Simply Staged Inc Rockford Home Staging Blog

Belvidere Home Staged and Under Contract in 45 Days

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:44:49 -0600

Simply Staged Inc. was hired to stage this beautiful Belvidere home and pleased to report that it has gone under contract in 45 days! These results are especially impressive as the home was listed at $510,000.

Teamwork on behalf of the sellers, Realtor, Frank Wehrstein of Dickerson & Nieman, and Simply Staged Inc. produced the outstanding results. We were happy to play our part in the selling process.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Where is the Wow Factor?

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:43:27 -0500

This beautiful Loves Park home is only three years new with all the upgrades. The homeowners did everything right. The finishes and selections made when the home was built are neutral, beautiful, and will appeal to many.

The home is q-tip clean and still feels like new construction. However, now that it is time to sell, the new construction look can be both positive and negative. Positive because the home has been extremely well cared for, not cluttered or use of personal paint colors, etc. So WHY do you need to bring in a professional home stager?

For the same reason builders stage their spec homes or condo developments stage their models. WOW FACTOR! Staging can bring in the drama and warmth that appeals to potential buyers. Professional staging presents a lifestyle in which potential buyers aspire to.

Here are a few of the before/after photos. It is still the seller's furniture, just repurposed slightly and Simply Staged Inc. rental accessories added to what was already there.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Showcasing Your Rockford Home for Sale

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:09:49 -0500

Simply Staged was hired to stage this vacant Rockford home. As a professional, full-service staging company serving Rockford and the Stateline area, we are committed to showcasing your home to its fullest potential. We carry a full line of rental furniture and accessories to compliment your home. View more examples of our work at simplystagedinc.com. Traditional to contemporary, occupied or vacant, we are your Rockford Area Home Staging Experts.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

Simply Staged Rockford Home

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:24:12 -0500

Simply Staged Inc. had the pleasure of working on this occupied home located in Rockford, IL. We utilized some of the home seller's existing furniture and added a few pieces of rental furniture. Simply Staged rental accessories were also brought in to showcase the home.

Many thanks to the home sellers who so tirelessly painted, cleaned, packed and made a few updates. Simply Staged provided the recommendations and they decided to do the prep work themselves, which had a positive impact on the budget. Teaming up with Rockford Area Home Staging Expert ensures your home will be showcased to its fullest potential.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Rockford's Staging & Redesign Company Serving the Stateline Area

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:09:13 -0500

Traditional to Contemporary. . .

Condos to Custom Homes. . .

First Time Home Sellers to Million Dollar Estates. . .

Simply Staged Inc. is your experienced, full service, professional home staging company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Defining Rooms for Selling VS. Living

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:48:22 -0500

When it's time to sell your home, defining rooms for potential buyers is crucial.

Below is an actual MLS photo before staging followed by the current MLS photo after staging. There is a reason you are only seeing the fireplace in the first photo. The sellers were using this room as an office. The Realtor didn't want to photograph that portion of the room since they knew that is not how potential buyers would be living in the space.

The sofa/love seat area in the "after" photo was actually home to a large "L" shaped desk, upper wall cabinets and a bookshelf. (sorry, no photo available) While it was convenient for living, it was confusing to potential buyers.

Simply Staged Inc. repurposed furniture and accessories throughout the home to define the space. Bringing in a television and seating area from another area of the home left no question in the buyer's mind as to what the room's purpose was.

MLS Photo Before Staging

MLS Photo After Staging

This Realtor and home seller knew that staging the home was crucial for selling and attracting online interest. Working with a Professional Home Stager will ensure your home is being showcased to its potential as well as provide more attractive photos for your online presence. With over 84% of potential buyers starting their home search online, it is important to capture their interest with your online photos.

They're fun to watch grow, but did you know they could help you secure jobs?

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:29:36 -0500

Visiting Activerain has become part of my daily routine. For me, morning coffee and AR just go together. Most days it is to learn something new, keep up with what is happening in the industry and occasionally blog.

