Cari's Blog

RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign Announces New Partnership

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:28:21 -0500

Hi all! I just wanted to re-post Kathi's press release to let all that know me and who may be interested know that I am returning to the Staging world in a new capacity. I am excited to be working with Kathi. RE:Style has an excellent reputation in Michigan and we share a lot of the same thought processes.

I also look forward to chatting with some of my Active Rain friends who I have missed!!!

Via Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC):

Livingston County Business Expands Services

By Adding New Partner

BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN, March 30, 2009—Livingston County Accredited Staging Professional, Kathi Presutti, owner of RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign, a leading home staging company, announces that Cari Pilon has joined the firm as a Home Staging and Redesign Consultant.

Formerly of Smart Stagers, Inc., Pilon has been a home staging and redesign expert since 2004. “Cari brings years of experience and a great portfolio of work,” says Presutti. “Her specialties include both vacant and occupied staging, as well as interior redesign and color consultations. She will be an excellent addition to the RE:STYLE team.”

The partnership results in a unique company possessing strengths in both Home Staging and Interior Design. “Together, Kathi and I can offer more service, experience, and creativity for home owners, Realtors, custom home builders and commercial clients,” says Pilon, who has also trained individuals to become home stagers.

“Home staging is the best way to sell a house fast, and savvy Realtors understand this,” says Presutti. “Cari is well known in the Brighton area, and together, we will create an even stronger presence in Livingston, Washtenaw, and western Oakland counties.”

About RE:STYLE LLC

Home staging company RE:STYLE LLC is located in Brighton, Michigan, and helps homeowners & realtors sell homes more quickly and more profitably by staging a house for sale using proven staging methods to ensure that listings appeal to a broad range of buyers. For more information, please contact RE:STYLE at 810.333.5240 or visit http://www.restylestaging.com

Is Your Blog Reaching It's Intended Audience? Read the brick that fell on my head...

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:53:14 -0500

When I am finished writing a blog post (about industry related topics), I am always faced with the decision of where to post it. It would normally automatically go in Stage if Forward because I believe that this group has a large readership and my message will be heard, and I like to post in the RESA group because I am a member. I also like to post in the Michigan Realtors group to try to get to know more members in my area.

But then I ask myself "Okay, where else?"

When I go into other groups for home staging, I see the same posts there that I saw in Stage it Forward. I think to myself "Well, that would be overkill" and I don't always post to the other groups.

Then I realized something that I wanted to share with you... Not everybody I want to reach out to is subscribed to Stage it Forward, RESA, or Michigan Realtors!

I was reading a post written by a Michigan Realtor and when I looked at his profile page and I could see the list of groups that he was a member of. Stage it Forward wasn't there - but the group Home Staging was! So by not ever posting to this group, this guy will never read my blog. I looked at another Michigan Realtor and not only wasn't he a member of Stage it Forward (shock!) he wasn't even a member of the Michigan Realtors group!

So my point is... (yes I have one lol)

We blog for our businesses, we need to post our posts where our target audience is reading. I now know that there are guidelines for every group and will post accordingly, but I need to branch out away from my usual three...

I always post to Localism too, but that seems to get lost into oblivion!

So what about you? Where else do you post about your staging work besides the usual staging groups?

Tag - Teamed! I'm it.

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:51:37 -0500

I've been tagged by both Marianne Sweet and Sheron Cardin. Thank ladies! I just want to say that I've really enjoyed reading everyone's memes. Very interesting answers out there!

1. Favorite Musical Artist: My favorite has always been the band Led Zeppelin. I wasn't ever a stoner or devil worshipper; I just really enjoyed their music. My husband says that the reason he decided to go out with me was because he saw my cassette tapes in my car and figured I must be pretty cool.

2. Favorite Artist: I've never studied or invested or "got into" art. I just know what I like when I see it. My favorites are landscapes that look like you are going somewhere; down a path, on the road to a town in Italy etc. Take me away!

3. Favorite Blogger: I swear Elaine Manes makes me laugh in every post or comment she writes!

4. If you could meet anyone dead/alive who would it be/most interesting about them: I would like to have a long one on one with David Packard and William Hewlett from HP. I love their Rules of the Garage:

Believe you can change the world.
Work quickly, keep the tools unlocked, work whenever.
Know when to work alone and when to work together
Share - tools, ideas. Trust your colleagues.
No politics. No bureaucracy. (These are ridiculous in a garage.)
The customer defines a job well done.
Radical ideas are not bad ideas.
Invent different ways of working.
Make a contribution everyday. If it doesn't contribute, it doesn't leave the garage.
Believe that together we can do anything.
Invent.

They make sense don't they?

5. What I wanted to be when I grew up: I actually wanted to be a teacher and a writer. College changed my mind. Funny how becoming a home stager actually led me to fulfilling my dreams... now I stage, train and write everyday!

