Hampton Redesign Stages Fort Worth

Hampton Redesign Stages Fort Worth http://activerain.com/blogs/tessahr Home Staging and Redesign Services in Fort Worth TX and Tarrant County en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1198109/parents-of-the-buyer-feedback-priceless- Parents of the Buyer Feedback ... Priceless! <p>The other day I was meeting the furniture rental pickup truck at one of my staged homes in Fort Worth TX that just sold. I'd loaded the last few plants and a table into my car and was waiting for the knock on the door.<br /><br />Well the knock came, but in walked the mother and father of the new buyer. They were there to measure and help her get a jump on moving into her new home.<br /><br />The mother said she was delighted to meet me as they had enjoyed seeing how I had furnished and accessorized this beautiful townhome.</p> <p><img title="Staged Kitchen" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/3/3/7/ar125046517373323.jpg" height="324" alt="Staged Kitchen" width="432" /><br /><br />She made special mention of the fact that seeing the staged home photos really made a difference. Her daughter, while browsing online had seen the photo of the kitchen and said <strong>"Mom come and look at these flowers!".</strong>  The vase was on the island where she hopes to make cookies with her girlfriends in the hoidays, so it was definitely an emotional touchpoint for her.</p> <p><img title="Staged Kitchen 2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/0/9/0/ar125046522509066.jpg" height="324" alt="Staged Kitchen 2" width="432" /></p> <p><br />It was so nice to get that feedback. To hear how a buyer responds to what you do and to know it does make a difference. Now the seller is happy, the realtors are happy and of course the buyer has found a new home she can make memories in! It feels good!</p> <p>Staged by <strong>Hampton Redesign</strong> - <a href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" title="Hampton Redesign - Home Staging Redesign" target="_blank">www.hamptonredesign.com</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:29:58 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1198109/parents-of-the-buyer-feedback-priceless- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1160454/before-and-afters-exquisite-tudor-cottage-with-all-the-charm-and-period-details- Before and Afters - Exquisite Tudor Cottage with all the Charm and Period Details! <p>I was inspired by this <strong>gorgeous brick Tudor</strong> home for sale in the <strong>Berkeley Place </strong>neighborhood near downtown Fort Worth. By the time I was finished staging it I could just imagine myself moving in and living happlly ever after!</p> <p>I just love to see these older homes restored with new paint and updated with great kitchen appliances yet still have all of the great period touches like light sconces and hanging fixtures original to the house when it was built in 1926.</p> <p>Here are my before (left) and after (right) photos of this beautiful home. The home was vacant after the tenant moved out and it was completely updated for its new owner.</p> <p>Here is the little breakfast nook between the kitchen and dining room. The tile inset above the sink features a little 3 dimensional frog!</p> <p><img title="before and after breakfast room" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/2/8/5/ar124812605658223.jpg" height="300" alt="before and after breakfast room" width="800" /></p> <p><img title="before and after bedroom" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/6/4/4/ar124812629744612.jpg" height="300" alt="before and after bedroom " width="800" /></p> <p>The master bedroom is full of light and looks out to the back garden through double french doors.</p> <p>Formal dining room leads into the living room which is also full of light as you can see!</p> <p><img title="before and after dining" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/1/2/6/ar124812639562167.jpg" height="300" alt="before and after dining" width="800" /></p> <p>The living room features a barrel ceiling which was restored and leads into a sunroom and third bedroom.</p> <p><img title="Before and "After" Living Room" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/5/6/5/ar12481264956596.jpg" height="300" alt="Before and After Living Room" width="800" /></p> <p><strong>This home at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76110 is listed for sale by Ruth Story, Keller Williams.</strong> Thank you Ruth! It was a pleasure staging this home.</p> <p> </p> <p>Staged by <strong>Hampton Redesign</strong> - <a href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" title="Hampton Redesign - Home Staging Redesign" target="_blank">www.hamptonredesign.com</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:56:45 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1160454/before-and-afters-exquisite-tudor-cottage-with-all-the-charm-and-period-details- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1152280/i-flipped-out-over-this-500-staging-job I Flipped Out over this $500. Staging Job <p>Recently<img title="sun" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/6/2/3/ar124758762832665.jpg" height="80" alt="sun" width="80" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /> on a HOT Saturday morning I found myself watching a mini marathon of my favorite home flipping shows on TV. The temperatures have been consistently hitting the 100s here in central TX so I was basking in the AC while getting inspired!<br /><br />I love to watch <strong>house flipping shows</strong>. I like it when they tally up the costs at the end to show the investment they made and what their projected profit would be if it sells for their target price. <br /><br />This particular house flip took place in CA - complete with wild fires and wild price fluctuations during the flip. At the end of the renovation <strong>the investor brought in a staging company to stage the property for his open house</strong> that weekend. The flip was still under construction so the stagers agreed to come back several days later. <br /><img title="room style" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/8/8/0/ar124758709408816.jpg" height="133" alt="room style" width="200" style="margin: 12px 10px; float: left;" /><br /><strong>The home staging team did a beautiful job</strong>. It looked like every room was staged and with high end furniture and accessories.<br /><br /><strong>Why did I flip out? The total cost given for staging was $500. $500.!!</strong><br /><br />Now granted the company may have agreed to a lower cost for the marketing exposure (their name was on the side of the truck they used). It may have been for one day only.<br /><br />But this gives a completely false idea of how much this kind of vacant staging costs to the consumer watching these shows. It would be impossible for any company to stay in business at this price with all the overhead of labor and inventory that is required to fully stage a home. <img title="fairy" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/1/4/0/ar124758729204109.jpg" height="146" alt="fairy" width="200" style="margin: 0px; float: right;" /><br /><br />Although we do sprinkle fairy dust from time to time, completely staging a vacant house for $500. is wishful thinking!</p> <p>I welcome your comments as always!