward to 2009!

My license plate says it all....

I'm proud that I have chosen this profession...I know my sisters and brothers (except for those uncrupulous few) are just as proud too!

77% of US HOMES LOST VALUE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS!! Is your house in the other 23%

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:42 -0500

With staggering statistics of 77% of Homes Lost Value (Realtor.org 8-8-08) it only reinforces what Professional Home Stagers have been trying to convey to Realtors who have not "bought into" staging as part of their marketing...

If that house you are putting a sign in front of and placing on the MLS for the world to see isn't in tip top shape, look and feel...you are not only further jeopardizing what the seller can see in net equity you are cutting the potential for your commission too!

In the article Craig Schiller wrote several months ago Chipping Away at the "PRICE IS KING" Myth Too Many Realtors Rely On he conveyed that all to many Realtors rely on pricing as the only thing that will sell a property. Well I and I'm sure many of my Staging brothers and sisters say...If you don't want King of Price to plummet even farther, you better begin thinking of how that property is presented when it goes on the market!

I met with a homeowner for a consultation yesterday. The home is occupied, and they have had it listed since March of 2007!!!!! That is 16 months! The homeowner said she is anxious to move back to California... Before we met, I pulled the listing up on MLS. The landscaping looked neat and I saw plenty of little things from the pictures that easily could be "tweaked" , like rose colored walls in the dining room as well as the feeling of old because of dolls and doilies but I couldn't understand why it didn't sell. The price is absolutely right on and a little below what it should be for the market.

It became abundantly clear when I drove up and entered the home...First, I had a hard time figuring out which house was the one I was to visit as it did not look like the picture. All of the landscaping was now overgrown, weeds in the yard. I wish I had taken a picture. Here are a few of the interior photos that weren't on the listing...NOW I think it is clear why the house has not Sold:

This home is in a gorgeous gated community that attracts mostly retired folks ...so Priced right or not...in today's world no one wants to move into a home and have so much work to do! Paint, wallpaper...all gotta go. My pictures don't show the abundance of furniture and mismatch, a stagers keen eye for placement could make it look fabulous!

In the Realtors defense, she is the one who told the homeowner to call me I just wish it wasn't 16 months after the home was listed since the homeowner is anxious to move on!

My point...PRICE IS NOT ALWAYS KING and is falling without the Realtors help... It has to be a combination of both PRICE and being more Visually appealing than all the others that are available so the seller CAN get more equity and get to SOLD.

The house must speak to the buyer that all they need to do is bring their toothbrush and "jammies", because it looks brand new and ready to be lived in!

Stager Idol ... What does that have to do with Humpty Dumpty?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:08:53 -0500

Remember the nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty Sat On The Wall...Humpty Dumpty Had A Big FALL!

It's a shame Humpty Dumpty couldn't find a way over the wall so he could stand tall!

The Stager Idol Contest... is about to end. Everyone that entered hoped to be recognized for their passion they are all winners and I am honored to be one of the final three.

I have to admit, for me it has been a bumpy yet fulfilling journey finding ways over the wall. Having made it this far, I already feel like a winner. I have had the love and support from my family, friends, local Realtor community, local media and fellow stagers.

Entering the contest was truly stepping out of my comfort zone. I sometimes felt like I was about to get to the wall and have a BIG FALL ! I'm passionate about my career, am on a mission to help Realtors and sellers understand the value of staging, I love the creativity in what I do, feel I have a good business base because of my exceptional training, always have the best interest of the seller in my sights and truly am there for others in the industry who ask for my input. Ahh but I have occasionally stumbled, made my share of mistakes.

Thankfully, I was and continue to be reminded by friends and confidents It truly is OK that I have made errors along the way... everyone who steps out of the comfort zone are open to scrutiny. No matter what the intention others will be sure to make you and others aware ...you have made mistakes... I continue to be encouraged when I feel I'm about to FALL OFF THE WALL to hold my head high. I continue to learn by just doing, being persistent and finding new ways of building with others so we are all able to climb over the wall so no one will fall.

As the final interviews are winding down...I sure am glad Humpty Dumpty is a nursery rhyme...

•· I am a winner because I have persisted even during turmoil.

•· I am a winner because even before the final results are announced, I have benefited by entering The Stager Idol Contest, because I and the finalists have received recognition in our field on a National level.

•· I am a winner because I have formed friendships with several of the contestants.

•· I am a winner because I was reminded by entering this contest there are still opportunities to grow in life as well as the field of staging by leaving ones comfort zone.

