home staging omaha: Great Blog From Successful Agent – Pro Staging - 09/03/08 09:41 PM
Here is a great blog from a very successful agent partner of mine, If Your Home is not Staged to Sell, then it Won't Sell. It was originally posted in February, but I just recently came across it. The info is so on point I thought I would share it with … (1 comments)
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home staging omaha: Safety For The Single Mom - Another Reason Not To Go FSBO? - 08/30/08 08:58 AM
Often when Staging a home for a single woman/mom, I suggest that they add some men's clothing to the Master bedroom closet. Either borrow some slightly off season items from a friend or family member, or buy some inexpensive items at a thrift store. When only women's clothing is in the … (22 comments)
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home staging omaha: The "Real Estate Reality Hour" Is Proud To Present ... Troy Trumm of Alliance Real Estate - 08/22/08 02:20 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Troy Trumm of Alliance Real Estate. Troy is a highly successful agent in the Omaha area. Troy will be discussing what makes him such a success and a great choice of a Realtor when selling homes. We will also briefly discuss … (1 comments)
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home staging omaha: The "Real Estate Reality Hour" Is Proud To Present ... Paul Vojchehoske - 08/15/08 05:43 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Paul Vojchehoske. Paul is involved in many areas of residential real estate such as the Omaha Landlord's Association and operates www.omahaarearentals.com. He also does a lot of training of agents through his company called the "Real Estate Resource Institute" and with his … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: The Power Of The Ionizer - 08/08/08 11:44 AM
About two months ago I became intrigued by some of Michelle Molinari's comments about her industrial strength ionizer that is available for rent. I thought it sounded like a dream come true for sellers with odors in their home so I HAD to buy one and try it out.
I have … (11 comments)
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home staging omaha: The "Real Estate Reality Hour" Is Proud To Present: Dan Grwyza from American Family Insurance - 08/07/08 10:00 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Dan Grwyza from American Family Insurance. Like much of the country, Omaha has been hit hard in recent months with tornadoes, hail and other extreme wind storms. Significant damage and insurance claims have been the results. Tune in Saturday morning at 9am CST to visit more … (2 comments)
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home staging omaha: Successfully Sold In 12 Days!! - 08/07/08 09:53 PM
This vacant home was Staged before listing and successfully sold in 12 days! Tell the national media that it's not impossible to sell a house quickly in this market. Staged rooms included the living room (shown below - this is the room the entry opened into), kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom.
… (6 comments)
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home staging omaha: Butttttt …. I don’t wanna use a Stager! She’ll make me work! - 06/25/08 10:08 PM
I often wonder why some of my devoted agent-clients don't hire me for every SINGLE one of their listings. I don't stalk their websites like a hound dog and accost them for not hiring me for some of their listings or anything like that. But occasionally I come across one and … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: Don't Laugh - Staging On A MAJOR (I mean, really MINOR) Budget - 06/19/08 06:23 PM
Okay, so we all know what it is like to work on tight budget. The following photo is not indicative of my typical quality of work, but IS indicative of what Staging can be done on a VERY tight budget.
The following living room photo is actually a SUCCESSFUL Staging photo. … (16 comments)
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home staging omaha: The Real Estate Reality Hour Is Proud To Present: Dan Pittman, Sarpy County Tax Assessor - 06/19/08 06:06 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Dan Pittman, Sarpy County Tax Assessor. We tend to get a lot of phone calls when one of the local County Tax Assessor's is brave enough to come on air, and we always appreciate their bravery!
