Murrieta Temecula Home Stager Riverside Home Staging - Blog

37106 Formby Court, Murrieta CA 92562 - Stunning Bear Creek Golf Home!!!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:51:56 -0500

Stunning Bear Creek Murrieta Golf Course home located on the 12th tee with great views of the golf course, lake and hills!!!!! For more information contact Susan Dagley/Coldwell Banker 951-314-8499 ------------------------------------------------------ Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage & market homes for the Inland Empire/ Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We currently stage homes in Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities. Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a Riverside County home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Wine Crawl #1 - Leonesse Winery, Temecula CA

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:16:33 -0600

Ok...they say you should blog about what you love and one of my top ten....besides Home Staging is...... WINE!

I currently belong to quite a few, which I love, but I seem to get in a "wine rut" and never branch out.

So I am starting the Temecula Wine Crawl which will force me (haha) to visit other wineries after I deplete my few favorites and entice you to visit and enjoy the Temecula Wine Country.

So let's get going.....

One of my favorite wineries in Temecula is Leonesse Winery. Just getting there is half the fun! You have to drive along De Portola Road which is lined with massive homes,sprawling equestrian ranches and beautiful rolling hills with lots and lots of vineyards.

On my first trip to Leonesse...over 2 years ago....I fell in love with the wine and immediatly joined the Wine Club!! The Wine Pourer Erin was so nice and friendly. There was no wine snob-ness about this one!! :) Over the years I have become friends with the staff and I feel like part of the family! Ok I know what your thinking but I really don't go that often!!

The tasting room is well tastefully done! Beautiful decor, high ceilings and a cozy fireplace with comfy leather couches. What more could you ask for??? Oh yeah.....lots and lots of Leonesse fab vino!

One of the best parts is that as a Wine CLub Member I can visit the winery as many times as I want and taste for FREE!! You heard me right!

Wooo Hooo! In this economy who doesn't need something for FREE! It is really cool that I can also bring up to three guest! Friends, clients, relative, enemies....the more the merrier.

Another perk of the Wine Club is the Barrel Tasting Room.

You take a really cool ride in a golf cart through the vineyards down to the Barrel Tasting Room. I mean you go through rows of vines. It is really a spectacular ride.

Here Mark and I are wine tasting in the Leonesse Barrel Tasting Room with fellow home stager and AR Member Marla & Phil from Burbank who stopped by on there way to Palm Springs. I know...I know...tough life!

Relaxing with a nice glass of Syrah on the back patio is wonderful. It's one of my favorite things to do at Leonesse. I always appreciate how lucky I am to be able to drive only 20 mins away from home in Murrieta, CA and feel like I am in another country. This time France sounds good!

So really.....what are you waiting for??? Isn't it time you got away and stopped to smell the vineyards?

It would be my pleasure to show you some of the gems of the Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Stop and Smell the Vineyards..........................

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Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage & market homes for the Inland Empire/ Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We currently stage homes in Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities.

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a Riverside County home staging consultation!

Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

3 Ponte Chiara, Lake Elsinore CA 92532

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:38:51 -0600

Beautiful View Home located in Tuscany Hills-Lake Elsinore.

At the peak of Tuscany Hills in Lake Elsinore enjoy this wonderful two story, five bedroom, 4 full bath, extensively remodeled Masterpiece.

Approximately 3500 square feet and situated on a 9148 square foot lot.

With only 4 other homes on the cul-de-sac! This neighborhood is a home buyer's dream come true!!

Enjoy postcard perfect views of Canyon Lake, valleys, snow-capped mountains and sunrises over the new heated pool and spa!

Spacious Formal Dining and Living Room await upon entering this beautiful home.

Enjoy the beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the entire 3500 sqft home.

Relax in the Formal Living Room with French Doors that lead out to the huge new patio, pool and spa.

New...new....new!!!!!

This recently remodeled Kitchen contains all new cabinetry, new stainless steel appliances, new sink with new plumbing hardward and granite counter tops.

Large Family Room, that is adjacent to the Kitchen, has been equipped with surround sound and new fireplace.

Great views await from the substantial Master Bedroom and Retreat.

All Four Full Bathrooms have been newly remodeled with cabinets and granite!

The exterior has been completely re-landscaped. The rear yard includes a new heated pool with spa, a very large patio with a massive pergula covering.

Move-in ready Tuscan Villa is reasonably offered at 459,000 - MLS# S563640

This house will be held open on Sundays - 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Interested parties may call Joe at 949-433-7444

Haven't seen enough??? Click here to see our Virtual Tour!

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Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a Riverside County home staging consultation!

Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Happy New Year! Staged Sold Acquaintances not forgot and always on my mind.

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:16:22 -0600

Here are some of 1st Stage's 2008 Homes that were Staged and Sold that will never be forgotten....just happily lived in and always on my mind!

