Staging: Why Do So Many Balk at HGTV – I Think I Know… - 01/29/11 09:02 AM
This blog post courtesy of Kristine Ginsburg (New Jersey). 
Thanks for saying it like it is.  HGTV is both a blessing and a curse.  It brought much awareness of staging to the public but on the other hand ... it has created these misconceptions.
Via Kristine Ginsberg (Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC):
First, we stagers have to thank HGTV for getting the word out on the benefits of staging! Most of us love watching thier shows on home Staging, myself included.
That said, the reality is leave it to the trained professionals, like the stagers on these respective shows when preparing a home for sale! Below are some reasons why … (2 comments)

Steven & Chris at CBC Toronto - 01/29/11 08:54 AM
I'll be attending the Steven & Chris show at CBC this coming Wednesday (February 2).  I understand they still have space available for this paricular day so if you are in the Toronto area and would like to see a taping, click on the link below for tickets and further information.
http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/tickets.html
Maybe I'll see you there !
… (2 comments)

WINTER STAGING - 01/29/11 08:50 AM
Don't get snowed in!Be sure to keep your driveway, walkways, porch and even the patio / deck clear of snow and ice.Remember that outdoor rooms add value to your home, so give potential buyers the ability to step out and imagine the summer fun.
 
http://www.sandiathome.com/tipsjanuary2009.htm
 
… (2 comments)

Quick Shelving Update ! - 01/29/11 08:48 AM
If you have dark shelving - built in or free standing - a quick way to freshen and brighten the look of it is to paint the back boards in a lighter colour (or your wall colour).  This will help showcase the items displayed on them. 
Add lighting for more drama.
… (3 comments)

For the Love of Books - 01/29/11 08:46 AM
If your favorite sitting room was stripped down to only the furniture and you had to choose just one type of accessory to use, what would it be?
For me, it would be BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS.  They really are versatile and can also make your house feel like a home.  They provide so much insight into who you are and what you love.  They can be grouped by colour for added impact or wrapped in plain white paper to tone it down.  They can be shelved with pages facing outward - although this would drive a true book lover mad !  They can be … (4 comments)

3 Reasons Your Sellers Need to Change or Upgrade the Dining Room Fixture - 01/26/11 07:13 AM
Valerie Zinger of Ottawa makes a very good point here, regarding light fixtures.  These types of updates are so affordable, you can't afford not to change them.  Bedroom and bathoom fixtures should also be done, particularly if they are still the standard builders' nightmare pieces. 
Via Valerie Zinger (Royal Lepage Gale Ottawa-Ontario-Canada):
Almost every house that I have taken Buyers to see has had some type of lighting fixture in the diningroom.  Every Buyer has inspected the light fixture to determine how much they love it.  Knowing this, if your client is putting her house on the market,  there are three reasons … (3 comments)

Shelving Update - 01/26/11 07:05 AM
Here's a quick fix for tired old bookcases:
If you have dark shelving - built in or free standing - a quick way to freshen and brighten the look of it is to paint the back boards in a lighter colour (or your wall colour).  This will help showcase the items displayed on them.  Add lighting for more drama.
 
… (2 comments)

For the Love of Books - 01/26/11 07:03 AM
If your favorite sitting room was stripped down to only the furniture and you had to choose just one type of accessory to use, what would it be? 
For me, it would be BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS.  They really are versatile and can also make your house feel like a home.  They provide so much insight into who you are and what you love.  They can be grouped by colour for added impact or wrapped in plain white paper to tone it down.  They can be shelved with pages facing outward - although this would drive a true book lover mad !  They can be … (1 comments)

Decluttered, Clean But No "WOW!" - 01/12/11 10:37 AM
This is an excellent point on staging.  So many sellers take it too far and the house does indeed become forgettable.  That is not at all what we want to achieve as stagers.
Via Linda Thompson (Selling By Design-Staging):
The word seems to be spreading regarding the merits of home staging. Sellers and real estate agents are getting the idea, but not the picture. At least not the picture a potential buyer needs.
The term  "shows well" is often used to describe a home that has been decluttered and are clean, but are for lack of better term, is boring. The person who … (4 comments)

Which Room are You? - 01/10/11 05:52 AM
This is a fun piece posted by my respected colleague, Kym Tarr of Kelowna, BC.  Hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your feedback on how accurately it describes YOU !  Cute little image, too. 
Thanks for blogging it, Kym.
Via KYM TARR Kelowna BC ShoeString Home Staging (ShoeString Home Staging Inc.):
Which Room are You?  Do you have a favorite room in your house?  What that choice reveals about your personality!
 
 LIVING ROOM:  You're are a sociable person who likes to entertain: you take pride in your family and yourself.  Your active in clubs and organizations when you have … (4 comments)

Home Staging Your Kitchen - Before and After Pictures Included - 01/10/11 05:31 AM
These before and after photos clearly demonstrate the difference between an empty and lifeless kitchen and a warm gathering place for a family.  As with a recipe, there are always a few key ingredients that really make the dish !
Via Kathy Nielsen Atlanta Georgia Home Stager (Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC):
I recently had the good fortune of mentoring a couple of home stagers here in Atlanta. In one of our sessions,  we found ourselves discussing the importance of a kitchen as it relates to the buyer. They had printed off instructions from a website on how to stage a kitchen. The advice, … (1 comments)