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:14:58 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1152280/i-flipped-out-over-this-500-staging-job http://activerain.com/blogsview/1062697/give-your-home-some-love-and-get-some-buzz-back- Give your home some love and get some buzz back. <p>This is what makes it so satisfying to be a home stager. Today I got a call from the realtor. In less than ten days since I staged this home, they have <strong>received not one, but three offers</strong> for this property. Woohoo! <br /><br />Now there was nothing wrong with this home. It has a gorgeous updated kitchen and lush private backyard. But it has been <strong>on the market since November of 2008</strong>.</p> <p><img title="Wedgmont Before" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/7/3/6/ar124148692363725.jpg" height="300" alt="Wedgmont Before" width="400" /> <strong>Before</strong> it was open <em>and </em>open to interpretation!</p> <p><img title="Wedgmont After 1" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/6/5/3/ar124148701435623.jpg" height="225" alt="Wedgmont After 1" width="300" /><img title="Wedgmont After 2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/7/7/6/ar124148710067742.jpg" height="225" alt="Wedgmont After 2" width="300" style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" /></p> <p><img title="Wedgmont After 3" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/0/4/8/ar124148719184075.jpg" height="300" alt="Wedgmont After 3" width="400" /><strong> After </strong>there's a space for dining <em>and</em> entertaining!</p> <p>While I was previewing it with the realtor before staging, the home was being shown. The potential buyers actually asked me how I would arrange furniture in the main living space. Although the space was nice and open there was no recognizable area for a formal dining or eat in space. After I explained what I would do if I staged it, they left and the realtor said she thought they would make an offer but wait until it was staged!</p> <p><img title="Hollywood" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/1/9/5/ar124148734759121.jpg" height="149" alt="Hollywood" width="360" style="margin: 6px 12px; float: left;" />This is the first time I've realized buyers actually enjoy seeing homes staged. And really why shouldn't they? <strong>It's a little bit of Hollywood HGTV-style buzz.</strong> It's fun and creates excitement not only for the buyers, but the agents showing the home and the owner who is excited about finally selling the home!</p> <p>What I realized is, <strong>staging shows the seller cares</strong>. They care enough about the home to present it professionally. It shows pride of ownership. What better message is there to your buyers than you think the house is worth an investment  of time and money?</p> <p> </p> <p>The seller is happy, the realtor is happy and you know the buyers feel they are getting not only a new home but a nice preview of how they can arrange their furniture once they move in! I call that a happy ending!</p> <p><img title="Sold" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/3/5/7/ar124148768975327.jpg" height="96" alt="Sold" width="180" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-left: 224px; margin-right: 224px;" /></p> <p>Staged by <strong>Hampton Redesign</strong>  <a href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" title="Hampton Redesign - Home Staging Redesign" target="_blank"> www.hamptonredesign.com</a></p> <p><em>"Your success is our success"</em></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Mon, 04 May 2009 20:46:23 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1062697/give-your-home-some-love-and-get-some-buzz-back- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1059936/fabulous-fort-worth-flip-staged-to-sell Fabulous Fort Worth Flip Staged to Sell <p>I started working with the investor/flipper on this home back in December of 2008. Initially we were just talking about my company staging the home for sale once the renovations were complete. But I took on the role of design consultant very early and had the pleasure of seeing this great old Fort Worth brick ranch gradually transformed into a sleek and modern family home.</p> <p><img title="Shannon in the 50s with old car" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/3/2/ar124130628023646.jpg" height="243" alt="Shannon in the 50s" width="360" /></p> <p><strong>Original photo of home in the 1950s</strong></p> <p>Walls came down, new space was carved out for a larger master bath and closet and the original kitchen was totally gutted. The space is now light and open thanks to the addition of a set of french doors off the breakfast area and sliders off the kitchen. The decision was made to keep part of the wall between the formal living area and new great room. I think it's nice to have options when entertaining or living and opening up the wall would have created one huge living space but limited options for family members to use the space independently.</p> <p><br /><img title="Shannon Great Room before and after" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/1/2/4/ar124130652742189.jpg" height="225" alt="Shannon Great Room" width="600" /></p> <p><strong>Before</strong> the back porch was carved up into a new master bath and breakfast room - <strong>After</strong> the fireplace gets a facelift!</p> <p><img title="Shannon Great Room Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/6/9/4/ar12413065849655.jpg" height="225" alt="Shannon Great Room Before and After" width="600" /></p> <p><strong>Before</strong> the living room and family were cut off by a wall - <strong>After</strong> it was opened up for better flow and light</p> <p><img title="Shannon Kitchen Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/9/2/9/ar124130663192955.jpg" height="225" alt="Shannon Kitchen Before and After" width="600" /></p> <p><strong>Before</strong> the kitchen was cut off from the family room - <strong>After</strong> it's open to the family room and flooded with light</p> <p><img title="Shannon Master Bedroom Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/2/8/3/ar124130668838296.jpg" height="225" alt="Shannon Master Bedroom " width="600" /></p> <p><strong>Before</strong> the master bedroom got a minor facelift and <strong>after</strong> staging</p> <p><img title="Shannon Hall Bath Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/5/6/1/ar124130674116506.jpg" height="400" alt="Shannon Hall Bath Before and After " width="600" /></p> <p><strong>Before </strong>the family bathroom was dated and cramped. <strong>After</strong> it is an open modern bath with subway tile and solid surface counters.</p> <p>A new deck was also built off the back to maximize the living space and give the new owners the option of opening both french doors and sliders to entertain outside. <br /><br />Outside the brick was painted in a neutral Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige. I did opt for neutral light colors throughout and I think it makes an easy palette for anyone to move into and later change if their tastes are more colorful!<br /><br />The nice original wood floors were a bonus which just needed refinishing in a darker stain. Large 16 x 16 tiles were used throughout the great room and kitchen to offer easy care and seamless options for arranging furniture.<br /><br />The flip project did run over time but is now complete and ready for a new owner. This great old family home in the desirable Ridglea neighborhood has been reinvented and renovated for the 21st century and is listed now!