first impressions: CASE STUDY: Updates which made First Impressions Count - 08/17/08 12:01 AM
THE CHALLENGE: This home was built in the 80's, and the decor was 100% original. Bubblegum pink paint reigned! The banister, foyer hardwood and kitchen cupboards were yellow-washed oak. The carpet presented in an acceptable condition with professional cleaning.
THE COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION: Upon entering, the impressive sight of an … (5 comments)
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first impressions: Business Cards: Design Them to Leave a Lasting Impression - 08/02/08 02:34 PM
Wow, did I collect a lot of business cards at the Southeast Builders Conference over the past few days, and fortunately I was able to hand out a bunch of mine. I hope that people will hang on to them as a reference for whenever someone says that they need help … (5 comments)
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first impressions: FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT - 07/25/08 06:01 PM
An Attractive Approach First impressions count! Do you remember your first impressions of your present home? What made you want to buy it? The features or amenities that first attracted you are probably the same ones that will sell your home.Prospective buyers' first impression of your home is the feeling they … (1 comments)
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first impressions: Charleston and Melissa Marro - A First Impression that lasts, and continues to impress! - 07/23/08 09:34 AM
Background
It was my 50th birthday and we had to go somewhere: Nick had gone golfing in Scotland for a week for his, so we needed to do something for mine. I quite fancied a trip to Machu Pichu in Peru, and found a package that would put us on the mountain … (16 comments)
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first impressions: Cheep, Cheep, Cheep, Decorating your Nest on a Budget! - 07/22/08 01:26 AM
Cheep Cheep Cheep
Decorating your Nest on a Budget
( Ramona Scarborough)
A little bird, (or perhaps your real estate agent) has told you to spruce up your home to make it more appealing to buyers. You may have already spent large amounts of money on bringing your … (0 comments)
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first impressions: Do it right the first time every time..... - 06/15/08 11:58 AM
I was having a conversation with a few new "friends" (I just met them at a social gathering) the other day and we got on the topic of service.
One of the people in the conversation was reflecting on a recent transaction at a local retail store. She was telling me about how … (13 comments)
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first impressions: It All Boils Down To Whether Or Not They'd Want To Work With You - 06/12/08 04:25 PM
Any agent who has done a handful of transactions has surely done a deal with a deadbeat agent. You know the one I'm writing about, the one who doesn't return calls, whose voicemail is full and never checks her e-mail. This is the same agent who flies off the handle easily, … (0 comments)
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first impressions: BACK TO BASICS: Preparing and Staging a Home to Sell - 06/04/08 10:38 PM
Ok, so let's face it, the Real Estate market has slowed in South Florida. Sales are down. Properties are for sale in abundance. For that reason, homes should be even more "curb friendly". The best looking properties will sell the fastest.
I recently canvased some area neighborhoods, visited Open Houses, and passed a multitude of … (2 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions of an Open House - 06/03/08 10:23 AM
I am continually amazed by the lack of importance put on the appearance of a house when potential customers are allowed to view it. I went to a grand opening this weekend and found models where the floors were not swept. The A/C was not on. The problem is I see … (4 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions - 05/30/08 04:48 PM
First impressions are vital in determining how much a buyer is willing to offer for your home. If they first see a broken gutter or peeling paint, they will cast a wary eye over the rest of your home and may not even give you an offer. Take a few minutes … (0 comments)
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first impressions: Gone Fishin' - 05/20/08 03:25 PM
First, let me start with a big WELCOME HOME to the brave soldiers of the 1st Sustainment Command (theater) who arrived back from a year long deployment to the Middle East last week. Their mission was primarily logistics support, including supplying food, water, fuel, ammunition and other supplies to the troops … (3 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions - 05/13/08 01:46 PM
My husband and I spent sometime viewing houses for my brother and his wife prior to showing them these houses. My brother had a certain criteria he wanted to stay in, the bang for his buck was he wanted to check out only short sales. Wow what an experience!!! Granted we … (2 comments)
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first impressions: FIRST IMPRESSIONS SELL!! - 05/06/08 08:34 PM
What is it about spring that gets us all out in our gardens, whistling while we work, and yes, visiting the paint store?
Do you think it's because everything outside looks new and clean and homeowners want the inside to look as good?