I certainly don't blog daily, or even weekly. (working on that) I am still getting comfortable with blogging, so I read more blogs than I write.

Points are not why we blog. If that were the case, I would be failing miserably considering the amount of time I have been a member. Sure, points are fun to watch accumulate as we earn them, but they are not the driving force behind the time we spend on AR.

Something I didn't realize is how it would impact potential clients and how they viewed my company and experience - warranted or not. Once again, I had a client inform me they saw Simply Staged online and we had thousands of points. For them that translated into experience and knowledge.

It became a positive factor when they were researching and selecting a staging company to work with. The first time someone mentioned points they called it "ranking" and I wasn't sure what they were referring to. I explain AR and how points are accumulated when given the opportunity, but what about all those who don't tell me that was a factor in their selection. I chalk it up to another way Activerain helps grow our business and online reputation.

Thank you Activerain for the valuable online relationships with peers and leaders in the industry, excellent online presence, and helping me start each day learning something new. Oh yeah. . .and those points too!

The First 10 Seconds!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:02:06 -0500

When selling a home we all know it starts at the curb. If you can't get them in, how are you ever going to sell it?

Today I would like to focus on once you get them through the front door. What do you see? First impressions are extremely important. They convey a feeling and set you up for what to expect as you tour the home. If you lose them in the important "first 10 seconds" the likelihood of recapturing them throughout the rest of the tour is minimal.

This is a before/after photo of a home in Leaf River, IL that Simply Staged worked on this week. The photo was taken from the front door. It is the important "first 10 seconds" as you enter the home.

As you can see in the "after" photo, the fireplace and hardwood floors are stunning. In fact, the hardwoods were milled from trees taken directly from the property. Too important of an feature to be lost in the photograph or covered with furniture.

If your home is currently on the market, what are your "first 10 seconds" saying?

Simply Staged Inc.is a Professional Home Staging & Redesign company serving Rockford IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

Look What I Found!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:04:05 -0500

Who knew beautiful floors were hiding under the carpet? The homeowners, that's who! This Belvidere homeowner loved the blue room, but realized when it became time to sell it was too personal. It was less costly to refinish the floors than replace with a neutral carpet. As you can see, we staged the home with the seller's belongings.

Living Room BEFORE

Living Room AFTER

Living Room BEFORE

Living Room AFTER

Living Room BEFORE

Living Room AFTER

Simply Staged Inc. is a Professional Home Staging & Redesign Company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

That makes SIX in less than Three Weeks!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:48:51 -0500

At this rate I will need to hire an assistant just to answer all the inquiries from people calling to tell me they would like to become a home stager. Not only do they want to be a stager in the same area in which I am located, they want to know everything about how I am running my successful staging company.

I try to be helpful, but also don't know if it is wise to share everything with a direct competitor.

I am all for competition. I was not the first home stager in the Stateline. There are plenty of homes to stage in our area, but I have stopped short of calling my direct competition and asking them to share their business model, marketing strategy, pricing structure, who they work with, etc.

Am I being selfish or wise?

Isn't Activerain all about sharing? How do I justify not sharing when AR has been so instrumental in building my business? The willingness of others to share their experiences and knowledge with the hope that others may learn or gain from it. Is there a way to share without hurting your business? Yes, I believe there is!

I found that for me personally, the best way to handle these calls is to give them options when answering their questions. Who's to say my business model will work for them? Why not share a couple options and let them choose or modify as they see fit.

For example, the most common question relates to pricing. "I am not sure what to charge in our area. What do you charge?"

Well, my rates are not really a big secret, but there are several ways to approach this aspect of the business. Some stagers like to charge by the hour, some by the square footage, some by the job, etc. I don't necessarily answer the question directly, but offer many options for them to choose and advise they should select a method that best suits their needs. After all, isn't that one of advantages of owning your own business? You can tailor it to suit your needs.

