StoriTALE STAGINGS

Market Shift: Are Home Stagers Still Needed?

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:57:41 -0700

A room squeezed in between a living room and bedroom became a catch all for the current homeowners, part home office, part master closet and all parts cluttered, the room was a problem area for buyers and a big turn off when trying to sell the 1-bedroom pre-war co-op. The home sat on the market nearly six months before the Realtor brought in a home stager to assess the property. Now the home with no love is faced with multiple offers however it has nothing to due with pricing or location the buyers instead see how to utilize the square footage of this space.

I’ve recently been asked by Realtors how’s business? Are you finding that there is no more need for the home staging industry? When I asked why’s that, the Realtor said, “because the home market is shifting towards a seller’s market and there is low inventory available for buyers.” At first I thought, is this true? The home staging industry that’s been preaching, we can help sell your home faster and for money, are we losing ground in the market? Then I realized there would always be homeowners in scenarios like the one above that will benefit from home staging.

A top-producing Realtor will continue to have a home stager on their team to deviate issues that may arise giving the Realtor the opportunity to have control over the situation, showcasing them as a problem-solving agent.

While there are several opinions on home staging from avid supporters to skeptics who feel they can sell listings regardless of how they show,” the statistics speak for themselves. In 2011, the Real Estate Staging Association studied 174 homes previously on the market on average 156 days unsold. Those homes were then staged and sold on average 42 days after staging. That’s 73-percent less time on the market. Home staging will remain a powerful marketing tool for homeowners here are a few reasons when they should consider hiring a home stager:

Dated and Worn Out Spaces – 63-percent of home buyers are looking for move-in ready spaces, according to a Maritz Research Poll. So, if your homeowner has dated or worn out spaces, your going to want to modernize the space. A home stager knows just the right improvements to make to get the best return on investment.

Minor Repairs – Despite the shift to a seller’s market, buyers will still try and negotiate the sales price when they see work needs to be done on the home. Before going on the market use the time wisely to paint and make minor repairs. Home stagers can also provide a vendor’s list to complete the work.

Needs Accessories and Furniture – Only 10-percent of buyers can visualize the potential of a space, so if you have a vacant listing a home stager can bring in key pieces to direct the buyer’s eye in the space. Furniture also gives buyers a frame of reference when comparing their own furniture in the space.

Address Awkward Layouts – Buyers are turned off by awkward layouts, like the room above squeezed in between the living room and bedroom. A home stager will assess each space and create dual-purpose rooms with focal points taking the guesswork out of how to utilize a space.

Create a Cozy Feel – People buy based on emotion, so we want to make sure when a buyer walks into your listing, they feel cozy and comfortable, by using the right lighting, accessories and playing with the five human senses.

When the homeowner needs to address these five major design dilemmas, a home stager can be key to a successful sale. If you are thinking of selling a home, now is a GREAT time to list. Despite the shift to a seller’s market though, homeowners can’t expect to get what they paid for it in 2007, and this is another reason to use a home stager so we can help them get top dollar for their home.

A home stager starts with target marketing to develop a buyer profile. Then use the home seller’s existing belongings, often times just re-arranging furniture and accessories and pre-packing items to be stored while the home is on the market. By merchandising and marketing the home properly the first time we can prevent price reductions and stay in front of nearly 90-percent of home buyers who start their searches online by looking at amazing photographs.

Staged properties photograph beautifully and practically market themselves online. By ensuring each listing shines online; potential clients will surely notice the Realtor's listings are pristine and sell quickly, which will automatically prompt them to call you when it’s time to sell. Just think, as a Realtor you’ll get more listings and money in your pocket by using a home stager, now do you see the need for the home staging industry?

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

The Value of Home Staging

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:50:38 -0700

The front door opens I’m greeted by a disengaged homeowner weary of the home staging process. As I began to walk through the home and make subtle suggestions about improving the space the seller plays defense, providing excuses and reasoning behind their current lifestyle choices. In this scenario the Relator paid for the initial consultation, as a way to introduce home staging to the client. The client received valuable information, but like an unruly child, decides to disregard my suggestions and take matters into their own hands doing nothing to help prepare their home for sale.

In the past month, my company Stylish Stagers, Inc. has conducted twenty in-home staging consultations for homeowners living in their spaces while on the market. Out of the twenty only three sellers decided to move forward with home staging and used our services to prepare their home for sale. Those homes had offers within days, but what about the other homeowners unwilling to hire us? I thought about them, it’s not that they chose another home staging company to hire; they just failed to take the expert advice given by their Realtor and home stager and did nothing at all to help the selling process.

There reasoning was “my home’s perfect, how could someone not fall in love with it?” Or “buyer’s can see the potential,” but the most common excuse “staging is too expensive.” These answers are all common misconceptions of home staging. The fact is many of these sellers haven’t disengaged from their beloved home to view it as a product. Statistics don’t lie, 90-percent of buyer’s can’t visualize the potential of a home, so if your waiting for a buyer to discover your hidden gem, plan on being on the market for a long time. The same is true if a seller thinks home staging is expensive. It’s actually more expensive for a seller the longer the home sits on the market unsold. Don’t believe me? Let’s do the math.