Probably that's true, but perhaps it's because we need more colour … (3 comments)
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first impressions: Presenting...The One,... The Only,... YOU! - 04/16/08 11:40 PM
As professional home stagers, we all know that FIRST IMPRESSIONS are EVERYTHING!
Would you hire this guy?
But how are you presenting yourself and your business when you are out there in the field. The way you present yourself and your company means everything when it comes to successfully promoting yourself.
You usually … (9 comments)
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first impressions: First Impression-ist Masterpieces Now Hang in the Active Rain Gallery - 04/14/08 11:05 AM
Last week something new began to be seen in the great hallowed halls of Active Rain. Beautiful blog masterpieces started to appear. Active Rain gave to us all another great new improvement to help us all better differentiate and further brand ourselves through our blogs. We now all have the access to a … (57 comments)
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first impressions: I FINALLY Gots Me a Purdy Puddle... in the Rain - 04/11/08 03:09 PM
The ONLY problem I have EVER had about Active Rain was it is UGLY. YUP UGLY and I have not been afraid to let the Rain Gods (Matt Heaton and Johnathon Washburn) know how I felt.
But there is a saying, "you only get to complain if you are willing to provide a solution." So … (30 comments)
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first impressions: Who sets the tone? - 04/04/08 05:56 PM
I probably call 10 members a day (give or take) every day. I do it for a variety of reasons. Some of the time it's because I have read something particularly moving they have written and I want to say thanks. Sometimes it is because I see something they are doing … (97 comments)
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first impressions: Spring is in the Air- Can you feel it? - 03/28/08 11:32 AM
Spring is in the air. There seems to be a new vitality for living about this time every year- even in Southern California. The home improvement stores seem more crowded with people buying outdoor furniture and plants. Even the birds seem to chirp more.
I wrote a blog a couple of months … (5 comments)
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first impressions: Is Your House Showing Wrinkles????? - 03/26/08 02:30 PM
Just face it, we are in the era of posting everything on the internet. In order to successfully market your home, your real estate agent should have your home professionally photographed and post it to multiple websites. Those pictures will be seen by thousands of individuals.
Now, if it were YOUR … (9 comments)
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first impressions: Get your Home Ready to Sale! 17 Tips! - 03/24/08 05:04 PM
Here are some easy, inexpensive fixes that will help create that outside appeal and get you one, giant step further to a sale.
1. Paint or stain the front and garage doors, especially if they show any weathering. These are the first visuals where a potential buyer focuses. If garage doors are … (6 comments)
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first impressions: You are what you wear - 03/19/08 06:31 PM
Sweats at the grocery might be comfy, but...
I can't believe I'm writing this. I like to wear sweats, jeans, tennis shoes, and t-shirts. And until recently, I did just that whenever I didn't have client appointments.
Big mistake! People really do judge a book by its cover. Am I dressed nicely? Are … (2 comments)
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first impressions: It's all about attitude. - 02/29/08 10:10 PM
Being classified as a REALTOR(R) comes with enormous responsibilities. It come's with exemplary reputations and qualifications bar none. It is NOT something that individual's should bat an eye at! It is something that we all hope our customers are looking for in a Real Estate professional.
We have a huge responsibility as … (4 comments)
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first impressions: It is said you have 10 seconds to make a first impression. - 02/15/08 11:25 AM
I say this to every seller I meet. It gets them thinking about making a favorable impression. I walk around the house and yard with them, asking them to play the role of the potential buyer. It can be enlightening - or not. Sometimes sellers will speak with pride about renovations or redecorating … (32 comments)
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first impressions: Why I work with a team... - 02/07/08 11:55 PM
As many of you know, First Impressions is a company based on a team, not individuals. And I am thankful for this everyday! I think that every stager should have a "team" of some sort. And that is exactly what AR provides. So, even if you work independently, and own individual companies, … (11 comments)
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first impressions: Has this ever happened to you? - 02/07/08 11:30 PM
I get a call today around 4pm from Mr. Homeowner, who I thought lived in Virginia. He says, "Hey Bevin! Its me, Mr. Homeowner, I just walked into my house and all your furniture is still here!"
I say, "Yes, the staging is still there. Is there a problem?"