</p> <p><img title="Shannon Exterior" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/5/6/6/ar124144889966522.jpg" height="375" alt="Shannon Exterior" width="500" /></p> <p>4224 Shannon Dr., Fort Worth TX 76116<br />MLS Number:11187863<br />Listing Agent:David McDonald<br />Listing Office:Century 21 Mike Bowman, Inc.</p> <p>Staged by <strong>Hampton Redesign</strong>  <a href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com" title="Hampton Redesign - Home Staging Redesign" target="_blank"> www.hamptonredesign.com</a></p> <p><em>"Your success is our success"</em></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Sat, 02 May 2009 18:36:37 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1059936/fabulous-fort-worth-flip-staged-to-sell http://activerain.com/blogsview/1031197/the-buyer-wants-my-napkins- The Buyer Wants My Napkins! <p>I recently wrote about a home I was staging here in Fort Worth.  <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/925239/Can-these-Kitchen-Cabinets-be-Redeemed-Or-is-this-Mission-Impossible" title="Can these Cabinets be Saved?" target="_blank">Kitchen cabinets were dated </a>and so were the bathrooms. We ended up getting the cabinets painted and updated the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and dining area.Here is the "after" photo.</p> <p><img title=""After" Kitchen Cabinets" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/1/7/8/ar123957003187199.jpg" height="360" alt="After Kitchen Cabinets " width="480" /><br /><br />Oh and we staged it on a budget! I got five rooms staged on the minimum furniture rental budget required for three months. Owners were out of state and were ready to get this home sold - <strong>it had been on the market previously for about 8 months </strong>before the listing expired. We staged it just prior to it being re-listed. <br /><br />The <strong>first day of listing (March 4) there were five showings</strong>. On <strong>March 24, there was a Broker open with 15 attending</strong>. On <strong>March 29 there was an open house and the following day an offer</strong>. <br /><br />Yesterday I received a phone call from the new buyer. <strong>They are closing this month on April 24th</strong>. She wanted to know if the couch I used in the living room was available for sale as well as the dinner napkins I used on the dining room table. She is planning on using the color as the base for her new color scheme.</p> <p><img title="Staged Dining Table with Napkins " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/2/4/7/ar12395702274221.jpg" height="360" alt="Dining Table with Napkins" width="480" /><br /><br />The couch is rented, but I told her I would be happy to give her the napkins.  <br /><br />Yes staging costs money, but can anyone doubt the buyer had an emotional connection to this home through the furnishings? Could that connection have been made without the color of the napkins to inspire her? <br /><br />I'm not patting myself on the back - I'm just happy to know the staging worked! It's not often we get to hear buyers reaction to what we do and this is one of those instances where you go "AHA"! Yeah!<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.realestateshows.com/382183" title="Staged and Sold in Less than 30 Days" target="_blank">Staged and Sold in less than 30 days!</a></strong></p> <p><em>For expert Home Staging and Redesign in greater Fort Worth TX, call Hampton ReDesign. I can guide you to a faster sale through staging or redesign. Your success is my success!</em></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:10:30 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1031197/the-buyer-wants-my-napkins- http://activerain.com/blogsview/993915/we-do-judge-a-book-by-it-s-cover- We DO judge a book by it's cover! <p>When was the last time you picked up a magazine or book with no picture on the cover? <br /><br />If you were searching for a particular title or subject you might overlook a missing book jacket but how many magazines would survive on the rack with no photos or artwork?<br /><img title="Magazine cover" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/0/0/4/ar123757233940056.jpg" height="427" alt="Magazine cover" width="345" style="margin: 20px;" /><br />Like it or not we <strong>do </strong>judge a book by it's cover. We grab the magazines or books that appeal to our senses. Whether it's a glamorous cover shot promising to show us the way to eternal beauty or a beautifully decorated room, we buy what appeals to us.</p> <p>The creative people who design these covers know how important the cover shot is. They use props and lighting and drama to get us to bite or buy.<br /><br />Can you see the analogy here? When you are selling your house, you want buyers to do the same. By using all the right "props" and having a professional home stager "style" your home, your home photos become the <strong>cover</strong> that grabs your buyers interest. <br /><br />Home staging can create the compelling image that tempts buyers to pick <strong>your</strong> home "off the rack"!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:09:18 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/993915/we-do-judge-a-book-by-it-s-cover- http://activerain.com/blogsview/982031/don-t-break-up-with-your-buyers-before-you-tie-the-knot- Don't break up with your Buyers before you tie the knot. <p><br />One of the challenges of marketing staging is coming up with a quick and easy way for our clients to grasp the benefits of staging their home. Call it the elevator speech, your value proposition or marketing you. When we go on a consultation with a client, or meet a real estate agent for the first time, part of the challenge is explaining the concept of staging so they "get it" and clearly see the benefits. <br /><br />Although statistics are very meaningful to me, when I quote them I often get the feeling my clients turn off.  When you are quoting numbers, as valuable as they may be, it takes away from the personal interaction you have with your client, it seems to stop the flow of warm and fuzzy feelings they want to have about you!<br /><br /> Our clients are placing a huge amount of trust in us to handle their most valuable possession. Their home. Not to mention their financial investment, so I am always looking for ways to connect with my clients and show them how important staging can be to their goals of getting their home sold, quickly and for top dollar!<br /><br />Here's one way to <strong>visualize</strong> the need to get a home show ready <strong><em>before</em></strong> you put it on the market.</p> <p><strong>The way you live in your home and the way you sell your home is like the difference between being married and dating.  </strong><img title="Sink full of dishes" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/6/7/3/ar123697328337636.jpg" height="200" alt="Sink full of dishes" width="300" />             <img title="Lady in curlers" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/7/2/8/ar123697331382776.jpg" height="240" alt="Lady in curlers" width="160" /><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Once you're married, you've chosen to accept each other for who you are. Right? But when you're dating, first impressions can make or break a new relationship. </strong></p> <p><strong>Who would dream of going on a first date without making sure we looked the best we could?