God Bless and Happy New Year to you all!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage homes for the Inland Empire/ Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We currently service Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities. Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Do you ever feel a little awkward whipping out your.............?

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:07:18 -0600

OK AR Member's, do you ever feel a little awkward whipping out your........CAMERA because you saw the potential of a great ActiveRain Localism BLOG about a local shop, restaurant, or event but didn't have the courage to snap away?

Well don't anymore! As ActiveRain member's we are given a great SEO tool thanks to AR to help spread the word about everything and anything in our local communities. I for one will never take Localism for granted again.

Recently I visited a local shop and had an AH-HA Blogging Moment and I wanted to share it with the community....but I was afraid to whip out my camera for fear of the employees or in this case the owner's would wonder what I was up to.....what did I want.....or start dialing 911! Don't ask me why but I always have these guilty feelings.

So after touring the store and meeting the owner's I ASKED (how simple is that!) if they would mind me taking some pictures and blogging about their great local shop. At first they looked puzzled and were unaware of blogging but said "Sure!" I told them I would send them a copy of the blog when it was done. I still think they might have thought "what does she want" but I am glad they obliged.

Boy am I glad I had the courage to ASK and whip it out! :)

The owner's were so happy with my Localism blog they sent me a lovely email thank you.

From one owner............

Thank you so much!!!! Your blog was fantastic! I'm not real computer savvy when it comes to putting together anything like what you did for the shop and really appreciate your blogging our store.

Thanks again, as a mom and pop store off the beaten track we need all the exposure we can get.

Then another owner..........

You wrote a very lovely article about "Jack's Nuts"....I thank you kindly...We appreciate it and are very thankful for all the props that we can get............

I thank you much for paying tribute...You are very kind.

To top it off they sent me another email letting me know that a local realtor stopped in after reading my blog!! How cool is that!

So long blog short, if you haven't had the courage to whip it out and spread the word about wonderful local events, restaurants or shops in your community I dare you to do it now! You will be helping your community and your business! And who doesn't need that? :)

Thanks AR!

1st Stage Property Transformations

I dare to share my 1976 Halloween Costume. Beware- Not Politically Correct!

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:07:25 -0500

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Ahhhhhh the good ole' day's...or were they? Believe it or not I was really proud of these costumes my Dad painted for my best friend Diane and I back in 1976. Cigarettes & Matches! What were my parents thinking??? Could you imaging trying to send your kids to school in these costumes???

Yup...that's me on the left. Aren't I Kool?? How about those fab pants! Hey...how come my Baby Bro wasn't the ashtray? Of course my Big Sis was probably the instigator in this Halloween Fiasco!

Money was tight and using what was available made perfect sense. You should have seen us as we gracefully bumped our way into each other trick or treating door to door.

Ok so these costume's are totally GREEN but not too politically correct! :)

Ok AR Member's......Do you dare to share what you were back in the Good Ole' Days?????

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Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage homes for the Inland Empire/ Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We currently service Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities.

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

GOT WINE??? Harvest Wine Celebration * Temecula Wine Country* November 1 & 2, 2008

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:22:04 -0500

My husband Mark and I have been lucky enough to live in Temecula/Murrieta Valley for 20 years. And over those 20 years we have enjoyed many great local events.

This weekend in Temecula Valley Wine Country is one of our BEST events/traditions held by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association! Trust me, if you are a wine lover you DO NOT want to MISS the Harvest Wine Celebration. Lot's of fun people, yummy food, beautiful views, oh yeah....and GREAT WINE!

You get the opportunity to visit 22 wineries (10am-5pm) once over 2 days and sample great wine and fab food for only $89.00! The toughest part of this event for me is trying to decide which wineries to visit!! Sure you can hit them all up within 2 days (my math tells me that's about 11/day...YIKES) but be sure to have a Designated Driver with you! :)

Don't like crowds......Me neither! Don't worry....Most of the wineries you visit on this 2 day event have special VIP areas exclusively for wine event member's. Ahhhh now I feel special. :) Ok so you can't make it both days...if you are a Local Temecula/Murrieta resident you can pay for Sunday only for $59.00. How cool is that? It's good to a Local! :)

You don't like wine but love good food in a great atmosphere...then sign up as a Designated Driver and pay only $59.00 for the whole weekend. Hey....you'll be cheaper then a Limo and can get other's to hopefully pay your way! :)

OK are you out of excuses yet? ;)

If you can't make it to this fabulous event check out the Winter Barrel Tasting January 26-27, 2008. See I am not taking NO for an answer!!!

For reservations to this weekend's Harvest Wine Celebration call 800-801-WINE, Order Online or purchase tickets at Callaway Winery.

"Don't delay....drink good wine today!"