Mr. Homeowner, "Yeah, I'm … (10 comments)
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first impressions: Bedroom Follow-up...what do you think? - 02/04/08 05:13 PM
Okay, so here is the final bedroom product...unless yall think it is terribly wrong and needs to be changed...lol
I swear I wasn't playing favorites either! I tried a couple of things and suggestions, but this way (Melissa's) worked the best. Funny how that happens from her...
Proud Sponsor of the 2008 REALTOR … (13 comments)
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first impressions: From warehouse to showroom! - 02/04/08 04:57 PM
I recently blogged about setting up furniture for an upcoming vacant staging in my warehouse a few days prior to the actual staging day. (How do you prepare for a job?)
I love being able to 'shop' there and see everything I need before hand. And, what I may need to buy, … (14 comments)
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first impressions: We are so blind..... - 01/29/08 10:27 AM
We are so blind...
We look but we don't see.
How many times per week do we walk up to the front door of our house? Do we really see how it looks? Probably not.
I will take my own front entry as an example. I started to repaint the front door- oh, about … (18 comments)
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first impressions: You can't judge a book by it's cover.... - 01/23/08 09:59 PM
About 3 years ago, it was Christmas eve. I couldn't go home for the Holidays, so my other friends that were stuck here in Florida b/c of work and I went out on the town. Everyone was dancing and having a great time as I was as as well ( having … (22 comments)
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first impressions: Making the most of your Real Estate Investment - Staging WORKS! January Newsletter - 01/14/08 03:02 PM
… (3 comments)
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first impressions: This Little Piggy Went To Market...This Little Piggy Stayed Home! - 12/30/07 08:52 AM
I remember driving to my first job...I was a junior in high school, and my knees were shaking as I drove to that Bowling establishment to begin my first hours as a 'porter'...that's a fancy word for emptier of filthy ashtrays and general housekeeper!
Fast forwarding a few months to where I … (15 comments)
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first impressions: First impressions of your car that you drive - 12/29/07 01:29 PM
Does it matter what your car looks like to a client for the first time?
Does it matter if your car is clean or not when your client looks at it for the first time?
Does it matter if your car's interior smell is clean or smelly when your client gets … (8 comments)
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first impressions: Tips to Update your Home (without breaking your wallet) - 12/26/07 06:19 PM
Long before you plan to sell your home, you should think of updating the home - so you can enjoy the updated home before you sell it! Everyone loves to update their homes, and if you live in an older home in an appreciating neighborhood, it can be a fantastic investment. … (0 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions When Selling Your Home! - 12/07/07 05:55 PM
First Impressions
Good curb appeal is a major plus when it comes to marketing a home. A little bit of work on the front of your home can pay big dividends.When a potential buyer pulls up in front of your house, their first impression is absolutely crucial. Sometimes buyers won't … (0 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions - the first 24 hours - 11/30/07 07:09 PM
Lola just posted a great food story, comparing food's first 24 hours and a listing's first 30 days. I think the first week is the most critical.
Our team feels the first 24 hours are critical, actually the first hour! We have our sellers sign a delay addendum to the listing agreement … (11 comments)
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first impressions: Peeling The Onion: Part II Getting to Know Someone is Like Peeling an Onion - 11/24/07 04:02 PM
We all get first impressions. How someone looks, a phrase or question we heard them say, the look in their eyes. Some of us make judgments based on that, and never peel the next layer of the onion.
When you read post after post, month after month, you often get deeper into … (8 comments)
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first impressions: Selling Your Home? Tip of the Day – Clean Up Oil Spills - 11/05/07 08:55 AM
First impressions are always critical, and your driveway is one of the first things a buyer will see. Here's a quick tip that may be the solution for your cement driveway: try Drano or any high powered liquid drain cleaner and sweep those oil stains away! Remember: use caution and read … (1 comments)
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first impressions: Selling Your Home: Where to begin? - 11/04/07 08:35 AM
Selling your home is an involved process that affects your family and your future. When you make the decision to sell your home, there are some preparations that you can do to make your home more attractive to the potential buyer. Remember - first impressions are the most important thing when showing your … (0 comments)
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first impressions: The Easy Curb Apppeal Face Lift - 10/28/07 11:13 PM
The house in these photos was a very nice house, but my seller needed to get top dollar because he had to move before he had much equity. I had to pull out a grand slam. The interior of the home was awesome, but the exterior needed a face lift. He … (9 comments)
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first impressions: The Front Door Ten Point Inspection Test for Home Sellers - 10/28/07 10:54 PM
In my book there's only one way to enter a home with buyers: through the front door. It always amazes me when we have to go around back or through the door that comes in by the basement stairs. Even worse, through the garage. What kind of an impression does that … (1 comments)
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first impressions: Home #1 of 5 done today!! (This was the home where Terry Haas met me) - 10/10/07 08:56 PM
YEAH! Finally I have house number one done! I only have 4 more to complete by Friday (lord give me strength!)