</strong></p> <p><img title="dating couple" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/5/0/7/ar123697347170576.jpg" height="217" alt="dating couple" width="200" style="margin: 6px; float: left;" /><br />Because we KNOW we are all judged by appearance first and everything else second. That's why we don't show up at a job interview in sweatpants! <br /><br />We are <strong>visua</strong>l creatures. <br /><br />Malcolm Gladwell said it in his best selling book <a href="http://www.gladwell.com/blink/index.html" title="blink" target="_blank"><strong>BLINK</strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>When we walk into a home we're thinking of buying it takes two seconds to reach a series of conclusions about it. TWO seconds. </strong><br /><br />So first impressions is not just a tired cliche when it comes to home staging. Our minds are going<strong> click click click</strong> along with our mouse while we are shopping online. We are making judgements, assumptions and evaluations in seconds.<br /><br /><strong>Don't break up with your Buyers before you tie the kno</strong>t. Contacting a professional home stager for a pre-listing consultation is one way you can live happily ever after!<br /><br /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:50:53 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/982031/don-t-break-up-with-your-buyers-before-you-tie-the-knot- http://activerain.com/blogsview/958928/take-one-candle-and-stir-in-two-pillows-mix-gently-and-let-stand-while-removing-rugs-and-clutter- Take one candle and stir in two pillows. Mix gently and let stand while removing rugs and clutter! <p>I got an email about a month ago with no subject line and the message was <strong>"HELP"</strong>! The owner of this home found me online and wanted help getting her property <strong>SOLD</strong>.  The house is in a great location in Fort Worth near the Rivercrest Country Club. Houses in this established neighborhood sell in a range of $100. to $200. per square foot depending on condition and upgrades.</p> <p><br />On our initial consultation, we walked through the home and we talked about eliminating clutter as well as any of the furniture  she wouldn't need in her new home. </p> <p><img title="Living Room Before" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/1/9/5/ar123585538359193.jpg" height="300" alt="Living Room Before" width="400" style="margin: 6px; float: right;" /></p> <p><br />A few weeks later, after an estate sale and following up on some of my suggestions, my client called me back. </p> <p>She had an Open House scheduled on Sunday and wanted me to come over and stage the home.</p> <p>We spent four hours moving furniture and re-purposing what she already had. I brought in a few pillows and accessories to show her how it could change the look and we even found similar pieces in her home to use.</p> <p>I took the <em><strong>before</strong></em> photos from MLS to show how it looked online to potential buyers before we staged it.</p> <p>One of the first things we did was pick up the rugs on the wood floors. Although the rugs were really nice and colorful the house seemed much more open and spacious after we pulled them up.</p> <p> </p> <p><img title="Living Room After2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/4/8/7/ar123585601578446.jpg" height="300" alt="Living Room After 2" width="400" /><img title="Living Room After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/1/9/3/ar1235856339166.jpg" height="225" alt="Living Room After" width="300" style="vertical-align: top;" /></p> <p>We pulled these two ottomans in (one from the living room and one from upstairs) to make a casual cocktail "table" in the family room.  The large rug was replaced by this smaller one from under the dining room table. I think it helps hold the seating group together and ties in the leather couch and striped ottomans as does the black pattern pillows I found in another room. The candle came from the downstairs bath.</p> <p><img title="Great Room Before" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/0/5/5/ar123585652655089.jpg" height="225" alt="Great Room Before" width="300" style="float: left;" /></p> <p><img title="Great Room After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/8/1/8/2/ar123585697228187.JPG" height="300" alt="Great Room After" width="400" /></p> <p><img title="Kitchen Before" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/1/4/7/ar123585702174192.jpg" height="225" alt="Kitchen Before" width="300" /><img title="Kitchen After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/6/0/7/ar123585704870657.jpg" height="300" alt="Kitchen After" width="400" /></p> <p>I was really pleased with what we were able to accomplish without having to  purchase any additional accessories.</p> <p>This is a very unique property with almost 3,000 square feet in a very sought after neighborhood. The outside of the home does not give any indication of how spacious it is inside. It's an ideal layout for a family with a large master suite downstairs and two very large sunny bedrooms upstairs that overlook the trees and pretty backyard. <br /><br /><strong>4724 Lafayette Ave., Fort Worth TX 76107 $369,000</strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:41:55 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/958928/take-one-candle-and-stir-in-two-pillows-mix-gently-and-let-stand-while-removing-rugs-and-clutter- http://activerain.com/blogsview/925239/can-these-kitchen-cabinets-be-redeemed-or-is-this-mission-impossible- Can these Kitchen Cabinets be Redeemed? Or is this Mission Impossible? <p>My latest vacant staging challenge is making this <strong>kitchen</strong> look like it matches the nice house that comes with it. It's in a gorgeous suburb of Fort Worth near TCU. But obviously the kitchen remodel was done a couple of decasdes ago.</p> <p><img title="kitchen cabinets" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/8/4/8/ar12342267484826.jpg" height="338" alt="kitchen cabinets" width="450" /></p> <p>We've all seen these cabinets and most of us wouldn't mind if we never saw them again! Right? So my first suggestion was we could remove the doors and replace them along with the countertops. The homeowner is out of state and after paying the mortgage for the past 8 months doesn't want to spend any more money remodeling or updating.</p> <p><img title="kitchen island" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/1/1/3/ar12342267831181.jpg" height="338" alt="kitchen island" width="450" /></p> <p>So....we have a teeny budget to change out some light fixtures and try and do something with this kitchen. The master bath suffers from the same decade I'm afraid.</p> <p>I would love to hear if any of you stagers, remodelers, renovators or Realtors have sucessfully tackled these cabinets with paint. Paint the melamine face to match the wood? I think painting all the wood is out of the question. There are a ton of cabinets!</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing your suggestions on how to take the beige out of this dated kitchen and make it sing and SELL!</p> <p>Okay<strong> fast forward to the AFTER photos!</strong> We had the cabinets painted out, new knobs and new light fixtures. Slightly different angle so I could get the new light fixture in. I just finished staging this property and will post that blog soon!