In 2011, Stylish Stagers, Inc. staged 56 homes. Prior to staging, those 56 homes sat on the market on average 231 days unsold. Those homes were then staged and sold on average 77 days after staging. That’s 67-percent less time on the market. Now let’s apply our company statistics to the average cost of a New York City home at $500,000.

Let’s first compute the basic components of the staging savings calculator formula:

Mortgage Payment (MP) = .75% x $500,000 List Price (LP) $3,750

Carrying Costs (CC) = HOA +Utilities + Maintenance +Other $350 (Avg.)

Unstaged Price Reduction (UPR) = List Price x 1% x 7 Months $35,060

1% = How much a price reduction is on average every month it sits on the market

7 months = On average how long a property is on market unstaged.

Staged Price Reduction (SPR) = List Price x 1% x 2 Months $10,000

1% = How much a price reduction is on average every month it sits on the market

2 months = On average how long a property is on market staged.

Average Days On Market Unstaged 231 days

From 2011 Stylish Stagers, Inc. Statistics

Average Days On Market Staged 77 days

From 2011 Stylish Stagers, Inc. Statistics

Home Staging Cost (HSC) = List Price x 1% $5,000

Now let’s use these components in the staging savings calculator formula:

(MP) $3,750 + (CC) $350 = $4,100 Monthly Costs (MC)

(MC) $4,100/ 30 days = $137 Cost Each Day on Market

$137 x 231 Days on Market Unstaged = $31,647

On average listing prices drop 1-percent every month on the market, so…

$31,647 + (SR) $35,060 = $66,707 Total Cost Unstaged Home on Market

How much would it cost if the same listing was staged?

$137 x 77 Days on Market Staged = $10,549

$10,549 + $10,000 = $20,549

$20,549 + (HSC) $5,000 = $25,549 Total Cost Staged Home on Market

Let’s recap on a $500,000 home,

$66,707 Total Cost of Unstaged Home on Market

$25,549 Totals Cost of Staged Home on Market

That’s a savings of $41,158 on average these homeowners from the scenario above could have saved if they spent $5,000 on staging services. Now, do you think home staging is still expensive?

It may seem like a huge upfront cost for a home the seller is looking to leave behind, but like the famous quote says, “you have to spend money to make money.” A homeowner who is resistant to spending any money on their home, to get it ready for sale is making a short sighted mistake with lasting financial repercussions. Not to mention adding more stress, headaches and hassles to their lives, as well as their Realtors, who’s job is to help expertly guide sellers to success through sales experience and providing the tools needed, including home staging which is a proven method of getting a client’s home sold faster and for more money.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Spring Staging & Sold

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:41:30 -0700

When the winter blues overtake my mood and it's hard to find a clear patch in the grey sky above, I look to my front yard flowerbeds to find a spot of sunshine from my grandfather’s newly budding daffodils. Every spring, despite his passing sixteen years ago, my grandfather comes to visit like clockwork when those golden pops of color rise from the dirt. It’s always a breath of fresh air to see those daffodils appear from a cold, dark slumber.

Whether you have a similar view from your yard, a neighboring garden or park, the growing flowers are a reassuring reminder of new beginnings just around the corner. So, why not take a cue from Mother Nature and use this time to refresh and update your listings?

With springtime comes spring cleaning and home staging in preparation for the upcoming home selling season. So, if you have a listing that’s been on the market for more than six months or if you’re eyeing that special listing to represent, use home staging as a tactic to stand out amongst your competition and get it sold quickly.

Here are seven easy tips to help get your home seller, one step closer to the closing table:

Step 1- Mind Games.

Overcoming seller objections can be a challenge, so you want change their thinking. Home sellers tend to forget that their home is a product, so it must merchandized and marketed properly to attract potential buyers.

Step 2- Buyer’s Eyes.

A homeowner gets so used to seeing their home “as is” that it becomes difficult for them to view their home objectively. Even if your client’s say they updated the space recently, ask for a time frame when the work was complete. Homeowners tend to lose track of time. What may feel like only a few years to them could very well be decades ago. Have your client’s critique each room of the house as a buyer would. Use a notepad and take pictures to see the room from a different perspective. Make a to-do list for things that need attention. If their home has you stepping back in time, it’s time to update the space.

Step 3- Actions Speak Louder than Words.

Have your client’s remove anything they no longer need, want or love. That not only, begins the de-cluttering process, but it puts them in a mindset to start packing and will provide less stress when it comes time for moving day. If they feel overwhelmed have them start small or hire help.

Step 4- Turn the To-Do List into Done List.

After the seller goes through their home address the problems that need attention. Paint the walls, replace dirty carpets and make necessary repairs to add value to the home. A great tool to use is the HomeGain’s 2012 National Improvement Survey, to see what will bring them the biggest return on investment. It’s ideal to reassess a home every five years.

Step 5- Seasonal Décor

Many times homeowners forget to change their décor for each season. Just make sure their mindful of when they’re on the market and use a few accessories and colors to embrace that particular season. Also make sure they’ve taken down Christmas lights and holiday décor, you’d be surprised how many people leave them on display.

Step 6- Light & Bright

Buyers love to see light and bright spaces. Sellers can easily accomplish this by choosing light paint colors, removing old blinds and heavy curtains, and washing the windows. Also, during open houses always make sure all the lights are on in each room.