This is also the home that HGTV's Designed to Sell Real Estate Expert, Terry Haas met me at yesterday to see my work. While we didn't do many rooms, it … (20 comments)
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first impressions: $10,000 price reductions & 6 mos on market... why not move the cable instead? - 10/07/07 08:42 AM
Staging for all its glory is really about cutting through the daily life & order of things and finding ways to best represent the home for today's buyer. I am regularly surprised at the lengths some clients will go through to get the job done & then more surprised by others … (20 comments)
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first impressions: Perceptions - Part II - 09/23/07 08:43 AM
What color is a stop sign? It's red (with white letters, yes). What color is a yield sign? It's red and white.
The ActiveRain commenters were far better at knowing that they the people I asked. At the seminar, nearly everyone, including my husband and I, said Yellow. We were amazed to … (18 comments)
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first impressions: Shake Well Before Dispensing - 09/13/07 08:30 AM
Just like the instructions on the medicine bottles or other types of liquids and aerosols, that say shake well before dispensing, our dispensing of information to a client, customer, other agent, etc should be preceded by a good shake.
Please note that the good is underlined because how the person reacts … (2 comments)
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first impressions: FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING - 08/25/07 08:12 PM
You only have one chance to make a first impression. There is only one time when a listing is brand new and goes out to all those buyers who are looking and waiting. Photos coming later? Too bad - the buyers didn't find what they were looking for and deleted you. … (4 comments)
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first impressions: The Power of Newsletters - over $100K in business - 06/18/07 09:42 PM
I had hoped to have time to post this last Friday, but didn't. Last Friday was a milestone for me. It was the one year anniversary of my very first newsletter. I know I've blogged about newsletters before. Many of you simply don't see the value. Here it is.... Since then … (22 comments)
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first impressions: Making a Good First Impression - 06/06/07 01:39 PM
If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when … (0 comments)
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first impressions: 100,000 DING DONG's, Stage It Forward Calling... with a Member Button for YOU! - 06/04/07 02:35 PM
With this post I have gone over the 100k Point. How befitting to reach this milestone with this post. While I did not time it as such, (I actually thought it would be this Friday with a Good Word Series post.) this post really does make this special for me ... because this post … (55 comments)
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first impressions: "Tell All The People" - The Doors - 04/05/07 09:46 PM
We all know the importance of curb appeal when selling a house. Clean driveway, fresh plants, pulled weeds, swept entryway. But how often do we think of the front door as a part of the curb appeal evaluation? I recently staged two high-end homes, and as I was going in and … (14 comments)
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first impressions: ENTER THE RAIN... from a New, Beautiful & Different Perspective - 04/05/07 09:37 PM
Every Realtor knows that first impressions matter. So can I be honest here? (And this has bugged me about Active Rain from the start.) Active Rain's front door is UGLY.
Yup UGLY! Yes, Yes I know it is fully "functional" door... but let's face it... its ugly. It has NO … (65 comments)
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first impressions: It's All About Curb Appeal When It Comes To First Impressions - - 03/29/07 07:53 PM
WELCOME HOME
Whether you’re selling your home or planning to stay put for a while, curb appeal is the key to making a good first impression. A home with a fresh coat of paint, a few potted plants or neatly trimmed landscaping can be a more inviting place for your friends, … (7 comments)
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first impressions: Initial Impressions - 03/26/07 04:21 PM
Today I answered our home phone was instantly barraged with a bunch of questions. "Hello, may I speak with Jim?" (Jim's my husband.) When I explained that he was not available, but I could take a message, I got a second question "may I have his cell phone number?" At this point, the … (0 comments)
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first impressions: First Appearing on "STAGE" 3 years Ago... TODAY! - 03/19/07 07:09 AM
Today, on the 3rd anniversary of my first home staging... I thought I would share the backstory behind my first staging experience and how it convinced ME that home staging works.