</p> <p><img title="Kitchen Afte Painting" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/9/8/6/ar123671856368957.jpg" height="360" alt="Kitchen After Painting" width="480" /></p> <p><img title="Kitchen Afte Painting 2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/2/1/7/ar123671860471268.jpg" height="360" alt="Kitchen After Painting 2" width="480" /></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:50:06 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/925239/can-these-kitchen-cabinets-be-redeemed-or-is-this-mission-impossible- http://activerain.com/blogsview/924257/top-10-tips-to-love-it-or-let-it-go Top 10 Tips to Love it or Let it Go <p>  <strong>Get Ready to Sell Your Home by Letting Go!</strong><br /> <br /> So you have decided to put your house up for sale. Maybe you are moving for a new job, you're getting divorced and the house can only hold one of  you, you're pregnant and you just realized you've run out of bedrooms or you're empty nesters, ready to down size or up size. So what is the first thing  you should do? <br /> <br /> <strong>#1.</strong> Before you call the real estate agent, look around. Take inventory of your stuff and think about whether or not it still works for you. Are you holding onto it because you always have? Do you need the thing to remind you of the memories it holds?<br /> <br /> <img title="photo frame" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/6/4/9/ar123419405794616.jpg" height="145" alt="photo frame" width="100" style="margin: 4px; float: left;" />You'll always have your memories. Let go of all except your most adored photos and momentos. If it makes you smile and feel good, keep it. Put it out where you can see it every day. If it doesn't make you happy, <strong><em> toss, sell</em></strong> or <em><strong>donate</strong></em>.<br /> <br /> <strong>#2 </strong> Do you save things in case you might need them someday? <br /> <br /> If you dig it out and you forgot you even had it stored away, <strong>toss, sell</strong> or <strong>donate</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>#3</strong>  Do you keep things packed in boxes and move them from house to house, never unpacking them?<br /> <br /> Those boxes are sucking the energy out of you. Open the boxes and consider the fact you haven't used or needed the stuff in the boxes  or it wouldn't still be in the boxes.<br /> <strong>Toss, sell</strong> or <strong>donate</strong>. Then throw away the box!<img title="boxes" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/5/9/7/ar12342026179576.jpg" height="228" alt="boxes" width="225" style="margin: 4px; float: right;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>#4 </strong>What about your collections? Yes it's fun to hunt for those new additions, but couldn't you instead make your life about the passion driving your collecting? <br /> <img title="toy car" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/8/2/8/ar123419423682861.jpg" height="103" alt="toy car" width="200" style="margin: 4px; float: left;" /><br /> Take a hard look at your collections, discover what inspired you to start collecting and then let your collection go. Got a train set? Donate to a children's group.  Barbies? Sell on <strong>ebay</strong>. Let it go and find another way to be a kid again instead. <br /> <br /> <strong>#5</strong>  Are your closets stuffed with clothes you don't wear... or even like? <br /> <br /> Let go of the guilt for buying them, not fitting into them, or for not having the lifestyle you bought them for. <strong>Sell, donate</strong> or <strong>toss</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>#6 </strong> Do you have project stuff stashed away in closets? Sweaters you're going to knit, jewelry you're going to bead, lumber destined to be shelves one day?<img title="yarn" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/0/7/8/ar123419428287027.jpg" height="114" alt="yarn" width="300" style="margin: 4px; float: left;" /><br /> <br /> It's great to have projects. Just know which ones you are really committed to. If your time is better spent buying that sweater or you just can't seem to get around to learning how to knit, let the yarn go. And the needles. <br /> <br /> <strong>#7</strong> Is it hard to find wall space in your home? Has the furniture gradually multiplied until you have to squeeze past it in some rooms?<br /> <br /> Unless you love it or it has real function, let it go. If you aren't using it regularly, or if its main function is attracting dust, <strong>sell</strong> it, <strong>toss</strong> it or <strong>donate</strong> it. Let someone else find your new treasure on <strong>craigslist</strong> or <strong>ebay</strong> or at <strong>Goodwill</strong>.<br /> <img title="chair" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/1/4/6/ar123419432864159.gif" height="259" alt="chair" width="300" style="margin: 4px; vertical-align: middle;" /><br /> <strong>#8</strong> If you are thinking of getting your home staged before you put it on the market - great decision! <br /> <br /> You know other people are going to be coming through your home, looking at your stuff and you've already decided to move, so start packing it! Before you put it in a box though, ask yourself if you love it. If yes, in it goes, if no, you know the drill.<br /> <br /> <strong>#9</strong> One of the best places to practice your new discipline of letting go is the outside of your home. First impressions are SO important. <br /> <img title="gnome" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/2/8/2/ar123419449528232.jpg" height="250" alt="gnome" width="117" style="margin: 4px; float: left;" /><br /> Clean up those flower pots, toss the old plastic ones and toss the dead plants along with them. Worn out hoses and lawn decor. Toss. Outdoor furniture that's broken or sad looking. Toss. The plastic gnome may have been cute at the time you bought it but now it just looks sad. <strong>Toss</strong> or <strong>donate</strong>.<br /> <br /> <strong>#10</strong> The most important love it or leave it tip? It's about <strong>You. </strong><br /> <br /> Love yourself and lovingly release your home as you are leaving it for a new one. Be willing to let go of it so you can move easily into your new life. Get excited about what is coming and know that everything will work out for the best. It's okay to move forward!<br /> <br /> <strong>SELL IT</strong><br /> <strong><a href="http://atlanta.craigslist.org/" title="craigslist" target="_blank">craigslist </a></strong> <em>the</em> classified ad site with local listings in almost every major metro area. Good place to put furniture or multiple items<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.ebay.com/" title="ebay" target="_blank"><strong>ebay</strong></a>  if you have an account you already know how this works but there are multiple companies that will sell on ebay for you or ask a friend and give them a cut - use for items of value that are easily searchable by keyword "Barbie 1967 Blonde" for example.<br /> <br /> <strong>Consignment Stores</strong> - google <strong>Furniture</strong> or <strong>Clothing consignment</strong> in your metro area and find a local consignment store that will take your furniture or clothing on consignment. Most consignment stores keep 50 - 60% of the proceeds of the sale and many clothing stores will continue to mark your clothing down if it doesn't sell so you may not net as much as you think it's worth. If it's true designer or still has tags on it, try selling it on <strong>ebay</strong>. Especially good for vintage clothing or footwear.<br /> Most clothing consignment stores only accept clean, brand or designer name pieces. Ask and check around for the best deal. Also good for childrens clothing.