Select Home Staging Blog

INACTIVE - 1011 Adams Street, Denver Colorado 80206 Staged to Sell Congress Park Property

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:13:34 -0600

Select Home Staging recently prepared this 2338 square foot Congress Park Property for the market.

Thoughtfully updated, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is a sunny, warm retreat from busy city living. Desired features include stainless appliances in an eat-in kitchen and a jacuzzi-style tub in the main bathroom. Fireplaces adorn living areas in both the upstairs and the downstairs. There are closet and storage spaces aplenty - all updated to make best use of the space.

The fine landscaping must be seen in person to appreciate the owner's attention to detail. A drip irrigation system ensures that the garden looks lovely and is easy to maintain.

Presented by Jean and Rick Oliphant of Nostalgic Homes 303.780.0305

MLS # 544074.

Schedule a showing to see this lovely property today!

Select Home Staging merchandises properties in Denver, Colorado

Veronica@selecthomestaging.com

Designing the Home Seller's Advantage

An Attitude of Gratitude

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:37:39 -0600

I love Thanksgiving. It's a holiday I enjoy every year no matter what the circumstances in my life or the world.

The last several months have been particularly difficult for me. I won't elaborate here because it's a little too exposed for me out here on the 'net. And we've all got problems, right?

What I want to focus on is the GRATITUDE that is bursting from my heart. Though I've been personally struggling, as this holiday approaches my spirit is lifted.

So in order to embrace this feeling and to spread it...

I give thanks for...

-My husband, my family and my dear friends whose love and unending support make my life possible (by name: David, Ron, Agnes, Chris, Virginia, Donna, Mike, Kate, Emily, Christina, Steve, Heather, Aaron, Lucy, Lara, Dawn, Dean, Meghan, Kimberly, Nancy, Jim, Andy, Amy, Kristy and Deb.)

-My health

-My life

-My humble business

-My clients who have trusted me to transform their properties and who have allowed me to be a part of their lives. I'm blessed with clients who happen to be good people too.

-My Realtor clients who entrust me with their clients and have helped me to build my business. Special thanks to Jean Oliphant of Nostalgic Homes in Denver, CO.

-Active Rain and the many, many people I have met, learned from and who have had an impact on me whether they realize it or not. We are fortunate to have so many talented professionals and so many that give of themselves to others. I want to call out a few people who have I am particularly thankful for.

Maureen Henry of Rockland Home Staging who first introduced me to Active Rain and suggested I join. Her humor, creative marketing ideas and excellent posts contribute to me stopping by the Rain whenever I can. She's worked on behalf of all of us stagers by introducing RES to us (and working with Jeff Turner of Real Estate Shows on our behalf) and she constantly shares hints for improving our own blogs.

Jessica Hughes of Ambiance Staging who reached out to me as a fellow Colorado blogger and made me feel welcome. Jessica shares her knowledge and findings freely. I enjoy when Jessica calls just to check in and I marvel at her networking skills. And she never fails to get me thinking...her inquisitive nature spawns contemplation in me.

Kristal Kraft of The Berkshire Group Realtors is perhaps one of Active Rain's biggest stars and takes every opportunity to build a blog network. She's helped me personally improve my blogging skills, generate traffic to my blog and meet more people in the real estate business. Kristal inspires me and makes Colorado proud!

Kimberly Wester of Details Staging and Redesign is another of those that shares freely of her experience, ideas and is friendly. I've learned so much from Kim and enjoy reading her blogs. She's got to be one of the most consistent bloggers in our "stagosphere" and always comes up with fresh approaches.

Marci Tolliver of Fresh Eye Designs is like a cool glass of sweet iced tea on a hot summer's day. Refreshing. Her warm hospitality, helpful suggestions and care for others is a welcome presence in our little corner of the 'net.

Sheron Cardin of California Moods who make kind comments on my blog postings whenever I post my work. I admire her sense of style how she willingly shares her depth of experience. She's also got this amazing spirit that is both wise, warm and comforting. Another presence in our "stagosphere" that makes it a better place.

