Michelle and Joe's Blog

Red, White and Blue Decorating...

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:07:26 -0500

Every year our family celebrates 4^th of July with a different twist on decorating! My mother-in-law started a tradition over 10 years ago of Waffle Decorating! I know you're thinking how does this relate to 4^th of July? We decorate with strawberries (red), blueberries (blue), and whip cream (white).

Competition gets tougher every year to come up with an original idea! We've had everything from the Statue of Liberty to Elmo. Days, even weeks ahead, the phone calls start coming in with family asking ‘have you thought of what you're decorating this year?'...but I know a good artist never tells reveals their masterpiece until it's complete.

Prizes are awarded, and range from the most creative, best overall, and most delicious! I must say before we had kids, my husband and I thought the idea was a little strange. After having children, they cannot wait to get to grandma's and get their groove on!

Here are some of this year's entries, can you guess what they are?

Just a little fun to share and a reminder to think outside of the box, be creative in your own way, and enjoy the little things in life!

Michelle and Joe Kaspari.Essential Home Staging.Sacramento CA

1,2,3,4 oh what color should I paint, and more...

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:14:03 -0500

Often times we walk into a home that's been freshly painted before entering the market. New paint is one of the most recommended upgrades for home sellers. A fresh coat of paint showcases the home in a ‘newer' condition even if the home is older.

Before selecting the obvious WHITE for your wall color, consider painting an alternate neutral color throughout the home to give warmth to the space. Remember neutral colors extend past the obvious white and tan.

Here are some of our favorite colors we've recommended to realtors.

Trim, Woodwork, Ceilings - Swiss Coffee BEHR Paint #1812, This creamy white is our all time favorite.

Wall Colors -

Gallery Taupe, BEHR Paint, #ICC-89

Navajo White, BEHR Paint, #1822

Oyster, Kelly Moore Paint, #26

Don't be afraid to go neutral with something other than tan. We recently consulted on a property and used a light sage green throughout the home as our neutral. The results were beautiful. Color trends are recommending lighter versions of green, yellow, and blue as the ‘new neutrals'.

Once you've chosen your color, you'll need to decide on the proper finish. Satin, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss, Eggshell, Flat, how do I choose? Here are some basic rules to follow:

Flat - Its matte appearance softens a room and helps hide surface blemishes, making walls look smooth. Ideal for: Adult bedrooms, Dining rooms, Formal living rooms, Ceilings.

Satin - With its slight gloss, this finish offers the benefits of a flat finish with added cleanability. It works best for high-traffic areas such as: Halls, Woodwork, Children's bedrooms, Family rooms. This is our finish of choice in most cases, when in doubt go Satin!

Semi-Gloss - This lustrous, durable finish is perfect for areas that get cleaned frequently, such as: Kitchens, Bathrooms, Utility area, Closet doors, Trim

Gloss - This extremely hard and shiny finish provides a rich, smooth luster and is excellent for: Wood trim, Cabinets, Doors, Furniture

Companies like BEHR, Kelly Moore, and Sherwin Williams offer lots of tips and techniques on their websites. ‘Finish Selection' was shared from the Sherwin Williams website. When in doubt about the color you are selecting, feel free to contact us for a quick and affordable paint color consultation. Your clients will thank you!

Michelle and Joe Kaspari. Essential Home Staging. Sacramento CA

1,2,3,4 oh what color should I paint, and more...

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:09:06 -0500

Here are some of our favorite colors we've recommended to realtors.

Trim, Woodwork, Ceilings - Swiss Coffee BEHR Paint #1812, This creamy white is our all time favorite.

Wall Colors -

Gallery Taupe, BEHR Paint, #ICC-89

Navajo White, BEHR Paint, #1822

Oyster, Kelly Moore Paint, #26

Once you've chosen your color, you'll need to decide on the proper finish. Satin, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss, Eggshell, Flat, how do I choose? Here are some basic rules to follow:

Flat - Its matte appearance softens a room and helps hide surface blemishes, making walls look smooth. Ideal for: Adult bedrooms, Dining rooms, Formal living rooms, Ceilings.

Semi-Gloss - This lustrous, durable finish is perfect for areas that get cleaned frequently, such as: Kitchens, Bathrooms, Utility area, Closet doors, Trim

Gloss - This extremely hard and shiny finish provides a rich, smooth luster and is excellent for: Wood trim, Cabinets, Doors, Furniture

Michelle and Joe Kaspari. Essential Home Staging. Sacramento CA

Leave it to the Martial...Arts that is!