6. Most interesting trivia I know: I may only be trivia to me but... I found out yesterday that the baby is going to be a girl!

7. What point in history would choose to live: I think that is so cool that we live in a generation that has seen the invention of the internet, DVR and so much more. But I think it would have been even more exciting to be witness to the first man in space and the invention of the TV.

8. Most interesting job I ever had: My previous life career was being the Manager of a children's toy store called Zany Brainy and Noodle Kidoodle. I hope some of you remember them. I loved my job more than anything else. My days were surrounded by toys that I grew up with, amazing new products, Puff the Magic Dragon playing on the stereo overhead and we had a theater that we played Disney and other movies from open to close. The biggest joy was seeing the innocent smiles on the faces of those kids when their Mom said "Yes". We suffered demise when Wal-mart started selling toys below cost one year... We couldn't compete, and so I moved on to this new stage of my life (pun intended).

So enough about me...let's hear from Kimo Stowell, Kathleen Garvey and Carole Provenzale. For some reason, I think they will be very interesting to hear about.

Staging - The Seller's Perspective

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:58:09 -0500

I recently met with an older couple to do a walkthrough consultation of their home. Throughout the tour, I made my assessments. Most of my comments were met with resistance from the seller. Her favorite phrase was "Oh we're not going to do that." Keep in mind that these were simple "decluttering" suggestions and "packing because you will be moving" suggestions.

Near the end, the seller confided in me that she understood everything that I was telling her, that I made sense in my assessments but that she and her husband were older and tired and just didn't want to do what I suggested.

Another reason for their resistance she said was the fact that homes in our area are taking longer and longer to sell. They need to be able to still "live" in the house. The house may take months to sell and they didn't want to compromise how they lived and enjoyed their home.

A big difference between these sellers and other sellers is that they want to move - they don't have to move. I think if they had to move, they may have a different attitude.

But it made me think about just what goes through the minds of the seller as we are critiquing their home. In our practice we strive to justify every recommendation that we make with solid reasoning.

Declutter

Seller thinks - Get rid of all their stuff, throw away their memories, can't live without my Hummel collection

Stager says - Begin packing, start with items that are not necessary to survive on a daily basis, editing excess items and knick knacks make a room feel larger, buyer's can focus on the space in a room and not be distracted by your personal things.

Neutralize

Seller thinks - This stager doesn't have any taste, my floral wallpaper is beautiful, it takes too much time to paint, it takes too much money to paint.

Stager says - I can appreciate how much love and effort you put into decorating your home to your exact tastes, buyers prefer homes that are move in ready, buyers will deduct from their offer if they feel they have to take on the cost of removing wall paper and painting, the deduction will be far greater than your cost to change it.

Depersonalize

Seller thinks - I still have to live here on a daily basis, what is wrong with all the pictures of my grandchildren? I need those magnets on the fridge so I have the phone number to the pizza place

Stager says - Buyer's need to see them selves in the home when they are touring. Your grandchildren are beautiful, but buyers will spend time looking at your photos wondering about who used to live here. We want them to spend their time looking at the space. Magnets on the fridge distract from the beautiful kitchen, let's place these items from the fridge in this folder, in this drawer, so everything will still be in easy access to you when you need it.

Furniture arrangement

Seller thinks - They better not move my TV! I like my TV right where it is, you can't move the couch away from the windows, that is where the dogs lay to see outside.

Stager says - I'd like to rearrange the furniture so that the TV isn't the main focal point when entering the room, I'd like to show off some of the best features of the house so the buyers will really take notice of them. I'd like to make the fireplace and the view from the windows really catch the buyer's eye. We will move it so you can still watch TV comfortably, but arrange it so the fireplace is the focal point.

Accessories

Seller thinks - What is wrong with my dried floral arrangements and brass candlesticks? What is wrong with my collection of doggy statues? My pink candles are pretty.

Stager says - Less is more, we want the buyer to focus on the home - not your things. We use accessories primarily to enhance the space with color or as a prop to evoke an emotion.

These are just a few examples of objections that stagers receive from sellers, unfortunately they are not always verbalized by the seller. After the stager leaves, the seller may chose not to make any changes. It is important that as a stager, we arm are sellers will solid reasoning behind our suggestions.

Stagers - have you faced similar or other objections? Will you offer to us your solid reasoning?

Congratulate our newest SMART Stagers

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:29:21 -0500

I just wanted to congratulate and announce some recent graduates of the SMART Stager training program. They are also new members of RESA. Please help me welcome:

Jill Neugebauer
Step Up Staging
Certified SMART Stager
Clawson, Michigan

Barbara Deckon
Staged Inspirations
Certified SMART Stager
Post Falls, Idaho

Sherri Day-Ceinski
StageME
Certified SMART Stager
Freeport, Maine

Melody Herr
Selling Impressions
Certified SMART Stager
Farmington Hills, Michigan

We at SMART Stagers look forward to working with these very talented women and welcome them!
Congratulations!
Cari Pilon
Sharon Ahrens

Fact or Fiction - Feng Shui

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:36:06 -0500

I'll admit right now it is 10:30 and I am tired. I don't feel like searching for my answer - so I am reaching out to my AR friends.

