Natascha de la Court, Artist

Scrapbooking Craft Extravaganza!

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:31:34 -0600

Join us for a full day of scrapbooking or whichever craft you would like to do, and support our school! Meals, snacks and beverages will be included! We will have lots of prizes and raffles!! All proceeds will benefit our non profit organization of our school which helps kids receive scholarships, local out-reach programs and to help support international sister schools. Only $40 if you register by January 15th, 2009. $45 registration after Jan 15th and at the door! Space is filling up fast! Get registered today! Event InfoHost:PVMA Type: Party - Benefit Saturday, February 7, 2009 Time: 9:00am - 9:00pm Location: Triumph Lutheran Church Street: 5719 Church Road City/Town: Ferndale, WA Contact InfoPhone: 3607783681 Email: Jamesbauckman@gmail.com

Vacant Home Staging

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:48:41 -0500

My phone has been ringing off the hook for vacant home staging! The number of vacant properties on the market is at a 40 year high, and the benefits of home staging your vacant property is fast becoming a necessity to outshine your competition!

Top Five Reasons You Should Never Sell Your Home Vacant

1) People Don't Buy Houses, They Buy Lifestyles

The reason a buyer purchases a home is because it was warm, inviting and the buyer made an emotional connection with the home. They can picture themselves living there. When have you ever heard of an empty room described as warm and inviting? Sterile, cold and uninviting maybe!

2) Without Furniture, There Is No Frame Of Reference

Without furniture it's incredibly difficult to tell the scale and size of a room. When the buyer does not have answers to their questions...they move on. Will my furniture fit? Don't keep them guessing, it only distracts them from considering the home as a purchase.

3) When A Room Is Empty, Buyers Focus On the Negatives

It's so much easier to notice that mark on the wall, or the tiny chip in the tile when there is nothing else to look at. All homes have blemishes. They're just more noticeable in vacant homes. Home Staging capitalizes on the positive aspects of a home, while de-emphasizing the negative aspects in order to position a home that will make an emotional connection with buyers. Some homes, like the one above are not vacant but rather under furnished. Furniture can be moved from other room to accomplish the task.

4) Only 10% of Home Buyers Can Actually Visualize the Potential of a Home

Nine out of every ten people walking in your home have no imagination of the wonderful possibilities your home has to offer them. Don't let a simple thing like no furniture or limited furniture ruin your sale. Don't take those odds; they will hurt you in the price significantly!

5) Paying For Two Mortgages Can Get Expensive!

Let's look at the facts: a vacant home typically takes twice as long to sell, and the longer something "sits" on the market, the lower the sales price*. Why risk paying two mortgages longer, only to have the sales price lower than it would have been if you had the home professionally staged!

*According to a National Association of Realtor survey

Simply Staging Solutions is your simple solution to get your vacant property sold! Call us today for your free consultation!

Simply Staging Solutions

Vacant Home Staging Package

•1. Initial Consultation - A Simply Staging Solutions Consultant meets with the home sellers and real estate agent, goes over the process, the budget and reviews the home. During this time we will be taking lots of pictures, diagrams and measurements as well as brainstorming on every furniture piece, accessory and detail needed to complete the home.

•2. Furniture Planning - When the home seller decides to proceed, the Simply Staging Solutions Consultant meets with the furniture rental company that best fits this project. We have pre-arranged relationships with furniture rental companies that serve different purposes, depending on the type of home. We then pick each piece that best suits the home and the seller's budget.
(The seller is responsible for paying for the furniture rental directly.)

•3. Moving Day - The Simply Staging Solutions Consultant and assistants meet the furniture rental movers at the home and direct where all of the pieces should go. The Consultant has also brought additional accessories in the form of bed linens, wall coverings, plants, trees, table décor, pillows, throws, light furniture, knick knacks and additional pieces. The Consultant and assistant will spend a day or more adding these home accessories in order to finish the "look."

•4. Sold! - When the house is sold and escrow is almost closed we will then meet with the furniture rental movers and spend a day de-staging the home. **We highly recommend keeping the home staged through the buyer's inspection.

Packages begin at $1000 including rental fees for 3 rooms for one month!

Bookkeeping?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:43:35 -0500

Just curious what system everyone is using for their staging business?

Thanks!

Staging Show for 2418 Spruce Str, Bellingham WA

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:01:11 -0500

Open House ~ Sunday, July 21st ~ 2-4pm ~ Bellingham WA

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:29:15 -0500

2418 Spruce St

Bellingham, WA

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, July 21

2-4pm

(Click on house picture to see agents listing!)

See what staging on an extremely tight budget can do for you! Visit the OPEN HOUSE for 2418 Spruce Street in Bellingham, WA on Sunday July 21st before 2-4 pm!

