RE:VIEWS from RE:STYLE

Sellers May Be Asking for a Home Stager...But Not In So Many Words

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:02:54 -0600

They May Be Talking In Code...

Say you have a seller and you think their house looks just fine. Well, you know the contemporary style is going to be a challenge in this area (southwestern Michigan, in this case), but it's very clean and basically uncluttered. And, yeah those grayish purple walls and dark purple carpet could put off some buyers. Oh, and the acrylic posts in the stairway won't be everyone's taste...but let's list it and see what happens.

The seller asks,"Is there anything that needs to be done? Is there something else I should be doing?' You say, "No, can't think of a thing."

Two Weeks Later

Now, the clients are unhappy because there hasn't been any showings. And while price is usually the culprit in such scenarios, there may be other issues. Take the photos, which are the real "first showing". Does the house show well?

The Seller Makes The Call

Sellers watch HGTV. They know about staging. What they don't understand is why you didn't suggest it, especially with no showings. Well, they take matters into their own hands, and find a professional in their neighborhood (through a referral from a friend whose house was staged and SOLD!)

The staging company (in this case, RE:STYLE) comes out and does a consultation. The seller has invited the agents out, too, as a courtesy to them. The stager meets and greets, then proceeds to give a 2-hr. walkthrough consultation with many suggestions and recommendations , including at least the paint color or the carpet must change; both should. Working with the home owners, they move furniture and suggest important purchases. The fireplace is virtually being ignored in the current configuration, and is actually absent from the online photos (though you see it in the video tour).

The Realtors stay seated throughout. No comments.

Missed Opportunity--The Realtor Could Be The Hero!

Many Realtors understand the basics of staging; some have the training and the "eye" to do it themselves. But any Realtor can suggest a staging consultation, especially in a difficult house. Or, more importantly if they hear:

Cracking the Code

"Do I need to do anything else?"

"Is there anything you see that I should do?"

"What can we do other than lower the price?"

"Help!"

Why Do So Few Realtors Suggest Staging To their Sellers, Even When They are Actually Asking For It?

I have my theories. I'd love to hear from you! Also, any suggestions as to how to make it even easier for Realtors to refer stagers. I look forward to your comments!

RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com

Home Sellers--A Picture Is Worth A Thousand $$$ (Or More)!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:17:55 -0500

Choose Your Realtor By Their Photos

No, not the pictures of themselves--of the houses they are selling! The Internet is where 85% of the buyers are searching. And they eliminate houses based on the photos. So really, the pictures of your house on the Internet are your FIRST SHOWING. Also, great photos make your house look as valuable as it really is.

Make sure your house makes its best possible first impression! When you interview an agent, along with all the other important questions:

-Ask them how their photos of their listings compare to other agents.

-Ask to see examples.

-What kind of camera do they use? (Phone cameras don't count!)

-Do they use a professional photographer?

-is the lighting good? And the exposures correct?

-Are the photos in focus?

-Are they showing off the features?

-Are they using a wide-angle lens to capture all the space?

-Do they have an "eye"?

-How many photos do they typically post for each listing?

-Will they take outside photos, and photos that are relevant to your residential community? (Community pools, parks, etc.)

-Do they recommend having your house staged professionally prior to having photos taken?

-Do their photos evoke an emotional response in you?

Study Photos On The MLS (Check out Realtor.com)

You'll see what works, and what doesn't. And you'll be amazed at what you'll find:

-No photos posted

-One outside photo only

-Toilet seats up (ugh!)

-Underexposed shots, with windows "blown out"

-Photos that make you feel "tippy" (room is slanted strangely) or "unfocused" (blurry)

-Strange pictures of walls, hallways, doorways, etc.

Notice great shots:

-Unique angles (high, low)

-Photos where the outside is visible while the inside is perfectly exposed

Demand That Your "First Showing" Be The Best it Can Be!

Be sure and check your listing online once it is posted. Request that photos be retaken if they don't meet your standards. In fact, insist on it!

When it comes to the MLS, a picture can be worth a thousand dollars...or more!!!

Which Would You Rather Sell/Rent/Buy--Empty Rooms? Or Professionally Staged??? 3201 Brentwood Drive, Flint MI

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:17:31 -0500

Here's An Example of What Many Realtors and Property Managers Have To Try To Sell/Rent--Empty Rooms

Don't these leave you feeling empty? Lonely? Cold? Not many buyers can actually judge how large a vacant room is--most believe it's a lot smaller!