Step 7- Curb Appeal

Many times sellers overlook curb appeal especially in the spring. Make sure they cut back overgrown weeds, shrubs and trees. Consider power washing the front porch and add seasonal flowers near the doorway and on terraces, simply by adding potted plants to add some color on a dreary day. Also take care of driveway cracks and gutter repairs. If your listing’s curb appeal is the hallway of an apartment building, make sure it’s tidy and add a welcome mat, as well as, a wreath on the front door.

Many people fear change and think everything is fine “as is.” This mentality won’t work as a home seller, and it’s up to you as a Realtor to explain to them that taking an active approach will help them sell faster. During the course of being on the market sellers have limited control over what happens. Home sellers can’t change the location of their home, they can change the price, however most will be resistant, or they change the home’s condition, so why not bring a spot of sunshine for the next buyer by creating an up to date space for a new beginning.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Sex, Dating and Real Estate Staging

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:37:19 -0700

Have a listing that’s pet-friendly? How about one that’s so private the homeowner can walk around naked? Maybe your listing is located in the heart of a fabulous party scene or has a unique selling feature like a luxurious soaking tub, culinary kitchen or indoor pool?

As the saying goes, sex sells. Sex today is used to market just about everything even if it has nothing to do with those three little letters S-E-X. Some real estate agents are using suggestive situations to enhance their listings while on the market with sexy listing photographs and video tours. From the shower to the bedroom, Realtors are going above and beyond dressing the home to recreate a lifestyle by using models to bring attention to a home’s one of a kind feature. Adding models to enhance a particular lifestyle is a new high-end form of home staging.

Home staging is the act of preparing and showcasing residential or commercial property for sale. It is a combination in which knowledge of real estate, home renovations and creative design principles are applied to attract a buyer. Many are now taking this concept one step further to create a listing buzz buyer’s won’t soon forget.

If a buyer is not sold on a vacant living room, maybe seeing a couple cuddled up by the fireplace will spark their interest. This tactic of hiring hot models for listing photos and videos showcases how life could be if only you lived here and entices prospective buyers to purchase based off of this fantasy.

And the fantasy isn't as far-fetched as you might think, considering a recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive for real estate site Trulia, which surveyed a 1,000 single people and found more than a third of women and 18-percent of men said they would much rather date a homeowner than a renter.

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day and want to change your relationship status consider where you live because it can affect not only who you date, but who may refuse to date you. Living with a roommate or worse yet back in your childhood home with Mom and Dad was noted as a huge turn off among singles.

Homeownership can be the ultimate aphrodisiac and that’s why as home stagers we find it important to play up a home’s sex appeal in this competitive real estate market, as our strategy we will help sell your property in the shortest amount of time, while securing the most amount of equity.

According to Trulia the biggest turn-on feature of a house for both men and women is a master bath, so it seems fitting when a stager dresses up the space in luxurious accessories and neutral Egyptian cotton towels. It doesn’t cost much to stage a bathroom, so why not spend a few extra marketing dollars to hire a model and create a memorable moment for buyers.

Picture this in your video tour, the master bath completely finished in white marble, mirrors and soft diffused lighting in-walls. Subtle trey ceilings transitioned into by wide crown moldings center the vanity space. There is a stand-in shower that features multiple showerheads and a soaking tub sits encased in marble below a large picturesque window showcasing views of the city. A beautiful brunette then walks into frame, undresses and steps out of her blacks high heels. Her clothes lie there on the floor as she steps into the tub and sinks into bubbles. Her daily problems immediately wash away as she drops her pearl necklace onto the white robe draped over a nearby stool. A man then brings her a glass of red wine and kisses her hello.

The idea behind this scene is to show a woman buyer what she could come home to after a hard days work, if she lived here. Regardless of the model being a woman and appealing to the opposite sex, the woman buyer will relate to the model and remember the relaxing tub in that particular listing, rather than the other boring bathroom she visited. She would ultimately be more willing to pay for that feature because she sees first hand how relaxing her home life could be.

Other home features heating up the single scene gourmet kitchens got 51-percent of the male vote and 62-percent of the female vote. Hardwood floors, outdoor decks and home theaters also made the list. These are all features home stagers would want to play up in a listing using sex appeal to capture the perfect buyer.

Property must be merchandized and marketed just like any other product. Sex sells products because people are hard wired to notice sexually relevant information so ads with sexual content get noticed. People succumb to “the buy this, get this” imagery marketers use, so why not use sultry models to do the selling as opposed to the home itself? This new form of real estate staging does for houses what sexy ads do for marketing- it sells.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging Testimonials from NYC Elliman Agent

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:32:22 -0700

Here what one Realtor thinks of the work we did on his listing.

What are Realtors saying about home staging? Stylish Stagers, Inc. came to the rescue of Elliman Agent Ed Hardesty and his clients after the listing he was representing spent nearly six months on the market with no buyer interest. Here why Hardesty thinks there will always be a need for home staging.

Do you have a home or listing that could benefit from staging? Contact us at 888.667.6643/347.675.0301, visit our website at www.stylishstagers.com or email tori@stylishstagers.com .

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Try this great DIY Project for Your Home Office

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:27:08 -0700

It’s amazing what you can get done in a weekend. See how we took a cue from a spindle thread holder to get more organized with our home staging tools.

Superstorm Sandy destroyed our office at Stylish Stagers, Inc. so we began to rebuild we wanted to make sure we gave every square inch of footage in the space purpose.