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1st Stage Property Transformations

Mmmmmmmmmm I finally tasted the HOTTEST nuts!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:21:34 -0500

Yesterday my BFF Laura and I had the pleasure to relax and stroll along the sidewalks of charming Old Town Temecula. We always try to pretend we are on vacation and look through "tourist eyes" which help us explore a little further out of our comfort zone....you know, favorite local restaurants, specialty shops and wineries.

Ha! We were quite the adventurous duo, we had to walk only a few steps off of Front Street...the main drag of Old Town. And boy am I glad we did!

We found a great Old Town Temecula addition when we stumbled into Jack's Nut's! A store full of...you guessed it..NUTS! Located at 42072 Fifth Street, Suite 106, Temecula, CA.

We were greeted by the owner's Claudia & Jack Keaton. A great friendly and helpful couple originally from Michigan and married 38 years. Yes that is no typo! 38 years. Could the secret be something in the nuts?? :)

I was overwhelmed by what I saw when I walked in. I mean I was expecting to see nuts...duh...but this place is like NUT HEAVEN!

Ahhhhh, decisions...decisions...decisions....

Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, cashews. pecans, macadamia, corn nuts....etc. Do you want them salted, smoked, roasted? How about Chipolte, Jalapeno, Toffee, Chili/Lemon, Jalapeno/Ranch, Sour Cream & Onion.....etc! Who knew there could be so many choices!

All of Jack's Nuts are brought into this store NAKED and prepared in their store. You can't get much fresher or better then that! And if you are a fan of HOT...Jack's Nuts are claimed to be "The Hottest nuts in town!" Claudia and Jack were happy to let us sample their...you know...HOT NUTS! They were fantastic.

I am so glad that I was able to find this little NUGGET that has been in Temecula for 3 years. 3 years!!! Sheesh...Where have I been??

I am already planning on doing quite a bit of Holiday shopping at this great local shop.

If you are in the area I highly recommend walking a few steps off the "main drag" and checking out Jack's Nuts. You won't be disappointed. :) Oh yeah did I mention the flavored popcorn.....ahhh nuts! Next time!

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Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Temecula Valley 14th International Film & Music Festival

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:07:17 -0500

Today I am on my way to see some of the wonderful independent films at the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival. Located at The Movie Experience in Tower Plaza, corner of Ynez and Rancho California Road. This event runs daily through Sunday and ticket prices range from individual screening to festival passes, $8-$200.

I have been once before with a girlfriend and we had a blast! Going from one movie to the next trying to fit in as many movies as we could for only $15.00. A total bargain. Not including all the popcorn you will be able to eat in one day!! That may blow your budget! :)

We were able to see comedies, feature films, short stories and even cartoons. At some of the theater's we were able ask questions and hear from directors, producers and even actors of these films. Then we were given score sheets that allowed us to review and vote for our favorite film. A really cool experience.

I will try to report back...and let you know what I find out this year!

If you have some free time this weekend I highly recommend that you attend this wonderful event. If you couldn't get to Sundance this year come to Temecula! You will not be disappointed.

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Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage home for the Inland Empire Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We service Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities.

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

2683 Gusty Way, Banning CA 92220 - Located within Serrano Del Vista

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:46:26 -0500

Beautiful Home in Banning, CA
2683 Gusty Way, Banning, CA 92220
	The Best Value for your money in this Upgraded Home Beautiful Open Floor plan, Nice Stainless Steel Appliances , Ceiling fans, Vaulted Ceilings, Recessed Lighting, Plantation Shutters, Corian Counters, Custom Window Coverings, oversized Master with Retreat, 2nd Bedroom/Office has floor to ceiling custom shelves. The front of the home is all tiled, and the Halls and Bedrooms have Wall to Wall Carpet. Alarm System is also included. Outside is a covered Patio, with gas BBQ hook-up , and a lush landscaped yard. The side (s) of the home are cemented for easy care, as is the bottom of the interior fence lines helping to keep it weed free, and pet safe. The Neighbors state they "love it" when asked about the Neighborhood. One of the larger floorplans in the Neighborhood, on a corner lot with Mountain Views. This home is in a gated 55+ community just minutes from the freeway, shopping, Medical Services and Entertainment. You're 20 minutes from Palm Springs, and 2 hours in either direction will get you to either San Diego or Los Angeles.
Click to View Show
Details		Contact Info
Asking Price: MLS: Sq. Feet: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: # of Floors: Garage Size: Subdivision: Year Built:	205,000 I08021026 1,475 2 2 1 2 Serrano Del Vista 2003		Kathy McGraw California Broker/Celling Realty Dir 951-849-7249 Email Website
Property Amenities
- Range/Oven - Sink Disposal - Full Refrigerator - Microwave - Dishwasher - Fireplace - Vaulted Ceilings	- Security System - Patio - Grass Lawn - Yard - Fenced Yard - Central A/C - Central Heat	- Walk-in closet - Living room - Dining Room - Breakfast nook - Stainless steel appliances - Laundry area - inside
Community Amenities
- Guest Parking - Gated property	- Swimming Pool(s) - Clubhouse	- Tennis court(s)

Home Staged by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage homes for the Inland Empire Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We service Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities.