BUT--If A Savvy Seller Or Realtor Is Involved, A Buyer Will See This...

And what a difference a professionally staged house will make! In this case, this house was staged to sell by RE:STYLE in Brighton, MI.

Why try to sell a house that's empty and unappealing, when you can sell one that's full of life and looks like somewhere a buyer would love to live???

Stage your house or listings to sell!

For more information about selling a house in Michigan, in the counties of Washtenaw, Livingston, western Oakland or southern Genesee, contact Kathi Presutti, owner of RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign at 810-333-5240.

RE:STYLE's Staging of REO Condo at 904 Eagle Drive in Fenton, Michigan Makes The News! UPDATE!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:51:45 -0500

Staging is Big News Around Here--Especially When it's For A Bank-owned Property! VERBAL OFFER RECEIVED!!!

Click here to see the story that aired Saturday evening on ABC Channel 12!

And here are the complete "after" pictures, that didn't get shown on the air:

This is the second bank-owned condo staged by RE:STYLE just this week! Staging with RE:STYLE works--the first condo, staged on Wednesday, already has an offer!

More banks need to speed up the sales process by staging their inventory that is in good condition. We all benefit from the quick sale of foreclosure properties!!!

RE:STYLE is a Michigan home-staging company based in Livingston County. We stage the counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. Please contact Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for staging consultations for lived-in and vacant properties, and for hands-on staging. Our work is designed to sell!

Finally--An Enlightened Bank in Michigan Uses Staging with its REO Properties in Howell and Fenton!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:10:20 -0500

Vacant Properties Don't Sell Nearly As Well As Those That Are Staged--Even Ones That Are Bank-Owned!

I received a call from a local Realtor who is familiar with RE:STYLE's staging. She had taken the unprecedented step to propose that her asset manager consider staging at least one of her condo listings. She also let me know about more condos in another area, and so I crafted an email designed to sell my staging services to both potential properties. Keeping in mind the amazingly low asking price, I trimmed my own bid, and got the job to stage 2 condos!

Here are some before and after photos of the condo I completed on Wednesday. My proposal was for "soft staging" using accessories only. But I went the extra mile and threw in some smaller pieces of furniture to create an even better first impression.

BEFORE: Bland and Boring!

AFTER: Much more inviting, and now it's actually worth it to post inside photos, which are so important to buyers!

This bank actually had these condos completed, so they are in brand new condition. Talk about savvy individuals!

And then, just to add some more appeal, here are some "environmental" photos that will make the MLS listing memorable and desirable:

If you have a bank-owned property, or any listing, and you'd like it to sell more quickly, give us a call at 810-333-5240!

RE:STYLE LLC

Our work is designed to sell!

Parade of Staged Homes in the Michigan Counties of Livingston, Washtenaw and Oakland

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:32:37 -0500

RE:STYLE Loves A Parade!

3rd Annual Fund Raiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit, this is put on by the Great Lakes Chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. What a great way to let the public experience the emotional appeal of a properly staged house. The Chapter established a website, and collected contributions from Realtors, Home Sellers and ASPs for each house listed. There was a criteria established for each staged property, and an ASP must be present at the Open House.

There are 4 houses in 3 counties participating in the Open House, and then 5 more available By Appointment Only.

Visit The Open House from 1PM to 3PM on Sunday, June 14th. Below are the 2 houses RE:STYLE has Open Open Open!

3204 Lakewood Shores Drive, Howell 48843

$274,900

Rhonda Parks—Keller Williams/ 734-634-5277

North Shore Community 4 bed, ranch home with great open floor plan for entertaining, custom designed fireplace, oak cabinets, finished lower level w/daylight windows. Association offers park with beach, gazebo & walking trails to enjoy your time at home.

5947 Parent Drive, Brighton 48114

$179,900

Bobby Bidwell—RE/MAX Platinum/ 810-714-4726

Well-maintained, move-in condition ranch home with lake access on all sports Fonda Lake. Lots of privacy on quiet cul-de-sac. Bring your lake toys and get ready for fun on the water this summer!

Hopefully we'll get a great turnout--and maybe even some offers!

UPDATE! Staged to Sell By RE:STYLE in Ann Arbor, MI: 2512 Sequoia Parkway--SOLD!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:44:43 -0500

SOLD! 10 Days AFter Staging by RE:STYLE!

This house was originally listed on 8/4/09, then staged on 5/09/09--9 months later! So, staging works even with houses that have grown "stale"!\

From Pink Linoleum to...