I began thinking how could the space be functional and also prompt creativity? After reordering paint samples from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, I realized I could hang the samples to not only create an art piece, but have easy access to materials we use everyday, not to mention less clutter piling up in the corner.

As I began researching what I could use, I came across a spindle thread holder and I wanted to use that concept to hang paint. Check out this Do-It-Yourself video on how we created the perfect organizing tool for interior design materials. How can you use this project to enhance your own office?

For more information about this project or our company contact us at 888.667.6643/347.675.0301 or visit our website at www.stylishstagers.com or email tori@stylishstagers.com .

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

The Secret Behind Organizing Your Kitchen

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:15:47 -0700

Are your kitchen cabinets bursting with clutter? Buyers may close the door on the sale thinking the heart of the home doesn’t have enough storage space. Learn how to prevent a dead deal with these helpful organizing tips.

As, I opened a client’s kitchen cabinets to store items that were on their countertop during a home staging project, I noticed there was no room to store anything. The cabinets we’re packed with paperwork, dozens of sunglass cases, and lots of mismatched dish sets. Not to mention there was no rhythm or reason to how anything was stored on the shelves. There was so much storage in this kitchen, but buyers wouldn’t know that when taking a peek inside. The client’s disorganization could be costing them the sale especially in this cramped Gramercy Park co-op. Learn how these home staging and organizing tricks can put a home seller on the fast track to the closing table.

In this video, home sellers or homeowners will learn how to determine the functions of their kitchens, then will assign items to a zone and use organizational techniques to rid their cabinets of clutter.

For more information or to get a checklist on how to organize your kitchen contact us at 888.667.6643/347.675.0301 or visit our website at www.stylishstagers.com or email tori@stylishstagers.com .

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Staging on 210 East 17th in NYC

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:48:03 -0700

Check out the photos of our latest staging at 210 East 17th Street in NYC. This pre-war home was on the market for over 6 months before the Realtor decided to call in Stylish Stagers, Inc.

This is a wonderful 1 bedroom prewar apartment that offers great charm and style. Enjoy flexibility from an additional room that works as a true second bedroom or home office. The inside of this delightful home boasts a bright, clean, inviting ambiance with wood floors, plus south and east exposures. An impeccable windowed kitchen features plenty of cabinet and counter space, as well a front-loading washer/dryer and dishwasher too. The bath is completely renovated and in pristine prewar elegance and condition. This lovely residence sits on a wonderful street amid the myriad of offerings available on both 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

210 East 17th St., NYC

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

3 Ways to Scare Off Buyers

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:50:13 -0800

You walk through the door to what your Realtors says is your next home, only to be engulfed by a funny cooking smell that’s masking the mildew smell from a leaky ceiling.

As a buyer, you’re immediately turned off this isn’t what you were looking for in your first home. Rather than finishing the home tour and walking upstairs to the second floor, you run out the front door. Sellers, you just scared off a potential buyer because you didn’t properly prepare your home for sale, don’t have this happen to you.

Real Estate Expert Erica Rose Siegel and Home Stager Tori Toth check out the 3 worst offenses sellers do to scare off buyers, these problems are easy to fix and shouldn’t keep you from selling your next home.

If you have problems like these in your home, it may be the reason why your having a hard time selling.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging Builds a Model Unit in an Up and Coming NYC Neighborhood

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:15:08 -0800

Luxury Living is found just steps away from Central Park at a new building called, Copper Hill. The 40-unit building offers luxury kitchens complete with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Maple hardwood floors direct you to floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of Manhattan sunsets.

P&G Equities, the building’s developers, not only creates comfortably modern homes, they provide outstanding amenities that include a top-of the line gym complete with a wall of flat screen TV’s, a lounge, playroom and roof deck provide a space to escape from daily stress and entertain guests. The conveniences and amenities for their tenants foster a sense of community in this development. Buyers will be excited to call this place home, check out the model units we transformed for this building. Home Staging makes buyers emotionally connected to the home, so they can actually picture themselves living in this condo and among the building’s countless amenities and outstanding location.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Think Hotel Room When Staging Your Master Suite

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:09:55 -0800

Homeowners spend a third of their lives in their bedrooms, so it’s no surprise that it’s on the top of a buyer’s priority list. Buyers aspire to a sanctuary sleeping area and a spa like bathroom to escape from the chaos of life. Bedrooms are intimate, so it’s no wonder why a buyer’s emotions could drive the sale in this room. These soothing spaces should be calming, comforting and personal.

A master suite is usually overlooked by sellers and tends to be the last space decorated, because most house guests won’t see the space or utilize it, that’s why we find many bedrooms that can get out of hand quickly with laundry, worn out décor and a place to store items you wish to hide from others when entertaining. If you have a bedroom currently like this on the market, here are some tips that are sure to inspire you. Just remember think clean, crisp lines like your favorite hotel room and you’ll accomplish exactly what today’s buyer is looking for in a bedroom.

Take a cue from our recent hotel room while on vacation at Hawk’s Cay Resort in the Florida Keys. I was inspired by some of the room’s features and I wanted to share them with sellers to get a better idea of how to use accessories, furniture place and what to remove when showcasing your home for sale.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

When Should You Stage Your Home?