•· I am a winner because this contest has further enlightened me to the fact that "Life as a Professional Real Estate Stager is a journey not a race".

A sincere thank you to Shell Brodnax and RESA for what you have begun. While your communications were always upbeat, I'm sure the launch and coordination of a new concept to enlighten the public on the craft of staging as well as its true benefits had its share of challenges. Hopefully all professional stagers will continue to help you by building on what you have begun!

How Often Do You Find It Difficult To Leave The Home You've Just Staged?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 02 May 2008 01:03:35 -0500

OK I admit it...every once in a while I linger longer, take more pictures anything to stay in a home I've just staged. I sometimes fall in love...don't tell my husband! Sometimes, what I thought was going to be another complicated floorplan in which I had to tell a story becomes a beautiful novel of flowing prose by the time I'm done....

This week I vacant staged a home on the Winyah Bay in Georgetown, SC. It is a totally renovated home that is not historic but was built in the almost historic 1950's (YUK we won't talk about what year I was born...I don't quite feel historic yet either!)

Maybe it was the pristine weather that I captured in my pictures, maybe I'm by myself to much as I staged this one alone...or maybe there is a spirit inside this house that reached out and grabbed me...I hope it grabs a buyer too!

I just had to share... http://www.vizzvox.com/stories/7HJWaimKgXy1w00fms

Let me know what you think!

WOW, One of The Final Five...new friends, and PRESS Galore!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:49:21 -0500

So how can you thank Shell Brodnax and RESA enough for creating the Stager Idol contest?

I was hesitant to sign up because of all the talent I see on Active Rain...but I tossed my hat in the ring just to see... How exciting to be picked for the top 10! The disecting of that first project was very interesting and as with all of us in life, one more thing on the plate! So there I was at my Fed-X Kinkos running back and forth tweaking, printing, finding a typo even after I read the darn thing 150 times and praying the FED-Ex guy didn't come five minutes early!

Then the wait...and the I wish I would of or I could of...was it just OK?...Maybe I said too much...I like to talk...oh well...

NEW FRIENDS

When the top five were notified, everyone e-mailed each other with a congratulations! Then, when in my e-mail I was whining about my broken wrist...and indicated that the cast was already disgusting and maybe I would decoupage it with my logo and put rhinestones on it Jackson offered to send be a "be dazzler" ...I forgot to ask if its his!

Everyone sent such nice words of encouragement but Kathleen took the time to give me a call! Now how nice is that? We chatted and laughed and shared.

Now I have a new friends too...

PRESS and a JOB

BUT that's not all! Last night I sent out a press release, Shell supplied, which I tweaked a little for me to some press and my database. I woke up to a mailbox full of well wishers, two publications asking me for my headshot AND a job because it pushed a potential client over the fence when he saw I was in the top five....

That means I'm a winner already....gotta work on the next project though! .....I wish I had.....I wish I could.... Guess that part of me will never go away!

Thanks RESA, thanks Shell and Thanks to all the well wishers. I promise to do my best in the next round too!

Talk about untechie! I was featured and removed the blog!

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:50:34 -0500

Sheesh...I know I'm getting old but I really try to stay on trend.... I was so honored to be featured for my
Do you have the top five traits to sell your services? Well I posted to my five...then for some reason I had the brainstorm that the Newbies would appreciate the blog so I erased EVERYTHING! OH MY!
Charlene Storozuk - Burlington Ontario Home Stager just talked about being able to save as a draft a blog but HOW oh HOW do you get to be featured again???????

Do you have the top five traits to sell your services?---Had To Dust My Books...

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:03:59 -0500

Recently had to dust my books off and I'm glad I did! When times start getting a little rough, I dust off all the sales books I've collected over the years and go back and review the basics of sales.

Many years ago when voice mail became an obstacle in getting to the decision maker, I remember going to a Steve Schiffman seminar where he suggested when making cold calls and you find yourself talking to voice mail, only leave part of a message. Just enough so they know who is calling but not the whole motive for the message...they will want to call you back right? He was entertaining and I did glean some tips but I think in todays savvy business world that is a transparent attempt to sell something. I prefer leaving a whole message and follow up.

Another favorite is Jeffrey Gittomer. He has a unique business card (a coin with his image stamped on it), is passionate about the art of the sale and had us laughing. The company I worked for at the time decided to buy his entire program and weekly we had to finish a lesson...it got cheesy (sorry JG) and lost the value of its intention to better our sales and customer service skills...it became a running joke of who could click the fastest on the answers to get through the lesson for the week.