Tune in Saturday morning at 9am … (1 comments)
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home staging omaha: The Real Estate Reality Hour Is Proud To Present: Melissa Jarecke of NP Dodge - 06/12/08 10:00 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Melissa Jarecke of NP Dodge. Melissa is one of only four agents in the greater Omaha area to have the GRI, CRS and CRB designations. Tune in Saturday morning at 9am CST to hear more about Melissa's services and her take on the … (0 comments)
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home staging omaha: Don’t Get Caught Staging Barefoot - 06/11/08 10:13 AM
Often times when Staging it is appropriate to remove your outside shoes and leave them at the door. Occasions when this is appropriate include when the weather is bad, a house has new carpet, a family has small children and prefers to keep outdoor germs away from the floor, etc. However, … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: Staging Here For The Long Haul? - 06/10/08 11:43 PM
One of my agent partners told me this week that her coach has forecasted the real estate industry will not experience much of an upturn, or return to a seller's market, until 2011.
Wow! That's much farther off than I had anticipated (or been told to expect). Which led me to … (17 comments)
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home staging omaha: By Popular Demand: Announcing The Ugliest "For Sale" Sign Contest - 06/10/08 09:23 PM
I wrote a blog last week about a very unattractive "For Sale" sign in my neighborhood. I received many comments of similarly ugly For Sale sign spottings and it was suggested that we have an "Ugliest For Sale Sign" contest. Here goes!
I am not sure what the official rules should be; … (29 comments)
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home staging omaha: Three Year Anniversary for Ross Designs - Omaha's Premier, Full Service Home Staging Company - 06/08/08 10:37 PM
2004 was a big year for me. I set the record for highest grossing sales month at the 36 year old office equipment company where I was employed, got married and had a PERFECT wedding on castle steps (too bad Prince Charming was Prince This-Won't-Last-Because-I'm-A-Schmuck; but that's a different blog!), bought … (10 comments)
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home staging omaha: You Know Ya Done Good When They Buy The Furniture - 06/06/08 11:04 PM
One of my proudest Staging accomplishments was actually an on-going Staging/Remodel/Design project. In fall of 2006 I was truly blessed to become the Interior Design Consultant for one of Omaha's coolest downtown condo projects, 902 Dodge (located ironically at 902 Dodge Street).
For the past two years I have had the … (13 comments)
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home staging omaha: "Bounce My Listing" - On Radio Show Saturday at 9am - 06/06/08 10:03 PM
"Bounce My Listing" is a new service in town for sellers. Sellers are encouraged to enter their "listing" information on the website and they will be contacted by three professional real estate agents from the three largest real estate companies in town. Tune in Saturday morning at 9am CST to hear … (4 comments)
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home staging omaha: ANOTHER Great Reason To Use Sherwin Williams And Partner With An Experienced Staging Company - 06/02/08 09:20 PM
I love Sherwin Williams paint! More than just the paint, I really love the store and the employees. The color deck is mostly great (could use a few more choices) but since they can match anything I can always color select from my other decks and still use Sherwin Williams as … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: Summer Weather Reminder - Buyers Are Home While The Sellers Are Not - 05/25/08 05:47 PM
In an effort to save on energy costs, most home thermostats are equipped to run a heating or cooling "program". During the day while many homeowners are at work, the thermostat is programmed to heat or cool at a lesser (or higher) temperature and then scheduled to go down (or back up) … (6 comments)
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home staging omaha: To Postpone, Or Not Postpone? - 05/20/08 09:23 PM
There are situations where a seller MUST get their home on the market by a certain date; typically these situations have to do with legal requirements such as in divorce or corporate policies with regard to relocating. Sometimes that date does not allow a seller enough time to complete Staging work and … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: Using Your Client Testimonials - 05/19/08 09:38 PM
Soliciting client testimonials is a fantastic investment of time in your business. This is a great opportunity to learn from some of your main or new clients what they think of your work, what their hot button is, and use that as an advertisement to earn new clients.
One great way … (12 comments)
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home staging omaha: Gathering Personal Statistics - 05/19/08 08:48 PM
I am often asked when recruiting new agent partners about what statistics I can offer about the success rates of Home Staging. I refuse to quote what few national statistics I have come across as I do not know exactly how they are gathered and they definitely do not apply to … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: Accepting Credit Card Payments - 05/19/08 04:34 PM
If you aren't already able to process credit card payments, contact your bank and ask about adding a Merchant's account to your business checking account. It couldn't be easier. For $10/month and approximately 3.14% of the transaction cost I can process MasterCard, Visa and Discover payments.
It's very easy to do over … (14 comments)
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home staging omaha: From The Proverbial Horse's Mouth - Face Time Is The Key - 05/16/08 08:15 PM
I am an active member of the Omaha Area Board of Realtor's Affiliate Council and have been for several years (proud to be OABR's Affiliate of the Year for 2007). I recognized when beginning my Staging business that partnering with successful agents would be the key to continued success. I have … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: Inspect Before and Inspect After - 05/16/08 07:59 PM
This past Monday I had a corporate rental installation. Everything went smoothly and since I had a luncheon appointment, my assistant handled most of the furniture directing, unpacking, etc.
Because this order included a washer and dryer, I made sure to locate the laundry room for my assistant and I noticed … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: From Awkward to Gorgeous! - 05/16/08 07:23 PM
This charming home in the heart of Omaha's coveted District 66 was awkward and confusing to potential buyers without furniture. The living room was directly to the right of the large tiled entry and the family room had competing focal points and many traffic patterns that made it difficult for buyers … (14 comments)
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home staging omaha: THIS is a kitchen that will sell this House! - 05/15/08 05:25 PM
We all know kitchens and bathrooms often sell a home - and this kitchen will do it for this house! We just finished a remodel for resale job on this house, kitchens and baths included. Take a look at what a difference we made in the kitchen.
Project Details:
- Removed … (12 comments)
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home staging omaha: Don't Forget The "Jewelry" Of The House - The Exterior Lights! - 05/15/08 04:51 PM
Most everyone understands the importance of curb appeal when selling a house. After going over the basics (lawn, landscaping, etc), don't forget the jewelry of the exterior, the light fixtures! They are inexpensive to purchase and very easy to install, yet they can make such a positive impact on a home's … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: What Were You Doing Three Months Ago? - 05/11/08 10:07 AM
Before beginning my Home Staging/Redesign business, I was a successful sales person in the office equipment industry. A sales manager that I highly regarded who had decades of experience in the industry taught me one very important lesson during a slight sales slump.
I was bemoaning that fact that I had just completed … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: What Were You Doing Three Months Ago? - 05/11/08 10:05 AM
Before beginning my Home Staging/Redesign business, I was a successful sales person in the office equipment industry. A sales manager that I highly regarded who had decades of experience in the industry taught me one very important lesson during a slight sales slump.
I was bemoaning that fact that I had just completed … (4 comments)
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home staging omaha: Liability Insurance a Must Have - 05/11/08 09:43 AM
Even before I recruited my first Home Staging client I signed up for a hefty personal liability policy. I am admittedly ever-so-slightly accident prone despite my best efforts and let's face it, our litigious society is not one to mess with.
For less than $700/year I have a policy that covers … (13 comments)
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home staging omaha: The Rule of 1/3's Will Always Win With Display Shelves - 05/06/08 10:36 PM
Here is what I tell my clients (or do for them) - when working with display shelves, use the rule of 1/3's. A third books, a third accessories (not personal photos if you are selling!), and a third SPACE. Here are a few examples (these were all vacant houses, so it … (23 comments)
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home staging omaha: Want A Magnificent Wall Decor Item? Spruce Up A Wreath With A Floral Bouquet - 05/06/08 10:14 PM
Sometimes when decorating or Staging a house with large walls or fireplace facades, a large wreath is just the right touch - nice to introduce a round shape of wall decor every once in awhile. One way to really add bulk and interest is to attach a silk floral bouquet to … (5 comments)
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home staging omaha: For You Stagers that Buy Your Inventory - Versatile Sofa Set Must Have! - 05/06/08 09:59 PM
Okay, for you Stagers out there that purchase your own furniture inventory, I have a great set for you!
Check out the photos of this two piece sofa set; it can be set up as a sectional or two contemporary, stand alone sofas. The colors are definitely neutral and can be accessorized … (10 comments)
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home staging omaha: Area Rugs Have Their Place - 05/04/08 06:38 PM
I realize by posting this blog I will incense several of my fellow Home Stagers, but I have a definite opinion on the issue and must speak out - I am against area rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting!
Area rugs are great for LIVING in a home; they can define a space, establish … (14 comments)
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home staging omaha: Mis-Matched Towels? Make a "spa" basket! - 05/04/08 06:23 PM
We all have many different types and colors of towels in our Staging inventory. Over time my sets have either lost one, been misplaced, or part of the set has just needed to retire. What to do with those leftover towels?
Roll 'em up and make a spa basket! A great accessory in … (12 comments)
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home staging omaha: Radio Show This Saturday - A Must Listen To! - 05/01/08 10:25 AM
This Saturday's "Real Estate Reality Hour" will focus on Staging, remodelling and updating tips for homeowners. Important information will be discussed for owners selling their home this year or several years down the road (after all, every home gets sold eventually!).
Topics will include lighting, flooring, countertops, cabinets, paint colors and … (4 comments)
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home staging omaha: Grout Recolorant To The Rescue! - 04/29/08 04:51 PM
When Staging existing homes, I am constantly looking for inexpensive techniques that I can recommend so sellers can make upgrades and improvements to their homes. One of my biggest pet peeves is dark grout lines with light colored tilework, especially in an entryway. Dark grout lines really break up the visual … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: Grout Recolorant To The Rescue! - 04/29/08 04:50 PM
When Staging existing homes, I am constantly looking for inexpensive techniques that I can recommend so sellers can make upgrades and improvements to their homes. One of my biggest pet peeves is dark grout lines with light colored tilework, especially in an entryway. Dark grout lines really break up the visual … (2 comments)
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home staging omaha: Grout Recolorant To The Rescue! - 04/29/08 04:48 PM
When Staging existing homes, I am constantly looking for inexpensive techniques that I can recommend so sellers can make upgrades and improvements to their homes. One of my biggest pet peeves is dark grout lines with light colored tilework, especially in an entryway. Dark grout lines really break up the visual … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: A Striking Financial Reason To Address Price & Condition Immediately - 04/27/08 10:16 AM
Okay, so I am a professional Home Stager and NOT a financial wiz :-) However, I learned something very interesting last week at a presentation that is ANOTHER striking financial reason to price right and stage a home before it's listed on the market. I do not have all of the … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: But you should have seen it BEFORE we did all this work .... - 04/26/08 06:18 PM
Inevitably when Staging existing homes I run into several that have been updated at least half-way. At least MOST of the wallpaper has been removed and replaced with paint, at least MOST of the flooring has been upgraded, at least MOST of the lighting has been replaced with more fashionable options. But the … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: How Closely Did You Supervise? - 04/25/08 11:35 PM
How closely to you supervise your furniture movers while they are moving things into or out of a vacant Staging job?
I usually watch my guys fairly closely, but not like a hawk. I use two vendors; one team is very careful, usually wraps moving blankets around doorways, cover wood floors … (15 comments)
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home staging omaha: The Power of a Handwritten Note - 04/23/08 09:22 AM
In the last three weeks I have received three hand-written thank you notes from clients - one from an agent pleased with the Staging work I have done for several of her clients, one from a builder-owner happy with the results of a vacant staging just installed, and another from a … (6 comments)
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home staging omaha: Steps for Removing Lingering Cigarette Smell From A House - 04/22/08 03:00 PM
Even though smoking is no where near as "chic" as it used to be, there are still some die hard smokers who eventually decide to sell their home. Their addiction to smoking then becomes an agent's problem as homes with lingering cigarette odors are much harder to sell than clean smelling … (10 comments)
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home staging omaha: Orange Glo - Miracle Wood Restorer - 04/20/08 03:13 PM
I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! A few weeks ago I was at a client's house beginning our Staging walkthrough. I had mentioned that the wordwork was pretty beat up in the floor trim and around the doors. The seller stopped me to excitedly … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: Another Striking Financial Reason to Stage Before Listing - Omaha, NE - 04/18/08 02:05 PM
Okay, so I am a professional Home Stager and NOT a financial wiz :-) However, I learned something very interesting this week at a presentation that is ANOTHER striking financial reason to stage a home before it's listed on the market. I do not have all of the technical terms down … (12 comments)
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home staging omaha: A Free Consultation Can Be Helpful - How To Reduce Your Time - 04/17/08 12:01 PM
Sometimes in the name of building a business it is helpful to offer some time to do a free consultation. I am not a proponent of working for free or reduced fees just because someone asks, but when trying to recruit a new high volume client or someone who can be significantly influential … (3 comments)
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home staging omaha: Becoming a One-Stop Shop for Clients - 04/16/08 06:38 PM
I was invited to participate in a presentation today by a real estate agent. There were three of us industry professionals; one agent, one mortgage person, and little ole me! The presentation went very well and I bet all three of us will earn several clients or transactions from our time.
One … (11 comments)
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home staging omaha: I Was Wrong - Wallpaper Can Successfully Be Painted Over - 04/15/08 05:20 PM
Okay, I have to admit that I was slightly wrong in a blog I posted last week. I really HATE to admit when I am wrong :-)
Last week I discredited the theory of painting over wallpaper as a quick fix. I have seen the end result in person several times … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: Proud To Be Omaha's Naked Home Stager - 04/12/08 11:32 AM
That's a title that will get some attention! I just read a great post from one my fellow AR members and finally learned the definition of a "naked" home stager. Before everyone gets too excited, let me explain.
There are literally HUNDREDS of staging courses/training sessions/materials that a person can purchase if … (8 comments)
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home staging omaha: People Sell Houses, Manequins Do Not - 04/11/08 11:05 PM
I co-host a radio show called the "Real Estate Reality Hour" on Saturday mornings. My co-host is a builder client/friend of mine; his building company has several model homes here in Omaha, Nebraska.
Steve Smithberg (co-host) is an interesting character. He likes to stir the pot and get people on edge or … (5 comments)
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home staging omaha: "Easy" Fixes Can Create Disasters - i.e. paint over wallpaper - 04/11/08 08:41 PM
In our incredibly busy world today it is enticing to take the "easy way out" whenever one is available. So many of us are overstretched with regard to time, money and energy in our daily lives; add the stresses of selling a home on top of that and it can seem impossible … (9 comments)
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home staging omaha: Agents Should Not Do Their Own Staging - Yet Another Example - 04/09/08 09:22 PM
Often times agents advertise "staging" services as part of their marketing package. If they don't hire a third-party professional home stager then they typically don't list a lot of details about their staging services in their literature. I usually chuckle silently to myself when I hear agents talk about providing their … (15 comments)
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home staging omaha: Protecting the Home Stager - "After" Photos Before A Vacant Install - 04/08/08 09:25 AM
Here in Omaha, Nebraska, Home Staging is still sort of a new concept. Most agents and many sellers have heard something about it by now but not everyone has employed Home Staging in their own selling strategy. As a full service Home Stager I am proud to offer Occupied and Vacant … (7 comments)
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home staging omaha: Blue Sofa Set Key In Sale - Home Staging Omaha - 04/07/08 04:20 PM
Typically the golden rule of Home Staging is to go neutral. Neutral paint, flooring, furniture, etc. This works most of the time but is not always the best strategy. Awhile back I received a call from a frustrated builder with a beautiful new construction home for sale on a newer lake … (15 comments)
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home staging omaha: Omaha Home Staging - When Neutral Paint Isn't Good Enough - 04/05/08 12:46 PM
I co-host a radio show in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday mornings called "The Real Estate Reality Hour". This morning's guest was Walt Slobotski, current President of the Metro Omaha Builder's Association, MOBA. Walt asked me an interesting question while we were on air; he was wondering what is the best color … (1 comments)
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