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:07:46 -0800

A Brooklyn Realtor calls up to schedule a home staging consultation with our company. We go to the condo review the space and put together a staging proposal, only to discover that the Realtor who referred us had a falling out with the client. The homeowner tells us staging the condo wasn’t his top priority now, until finding new representation. I referred him to a Realtor we use in his area, they hit it off immediately and the staging day was scheduled. In less than 72 hours after staging the space, the home was sold! Prior to staging the home sat on the market for nearly six months with little buyer interest.

Home stagers can create a win-win situation for you and your client. In this scenario the Realtor we referred sold a home, the homeowner got to move on, and as a home stager, we got to transform an amazing home; the best part we all made money in just days!

By adding a home stager to your real estate team, these situations won’t be uncommon. A good stager is a partner in your success, we can help you close at listing presentations, get more listings, help your clients stand out and brand your business and listings.

While no home staging company is created equal, they do all possess one skill their employees are multi-taskers, so it seems fitting that these companies offer an array of services tailored to the homeowner’s needs.

Home staging is more than just cleaning and decluttering, it’s about lifestyle merchandising and viewing the home as a product. That’s why professional home staging companies offer services, like, consultations, staging days, blended services, project management, clutter management, inventory rental, Realtor/vendor referral programs and much more.

Let’s go over these service options home staging companies typically offer (Note: the name of the services and description of the services vary depending on the staging company):

Staging Consultations. A home stager will usually visit the home, take measurements and photos. Can advise your clients on what needs to be done to stage their property. This can be done in verbal or written format, clients then do the work. The consultation takes about an hour and can cost anywhere from $75-$300, which in many cases will be applied to further staging services. This is an invaluable service, if your client doesn’t have a lot of money to spend, but could benefit from some expert advice.

Staging Day. Stagers evaluate the home as mentioned above, give a bid on how much it will cost for the home staging company to complete the work. Set the date and stage it. Home stagers will tackle the rooms and projects discussed in the proposed plan. Some of tasks may include, rearranging furniture, hanging artwork, light painting, cleaning and decluttering, displaying vignettes, etc. Basically, anything the room needs to showcase the space, keeping in mind the client’s budget.

Blended Staging Services. This service is for homeowners with a limited budget and like the DIY approach. The homeowner and stagers work together. It would be important for the stager to do the major rooms though.

Project Management. Many times multiple projects are needed to get a home ready for a sale, a stager can offer project management services. They handle the entire project and manage painters, carpet installs, cleaners, handyman, etc. This frees up your time, as a Realtor, to focus on marketing and selling the listing. It can also take the burden off the homeowner, so they can focus on daily responsibilities and not become overwhelmed with the selling process.

Clutter Management. Maybe you can’t see your client’s hardwood floors, or their closets are stuffed to the max. If your client has clutter stagers have techniques to help them get rid of it. Clutter management, similar to professional organization can help your clients straighten out, provide storage solutions, can help pack items away, many stagers even have relationships with junk removal, storage, estate sale companies and also have the ability to arrange pick-ups with organizations, like Goodwill. They can give client’s the tools needed to keep the home clutter-free while on the market too.

Inventory Rental. Many home staging companies own their own accessories and in many cases own furniture, that they will then rent to their clients. This inventory gives the clients an option to rent vs. buy items to enhance the look of the home. These items range from bedding to artwork to large pieces of furniture. Inventory rental services are especially used when a home is vacant.

Realtor/Vendor Referral Programs. This service helps build relationships between the staging company and Realtors, as well as other pertinent vendors. In the scenario mentioned above stagers can be a great referral source for Realtors and can even offer discounts for Realtors who consistently provide business.

These services can be used to help dated and worn out spaces, vacant homes, cluttered homes and homes that need some updating to find out how home staging can help you and your client check out this video. If you’re a Realtor contact us to get this video sent to you to present on your iPad during listing presentations.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Using What You Already Own is Key to Owner Occupied Home Stagings

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:03:20 -0800

According to a Martiz Survey, 63-precent of buyers are willing to pay more for move in ready homes, but strapped cash sellers can find it difficult to maintain their home before and during a sale. So, if sellers aren’t willing to spend money for repairs and updates and that’s what buyers are looking for, where can you compromise to grab the quickest sale?

1) Painting your home is one of the easiest ways to update your space. Fresh paint makes your house look clean, bright and inviting. Think calm neutral colors to create a dramatic transformation on a budget. One of my favorite colors is Benjamin Moor AF-695 Eternity.

2) Less is more! If you’re selling a cluttered home, start packing. Get rid of personalized memorabilia, pictures and accessories smaller than a softball.

3) Have outdated or worn out furniture lying around the house? Be creative! Re-use and repurpose the pieces with this easy project:

4) Once you’ve removed the clutter, made necessary repairs and updates, now it’s time to clean up. Make sure you clean everything from to bottom, especially the kitchens and baths. It’s a cheap way to make a huge impact. So get out those rubber gloves and start scrubbing.

5) Last but not least, another way to update your home on a budget is to get rid of those light fixtures from decades past. Make sure to update the chandelier above the dining table and use ceiling lights from Home Depot (2 Pack for $20) for instant appeal around the home.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging: Kiddie Korner

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:51:48 -0800

Many times homeowners need more space and it usually isn’t because of their belongings, but that their kids have taken over there home. You’ve seen it before toys that have spilled over from the kid’s room to the living room, hallways, kitchen and even the master suite. It’s time for the adults to take back their home, so here are some simple solutions to cut kid clutter while showing your home on the market or if your just trying to organize your current living space.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Do you have Skeletons in your Closet?

