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"I'm Ready For My Close-Up, Mr. DeMille"

By
Home Stager with Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY

Because we're in February, both Spring Market and Oscar fever are upon us, so famous movie quotes that resonate with Real Estate are a natural.I'm Ready for My Close-Up, Mr. DeMille

Made famous by Gloria Swanson's portrayal of actress Norma Desmond-"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille" became a punchline, an elbow and a nudge to someone who was taking themselves too seriously, living in the past, breaking from reality, even sounding delusional. That, in itself probably sounds waaay to familiar to agents who've seen plenty of that in recent years, but that's a topic for another time....

The word "Staging": you know it. You may love it, or you may cringe-but do you know where it came from?

40 years ago, StagedHomes.com Founder and President Barb Schwarz was a realtor in Washington State. She was trying to get a seller to do some things pre-listing that would put the listing in a better light. Alas, the seller did not see the need.

You know when you ask someone a question, and you get an answer you don't like, so you ask the question again, in a different way, hoping for a different answer? Well, Barb was on her 3rd, maybe 4th try here. Looking around, she focused on some of the seller's 'stuff'-namely theater memorabilia. So she took a deep breath, and asked the seller-'well, why don't we just STAGE it?'

NOW the seller wanted to hear more.

What must have been inspired from above, Barb went on, totally on the fly: "Your house is the star. I'm the director, the critics and the audience are other agents and buyers." The seller was hooked, and the rest is history!

Good theater-like good Staging-engages, inspires and elevates. It helps us see things in a different light, and we are ultimately better for it. If it's time to get your Westchester County house sold, have a conversation with TRH first: together, we'll get your house ready for it's close up!

NEXT: 'Cruising' for the truth....

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Our spaces affect us profoundly...and so many other parts in our life fall into place when our spaces and possessions serve us in the best way they can. But getting there is much more than a pursuit of pleasing aesthetics.

 

Decorating and Staging are different, but much of the skill sets overlap, and each creates unique solutions that considers the needs, goals, resources, expectations, hopes and dreams of each client.

Bettering Westchester, Putnam and lower Fairfield counties since 1981, The Refreshed Home works collaboratively, and brings a thoughtful approach to the creative process. Proud to make a difference, as well as make a living. Offering specialty services such as remote and buyer consults, listing photo/video styling, guided and accompanied shopping, and accessory rental. We get in, get out, and you get on with your life.  Talk to me TODAY about how we can better your space!

  

                    

 

Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!

QUESTIONS? Don't hesitate!! 914.607.2895 

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Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Who knew.  Love the info, love the post, love the movie and Gloria Swanson!

Feb 18, 2013 05:30 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

I love this explanation.  Your house is the STAR and you need to make it shine.

Feb 18, 2013 05:50 AM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Thank you so much for your participation in the “Second Annual ‘Be The Star Of Your Own Movie’ Contest”.  Your entry is greatly appreciated.

I was wondering if you were going to submit this as an entry for the contest.

Feb 18, 2013 07:11 AM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

Thanks Roger, I just did! Here is the link for anyone who hasn't gotten their entry in yet http://activerain.com/blogsview/3558161/the-second-annual-be-the-star-of-your-own-movie-contest-with-a-twist-

BELINDA! I do, too!

Feb 18, 2013 07:30 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Marie- I remember hearing Barb tell that story!  Putting in terms to which the seller could relate made a big difference.  So glad you entered. 

Feb 18, 2013 10:56 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Well done, Marie...see that wasn't so hard!  Thanks for spreading the news about the contest!

Feb 18, 2013 10:49 PM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

I know Kathy-that story made such great sense to me, too-I can literally see that conversaiton unfolding!

SHaron-you mean, once I took the time to READ the rules, it wasn't!!

Feb 19, 2013 03:54 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Go get some quick drying cement and put your hands and feet in it (business card too)....your a star and you got a winner here

Feb 22, 2013 07:37 AM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

Richie-I like the sound of all of that, thanks for stopping by!

Feb 22, 2013 12:33 PM