Marina's Blog

OK, I'm cutting to the chase! DEAR REALTOR...

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:52:33 -0500

I'm happy to see (or hear) that many Realtors are getting more and more interested in Home Staging. Many claim they just don't know enough about how it all works and how to present it to their clients.

Not wanting to leave it to the Agents to google a home stager in their area and give us a call I ask...

DEAR REALTOR, What is your preferred way for us to get in touch with you?

-Cold calling...after my one and only hang up - I decided to find another avenue (Thanks G.P)

-Open Houses...I liked this method and have gained a client from it, but can only hit them on Sundays in my area. Not great for reaching a large number of you.

-Blogging...Also have earned a client this way, but a little too passive for me and many Agents still do not actively blog in my area.

-Flyers in your mailboxes...have delivered hundreds

-Referals are always good, but again...Passive.

-Calling directly...Please tell me if I'm wrong here - But I don't feel right calling your office and having you paged.

So DEAR REALTOR...how can I reach you so that we can chat and I can show you how you could benefit from my services? Coffee is on me!

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Should Every Realtor that lists a home at least do this...Pickering Home Staging Before and After

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:45:30 -0500

Consultations can be a powerful tool when selling your property. I truly believe that every home that is going to be listed should have a Professional Home Stager in to do a consultation on the property. The difference will wow the Realtors, their Clients and the buyers.

All this was achieved in a weekend because of a savvy Pickering Realtor, a motivated home seller, a Professional Home Stager and the minimal cost of a Consultation.

The Benefits of a CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign Consultation

• affordable

• prioritized recommendations

• easy to achieve results

• stunning transformations

• comprehensive road map

• CRE-A-TIVE ideas

• can eliminate "reduced price" negotiations

• do-it-yourself road map

• detailed report Immediately following consultation

• created using what you already own

• value packed

• can eliminate the nuisance of "repeated showings"

• helps you to stand out from the other homes listed

• makes for great MLS photos

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

So many changes...HELP

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:26:14 -0600

I have been reading many posts on how AR has been changing. Sometimes on a daily basis. My big question of the day is -

How do you get your picture and stats to show up on comments. I'm usually pretty good at figuring this stuff out...but I'm stuck on this one.

ANYONE??? Please :)

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Interior Design Show - Photos - Part 2

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:52:14 -0600

I'm glad you enjoyed the photo's from Interior Design Show Part 1

So as promised here is Part 2...some of my fav's.

As you know, IDS 09 was held in Toronto

This is for Ms. Finnamore, she loves the Chair Source and I just love these GHOST CHAIRS.

Also from the Chair Source, this awesome Chrome Stool. Fell in love and sooo comfortable.

Isn't it beautiful? Price tag...a mere $599 (lol). Also, I just loved the flooring they used.

For the guys...the ultimate fitted garage complete with flat screen.

Love the white books.

How about this? Rustic meets bling...hmmmm

Jetson's ?

That's one commanding light.

This wall display spoke to me. Too bad it wasn't hyphenated "cre-a-tive" as in

cre-a-tive Staging & Redesign

Until next year!

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Interior Design Show - Photos - Part 1

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:07:19 -0600

Toronto's 2009 Interior Design Show didn't disappoint. Below are some of the highlights.

The amazing Princes' Gates entering the CNE grounds.

IKEA - Ticket Booth

How about these stainless sinks?

These shower doors were awesome...they slid open using an industrial style pulley.

Ultra funky desk.

The KRUPS stage...designer talks with CityLine's Eric McClelland.

Black & White Bedroom.

I love the "Studio Style" lamp from the room above.

I'll be posting more photos in another post...Interior Design Show PART 2 showing some cool lighting and chairs.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Need Some Fabulous Inspiration? IDS/09

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:33:01 -0600

The Interior Design Show/IDS 09 is Canada's largest contemporary design event and it is that time of year again.

WHEN: February 5-8, 2009

WHERE: Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Boulevard on the grounds of Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada.

This year promises to be a great event. Trends, ideas, new products. Get Glam with Brian Gluckstein takes place on Sunday.

Here are some pictures I took at last years IDS 08.