Which would be considered "good" Feng Shui?

To have the bed facing the door or not facing the door?

Is it true that if your house number ends in the number 4 that there will be death at that house?

What about mirrors facing the entryway? Good for staging because buyers can see themselves living in the house because they see themselves upon entering? Or bad because it reflects the good energy coming in and sends it right back outside?

I ask because a fellow stager and I were discussing these topics and we did not agree. I will see her again tomorrow and can pass on the right information.

Thanks all!

How Staging Benefits the BUYER

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:17:55 -0500

Here are some thoughts on how home staging actually benefits the BUYER, fellow stagers please feel free to add to this list.

Buy a "move in ready" home

A staged home is usually move-in ready. This means that the buyer may move in, unpack and go on with their life. By purchasing a home that has been staged, buyers can be confident that deferred maintenance has been completed, decorative changes were made with the buyer in mind, and special attention has been made to show the buyer the special features of the home that they would desire.

A professional stager will not hide issues

The professional stager will recommend to sellers that issues in the home be addressed. Should the seller not take the recommendation of the stager, as a matter of integrity, the stager will not intentionally cover up or hide the issue. We do not hang pictures over holes in walls or place rugs over stains in the carpet.

Stagers will have arranged furnishings properly

The scale and flow of furnishings are a key component in the visual success of a staged room. The professional stager carefully selects and places furnishings so the buyer can see the function of a room and so that the flow of the space is not compromised. When a buyer moves in, they can be confident in the placement of their own furnishings.

Stagers make use of awkward spaces

Some homes just have strange nooks and crannies that's purpose cannot be easily identified. The professional stager will address these spaces and give them purpose. Buyers can use this as inspiration for their own lifestyle.

My FSBO friend

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:13:43 -0500

I have a question...

I have friend who is selling her home and is currently a FSBO. She is not doing it becuase she mistrusts Realtors or anything, she says her reasons are purely financial.

She has had it listed for about 2 years now. Because she has to get a certain price for the home, she states that she cannot lower it any further. She stopped using an agent a year ago because after lowering the price, the commision amounts would deduct from the amount that she needs to get from the home.

I viewed the home and while my stager brain would like to see it staged, there is nothing horrible about the house that would make it not sell (other than probably the price and the Michigan selling market). The home was previously the model for the subdivision and she bought it furnished and everything.

My friend and her family do not currently live in the home, they are living with her mother in my town and hope to buy a house here when their home sells.

My question for you is how can I help convince her to use a Realtor? Like I said, she is not anti-Realtor, she just has the perception that she cannot afford one. I'm afraid that she won't be able to effectively market her home as an FSBO and it will stay on the market even longer.

Any advice on convincing her?

Ten best reasons to Stage your Home for Sale

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Sun, 11 May 2008 10:48:41 -0500

Staging drives more traffic to the home

80% of today's buyers preview homes on the Internet. Staging makes the home more appealing so buyers will choose it to visit.

Staging increases showings of the home

Agents love to show homes that look good. Staging makes homes look great!

Staging improves curb appeal

Buyers will get excited about going inside the house when they have been impressed by the outside.

Staging ensures a great first impression

Staging creates the "wow" factor when the buyer first walks through the door.

Staging creates a model home look

When looking at comparable homes, buyers prefer new homes over resale. Staging creates a new home feel.

Staging allows buyers to picture themselves living in the home

By removing personal items and photographs, staging removes the owner's imprint on the home.

Staging creates a "move in ready" look

Buyers overwhelmingly prefer a home that is move-in ready.

Staging highlights the best features of the home

Buyers are looking for positive attributes of the home. Staging ensures these features get noticed.

Staged homes sell faster than un-staged homes

Staging helps homes appeal to a broad range of buyers; increasing the potential interest in the home.

Staged homes sell for a higher price than comparable homes

Staging decreases the amount of deductions that a buyer could potentially make by eliminating the cause for the deductions.

Home Staging improves the overall presentation of your home for sale to appeal to a broad range of buyers.

Serving Southeastern Michigan, SMART Stagers is your solution for all your Home Staging needs. Please call (810) 853-0053 to schedule your personal home evaluation today!

Challenge! What is home staging?

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:41:02 -0500

Every chance I get I try to talk about staging and its importance in marketing homes. I am sure many of you are the same way. Some of us are so passionate about home staging, what it is and what we do, that it is difficult to define in a short, succinct way.

