Home Staging Rockland County NY

New Home Staging company in Rockland County NY

Maureen Maureen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:51:49 -0700

The Staging Prince is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its homeowners’ consulting business — preparing and presenting homes for sale in the lower Hudson Valley. Based in Rockland County, The Staging Prince’s goal is to maximize the homeowners’ equity on sale.

The Staging Prince is also pleased to announce its affiliation with veteran staging consultant Maureen Henry of Rockland Home Staging (who wrote these blog posts). Ms. Henry, through her vision of what will grab a buyer’s imagination, lit the way to a sale for many Rockland homeowners. Now she is moving on to a career in teaching and passing the torch to Jerry White of The Staging Prince.

“The Staging Prince’s timing is excellent,” Ms. Henry noted, “since the value added by staging (beyond simple decluttering) is becoming recognized in Rockland as it has been in Westchester. Many agents recommend that their clients hire a professional stager because staged houses typically sell faster and for more money than unstaged ones. Buyers’ agents like to show staged homes because they can count on their looking good.”

“I expect that professional staging consultations will become de rigueur in Rockland,” Mr. White said, “and that agents will offer to sponsor them to help them win listings. Some Rockland brokerages now pay for initial staging consultations as part of their listing service, splitting the modest cost with the listing agent on closing. Any further costs for needed home repairs, upgrades and staging itself is paid for by the homeowners, an investment that will pay off for the seller in a better price and a faster sale.”

While it is advantageous for homeowners to stage their home before the first open house so it will be 100% ready to show, The Staging Prince will also provide consultations after listing, focusing on barriers to sale.

Call The Staging Prince today to get started 845-875-4561 or 201-505-0005.

Clutter eats equity

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:29:38 -0700

I tell clients all the time that clutter eats equity. The best way to illustrate my point is with a simple before and after photo:

If clutter is keeping buyers from seeing the potential in your home call Rockland Home Staging today. We can help you weed through the clutter and get your home sold.

Rockland Home Staging
(845)731-9510

Name that photo - Extreme close up!

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:31:03 -0700

This is an extreme close up of an item you've probably all seen. Can you figure it out?

So help me out here and hazard a guess. I think it might be too easy.

Oh my, a Barny Dining Room Transformation

Maureen Maureen — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:03:13 -0700

Sometimes transforming a room is as simple as adding a coat of paint $50, Replacing the lighting $50 and decluttering $0. You don't need a ton of artwork, accessories and distractions. Staging is about showcasing the space, the floors, windows and architectural details. In the after pictures below the space is the star.

BEFORE AFTER

Call Rockland Home Staging for to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Let us take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale. (845)731-9510.

Curb appeal transformation - is it worth the money?

Maureen Maureen — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:17:53 -0700

You be the judge:

Exterior Front Before: Exterior Front After

Here is a close up of the garden:

The after photo does not even do the landscaping justice. There is a lovely Japanese Red Maple and a Weeping Cherry tree along with various red and green shrubs.

Home staging really begins at the curb. This is a lovely home but before you could not even appreciate how pretty it is because of the overgrown trees in front. With a minimal investment this home has turned into a swan. The total cost for ripping out the old trees, installing more than 15 new trees and shrubs, planting flowers, edging and mulching the garden was only $1600. This 5 bedroom colonial is due to hit the market on Monday. Hopefully it will sell quickly. The inside is just as pretty as the exterior!

If you are selling your home in Rockland County NY contact Rockland Home Staging to help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale. (845)359-5112.

No cost Home Staging

Maureen Maureen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:59:22 -0700

Sometimes home staging is just a matter of rearranging the furniture to make the space appear larger and more aesthetically pleasing. Rockland Home Staging recently did a consultation with the owner of a one bedroom condo. The unit was overpowered by the large entertainment center and bulky furniture. We had a budget of $0 for this project. I was called in to to a consultation and the homeowners did all the heavy lifting! Here are the results.