This Ann Arbor house will most likely sell to a younger couple. So, it needed some updating, and staging that reflected the buyer.

This is the before, with pink linoleum throughout the entry, dining room, kitchen and hallway.

Here is how staging by RE:STYLE has showcased this room. We selected new vinyl, which didn't even need to be adhered with mastic (saving installation cost, and the linoleum for the new buyer, in case they prefer it to this stone-look vinyl).

The Living Room has a beautiful hardwood floor:

But it needed the right furniture and accessories to showcase it, and add that all-important emotional appeal:

This house has been on the market for several months. Now, with new flooring and soon, newly painted bath and bedrooms, it is all set for a quick sale! Here are a few more after photos:

For homeowners or Realtors in Michigan's Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee or western Oakland County, who are looking to give their properties an edge, call 810-333-5240. RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign--our work is designed to sell!

RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign Announces New Partnership

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:01:32 -0500

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

WARNING: This Video Demonstration Involves Clothes Being Removed!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:40:02 -0600

Fun "Before and After Staging" Video Shows Why Home Sellers Should Stage Their Homes To Sell With RE:STYLE!

Enjoy!

And if you need to have your house staged, give us a call at 810-333-5240!

"Home Is Where The Art Is" Open House Draws a Crowd to Brighton, Michigan House Staged by RE:STYLE

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:57:51 -0600

Cold Day, Hot Turnout!

Nearly 50 art lovers braved a cold Michigan afternoon to come out to 6020 Wyndam Lane and admire the work of 4 local artists, and the staging work of RE:STYLE. Oh yes, they were also taking in all the great features of this gorgeous house!

And The Winner Is...

Another big draw was the chance to win an 8-day, 7-night stay in the winner's choice of resort condominiums from all over the world! The lucky winner is from Brighton!

Buy the Art, Buy the House, or Buy Both!

If you'd like a chance to purchase any of the art, here's who to contact:

Featured Artists:

Anne Marie Buckman

810-225-9005

AMBuckman.com

Linda Dunn

810-229-0835

Kim Isaac

810-523-4729

Kally Walcott

810-220-3253

Or, to buy the house:

6020 Wyndam Lane (Pine Creek)

Brighton 48116

MLS# 28165241

$449,900

Sheryl McIntyre, Coldwell Banker Schweitzer 810-623-3733 (810-229-4016—HOME OFFICE)

Just Staged in Ann Arbor, MI by RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign--15 Donegal Ct.

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:32:14 -0600

From Lived In, To Vacant, To Staged!

RE:STYLE staged this house to appeal to the target--a young professional couple or perhaps a single man or woman. Because winters are long and gray in Michigan, we used bright colors to liven up the look and create a very happy atmosphere! We also made the bay window serve as a functional window seat for more appeal.

We carried the color scheme throughout the house, including the kitchen and breakfast nook. Doesn't it look cheerful?

We even kept the warm colors going in the bath! And now, here are a few more "after" photos of this great house! It's just $199,000, by the way!

If you are selling a house in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, contact RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign for a consultation or hands-on staging of a lived-in or vacant house. Our work is designed to sell!

Home Sellers-Why You Shouldn't Wait to Stage Your House!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:29:05 -0600

Putting Your House On the Market and Waiting to See What Happens?

!backwards this about going are You

In a buyers' market, it's imperative to price your house correctly and to stage it--before it ever goes on the market! If you decide that you can't afford to stage your house before you market it, here's what happens:

1. Your house doesn't show its best in the photos on the Internet or in any marketing materials your Realtor creates.

80% of all home buyers search for a home by looking at those Internet photos. You just lost your chance to make that all-important first impression!

2. The first few weeks on the market are when you get the most viewings.

Again, you are not putting your best face forward during this crucial selling timeframe. Just try to get those buyers back once you decide you better stage your house! Opportuity lost...

3. Housing prices are continuing to decline.

Every day your un-staged house languishes on the market is costing you $$$! Not just the money you're losing (about 1% monthly in my geographic area), but all the money you're spending keeping that house going--mortgage payments, taxes, heat, light, insurance, etc. For the cost of one month's holding costs, you could probably stage your house completely. For much less than that, you could get a Consultation Report and stage it yourself, with little or no assistance from a professional home stager.

4. You reduce your price in order to attract more buyers.

The investment in staging is always less than your first price reduction!