Many of us have heard of the 30 second commercial or the elevator speech, but what if you do not have 30 seconds? What if you only have time to speak one sentence about staging - what do you say?

How do you explain it one sentence so that they understand?

How do you define it so that you do it justice?

How do you get the message out before you lose your audience?

I'd like to put out a challenge to all of you... Define home staging is the shortest possible way, yet still convey what it is, what we do and why we do it.

Consumer: What is home staging?

You: Home staging is ___________________________

(Remember - short, succinct and include what it is, what we do and why we do it)

Bonus challenge: Write your answer before you read the comments of others.

Non-stagers feel free to chime in, I would love to hear your answers too!

Maybe Maureen Henry will award one of her famous cookies to the winner!

Teacher saves the life of a family

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:26:44 -0500

I read an article in the South Lyon Michigan newspaper that made me choke back tears. The story is about a fifth grade Bartlett Elementary teacher, Ross Baker, who's smart thinking saved the life of a local family.

Here is the article

The student came to school sad and Mr. Baker inquired what was wrong. The student told Mr. Baker how his two birds had died. After thinking about it for a while, Mr. Baker thought it was odd that both birds would have died at the same time. He recalled something that he had learned about how miners would take birds into the mines, if the birds succumbed, there was not enough oxygen.

They contacted the child's mother and encouraged her to call and report a gas leak. The woman admitted to smelling gas in the home, had been suffering from headaches and nausea. Their bulldog had stopped eating about a week ago.

When the Consumers Energy technician walked into the house, his carbon monoxide detector immediately went off. He told the mother that they likely would have been dead within a week. The furnace had malfunctioned and was causing a gas leak.

I am moved by this story because of what could have happened. I think it is wonderful that this teacher cared enough to let the story of the birds "keep bothering" him. He couldn't shake it from his mind. But then to take the next step and TAKE ACTION is where he becomes a HERO. He wasn't afraid of looking silly or being wrong, he took action and saved this family's lives.

I wanted to share the story to inspire others to take action, even if you are not sure - you could save a life.

And baby makes four - No Joke!

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:03:13 -0500

(My now 4 year old!)

It is with great joy that I announce for the fourth time in my life that we have a baby on the way! Evidentially God has bigger plans for my family than either my husband or I realized and is sending us another blessing.

We have finally told all of our family members and our three kids - everyone is very excited to have another member of the family. I thought I would share our happy news with all of my AR friends too!

The baby is due Oct. 29^th so it will be a lovely, long, hot summer.

My associates wonder how, oh how can I manage 3 kids, a baby and a business? I say bring it on!

My stalker

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:20:18 -0600

For years I sent out a monthly newsletter and had a sign up box on my website. I used Constant contact and thought it was very cool that you could see who opened the email, how many times and if they clicked through to my website.

I had an individual who regularly read my newsletter, always clicked through. I always think of it as fishing and got excited that we had a biter. Finally the day came and I got a call from a man who was interested in staging his home to put on the market come spring. I recognized the name immediately from my newsletter stats (he was the clicker) and thought yeah! It finally worked.

We set up an evening appointment because he worked during the day. And get this... his home was in the most expensive subdivision in my town! I was giddy. For about four days leading up to the appointment, I kept getting a yucky feeling. I really wasn't too keen on the evening appointment, because it gets dark early. I kept pushing away the feeling because of the prospect of the job. (And he said his wife was going to be there). The day finally arrived for the appointment and I couldn't stand it any more. I called a fellow stager and asked her to come with me. She agreed.

When the guy answered the door, the house was dim. Now it is an almost 2M dollar home, I didn't expect all the lights would be on, but it creeped me out that it was dim. And there was soft music playing. (I know people play music, but it was classical and kinda creepy) And his wife was suddenly called out of town. It may have been my imagination, but he seemed a little off guard that I had brought a guest.

We toured the house and it was immaculate. I say every house needs to be staged, but I was hard pressed to find anything with this beautiful home. The tour lasted a half hour, he said he'd discuss everything with his wife and he would get back with me. I've never heard from him and he stopped reading the newsletter.

You all may be thinking when am I going to get to the part where he attacks us, but that never happened - thank God. I truly feel deep down it was because I had brought the other stager. The level of creepyness in that house cannot be expressed into written word.

I think about this story of mine every time I go on an appointment. I've made it a practice to leave the address and contact information of where I am going and always have my cell phone in my pocket, mace in the other and a sharp ink pen in my hand (I think a pocket knife would be too obvious).

I know we've talked about safety on here before; I just wanted to send out another reminder to listen to your gut and protect yourself before going into a stranger's house.

How Staging Differs From Decorating

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:11:44 -0600

There is a common misconception that believes that just because a home for sale is nicely decorated, that it does not need to be staged prior to going on the market.

Keep in mind that staging is not decorating. You use decorating to create the atmosphere, but you also draw on other elements to stage a home.