Do you think Macy's & Nordstrom readily share information? What about Walmart and Target? Do they show each other their upcoming promotions and advertisements?

How do you feel about sharing information with direct competition? Are you more comfortable sharing information with those that are not working in your area?

Rockford IL Home Staged and Under Contract in 7 Days!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:52:48 -0500

It seems like I just blogged about this Rockford, IL home. In fact, I did! The reason I wanted to follow up with an update is because once again I heard the statement, "Staging is only for high end listings."

Simply Staged was called in to give upgrade recommendations and stage the home. A team effort by the Seller, Realtor and Stager produced another success story. The home had multiple offers in the first week and went under contract in 7 days!

While it is certainly a charming home, it went to market with an asking price of $115,000. Another example of why staging is not just for high end homes.

Preparing Your Rockford IL Home for Sale with the Help of a Stager

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:42:22 -0500

The sellers of this Rockford IL home were excited to be relocating. They knew it was necessary to make some improvements before going to market, but were not positive where to focus their dollars. Their Realtor suggested bringing in Simply Staged Inc. to provide recommendations for improvements and stage the home.

Simply Staged Inc. made recommendations that would have the most impact, while maintaining the budget. It all came together with the help/work of the home sellers, painters and handymen. The sellers were able to leave their furniture in the home while selling. Michele Hess of Simply Staged, reworked the seller's furniture and brought in all of the art/accessories, etc. (Coffee/End Tables were also brought in for staging.)

Another team approach involving the seller, Realtor and stager properly preparing a home for market. Below are a few before photos and a link to the virtual tour showcasing the home after the updates and staging was complete.

Living Room BEFORE

Dining Room BEFORE

Bathroom BEFORE

Kitchen BEFORE

Office BEFORE

Back Porch Before

Click on the link below to view the "AFTER" Photos

Virtual Tour

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

Rockford Realtor Presentation a Success!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:40:51 -0500

Simply Staged Inc. was honored when they were asked by Title Underwriters Agency to give a presentation to Rockford IL area realtors about social marketing/blogging and internet presence. Title Underwriters provided this seminar Free of charge to Rockford Area Realtors as a way to say thank you for their business.

The event was held at this $1.3 million dollar Belvidere estate recently staged by Simply Staged Inc. Here is a link to the website if you are curious to see the inside of this stunning contemporary home. With the exception of just a couple of existing pieces, Simply Staged provided all the furniture and accessories used to stage the home. The home was just listed with Bonnie Pierce of Dickerson & Nieman this week.

Thank you to Title Underwrites Agency for sponsoring the event and those of you who attended. We had great attendance and exchange of information. I enjoyed meeting new friends and seeing many of you with whom I have worked with in the past. It has been exciting to see some of you move forward with what you learned at the presentation and now see you blogging and "tweeting".

I know I will follow your blogs and tweets! Have fun with it!

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us as (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

Roscoe Home Staged & Under Contract In TWO Days with FULL PRICE Offer

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:18:24 -0500

This was an exciting project for many reasons. When the owner contacted Simply Staged Inc. they did not have a Realtor, but knew the importance of staging and preparing their home properly before going to market. We were happy that they found our company online! As a bonus we also had some time to complete the project.

Some updates were necessary prior to staging. Simply Staged guided the seller through the process and helped with selections. Everyone involved did their part. Packing, cleaning, minor repairs, landscaping, painting, updated flooring, lighting, bathroom fixtures & countertop, tub refinishing, etc.

The seller was very open minded when it came to selling the house, considering many options such as accepting bids, going to auction, selling themselves or placing it with a Realtor. Ultimately they elected to place the home with a Realtor who played a big part in this success story. Staged and under contract in TWO days with a FULL PRICE offer!

We were so pleased to assist with the preparation of this home and proud to be one part of the TEAM!

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specailize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

$1.3 Million Dollar Listing - Simply Staged Inc. stages Contemporary Belvidere Home

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:39:37 -0500

For those of you not familiar with Belvidere, IL or even the neighboring larger town of Rockford, IL you may not know that contemporary homes are not the norm. In fact, listings of $1.3 million in our area are rare as well.