All the sales gurus, however, have a common thread in their sales lessons. They all incorporate the top five traits for effective sales:

Creativity
Passion
Integrity
Tenacity
Commitment

Whew, now I can put the books back on the shelves, I'm digging in my heels and continuing onward to share with others my passion for staging with creativity, integrity, commitment and with unfaltering Tenacity!

Rate Your Staging Training ~ IRIS

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:39:53 -0500

How about 10+

My trainer,mentor and now friend, Sandy Dixon, who also happens to be the New Executive Director of IRIS was the one I chose to take my training in Staging/redesign after interviewing a plethora of trainers.

I had been active in advertising/marketing for most of my career. My dream job, selling display advertising for The Washington Post, came to reality in 1999.. Then as fate would have it, I recieved my //Realtor license in Maryland...just to understand what I loved, looking at homes to see the decorating...long story short, I relocate to South Carolina to be close to our only daughter (out of six children). Never had been to Myrtle Beach before then. Immediately secured a job with a National builder in new home sales..it was the boom..money, just like The Post was incredible..but I felt unfulfilled. Saw a segment on The Today Show about staging...within a few months I'm in Evergreen, CO taking a class from a woman who says, NO QUESTIONS, I can assure you they will be answered! What?????? I love to disect a question, I love to give my opinion! I thrive on giving my opinion. AHHHHH---but sure enough she answers every darn question I may have....and some I didn't know I had.

Again,long story short. she IS ONE OF THE BEST. Gives me all the tools I need to launch my business...now if I could only be like her and be non-partial when a crisis arises. Look at the facts and give an unbiased opinion..still working on that.

Many thanks to Sandy Dixon, of Interior Arrangements. Her goal? To help others in the industry. That's it...not points, not glory, just help.

I'm forever grateful. The changes she has already made to rhe IRIS organization cannot be disputed...she is making it "the cream of the crop".

Would like to add...for those who may be searching for training look to IRIS and its instructors. They are dedicated to the craft of redesign and staging. Don't feel intimidated about calling them and asking them questions about expectations. Training is a huge investment and you need to feel comfortable that your investment will satisfy your needs.

As stagers we should insure our hands, they are our most precious tools

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:39:39 -0500

As Real Estate Stagers we should insure our hands... There I was, coming off my high of giving back to back workshops to C-21 Realtors on the benefits of staging...day two, my booth was all set to now speak personnally to the "cream of the crop" as this was the end of year rally to honor top producers. Early, I went to the hotel restaurant to get a liitle protein for my day ahead...was following the hostess when slip,bang bamm..a room full of patrons seeing me do a split and land on my hand. My modesty was my first thought, I had a dress on...O.K. it wasn't over my head...but...ouch my hand sure did hurt. A table full of women in the banking industry scolded the hostess...seems I was the second to fall in the same place within several minutes...I spent the rest of the day in the emergency room. Luckily it is only one broken bone by my wrist..the radius not the worst they've ever seen...but ahhh my youth is fading so even a day later it is throbbing!

It is my right hand..my creative hand, my hand that writes notes, my hand that signs my name, ties bows, that keeps my keyboard flowing with letters on my desktop instead of the hunting and pecking I've now been reduced to...I was proud of my 90 wpm typing skill!

Oh well, good news..it will only be about eight weeks and I'm sure in a few days, my creative side will emerge when the pain subsides and the swelling goes down to find creative ways to do what use to be so easy....

WOW...instead of the ol days where they use to insure models legs, maybe we should get our staging insurers to add our hands! They are one of the most precious of our Real Estate Staging tools!

My swollen fingers and cast...instead of pain pills, I asked for a glass of wine!

Realtors...I already knew stagers were underappreciated in many of your eyes but I didn't expect this!..

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:40:38 -0600

EVERY Tuesday I am scheduled to present the benefits of Real Estate Staging at sales meetings for any company that will allow me to be there. Most Brokers In charge are accomodating in allowing me 15 minutes or more. I absolutely love showing my very "generic" PowerPoint presentation that highlights the value of staging and why Realtors should use Professional Stagers as part of their team and help get the house to SOLD!

Last week, instead of my usual Power Point, I signed up to be with eight various vendors that service Realtors and have the opportunity for the Realtors at that office speak with us individually about our services. We had to donate $75 to the charity of this offices choice...great idea and for a good cause.