Secluded in Columbia. Beautiful 3+BR 2BA Craftsman on a very private street. Spacious living room. Separate dining room w/ coved ceiling. Large country kitchen. Character in tact but w/ fresh paint and updated plumbing, electric, windows & insulation. Lovely fenced yard w/ fruit trees, garden spot, flower beds & greenhouse. Office/bdrm has separate entrance. View of Mt. Baker from master bdrm. Short sale. Sale is subject to lender's approval.

http://www.simplystagingsolutions.com/featured_listings

Advice Re: Vacant stage, NO FURNITURE!!

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:28:42 -0500

This is a first for me, staging without a budget for rental furniture. It's a short sale, they are desperate to sell and have NO MONEY for furniture rental. The realtor is paying my consult fee.

There are no window coverings, not even shower curtain rods......I am planning to just do window treatments, bathrooms, towels, decor.....paintings, mirrors, plants.....I may be able to get an inflatable bed for the master....

Has anyone staged so sparsely before? How did it go?

Thanks!

Natascha

What is an Eco-Stager?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:17:44 -0500

Stagers by definition can already be considered eco-friendly. After all, we reuse items that the homeowner already has.

How can a stager take a bigger leap into being green?

The answer is so simple. There are so many sustainable products to choose from now. Stager's tools of the trade: furniture, bedding, towels, candles, plants, flowers, the list can go on and on.

My favourite green items to use in staging are:

Real plants and potted flowers. Not only to they look so much better than artificial, they also emit the kind of good, prosperity energy as used in Feng Shui.
Organic Cotton and Bamboo bedding and towels. Wow, I could not believe how soft these towels felt. Just incredible, and the fact that they are more earth-friendly than conventional towels, well that is just a huge bonus! If laundering your props, hang them outside to dry. Nothing will smell as good and fresh as just hung out on the line linens. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle to soften. Steer clear of the toxic fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Natural beeswax or soy based candles. Natural essential oil scents and cleaner burning. Beeswax candles help clean the air naturally and emit negative ions, which is an extra health boost! Make your own air freshener with distilled water and pure essential oils in a spray bottle. I use lavender to spritz the bedrooms, and my favourite living, kitchen and family room scents are grapefruit with bergamot.
Non toxic paints, earth friendly bio-degradable cleaning supplies.
Use recycled paper and office supplies.

I really could go on and on, but I will save that for another post!

There are so many subtle changes that we could make as stagers that will not only be better for our planet, but also for our health, the health of our clients and their children.

Staging Ad for Mom's Newsletter

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:57:24 -0500

Vacant Home Staging Rates?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:42:35 -0500

Just got my first call for a vacant 5 bdrm home.....

Curious as to what you are all quoting for a vacant home? I know it depends on quality of furniture, how many rooms etc.....just wondering what kind of ranges are out there?

Thanks!

Vacation!!

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:45:34 -0600

I am finally going on a beach vacation with my sisters leaving tomorrow....but now I am feeling badly because I have a client who is really anxious to get her house staged and on the market.......I am away this week, she is gone the following week.....

I know I shouldn't feel guilty....It's been 15 years since I took a proper all inclusive, lie around on the beach drinking pina coladas kind of vacation....and it's even better since it's no husbands and no kids!! Woohoo!!!!

I am typing up a report of what to pack up....which she would have to do first anyway....their house is FULL of stuff......so at least she can get a lot done before our staging day.

Have a great week everyone!

Poll? Do you Move heavy furniture?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:48:25 -0600

Do you move all furniture? Or do you ask you clients to bring in movers if you want a heavy piece moved from one room to another?

They have a very large/heavy sectional....and it would have to be tilted to get it through to another room...what do you do??

Thanks!

Natascha

Sectionals??

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:26:49 -0600

Do you all hate them as much as I do??? I have one house now with a huge sectional...and I don't know where to put it!!?? It will block doorways/or patio doors...no matter what.

I think advising the 2 seater part goes into storage....that is the only solution I see......they also have a huge piano as well.....not willing to put into storage....

I'd love to hear what you do with sectionals!!

Thanks!

Home Staging Show ~ North Delta, BC ~ Staged Home received 8 offers at first open House and $22,000 above asking price!!!

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:03:24 -0600

Delta, BC ~ 8 offers in First Open House

11473 94th Avenue, North Delta, BC

Staging Sells!!

This 3 bdrm, 1 bath, 1100 sq ft rancher was listed for $264,000 in a Buyers Market in a suburb of Vancouver, BC Canada.

With these photos used in the MLS listing, there was a line-up of approximately 25 people at the front door before the 2pm Open House.

After the 2 hour Open House, 8 offers were presented to the owners. The best offer being $22,000 over their asking price.

Staging Really Works!

Details

Asking Price:

Sold for $22,000 over asking!