Craig Schiller of Real Estaging constantly works to advance our profession and advocates for the highest standards. I appreciate his creativity, perspective and willingness to put in some serious hours for all of us. He has "raised the pond" like no other.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Veronica

SOLD - 8118 E Fairmount Drive Denver, CO 80230 - Staged to Sell Lowry Property

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:06:07 -0600

Select Home Staging recently prepared this gorgeous 4,675 Sq. Ft Lowry Neighborhood property for the market.

With 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, an office/study, fireplace, large kitchen with granite counter tops, formal dining room, large back patio, wood-fenced side yard, 2-car garage and large basement, this property has plenty of room to grow a family or a home-based business. Lowry elementary school is only one block away as are the shops and restaurants in the Lowry neighborhood.

One stand-out feature in this property is the custom master suite complete with a shower stall, jacuzzi tub, his/hers cabinet-style sinks, stone tile floors and a large walk-in closet. None of the other houses in the neighborhood have as sumptuous a master suite.

Schedule a showing today!

8118 E Fairmount Drive is presented by John C. Berry of Colorado Luxury Realty, LLC 303.931.9318

MLS: 588899

Select Home Staging merchandises homes in all of the neighborhoods of Denver, Colorado.

Grow Your Mind with Denver's Botanic Gardens

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:06:07 -0500

We're lucky enough to have one of America's best botanic gardens right here in Denver, Colorado. Located adjacent to Denver's Cheesman Park between the park and York Street, the Denver Botanic Gardens features 23 acres of colorful flowers, exotic plants, striking hardscaping, peaceful sitting areas and sculpture. The location near Cheesman Park is the main facility among four sites that include Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Mount Goliath, and Centennial Gardens.

My favorite part of the gardens are the Water Garden and the Monet Garden. Near the west side of the gardens, the Water Garden features a wide variety of lily pads. It's easy to imagine why Monet would have wanted lily pads at his garden in Giverny with the gorgeous colors and the reflections on the dark water.

As you stroll around the gardens, you discover beautiful places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Gazebos and benches are sprinkled everywhere. Weddings and other special events are often held in the gardens, as it is an idyllic setting.

The Denver Botanic Gardens was a pioneer in the practice of xeriscape gardening and has many beautiful examples of plants and vegetation that require low water. In addition, the Gardens are devoted to conservation and has projects in place to protect the flora native to our Rocky Mountain region and to prevent the introduction of non-native invasive weeds that threaten the Colorado bioscape. There are researchers and scientists on staff with the Gardens.

The Gardens are used by the community year round. In the summer, a concert series gives an excuse to pack a picnic and a bottle of wine. The concerts are very popular with tickets selling out quickly. In the winter, the Gardens are dressed up for the holiday season with the Blossoms of Light. Blossoms of Light runs from the beginning of December through January. In addition there are plant sales, free events, walks and tours. Colorado residents don't miss all of this beauty for free on the Free Days at the Gardens,

You'll agree that there is a lot to see and do at Denver's Botanic Gardens to Grow Your Mind!

Art Auction to Be Held at Humboldt Island Mansion

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:02:49 -0500

Here's a blog I wrote that highlighted an upcoming charity art auction being thrown by Colorado's Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation in Denver's Cheesman Park neighborhood. The event is being held in a section of the Cheesman Park neighborhood specifically known as Humboldt Island.

For those familiar with the neighborhood, you'll immediately recognize the Stoiber-Reed-Humphreys Mansion as the one on the corner of 10th & Humboldt with the very high stone wall. The mansion can be seen from both Humboldt and the walking paths on the west side of Cheesman Park. It makes you think of the Great Gatsby (if only we were a little closer to the ocean.)

I predict this will be an excellent evening to enjoy a stroll through Humboldt Island where you can see some other pretty spectacular homes.

Upcoming Charity Art Auction in Historic Cheesman Park Mansion

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:44:30 -0500

The Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation will be holding an Art Auction at the Historic Stoiber-Reed-Humphreys Mansion on Saturday, October 6th, 2007.