So there I stood with my looped presentation showing incredible before and afters...on my computer. There I stood with brochures and business cards and even a cute little "vignette" I created in someones office cubby...waiting. I was put in an odd location behind the food so most people had their backs to me but I did not dispair. I put my colorful logo sign up high and stood out from my cubby. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I actually had someone, with a picture of a property in hand, come to me and begin discussing her dilemma of a vacant, renovated house that had some rooms that probably would be better served with furnishings.

YOU CAN'T imagine how I felt when another Realtor, noticing her colleague talking to me, came over, spun her around in mid sentence and told her not to bother with the cost of staging the property. With her back to me she said it was beautiful and did not need any help! I tried to be polite and intervene. She kept her back to me and walked away...UNBELIEVABLE! I've called and e-mailed the agent with the photo...no response.

Wow! I know that we real estate stagers are usually underappreciated. I know how hard most of us work. I know first hand when we begin averaging the pay to the hours it is below minimum wage. I know how many of us go above and beyond to make a home "showcase" ready. I know my personal standard and how I attempt to create a pro-active relationship with Realtors who use my services and usually become an integral part of their team.

I appreciate Realtors, I even wrote a blog about appreciating them. Heck, I'm even a licensed Realtor...but my passion is helping Realtors and Sellers with the presentation and marketing of the property. I stay an active Realtor so I can be in tune with the temperature of my market.

So, why such disrespect? I have no earthly idea who she was...I really don't think she had any idea who I was. Why not listen and ask questions...if I don't communicate the Why's, How's and Value of Real Estate Staging to you, THEN form an opinion...Just give me and my fellow stagers a chance!

It's that time of year...Trade Show Etiquette...some tips

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:10:05 -0600

Today I was packing up my exhibit, I thought about all I saw wrong at todays show! You see, in a former life I sold portable and modular exhibits. I worked for one the leaders in the industry, The Joan Carol Design and Exhibit Group. Every year we would scour the pages of the planned tradeshows (I told you a former life it was before computers) and select which ones we would attend every month...EVERY MONTH.

If you've ever been an exhibitor you know they can be grueling, exhilirating and packed full of qualified leads...but there is Etiquette involved. Here are a few things we did and a few things you should NEVER do to make your next trade show a success:

LOCATION: Most people when entering a show turn right...it is natural. It is not always easy to get a good spot at a show, especially if it is your first. Usually the same exhibitors return year after year BUT if you can, try to pick an end location AND a location that is not to far from where people are entering. This is especially true at those mega shows.
SPONSORSHIP: Sometimes it is cost prohibitive but being a sponsor helps keep your name on materials for the show, about the show...
Don't give them everything! A flyer, a little information about your company. NOT your entire media/price/kit...You can have some fully packed folders with you for a real hot lead, but it is truly a waste of your money to give them all your information...which will probably be tossed in a corner OR if you're like me life is so busy, you end up not looking at any of it...just the ones you kept on top that you knew you would use.
NEVER SIT OR EVEN WORSE SIT BEHIND A TABLE. You are giving signals to the attendees that you are not interested. We set up our booth to invite the attendee in...not only do we have their undivided attention, we know they are qualified leads because they WANT to be there.
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE: Who is your audience? It usually is beneficial to "mirror" their attire unless you have a "theme" to try to get attention. Also,
Wear comfortable shoes. If your feet hurt from all the standing, you tend to be cranky with the folks you want to impress.
ASK THEM about THEIR needs...in reference to your business. Don't be heavy on the sales pitch to soon.
Have a drawing item. This is a great way to get the leads...but don't just have them toss it in the bowl..try to take it, talk to them for awhile and as they leave...indicate how "hot" the lead was by a number system. You can pull out the #1's as soon as you get home to write a personal note...and get the business.

Don't waste too much money on pencils, pads, key-chains...If you've worked a booth you know that people will reach around and take the shirt off your back if they think it is a givaway! ....A piece of candy maybe...but save the promotional pieces as thank yous or to help engage a qualified lead.

Not etiquette...but Think about the design of your booth...As a staging company I bring in accessories and furnishings to "Set The Stage" . Make it have purpose. On the back of my display I always use blow ups of Before and After, I also create a looped Photo Show of my work and services continually playing.

Trade shows are exhausting and exhilirating. TRADE SHOWS ARE ABOUT NETWORKING, LEADS, BUSINESS SUCCESS!