The photos on the left are the actual MLS photos, mine are on the right. I think choosing a good angle and having a wide angle camera also help.

BEFORE AFTER

By separating the entertainment center and placing the two pieces on the side of the windows we really maximized the space. The hutch that was to the right of the window fit perfectly in the entry that was previously bare. Even with no budget staging can make a difference.

If you would like to schedule a home staging consultation call Rockland Home Staging at (845)731-9510. We'll help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale.

Fasten your seatbelt, you are now leaving 1970

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:04:02 -0700

Many of the homes in Rockland County NY were built in the late 1960's and early 1970's and have not been updated since. Thes homes are often characterized by dark paneling, velvet couches, matching custom window treatments and brass fixtures. While these furnishings may have been perfect for the 70's they hold no appeal for today's young buyers.

Sometimes all it takes is a coat of paint, a slip cover and a few throw pillows to update this look of the home. This home was transformed for under $400.00. These simple inexpensive changes have brought this home into the 21st century.

Home staging does not need to be expensive to create dramatic results. At Rockland Home Staging we will work within your budget. in most cases we can work with things you already own to create a look that will appeal to a broader range of home buyers.

Call Rockland Home Staging today to take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale. (845)731-9510.

YouPublish.com New Home Staging Group ~ Share your files, forms or photos

Maureen Maureen — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:07:52 -0700

Have you guys heard of You Publish.com? It is a way to share any files, eBooks, movies, pictures or any type of file you can think of. It is kind of like eBay for files.

Youpublish just came out with a Group Feature. It makes it easier for people to share information. Stagers can post articles, forms, power points, word documents and even jpg files. You can give them away for free or charge for them. You can offer things for as little as $1.00 or name your price. This could be a great resource for stagers to share materials they have created. I think it could be almost like a home staging training company without the affiliations.

The home staging group home is here:

You can join by visiting youpublish.com/referredby/rhsmoe.

I posted this a while ago when I first found out about Youpublish:

I created a home staging presentation designed for stagers to teach classes for Realtors®. It was originally intended for a typical three hour continuing education class - it is 35 pages in length. I teach these classes through my local board of Realtors®. Agents are required to take a number of classes to maintain their real estate license. The home staging class is one of the most popular classes offered by our local board of Realtors®. It blows doors on the Mold Class!!!

It can be hard to come up with enough material to teach a three hour class and speaking for that length of time can be intimidating. This PP has all the facts you need and will help you stay on track. There are little breaks built in where the agents play a little staging game called: Stage that Room. It works out great because it gets the audience involved so the stager is not talking through the entire thing.

This PP is fully customizable and there is space for your logo and tagline. Stagers can also shorten it to accommodate 20 minute office presentations or hour long library programs.

All the work has been done for you. Here is a sample page. Check it out at : youpublish.com/rhsmoe.

Have something you'd like to sell on You Publish? Join here: youpublish.com/referredby/rhsmoe, I do get credit for referring people.

Do granite counter tops emit radon gas???

Maureen Maureen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:07:16 -0700

I was just reading Todd Clark's blog where home buyers did not want to purchase the home because it had granite counter tops. The buyer said that granite can give off radon. At first I thought it was one of those urban legends or an exaggerated tale that happens one in a million, but the dangers may not be so far fetched.

The Marble Institute of America reports that “radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth’s crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.”

In 2008 the Marble and Granite Institute of America conducted their own study and found granite counter tops do emit radon and some colors have a higher change of radon leakage than others. Crema Bourdeaux has the highest radon levels followed by Tropic Brown and Baltic Brown. Most manufacturer will say that these gasses will be dissipated by the home's ventilation system. As you can imagine the debate of the safety of granite counter tops in the home gets pretty heated. You can read the study HERE in PDF format.

All natural products, especially stone, minerals, and sand, contain trace amounts of some radioactive elements called NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Mineral) that can produce measurable amounts of radiation and sometimes radon gas. It has been said that there is no more threat from granite than from the air outside. Read article.