<br /> <br /> <strong>TOSS IT</strong><br /> Most local trash pickup has a large pickup day. Go to your town or city web site to find out what day and make your pile! Good for large items such as appliances and furniture you no longer want. Plus there is always the chance someone will drive by and "recycle" it for you right into their vehicle.<br /> <br /> <strong><a href="http://www.1800gotjunk.com/us_en/" title="1800gotjunk" target="_blank">1800gotjunk</a></strong><br /> From the web site . 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company. "We'll remove almost anything – from old furniture and appliances to garden waste and renovation debris. Plus, we do all the loading and cleanup, wherever the items are – you don't even need to get it to the curb!"<br /> <br /> <strong>DONATE IT</strong><br /> <a href="http://www.ywca.org" title="YWCA" target="_blank"><strong>YWCA </strong></a><br /> Donate clothing, furniture and household items, including books. Some areas will pick up. Items should be good quality, clean and useable.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.goodwill.org" title="Goodwill" target="_blank"><strong>Goodwill</strong></a><br /> Goodwill does not operate a home pick-up service for donations. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf" title="Salvation Army" target="_blank"><strong>Salvation Army</strong></a><br /> <em>Will</em> pick up furniture<br /> <br /> There are many other charitable organizations, these are just a few. Don't forget about that nice tax write off at the end of the year for your charitable donation (if you itemize).</p> <p>I can't think of a more important step to take, before you put your house on the market. Every square inch counts to your buyers and they want to see the square footage of your home and <em>all</em> the living space it has to offer!</p> <p>So before you move and stage your home for sale, take a look around. Do you love it? Does it work in the life you have now? Do you find it beautiful? <br /> <br /> If not, <strong>let it g</strong>o.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:03:33 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/924257/top-10-tips-to-love-it-or-let-it-go http://activerain.com/blogsview/895539/go-with-the-flow- Go with the flow! <p>One of the biggest challenges when staging a property is compensating for a bad floor plan. No matter how beautiful the home is if the rooms don't flow naturally into each other with space for a variety of furniture arrangements, your buyers are gong to be walking out the door to the next home for sale.<br /><br />Homes that have been gutted, remodeled and added onto are a good example.  The original floor plan gets updated from the small boxy rooms of the past into the open spaces we live in today... but sometimes flow and liveability get lost in the translation.</p> <p><img title="Challenging room layout" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/1/7/6/ar123267979667163.jpg" height="324" alt="Room layout" width="432" /><br /><br />We all know buyers have trouble envisioning how their furniture will work in an empty space. But if the space also has issues such as multiple possible trafffic patterns, multiple doors and windows and no wall on which to place an anchor piece of furniture it gets even more challenging!</p> <p><img title="Staged room" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/7/5/7/ar123267985675777.jpg" height="514" alt="Staged room" width="425" /><br /><br />One of the best reasons to hire a home stager is to help correct a poor room layout. If buyers can't see it they won't buy it!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:07:12 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/895539/go-with-the-flow- http://activerain.com/blogsview/812018/so-can-home-design-software-make-you-a-better-stager- So can home design software make you a better stager? <p>I had a call from the realtor who sold me my house the other day. I had given her a complimentary consultation to thank her for referring me to her office. <br /><br />Her clients are in the middle of remodeling a home they purchased with her. She said they needed help getting to the next step and asked if I could help. Well I've done a few renovations along with my home staging and I feel very confident about sharing ideas for design that will translate into a better investment.<br /><br />So.... picture a home custom designed in the 60s whose main living space is taken right from the plaza in Santa Fe complete with corbels and artificial windows inside the 20' high room. Around the perimeter of the room the ceiling drops to 9' and is supported by spanish style beams. The piece de resistance was a fish pond smack in the middle of it all which they have concreted over. Where do I begin? It was obvious this required a little more architectural vision than I expected.<br /><br />So I have been scouring the internet looking for <strong>home design software</strong> that I could use to translate the changes or suggestions I made into a 3D vision they could "see". What else can you do on a rainy Black Friday if you don't like shopping with thousands of your closest friends? ;)<br /><br />Well here are my findings and I hope it helps anyone else who has ever thought about using software to plan interior space. It's one step away from virtual staging (I don't advocate that) but light years from your basic furniture planner. Although I consider myself computer literate, CAD is in a category of its own. A lot of these program reviews talked about a steep learning curve. No thanks. To add to the challenge I use a MacBook Pro and there's not a lot of options out there.</p> <p><img title="Live Interior 3D Examples" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/0/2/1/0/ar122792543001208.jpg" height="189" alt="Live Interior 3D Examples" width="197" /><img title="google sketchp" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/8/0/9/ar122792552790806.gif" height="55" alt="google sketchup" width="150" /><img title="Punch Home Design" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/4/8/1/ar122792556118496.jpg" height="205" alt="Punch Home Design" width="182" /><img title="Live Interior 3D" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/2/6/3/ar122792560536279.jpg" height="114" alt="Live Interior 3D" width="105" /></p> <p> </p> <p><br /><strong>This is a nice round up of most of the options along with reviews:</strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.consumersearch.com/home-design-software/best-home-design-software" title="Consumer Search Reviews of Best Home Design Software">Consumer Research Best Home Design Software</a></strong><br /><br />HGTV's propriety program - couldn't find this reviewed anywhere but is inexpensive.<br /><strong>HGTV Home Design & Remodeling Suite</strong> starts at $49.99 and is only for PC.<br /><br /><strong>The answer to the question what does Barry use from HGTVs message board:</strong><br /><em>"Does anyone know what software program that Barry Wood uses on the show Hidden Potential? Does anyone know how much it cost to purchase?"<br /><br />"Autodesk 3ds Max<br />It's about $2,000 for the software.<br />If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, consider Punch."