Tracey Wood's Blog

How important is photography?

Tracey Wood -ReFeathering: Staging and Design (ReFeathering LLC) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:41:03 -0600

Okay, I'll admit, we use a simple digital camera for our before and after staging pictures, and this seems common for listing pictures as well. But a recent experience with a professional photographer, (we staged specifically for the photo shoot) has me wondering. How much do you invest in camera equipment? When do you bring in a professional photographer?

Help me choose a Carolina

Tracey Wood -ReFeathering: Staging and Design (ReFeathering LLC) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:40:57 -0600

Calling all Carolinians! I would like to buy a retirement home, or buildable land for a vacation and future retirement home in one of the Carolinas. I just can't decide which one. I have family in Virginia, so North would be closer to them. But my current home is in Alaska, and going someplace warm for winter vacations is important too. I'd like someplace with low taxes (doesn't tax military retirement) and low cost of living of course. On or near a major waterway, and within walking distance to a quaint area with amenities like coffee shops, restaurants, post office, theatre/arts. I've been told New Bern, NC might fit the bill. Any other ideas?

Why discourage staging?

Tracey Wood -ReFeathering: Staging and Design (ReFeathering LLC) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:08:19 -0600

I understand that some REA may not view staging as helpful in some situations. But why actively discourage a service that presents a home in its best light, and allows potential buyers to concentrate on how the home fits their needs, rather than distracting/ out of date clutter, personal items, or things needing repair?

I recently came across a local website that has an article that states buyers should avoid staged homes. It apparently has been circulating awhile, since I find a blog that refers to it back in 07.

I have sent the following response to the offending website:

"Regarding your advice to avoid homes that have been staged: This is poor advice that defies reason. Why would buyers want to avoid a home that has been thoroughly cleaned, in good repair, updated and organized, showing its full potential? Please allow me to write a better description of staging for your website. Also, your message was obviously lifted from another site, see the disparaging comments on it at activerain.com."

I would give a link to the offending website, but being new to AR, I'm not sure that is the thing to do, nor do I want to increase traffic to them. If you are truly interested, just google home staging Anchorage, on page 2 of results.