If you are planning on installing granite counter tops in your kitchen you can check with the manufacturer. Many are advertising radon free counter tops. If you already have granite counter tops in your home you can purchase a kit to test the radon levels. There are several available on the market.

When it comes right down to it I think people could find a possible environmental threat almost anywhere.

This subject is fairly new to me so if you have any more information or opinions I'd love to hear them.

Home Staging Quiz from NAR

Maureen Maureen — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:20:08 -0700

I recently went into a home where an agent had given the homeowners some Home Staging tips. She told the clients to take everything off the kitchen counters leaving them bare. She suggested painting the house a nice neutral white and using spray to neutralize the odor in the home.

Sometimes a little knowledge can be dangerous.

There is more to home staging than getting rid of the clutter and neutralizing the home. No one wants to live in an institutional setting with no warmth or personality.

Professional home stagers are trained in current decorating trends as well as proven home staging techniques - in most cases it helps to hire a professional.

If you think you are ready to give home staging advice or stage your own home try taking this quiz from the National Association of Realtors. It a simple 10 question quiz.

TAKE THE QUIZ

If you are considering home staging and live in the Rockland County NY or Bergen County NJ area call Rockland Home Staging today. We will take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale. (845)731-9510.

So... how did you do? Feel free to post your scores in the comments!

Staging a 9 year old boy's head - Locks of Love

Maureen Maureen — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:49:24 -0700

Locks of Love

Brendan Henry, age 9 decided almost 3 years ago to grow his hair for locks of love. The mothers of two of his school pals lost their hair while battling cancer. This left a deep impression on Brendan - luckily today both of his friend's moms are healthy.

It has not always been easy and he has been called a girl more times that he can count but it was all worth it.

If you or anyone in your family would like do donate hair to Locks of Love you can visit them on the web at LocksofLove.org. The hair needs to be 10 inches in length.

From Brendan and all of the Henry's we wish you a healthy and happy year.

Summer Reading - Take a Book Vacation

Maureen Maureen — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:44:12 -0700

I just finished reading Serpent Box by Vincent Carrella. If you are looking for something completely different to read this summer look no further.

Here's my Amazon Review:

Reading Vincent Carrella's book is like taking your soul on a mystical backwoods Appalachian retreat. The "Holiness" people have a religious schema that includes drinking poison and handling deadly snakes. It is hard to imagine a life where religion permeates all aspects of life. Carrella paints a picture of rural life where the magic can be found in everyday things and faith is part of everything. The characters are vivid and enlivened with a lyrical voice that leaves you thinking about them throughout the day. In the end I didn't know whether to feel sorry for them or envy their pure faith.

The story and the writing are filled with grace, power, and beauty.

Serpent Box on Amazon.

Go out and get the book!!!

I'd love to hear what you guys are reading. I'm always looking...

There's something about red...

Maureen Maureen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:54:47 -0700

Buying a home is an emotional process and color effects emotion. Using red in a home can add the drama needed to evoke that emotional response in potential buyers. Red is the color of passion and energy. Using red in the bedroom creates a rich look that buyers will respond to. Red also looks great in photographs. The rooms with red accents will stand out from the sea of beige on MLS.

Both of the above bedrooms were staged using the things the homeowner already had on hand. Home staging does not need to be an expensive process. At Rockland Home Staging we will work with what you have to create a space that will be warm and inviting. Why not take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale and call Rockland Home Staging today (845)731-9510.

A day in Williamsburg Brooklyn

Maureen Maureen — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:53:46 -0700

Yesterday I had a great day in NYC. I spent the day in Williamsburg Brooklyn. First we went to the world famous restaurant Peter Luger Steakhouse. If steak were a religion Lugers would be the holy grail!

Then we walked across the Williamsburg Bridge. I have always wanted to walk across a bridge so now I can cross that off my to do list!