Conclusion: You really can't afford NOT to stage!

If you are selling in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, western Oakland or southern Genesee, contact RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign. We can help you prepare your house for sale, for less than you might believe. Please contact Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 today!

Secret Santas & Random Acts of Giving in Brighton, Michigan--Home Stager Helps Add Joy to the World!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:37:21 -0600

Local Businesses Provide a Fun Twist on Secret Santa with their "Finders, Keepers" Gift Bag Event

Some little extras will be scattered around town this week in hopes of spreading some extra holiday cheer over Brighton. Taking the lead from a recent Coopers & Binkley promotion, three local businesses created thirty gift bags filled with goodies that will be left in thirty area business establishments. Where will they be? That’s for the finders to find. Once they find, they keep!

"We just wanted to add a special element of fun and surprise to the season, especially with the economic climate the way it is," says Joanne Giardini of NuStar Insurance Agencies, the brains behind this project. “A friend had stumbled upon a small jewelry box containing earrings from Coopers & Binkley as they celebrated a store event. I loved the idea immediately and felt it would be something fun to spread around the community – especially during the holidays.”

Giardini enlisted the help of two local colleagues, Larry Patzsch of RE/MAX Platinum and Kathi Presutti, owner of RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign, to help out. The trio gathered small gift items from Biggby Coffee, Stillwater, Brighton Little Caesar’s, Rainbow Car Wash, Just So!, Shine Salon and Beaver Island Jewelry. Giardini, Patzsch and Presutti will distribute the thirty gift bags to local establishments later this week.

“We’re hoping that whomever finds these gifts will simply smile and feel lucky!” says Giardini. Let the games begin!

2nd UPDATE! A RE:STYLE Home Staging Event in Brighton, MI: "Home Is Where The Art Is, Too" Open House

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:14:53 -0600

4 Women Artists Exhibit at 6020 Wyndam Lane, Brighton

Earlier this year, I saw a couple posts about using the work of local artists in houses that are staged as a great way to get more exposure for all concerned. So, when I noticed that the Brighton Art Guild was temporarily set up in a vacant storefront in downtown Brighton, I stopped in to ooooo, ahhhh, and chat. I met a few artisits and floated the idea of showcasing some of their work in an appropriate house, and they seemed interested.

Long story short, I reconnected with them when I got the opportunity to stage a spectacular house in the prestigious development of Pine Creek. And, voila--the "Home Is Where The Art Is" Open House was born. It was originally scheduled for early December, but that turned out to be less-than-auspicious timing. So, we are rescheduling it for Saturday, January 31, 2009.

Here are some photos from the "soft opening":

There will be 4 artists exhibiting, and selling, their work: Anne Marie Buckman, Linda Dunn, Kim Isaac and Kally Walcott.

Surprise! Consultation nets the 4th artist!

The Thursday morning before the December 7th event, I had a consultation with a client. In the course of the consultation, I noticed some interesting fabric pyramids. When I said "Tell me about these" she proceeded to explain that she sews, and has exhibited these at various art fairs. So I asked her if we could use them for our event, and she was more than happy to oblige! (I also accomplished some subtle "decluttering" at her residence by this suggestion!)

The large canvas on the right was finished just in time for the event. Sadly, the artist was dealing with her mother's imminent death, and used this stressful time to fuel her creative expression. Painted as a tribute to her mother, who died just after it was completed, Linda Dunn's work is a powerful as it is beautiful.

The work on the fireplace mantle was also recently completed by the artist, Anne Marie Buckman. Both these pieces bring so much life and warmth to the room, don't they?

Here is the fabric art of Kally Walcott, on the floor below the paintings by Anne Marie Buckman:

And some close ups of more of Ann Marie's work:

We had a lot of fun, and helped get more awareness for the artists, and the house! Hopefully Michigan's weather will cooperate and we'll get even more participation this time!

Event: "Home Is Where The Art Is, Too" Open House

Coffee and Dessert Artists' Reception

Where: 6020 Wyndam Lane, Brighton, MI 48116

When: Saturday, January 31, 2009; 1 PM to 4 PM

ARTISTS:

Kimberly Isaac

Anne Marie Buckman

Linda Dunn

Kally Walcott

Contact:

Sheryl McIntyre, Coldwell Banker Schweitzer

Kathi Presutti, RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign

Home Staging with RE:STYLE in Fenton, Michigan--Mad About Plaid

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:02:15 -0600

Did You Know That Plaid Is A Hot Trend This Fall?