I often admire the work of stagers who have the opportunity to stage loft spaces, modern homes, etc. That is why when Simply Staged Inc. was hired to stage this vacant 7,200 sq ft. contemporary we were honored. We embraced the challenge of working with a different decor style and size of the project. This home was built to showcase art, so that is what we did.

Lots of photos below, but believe it or not it's not all inclusive. So much more to see. . . exercise room, wine celllar, enclosed sun porch, additional bedrooms. The list and the house goes on and on.

Small condos to $1.3 Million, traditional to contemporary, Simply Staged Inc. has the experience and inventory to professionally stage your home.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Simply Staged Rockford IL Home Before/After Photos

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:34:05 -0500

This Rockford IL home was recently staged by Simply Staged Inc. The home sellers were already partially moved out when we were brought in. (That is why some of the before shots are sparsly decorated.) We were able to use a combination of their existing furniture along with additional pieces brought in for staging.

Simply Staged Inc. also assisted the sellers with wallpaper removal and neutralized paint colors throughout the home. This is a lovely, large home so I have only provided photos of a few areas.

When you view the before/after of the master suite notice the bedroom set that was in place when we arrived. This set was originally in one of the kid's room, since the master bedroom furniture had already been moved to the new home. As you can see, we all agreed it was necessary to bring in new furniture for the master and move the white furniture back into the kid's room. However, we were able to utilize the seller's existing sofa/chairs from the formal living room in the master bedroom sitting area.

Before/After Photos:

Simply Staged New Milford Home Before/After Photos

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:58:27 -0500

Simply Staged Inc. was selected to stage this charming New Milford home. It has been showing vacant for the past eight months. One of the concerns brought forward was room definition and furniture layout. Potential buyers were confused as to how they would live in the space.

Staging has answered that question. The rooms are well defined and there is no more guessing as to where the furniture would be placed or how the room is to be used. Features of the home, such as the niches, were not being showcased to their potential when the home was vacant. Staging now draws out the niches as a feature rather than causing confusion as to what should be placed there.

Below are a few before/after photos of the home's transformation.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Title Underwriters Agency Sponsors FREE Seminar for Rockford IL Area Realtors: Guest Speaker, Michele Hess, Simply Staged Inc.

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:26:18 -0500

Title Underwriters Agency is sponsoring a FREE seminar for Rockford IL & surrounding area Realtors.

Small business owner, Michele Hess of Simply Staged Inc. is honored to be the guest speaker. Hess will be sharing information on Internet presence, blogging, micro-blogging and social media.

Session spaces are limited and require a reservation. Spaces will be filled on a first response, first reserved basis.

If you are a Rockford Area Realtor and did not receive your invitation, please contact Title Underwriters Agency or Simply Staged Inc. for more information.

Date & Venue:

Thursday, May 14, 2009

10:00 a.m. Tour Property

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Seminar (Refreshments Provided)

The seminar will be held at a stunning, contemporary Belvidere estate staged by Simply Staged Inc. Arrive early and tour the exquisite $1.3 million dollar listing.

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

Inaugural New Home Sale Event

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:36:51 -0500

The Home Builders Association of the Greater Rockford Area is holding the "Inaugural New Home Sale Event" May 2nd & 3rd and May 9th & 10th, 2009.

Event Time is from Noon to 6:00p.m.

The HBA website indicates the Homes participating in the event are offering upgrades, incentives and unbeatable prices on every new home. All the new homes are available for immediate occupancy.

Simply Staged Inc., A Professional Home Staging & Redesign Company serving Rockford and the Stateline Area is honored to have staged two of the homes included in this New Home Sale Event.

Both homes staged by Simply Staged Inc, were built by custom home builder Sean Adams Custom Carpentry located in Byron, IL.