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:40:05 -0500

After sitting at Tae Kwon Do with the kids' yesterday afternoon, I thought about the 6 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do they repeat at the beginning and ending of every class. These basic, yet powerful words can inspire you in any profession. Enjoy!

COURTESY - Definition: A polite remark or gesture. Are you courteous in your actions, towards your clients or competitors even when they are being difficult? The old golden rule ‘treat others how you would like to be treated'.

INTEGRITY - Defnition: Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. How we view and carry ourselves is very important in determining how others view us. Your clients want to work with someone that has a reputation of being professional and an expert in their field.

PERSEVERENCE - Definition: Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. This can be a tough one in today's market. The media gloom can bring your mental perception down like there's no hope in sight. We need to be strong and clear in our thoughts that the market will turn around and we will persevere through tough times.

SELF-CONTROL - Definition: control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc. It can be difficult at times to hold back comments with people who push your buttons, but in the end, being a professional and maintaining a higher level of courtesy and self control is the better choice.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT - that cannot be subdued or overcome, as persons, will, or courage; unconquerable: an indomitable warrior. Have courage no matter what the odds are. ‘When things get tough, the tough get going'...

VICTORY - Definition: a success or superior position achieved against any opponent, opposition, difficulty, etc. Conquer the things you set out to do no matter how big or small. This may be as simple as filling out your weekly calendar, or as big as creating your marketing plans for the next few months. The victory of completing and accomplishing your goals is extremely self rewarding!

A little inspiration...

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:42:40 -0500

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking the Lunch and Learn on Blogging at Sacramento Association of Realtors. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I've been on Active Rain for about a year now, posted a few blogs with the help of my husband Joe and thought: there must be something more.

Where do the writers get their inspiration? How many blogs can you read about staging and how you NEED to do it. Is that going to make my phone ring for business? Active Rain can generate business for you, but more importantly it's a community of professionals willing to share their experiences.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate all those who on a consistent basis share their wealth of knowledge with others here on Active Rain, Thank You!

Our instructor, Paula Swayne, who's got her own blog on her website, and blogs regularly on Active Rain, shared some great tips about how to get your inspiration. Short short and simple - JUST START WRITING!

One key point she shared was about your profile and how important it was to create a profile that is YOU! Fellow Active Rainers like to get to know YOU, this is a community of great expertise and knowledge but it's the 'behind the scene' stuff we really enjoy reading!

With that said, I've redone our profile to give you a better insight to Joe, myself, and our familly. Thanks Paula for the inspiration and taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us! Hope you enjoy our new profile!

Happy Blogging!

Sacramento RESA Chapter Gives Back to the Community

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:57:35 -0500

When Michelle Kaspari, owner of Essential Home Staging and President of the Sacramento Chapter of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) met with another RESA member Charles Wood, owner of Brite Ideas, to discuss local association activities, an idea was born. It was time for RESA to give back to the community. Michelle Kaspari then contacted Loaves and Fishes who her directed her to the Sacramento Self Help Housing coordinator Michelle Ward.

Sacramento Self Help Housing just happened to be in position to house some recently displaced individuals from the nationally recognized "Tent City" that had grown drastically over the last couple of years. Our recent economic times have fallen hard on our community and many people found tent city as their only and in some cases best option for housing.

On June 12, 2009 the Sacramento RESA Chapter took their idea and turned it into reality. "Staging and decorating is what we do, it made sense to partner with SSHH during their time of need", said Michelle Kaspari. We pulled our resources together with donations from the community and other Home Stagers.

Photo Above: Joe Kaspari, Barbara Bussey, Lori Kim Polk, Michelle Kaspari

This is the first of many events our Sacramento RESA Chapter hopes to host. Michelle Kaspari would like to thank the following RESA Members for donating time and resources for this fabulous event. Charles Wood of Brite Ideas, Lori Kim Polk of Artful Journey Designs and Staging, Valesca Bogard of Welcome Home Furniture Rental and Staging, Thank You!

Photo above: The new tenant, Lori Kim Polk, Michelle Kaspari

We also had other local Home Stagers within the community volunteer on this project as well. Thank You Barbara Bussey of Transitions Home Design and Jodi King of Artistic Interior Redesign!