1st Stage Property Transformations

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Another Day in the Neighborhood!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:15:14 -0500

So today started out like any other normal day UNTIL I decided to take the trash out. Yup....someone has to do it!

As I opened the side garage door I nearly jumped out of my skin when I almost stepped on a RATTLE SNAKE!!! Yup....you read correctly...a "RATTLA" as my husband would call them! Let's back up a little....no coffee yet and after this no coffee needed!

Oh my gosh...what am I going to do? Hubby is out of town......so he can't come to my rescue. My Yorkshire Terror, I mean Terrier, is begging to go outside to my rescue and I am feeling trapped in my own home. So what do I do.....I decide to GRAB MY CAMERA! OK I called a neighbor first but I am always thinking about AR and Blogging! Can you say ADDICTED!

I find my camera and head around to the front of the garage only to see he MOVED!!!

HE IS NOW HEADING INTO MY OPEN GARAGE!!!

Yes, I am yelling.....how many times has my husband told me not to leave the garage door open.

So I take a wide running loop around the snake into the garage and hit the garage button and I watch what seemed like an eternity for the door to close. Hoping it landed on the snake like a guillotine....but no such luck! <----------Look at the SIZE of the RATTLE!!!!

Now I come out the front door to witness this intruder heading back towards my BACKYARD! Where is my neighbor...my HERO???

Living in Murrieta CA near the Santa Rosa Plateau we have witnessed lots of wild life....besides snakes, coyotes, owls, red-tailed hawks, bobcats etc.... So you would think I would be use to this. Nope!

Here is my Hero Mark. The first thing he said was "Wow...that's a Big One!"

After poking it a couple of times with a shovel (Kids....Don't do this at home!) the snake decided to hide and crawled up under my beautiful italian cyprus tree.

Mark decided he needed a better tool/weapon so he asked me to keep an eye on it and he would be right back!

No problem I can handle that! Me and the snake weren't going anywhere!

Mark returned promptly with a pvc pipe with tape wrapped around it and a rope down the middle of the pipe. "That's a cool tool" I said. "I just made it" he said.

Ok this guy means business!!!! :)

Believe it or not....Mark didn't kill the snake. Actually I think he was trying to but the darn guy wouldn't give up! So he told me he was going to throw it into the back of his truck and take it to HIS HOUSE to show it to his boys! Fine by me! Who am I to say not to take "my" snake!!!

Here are some more action shots for your viewing pleasure.

"Ok I know he's in there somewhere!!!!"

Now he's got em'! I know he may look small but he is really really huge! :)

And if you've never heard a Rattle Snake RATTLE....I have to tell you it is really LOUD and sounds really really SCARY!!!

Good Bye Rattla...Don't come back soon!!!!

The moral of this story......you tell me?

1st Stage Property Transformations

Psssssssssst! Look what AR Realtor's are saying about Home Staging and Home Stager's!!!!!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:54:01 -0500

This morning I woke up to find an AR Featured Post by Kathy McGraw, California whom I had the pleasure of working with by home staging her listing in Banning, CA.

Kathy's post Tuesday Truths- Do you really trust other Real Estate Professionals? is a must read about working with and learning from other RE Professionals...and in this case through ActiveRain.

"Professional Respect and Working Together for the common goal of helping the client......Yes 3 Active Rain Members Working together." - Kathy McGraw, Realtor

How sweet is that!!!!! :)

I was humbled and excited by this post and comments from Realtors about Home Staging. Here are a few comments from Kathy's post of what AR Realtors are saying about Home Staging & Home Stager's.

"It is part of all my listing presentation. I give a $350.00 staging credit..." Tatyana Sturm, Colorado

"I'm a big proponent of staging and the concept was foreign to me before I joined AR." Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania

"......oh the art of delegating and relying on expertise!" Lisa Moras, Vancouver

"If you can help a potential buyer visualize a property, I think you are helping him/her." Huiting Zhuang, Rhode Island

"I'm so glad you listened as I know by looking at the photo's it will help the house sell." Missy Caulk, Michigan

"The folks who resist will have to wait longer to sell the home in an already over saturated market!" Russell Lewis, Texas

"When I want something done, I just make sure she (home stager) mentions it to the seller. Teamwork!" Audrey June-Forshey, Maryland

"Good for you to recognize your initial resistance and move past it." Lynn Johnson, Minnesota

"one thing that, to me, is non-negotiable is a staging appointment (we love Val Allocco)." Laurie Mindnich, New York

"I love your idea of getting a stager to tell them. Maybe they'll take it better from someone else." Linda Jandura, North Carolina