In March of 2004, a little after I had completed my studies in Interior Design, I was asked to stage a condo (that had a lot going … (27 comments)
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first impressions: I Confess... I've used the UGLY "R" WORD on the streets of metro Chicago - 03/16/07 07:07 AM
I happen to know among clients, home selling professionals, developers and stagers that there is controversy swirling around this very hot topic. It seems like everyone is chiming in on one side or the other, having a very strong and opinion on the subject. However, some of these negative opinions I feel are quite prejudiced. I feel … (33 comments)
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first impressions: Town-home sits UNSOLD for 7 months... THEN SELLS JUST 2 DAYS AFTER STAGING - 03/09/07 09:22 AM
Here in Chicago, the Bucktown area has risen up to be a beautiful renaissance neighborhood. Just about 10 years ago it wasn't much to look at. However due to its close proximity to to downtown, builders came in tore out or rehabbed much of the old and built new. NOW Bucktown is … (23 comments)
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first impressions: THINK CRUSTY THOUGHTS... When Taking Listing Photos - 03/06/07 09:38 AM
Realtors you'll notice that while I am a home stager, a number of my blog postings have to do with taking better photos of listings. This is because I KNOW that what a home buyers SEES influences their desire to purchase... or NOT. But what a buyer SEES often starts BEFORE they drive up to … (56 comments)
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first impressions: Home Stagers... Your Website is the Display Window of Your Talent & Skills - 03/03/07 04:35 PM
Knowing that the home staging industry is in the business of creating great first impressions, I often search the Internet looking at the websites of home stagers to see what kind of first impression they are or are NOT creating for the consuming public.
I first started checking out home staging websites 3 1/2 years ago when … (19 comments)
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first impressions: Staged it Wright in Oak Park / River Forest IL - 03/02/07 09:23 AM
When it comes to Architecture, the Oak Park / River Forest area of Illinois is one of the most historically significant areas in the world! For it is here that Frank Lloyd Wright had his first "studio" and created the now famous and easily recognizable form of architecture known as the Prairie … (15 comments)
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first impressions: Classic Georgian beautifully staged in Winnetka Illinois - 02/28/07 07:11 PM
Since the start of Active Rain I know I have been a bit of a yapper. But lately I have been very quiet... but for good reason. WE HAVE BEEN BUSY!
I thought you all might like to see some of what our crew here at Real Estaging has been working … (26 comments)
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first impressions: Dallas Real Estate- Showing Your House - 02/16/07 11:09 AM
I have found from experience that the activity during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market.I am an ASP, Accredited Staging Professional. This means that I've taken the … (2 comments)
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first impressions: Dallas Real Estate- First Impressions - 02/14/07 02:47 PM
As you prepare your home for the market, one thing to keep in mind is that you have only one chance to make a first impression. It is absolutely vital that prospective buyers form a good impression of your home--beginning the moment they drive up. You can help create that good … (2 comments)
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first impressions: The Pheromone Factor - 02/13/07 06:23 AM
Pheromones are mysterious little chemical sensors that are supposed to have a lot to do with whether or not we are attracted to people. They may also play a big part in the way people react to houses.If you have a house on the market, it will be important to ensure … (1 comments)
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first impressions: The Sniff Test - 02/13/07 06:21 AM
The sense of smell is a powerful motivator. When prospective buyers walk into a house, they respond more positively if they smell freshly baking oatmeal cookies instead of the lingering odor of a household pet. As the homeowner, you may not notice odors that visitors are aware of as soon as … (0 comments)
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first impressions: You are what you drive.....(Not necessarily)... - 01/30/07 09:30 AM
A Big black hummer cruises into your office parking lot. This driver can afford anything...all your listings. Not necessarily. He or she may want this elegant Victorian...but a quick trip to the bank and suddenly they make 7 digits...but spend 7 digits. They are hand to mouth pay check to pay … (0 comments)
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first impressions: Staging Your Home For a Starring Role - 01/18/07 10:00 PM
When you decide to sell your home there will be scores of items on that "To-Do" list. Your Realtor® will talk about what you can expect from listing to settlement, and one of the topics will certainly be how to show your home to best advantage.