The Sacramento RESA Chapter will continue to lend their support to the Sacramento Self Help Housing. If you or anyone you know would like to donate time, furniture, or supplies they are greatly appreciated. Please email michelle@essentialstaging.com with your information.

To find out more information on this event or to be part of any future events please contact Michelle Kaspari at (916) 402-6098. To find more information about the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) visit www.Realestatestagingassociation.com

Are you getting the most out of your square footage?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:55:56 -0500

Are you showcasing the full potential of the property? This time of year is wonderful to stage outdoor vignettes at your listings. Summer is approaching and potential buyers will be checking out the front porch and back yards of all the properties they tour to see if it will live up to their entertaining lifestyle.

Curb appeal starts right at the front entry. Consider setting up a small bistro set, with a pitcher of lemonade and small bowl of lemons during your open house. We all know the Sacramento Valley can reach extremely high temperatures during the Summer. The thought of sitting on the front porch with a nice cool glass of lemonade sets the tone of a relaxing environment and defines the front porch as useable space, not just a place for potted plants.

By staging the back yard with patio sets and bright colored pillows, will often extend the buyers perception of square footage if done properly. The photo below is a clear example of extending your vision past the window into a space that would go unrecognized without the ‘pop' of red outside. This great room now extends past the sliding glass door and onto the patio. The same comforts of inside the home should be felt outside as well!

Essential Home Staging is Sacramento's premier Real Estate Staging Company. We provide top-notch products and quality service to Real Estate Professionals.

Please visit www.essentialstaging.com to view more of our work and a list of services. Proudly serving the Greater Sacramento Area and beyond! Call us today for your FREE Staging Evaluation (916) 402-6098.

Getting the most out of your square footage...

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:45:52 -0500

Essential Home Staging is Sacramento's premier Real Estate Staging Company. We provide top-notch products and quality service to Real Estate Professionals.

I can see clearly now... Staging Tips

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:44:13 -0600

Often over looked and some times hard to look through. The windows! It is amazing what window cleaning will do for a property. preparation of the home is the key to a successful sale. Floors, kitchens, bathrooms are always a priority but what about the windows?

Clean windows make a home feel bright and brings the outside in.

We at Essential Home Staging have a professional window cleaning company we work with. Cost effective, and quality work that goes a long way in the preparation of a home for sale.

For more tips on Real Estate Staging visit www.essentialstaging.com or call Essential Home Staging at (916) 402-6098 and we will be happy to help you!

Essential Home Staging, LLC

(916) 402-6098 or michelle@essentialstaging.com

Why Green? Does it really matter?

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 13:52:59 -0600

This is the question we found ourselves asking as we make business plan adjustments going into 2009. Real Estate Home Staging is as evergreen of an industry as any other. Constantly changing, evolving, moving, and shaking. The question really becomes do you want to move and shake the industry or do you want it to change and evolve around you.

Essential Home Staging, LLC is a move it and shake it company. We must be in order to foster solid business relationships and be a champion of standards in home staging. Going green will help us achieve this. In January we will be attending the CSP (Certified Staging Professional) LGLS (Live Green Live Smart) training course. The customer is our business, and by going green we can now expand our customer base by offering smart choices that are sustainable and energy efficient.

So if you find yourself on the fence about "going green" then ask yourself one simple question. Do you want to "Move and Shake" the Home Staging Industry, or do you want the industry to "Change and Evolve" around you.

Home Buyers are savvier than ever before. They want more, so let's give it to em!

Joe and Michelle Kaspari, Essential Home Staging, LLC

www.essentialstaging.com or (916) 402-6098

RESA Sacramento! - Join Us September 15th!

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:37:28 -0500

Host: Michelle Kaspari

Location:

Expo Daily RosevilleView Map 8880 Industrial Blvd. Roseville CA 95678 US

Telephone:916-402-6098

When: Mon. Sep. 15, 2008 at 4:00 PMAdd to Your Calendar

Please join us for an informational meeting about the exciting new Sacramento Chapter of the Real Estate Staging Association. Bring your ideas on how you would like to see our Chapter evolve and educate our community on the Home Staging industry. Get involved by serving on the Chapter Board, your talents will help us achieve our goals together.

The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) was formed in order to support all professional real estate stagers in North America regardless of their training, certifications, designations, backgrounds or training.