Staging is different than decorating because:

When you decorate, your goal is to satisfy the homeowner. You place items in the home that are reflective of them. You decorate with items that are personal treasures and are important to the homeowner.

In staging you decorate the home to appeal to the buyer. The "less is more" rule comes into play first. Staging removes the homeowner's personal imprint from the home. Even though you may be using the homeowner's belongings, you arrange items to highlight areas in the home that are selling features, not to highlight the homeowner's taste.

You "decorate" only to create an appealing atmosphere that anyone could call home. Staging takes the scene a step further beyond decorating by using props subtly to tell a story. Dressing a dining room table for example sends a message to the buyer "You can entertain your family here."

When staging is complete, the home should appear professionally decorated. The buyer will love the home for its look and feel.

Before you place your home on the market, it is imperative to have an objective opinion of how your home is presented. A professional home stager can conduct an evaluation of your home and give you advice on the best way to present it so that buyers will fall in love.

Home staging is SMART!

Cari Pilon is co-founder of SMART Stagers, a home staging and design company with offices in Michigan and Florida. If you are ready to put your home on the market, contact us to reserve your consultation today!

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:39:00 -0600

There should be a "place" for everything that is inside your home. Everything should have a "home" to go home to. Clutter, piles, dumping grounds are just unacceptable and a chaotic way to live. If you haven't established a home for it, no one knows how or where to put it back. Organizing is easy to get started; it just takes baby steps.

1. Pick up the item- I know this part sounds easy, but in reality it's not. When things have been piled up for so long it becomes an acceptable sight.

2. Sorting - Figure out where it should belong, (kitchen, closet, filing cabinet, trash etc.) and then just place it in that room. Repeat with each item in the pile.

3. Designate a home - Now that you have created a new pile in each room, it is time to designate a permanent home for the item.

4. Grouping - Gather like things together. Decide how they will be organized. For example magazines, you can group them as "all magazines" or "Mom's magazines" and "Kid's magazines" and keep them together like that.

5. Put it away - Organize things in a manner, which will be user friendly. If you store them on a shelf, basket, drawer, etc. ensure that everyone knows that is the item's new home. Make sure that whomever the item belongs to has access to it.

6. Maintain the space - Now that everything has a "home" it needs to be maintained. Don't let it get piled up again. Keep an eye on your hard work.

Getting organized takes time and effort, but it doesn't have to be hard. It just needs to be a constant practice. Communication with others who share your space is important too. Everyone needs to be "on board" with organizing or you will drive yourself nuts. Just remember "baby steps" and you are on your way to an organized "you".

How To Sell A Toy Train:

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:15:28 -0600

As with any product that is sold, the buyer's first thought is always "what is in it for me?" Let's say we are selling toy trains. You would want to sell the features of that train to prospective buyers - bells, whistles, electric, number of pieces etc. You need to be able to show that buyer what this train has that another doesn't. You need to show the buyer why they will love this train. Then sell the benefits of the features you listed. That is retail 101.

But how do you psychologically sell the train?

Put the train in the buyer's hands - this gives them the sense of ownership.

They are able to feel the weight of it - this gives them a sense of value.

Turn the train on and show them how it works - this allows them to view the quality.

Allow a child to demonstrate it - this allows them to experience the fun.

Take the train to the register - this will guide the decision to buy.

Selling a house is no different (follow me here) than selling toy trains. You would want to sell the features of the house to prospective buyers -number of rooms, bathrooms, square footage, lot size etc. You need to be able to show the buyer what this house has that another doesn't. You need to show the buyer why they will love this house. Then sell the benefits of the features you listed.

But how do you psychologically sell the house?

Put the key in the buyer's hands. After the agent removes the key from the lock box, they should hand it to the buyer. Explain to the buyer that you want them to get the full effect of the entry. This gives the buyer a sense of ownership by simply holding the key and opening the door. Psychologically they "own" the house.

When selling the benefits of the features of the house, don't just look - TOUCH! Have the buyer run their hands along the granite countertops, have them turn on the faucets, have them open the door to the deck with the view. Give them a sense of value. Show them the quality. Let them experience the home and what it has to offer. Psychologically these things belong to them.

Simply walking through the home pointing at things will not sell the house. Buyers need to get a sense of the lifestyle that they will have if they buy this house. This is where staging becomes extremely important.

Removing distractions such as clutter and personal items and cleaning are very important. But that will not sell the house. Staging helps to psychologically sell the house. By simply placing furnishings in a vacant room, buyer's can instantly see where their furniture could be placed. They have psychologically put them selves in the house.

Taking it a step further and lighting the fireplace, buyer's can envision themselves cuddled with the one they love drinking wine in front of the flickering fire with soft music in the background.

In the summer time, at a home with a pool, you could stage the deck to reflect an active lifestyle. Placing a beach towel and some flip flops next to a chaise lounge with a glass and pitcher of lemonade on the table will allow the buyer to envision relaxing by the pool while their children play.