Tickets are $45.00 in advance at $50.00 at the door. Cocktails, hor d'oeuvres & live jazz will be provided in addition to opportunity to bid on great art.

Let me tell you why you need to get your tickets NOW...

-The Stoiber-Reed Mansion is a mansion that was built at the tail end of the Gilded Age. The Mansion is located on the very west edge and middle of Denver's Cheesman Park in the specific two block area known as "Humboldt Island". It is the largest mansion on the Island and I would pay a lot more than $50.00 to get a look at the interior let alone enjoying drinks, food & music. One of Denver's area corporations held its Christmas party there over a decade ago. After hearing friends tell of the interior and seeing the latest owners doing some work around the property, I'm dying to see it.

-My husband and I have attended several Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation events. You won't find a better way to enjoy your evening, have fun AND support a good cause. These people know how to throw a good fund raiser! The food is always top notch and the music is always good. With the event lasting from 6 - 9pm, you can either use it as a "date night"/get home to the kids early or as a kick off to a great night of enjoying Denver's nightlife. You'll be within walking distance of several night spots after the auction. Cab into the city, walk to a bar/nightclub and cab it home later.

-The Denver Art community has consistently turned out some fantastic art for art auctions I've attended. You'll have the ability to bid on art from some of Denver's best artists. If you're lucky, you'll get to take home a beautiful piece afterwards. I'm guessing competition will be fierce because this auction will be well attended, bring your cash/credit cards and bid early!

Denver's Gorgeous Cheesman Park

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:56:44 -0500

Many have written about the history of Cheesman Park in Denver, Colorado and you can easily find stories of the park that refer to the Old West, corruption and ghosts. But I don't think about those stories much when I'm taking walks in the park or enjoying a beautiful sunset or picnicking on the grass.

Cheesman Park is one of over 200 parks in Denver and is situated between 13th Avenue to the north, 8th Avenue to the south, Humboldt Street to the west and Race Street to the East. At a little over 80 acres, Cheesman Park is much smaller than nearby City Park and slightly smaller than Washington Park. Cheesman Park's size makes it feel both large and intimate at the same time. A path makes a 1.6 mile loop that takes you past the high rise condominium buildings, historic mansions, townhouses and apartment buildings that rim the park.

What strikes me nearly every time I'm in the park is how much people use it. Joggers and walkers pass by seniors sitting on the benches and mothers pushing strollers. Groups gather to play volleyball in the grass. Dance troupes practice their routines on the pavilion. Dogs and their owners walk and run on the paths (Denver is a dog town). Running groups cheer each other on as they sprint down Arbor Way. Large groups perform yoga poses at sunset. People take naps on the grass. Children laugh and play on the playground. You see loads of people in the park everyday.

With every season and throughout the day, the park changes. In the winter, the park is a large expanse of glistening white snow that gets intense in Denver's bright sunlight (How many people are aware that Denver gets over 300 days of sunshine a year?). In the spring, the lilacs and crab apples blossom all the way around the park - the fragrance is heady. In the summer, the green trees provide shade that covers you nearly all the way around the walking path. Many summers we've had droughts and intense heat that scorch the grass and turn it brown, but this year we've had plenty of rain and cool weather. The park is a lush green. Soon the leaves will be turning colors and walks will be punctuated with the sound of crunching leaves. Sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous times in the park no matter what the season. At sunset, the park often turns pink with the reflected light from clouds and building windows.

If the park isn't beautiful enough, it then offers fantastic views of Denver's Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. It is one of those places in Denver where you can enjoy the smell of lilacs on a gorgeous spring day and at the same time see the snow capped Rockies set against the clear blue sky in the distance.

With so many parks to choose from in Denver, everyone has a favorite and my personal favorite is Cheesman Park.