Don't miss out on this great and exciting opportunity!

For additional information or to reserve your spot please RSVP through Michelle Kaspari, Chapter President, at (916) 402-6098. Or by email at michelle@essentialstaging.com

Looking forward to meeting you and working together to educate our community! Please RSVP by Friday, September 12th!

Does THIS go in your protfolio??? (sorry, bit of a rant)

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:07:20 -0500

Ok, once again we have been "substantially under bid" on a staging project, says the REA. Sure we are not the lowest price, and certainly don't ever want to be, but we are not the highest either. We do however in my very humble opinion offer the most value available.

We should all feel this way right?

So, back to the property that was "substantially under bid" by another stager. Is a good bargain always a good deal? Do items on the bargain rack always look better than on a regular rack? Do you purposely push your shopping cart down the "end caps" at Target to find discounted stuff that you may not really want, but hey, it was a good deal right?

I read another blog recently http://activerain.com/blogsview/614986/PORTFOLIO-PRESENTATION-ASPs-throw from Tom Scanlon about portfolio's. I got a kick out of the three ring binder's, but that is another blog in itself. I feel very good about our portfolio and have never staged a property that does not meet the "standards" for our protfolio. Sooo...

HOW DOES THIS GO IN YOUR PORTFOIO?

Sorry folks, still can't get this phot on... Still workin on it.

The oversized mirror was left at the property (existing), the undersized table was brought in by the stager. Why? What room is this, living, dining, family, or great? Is serves no purpose but I guess the price is right. Right?

The value is not.

Everytime this happens it de-values the staging industry, especially in our market. That I am not happy with. Do you think this REA thinks WOW, this is going to help me sell this house? No, they are going to think that this was an uneccesary expense, certainly not an inventment.

So the moral of this story is, if it can't go into your protfolio, please don't do it.

Joe Kaspari, Esential Home Staging, LLC

essentialstaging.com

You git what you git and you won't throw a fit!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:17:45 -0500

I am glad these days are looking farther and farther behind us!

During a Realtor presentation today I asked for a show of hands for anyone in the room that has used a home stager. We had about 10% of the hands raise.

Hmmm. So my next question was. "Were you happy with the outcome?" The same 10% raised.

Hmmm.

So being from a customer service background I had always been taught certain rules. One of these rules is the 80/10/10 rule for customer service. Out of every 10 unsatisfied customers:

One (1) will always complain to management about it.
The other one (1) will complain only if it is convenient or if they are prevoked. For example, at the end of a meal the server askes "How was everything"?
The other eight (8) will say nothing but will take their business elsewhere in the future.

So back to that realtor meeting we presented at today. Did I mention earlier it was a caravan tour meeting?

How lucky were we I thought? We get to tour a property of a Real Estate Agent that believes in staging and has used a stager and is "happy with the outcome". At least that is what I thought she said by raising her hand?

As we were waiting to begin our tour of the properties the Real Estate Agent (you know the one that that believes in staging and has used a stager and is "happy with the outcome") showed a lot of interest in us and mentioned that this property "really could use staging".

Hmmm....

(yes, my third deep thought)

Why did she not contact her stager that she used before if she was "happy with the outcome"? Answer, becasue she is like 80% of people out there that do not complain, they just take their business elsewhere.

We were happy to meet her and provide her and the home owner with a proposal for Professional Home Staging.

So say good bye to the days were you "git what you git and you won't throw a fit" and say hello to getting value out of your Professional Home Staging investment.

Realtors need it, Home owners ask for it, and the Professional Home Staging Industry depends on it!

New RESA Chapter / Sacramento, CA

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:27:07 -0500

I am pleased to announce the creation of a new RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) chapter in Sacramento and surrounding areas. We look to have our first chapter icebreaker / meeting mid August (exact date and location to come soon).

We are looking for an active board to help get this chapter off to a great start. We also will have exciting committee opportunities as well!

So if you are looking to be a part of an all inclusive, active, Real Estate, and Professional Home Staging Trade Organization, look no further. The Sacramento Chapter of RESA is sure to meet your needs. Contact Michelle Kaspari (916) 402-6098.

President

Essential Home Staging, LLC and the Sacramento Chapter of RESA

THANK YOU!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:39:03 -0500

We just picked up an occupied property (with furniture and accesory rental) today. SOLD in 31 days, after being staged, with a full price, $1.4 million offer. This of course was after being on the market since November 2007 unstaged.