Proper arrangement of furnishings to achieve optimal flow and cohesiveness is achieved through staging. The addition of simple, tasteful artwork and accessories will allow the buyer to visualize a life style that they may not already have, but are wanting. This can psychologically affect the buyer; they will buy the house because they feel if they do, someday they too can have those things.

Selling a home and selling a train are no different. They key word is selling.

Today I Made a Friend (well about 15)

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:12:05 -0600

Michigan held its very first SIF Roundtable discussion on Tuesday and it was well received. In attendance were:

Rita Moffitt, Real Estage Plus, Stockbridge

Marianne Sweet, Home Sweet Home Staging, Rochester Hills

Bethany Hickman, Staged Transitions, Rochester

Tod Barker, Tod Barker Designs, Ypsilanti

Heather Durren, Staging Places, Beverly Hills

Christine Uhl, Accent Home Staging, Brighton

Tracy Allen, Address For Success, Rochester

Kathi Presutti, Re:Style, Brighton

Deborah Chene, Staging Impressions, Farmington Hills

Wally Dean, Picture It Sold, Waterford

Darla Rowley, Impact! Interior Design Solutions, Royal Oak

Heather Roberts, The English Touch, Clarkston

Debbie Sosa, Set the Stage, Troy

J.J. Cook, Amazing Room Touch-ups, St Clair Shores

Jill Neugebauer, Step Up Staging, Clawson

Cari Pilon, SMART Stagers, Brighton

After spending way too much time on the first question :) things got underway. I was very happy to see that everyone was eager to join in. The group consisted of some seasoned veterans and some very new stagers.

We were unable to get through all the questions presented, however they were answered in some form throughout the discussion. The overwhelming consensus was that we need to educate the consumer more effectively on what staging is, how it works, what they can expect from their stager and how it will benefit them.

Those who have had experience working with real estate agents agreed that some still present a challenge. The status of some agents in our market is unstable; we agreed that we cannot expect them to pay for our services. We also cannot expect them to promote our services for us, we can only hope that they support and recognize our industry.

We held our meeting at Cort Furniture Rental in Novi, MI. Rebekah DuBois was the Event coordinator and provided us with a great lunch and the perfect atmosphere to have our roundtable. I want to thank her for all her efforts. Rebekah also provided us with some insight on the furniture rental's thoughts on staging. Her goal is to come up with a package or program that can mutually benefit both the rental company and the Michigan staging industry. We ended the meeting with the plans of getting together again.

I was privileged to have been the facilitator for our first Roundtable and would love to continue to do so. My goal was to bring together a group of peers in an environment that is open, encouraging and educational. I hoped that everyone was able to walk away with something that they felt was tangible - even if it was just a kick in the pants to start talking staging!

Thank you to all that were able to attend and I look forward to the next time.

UPDATE*** Ask and you shall receive! Here are the pictures!

Our Gathering Space

Rita Moffitt, budding new stager. That's Tracey Allen in back hiding whatever she is eating. Marianne busted with potato chips.

Tracy Allen would rather be skiing maybe? Kathi Presutti trying to answer question number one so we could move on...

Marianne Sweet and Bethany Hickman not doing a good job of hiding the chips (sorry Marianne) Tod Barker and Heather Durren having fun

Darla Rowley receiving a text message from a Radio host re her booking this weekend! Heather Roberts and Debbie Sosa feeling the chill from the snow just beyond that window.

No I am not that short, but Jill Neugebauer is that tall!

How Home Staging is Like Viagra

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:42:01 -0600

I was watching television the other night when a commercial from a drug company came on, then another and another. All of these medicines were by prescription only. I thought to myself why do the drug companies waste money on advertising? It's not like I can go to the drug store and buy it myself - I need a prescription. I have to ask my doctor for it.

Can you hear the sound of the brick falling on my head?

They are creating a want and a demand for their product to the consumer so they will go to the doctor and ask for that product. The same can be said for Home Staging. Reach out to the consumer and the real estate agent should follow. Create a want for Staging from the consumer and the agent should be able to prescribe Staging. Create a demand for Staging and the agent will have to give this service to their client. Educate the consumer on how to respond when the agent states that they don't need Staging. Educate the agent on why they should suggest, recommend or provide staging for their clients. I am hoping and working toward the day where all agents include the service for their clients. Hopefully if there is enough of a demand the agents will not have a choice.

Some one posed the question to me- Do you think we, as a group, are educating the consumer? I have to say yes and no. I think for some Stagers when they are new, they try to get the word out about Staging so they can get some business. After they have some regular clients, they stop. We can't stop!