Well, I recently had an opportunity to do some writing for Taubman malls and to write about 67 trends for the fall. Plaid is one of them! Now, normally my staging isn't really influenced by trends, as I stage more to appeal to a broad range of buyers. But when I saw the plaid sofas in this house in Fenton, I thought I could work with them and save the sellers some money. I think I pulled it off--what do you think?

Here are some Before and After photos:

We had the perfect rug to pull out the colors and make this work. We also used leather cubes in place of the larger table to save space and to update the look. I found the table on the left in the basement, and I also used their table lamps with RE:STYLE's floor lamp. The beautiful painting belongs to the seller.

By mixing in some more modern accessories (mirror, floor lamp, tray table), RE:STYLE helped to give the plaid, and the room, a much more "now and wow" look and feel. Here are some other photos of the staging in different rooms:

We took the leaf out of the table, and used the 2 extra chairs in the Breakfast Nook, with a table we found, once again, in the basement. The painting is the seller's, as is the interesting table seen in the background. RE:STYLE provided the mirror, rug and other accessories. Did you notice that we also changed out the shades on the chandelier?

We used a Queen instead of the King to show off all the space in the room, added lamps, changed out the bedding, and used a trunk that had been in the Living Room so everything didn't look so "matchy matchy". We also introduced a screen as a headboard, again to mix it up a bit.

About RE:STYLE LLC

RE:STYLE LLC is located in Brighton, Michigan, and helps homeowners & realtors sell homes more quickly and more profitably by using proven home 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.

Home Staging Works for $88,000 Houses, Too!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:29:30 -0500

From Drab To Fab

RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign's associate, Tonya Seckinger, just completed staging this 830 Sq. ft. house in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. The transformation from a sad, empty house to a warm, inviting home was nothing short of miraculous! Of course, this is often the case with professional home staging. But when the house isn't a million dollar baby, it seems like it's even more amazing. Watch as a drab little rental morphs into a happy place someone would want to call home:

Now this house looks like a real value for the money! It was just listed, so I'll keep you posted on the sales results!

About RE:STYLE LLC

We're On The Front Page--of the Detroit Free Press Real Estate Section!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:39:20 -0500

"A season to sell: Owners who keep homes on market could fare better in fall"

This is the headline below the HUGE photo of yours truly as she moves an autumn-themed arrangement over to a table. RE:STYLE had just finished staging a lived-in house in Howell, Michigan last week. When speaking with a Realtor friend about the market and staging, she mentioned that a news reporter had called her looking for a house that was on the market now and wondering about themed decor (Halloween, fall, etc.). One thing lead to the next, and I was at the staged house with my client, the reporter and a photographer!

My client was nice enough to photograph me being photographed for the article! The photographer was being creative with this shot:

Advantages to leaving your house on the market in the fall

The article talks about how selling in the fall and winter can be a good thing, as there is less competition out there, and the buyers, while fewer, are more serious about finding a home.

I don't want to violate copyright laws, so click here to see the web version of the article. It's not as dramatic in format as the printed version, but it has the same helpful information!

About RE:STYLE LLC

Homeowners--Do You REALLY Want To Sell Your Home?

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:07:16 -0500

Letting Go Is Hard To Do...

Selling a home can be a very emotional experience. Here in Michigan, many are losing their jobs, and when they find new employment, it's often in another state. The family is uprooted, and sometimes angry or upset. So, the sale of the home is subtly, or not so subtly, sabotaged by these methods:

Refusal to Stage the Home To Sell

If you are not willing to stage your home, you are not ready to sell it. Period. Because inviting a professional home stager into your home is inviting constructive criticism--advice which will mean looking at your "home" as a "house"--a product on the market, in competition with all the other product out there! if you can't separate yourself from the building in which you live, you aren't truly read to sell it.

Staging can help you overcome this, because once your house is staged, it will no longer feel like your home. This is a good thing. And it will help you to move on to the next phase of your life, if you are truly willing to do that.

Refusal To Price The Home To Sell

Your Realtor knows the market, and knows what price your house needs to be in order to facilitate a quick sale. Why would they want you to price your home lower, when it means a lower commission for them? If you are not willing to listen to the pricing advice of your Realtor, based on what comparable homes have sold for in your area in the last month (not six months ago--that ship has sailed), then you are not committed to selling your home quickly. And many agents today are realizing this, and won't accept a listing for a house that is priced too high.