Then we went to see a concert in McCarren Pool. It was once a huge city swimming pool that is now being used as a concert venue it can hold up to 5000 people. The Band is set up on the deck and the fans are actually in the pool. It was really interesting. We saw gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello - they played their hearts out and the fans danced for hours. They were later joined by Manhattan Somba. It was a fantastic show.

Here is an excerpt of American Wedding shot at the concert.

It is the summer concert and festival season in NYC there is so much going on and not enough time to enjoy it all.

Send OUT the clowns

Maureen Maureen — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:13:13 -0700

There has been a lot of talk in SIF lately about what works for home staging, the rooster debate rages on... One thing I know for sure is that clowns (I'm going to go out on a limb here and say) NEVER work. They are on of those decorating trends that are at the same time dated and creepy. What about staging with a touch of whimsy you might say? Nope, there is no way to work around them... they've just got to go.

This is the front entry to a condo I just finished staging. I was working with a $0 budget, but luckily I found these paintings tucked in a closet. (the very same closet where the clowns now reside).

Clown and guru are a single identity: the satiric and sublime side of the same higher vision of life. ~ Theodore Rozak

Are you my Mother? A survival story...

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:12:21 -0700

It was one of those perfect spring days when everything is brimming with life, the sun was shining, bees were buzzing and life seemed perfect. Looks however can be deceiving... little did we know that a life and death battle was being played out on this idyllic day.

I happened to see a robin fly into the sewer grate, which seemed an odd site. I watched it make several trips to the grate when I decided to investigate. At first I could see nothing there but what one might usually expect, as I was about to leave I heard a small forlorn 'tweet'. I looked closer and among the leaves, sticks and debris was a tiny baby bird. It was a pathetic site that tugged at my heartstrings.

I ran to my garage to get a rake to try to retrieve the helpless creature. With the mama bird watching from a nearby tree, I raked up a bunch of leaves under the baby bird and began raising it to the surface. I was worried that half way up it would panic and jump into the water below but he was so calm, it was almost like he knew I was there to help. When I got it to the top it hopped into my hand and shut its little eyes. The poor thing was exhausted.

I placed the baby bird in a nearby tree and the mother immediately came down and perched next to it. Both mother and child had survived to see another day. I felt at one with the universe, everything was in order and the day was once again filled with promise.

So you might be wondering why I'm sharing this fine feathered tale today... not really sure. It just makes me think that if you are really paying attention you can, once in a very great while, be at one with nature and become the hero in your own little story. How many times can you say, "I saved a life today." Not nearly enough. Peace out...

Slip covers help give rooms an updated look!

Maureen Maureen — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:10:16 -0700

I just finished staging a beautiful home that just needed a few finishing touches. The living room and family room appeared dated because of the gold crushed velvet couches. I purchased SureFit Slip Covers at Bed Bath & Beyond for $198. These slip covers are fantastic!!! They are like Spanks for furniture. The sofa and love seat were small in scale and had a very low back and narrow arms so I was a little woried how they would fit. It turned out perfectly. Don't you just love a happy ending?

The home is in a beautiful family neighborhood and just needed a gentle nudge to appeal to the under 35 set. The home goes on the market tomorrow and will hopefully sell quickly.

You Publish.com / Home Staging Power Point

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:05:00 -0700

Have you guys heard of You Publish.com? It is a way to share any files, eBooks, movies, pictures or any type of file you can think of. It just launched today. It is kind of like eBay for files. You can join by visiting youpublish.com/referredby/rhsmoe.

I just created a home staging presentation designed for stagers to teach classes for Realtors®. It was originally intended for a typical three hour continuing education class - it is 35 pages in length. I teach these classes through my local board of Realtors®. Agents are required to take a number of classes to maintain their real estate license. The home staging class is one of the most popular classes offered by our local board of Realtors®. It blows doors on the Mold Class!!!

All the work has been done for you. Here is a sample page. Check it out at : youpublish.com/rhsmoe.