Thought we would share our thank you gift we left our clients!

I simple basket with a "Thank You" card, mini bottle of champagne, change of address forms, "just moved" cards and a self adressed stamped envelope with our testimonial form.

Another success story for the books! I love it when home owners "get it". Too bad they didn't get it 6 months earlier.

Joe Kaspari

Essential Home Staging, LLC

For more information on how to sell your home quickly at a higher price please contact Essential Home Staging, LLC. The Greater Sacramento Area's Premier Home Staging Company at (916) 402-6098 or visit our website. essentialstaging.com

Do you have any other Questions? What you should ask when hiring a home stager!

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:38:32 -0500

Do you have any other questions?

I often find myself asking this question to clients during a bid proposal. Typically this is after a review of our homeowner or realtor staging packet. If my clients are anything like me they will think of a great question just after I have walked out the door.

Education is priceless! Especially when it comes to HUGE investments such as a single family home.

Because of this we provide our clients with a few questions that may have, unfortunately only came after we parted our ways.

Questions to ask when hiring a home stager...

1. Are they Licensed? According to the State of California, designers or relevant trades are required to obtain a "Special" Business License. This allows consumers relevant information regarding their business practices. A Professional Home Stager should always be able to provide their licensing information.

2. Are they insured? Although it is not required by law, Professional Home Stagers should be insured for any potential damages. While Professional Home Stagers use extreme caution staging there is a possibility of potential damages occuring. Who will incur the costs should damages arise?

3. Do they have a portfolio of their work? Don't assume the photos you have seen on their website are their own. It has been discovered on the Internet, that some Home Stagers are "borrowing" photos from other Staging websites and passing them along as their own. A Professional Home Stager should be able to provide you with a portfolio at the time of consultation.

4. Can they provide references or have testimonials? Like any other contracted services, it is important to check references of previous clients. Was the client pleased with the outcome of the Staging or redesign process? Where there any challenges that came up, and if so, how were they handled?

5. What is their background? With today's Internet community, it is extremely easy to become "certified" in any profession. Look for a Home Stager that has had work in the 'Visual Merchandising' or 'Interior Design' field. People with these backgrounds will have more ideas for challenging spaces. They have been responsible for creating environments that appeal to 'buyers'

The goal here is to give a prospective client enough information to make an educated decision on investing in a Professional Home Staging Company.

Joe Kaspari, Essential Home Staging, LLC

Do you have any questions? Top 5 a homeowner or Real Estate Agent should ask a Home Stager!

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:33:01 -0500

Do you have any other questions?

Education is priceless! Especially when it comes to HUGE investments such as a single family home.

Because of this we provide our clients with a few questions that may have, unfortunately only came after we parted our ways.

Questions to ask when hiring a home stager...

The goal here is to give a prospective client enough information to make an educated decision on investing in a Professional Home Staging Company.

For more information or answers to your questions please call Essential Home Staging at (916) 402-6098 or visit www.essentialstaging.com

Joe Kaspari, Essential Home Staging, LLC

Wham Bam vs. Bling Bling

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:24:43 -0500

Wham Bam vs. Bling Bling! After a great week of successful staging projects I have a moment to look back. And I find myself once again.... Looking forward at our market and our industry. It is fascinating how the market and industry have changed in the last two years. Not being a "pioneer", and certainly not a "newbie" I feel I have a good feel on the industry today.

It is disappointing however, that there is so much division in our industry. From our business models to our individual design expertise and everywhere in between. I have dreamt of this divine world in which all Professional Home Stagers see out of the same proverbial scope. I have now concluded and accepted that this will never happen and am pleased to say that I feel good about it.

There is an obvious difference between the Wham Bam vs. the Bling Bling! I recently read a realtor post that stated something to the effect of the following...

...It is tiring seeing the same staging décor items plopped in different homes, with no attention to the homes personal architecture. (this is not an exact quote, just my perception on the BLOG comment)

Most (if not all) homes are built with a specific design and layout in mind. Often we find the original "style" of the home may have been changed with an eager homeowner with his or her own personal style. This creates a challenge for us Professional Home Stager's.