You can find plenty of … (3 comments)
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first impressions: Setting the stage Sells your home - 01/16/07 09:27 AM
The age-old observation that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" certainly applies when it comes to attracting buyers to a for-sale home.
Making a good first impression can mean the difference between receiving serious offers for your home or being subjected to months of lookie-loos dropping … (4 comments)
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first impressions: First visit to the world of blogging... - 01/08/07 11:23 PM
My husband has been telling me for weeks that I should get into blogging, so here goes nothing...
Lately I've been visiting open houses to see what's going on in the market and in home staging. I've visited a bunch of beautiful properties in Redwood City, Palo Alto and Mountain View, and … (33 comments)
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first impressions: DO YOUR HOMEWORK... before you sign up for training. - 01/08/07 10:00 AM
Home staging is beginning to blossom as interest and awareness grows and more and more people positively experience the rewards of that home staging brings to both the home seller and realtor.And... with so much positive possibility and "buzz" about what we do... more and more people are trusting in home … (48 comments)
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first impressions: Stager's are home merchandisers - 01/04/07 08:56 AM
In response to Sheron Cardin's recent blog, Sheron, you've nailed it saying that Stagers are home merchandisers!! These days, everything is merchandised....clothing, food, cars, we merchandise ourselves too with clothing, accessories, fitness, make-up and jewelry, so why not our homes, which are usually our biggest asset? Ask any ASP about the car … (5 comments)
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first impressions: For Crying Out Loud... it's CHRISTMAS! - 12/22/06 09:32 AM
Well I thought this picture really captured the essence of the last few post I created.
In light of my recent post on Tears, and then all the boo-hooing and belly aching I was doing this past week... this seemed the perfect transition into Christmas.
Oh and NO... they are NOT my … (34 comments)
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first impressions: Joy to the Rain - 12/17/06 01:35 AM
To all my friends in the rain...
I would just like to take a moment to wish you the very best and hope you have a joyous time with family and friends during the Holiday Season.
It truly has been a gift to meet, learn and share with you here in the rain.
Stage … (72 comments)
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first impressions: A BUBBLY WAY... to share your thanks & your message - 12/03/06 07:19 PM
I know I talk a lot about staging. But my REAL passion is advertising and marketing. I LOVE to find new ways to break through the typical "advertising noise" and connect with people. (Staging just happens to be an amazing marketing tool that does this too... that is why I am … (13 comments)
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first impressions: TRIX FIX 12 PIX - 12/01/06 08:22 PM
For both the realtor and a stager... GOOD photography of the property for sale is a necessity. For the realtor, the photos you take of your listing show the product you are trying to sell. For the stager the photos of your work capture and chronicle your staging skills.
Therefore it is to BOTH … (38 comments)
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first impressions: HOLIDAY DECORATING: Should home sellers GRINch or BARE it? - 11/29/06 08:45 AM
Back in the fall I blogged on about whether or not it was wise to decorate for Halloween... and while at that time many people gave varied opinions, I stated that I thought it best not to.
SO... what about Christmas? Should a home seller decorate their house during Christmas Season? My … (20 comments)
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first impressions: One Chance to Make a First Impression - 11/07/06 05:30 AM
Not only people, but listings, have only one chance to make a first impression. How often do you see a new listing without photographs or with missing remarks or information? That's just the tip of the iceberg.
My team is always telling me - we do so much more for a listing … (2 comments)
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first impressions: WOW does this stager have "IT" or what? - 11/02/06 07:40 AM
With nearly 170 Real Estate Stagers now listed here on Active Rain I tend to only have time to "check out" those who have jumped further in the puddle and participate more fully by blogging and commenting.
Recently I stumbled upon Jessica Hughes of Ambiance Staging. a new stager that I believe has … (11 comments)
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first impressions: Who has recently touched you professionally? - 10/11/06 07:35 AM
Who have you meet professionally that really impresses you and are glad you met?
Well here is my “touching” story…
For me it is Kim Ashely here in Chicago. I had bumped into Kim a couple times at various real estate luncheons... and I basically steered clear of her. WHY? Well my company, Real … (9 comments)
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first impressions: Is Appearance Important? - 10/07/06 08:59 AM
Some wear suits, some wear shorts and golf shirts, and there are all manners in between. Part depends on whether you're working in Manhattan or in a beach resort community. Part depends on your knowledge of and relationship with your clients.