</em><br /><br />They are referring to<strong> Punch Home Design Studio. </strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.punchsoftware.com/products/mac.htm#" title="Punch Software">Punch Software</a></strong><br /><br />Also the Autodesk program does NOT run on a Mac (even though Barry is shown using a <strong>MacBook Pro</strong>, the only way he could  would be to run Windows on the Mac, which is possible)<br /><br />Another alternative I found is a program called <strong>Live Interior 3D Standard</strong> for Mac which is available for free trial download. I've been playing around with this and its fairly easy to use but has some limitations for room designing. For example that dropped ceiling? Still waiting to hear if its possible from support.<br /><strong><a href="http://www.belightsoft.com/products/liveinterior/overview.php" title="Live Interior 3D">Live Interior 3D</a></strong><br /><br />Another alternative is <strong>Google SketchUp</strong> which is also free and available for Windows and Mac OSX 10.4+. This looks promising although I haven't had a chance to dig around in it yet.<br /><a href="http://sketchup.google.com/product/gsu.html" title="Google SketchUp"><strong>Google SketchUp</strong></a><br /><br />I'm still trying to decide if I want to spend this much time on the computer. After all one of the reasons I chose home staging was the lure of getting to design and create in real time instead of on a flat screen! <br /><br />I'd love to hear from anyone who has used any of these programs. You can do everything from simply add a new paint color to the walls or create workable blueprints. There are also some web based solutions which are pretty basic but may do the trick.</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:40:59 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/812018/so-can-home-design-software-make-you-a-better-stager- http://activerain.com/blogsview/788335/how-i-staged-an-interview-room-for-the-lonestar-film-festival- How I "staged" an Interview room for the Lonestar Film Festival. <p><br />Well you never know who is going to need your staging services! <br /><br /> A couple of weeks ago I got a referral call from the <em>Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau</em>. They were looking for someone to design and stage their meeting room to function as a media interview space for the Lonestar Film Festival which started here in Fort Worth yesterday. They weren't sure what they needed but they wanted it to look hip and modern. More MTV than Cowtown! Oh and there was virtually no budget as this is a non-profit. <br /><br />The first person I contacted was my rep, Diana,  at <strong>Brook Furniture Rental</strong> in Dallas. I met her at their showroom and picked out the pieces I thought would work best in the space. They have a fabulous white leather armless loveseat that I thought would really pop against the charcoal walls in the room. Pair that with two of their Terracotta leather side chairs and instant modern wow factor!</p> <p>Here is what the room looked like "before".</p> <p><img title="Visitors Bureau "Before"" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/5/4/7/ar122660150974554.jpg" height="360" alt="Before Photo of Visitors Bureau Room" width="480" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I ended up adding a couple of other pieces, a cocktail table and floor lamp as well as a large bamboo plant in case I needed it. Diana was great about not only getting me all the pieces I needed for my 5 day "stage" but Brook Furniture generously donated the rental.</p> <p>Here are the "after" photos.</p> <p><img title=""After" Photo of Visitors Bureau" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/3/5/ar122660160253917.jpg" height="378" alt="After Photo of Visitors Bureau" width="504" /></p> <p>Here's the view from the street!</p> <p> </p> <p><img title=""After" View of Visitors Bureau room from Street" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/7/8/3/7/ar12266016573878.jpg" height="360" alt="After Street View of Visitors Bureau" width="480" /></p> <p>I could not have pulled this off without Diana's help and Brook Furniture! I think it turned out great and more importantly the Visitors Bureau was happy with the result.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:44:10 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/788335/how-i-staged-an-interview-room-for-the-lonestar-film-festival- http://activerain.com/blogsview/749967/vacant-0-staged-1 VACANT - 0 STAGED - 1 <p>Here's a nice little traditional home in the Westcliff neighborhood of Fort Worth. Close to TCU and Bellaire Circle, this is a cozy brick home with gas fireplace and a huge shaded back yard. The master bedroom is enormous, 18' x 16', truly a nice little getaway with two large closets and a great view of the back garden.<br /><br />Nice wood floors throughout the living areas and carpet in the bedrooms. Front den has a huge closet and would make a great home office. At a total of 1637 SF, this is a spacious home on a generous lot in a lovely tree-shaded neighborhood.<br /><br />Take a look at the before and after photos. Staging this home shows the difference a few well placed pieces of furniture can make when a Buyer is browsing online. Instead of seeing walls and windows with no frame of reference, they can easily see how the rooms are used. This home is priced in the low 200's and so the staging budget wasn't huge but it still makes sense!</p> <p><img title="Bedroom Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/6/0/9/ar122455147790679.jpg" height="267" alt="Bedroom Before and After" width="700" /></p> <p><img title="Living Room Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/3/3/5/ar122455151153357.jpg" height="267" alt="Living Room Before and After" width="700" /></p> <p><img title="Dining Before and After" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/8/0/3/ar122460760130803.jpg" height="267" alt="Dining Before and After" width="700" /></p> <p>Fortunately I was able to use a professional real estate photographer who knows how to make the rooms even more appealing! If you're interested, the address is 3613 Suffolk Ave., Fort Worth TX 76109 and is listed with Ruth Story, Keller Williams. Thank you Ruth and Nancy!<br /><br />Less than two weeks after staging and just a few days after the open house showing (post staging) this home had an offer! So hurry if you're interested!</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:14:56 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/749967/vacant-0-staged-1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/674979/which-2-million-dollar-home-will-sell-first- Which $2+ million dollar home will sell first? <p>Today I saw the difference that staging a home with style can make.<br /><br />The price point for each of these estates in a local home show was over <strong>$2 million.</strong> With five homes total and an average size of over 7,000 square feet, there was ample room for staging and decorating these custom homes to showcase their unique architectural qualities.<br /><br />Often in show homes, the designer/stager will be marketing their style instead of creating a neutral space for homebuyers to envision themselves in. But the smart ones accomplish both.<br /><br />In one home, the decor was so overwhelming, it actually distracted from the architectural features of the home. Candleholder after candleholder and faux flower arrangements on every surface do nothing to let the homebuyers eyes "rest" on any of the great surfaces or unique details of this home.