omaha home stager: The Ionizer Strikes Again! Another Stinky Success Story :-) - 10/10/08 09:13 PM
Well, my little ionizer faced a HUGE challenge this week. A friend of mine is selling her house and she runs a Boston terrier rescue. She has (I believe) 3 dogs of her own and often has another one or two rotating through her care and not all of them were … (2 comments)
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omaha home stager: Allowance: Effective For Your Kids, Not For Your Buyers - 10/06/08 08:57 PM
When sellers consider putting their home on the market and the carpet or counters or vanities or light fixtures, etc are outdated, the all-familiar debate ensues - upgrade now or offer an allowance to potential buyers?
Many sellers think it is wise to offer an allowance and then the potential buyers … (9 comments)
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omaha home stager: Safety For The Single Mom - Another Reason Not To Go FSBO? - 09/05/08 06:50 PM
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 … (52 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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 … (6 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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.
… (8 comments)
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omaha home stager: The "Real Estate Reality Hour" Is Proud To Present Jamie Grayson, Executive Director of Destination Midtown Omaha - 08/01/08 08:03 PM
This Saturday's guest on the "Real Estate Reality Hour" is Jamie Grayson, Executive Director of Destination Midtown for Omaha, NE. Jamie will let us all know exactly what Destination Midtown is all about and some of their upcoming activities. Tune in Saturday morning at 9am CST.
Tori Lynn Ross of Ross Designs, … (2 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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. … (26 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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, … (17 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: Insurance Audits – Not As Scary As It Sounds - 05/31/08 06:04 PM
Many companies engage in an insurance audit once a year. An insurance audit is basically a review of all current insurance policies and an analysis as to whether or not current policies are adequate coverage.
In addition to the standard auto/home owners/life insurance policies, Home Stagers should also consider:
- Personal … (2 comments)
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omaha home stager: Basics About Light Fixtures - 05/27/08 09:21 PM
A Staging appointment with a client today reminded me that not everybody (often times even builders) really know some of the basics regarding light fixtures. Here are a few key points to remember when selecting/hanging lights for new construction or replacing existing ones:
Bathroom Vanities
- Lights should point downward … (19 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: Staging Suggestions Can Be Tax Deductible - Light Fixtures - 05/17/08 12:04 PM
Often times when Staging a house I suggest updating a few or all light fixtures. In addition to painting, de-cluttering and re-arranging existing furnishings, this is one of the least expensive ways to update a home and have a big, positive impact on potential buyers.
What should a homeowner do … (3 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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 … (14 comments)
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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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omaha home stager: 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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