What you wear is part of your first impression. It's one … (39 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions - 10/06/06 08:09 PM
Today I was at a class on the fundamentals of loyalty. It covered some basics about how to make a powerful first impressions. Here was one of the test questions
A customer will assess a person who is serving them in about?
a. six secondsb. 20 secondsc. one minuted. two minutese. two years
If … (7 comments)
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first impressions: Someone needs to tell the truth... PHOTOS LIE! - 10/03/06 07:29 PM
In my previous post today I showed Before & After Photos of a property that we just completed staging. What I did NOT show was how I got those After Photos to look so good.
Realtors and stagers need to understand a very important point about digital cameras... THEY DISTORT THE TRUTH.
Below is … (76 comments)
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first impressions: Halloween Decorations or DISTRACTIONS? - 09/30/06 01:55 PM
Well it's that time of the year when the ghost, goblins, gouls come out of attics and basements and into homes. While for some the day is great fun... for other's Halloween carries a negative connotation.
You might want to suggest to your seller's that this year they cut back or totally avoid decorating.
As a stager I advise our … (31 comments)
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first impressions: Staging the zoo - 09/24/06 01:04 PM
As an Accedited Staging Professional Stager, we were told during our training , that we wouldn't always understand what we see in people's homes. I thought I had seen a lot but recently saw a home....
The realtor who called requesting the home Staging consultation said the house looked like a zoo had been stuffed and left … (5 comments)
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first impressions: Director of First Impressions - 09/09/06 08:52 AM
My company recently expanded one of our offices and made it our corporate headquarters on Madison Avenue. Our commercial division along with executives, administrative, marketing and our east side agents are located in this beautiful office space.
I recently received an email from the President of my company announcing the newly created position … (6 comments)
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first impressions: Tips for Stagers: regarding Before & After Pictures - 09/07/06 07:27 AM
Photograph EVERY project. Pictures are SOOOO important... they tell our story in an instant. THAT is why I have so many posted on my website. You can write and write and write... but people will ALWAYS look at the pictures.
AND I keep updating them too, because you have 2 … (11 comments)
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first impressions: Staging 101: Remove personal pictures. - 08/26/06 07:13 AM
Any realtor who has shown real estate will tell you that a buyer's eyes will lock on to the seller's personal items, (ie. wedding photos -see below) like a heat seeking missile.
That's why when preparing a home for sale stagers will start by having the seller de-personalize the property.
We often suggest … (11 comments)
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first impressions: GET THIS... real estate staging is NOT interior design! - 08/09/06 07:40 PM
So in the last week now, twice I have had clients that want to tell ME how to stage their totally vacant properties. That is like going to the dentist and telling him you know how to drill our own teeth... and asking for the drill while he watches. Real Estate … (5 comments)
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first impressions: YOUR LISTING'S VALUE (Humor) - 08/04/06 06:51 AM
Sometimes you just gotta laugh. The great thing about blogging is, if it is written from a personal point of view, it lets the reader know the "backstory" of who you are. Integrating HUMOR into what we do is a big part of how Real Estaging and I operates.
While the home … (5 comments)
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first impressions: I admit... Staging ISN'T Necessary! - 08/02/06 10:21 PM
Even though I am a stager, I will be the first to say Staging ISN'T necessary to sell a home.
Does it help? YES.
Can the seller profit from it? YES.
Can a home sell faster? YES.
But it is necessary? NOPE.
I can remember my father was the type of … (5 comments)
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first impressions: First Impressions - 07/24/06 06:46 PM
Hi friends! In my classes on Assertive Communications Skills, I remind people that you only have one chance to make the right impression. About 65% of the world is visual. People react to what they preceive, not what you believe they preceive. What you see in the mirror is not always what others … (0 comments)
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first impressions: Under Qualifed "Stagers" Flood the Market - 07/23/06 09:44 PM
Too many unqualified and untalented people are entering the field of staging... seeing it as a way to make a quick buck. It is easy to separate the amateurs from the professionals. Since they are in the business of "good first impressions" then their websites (heck, their business card) should give you just that. If the site and … (24 comments)
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