1250 Humboldt St, Denver CO 80218 Cheesman Park - SOLD

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:39:22 -0500

Jean Oliphant | Nostalgic Homes | joliphant@nostalgichomes.com | 303-780-0305

1250 Humboldt St. #204, Denver, CO

2 Bdrm Condo

offered at $229,900

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	1,267
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$425 per month

DESCRIPTION

Location is Everything! Incredible condo overlooking Cheesman Park! Nicely appointed unit with rich wood floors, crown molding, 2 updated and sparkling clean baths, granite kitchen counters, built-in hutch, new interior doors and hardware. Tranquil master suite has a dressing area and custom closets. You won't believe the closet space in this unit! It has more closet space than larger units or single family houses! Washer and Dryer are conveniently located outside the door to the unit. The Cheesman Park neighborhood offers everything the urban dweller desires--incredible restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, eclectic shops and the crown jewel-Cheesman Park. And this building has its own private gate to the park.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Living room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertops

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking	Guest parking	Clubhouse
Laundry on-site	Storage space(s)	Fitness center
Swimming pool(s)	Sauna/Spa	Secured entry
Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Extensive closet space in the unit PLUS an additional storage unit in the building!

Sought-after building with all the desired amenities.

Direct access to the park via the property's private gate

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jean Oliphant

Nostalgic Homes

joliphant@nostalgichomes.com

303-780-0305

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 9, 2007, 3:42pm PST

Park Hill Neighborhood - Patio Staged to Perfection

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:18:02 -0500

Select Home Staging recently staged the patio on a vacant property. Located in the Park Hill Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, this patio is the perfect space for entertaining and enjoying Colorado's beautiful summer weather.

PARK HILL NEIGHBORHOOD PATIO AFTER SELECT HOME STAGING

Select Home Staging is a fully-insured Denver-based business. We specialize in vacant house staging, homeowner consultations, redecoration and room-by-room transformations. We serve all the neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.

Buyers love our interiors AND our exteriors! Our staged houses sell faster than the market average! Call Today!

Veronica Harbert

Denver, Colorado

www.selecthomestaging.com

303.507.5434

"Designing the Home Seller's Advantage in Denver, Colorado"

Speer Neighborhood - Irresistible Master Bedroom Staged

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:18:04 -0500

Select Home Staging recently staged the master bedroom on a completely remodeled house. Located in the Speer Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, this master bedroom is a perfect respite from hectic city living.

SPEER NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER BEDROOM AFTER SELECT HOME STAGING

Buyers love our interiors and our staged houses sell faster than the market average! Call Today!

Veronica Harbert

Denver, Colorado

www.selecthomestaging.com

303.507.5434

Speer Neighborhood - Outdoor Deck Staged

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:02:29 -0500

Select Home Staging recently staged the deck on a gorgeously remodeled house. Located in the Speer Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, this deck is a rarity in this neighborhood and is truly an extension of the living space.

SPEER NEIGHBORHOOD DECK AFTER SELECT HOME STAGING

We know how to hook buyers and make your house sell faster! Call Today!

Veronica Harbert

Denver, Colorado

303.507.5434

www.selecthomestaging.com

"Designing the Home Seller's Advantage in Denver, Colorado"

Select Home Staging Client House Under Contract in 5 Days!

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:50:30 -0500

Select Home Staging, a Denver based home staging business, recently staged a vacant house in the City Park West Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. The owners contracted SHS to stage the house before it was listed, thus ensuring that every potential buyer would have the best first impression of the house. The strategy paid off as the house was under contract in 5 days!

The owners had this to say about working with Select Home Staging:

"Prior to working with Veronica of Select Home Staging, we were ambivalent about having our home staged. We weren't sure it was necessary or important as our home already had wonderful character and lovely decor. However, upon meeting Veronica, we were instantly impressed with her suggestions, and hired her on the spot. She accentuated the character of our home with the perfect furniture, color, and details; our home had never looked so good! Reflecting on our decision to have our home staged when we put it on the market, we agree that it was a smart choice, and we were nothing but impressed with Veronica's style, input, and decorating choices." - Maria & Michael I, Homeowners

Take a look at the photos of the remarkable transformation of this 100-year-old City Park West house.