406 Heartland Drive, Davis Junction, IL

975 Austin Court, Oregon, IL

Tour these custom homes built with exquisite craftsmanship and uncompromised attention to detail during the New Home Sale Event!

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, Stillman Valley, and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

What Else Are you Good At? Get In Front of Your Audience!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:08:49 -0500

It is no secret that Home Stagers, Mortgage Lenders, Inspectors, etc., contact local Real Estate offices to allow them to present. I know Simply Staged Inc. has made several staging presentations with great success. I believe it to be a great tool in your marketing arsenal. That being said, how many staging or mortgage lender presentations can they possibly host without Agent objections? Everyone has something to sell!

I propose that you get in front of your intended audience, the agents, but NOT to sell your services. HOW?? WHAT?? WHY?? Offer something of value to the agents, share an expertise or talent in another field.

Recently, Simply Staged Inc. was contacted by Robert Drummer, Team Leader of Keller Williams Realty in Rockford, IL. He asked if I would be willing to share what I am doing online to have a strong internet presence in our market. (You better believe AR was part of that presentation!)

Now, Robert is very much a "Techie" and knew exactly what I had been doing to come up in searches. In fact, it was Robert's presentation to Keller Williams agents over a year ago that inspired me to get more involved with my online presence.

Why would he let a non "techie" stager present internet presence and social media to his agents? Because they could relate. Not too long ago, I was in the same situation. No internet presence, no idea where to start, did not understand the language, no budget to hire someone to handle it, and afraid of the unknown.

I was not their stager for that moment, I was one business owner talking to another. Sharing my experiences, resources, knowledge, online successes and failures in an attempt to help them better understand this aspect of their business. My goal was to give them the tools to increase their online presence. Even if it was only a push in the right direction.

Now it is I who needs to say "Thank You". It was such a fun experience, and I too learned from this exercise. The Realtors, some of whom I knew and worked with, along with some new faces, were very appreciative. They were filled with great questions and a true desire to learn.

What else are you good at? Social Media, Techie, Marketing, Photography, Print material. . . the possibilities are endless. Now go share your OTHER Talents!

Simply Staged Inc.is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

29th Annual Rockford Home Show

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:02:27 -0600

Want to know what is new in the home and garden market in the Rockford area? The Rockford Home Show will be showcasing new products, services, and ideas for your home and garden. Get inspired or talk to the experts. The home show will be hosting seminars and provide live family entertainment.

March 6, 2009 - March 8, 2009

Friday: 4 - 8pm

Saturday: 10am - 7pm

Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Cost: $6/Adults, Children under 12 FREE

Location:

Indoor Sports Center

8800 E. Riverside Blvd.

Loves Park, IL 61111

The event is sponsored by Showtime Productions

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website at simplystagedinc.com

A Powerful Tool When Selling Your Home

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:31:06 -0600

Emotional Connection is crucial when selling both vacant and occupied homes. The feeling you get when you walk through the house that says, "I'm home". "I want this lifestyle."

It is a driving force in many home sales. It is the draw that recently brought back buyers to a vacant home staged by Simply Staged Inc. FOUR times before purchasing. Do you believe a vacant home, they felt was slightly out of their price range, would have had that same draw?

Emotional connection has the power to change "must have" lists. Let's face it, emotional connection can change all the things you thought you knew for sure when beginning your home search, such as location, style, color, amenities, condition, etc. Emotional connection even has the power to extend what you thought you were willing to spend on a home.

Less than 10% of the population can envision the possibilities or potential of a home. Staging helps define space and offers potential buyers glimpses of how they may live in the home.

Is it a great home for entertaining?

Does it have a kitchen you see yourself preparing meals in?

Can you picture yourself enjoying a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day?

Can you envision yourself preparing for the day in this home?

Enjoying a morning cup of coffee?

Or perhaps a comfy chair to relax and catch up on your reading?