Have something you'd like to sell on You Publish? Join here: youpublish.com/referredby/rhsmoe, I do get credit for referring people.

Does your local home stager generate leads and make you $$$...

Maureen Maureen — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:07:36 -0700

Does your local home stager work for you?

Referral business:
Stagers often work with homeowners before they put their home on the market. Most often when clients hire Rockland Home Staging for a consult it is the first step in the real estate process. They often ask for advice when choosing an agent. I work with several real estate agents in Rockland County on regular basis and would recommend them without reservation. The homeowners are glad to get an agent that comes highly recommended by someone in the real estate industry.

Converting FSBO's
I work with a lot of FSBO clients. I help them with the staging, photography and virtual tours for their home. Many of these clients are reluctant to list with an agent because they have had a bad experience in the past. I discuss the NAR statistics on homes sold by owner and that they sell for much less than those sold with an agent so they are really not saving any money and may waste time and energy in the process. A lot of the time it just takes a second party recommendation for the FSBO's to be confident they are making the right decision when choosing an agent.

Generating Leads
I always have my ears open for people selling their homes. Whenever I am out and hear that someone is thinking of selling I always give them my card and tell them I know some great real estate agents that are trustworthy and will help them with a smooth sale.

Expired listings
Stagers also work with clients that have had their homes on the market for months with no interest. Usually by the time they find me they are ready for a change. They want the home staged and listed with a different agent or company. I help them choose the right agent.

Shorter time on the market and higher sale price
The last reason to patner with your local home stager is that your listings will sell faster and for more money.

Partnering with stagers
Partnering with local home stagers is a win, win situation. Don't you think it is time to call your local home stager to see how you can increase your business.

What do you think?
Stagere, please share your stories about how you are working with real estate agents. I am also curious how Realtors® are using stagers to grow their business. I'd love to hear your stories.

FREE Home Staging Consultation

Maureen Maureen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:13:46 -0700

Free Home Staging Consultation

Sounds too good to be true right???
Well it isn't. Rockland Home Staging has partnered with local real estate agents that are willing to pay the fee for a two hour home staging consultation.

What is the catch?
No catch - the consultation is absolutely free. There are several agents in Rockland County NY that are willing to pay the fee for a home staging consultation as part of their listing process. When you list with one of Rockland Home Staging's partner agents you are entitled to a free two hour consultation with a professional home stager.

What are the benefits?
There are thousands of homes on the market in Rockland County NY and the real estate market is slow. Having your home professionally staged will ensure that your home sell quickly and for more money. According to recent statistics, homes that have been staged sell for 6.3% more than the competition and in half the time.

What are the risks?
There are no risks to having a home staging consultation. A representative from Rockland Home Staging will visit your home and discuss inexpensive changes that can be made to the home to make it more appealing. Home Staging is point of sale marketing for your home. You can choose to implement all or some of the suggestions made by the stager according to your budget and time constraints.

How do I get started?
Just contact Maureen Henry at Rockland Home Staging today. She can help you navigate the often confusing and stressful real estate market. Rockland Home Staging can help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale.

Which home do you think buyers would rather purchase?

Call Rockland Home Staging today (845)731-9510 or visit us on the web at: RocklandHomeStaging.com .

Sending out your spring curb appeal tips / marketing

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:18:26 -0700

Real Estate shows just came out with a spring template. It is so pretty and Jeff Turner has even provided flower photos to populate the RES. You can read more about that on the RES BLOG.

Real Estate Shows flyers are a fantastic way to keep in touch with Realtors and clients and give them a few spring curb appeal tips. I have sent out RES Flyers a few times and they are always well received. I usually get emails back from agents that I have not seen in a while saying they are glad to hear from Rockland Home Staging. They are a great way to stay in touch. It is all about how marketing yourself!

If you have created a spring RES or flyer please link it in the comments. If you want to use mine as a guide that's fine too!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!!

