Ah-Hah! You thought that hiring a professional Stager would cost you big bucks and they were exclusively for fancy, expensive homes.  Think again.  With the wise advice of a pro, a homeowner can make smart, economical updates and enhancements to their home to get it prepped and ready for the market.

Case Example:  Two Teachers, Two Mortgages and a Baby...

With a baby, two mortgages, and salaries as a music teacher and swimming coach - This young couple was working on a super tight budget to make their for-sale home shine!  With the help of a stager, they made great choices on how to prepare their home.

Home Statistics:  Starter or Down-size Home     2 Bedrooms 1 Bath           Price $150,000.00

Pluses:  Great cottage feel features, fireplace, beamed ceilings, nice size rooms, awesome, high ceiling bonus room off kitchen.

Issues: Empty, Too personal choice of paint colors.

Action Plan:  Because of the price point, no drastic changes were made - Instead, work with what you have - Add a fresh coat of paint, a few ceiling light fixtures and strategic staging.

#1.  Make repairs and updates yourself.  With a few stager chosen paint colors and a few key economic updates - In one weekend the home began the shine - Paint, etc...$ 150.00

#2.  Empty Rooms?  What should I do?  Rather than renting furniture, the homeowner purchased and borrowed a few advised key pieces.  Once sold, the new will go to their new home - Furniture $ 1400.00

 #3.  Making it a Home.  Once painted and furniture delivered, the professional stager swept through the house - bringing in a host of accessories, art and window treatments, thus turning the house into a home - Staging Fee $ 750.00

Results:  See for yourself.... http://www.realestateshows.com/393418

Since 1999, Julea Joseph has owned a Chicago based design and staging business - Reinventing Space.  She specializes in giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh, style and celebrate their space -Whether prepping their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.  She also offers educational, seminar and mentoring services to the public and others in the industry.