Our very own Designer Guys:

Canada's own Sarah Richardson:

House & Homes Linda Reeve's Room: (In person this space was to die for)

I fell in love with this table:

New Trends:

Urban Barn:

As you can see there is a ton of inspiration, some amazing celebrity designers, talks, seminars, and even a Professional Trades Day.

Hope to see you there!!! This year's photos can be seen here.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

I'm not staging naked anymore!!!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:04:57 -0600

That's right. My goal was to no longer stage naked by the start of 2009. For those that don't know..."staging naked" is staging with no formal training. It did get your attention though didn't it?

I'm proud to say I am now a C.S.P. (Canadian Staging Professional) graduate.

After painstakingly researching various training options, I came to the conclusion that C.S.P was the only way to go (for me). It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I was lucky to have the wonderfully inspirational Christine Rae as my teacher. The information shared filled in all the holes I imagined I was missing. Thank you Christine for sharing your expertise.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

I'm not staging naked anymore!!!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:02:43 -0600

That's right. My goal was to no longer stage naked by the start of 2009. For those that don't know..."staging naked" is staging with no formal training. It did get your attention though didn't it?

I'm proud to say I am now a C.S.P. (Canadian Staging Professional) graduate.

After painstakingly researching various training options, I came to the conclusion that C.S.P was the only way to go (for me). It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

I'm not staging naked anymore!!!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:47:11 -0600

That's right. My goal was to no longer stage naked by the start of 2009. For those that don't know..."staging naked" is staging with no formal training. It did get your attention though didn't it?

I'm proud to say I am now a C.S.P. (Canadian Staging Professional) graduate.

After painstakingly researching various training options, I came to the conclusion that C.S.P was the only way to go (for me). It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

THE ART OF REDESIGN - BEFORE & AFTER - Give the gift of a room makeover!

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:52:06 -0600

Redesign is a service provided by many home stagers. It is incredible how affordable it is to hire a professional stager/redesigner to come in and completely transform a space on a budget. Many people want "the look" but can't afford an interior decorator.

Below is a recent CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign transformation. This room was a true redesign using the homeowners things with the exception of a few key purchases.

Fresh coat of paint: $33.00

Stunning Crystal Chandelier: $89.00

Beautiful Glistening Wreath: $19.99

White Mat: $6.99

Luxurious White Throw: $21.99

Transformation: PRICELESS

How to pull it all together: One call to CRE-A-TIVE STAGING & REDESIGN.

Before... Tired, drab, unwelcoming.

The CRE-A-TIVE Difference... White on White. Luxurious, warm and inviting!

GIVE THE GIFT OF A ROOM MAKEOVER THIS SEASON.

Marina Vazzana is the Owner and Lead Consultant of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. Serving Oshawa, Courtice, Whitby, Pickering, Ajax, Bowmanville, Durham Region and G.T.A.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

905-245-0272

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

STAGING POLL - The results are in!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:13:28 -0500

Here are the results of the Staging Polls.

I would have liked to see more Realtors weighing in. A huge thank you to all that participated.

STAGERS: The Success of your Staging business can be attributed to

	Answer Text		%
	Word of mouth / Referral		30%
	Website		20%
	Networking		15%
	Realtor Presentations		13%
	Media / Press Release		9%
	Other (describe)		6%
	Newsletters		6%
	Newspaper Advertising		2%

REALTORS: What is your most important factor in choosing a Professional Home Stager?

	Answer Text		%
	Recommendation / Referral		50%
	Price / Cost		14%
	Experience / Portfolio		14%
	Client Testimonial		7%
	Frequency of Marketing Efforts		7%
	I would never use the service of a Home Stager		7%

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

STAGING POLL and your SUCCESS

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:20:03 -0500

Statistics are so hard to come by without spending a fortune using a market research company. I'm hoping my fellow Active Rainers will take a second to help me out with a marketing project I'm conducting. The poll results are shown to you immediately upon voting. And a huge insight to help us all.

PLEASE TAKE THE STAGING POLL

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!

(If anyone knows how I can get the poll to show up here without having to have it through a link...I'm all ears)

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

REALTORS - What's your Opinion? I know you have one...Don't you?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:55:14 -0500

PLEASE TAKE THE STAGING POLL

I've had this posted in the Realtor Groups. Maybe more Realtors will take part from SIF.