This is where education, design background, training and the "it" factor come into play with home staging. This has nothing to do with overdoing a staging project or under doing a project. This has everything to do with doing the project right. Right by the industry, right by the client, right by the real estate agent, and right by design standards.

There have been many definitions of what home staging is and is not. Some of the common denominators, which are tried and true and go without question in Professional Home Staging, are...

Create flow to a property. Layout of rooms should be inviting to potential homebuyers to view the property in its entirety.
Update! Professional Home Staging should be an affordable way to give a home an updated feel to potential homebuyers. This would include quality furniture and accessories that follow current trends. The greatest pieces are typically timelessJ.
Define the space. This is sometimes where design expertise and experience in space planning come into play.
Help potential homebuyers make an emotional connection with the property. This is what we refer to as the WOW factor. A homebuyer is more likely to spend more time in a home and generate more excitement when they feel emotionally connected to a property.

With that said the design concept for Professional Home Staging is always the same, but may take on many different "styles". The concept is to stage the property to sell quickly and for the most money. That we must all agree with?

This may involve elaborate details including faux food, "Spa like" vignettes, fully set and beautifully dressed formal dinning rooms etc. This may also be a striped down version of the same to meet a wide variety of budgetary concerns. The Home Stager or the homeowner should not make this choice. This choice should be made by the HOME itself.

Does one wash their car before selling it? Probably 99%, and I for one add dressing to the tires and even get an oil change. A home is the largest purchase anyone will ever make, thus the largest sale anyone will ever encounter. Isn't your property worthy of an investment? Done right it will sell faster, at a higher price, and thus pays for itself. Staging should never be looked at as an expense, always an investment.

Failing to consider a homes architectural feature does not do it any good, and only creates distractions for potential homebuyers.

This may create a lower bid for a client/homeowner (if a stager uses what they have in inventory vs. what is best to enhance a properties architectural features). However this is the "Wham Bam" that gives poor light to the Professional Home Staging Industry. And, ultimately devalues the Service of professional Home Staging.

So, take your time, get it right, and make sure your staging service does the client, the homebuyer, and most importantly the property it's justice. There should always be some Bling Bling or WOW factor to any staging project. The proof is in the details.

Joe Kaspari

Essential Home Staging, LLC

www.essentialstaging.com

Realtors Free food, beverages, and giveaways TODAY! Roseville, CA 2-4pm

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:33:41 -0500

Realtor's please drop in today, get some food and drinks, and some great Home Staging Information

According to Economics Focus, Volume 12, Issue 12,

"Location, Condition, and Price" Today's new mantra for real estate...

It's time to find out everything you wanted to know about the Home Staging Industry...

Essential Home Staging, LLC is holding an Informational Mixer.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008

Where: Welcome Home Furniture Rental

7311 Galilee Road, Suite 170, Roseville California

Who: Real Estate Professionals that want to get an edge on the competition

Time: 2-4 pm

Cost: FREE

*** Beverages and Hors d'oeuvers will be provided ***

PLUS great GIVEAWAYS from our sponsors:

Welcome Home Furniture Rental
Too-Organized, Professional Organizer
Bubble Boys Window Washing Service
Wendy Baker Photography, Real Estate Photography Services
The Tile Lady, Tile and Grout Cleaning

Please join us for this exciting event! Any questions please feel free to contact us at (916) 402-6098

Essential Home Staging

Attention Real Estate Professionals - Location, Condition, and Price - Roseville/Sacramento

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:02:38 -0500

Attention Real Estate Professionals

According to Economics Focus, Volume 12, Issue 12,

"Location, Condition, and Price" Today's new mantra for real estate...

It's time to find out everything you wanted to know about the Home Staging Industry...

Essential Home Staging, LLC is holding an Informational Mixer.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008

Where: Welcome Home Furniture Rental

7311 Galilee Road, Suite 170, Roseville California

Who: Real Estate Professionals that want to get an edge on the competition

Time: 2-4 pm

Cost: FREE

*** Beverages and Hors d'oeuvers will be provided ***

PLUS great GIVEAWAYS from our sponsors:

Welcome Home Furniture Rental
Too-Organized, Professional Organizer
Bubble Boys Window Washing Service
Wendy Baker Photography, Real Estate Photography Services
The Tile Lady, Tile and Grout Cleaning

Please join us for this exciting event! Any questions please feel free to contact us at (916) 402-6098

Essential Home Staging

Attention Real Estate Professionals - Location, Condition, and Price - Roseville/Sacramento

Mon, 05 May 2008 23:53:28 -0500

Attention Real Estate Professionals

According to Economics Focus, Volume 12, Issue 12,

"Location, Condition, and Price" Today's new mantra for real estate...