I think groups like RESA and the SIF Roundtables are great vehicles to use to help get the buzz going. Starting RESA Chapters in each state is a great first step. Having the Roundtables around North America is a great first step. But what else can we do? Did anyone who held a roundtable distribute a press release about the event? Did anyone advertise the event? I ask because while the general public wasn't invited, it is a great way to reach out to consumers that Home Staging exists, we are a strong industry and we are in your neighborhood! What about including the event in your newsletter? Have all the attendees who put out a newsletter mention it.

I read blogs like "I'm not a home stager anymore" and it bothers me. Only because we have worked too hard at educating the consumer what Home Staging means, I don't want to back track and start over with "property enhancer" or "home stylist".(Sorry Kimberly, I just don't agree)

We are fortunate that Home Staging does not cause flatulence and fatigue like the drug companies add to their commercials. We are fortunate that Home Staging does not include a high risk of death and impaired driving. Home Staging is like a happy pill - it's all good!

What ideas do you have that as an industry we can create a buzz about staging?

Attention Home sellers! Call your agent and ask them to prescribe you some Home Staging - better yet demand it!

Staging Makes a Difference

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:17:37 -0600

Recently I read a post where one realtor commented to another realtor that - just because they market houses differently, doesn't mean one way is a wrong way. (One didn't recommend or use staging)

A common question is - does every home need to be staged? The answer is yes! One home may need more attention than another, but to present a home to market - staging is a necessity.

Staging can make a difference in how a buyer feels when they tour.

Staging can make a difference in what the buyer sees when they tour.

Staging can make a difference in what the buyer focuses on when they tour.

Staging can make a difference in what the buyer smells when they tour.

Staging can make a difference in what the buyer offers after the tour.

Staging can make a difference in when the buyer makes an offer.

Staging can make a difference in if the buyer makes an offer.

Staging can make a difference in whether a buyer decides to look at the home at all.

And for the agent who doesn't think every home could benefit from staging...

Staging can make a difference in how the seller feels about their agent.

Staging can make a difference in what the seller sees the agent do to sell their home.

Staging can make a difference in what the seller thinks their agent is doing to sell their home.

Staging can make a difference in what the seller tells others about their agent.

Staging can make a difference in whether or not the seller will refer their agent.

Staging can make a difference in whether or not the home is sold.

How can an agent benefit from recommending staging to their sellers?

Staging can make a difference in the amount of money the agent spends to market the home.

Staging can make a difference in the amount of commission the agent will make when they sell the home.

Staging can make a difference in the way the agent can market them selves to sellers.

Staging can make a difference in the amount of listings they have.

Staging can make a difference in they way they obtain leads.

Staging can make a difference in whether or not they list with you.

Staging Makes a Difference.

Michigan Roundtable - Mark your calendar!

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:50:53 -0600

It is official....

The time, date and place have been confirmed.

Please join Michigan area Stagers for a Roundtable discussion:

Date: January 22

Time: 11:30 - 1:30

Place:

Cort Furniture Rental

42350 Grand River
Novi, MI 48375

While I will be inviting as many stagers as I can find, space is limited to 20.

Please RSVP early to secure your space. Please RSVP to Cari@SMARTStagers.com if you can attend.

Thank you to Cort Furniture Rental for providing space and refreshments!

The purpose of the Roundtable is networking with fellow stagers, discussing common issues that affect us all, and brainstorming about ways to move the Staging Industry forward.

This meeting is FREE and OPEN to All Home Stagers regardless of affiliation or training. We will be discussing a list of questions provided by home stagers from across the country. The SIF Roundtable will help to unify and promote Professional Home Staging. For more information on SIF Roundtable Meetings please read Craig Schiller's Blogazine.

I look forward to meeting all of you.

Please RSVP to Cari@SMARTStagers.com if you can attend.

Thanks!

Cari

Show me the money!

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:34:52 -0600

Inspired by Kimberly Wester's post What a Stager Really needs... Stamina, I wanted to add something else.

I have found that an important part of starting your own business is to surround your self with positive people. Try to group together with like minded people.

One of my biggest challenges in the beginning was the lack of support from my family, my husband and my friends. Everyone thought my business and ideas were good, but that was where it ended. My husband had a "show me the money" mentality. He never came out and said that but when I would come home from a consultation he would ask "How did it go?" I quickly began to realize that translated to "How much did you make?"

What I did not get from my family, I sought out in the business world. My current business partner and I were a great support for each other - we had the same goals. I aligned myself with other business owners that were willing to cheer me on - as was I willing to cheer them on. This helped to keep my spirits high and my goals attainable.

I was lucky enough to find a Realtor who wanted success for his business as much as I wanted success for mine. He knew that staging would set him apart from other Realtors, he knew he needed to step up his services to compete with others. He was the stepping stone I needed.

I am very excited to be able to host the Michigan Roundtable and thank you to those who have already responded. This is the perfect opportunity to surround your self with like minded people. I think that is why Stage it Forward has commanded such a huge following... the people here get it. That is something that I think Stagers desperately need is to know they are not talking to a brick wall. We all have the support of each other.

