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"Spec" Home Merchandising with Rental Furniture...

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Home Stager with Impressive Interiors

I recently had the opportunity to Stage a "Spec" Home with Rental Furniture. The Builder had always prior to this, spent $60-100k furnishing his models, and quite frankly, was interested in the Staging concept, and just what I could do.  I was a bit nervous to say the least, with the idea of what his expectations would be, and just how I could "pull it all together" with a minimal budget.

First..I made some calls to various rentals in my area, and went with Aarons Furniture, since I had used them in the past. Unfortunately, they do not have an inventory of small scale, and more up to date chairs, so I opted to buy some additional inventory chairs from Overstock.com.

Second.. I called my Friend who owns a furniture store and pleaded with him for a dining table, 6 chairs, entry table, and a side board for the TV that I purchased from Props by IDM. He allowed me to rent from him, if we could keep the "Furniture Name Tags" from his store on the pieces. I then called back the builder to get his approval. Yikes...that was close!

I quickly determined what was left in my inventory that would work for this project ,and moved it all into my living room to see just what else needed to be purchased.  When I got over to the property, it became clear to me that this place "sucked up" all of my inventory, and I needed more. I was off shopping with a list!

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Here is the "fruits of my labor"..

Comments (12)

Betty Haney
Haney Consulting - Calgary, AB
Lois, you did a great job.  The house looks wonderful.  I want that pool.  Don't you just love RES?  Betty
Sep 01, 2007 07:19 AM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager
Hi Lois - Looks Great!  I'm interested in what you did because I recently staged one (and am finishing another) model condo unit.  What is the house's price?  What is the square footage?  How many units/houses are there in the complex?  I'm interested in accumulating some stats.  Frankly, unless there are only a few units to sell, I'm surprised the builder wanted to rent funiture.  That seems to be more expensive in the long-run.  Good luck!  Julie
Sep 01, 2007 07:52 AM
Lois Brant
Impressive Interiors - Saint Petersburg, FL

BETTY.. I Loved that pool also! I had thoughts of jumping in with my clothes..it has been so hot here!  Yes I love RES, it is such a great way to market our business.  Thanks for the comment.

JULIE... The house is priced at $895K, 3,723 sq.ft. This was a Builders spec home, in an existing old money neighborhood in St. Pete. The builder did a terrific job in creating a home that would fit in to the neighborhood.  This was the first time that he had decided on trying the "Staging" route instead of flat out purchase of furnishings.  This property is supposed to be on a "Parade of Homes" in early Sept.

Thanks for your comment.

granadilla...."the grandmother from H---"

Sep 01, 2007 08:24 AM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager
Well, since it's a spec house, that makes perfect sense to rent.  FYI, my two projects are in two very different cities, very different neighborhoods, very different target buyers and very different $$$.  But both are very nice, great craftsmanship, etc., each approx. 1550 sq. ft.  Each builder decided to buy the furnishings, and each job (furnishings, accessories, art, etc.) will cost them about $10 - 12K.  When I'm done, they'll look like I spent a lot more!
Sep 01, 2007 08:39 AM
Kathy Passarette
Creative Home Expressions - Mount Sinai, NY
L.I. Staging/Decorating
Great job Lois!  It looks like a really nice house too.
Sep 01, 2007 10:56 AM
Lois Brant
Impressive Interiors - Saint Petersburg, FL

Julie.. Good Luck with your projects! At least you have a decent budget to work with!

Kathy..Thanks for your comment. It is a really nice house! I totally forgot that I did not put the formal dining room pic in the show, so I just now edited it. Had to remove the luscious bathroom cabinetry for the trade out! 9 pics on the RES is hard to do when you want to give a picture of the whole house. I also did a bonus room and 2 more bathrooms on this project.

Sep 01, 2007 11:10 AM
Cindy Lin
Staged4more School of Home Staging - South San Francisco, CA
Host, The Home Staging Show podcast

Great show! Ack I can use a dip in the pool right now!

Cheers,

Cindy 

Sep 01, 2007 02:55 PM
Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento
Lois... great job and the show turned out fine! Make sure you have all your Staging info on the counter for the "parade of homes".
Sep 02, 2007 05:08 PM
Ann Krewson
A.L.I. Designs, Inc. - Houston, TX
A.L.I. Designs; Staging Houston Homes; Allied Member of A.S.I.D.
Great job Louis. Definitely one for the portfolio!
Sep 04, 2007 12:49 PM
Kathleen Garvey
HomeSmart Cherry Creek - Denver - Denver, CO
Denver's Neighborhood Expert - Listings & Sales
Great job Lois!! I need to learn how to do all that...RES etc.....very professional! Regards-Kathleen G.
Sep 04, 2007 10:50 PM
Lois Brant
Impressive Interiors - Saint Petersburg, FL

Cindy, Ann and Kathleen.. Thanks so much for watching the show!

Lori Kim... Thanks for watching also, and yes I have some biz cards and a nicely framed "Property Merchandising Provided By" on the Entry Table. Hope the Parade of Homes is successful.

Sep 05, 2007 03:28 AM
Annie Pinsker-Brown
Stage to Sell - LA Home Staging - Los Angeles, CA
Stage to Sell, Los Angeles Home Stager

Great work Lois. If your builder was used to a $60K budget, he must have been thrilled with what you could provide for what I assume was a lot less. Excellent resourcefulness & creativity!

Nov 15, 2008 05:05 AM