It's time to find out everything you wanted to know about the Home Staging Industry...

Essential Home Staging, LLC is holding an Informational Mixer.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008

Where: Welcome Home Furniture Rental

7311 Galilee Road, Suite 170, Roseville California

Who: Real Estate Professionals that want to get an edge on the competition

Time: 2-4 pm

Cost: FREE

*** Beverages and Hors d'oeuvers will be provided ***

PLUS great GIVEAWAYS from our sponsors:

Welcome Home Furniture Rental
Too-Organized, Professional Organizer
Bubble Boys Window Washing Service
Wendy Baker Photography, Real Estate Photography Services
The Tile Lady, Tile and Grout Cleaning

Please join us for this exciting event! Any questions please feel free to contact us at (916) 402-6098

Essential Home Staging

Is A Price Drop your First Option?

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:05:17 -0500

It really amazes me to see price drops on homes that have so much potential. Keeping in mind our current market I just don't get it. I see listing after listing with reduced prices. Unfortunately most of these listings have really undesirable photos. Even more unfortunate these photos are the best parts of the home. I just wish I could wave a magic wand for everyone to realize that a home is and always should be considered and investment. Not something that you "get out of" and place blame on a bad market. Who recommends these price drops? My last unfortunate would be the Realtor. I know this because I have friends that are Realtors and some of which don't use staging and just recommend price drops. This is the fall out of the "right place at the right time Realtors" who came into the market when it was booming and don't know the tried and true techniques that veteran Realtors have spent years to perfect.

So here it goes, the magic wand has been waved. So, call a "Professional Home Stager" before you recommend a price drop! It may turn a current home seller into a future home buyer. This benefits us all.

Joe Kaspari

Essential Home Staging, LLC - Sacramento, CA

essentialstaging.com

Your Staging Team, Where do you get your creative influences from?

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:35:29 -0500

Over the past year after venturing out of the 'corporate' world and creating my own, I realized how fortunate I am.

Kym Hough, who recently posted about 'taking a village of friends' when staging brought up a very important point. We all are creative as stagers and each have a unique flair to bring something new to the homes we work on.

Although I am the full time staging guru for my company I have the pleasure of joining forces with my husband, Joe. I have been quite surprised over the past year when he has outshined me on floor plans and unique touches when we've staged a home!

As our company grows he is becoming more and more an important part of our business, not just someone who I pass accounting stuff too. He is now working on understanding Active Rain and all the 'blogging' efforts, which can be a little overwhelming at first!

So look for us at future seminars, and markets...pick his brian, he's got an extensive business and management background that has helped our business tremendously! He's even a pretty good accessory shopper!

With all that said, who's in your staging team that may be 'unnoticed' or have some hidden talents you don't want to admit to? :)

Michelle and Joe's Blog

Red, White and Blue Decorating...

1,2,3,4 oh what color should I paint, and more...

1,2,3,4 oh what color should I paint, and more...

Leave it to the Martial...Arts that is!

A little inspiration...

Sacramento RESA Chapter Gives Back to the Community

Are you getting the most out of your square footage?

Getting the most out of your square footage...

I can see clearly now... Staging Tips

Why Green? Does it really matter?

RESA Sacramento! - Join Us September 15th!

Does THIS go in your protfolio??? (sorry, bit of a rant)

You git what you git and you won't throw a fit!

New RESA Chapter / Sacramento, CA

THANK YOU!

Do you have any other Questions? What you should ask when hiring a home stager!

Do you have any questions? Top 5 a homeowner or Real Estate Agent should ask a Home Stager!

Wham Bam vs. Bling Bling

** Realtors ** Free food, beverages, and giveaways TODAY! Roseville, CA 2-4pm

Attention Real Estate Professionals - Location, Condition, and Price - Roseville/Sacramento

Attention Real Estate Professionals - Location, Condition, and Price - Roseville/Sacramento

Is A Price Drop your First Option?

Your Staging Team, Where do you get your creative influences from?

Realtors Free food, beverages, and giveaways TODAY! Roseville, CA 2-4pm