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:46:50 -0800

Home staging is one part home renovation, one part creative design, and all about organization. High on the priority wish list for buyers is usually storage space, so that means maximizing your square footage in your closets is a must!

First off assess your space what is this closet’s purpose? Linen closet? Coat Closet? Bedroom Closet? Consider removing, packing away or donating anything that doesn’t match the purpose of the closet. Next, designate each shelf into categories. For example, for a linen closet, one shelf should be bedding, while you can have other shelves housing table linens and towels. Group like items together. It’s also important to color code items to create a cohesive feel in the closet and label shelves, boxes or baskets so others know where items belong. If you run out of shelf space try organizing items on the back door, attach hooks, baskets or a shelving system to maximize storage space.

Turn your closet into a positive selling feature rather than a place to stash secret items because we all know buyers open closets, so do them a favor and wow them by doing the organizational tasks on this list before your next open house. Click here for the checklist.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

What do Realtors think about home staging? Find out one agent’s opinion.

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:42:49 -0800

When 260 Park Avenue South was listed, the price tag was high and the homeowner still lived in the space. Eventually days, weeks and months went by, three months to be exact and while there was lots of foot traffic through the space, there were no offers.

When it was time for the homeowner to move out, Elliman Real Estate Agent, Andrew Dwyer, knew the listing would be extremely difficult to sell vacant so he called Stylish Stagers, Inc. to stage the space with furniture and accessories that would appeal to the most amount of buyers.

Find out what he has to say about the results of the staging and what it actually took to finally get the luxury apartment sold.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

De-Staging Your Staged Home

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:40:15 -0800

This home at 260 Park Avenue was vacant prior to being placed on the market, so the Realtor decided to consider staging the luxury space to attract potential buyers.

Once the offer was accepted the Realtor scheduled the de-staging of the space. Stylish Stagers, Inc. arranged the de-staging and came in to remove the accessories and wait for the furniture pick-up.

Before de-staging make sure to have your closing scheduled because in this market many deals fall through and you wouldn't want to de-stage the space, if the deal doesn't close, because then you’ll ultimately be left with an uninspiring space.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Three Phases of Home Staging

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:37:43 -0800

There are three phases to home staging. The first phase is using what you have, the second phase is adding recommended purchases to your home and the third phase is to make repairs and cosmetic updates. See first hand the way these three home staging phases has helped transform seller's homes.

Phase One – Maximizing What You Have, So That It Appeals to Buyers
You will be amazed at the dramatic transformations I will be able to accomplish in a single Staging Day using what you already have! Successful home staging must make financial sense and I am experienced and trained in making the most out of your current belongings in order to turn buyer traffic into offers.

Phase Two - Recommended Purchases as “Investments”
Working within your budget, I will only make those recommended purchases that will MORE than pay for themselves in the speed and amount of sale. During the Staging Day, I will bring in accessories in order to get fantastic photos for your Realtor’s marketing efforts and to attract Internet traffic. Remember, over 85% of homebuyers are online searching for homes BEFORE they visit them, so we want to make an excellent first impression and compel them to come to your home. The accessories I bring in during the Staging Day will also give you a “visual” of the simple and inexpensive purchases you can make that have a dramatic effect on each room of your home. I will email you the before-and-after photos, so you can see the transformations and make your shopping list. I also offer a shopping service if you need more guidance in this area.

Phase Three - Simple Yet Dramatic Cosmetic Updates and Changes
Depending on your budget and timing, we may suggest paint, electrical and other cosmetic improvements that will result in a high return on investment. I will tell you which rooms and improvements are “worth it.” Don’t spend on cosmetic changes without first consulting the experts at Stylish Stagers, Inc.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

3 Keys to Selling Your Home

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:35:01 -0800

Are you considering putting your home on the market? Or are you a Realtor looking for more listings? There are three keys to selling a home that every homeowner should know before sticking a for sale sign in their front lawn.

Step One - Prepare the Home on the Inside (Home Staging)

Every home seller is aware of the need to spruce up their home (product) so that it sells, but most are not aware of exactly HOW to do this. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, the average staging investment is between 1 and 3 percent of the home's asking price, which generates a return of 8 to 10 percent. Home sellers know they need to spend; they just need professional guidance on what to spend on in order to have the greatest return on investment.

After living in a home for more than 2 years, it is almost impossible to "objectively" view the space from a buyer's perspective and thus spend your staging budget wisely. The elements of the home that may have annoyed us originally, we no longer notice. Our homes are like our children: we are filled with sentiment about them, so that objectively altering them to fit a buyer's perspective becomes nearly impossible.

So what does a home seller do to view the home objectively and get the most from their staging budget? Hire a professional home stager who is an expert at marketing the inside of a home, so that buyers emotionally respond to each space. Buyers Need to FEEL HOME in Your Home before Making an Offer...Successful staging is the art of using marketing and decorating techniques to create an environment that buyers can aspire to: "If I buy this house, I can live like this."