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Protecting your Photos

Wed, 21 May 2008 08:52:42 -0500

It's been a long time since I've posted here on Active Rain. I've been wrapped up for countless hours creating my website. Yes I made it myself.....from scratch! Not having any experience what-so-ever with website design I turned to Blue Voda (TOTALLY FREE) Website builder. Although I had a few choice words throughout the process it's finally completed and I have to say if you are like me and feel that you would rather spend money in other areas of marketing your home staging business you should give it a try.

Here it is....http://www.creativestagingworks.com/ i'd love to hear what you think....(maybe lol)

This brings me to the reason for this post, protecting your photos. It's been addressed often here on AR. Theft of images, portfolios being lifted. I myself am torn between what the best way to protect our images and hard work is.

#1 Right Click Disable

By inserting the following html code in your website, anytime a viewer tries to right click on your images to get in an save your picures for their own, the following "Function Disabled" message appears.

HTML CODE: (Copy and paste after the <HEAD> portion of your website)

#2 Watermarking Images

Easily created using photoshop or your fav photo editing software.

#3 Invisible Right Click Disable

This one works by disabling right click with no message diplayed as seen on my contact page of my website.

HTML CODE: (Copy and paste after the <HEAD> portion of your website)

Experts will say there is no foolproof way to totally protect your content, but for most people (high-tech theives excluded) I think this will do a good job in frustrating the novice from stealing your work.

I'd love to hear which you prefer, or if anyone has other options.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Need a heavy dose of Inspiration?

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:42:24 -0600

Who doesn't need a little push every now and then. I have just viewed an awesome clip courtesy of "Walk The Talk". I'm not sure if this has been around the block a few hundred times, but in case even just one of you hasn't seen it I thought I would post it and share. Pretty powerful... click here...http://www.walkthetalk.com/the212movie.php?refsource=&campaign= it really gave me a new perspective. Let me know what you think.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

What's up with Realtors?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:16:02 -0600

Did I get your attention? No, this is not a slam on Realtors. Just a little insight so stagers keep doing what we are doing. Dane's post got me thinking.

As for the lack of push from the majority of Realtors... 10 years ago I sold Real Estate in Durham Region, and at that time "Home Inspections" was in its infancy. I remember how eager the Home Inspectors were. They would come to the Tuesday morning realtor meetings trying to pitch us on the importance of their service. They would get the usual responses "Why would someone pay for something that anyone could do...a buyers father or brother or friend can check over the place?" or "marketing tool for us?...Why should we (the realtor) pay for an inspection for our clients? The list of negative responses was long. (Sound familiar?) Now look at how far they have come. Buying a house without a home inspection is ludicrous. Full legal clauses have been created to remove liability if a buyer is crazy enough not to get a home inspection. I believe Staging is in exactly the same place Home Inspections were ten years ago. With time and with knowledge it won't be long before people are saying..."Selling a home without staging? ...that's ludicrous!"

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.

www.CreativeStagingWorks.com

Love the outcome...the pics...not so much

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:22:49 -0600

Here it goes...my first blog on Active Rain. (Thanks Dane for the invite.)

First I have to say, I'm thrilled to be here. What a group. The ideas, inspiration and level of professionalism are just awesome.

Now for my dilema. Do you ever leave a job, and feel so pleased with the outcome, only to come home, hook up your camera to the computer and think ugh!!!? When the pictures don't capture everything you'd hoped for. Now I don't know if it is just a matter of practice makes perfect. Or it's a numbers thing...the more pictures you take, the better your chances are of finding at least one that seems to measure up. I've watched photos load onto my screen with anything from a can of sprite sitting in the shot to the hind end of the owners little dog leaving the scene, or as in this shot...which by the way is the best photo I could use from this particular office re-do I did with my worst pet peeve....those unsightly electrical wires.....gross!!!

(I can't believe I left them like that. Maybe it's not a photo issue as much as it is a huge oversight that I left the house and those wires exposed.) Any one like to share their horrors?

Before and After - Sandra St.

____________________________________________________________________

Marina Vazzana is owner of CRE-A-TIVE Staging & Redesign. CSP - RESA

Specializing in Home Staging Consultations.

Serving Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and all of Durham Region.