Most professional stagers will not utilize the same emotional connections in an occupied home as a vacant home. However, they are trained to highlight the home, occupied or vacant, in a way that showcases the property to its fullest potential making it easier for potential buyers to make that "emotional connection."

Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

You Can Do Whatever You Want - A Stager is Turned Loose!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:29:59 -0600

My only direction was, "Do whatever you want and help yourself to the extra accessories, pillows etc. in the guest room closet." WOW! Now, that is the start of a great day.

This town home located in Belvidere, IL has been on the market for sale by owner. After not selling, the owners decided to list with an area Realtor. Not only do they have the expertise of the Realtor in regards to marketing and selling the home, the Realtor brought in Simply Staged Inc. to stage the home.

When Simply Staged is called in to stage an occupied home, most home sellers like to do their own packing. However, some are unable for different reasons and hire the stagers to pack as well. That was the case in this home. Lots of packing & lots of fun!

Here are some before/after photos. (We staged the home with the seller's belongings. It was not necessary to bring in any additional accessories.)

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Master Bedroom Sitting Area Before

Master Bedroom Sitting Area After

Entry Before (I know, the Dog is Adorable - I wanted to take him home!)

Entry After

Entry Close Up

Family Room Before

Family Room After

Another Before Shot of Family Room

Family Room After

Simply Staged Inc.is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford and the Stateline area. We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe and Winnebago. Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com

Rockford, IL Area Events

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:23:51 -0600

Looking for something to do in the Rockford, IL area? Rockford Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau has a great website that will keep you current with what is happening in the region. It contains all the information you are looking for about area events, arts and entertainment, dining, transportation, accommodations and much more.

Our family found it useful when planning a "family day". We were looking for some inspiration and new event ideas in our area and found the information helpful.

Click on the link to discover GO Rockford and plan your next outing.

Simply Staged Inc. is a Professional Home Staging & Redesign Company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. For more information call Michele Hess (815)979-3027 or visit our website at SimplyStagedInc.com

It's OK to admit you're not an Expert!

Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc (Simply Staged Inc.) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:01:31 -0600

Home staging addresses several areas when selling a home. Of course there is decluttering, depersonalization, defining spaces, furniture placement, color selections, curb appeal, repairs, cleanliness.. . .the list goes on and on.

It is impossible to be an expert in every aspect of your business. More importantly, there is no need to be. Just because I know how to paint, doesn't make me a "painting expert". I submit that you're presented as an expert in your "field" when you refer to the experts in their "field".

The majority of homes that are staged to sell do not undergo major renovations prior to selling. Certainly, painting, updated lighting, cabinet pulls & faucets are switched out, flooring updates etc. More common are the smaller cosmetic changes that can have great impact on the home and are easy on the budget.

During a recent consultation of a high end home the seller intentionally saved the master bathroom for the last room to view. Why? It was the only room in the home they had not updated. And now it was time to sell. Original plans called for a complete remodel. Selling brought a change of plans.

The new game plan was implementing cost effective updates without completely gutting the bathroom. The project was more involved than hardware and counter/flooring changes. There were so many questions, many of which I was able to share my recommendations. But there were many I could not answer as I am certainly not an "expert" on bathroom design/layout. When we talked about our options cost questions also arose. This project was going beyond the "usual" staging. It was time to call in reinforcements.

I stepped up and announced, "I am not an expert at bathroom design, but I know someone who is." In fact, I had two contacts to refer. I assured her that I had complete confidence in my ability to stage her home, but would like to secure an "expert's" opinion on the bathroom.

She seemed relieved. I was not able to answer all her questions, but I was able to put her in touch with someone who could. A true "expert" in that field. And it wasn't going to cost us a dime.

I made my calls as soon as I hit the car, and they were in touch with the seller within the hour. The "painting expert" was there the next morning quoting out his projects. She commented on how impressed she was with the response and connections as she had sought out help with the bathroom before without success.

So, don't be afraid to admit you're not an "expert" in every area of your business. Just be sure you know someone who is. It will ensure you look like the "expert" too.