Step Two -- Get the Word Out (Marketing Campaign)

Did you know that according to the National Association of Realtors over 80% of homebuyers are ONLINE looking at photos of the homes FIRST, before they decide to drive by and visit? Make those photos count by doing these simple photo-taking strategies:

1. Turn on ALL the lights -- People want light and bright!

2. Take TONS of photos- Review the photos on your computer to choose the best grouping considering that MORE is better

3. Take OFF the Flash -- Try the photos with and without the flash for better lighting choices

4. Review the Shot - View the Room through the digital viewer for imperfections that are missed to the naked eye (ie. sheets sticking out, dirty window glare, etc.)

5. Take all ANGLES

Your real estate agent is adept at listing your home in all the venues that homebuyers are looking at in your area. Remember to think like a homebuyer and go online to review your listing. Does it visually have appeal and stand out among similar priced homes in your area? If not, go back to Step One and Two to either increase the home's attraction or consider lowering Step Three.

Step Three - Price the Home Right the First Time

Your real estate agent is an expert on the marketplace and at reading and understanding comparables.

Statistically, a home that "sits" loses its new listing buzz and ends up settling for a lower price down the road. In fact, according to a National Association of Realtors survey, the longer a home stays on the market, the further below list price it drops. Homes that sold in the first 4 weeks averaged 1 percent more than the list price; 4 to 12 weeks averaged 5 percent less; 13 to 24 weeks averaged 6.4 percent less than the list price; and 24 weeks averaged more than 10 percent less than list price. Research the homes for sale in your area and talk with your agent about introducing your home at a price that will encourage potential buyer traffic because the first two steps to selling your home will be sure to promote offers. For more information on home staging contact Tori Toth at tori@stylishstagers.com.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

An affordable home staging service any client can benefit from.

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:32:08 -0800

Within a home you have on the market, do you have a room that could use some staging help? Maybe you’re on a restricted budget or don’t have time to meet us in person…

Well, our company, Stylish Stagers, Inc. offers a e-staging consultation to help prepare your home for sale. This home staging service provides a way for you to take action yourself to get your home prepared for sale, of course with some expert advice directing you every step of the way.

The price of this service starts at $100 per room. You provide us photos of your room and we’ll supply with you with a plan to properly showcase your room while on the market. The online consultation includes picture review and room assessment to determine scale and components of project. You will also get picture tips, an action plan and a 15-minute call to address any home staging questions.

To get started fill out the E-Staging questionnaire and email or fax to Stylish Stagers, Inc. at 1-626-605-7995.   For more information on home staging contact Tori Toth at tori@stylishstagers.com.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging: Selling Your Animal House

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:49:35 -0800

As a proud owner of two dogs and two cats, I understand when homeowners are hesitant about removing their pets during the home selling process. It's hard to see past the hairy couch where they cuddle up next to you while watching your favorite show, those chewed-up spots on your molding during their teething phase, or toys flung all over the place after playing fetch (yes even my cat can fetch). When sellers overlook their pets, you’ll find many times Realtors end-up with a snapshot of their client's furry little friends in the picture, rather than those magnificent built-ins and that spells disaster when trying to attract buyers to the home online.

Unfortunately, animals don't sell a home and in many cases they hinder the buyer from even considering the property. According to the Humane Society, more than half of homeowners don’t own pets, making it clear that not every buyer is going to be animal friendly. Often times, buyers are allergic to your client’s loved ones and will avoid walking through the home to feel uncomfortable, which can cost you a sale.

Before putting your client’s pet loving home on the market, get an honest assessment from a home stager to determine what needs to be done to conceal the animals from potential buyers. Here are some products to manage your client’s pets during the selling process.

Curb appeal is top priority during the selling process and when your 4-legged friend decides to use your client’s front lawn as their bathroom, brown spots can appear. The chemical balance of dog urine burns the grass. While watering the grass often deters stubborn spots, you can also use Dogonit (the cure) to help repair your grass.

Inside, pet hair and odor are the biggest problems. Odors can make or break a deal. If your client’s home smells, don't plan on having buyers stay long. To avoid litter box odor use The Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box, it scoops away the contents and contains the smell for weeks at a time. You can also use Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Super Gel, safe for people and pets by using five essential oils to neutralize unwanted odor.

If it’s not the smell, the stains usually say it all. If you aren't sure what the extent of your client’s pet's damage is, have them purchase, rent or borrow a hand-held black light to shine on carpets and other fixtures. Some carpet cleaning kits include a black light for this purpose. Viewing the carpet this way will help decide whether to clean or replace the carpet.

For pet hair, homeowners should vacuum their house every few days. Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum is amazing it not only promotes cleaner air but the vacuum doesn't lose suction. Make sure to vacuum the furniture as well since you never know when a buyer may stop by. To help keep up with shedding use The FURminator it removes your client’s pet's undercoat and can reduce shedding by 90-percent.

Like pet hair, tell your clients to maintain their animal’s nails to avoid scratches on hardwood floor, carpet or furniture. To avoid any more destruction of your client’s home while they’re away give them rubbery toys that stores treats and will keep the pets entertained for hours rather than having them play with shoes, wood or furniture.