Refusal To Keep Your Home In "Showcase" Condition

If you stage your home, price it right, and then don't maintain its staged condition so that it shows well, you are undermining all the work you and your agent have already done. You must keep your house spotless, uncluttered, and show ready!

Refusal to Believe It Will Sell

Call it the "Law of Attraction", or call me crazy, but I swear that buyers sense your energy when they are in your house. If you really don't want to sell, your house WILL NOT SELL! Basically, you get what you hope for--it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, visualize that SOLD sign on top of the Realtor's sign out front--and do this every time you look out the window!

Here's something else you can do: a gentle "cleansing" ritual. Go into each room and spend some time there. Write down your favorite memories of the room and put them in a bowl. You may want to do this with your family, or they may want to each do it separately. When you have completed your tour of the house, you are ready for the most important part--letting go! Take all your "memories" and burn them (safely!). Then, when they are cool, you can scatter the ashes, bury them or put them in a jar (but don't store them in your current home). Or you can simply throw them away.

Now, look to the future, and don't look back!

You Are In Control Of Selling Your House

Ultimately, you can blame whomever and whatever you want, but you are the one in charge. Your decisions, your awareness of the tools available, your willingness to listen and cooperate, your positive attitude and your choices determine whether your house sits...or sells!

Celebrating Our 3rd Anniversary with Two SOLD! Homes

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:03:13 -0500

RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign Just Celebrated Its 3rd Anniversary!

And we did it by de-staging one house yesterday, and we'll continue the celebration by de-staging a second one tomorrow! Again, proof that staging works!

Here are some Before and After photos:

House #1--Ann Arbor, MI

This house was lived-in when I first went for the consultation. But after discussion with the client, we all realized that they would have a difficult time living in it in a staged condition. So, they agreed to temporarily move into an apartment, as they were on their way from Michigan to Washington, D.C. anyway. This house would have sold in the first 2 months, as the client got multiple offers. However, they declined and waited to see if they could do better...we won't go there!

By using a lot of their furniture, repositioning it and mixing in some from RE:STYLE's inventory, we were able to provide a cost-effective solution.

We painted most of the house in warm, golden tones to compliment the wood floor (that you can see, now) and to make the white fireplace mantle and surround, and the crown molding, stand out as the features they are!

We transformed the Master, as well, using an inflatable bed and a free-standing screen. Now it looks warm and inviting!

House #2--Dexter, MI

This was a unique house, and it had some unusual spaces. The Living Room looked very long and narrow, and the kitchen had some custom tile that may not appeal to everyone. We staged "around" the tile, and even found matching flowers!

Here's a couple close up views:

The Kitchen and Breakfast Nook:

Some "detail" afters;

The bedroom also ended up looking very serene ("after" only--we all know what an empty bedroom looks like, right?)

Here's what the buyer's agent had to say:

"I wanted to let you know that we wrote an offer and got it accepted on the home you so BEAUTIFULLY !!!!!!

Staged on Mast road for (agent's name)! You did such a great job that my client wants to take pictures today during the inspection so she can remember how great it looks.

Thanks! It soooooo works! "

Now, let's start our 4th year with another sad, lonely vacant that needs to be staged to sell!

Home Staging Takes Homes From Good to Great--to SOLD!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:02:00 -0500

Good Isn’t Good Enough in Today’s Housing Market

Too often when I question Realtors about their listings, they say, “All of mine look good!” and then they blame lack of sales on improper pricing—meaning, homeowners won’t list at a saleable price.

While of course pricing is key, the condition of the home is equally as important. And a good house that’s well priced isn’t going to be the one that sells if there’s an equally well-priced GREAT home in the neighborhood. Buyers today don’t have to settle for GOOD—they can, and they do, demand GREAT!

This house looked "good" enough to be listed...

But finally SOLD! in 5 days when it became “GREAT” after RE:STYLE’s staging:

This vacant house spent two years looking “good enough” on the MLS:

Then sold in 30 days after it was staged by RE:STYLE to become “GREAT”!

If your Realtor hasn’t suggested home staging, maybe that means they think your house is “good enough”; but wouldn’t you rather be “great”?

How to Go From Good To Great To SOLD!

Home staging is the key. As professional home stagers, we use “buyers’ eyes” to see the house the way prospective buyers do. Then, we let you know anything we observe that will inhibit a sale, or give a buyer an opportunity to knock down the price. A professional home stager will provide recommendations of how to correct these issues, and offer hands-on help as well as the names of trusted sources who will provide services they don’t, such as painting, countertop installation, etc.

