Realtor Magazine addressed virtual staging from an ethical standpoint in its June 2010 issue.  The title of the article is "Virtual Staging: Stay True to Disclosing."

Virtual Staging is a low-cost option in this tough economy provided the Realtor clearly discloses that the photos have been altered.

According to Bruce Aydt, Sr. VP and General Counsel of Prudential Alliance and a former chair of National Association of Realtor's Professional Standards Committee,

"The safest course when using any kind of visual alteration, including virtual staging, is to disclose in a clear and conspicuous way that the images have been altered or enhanced.  That way viewers will understand that, when they physically arrive at and view the property, it will look different than what they see in the image." 

Aydt says that the technology has been around and used for many years to alter photographs in one form or another.  A scan of the full article can be found here: 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lake-Wylie-SC/Lake-Wylie-Home-Staging-Home-Staging-Charlotte-North-and-South-Carolina/365387017178?ajaxpipe=1&__a=3

My company Lake Wylie Home Staging has a full time digital designer on staff to assist with photo enhancement services.  Although I feel virtual staging is not the best choice and can't compare with full service vacant home staging, virtual staging is a permitted option as long as it is disclosed, disclosed, disclosed.

Joan Inglis, Master Accredited Staging Professional, Realtor

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

 

Home staging is one of the hottest businesses to start to get rich quick - or so the media says.  If you combine all the publicity the home staging industry is getting with all the women out of work, plus add in all the people who think it's fun to decorate - you get a stew with a lot of rotten potatoes.

Take your city for example.  Go online to Google and type in your city name and "home stagers."  You will likely get several pages of results.  And some of the home stager's web sites you will find are quite snappy!  The photos look great and the written material sounds enticing.  The blogging is quite good with scores of expert information.  But can you be sure about this person?  Are the photos their own?  Is the written information coming from their own knowledge - or is it just rewrites of published articles?

The truth is the majority of home stagers have only been in the business for a short time.  Even if they've been in the business for a couple of years, they may only have actually staged three or four properties - or less.

Some people trying to break into the home staging business are so desperate to get started that they go around begging REALTORS and property owners to let them work for free in hopes of appearing legitimate. 

Home staging takes training, dedication, and time.  There is wisdom in experience.  Home stagers who have been in the business for several years will tell you that they've learned a lot as time has gone by.  Don't risk wasting money on someone with little or no experience without proven results.

Don't be fooled by the person who's a great speaker and full of book knowledge.  Show me the money! 

Ask them to list all the properties they've staged and sold- how long they were on the market before and after staging - and the selling price.  Anyone can boast "Offer in 2 days!"  This can be a jokester coming through open house saying he'll give $500 for the property.   

Ask to physically visit a home that this person currently has staged.  Make sure you visit a staged property in the same price range as your property.  And if you're looking to have a vacant property furnished, make sure the staged property you visit was also a vacant property before staging.  If you don't know what to look for - take someone with you who does.  A good source to find a professional is stagedhomes.com.

Check references, check insurance, check education and training, and re check the properties this home stager is claiming to have staged and sold.

Joan Inglis, Master Accredited Staging Professional, interior designer, REALTOR www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

"Trusted Throughout the Carolinas Since 2004"

 

Can you say, "Glam!?"  Wow, what eye candy at High Point yesterday!  Glad to see mirrored furniture is still showing.  I saw a lot of that.  It's tough to transport, but I do have some pieces I use in staging.  Sorry to say that microfiber was not shown.  I saw one dining room set with chairs in microfiber - the salesman commented that it was last year's model.  Microfiber has been replaced by velvet.  I've been purchasing market samples for years and I noticed velvet was popping up last year.  I do have 2 velvet glam sofas I purchased last year that I love to use in staging. 

Here's a photo of Ty Pennington from ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition and me at High Point.

Click the link below to vist my facebook business page to see a photo album from High Point!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Lake-Wylie-SC/Lake-Wylie-Home-Staging-Home-Staging-Charlotte-North-and-South-Carolina/365387017178?ref=ts

Joan Inglis. Accredited Staging Professional Master

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

 

$274,900 3-4 BR, 3 BA + Finished Upstairs Bonus Room on 1.5-acre country lot!

POSSIBLE LEASE- Home is like new,located in the country on 1.5 acres, the land next to it is available, (2.4 acres)- office can be turned into 4th. bedroom-3 full baths w/finished bonus room- attic space for new office- no HOA, plenty of room for a pool, etc., granite counter tops and SS appliances- new toll road to be completed 2014- the broker is the owner/builder. 

Contact: Bryce Adkins at BSA Properties of the Carolinas  (704) 588-3236

Joan Inglis, REALTOR, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP
www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

 

I could go two years without staging an occupied property - then wham!  All of a sudden that's all the calls I get for weeks straight.  I am loving how every job is so different and challenging in this business!  A real exercise for the right side of my brain.  These folks had over a decade of collections to pack away into the Pod.  It's fun to "shop" for things from their belongings to use in the final staging.  Also fun for me to only haul and set up a couple of rooms worth of furniture vs. a houseful.  I can't wait for open house!

Joan Inglis, REALTOR, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

Once in a while a property comes along that proves you wrong!  What I planned for this room and how I staged it are two different things.  No wonder it sat vacant for many months with no sale and with feedback complaining that the buyers didn't know how they could place furniture.  I ended up taking a chair back to the warehouse and using the extra table I brought "just in case."  It was a fun challenge - like working a puzzle.  I'm happy with the results at every angle, the seller is happy and - as ususal - we're hoping for that fast sale!

Joan Inglis, REALTOR, Accredited Staging Professional Master

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

 

This savvy Realtor had this home staged prior to listing. She had her challenges since the property was a rental and the tenant had several pets. After a thorough cleaning, painting and new flooring, along with other improvements, I was called in to stage. Of course as usual, we are hoping for a fast sale. Contact Meg Bradley, Allen Tate Realtor, to view this wonderful home with huge rooms and inground pool. (803) 517-3452

Contact Mary Sieck, REALTOR with Century 21 Palmetto Homes at 803-517-2190 to view this fabulous Jeff Carey Homes, LLC custom home on 1+ acre wooded lot. Full walk-out basement, 2 double garages, deck, patio, corner lot with access driveway at both streets! Enjoy the real estate show detailing some of this home's features and highlighting my furnishings and staging. Contact Mary to view and make an offer! Joan Inglis, Realtor, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

Barb Schwarz, the creator of home staging way back in 1972, and the creator of the home staging industry, is in Charlotte and will be at Lowes off South Blvd. at 217 Iverson Way, Charlotte, NC  28203 Thurs. 12/10/09 at 9:00 a.m.

Lowes will speak about their special discount program for REALTORS®.  Barb will speak to REALTORS® about staging.  A free continental breakfast will be served and the first 100 REALTORS® will receive a $50 Lowes gift card.

Barb Schwarz is a successful REALTOR® and home stager who is an extremely motivational speaker.  You won't want to miss this event!

Joan Inglis, REALTOR®, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com

 

Yes, it's possible in this day and time to sell your listings fast.  And here's just one example of a vacant home that languished with no sale for many months.  Staged with my furniture and accessories, under contract within 2 weeks, and now waiting to close.  I have seen great success with home staging this year and my average time on market after staging is:  Under contract within 2 to 6 weeks!  I work throughout North and South Carolina with home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $2 million.  Staging works for all price ranges!

Joan Inglis, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP

www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com