While these products are a way for your client to animal-proof their home when selling, many times, homeowners will leave their pets and it puts an added burden on you as a Realtor during a showing or open house. The animal’s behavior, appearance or cleanliness may distract buyers from opening their wallets. Not to mention having the animals left behind gives you automatic responsibility if something happens to your client’s pet. What happens if the pet escapes while your showing the home or worse if it attacks the buyer? So have clients remove all pets items (leashes, cages, food bowls, toys, etc.), as well as, remove their pet when a showing is scheduled.

And remember, It would be a shame to take all of these steps, but still have evidence an animal lives in the home through your MLS pictures, over 93-percent of buyers start their home buying search online, so make sure to cage or remove the animal while photographing your client’s home. It’s a few extra steps before snapping the picture, but it will save you lots of time in the long run.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:31:44 -0800

What photos are worth staying in your client’s home while on the market? It’s a question that has been asked time and time again. When you’re trying to sell your client’s home you want to depersonalize and that includes those family photos positioned around the home.

This can be a tough topic for Realtors to bring up to their clients, especially when homeowners are sensitive to those sentimental moments. You don’t want to jeopardize the relationship with your client while listing the property, so use this video to remind sellers why it’s important to remove personal photos.

First, removing family photos helps to depersonalize the home and let buyers envision themselves there. The second reason to put away those photos is we want to avoid distracting buyers.

When buyers visit homes they can easily be distracted by photos and may end up being more interested in who lives in this space or in the collections of things the seller has, rather than on the positive features of the home. We want potential buyers to notice and remember the home, not the collections or people who live there.

The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two completely different things, so remember to feature good life photos, which capture the fun moments in life and things buyers can do in your area. For example, if you live by the beach have photos from a beach day or if you live in the mountains have pictures of hiking trips, skiing the leaves changing colors. Make buyers feel that if they live here this is what their life will be like. For more information, contact Tori Toth at tori@stylishstagers.com or 888.667.6643.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging can provide your clients with a 399% return on investment, find out some other reasons to hire a home stager.

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:28:53 -0800

Is your client considering staging their home? Or are you a homeowner looking for a competitive edge? Well, here are 10 reasons why it's important to use a home stager in this video.

We want to help make your decision easier when it comes to hiring a home stager to prepare and showcase your home for sale. We know it’s hard to wrap your head around spending more money in a home your looking to get rid off, but as the saying goes you have to spend money to make money.

Home staging can help create a vision for buyers in each room, while showing sellers how to objectively view their home as a product. A professional home stager has been trained and certified to critic a home and offer solutions that will give the biggest return on investment. In fact, according to Homegains 2011 survey, they found that home staging can provide sellers with a 399% return on investment. Now can you afford not to stage?

For more information, contact Tori Toth at tori@stylishstagers.com or 888.667.6643/347.675.0301.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging vs. Virtual Staging: A Practice That Can Be Misleading.

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:44:55 -0800

As a Realtor you know how important preparing and showcasing your client’s home for sale is getting them one step closer to the closing table. Home staging is that crucial step, but what if your sellers are screaming poverty and refuse to spend money on staging even after you’ve educated them on the benefits.

Can virtual staging be the solution to your problem? While virtual staging costs less than hiring a home stager. Virtual Staging companies use software, which allows you to upload photos of a vacant room and manipulate them to show as furnished spaces. The goal is to give Realtors great images to show online, according to the National Association of Realtors Survey of Home Buyers & Sellers, 92% of homebuyers start their search online before they contact a Realtor. So, if you have amazing photos chances are you will get more appointments but buyers enter the home buyers are going to be quite disappointed to see the house looks nothing like the photos they viewed online.

See how Erica Rose Siegel of Exit Kingdom Realty and Tori Toth of Stylish Stagers, Inc. interpret virtual staging in the video.

To see a recent article by Tori about vacant staging and the different ways to showcase the home Click Here, because we all know buyer’s buy based on emotion, arm your client’s with the information they need to attract the right buyer.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com

Home Staging Showcases Manhattan Living at Its Finest

Tori Toth * 888.667.6643 * NYC HSR,SAR,RESA,IADIE,LIBOR (Stylish Stagers, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:41:27 -0800

A luxury pet-friendly boutique condominium, 260 Park Avenue South, attracts those looking for a chic, full-service, pre-war residence in Gramercy. This address was compromised of two neoclassical buildings (built in 1917 and 1930 respectively) and has since been converted to 86 apartments on 12 floors back in 2004, but yes, these condos can still benefit from home staging.

Despite its high ceilings, open chef’s kitchen complete with top of the line appliances and granite, stained oak floors and a spa level-soaking tub, can you believe the Realtor weary about how buyer’s would react to this vacant gem?

Just because a home as many positive features, doesn’t mean buyers will be attracted to the space, especially if it’s vacant. Only 10% of buyers can visualize the potential of a home.

The sellers of this condo were moving out of state and bringing their belongings with them. The Realtor acted quickly and hired us to stage this vacant space. Despite its dream kitchen and spa-like bathrooms the condo felt cold, small and lacked buyer appeal. Stylish Stagers, Inc. fixed the problem by bringing in contemporary furnishings and warm colors. Take a look at the transformation!

Home Staging makes buyers emotionally connected to the home, so they can actually picture themselves living in this condo and among the building’s countless amenities and outstanding location.

By Tori Toth Owner/Lead Designer, Stylish Stagers, Inc. (NYC Metro Area) www.stylishstagers.com