During this season of Trade Shows...I wish you much success on yours too!

What is Real Estate Staging To You?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:33:25 -0600

In my opinion. Some call it house fluffing, some call it home enhancing and some call it home merchandising...simply put it is getting your house to SOLD!

With over 80% of home buyers starting their shopping online it is imperitive that the photos that your Realtor puts on MLS looks "showcase" ready.

When you sell your home you need to make it memorable! Memorable in a good way!

You have to emotionally detach from the home...it is now a commodity a commodity that you need to package to sell. Seriously, in todays market buyers have much to choose...you don't want them to click to the next listing because you love your macrame hanging on the wall or the "Williamsburg" blue that is so 1980's but that makes you feel happy.

Remember when you stage your house...it is not about you. You now have to package your house to appeal to the most buyers. The way we live and the way we live in a staged home are two different things.

Keep your final goal in mind.... SOLD! Help your Realtor and Stager...listen to their expert advice. You will be so happy you did that first morning, after the sometimes stressful closing, when you wake up in the morning with the birds singing, a steaming cup of coffee in hand and the happy feeling of "newness" in your new home!

Do You Feel the POWER of the Power Point presentation?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:32:36 -0600

I'm the first to admit...I LOVE Power Point presentations. I had been making Photo Shows for my clients as part of the Renewed Rooms Signature Marketing package the day I had my first client over two years ago and started supplementing Power Point slides to show statistics within the show.

Then I attended a masters class with Sandy Dixon and my love for Power Point exploded! We had to create several presentations and present to our group. I used Power Point as my presentation tool and realized it was my key to staying on task with any presentation...especially when the crowd seemed a little intimidating and I was feeling a bit of stage freight.

Power Point is not only an effective visual tool in helping the audience disseminate the information you are sharing...it helps keep me on task with any subject I'm presenting. I stay within my allotted time and always get positive feedback from homeowners and Realtors.

Because of the Power of the Power Point...word has gotten around. I have been invited to share my presentation and am scheduled for Realtors Sales meetings EVERY Tuesday for the next 2 1/2 months! But that's not all...I have also been asked to present a staging workshop at the Century 21 North & South Carolina Sales Rally which will be held March 11 & 12 in Charlotte!

It Works...try it!

Oh No! I disagree with Oprahs's cutie, Nate Berkus...will she hammer her rath?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:22:49 -0600

Oh my gosh, just got my latest National Association of Realtors magazine that just as cute as he can be, Nate gave the Last Word...when posed this statement:

"You encourage sellers to display family photos. Many salespeople urge them to remove person touches." Oh my gosh...know what he said? "I disagree. I like a great story. When you walk into a home, you want to get a feeling for the history and spirit of the space. If you strip a home of its personality, you rob it of what matters most." Oh no, Nate say it isn't so!

When staging never have every family picture, your journey through life highlighting the property!!!! You must remove the sellers imprint! How many ways can I say it? Make it feel like it is the potential buyers home...not the one that's living there now!!!!

I object, I object...please be kind Oprah...Nate is "fantabulous!" I love him too but while my tag line is "making homes memorable", I mean so it will appeal to more buyers not distract them from their purpose by seeing Johnny catching the fish, or the plethora of wedding pictures....

Please Nate, I beg you...talk to some Professional stagers who do this for a living....

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms, N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Stagers Have You Hugged A Realtor Today?

Renee Pratta ~ Renewed Rooms ~ SC (Renewed Rooms) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:15:52 -0600

I just commented on a blog from Jackie Peraza where she was asking for opinions about stagers having the added benefit of being a REALTOR? I am but I don't practice.

As I was conveying my thoughts I remembered why I decided to leave as REALTOR and focus only on Staging. For one I needed to massage the creative side of my brain more...I always dread the CEU's where you have to sit through contracts, laws, acts...not that it isn't important just that I want to hear about color, texture and layering.

I'm not sure if all stagers realize just how hard a "good" REALTOR'S job is. There is such a fine line in not breaking any fair housing or ethics laws especially when your heart is more in the presentation of a home. As a stager it is my opinion you easily have a tendency to "steer" someone just because you love a particular home in a particular neighborhood where you know these folks would love to have their family...that could be construed as the no-no of steering...

Just an innocent comment or fact innocently disclosed can lead to a lawsuit! So stagers GO HUG A REALTOR today! We owe it to those who use us a debt of gratitude. They allow us to "put a bow on the property" and make it memorable while they do the hard core negotiation.