"Selling the value of staging presents it's own challenges however I believe it is part of our duty as trusted advisers..." Kathleen Daniels, California

"I have always wondered about staging and am in the process of bringing in a local stager to do a roundtable" Roy Paeth, Illinois

"It makes a huge difference not only in how the house looks on showings, but how the house looks in those all important online photos..." Jennifer Mallory, New York

"a great testimony to active/rain, blogging and staging" Kathy Clulow, Ontario

I hope you enjoy these comments as much as I did. Home Staging is getting recognized more and more through the help of ActiveRain, TV Shows, Education....etc. What really impressed me was that Kathy learned about Home Staging because of ActiveRain. Yahhhhh! Thank You AR for helping to spread the word about the power of networking and home staging!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Missin' the Olympics?

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:55:52 -0500

Happy Friday! Are you bumming cause the Olympics are over? Me too!

I hope this video brings a smile to your face! It did mine. Kick back....Relax and have a great Labor Day Weekend!

1988 Paul Hunt Gymnastics Comedy Beam Routine-----------------------------------

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Miramonte Winery - Summer 2008 Tasting Tour - Temecula, CA

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:13:20 -0500

Recently my husband Mark and I had the opportunity to enjoy two wine tasting events hosted by Miramonte Winery. Talk about fun! If you love wine and good food and who doesn't...then run don't walk to sign up for another one of these great local wine tasting events.

The next event is on September 17, 2008 at Miramonte. We will be blindly tasting Chardonnays with a special cheese tasting by Temecula Cheese Company.

As a home stager I had to get a Before & After shot while at the Cabernet Sauvingon Tasting!

Here are some more pictures from the 2nd Tasting held at Allies Tapas au Vin a newer restuarant located in Temecula. The food was fabulous and complimented many of the wines well.

Don't ask me what we ate.....but it was all soooooo yummy!

As we tasted our cabernet sauvignon flights and devoured this fab food Cane the owner of Miramonte would personally ask us what we thought of each wine. What did we think about the Nose? Was it Acidic? A wine with a noticeable sense of acidity, Closed? A wine that is not very aromatic, etc.........

What did we taste? Was it Round? (A wine that has a good sense of body that is not overly tannic). Firm? A stronger sense of tannins....blah...blah..blah...you get the picture!

There are no right or wrong answers Cane pointed out. He asked us to vote by a showing of hands which was our favorite in each of the 3 flights of wine. We then created a fourth flight of the top 3 winners! Believe it of not "2 Buck Chuck" a famous Trader Joe's vino almost came in first in one of the 3 flights!!!

So it just goes to show you that whether it is a $3.00 bottle or a $159.00 bottle (and there was one!) it all comes down to personal taste. As the saying goes "To each his own"!

I look forward to seeing you at the next event!

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Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

HELLO????!!!! It's called ACTIVErain.......Now I get it. Duh!

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:40 -0500

Ok I didn't think I could do it.....but I did! I did what I thought no Home Stager could do! I stayed away from SIF for 1 week! Whew! I have to admit it was tough.

After posting I will not visit the Stage it Forward Group for 1 week I seriously started to have anxiety. I felt lost in the BIG AR GROUPS WORLD. I was out of my comfort zone. Sure I could have cheated and peaked at Stage It Forward as some Rainer's suggested...but what good would that have done me? I knew I needed to learn more about how AR...this great online networking tool could benefit me and my business.

So off I went, surfing through the jungle of AR Groups I had joined (over 70) and here is what I found and learned.

In Almost Anything Goes Group

August is one of the hottest Months....Protect our Children by Kathy McGraw

This post hits close to home since just this past month I had to call 911 because 2 dogs were left inside a car with only 1 window slightly cracked. It is hard to believe people are still leaving there children and pets in cars on hot or any day!! Wake up please!

In the Photography I learned....

How to Take a Better Exterior Main Photo by Lynn Afton

Who knew I needed to worry about how the window looks from the exterior of a house! As a Home Stager I am always worried about how window treatments look on the inside....but it never dawned on me that from the outside having the blinds up can make the windows look "pitch black" and the home look vacant!

In the Gadgets, Tools & Extras Group I was thrilled to find...

Stumbling around the internet by Rob Wagoner

I don't know about you....but I found ActiveRain by "stumbling around"....so if StumbleUpon.com a site that discovers web sites based on your interests can be as useful as AR I definitely want in!! I even found some of my AR colleagues on SU as they call it. Check it out!

This Group Online Marketing - Tips, Advice, Wisdom is priceless!

We Got Attacked By A Driveby! WARNING! Don't Open The Program! by Nestor & Katerina Gasset

This post was probably the most valuable to me since I am pretty naive about the tech world and all the crazy viruses that can destroy our computers!

Blogging and SEO - This group scared me the most. Not anymore!