You Don’t Want To Paint or Remove Wallpaper? Neither Do Buyers!

Today, the less work a buyer needs to do , the better. That’s why we recommend removal of all wallpaper, and neutralizing wall colors. These kinds of finishes are personal expressions of taste, and limit your buyer pool. “Why purchase the house with the dark red walls and blue wallpapered bath, when the one just up the street is neutralized, so that what I have now will go in it easily?” Today’s buyers are also often buying at the top of their budget—they don’t have money left over for purchasing new items to color coordinate with your leftover décor; they also don’t have the funds to do a lot of fix-up or deferred maintenance. Home staging companies, like RE:STYLE, will be able to give you many cost-effective solutions to help you update your house with minimal expense, and get it SOLD!

RE:STYLE, and many home staging companies, offer Project Management as a service to their clients. We have arranged for painters, carpenters, remodelers, and overseen their work stripping wallpaper, painting walls and ceilings, and installing cabinets, tile, granite, etc. We also select all the colors and materials, making it very easy for our clients who are busy with jobs, or those who live out of town, out of state, or even out of the country!

This “good” house sat on the market for 9 months before it became “GREAT” and was leased in 2 weeks after staging by RE:STYLE.

But You’re Short on Funds, Too…

Many sellers are bringing money to the closing table these days, We realize this, so as professional home stagers, we use our expertise to work with what you have, and turn liabilities into assets (or at least minimize their negative impact).

Blue countertops are not a desirable feature…but were considered “good enough” when the house was put on the market…and sat for 7 months. RE:STYLE staged them so that they became part of a fashionable color scheme, and now they look “GREAT”! Color this house SOLD—in 60 days!

We offer a very affordable “Walkthough Consultation” for those of you who have the time, the “eye”, and want a “Stage-It-Yourself” guide. We also offer a written consultation, if you prefer that option.

Home staging is all about showcasing the features of your home. It’s about the space, not the stuff. But when your "stuff" distracts buyers from experiencing the space—that’s where our knowledge and talent comes in. We rearrange the furniture, and will re-accessorize to add the “WOW” elements that your houses needs so that buyers become emotionally engaged.

This house went form “Granny” to “Great” with the help of RE:STYLE. It SOLD! in just 40 days—after already having been on the market for many months in “unstaged” condition:

It’s GREAT to Be SOLD!

Take matters into your own hands!

The best time to stage your house is before it ever gets on the market. You want your photos to be the best they can be, as looking at the pictures on the Internet listing sites is how 85% of the buyers choose what houses to visit. Look for yourself—and you you’ll notice what looks good, and what looks great!

About RE:STYLE LLC

RE:STYLE LLC is located in Brighton, Michigan, and helps homeowners &

realtors sell homes more quickly and more profitably by 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.

From Dated To Desirable--Before and After Vacant Home Staging Photos

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:01:57 -0500

Just Staged by RE:STYLE

This house has lots of potential, even though it hasn't been updated. Fortunately, after a year on the market, the homeowners decided to take advantage of my Inventory Reduction Sale (2 months for the price of of 1!) and stage the house. We have already received positive comments from Realtors who had shown the house before the staging, so let's hope it moves quickly!

For less than one month's mortgage payment (not to mention all the carrying costs), we got this house staged to sell!

Short Sales and Foreclosures--How Does Home Staging Fit In?

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:42:52 -0500

Realtors and Stagers--How have you successfully used staging in these situations?

Of course, as a home staging professional, I believe that every house will benefit from home staging. But I know that money is tight in a short sale situation, and probably nonexistent in a foreclosure. So:

1. Will banks pay to have a house staged?

2 If so, is there a preferred method for getting this to happen?

3. What about adding staging into the upfront administration fee that some Realtors are requiring in order to take on a short sale?

4. Who to approach, as far as the banks are concerned, in order to have a discussion take place about this?

5. Are Realtors willing to pay to have the house staged (and thus help the house sell for more and more quickly)?

I did stage a vacant short-sale house, and it just closed. The Realtor absolutely supports the positive effect the staging has on the sale. Here are a some after photos:

I look forward to your comments and suggestions!

From Blah To Ahhhhh!--Results Are In--SOLD! in One Day!

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:23:50 -0500

Let's Do This Again!