Sq. Feet:

1100

Lot Size:

10000

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Annieville

Year Built:

1964

Contact Info

Natascha de la Court
Professional Home Staging Consultant

Dir 360-393-1109
Email | Website

Natascha de la Court
Professional Home Staging Consultant
RES Home Staging Group
N Beulah Avenue
Ferndale, WA 98248
360.393.1109
Email | Website

2007 Home Gain Statistics

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:01:21 -0600

A few statistics to prove the benefits of Professional Home Staging!

Your Return on Home Improvement Investments

(2007 HomeGain Survey of over 2,000 real estate agents nationwide)

Improvement	Typical Cost	Increase in Sales Price	Average Return	Agents Who Recommend
*Professional Home Staging*	*$403 - $584*	*$1,938 - 2,431*	*343%*	*91%*
Lighten & Brighten	$233 - 370	$1,178 - 1,566	355%	97%
Clean & De-Clutter	$190 - 318	$1,505 - 1,937	578%	97%
Landscape Front/Back Yards	$378 - 546	$1,718 - 2,158	319%	97%
Fix Plumbing, Electrical	$436 - 621	$1,205 - 1,590	164%	93%
Repair Damaged Flooring	$628 - 878	$1,633 - 2,061	145%	94%
Update Kitchen & Bathrooms	$1,404 - 1,828	$3,216 - 3,934	121%	87%
Replace or Shampoo Carpeting	$562 - 808	$1,532 - 1,950	154%	98%
Paint Exterior Walls	$663 - 938	$1,757 - 2,205	147%	88%
Paint Interior Walls	$651 - 920	$1,741 - 2,179	150%	97%
2007 HomeGain Survey of 2,000 real estate agents nationwide found that moderately priced home improvements, ranging from $80 - 2,800, made in preparation for sale actually yield the highest returns when a house is sold.

My latest painting...

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:56:11 -0600

I have been learning how to oil paint....this is one I just finished, I am quite pleased how it turned out!

Silly Question....Just brainstorming....

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:34:54 -0600

I still have to approach furniture stores as there are no rental places here in my area....and there are a TONNE of empty houses.....

Has anyone considered or used.....inflatable furniture? Not left on it's own I mean.... I already have gorgeous neutral slipcovers.....but an inflatable sofa and loveseat, chair.....all covered with slips.....

I know it's common practise to use inflatable beds....which I have.....

I just thought it would be cheap and best of all....LIGHT.....no heavy furniture to lug around.....just bring an electric pump with you...and away you go!!

http://www.coolinflatables.com/site/891852/product/BFSSCLEAR

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

Thanks!

Natascha

Simply Staging Solutions offers Homeowners Hope For Selling in Whatcom County

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:28:03 -0600

The competition to sell your home in Whatcom County is building. A month ago only 2-5 new listings were appearing everyday. The last week the numbers have been shocking, 20-30 new listings every single day!!

In order to make your house stand out above all the others is to have it professionally staged. Staging will help to ensure your house appeals to a great many potential buyers. This is an absolute neccessity in today's buyers market.

Simply Staging Solutions offers various staging packages to appeal to all Homeowners and their pocketbooks.

Staging is a very small investment to help sell your home more quickly and for the best price possible. Statistics prove that Staged Homes sell up to 50% faster and for 6-10% more than non-staged homes. Not to mention the small cost of staging is quickly recouped by the faster sale.

Contact me today to schedule your consultation! (360) 393-1109

I am offering a Spring Offer of $99 until March 25th! This includes a 2 hour consultation as well as a detailed Top Ten Priority Report for those do it yourself homeowners! This is a $250 value!

Please visit my website for more information!

www.simplystagingsolutions.com

Marketing Postcards?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:23:18 -0600

I am thinking about sending out postcards to Homeowners once their house is listed on MLS....I get the emails everyday with the new listings, and then sending out a personal letter or email to the Realtor with the specific personal details about that listing.

What do you ladies think about this strategy? Getting your name and services out to both at the same time? Is a hard copy mailed letter to the Realtor better than an email??

I'd love all your advice and input!

Thanks!

Natascha

Newsletters?? Email or Hard Copy??

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:12:59 -0600

I am a newbie....working on my first newsletter.....

Do Realtors prefer email/web based newsletters or hard copies mailed to them? What have you found?

I appreciate all your input!

Thanks!

Natascha

HSR Value?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:43:47 -0600

I signed up for the base package, not including the website and business cards etc. What did you do?

The websites do look nice....but I am not sure if it is $500 nice.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this!

Thanks!

Natascha

Titles?

Natascha de la Court-Wolter — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:22:15 -0600

What titles are you using for what you do?

I was thinking of using "Real Estate Marketing Director"

What do you think?

Thanks!

Natascha