SEO Deep Linking From Your Active Rain Blog by Bill Gassett

This post is a must read for anyone that Blogs for Business! It's all about "improper anchor text links" that people....me included....do all the time! After reading this post I was like "DUH" how stupid am I! I immediately starting redoing my links on my posts!!! Lots more still to do.

Ok that's some of my favorite blogs that I ventured out to read while away from my Home Staging Comfort Zone! It was so cool to also see AR Member's whose post I commented on visit my Blog and comment also! Ahhhh..the networking part!

So if you haven't ventured out of your AR Comfort Zone I would like to tell you that you won't be sorry! Just do it......I dare you!

So HELLO....it's called "ACTIVE"Rain! Now I get it! Get Active! Duh! :)

Hmmm...Now which Groups do I post this in?

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Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Paint and Redesign for Wine!!!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:17:30 -0500

Yup! That's right....I got paid in wine!!! Here's the uncorked tale........

Susan & Marshall Stuart owner's of Stuart Cellars Winery were looking for a quick inexpensive change to their winery. So when Susan called to ask me to help choose paint colors and redesign using their current accessories I was thrilled! Trust me...if you know me....you know I will look for any excuse to visit the Temecula Wine Country in Southern California!! Plus Stuart Cellar's is one of my favorite wineries and if I could help the winery to look its best it's a win-win for all!

Susan and I met at one of her favorite Italian restaurants Francesca's Italian Kitchen so that I could see the paint colors and atmosphere she was trying to achieve at the winery. The colors were very Tuscan and I loved them as much as her!

These pictures to the right and left are some of the rooms we were working with.....lots of white walls except for one area that was painted a dated green color with an adjacent wall sponged tan. Susan also wanted to figure out a more attractive way to store the wine boxes that need to be easily available by the cashier. Her goal was to have the Tasting Room to look more like a Tasting Room and not a warehouse.

We spent only a couple of hours choosing colors for each wall and area, deciding how to best store inventory and planning out the best way to rearranging furniture, accessories and items for sale.

Here are a few examples of what was accomplished after two days of painting and redesigning............

A warm and inviting Wine Tasting Room with plenty of open spaces to wander awhile, taste awhile and shop a lot! No more cafeteria look to this hot spot.

Susan and Marshall along with the Tasting Room Staff .......which at first were skeptical watching Susan and I plan our "attack"....... were pleasantly surprised! Local wine club member's were also surprised and happy to visit their new and improved home away from home!

If you are interested in seeing the rest of the transformation and taste some excellant vino.....visit this fabulous award winning winery! It would be my pleasure to show you around the wonderful Wine Country of Temecula. You will not be disappointed! Cheers!

Don't forget to Stop and Smell the Vineyards......

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

29290 Via Norte Road, Temecula CA 92591 - A Meadowview Community Home

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:31:56 -0500

Incredible Meadowview Home, Temecula CA

29290 Via Norte Road, Temecula, CA 92591 View Map

Incredible Meadowview home w/ completely separate office! 4400 sf including office (800sf of living space not permitted) w/ five bedrooms and loft. Private gated entry to a half acre of parklike setting w/extensive hardscape including stacked stone accent & flagstone walkways w/ beautiful mature landscaping thru-out. Absolutely stunning master suite/bathroom, completely upgraded w/elegant travertine counters and shower with glass block accent, jetted tub and master closet w/ darkwood custom organizers. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, kitchen-aid & bosch stainless steel appliances, pull out shelves & rich darkwood cabinets. Other upgrades include hardwood flooring, plantation shutters & beamed ceilings in this fantastic find. The separate office is perfect for the executive who want to work from home or could be converted into a guest house. Property has a 40' covered rv parking space, upgraded steel roof & full length patio cover. All this with amazing views! Lease option OK.

Details

Asking Price:

$799,900

MLS:

T08095087

Sq. Feet:

4,400/E

Lot Size:

24,393/A

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Meadowview

Year Built:

1983

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Marcel Hensley
The Hensley Group, Inc. - Keller Williams

Dir 951-719-0355
Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We stage home for the Inland Empire Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We service Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surronding Riverside County cities. Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a home staging consultation! Don't delay....Home stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Tag Smag....A Play Day in the Rain!

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:39:27 -0500

Thank you George Tallabas and Connie Tebyani for allowing me to play in the Rain.

This one is pretty easy since the questions were supplied.

1. Who is your favorite musical artist? Have to go with The Eagles. They always make me smile & reminisce. Plus you probably can sing along to all of their songs! Sometimes a plus..sometimes not! Ha- ha!

2. Who is your favorite artist? I am an impressionist fan so I have to go with the all time classic Monet. His work is very calm and inviting...like Home Staging!

3. Who is your favorite blogger? Ahhh there are soooo many great bloggers! Jeff Turner Kathy McGraw Marti Garaughty Brad Carroll and of course Craig Schiller! But I could go on an on an on!