BEFORE AFTER SELECT HOME STAGING

At Select Home Staging, we specialize in vacant house staging, homeowner consultations, redecoration and room-by-room transformations. We serve all the neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.

We know how to merchandise houses to appeal to today's buyers and to sell your home faster in Denver, Colorado! Call Today!

Veronica Harbert

Denver, Colorado

303.507.5434

www.selecthomestaging.com

"Designing the Home Seller's Advantage in Denver, Colorado"

Speer Neighborhood - Gorgeous Vacant Living Room Staged

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:17:38 -0500

Select Home Staging recently staged a living room in a beautifully remodeled house. Located in the Speer Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, this living room is ready to support an active urban lifestyle.

SPEER NEIGHBORHOOD LIVING ROOM AFTER SELECT HOME STAGING

We know how to sell your home faster in Denver, Colorado! Call Today!

Veronica Harbert

Select Home Staging

Denver, Colorado

303.507.5434

www.selecthomestaging.com

"Designing the Home Seller's Advantage in Denver, Colorado"

The Easy Living Room Before & After

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:11:16 -0500

After I worked on this living room, my clients said, "Why didn't we have it set up like this before?" Phyllis Pafumi had a similar response she shared in her post, Realtors What Do Buyer's See When They View Your Listing?

The main objective I had for this room was to make it look bigger and to put the emphasis on the focal point. I saw the big window as the focal point and I wanted to entice a potential buyer to have a seat on the sofa and take in the lovely view. (The Rocky Mountains to the west of Denver, Colorado are in the distance with a Greenbelt in the foreground) The seller put some munchies on the coffee table to encourage just such lingering with the view.

We're Designing the Home Seller's Advantage in Denver!

Veronica

Select Home Staging

303.507.5434

Denver, Colorado

www.selecthomestaging.com

Select Home Staging Client Home Sells 95% Faster Than the Market Average

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:03:07 -0500

We're pleased to announce that clients of Select Home Staging recently sold their home in 6 days. The average time a home sits on the market before selling in the Denver, Colorado Metro Area is 120 days. Select Home Staging partnered with the owners to transform this home and sell it 95% faster than the average time it takes to sell a home in this region!

Our clients had this to say about their experience:

"Our home sold in six days! I attribute home staging created by Veronica Harbert of Select Home Staging, to be one of the keys factors for the quick sale. Veronica's ideas and solutions made our home show like a model home without being overdone. Select Home Staging's detailed upfront consultation provides a clear understanding of how the process works, a full room by room analysis and a flexible pricing approach that fits everyone's budget. Veronica makes the staging process fun and her services are worth every penny. " Kristine and Dennis D, - Homeowners

See the results of this successful transformation for yourself:

BEFORE AFTER Select Home Staging

A fully insured, Denver-based business, Select Home Staging works in the neighborhoods of Denver, Colorado including: Downtown Denver, LoDo, Riverfront, Cheesman Park, Capitol Hill, City Park, Cherry Creek, Park Hill, Montbello, Highland, Washington Park, Clements Addition, Belcaro, Golden Triangle, Stapleton, Congress Park, Montclair, Baker, Speer, University, Lowry, Hale, Hilltop, and Five Points. And we serve the Metro Denver suburbs including: Edgewater, Englewood, Glendale, Aurora, Arvada, Littleton, Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Lone Tree, Thornton, Broomfield, Tech Center, Wheat Ridge and Green Mountain.

No job is too big or too small. We can provide everything from a Do-It-Yourselfer's Consultation to fully furnishing and decorating a vacant home.

Let's get your house sold in record time! Selling a home? Get your home seller's advantage with a Select Home Staging consultation today!

Veronica

Select Home Staging

Denver, Colorado

303.507.5434

www.selecthomestaging.com

Bedroom Tranformations Featured Here

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:33:39 -0500

Bedrooms are our favorite rooms to transform. We look at the bedroom as a tranquil oasis and buyers want to live where they can relax and unwind. Have a look at some of our work below.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

These are some pictures of a few of the bedrooms we have transformed in Denver, Colorado. If you need some help with your transformation, contact us today.

