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Before, After and After that - Evening Shots

By
Home Stager

Rockland Home Staging recently staged a property in Rockland County NY that needed quite a bit of renovation.  During the course of the staging we ripped up the carpet, refinished the hardwood floors, painted the entire house, replaced all the light fixtures, restructured the furniture arrangement and generally cut the clutter. It was a huge project with a fairly large budget, about $5000.  Almost all of the funds went to rehab.  When it came time for staging we were on a very tight budget - I tried to use the things the homeowner already had and went for a clean minimalist look. 

I think a lot of the time in my area homeowners need to focus their efforts on making the home more current.  I would have loved to have another $1000 to add the finishing touches but all in all I'm happy with the results.  

The three living room photos are in the Left,                                           Family room photos are on the right

  

  

 

  

The second set of pictures were taken when I completed the staging at 2pm.  The sun was bright and it had just snowed so the lighting was terrible.  I just wasn't happy with the photos and the agent was planning on using them on MLS.  I made a second trip back to the property (30min from my home) to take the third set of photos.  I am so glad that I did.

There is just something really special about twilight photos, a mood or ambiance that just sets the home apart.  I've learned so much from the gang in the photography group.  I'd like to thank Aaron, Bryce, Cheryl and my new mentors;  John, Lee, Margaret and Met.  If you don't know these cats maybe you should hang out in the Photography Group more often.  Everyone is always encouraging and willing to share their expertise. 

Homeowners and Realtors® in the Rockland County NY or Bergen County NY area should contact Rockland Home Staging.  We can help you take the guesswork out of getting your home ready for sale. (845)731-9510. 

Comments (39)

Kathy Nielsen
http://atlantahomestaging.net - Marietta, GA
Atlanta Georgia Home Stager

I too need to spend time in the photography group!  Wow, Maureen.  What an incredible transformation. 

You did a wonderful job!

Kathy

Dec 27, 2007 07:38 AM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY

Joelle - I use the fill flash option most of the time.  If you click the SCN button on the top. You will see a menu on the screen select the one with the Person and the star - it says Night Portrait - weird but it has a nice fill flash effect.  I also use a monopod to steady the camera.  I have tried a tripod but it was too cumbersome and hard to drag on top of furniture (that's where I shoot from a lot).  Give it a shot - then post your results in the Photography group.  There are so many helpful people there.  

Kathy - It's all happening in the Photography group.   

Dec 27, 2007 08:09 AM
Leslie Godbold
WZGM AM1350 Independent Asheville Radio - Asheville, NC
Motivation Speaker, Radio host "Positively Living"
Maureen, Your photos convinced me . My photos are terrible (so bad I haven't posted my before and afters on AR) so  I am joining the photography group. Thanks for the help.
Dec 27, 2007 10:07 AM
Julia Fedak
Platinum Home Designs - Burlington, ON
IRIS, CSP

Wow! This is a great example of how great lighting and photography can make a difference!

The floors REALLY stand out beautifully in the after shots. Is that tiger wood on the floor?

Julia

Dec 27, 2007 10:08 AM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY

Leslie - I'll be looking out for you.

Julia - It is a standard oak floor, it has been covered since the house was built.  It did finish nicely.   

Dec 27, 2007 10:22 AM
Juliet Johnson
Vizzitopia - St Johns, FL
Jacksonville Photography & Digital Marketing

Hi there, great work, super pix.  The post reminds me of an amazing video by a national geographic photographer (Dewitt Jones) called "What's Right with the World"  All about really seeing what you're looking at, and being patient for a closer, richer look as time moves on.

Happy New Year, if I don't talk to you before next Monday. 

Cheers,

Juliet

Dec 27, 2007 12:49 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Maureen, That's a great tip. I alway schedule my my photographer for the best light. I don't have the guts or the equipment to shoot the pictures my
Dec 27, 2007 04:38 PM
Janice Sutton
1st Stage Property Transformations - Murrieta, CA
Home Stager - Temecula Murrieta

Maureen - I was just reading over your comments.  I am such a fool.  I have the V705 but I forgot about using the SCN button....duh!  I can't wait to use it.  Thanks.  I am off to the Photography Group!

Dec 28, 2007 03:18 AM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Maureen - Awesome transformation!  Even the large TV doesn't seem too large for the space with the staging you've done!  I'll be subscribing to the photography group as well - thanks for the tips.

Jackie

Dec 28, 2007 04:03 AM
Jo Potvin
Design To Market LLC - Cincinnati, OH
Home Staging Cincinnati - Design To Market
Wow!  Great staging job.  I will say however that I have come to the conclusion that using a good real estate photographer to get our after shots is well worth the investment.  The time I was taking to worry over this was too much for me.  I think your photos are great but I really like a quick call to my photographer.  His shots are ALWAYS better than mine!
Dec 28, 2007 09:37 AM
Phyllis Pafumi
ReStyled to Sell Home Staging New Jersey - Old Bridge, NJ
ReStyled to Sell Staging Homes NJ

I love how the pic looks. Very serene and wintery, no?? I am going to be getting the V705 very soon so I will definitely have tojoin the photography group. Great transformation.

I went out the other day and purchased Sure fit slipcover for my own couch and they really are great. They have a great fit and JC Penney was running a sale. buy 1 get second for $1.00. Could not resist. Thanks for the tip

Phyllis Pafumi

Dec 28, 2007 10:54 AM
Anonymous
Chet Waters

Hi Maureen,

It looks like you really have home staging down to a science. Good for you.

As a retired Realtor after 19 years in the business in South Florida, I can apreciate the value of your service to real estate professionals. I hope that you do great Maureen!

Best Regards,

Chet Waters

P.S.  "Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford." Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com/

 

Apr 18, 2008 09:17 AM
#31
Julie Kippen
Vernal, UT
I would not of thought of taking pictures at twilight, but I will now. The pictures turned out great!
Apr 18, 2008 09:42 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

Your work is amazing and so are your photos!!   

Nov 26, 2008 05:07 PM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY

Thanks Cathy Lee - I do a lot of rehab and some of my projects take months. It is fun to see homes get a new life.

Nov 27, 2008 11:13 AM
Robyn Guinn
StageAZ - Phoenix, AZ
Home staging, Arizona

Very nice Maureen, the photos and the staging are an A+.   Looks so much better even with the tight budget, you did an amazing job.

Nov 27, 2008 11:22 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Maureen,

Not only is the renovation worth every dollar but this is an excellent example of the added value in staging and taking great photos.   The difference between the second set and the third set of photos is stunning!    It surely gives a new meaning to the expression: "different like day and night". 

Dec 02, 2008 09:25 AM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY

Gerry - thanks I learned everything I know about Photography in the AR Photography group. 

Dec 02, 2008 09:45 AM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

I love before and after staging photos.  The aethetic value of staging is so important and I think the finite amount of money you spend pays off in spades.

Dec 03, 2008 01:45 AM
Eileen Begley
Coldwell Banker, DelMonte - Carmel, CA
Monterey Real Estate

Awesome staging.  And it was definitely worth the trip back to take the second set of photos.  The magic of light!

Dec 04, 2008 12:43 AM