4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them? I would have loved to have met my maternal Grandmother. She was an immigrant from Austria and entered the US through Ellis Island. My mother speaks often about what a wonderful person she was and how she died too young.

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a Magician or Artist. Now that I think about it Home Stagers are Magician and Artist. :)

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? Every time I read this one I try to think of something clever to write ....but I can't get out of my mind that little boy from the Jerry Maguire movie that says "Did you know that the human head weighs 8 lbs?" That's all I got!

7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why? Well I was born in the 60's but I would have loved to have experienced the 60's!!! Everything was so free and that's the way I would like to be!!!

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held? It would have to be the one I am doing now - Home Staging. I am always pleasantly surprised with every job! I am constantly learning and growing while helping. Can't get much better then that!

Now I would love to learn more about the fabulous Lori Kim Polk !

1st Stage Property Transformations

A Little Slice of Heaven!

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:21:24 -0500

I have always been a Wine Lover and like to think of myself as an Amateur Wine Connoisseur (aren't we all?). Not a bad thing when you live in California. Always great wineries to visit...relax in and enjoy a wine tasting, glass or bottle! :)

I am lucky enough to live in Murrieta which is about 15 minutes away from Temecula Wine Country which I have nicknamed "a little slice of heaven." I shared my weekend favorite My Weekend Best Kept Secret and now I am ready to share with you my favorite thing to do on Monday!

On Monday's (My day off...kind of!) my best friend Laura and I venture out to a winery and (this is the fun part!) pretend we are in another city, state or country! :) Sometimes its Napa, sometimes France and sometimes its Tuscany! Depending on our mood! We mingle among the tourists and chat with the wine pourer's or if they're not busy the wine maker!

Everyone is happy, no one is in a hurry, the scenery is beautiful, the employees are friendly, the wine(and food...if available) is delicious and if your lucky you can meet and make a new friend! I have met Realtor's and Home Seller's which became my clients at a couple of the wineries!! Wine & Networking gotta love it!

I NEVER take my Monday's off for granted. I am blessed to have a wonderful area to visit and enjoy with my BFF! If you are planning on visiting Temecula give me a call! I would be happy to show you around!

What's your Slice of Heaven??

Do you see why I call the Temecula Wine Country "A little Slice of Heaven?"

Don't forget to Stop and Smell the Vineyards......

------------------------------------

Blog posted by Janice Sutton, Murrieta Temecula Home Stager . We Stage Homes for the Inland Empire Riverside County. Are you looking for a Home Staging Professional? We Home Stage Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Corona, Banning and other surrounding Riverside County cities.

Call us today at (951)704-0597 for a Home Staging Consultation! Don't delay....Home Stage today!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Active Rain, and Referrals, and Blogs...OH MY!!!

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:43:04 -0500

The power of Active Rain and the AR community is amazing. I never thought that searching online and finding AR would be such a blessing to me and so many other AR colleagues.

About three weeks ago I received an email from a home seller that was looking for a Home Stagerin the West Palm Beach area to stage her vacant property. WEST PALM BEACH???? OK, why am I surprised, you ask? Well, I live in Murrieta, CA which is approximately 2,650 miles from West Palm Beach according to Yahoo Maps!

West Palm Beach? Who do I know in West Palm Beach? Right away I thought of AR Home Stager Fernando Rosado owner of Eclectic Home Staging located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Have I ever met him? No. Have I ever talked to him? No. Does he even know who I am? I don't know! But, what I do know is that I feel like I have met him, like I have spoken with him, so I was confident to refer himdue to AR and our posts! Awwwww the power of Internet NETWORKING and the MIGHTY BLOGS!!

Check out what happened HERE after a quick email to Fernando followed up by an email to the home seller and a phone call from Fernando!

A couple of days later I received a phone call from a home seller that was looking to stage his partial vacant-furnished property in Calabasas, CA. Where is that?? Ok, back to my Yahoo Maps. Ok..this one is closer but 115 miles to stage a vacant property is pushing it a little! Once again I knew who to contact due to Active Rain. AR Home Stager Connie Tebyani owner of Platinum Home Staging who I had the pleasure to meet at AR Home Stager Michelle Minch's Professional Home Stagers Networking Get Together in Pasadena in March.

A quick email to Connie and an email to the home seller and VIOLA!! Check out what happened HERE!

Last but not least, I was called by another home seller that needed her vacant home in the Hollywood Hills staged! Ok...maybe I need to move! :)

This time it was easy to quickly refer the seller to none other but the great home stager Michelle Minch owner of Moving Mountains Design.

THREE in one week!!! What would I have done without Active Rain?? I think I can offical call myself the Home Staging Referral Queen of the week!

Do you see where I am going with this? If you haven't taken advantage of the amazing tools here on Active Rain you are missing out on expanding your network and your business. Who knew I would be able to receive and give referrals to home stager's as far as 2,650 MILES AWAY!