<br /><br />In this home, it looked as if the builder either ran out of money or didn't make the deadline to furnish his custom home. The effect of pair after pair of wall hangings and vases was Hobby Lobby on overload. This home was such a contrast to the others more professional staging that it looked undone and unfinished by comparison. It would take a prospective buyer a lot of imagination to look past these unflattering furnishings.</p> <p><img title="Show home - what not to do #1" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/5/8/8/ar122056788788516.jpg" height="432" alt="Show home - what not to do #1" width="324" /><img title="Show home - what not to do #2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/4/3/9/ar122056797193407.jpg" height="432" alt="Show home - what not to do #2" width="324" /><img title="What not to do - bedroom" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/4/4/9/ar122056857094492.jpg" height="324" alt="What not to do - bedroom" width="432" /><br /><br />Here is a home that is complemented by its furnishings - in fact you could see yourself moving in with a suitcase and toothbrush if the color scheme appealed to you. Open and light, it highlighted the home's award-winning features.</p> <p><img title="Show home - What to do #1" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/4/1/5/ar122056804251424.jpg" height="324" alt="Show home - What to do #1" width="432" /><img title="Show home - What to do #2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/3/7/2/ar122056808227368.jpg" height="324" alt="Show home - What to do #2" width="432" /><br /><br />It's no surprise that this home had more traffic. It was inviting and you couldn't help but feel "at home"!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:45:43 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/674979/which-2-million-dollar-home-will-sell-first- http://activerain.com/blogsview/634573/show-your-home-like-a-pro-consumer-reports-pro-staging-article Show Your Home Like a Pro - Consumer Reports Pro Staging Article <p>Just thought you would like to see this article that's in the September issue of <strong>Consumer Reports</strong> if it hasn't already been posted here... this is a great link to send your clients or use in your marketing materials.</p> <p><a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/real-estate/real-estate/show-your-home-like-a-pro/real-estate-show-your-home-like-a-pro.htm" title="Show Your Home Like a Pro" target="_blank">Show Your Home Like a Pro</a></p> <p>I think any time staging is featured in the national media it's a positive. Consumer Reports is especially well respected as an unbiased source of information.<br /><br />This article in particular starts right in with the concept of  professional staging which I like and although the points it makes about clearing clutter and cleaning are well trodden ground it bears repeating! There's even a little before and after picture to make the point. <br /><br />The more the word gets out the more accepted it will become to hire a stager when you decide to sell. <br /><br />I also appreciate the fact that they mention staging services are a tax deductible "advertising fee" against any sale gain. Nice article.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:04:50 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/634573/show-your-home-like-a-pro-consumer-reports-pro-staging-article http://activerain.com/blogsview/545901/is-your-market-niche-worthy- Is your market niche worthy? <p>When I lived in Orlando FL, close to downtown, the neighborhoods had a very distinct feel. SInce most of the homes were built in the first part of the 20th century, they were often small. Two bedrooms, one bath with very few closets and none of the spaces we are used to getting in newer homes, such as family rooms and large master suites. The size issue and the hip factor all coupled with the proximity to urban culture appealed predominately to singles and young couples.</p> <p>That urban market was primarily young couples or singles willing to forego space for the lifestyle, neighborhood and convenient commuting. It may be obvious but staging those homes for sale with your target Buyer in mind makes it a lot easier to focus on amenities that will appeal to them. Ask yourself what your prospective Buyers are going to be doing in your staged home. Entertaining? Raising a family? Empty nesters? Why are they choosing this neighborhood? What retail stores are they likely to visit to furnish their new home?</p> <p>It's tempting to want to appeal to a broad range of Buyers but when you're clearly working in a market that is well defined by its demographic it pays to think about appealing to those buyers and their tastes. Urban. Suburban. Metro. Downtown. Rural suburban. Ranch. Think about who will be "shopping" that neighborhood for their future home and speak to their lifestyle with your staging. </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:01:19 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/545901/is-your-market-niche-worthy- http://activerain.com/blogsview/544873/feeling-a-little-blue-accessorize- Feeling a little BLUE? Accessorize! <p><i>Pantone Inc</i>, THE professional authority on color, has chosen <b>Blue Iris </b>as the color of the year for 2008. It's a cool blue with a hint of purple. Blue has long been known for its calming tendencies and this is a great time to bring a little blue into your palette. With global warming and prices at the pump heating up we could all use a little cool.</p><p> When you think about it blue as well as green is a great unifying color that goes with anything. You cannot go wrong with these strong colors of nature to bring harmony into your staging palette. Blue with brown is warm, sophisticated and contemporary. Blue cools reds and pinks for a classical feel. Think about warm golden Mexican saltillo tiles with a cool shot of deep blue. A blue orb or gazing ball set against your garden greenery really pops both colors.</p><p> So how can you use color to create more drama in your staged homes? Unify your accessories to achieve a balanced and harmonious feel throughout. Pick some blue vases, pillows, china or toile and keep it flowing throughout the house. Using similar shades is nice but not essential. For example turquoise pairs really nicely with a deep cobalt blue. Those Mexican tiles are a great example. You know the ones I mean.</p><p> Blue is such a great summer color. When it's hot, those little jolts of blue cool the senses subliminally. How about some frosted blue margarita glasses for your table setting? Even a tall blue pillar candle can do the trick. I got mine at <i>Pier I Imports </i>along with an inexpensive tall aqua chimney glass holder.</p><p> Using color to unify your accessories gives your staging focus. Like pairing a bag or pair of heels, the right color can lift the outfit or room and pull it all together. Why not make it the color of the year...blue!</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Staging in Fort Worth TX by </span><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Hampton Redesign</span> </strong></span></p> <p>"<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Your Success is Our Success!"</em></span></p> <p><a title="Hampton Redesign" href="http://www.hamptonredesign.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hamptonredesign.com/</a></p></div> Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX) Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:29:37 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/544873/feeling-a-little-blue-accessorize-