Rockland Home Staging in the News

Maureen Maureen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:39:53 -0700

Recently I was interviewed for an article in Hudson Valley Magazine. The article is entitled

What’s Your House Worth Now?

By Karen Maserjian Shan

The article focuses on housing trends in the Hudson Valley and how to complete a successful real estate transaction.

I was honored to be quoted in the article and hopefully this will bring some much needed awareness to staging in Rockland County and the surrounding areas in the Hudson Valley. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Set the Stage for Success

Putting your home on the market? Before you do, you may want to consider hiring a professional home stager. Maureen Henry, of Rockland Home Staging shows home owners how to present their houses in the best possible light. Doing so, she says, draws serious buyers willing to pay top dollar. “The goal of staging is to make the home shine,” she says. Read on...

The before and after photo included in the magazine is not published online. They before and after they chose to include is of the bedroom below:

If you are considering placing your Rockland County NY home on the market please contact Rockland Home Staging first. We can help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale (845)731-9510.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall . . . You've just got to GO !!!

Maureen Maureen — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:25:29 -0700

When putting our Rockland County NY home on the market for sale it is important to get rid of anything that is going to date the home, even though these design choices were all the rage at one time. Sometimes the things that were so expensive to install at the time are the exact things that date a home and mirrored walls are definitely out, especially smoked mirror.

It was once thought that mirrors on a wall made the room look larger. After having spent the last few years removing mirrors from homes it seems to me that the rooms actually look larger once the mirrors are gone. Wall to ceiling mirrors in a room reflect everything, the clutter, excess furniture, dated light fixtures, the hallways and adjoining rooms. This wall to ceiling visual clutter overwhelms most rooms.

Consider these examples:

These transformations were further enhanced with accessories, paint and lighting changes. Each was done on a tight budget and homeowners own furnishings were used whenever possible.

If you are listing your Rockland County NY home for sale call Rockland Home Staging first. We will help you get your home ready for sale. (845)731-9510.

Rockland County NY Photos

Maureen Maureen — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:19:59 -0700

Rockland County NY

Rural charm only minutes away from NYC. This county shines from the Piermont Pier to Bear Mountain. River views, arts and entertainment, historic sites and fabulous shopping - Rockland County has it all.

The Tappan Zee bridge is the gateway into Rockland County. This cantilever bridge is over 4 miles long and was constructed in 1955.

Rockland boasts some of New York State's best school districts, parks, playgrounds and golf courses.

The Palisades Center Mall is located in Rockland (aerial photo below). It is the Second largest mall in the US. It is 3,500,000 square feet in size and three floors. You could spend days in the mall.

There are enough activities in Rockland County to keep almost anyone entertained.

If you enjoy fine dining, world class shopping or relaxing by the river, Rockland County NY has something to offer.

Real estate in Rockland County NY is affordable and the area offers every convenience. It is suburban living only minutes from Manhattan.

If you are looking to move to Rockland or if you are considering selling your Rockland County NY home. Contact Rockland Home Staging, we can help you with all your real estate needs. We partner with local real estate agents, contractors and moving companies so your real estate transaction will be smooth and less stressful.

Call Rockland Home Staging today to see how we can help you. (845)731-9510.

Under $300 vacant bedroom transformation

Maureen Maureen — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:07:25 -0800

This room was "Furnished" for under $300. It is important to furnish vacant rooms to give buyers a sense of scale. Before putting the bed in this room it did not appear large enough to be a bedroom. I think it is an optical illusion that empty rooms appear smaller than when they are furnished. The goal of home staging is to put in just enough elements to give potential buyers an idea of how things will look and were look best.

Blow up mattresses -    $65
Bed Set -    $90
Pillows    $30
End tables -    $35
Lamps -   $40
Faux Headboard -    $15

Total: $275

Not bad for an entire bedroom.

The home was put on the market on a Monday, it sold on Thursday. If you would like your Rockland County NY home to sell quickly call Rockland Home Staging (845)731-9510. We can help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale.