I know Home Staging works and I am committed to homeowners realizing the full potential of their home’s value. I believe that a partnership between a Realtor and Professional Home Stager is essential

            For some reason, our community does not embrace this concept.  I reached out to several hundred area Realtors and have gotten little to no response.  I even offered to give one free consultation per office and still no takers.  I then asked for them to give me their biggest challenge and still not takers.  So I ask, what’s the deal?

            So then I think, maybe it’s my marketing strategy. Guess what?   I surveyed other home stagers in our area and they are getting the same response.  I know Home Staging works in other areas of the country and even in nearby Lehigh Valley, only a 50 miles from my area.          

            At this point, I’m just asking for an honest assessment of why the reluctance.

  My number one staging tip is to have your home staged before your appraiser, photographer and your first potential buyer steps foot in the door.  A staged home, 100% guaranteed, will get you the most value with your appraiser.  Why sell yourself short from the beginning? 

             Some folks ask, why tidy up before the photographer arrives?  Have you viewed the pics on MLS?  If so many folks view a  home on-line before arriving, why leave them with a poor or lukewarm impression from the start? 

            Ok I digressed…so please share some of your views on why Home Staging has not caught on at the doorstep of our country’s birthplace?  Is the fear cost driven or lack of belief that a staged home makes a difference? 

 I welcome your comments. 

                        Laura

       On Tuesday, January 13, my colleagues and I joined together to do some fund-raising for our non-profit organization, Deserving Decor.  We were celebrity bartenders at a local pub, The Other Side, in Doylestown, PA.  We bar-tended for 2 hours  and 20% of all the proceeds went to our non-profit plus we were able to keep all the tips we received. 

        We also had a 50-50 and raffled off some gift bags.  All the patrons, friends and family that we invited were very generous.  This will definitely help our cause. 

          I just want to thank all of our sponsors and the individuals that came out and supported our organization.  A special thanks to The Other Side for supporting our cause.

       In case, you don't know, Deserving Decor, is a group of stagers and decorators who donate their time to help furnish home for families in crisis.  We have partnered with an area shelter to provide the help that is needed.  If you want more information, please visit our website at www.deservingdecor.org.

            Laura Olejniczak

             The Staging Pros

             www.thestagingpros.com

  Now that the invitations have been sent, the menu prepared, your home decorated, please don’t overlook one important detail -- your furniture placement.  Creating an environment where guest can comfortably converse is crucial to the success of your party.   You want to create small and several conversation areas in home. 

For example, depending allowable space, visually divide each room into a half, a third or a fourth.  If working with a rectangular room, use each corner as a possible starting point.  Place one chair on an angle from the corner and add one or two smaller chairs (parson and accent chairs work best) on each side of your main chair and a small table in the middle.  Remember to keep a clear walkway available so guest can easily move from one room to another plus this allows the host to mingle with their guest and butler hors d’oeuvres and beverages.    

On each table have a tray of appetizers, napkins and small plates, this encourages the guest to relax and enjoy themselves at the designated conversation areas and keeps the volume of guest from congregating in the kitchen area. 

Two other areas of home that you should consider while hosting a party are the kitchen and dining rooms.

I like to transform my kitchen table into a buffet table complete with my best linens, china, silverware and serving dishes.  To allow maximum flow and eliminate congestion, try not to have any seating areas in the kitchen.  You want your guest to obtain their meal and utilize your dining room. 

In the dining room, your dining table should be the focal point.  Extend your dining table to the fullest.  You may even consider removing other furniture and place your table on an angle.  Angling your table may allow a better flow to the kitchen/buffet table for all of those second helpings.   

  Use a centerpiece that is low (you should be able to see the person across from you without any interference).  Lots of candles maximize the ambience and create a wonderful holiday table.  For a larger party, use smaller chairs and benches; this allows for more guests to be able to dine at the table.

Last but not least, enjoy yourself!  You have worked hard on all of the preparations and now is the time to enjoy your friends and family and celebrate the spirit of the season! 

                                    Laura Olejniczak, Owner and Interior Re-Designer

                                    The Staging Pros

                                    www.thestagingpros.com

                                    laura@thestagingpros.com

                                    267-994-3247