Veronica Harbert

Certified Professional Home Stager

Denver, Colorado

303.507.5434

www.selecthomestaging.com

Active Rain and Random Acts of Kindness Week

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:58:04 -0600

I just spotted an article on Yahoo about this week being Random Acts of Kindness Week and I stopped by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website. They have quotes about kindness that pop up on the website and ideas for random acts of kindness. Here are a few of the quotes that caught my attention...

"Kindness and honesty can only be expected from the strong." - Unknown

"If you have not often felt the joy of doing a kind act, you have neglected much, and most of all yourself" - A. Neilen

"If you light a lamp for somebody it will also brighten your path" - Buddhist Saying

"One kind word can warm three winter months." - Japanese proverb (Aha, Denver, Colorado this is how we stay warm until spring gets here!)

It got me to thinking about the Active Rain community. Some of the best blogs I have read were acts of kindness from members of this slice of the blogosphere. In fact, the Stage It Forward stagers group was founded by Craig Schiller to advance the Home Staging industry by easily enabling acts of kindness from the Home Staging industry. Whether the blogs contained hints for being more effective in business, to understand the Home Staging industry or words of encouragement, if you break it down you find kindness there.

What is that saying about you find what you go looking for?

You are cordially invited as one of the 16,916 members of Active Rain to look for opportunities to demonstrate Random Acts of Kindness to your fellow earthlings this week. How will you behave when no one is looking? What can you do to turn up the amplitude of your heart to strangers?

I spent a good chunk of time visiting people in Denver, Colorado yesterday to introduce my little staging business to them. I can tell you that Denver is FULL of kind people. More often than not people gave me a chance to get into un-ending traffic. I had people hold open doors when I had my hands full. Someone stuck a coin into my meter yesterday...it had expired when I dashed into a real estate office. If people have that experience in your community, doesn't that make it a desirable place to buy a home?

We can all make the world a better place... one random act of kindness at a time in our own local communities and in the blogosphere.

Veronica

Select Home Staging

Denver, Colorado

www.selecthomestaging.com

Home Staging Tips for Snowbound Regions

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:03:24 -0600

Home Staging Tips for Snowbound Regions

In Denver, Colorado we have had an historic amount of snowfall this winter. It is atypical for the snow to stick around in this city and it has given new challenges to those of us home stagers in the Mile High City.

If you’re snowbound like us, here are some tips for presenting homes that are on the market this winter.

1)    Shovel snow and ice. Make sure that pathways to the doors and driveways are completely clear for visitors to move around the property safely.
2)    Provide seating at the front door with an area to remove and store boots and muddy shoes. At this time of year home sellers have requests to prevent snow and dirt from being tracked into the home and it is best to make that an easy thing for visitors.
3)    Provide a place for visitors to hang coats and store hats and gloves. You want people to linger in your home when it is on the market and if they take their coat off, they’re more likely to stay awhile.
4)    When painting indoors, use warm colors like reds, yellows, yellow-greens and orange. These colors invite feelings of coziness. Also the warm colors counteract the effect of the cool colors and weather outside.
5)    Add lots of warm-looking throws and pillows. Comfortable textures make rooms feel inviting.
6)    Remove winterizing items such as plastic window coverings and draft beanbags. Make sure there are no rooms that are “closed for the winter”.
7)    Keep the temperature comfortable in the house. Not too cold and not too warm. Bear in mind that this temperature setting may be a different level than you prefer to live in day to day.
8)    Make a snowman or “snowpal” in the yard to add some fun and whimsy.
9)    Take into account snow’s reflective qualities and the low light outside. Light that adds to the glare of sun reflecting off of snow is a jolt to the senses. Harsh lighting against overcast days is also a jolt. Be ready to be flexible with the lighting scheme depending on the lighting outside.
10)    Set out a tray with hot cocoa and mugs in the kitchen. Hot cocoa invokes feelings of comfort and warmth.
11)    Use evergreens to create welcoming front entryways. Put one evergreen in a planter on either side of the door or feature a grouping of three of varying sizes to one side.
12)    Highlight fireplaces as always, but take special care to keep them clean after use. Don’t leave ashes and half-burnt wood in the fireplace. Make sure the damper is closed so that cold air doesn’t rush into the house and make it drafty. Set up a basket with firewood. Add pinecone fire starters to the basket for visual interest.
13)    Set out flowers that remind buyers of warmer days ahead like tulips and gerbera daisies.
14)    If you have pictures of the home in use during warmer months (such as a swimming pool or garden), consider setting out a photographic display to help buyers see the potential of the outdoor living spaces.