I am still in awe and forever grateful to the brillant minds of the AR GODS and my wonderful professional colleagues on Active Rain! Thank You All!

Now does anyone have a home in the Murrieta Temecula Valley they want to stage????? :)

1st Stage Property Transformations

May Good Listings be with You!

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:56:03 -0500

May good listings be with you!

Counting on four leaf clover's to help sell your listings?

Do your MLS listings look better then the competition?

Let us help your listings attract potential buyers..

Don't Delay....Home Stage Today!!!

Contact Janice at 1st Stage Property Transformations of Murrieta Temecula for a free estimate.

Janice Sutton | Home Stager | 1st Stage Property Transformation
Dir 951-704-0597 | Email | Website

1st Stage Property Transformations

Awwww How Cute.......

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:22:02 -0600

But not when you're selling your property!

Homeseller's need to de-personalize and declutter their properties to allow potential home buyer's the opportunity to imagine themselves living in the home. Period.

Unfortunately many homeseller's don't understand why buyer's can't look past the "cute" little added touches.

I reminded this homeowner that he needed to paint over his children's growth chart, handprints and footprints in the laundry room. I understand these are precious memories but he needed to make his property as neutral as possible to appeal to the majority of home buyers. To make it a little easier on him, I advised him to take pictures of these memories before repainting the space. :)

Well, I am happy to report he finally repainted the laundry room. :) How easy was that! Sure he could have added a warmer neutral color and added knobs to make the built-in cabinets "pop". But instead he used the exisiting wall color and spent a small amount of time and money on this home staging project.

Painless and priceless!

Now buyer's can see "the space"....not somebody else's space! Period.

(Now I need to go back and added some accessories!)

This Murrieta, CA property was home staged by 1st Stage Property Transformations. If you are preparing your home for sale please contact Janice at 951-704-0597 or email janice@1ststage.net for a free home staging estimate.

1st Stage Property Transformations

31131 Kahwea Road, Temecula CA 92591 - A Meadowview Community Home

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:12:43 -0600

Distinguished Meadowview Home!

31131 Kahwea Road, Temecula, CA 92591 View Map

3200 sf,4 bedrooms + office,3.5 ba,3 car garage on over an acre of fully landscaped grounds! Upgrades include granite kitchen counters,travertine with granite inlays & upgraded carpeting! Other features include crown moulding, window casings,upgraded baseboards, mirrored closet doors, neutral paint, granite counters in bathrooms, recessed lighting, double oven, built-in cook top, and ceiling fans. Enjoy the park like settings with fruit trees, kids play area with a swing set, gazebo, and lots of lush landscaping!

Offered by Marcel Hensley of Keller Williams Temecula (951) 719-0355

Details

Asking Price:

799,000

MLS:

H734276

Sq. Feet:

3207

Lot Size:

1.01

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Year Built:

1997

Contact Info

Janice Sutton
Home Stager

Dir 951-704-0597
Email | Website

1st Stage Property Transformations

Sing it with me "R-E-S-P-E-C-T....find out what it means to me!!"

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:33:39 -0600

I wanted to share with my AR Home Staging colleagues something that may help your days go smoother when you are out of your office but you need a desk to work at, time to organize between appointments, time to relax or time to just look at some fabulous furniture! :)

After our Stage It Forward Round Table at Brook Furniture Rental in Newport Beach, CA I received a lovely email from Teri Nelson the District Sales Manager:

I enjoyed meeting you at the Stager's Round Table. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to host your group. What a great bunch. I was struck by the great amount of business savvy that these stagers have and the many contributions they were able to make to a very productive discussion.

I was sincere when I made the offer for your group to use our showrooms as a "pit stop" whenever needed. We can always offer a comfortable chair, a place to plug in a computer, desk top work space and probably a cup of coffee too! "

Brook Furniture Rental is a wonderful company with friendly & extremely helpful customer service and excellant furniture. What more could you ask for?

I was truly touched by this email. I finally believe Home Stagers are getting a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Just a little bit......:) This is only the beginning of a lot more to come for the Staging Industry! Wooo Hoooo!

Enjoy the Show!! These girls are great!

1st Stage Property Transformations

Warning...this blog may make you smile...which will give you wrinkles!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:30:22 -0600

I saw this on YouTube this morning and it made me smile so I wanted to share it with the rest of the AR Baby Boomer's.

Living in Southern California can be difficult. Advertisements regarding face lifts, Botox, tummy tucks, breast implants, etc.... are rampant. What ever happened to growing old gracefully? People spending tons of money trying to maintain there youth. I say enough already! Forget Anti-aging.....think Pro-aging.

OK that's my rant. Now relax....smile....and embrace your wrinkles.

1st Stage Property Transformations