If you didn't see my original post (House-Goes-From-Blah), you may want to check it out! The owners (who I haven't met) were in Europe on vacation. I was a little concerned about what they might think upon their (surprise!) return, so I asked the Realtor for feedback. Here is what the owners had to say:

"Michelle and I did have a chance to see the staging and we thought it looked incredible. They did a fantastic

job brightening up the house, making it look much more fun, and inviting. Michelle couldn’t say enough nice

things about the house and has handed out about five of the cards to friends. We took pictures of the house on

our digital camera and were telling our family about our trip to Bellagio, Italy. Someone saw the house

staging pictures on the camera and said, “the pictures of the hotel where you stayed in Italy look amazing.”

We had to tell them that is was the pictures of the staging in Ann Arbor. The furniture re-arranging really

opened up the living space and made the strange extra room in the master bedroom look more useful. We

think it looks fantastic."

I think they must have been looking at the bedroom, so here it is, above.

I still need to get all the final statistics, like the sold price. I'll revise this post when I get that info.

Staging it Green--Our New "Reuse, Recycle, RE:STYLE" Program Pays Green ($$$) Dividends For Recycle Livingston

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:20:00 -0500

That's me, on the left, handing Linda Berch from Recycle Livingston, a check for $250!

Here's the press Release we sent out today. Please send me links to any eco-friendly concern or ideas that you think would be good to have on my website. I look forward to your comments!

RE:STYLE Home Staging Company Donates to Recycle Livingston as Part of Stage-It Green Program

BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN, August 14, 2008 – Michigan home staging company RE:STYLE LLC presented a check for $250.00 yesterday to Linda Berch, Director of Recycle Livingston, as part of RE:STYLE’s new Stage-It-Green program.

“This is what our ‘Reuse, Recycle, RE:STYLE’ program is all about; eco-friendly, resource-saving practices that are part of the service we routinely provide to clients,” said Kathi Presutti, RE:STYLE’s owner. “In April, we pledged to donate a portion of each hands-on staging project to an eco-conscious concern, and we selected Recycle Livingston to be the first recipient.” Presutti has been taking recyclable materials used in her home staging business to Recycle Livingston, and wanted to use this opportunity as a way of thanking them for providing an easy way to help the earth.

“Many green principals are inherently part of what RE:STYLE does when staging a house for sale, or in vacant home staging,” said Presutti. “We reuse as much of the current owner’s furnishings as possible, saving home sellers another kind of green (money). And over half of RE:STYLE’s $65,000 worth of home staging inventory is recycled—meaning, we purchase from resale and consignment shops, as well as from furniture rental companies. We even reuse the bags we get when we do purchase new items—they serve as packing materials for the accessories we bring to jobs.” Excess plastic bags, as well as cardboard and plastic water bottles, are some of RE:STYLE’s most recent contributions to Recycle Livingston.

The website, http://www.ReStyleStaging.com, has been updated with a new section devoted to eco-friendly links and tips that any homeowner can use. Presutti also welcomes email suggestions for eco-friendly products or tips from the public. “Recycle Livingston will, of course, be one of the links,” said Presutti.

About RE:STYLE LLC

Realtors--Word is Out and You'll Be Getting Requests

Kathi Presutti--RE:STYLE LLC (RE:STYLE LLC) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:47:39 -0500

Consumer Reports Supports Home Staging--Do You?

As noted in Jennie Norris' blog, Consumer Reports has a great page on home staging in their September issue. (And, please note, the photos they show are examples of staging by RE:STYLE!)

So, you can expect to be getting even more requests from clients for staging services. But, being proactive and savvy, I know you'll actually offer those services before the clients even asks!

Many Realtors fear offending their clients by offering staging. However, if you make it a practice to mention staging to every potential client who calls you, you will:

1) Put yourself ahead of the competition--not everyone offers staging (can you believe that?)

2) Avoid offending clients, because if you mention this before you even see their house, how can they be offended?

3) Sell your listings more quickly

4) Improve your selling stats, and therefore gain new clients

5) Make more money because your listing sell faster--less marketing required, fewer or no price reductions

If you are a Buyer's Agent and your client has a house to sell before they can purchase a new one, again--offer a staging consultation to them!

Wouldn't you be willing to invest $75 or $150 in a staging consultation? The ROI is very significant!

One more thought...more homeowners are already going directly to home stagers to request staging. After reading this Consumer Reports article, even more will do the same. If you already have a good relationship with a home staging professional, you are in a good position to get referrals. And who wouldn't like to be handed a professionally staged house to sell?!