Above all, think of portraying the home as warm and comfortable. With a few extra steps, it is possible to stage a welcoming home in regions with snow. At Select Home Staging, we know how to present homes in Denver, Colorado and are eager to help homes sell regardless of the weather. Give us a call today!

Veronica Harbert

Select Home Staging
Denver, Colorado
www.selecthomestaging.com
303.507.5434

Updating a Home Before Putting it on the Market

Veronica Harbert - Select Home Staging (Select Home Staging) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:33:35 -0600

Today, CNNMoney.com featured an article entitled, "Home Decorating Do's and Don'ts". The article quoted Mark Nash, Chicago-area Realtor and author of Real Estate A-Z for Buying and Selling a Home. He said, "New buyers, especially, want the house done in today's look." (link below)

How do you know if you have today's look? Home sellers should consider the following:

1) Check your light fixtures.

Were they installed 20 years ago? Brass finishes tend to be dated while bronze, copper, brushed steel and nickel are in the current style. Pendant lights with beautiful glass can have a dramatic impact on a room. Light fixtures don't have to be expensive to be updated. For as little as $100, a space can have today's look with a new light fixture. Also, you might be able to update your existing light fixture. For instance, a gold colored ceiling lamp could be painted black or faux metallic to bring it up to date. You might also replace the shades on an existing chandelier fixture.

2) Are your bathroom sinks and toilets dated?

Pink sinks and toilets have a 1980's feel. The same goes for scalloped sinks. Aside from the all-purpose white, today's sinks might be almond or bone or metallic. These colors work well with popular stone counter-tops. Consider a pedestal sink to update a powder room that has an existing cabinet/sink combination.

3) Have a look at your flooring.

Does your kitchen have vinyl flooring that was installed in the late 80's? Does it have flecks of anything reflective in it? Today's kitchen flooring tends to use the natural look of wood or stone. The real thing can be pricey but laminates and adhesive tiles can provide the look for less. How about flooring in the rest of your home? Do you have sculpted shag anywhere? Is your carpet a color that dates it, like aqua or pink? If your carpeting is outdated, you might consider replacing it with berber or a low cut pile in a neutral color. Also, if the floors underneath the carpeting are wood, pulling up the carpeting altogether might be the best bet as wood floors are very popular.

4) How are your window treatments?

Again, anything you installed a while ago should be replaced. Lace, flouncy or satin drapes should be reconsidered. The same goes for metal, small or dingy blinds. Drapery panels in colors that complement your wall colors are an inexpensive way to update your windows.

5) Take a look at your walls.

Do you have wallpaper that dates your home? Dark wallpaper or paper that has pinks, aquas or mint greens aren't current. If your paper is out of date, think seriously about taking it down and replacing it with paint. Wallpaper can be especially troubling to buyers as it can be difficult to remove. How is your paint? Neutrals are preferable to pastels. And something with a little bit of color is preferable to stark white.

Before you put your house on the market, take some time to bring it up to date. Remember that when you put your house up for sale, you want to appeal to a broad segment of buyers and that won't necessarily reflect your personal decorating tastes. If you need help, contact a professional home stager like us at Select Home Staging. Home stagers keep current on the desires of buyers and know how to update a home without spending a lot of money. Above all else, keep in mind that you only get one opportunity to make a good first impression on buyers.

Link to the article: Home Decorating Do's and Don'ts

Veronica Harbert

Select Home Staging

Denver Colorado

www.selecthomestaging.com

303.507.5434