I was able to persevere and have gained the support from my family and my husband. But if you find yourself alone on a raft in the middle of the ocean... seek and surround your self with people who think like you.

Don't forget

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:48:42 -0600

My husband and I were in Vegas a few years back. We were walking from one casino to another and there was a couple just ahead of us. The couple seemed to be big motorcycle fans. They had on the leather garb, long hair, walked with an attitude, smoking a cigarette. Sorry, but they were (stereotypical) bikers.

Ahead of us, walking towards us, was another couple. They seemed very happy and excited to be there. The woman was dressed very nicely and the man was in his full dress Army uniform.

It was interesting to see both of these couples at the same time. Vegas sure is a melting pot of people.

Just then the biker did something I never expected him to do.

Just as the couple passed each other, the biker man stopped and reached out his hand to the Army man and said "Thank you, thank you for everything". They shook hands and walked away.

If you have the opportunity today - Veterans Day - or any day, thank a veteran.

***My Disclaimer***

I know in the above it sounds like I have an opinion against bikers, I really don't. The scene for me was so impactful because of the contrast between the two couples. I am merely trying to help you visualize the scene I saw.

Calling Michigan Home Stagers Roundtable announcement

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:13:15 -0600

In the spirit of Staging it Forward you are invited to join us for our first regional Stage it Forward Round table discussion group for the entire Michigan area.

Topics of discussion will include: the staging industry, the new statistics submission form, and ways that we can work together to educate consumers.

All staging professional regardless of training or accreditation are welcome to attend.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Date: Tuesday, January 22th, 2008

Location & Time: To be determined

Please share this invitation with other stagers that may not be members of Stage-it-Forward so they can join our group.

For questions regarding our upcoming meeting, please email: Cari@SMARTStagers.com. A second invitation via Active Rain & email will be sent out once all arrangements have been made.

I too have fallen in love...

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:02:53 -0500

I just finished reading Missy Caulk's blog "Buying a House is Like Falling in Love". I too have fallen in love.

I have looked at thousands of homes on the Internet for my business, I have been inside hundreds of homes to stage or decorate and I have really liked some of them. I've never loved any of them. Until a couple of weeks ago I was looking at an agents website and there was my dream home! The house is exactly what I wanted when I first moved to Brighton,but we couldn't find one then. We didn't necessarily settle for the house we are in now, but it isn't my dream home ya know?

The problem is: Welcome to Michigan - I would never be able to sell my current home, I don't want to take the time to do what I know needs to be done (removing the orange paint from my son's wall and thousands of stickers from my daughter's door) to market it. I'm a stager and I would have to hire a stager because I think my home looks great the way it is! ( I know, I know!)

So alas, I continue to spy on my dream home. I drive by to see if they have moved out yet. I keep track of the price (it's gone down $10,000 so far. But I know it will never be mine...sigh.

Have you ever fallen in love with one of your listings (enough to buy it?)

The Battle Against Clutter

Cari Pilon, RE:STYLE Home Staging (RE:STYLE Home Staging) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 21:51:48 -0500

A lot of people have it....

Not many know what to do with it...

Some people thrive on it...

Home buyers hate it...

I am talking about clutter. Clutter can be a lot of knick knacks or too many pieces of furniture. Clutter can be a Hummel collection or piles of magazines on the floor. Clutter can be a closet filled four seasons of clothing or bookcases crammed with books. What home buyers hate about clutter is that they are so distracted by it, that they have a hard time actually seeing the house they are considering buying.

When you are selling your home, the first step before any actual Staging can begin is to de-clutter. I warn you - this will initially seem like a very daunting task - but you can do it!

Follow our step-by-step plan and win the war against clutter once and for all!

Step One - Say out loud "I want to sell my house and move!" Declaring this will put you in the right frame of mind to accomplish the next set of tasks.
Step Two - Obtain boxes and packing materials. Yes, you are going to pack away these items, you are moving right?
Step Three - Do only one room at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself, do one room at a time or one room a day, whichever your feel that you can accomplish.
Step Four - Remove all "collections". I understand that these items are important to you, and I am not asking you to get rid of them. I simply want you to pack them away until you can enjoy them in your new home.
Step Five - Remove all personal photos/items. Yes, I think your granddaughter is beautiful too, but I am sure you have photos of her in your wallet or album that you can enjoy. Buyers want to envision their family in this space - not see yours.
Step Six - Remove exactly half of the pieces of furniture in the room. You will instantly see how much space this will create in any room. The buyers will appreciate this space and will add value for them.
Step Seven - Tape up the boxes and store them. Please try to store them in a clean organized manner and not in the garage. If your home does not have enough space for this extra store, please consider renting a storage unit.
Step Eight - Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.