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Staging is a truly an art form. I had a great teacher named Lori Kim Polk explain it to me.

Recently I had the sheer pleasure of finding out first hand what "Staging" a home was all about. I was niave about the exact process, direction, and outcome.

Thank God the outstanding teacher I had was Lori Kim Polk. Lori owns a company called Artful Journey Designs and Staging. She took me to several homes when I came to visit Sacramento. She truly is one of a kind. Lori and I have a great relationship and friendship. She is stunning, magnificent, funny, and has a knack and brain that would require flying in a tutor from another planet if she ever needed tutoring. She has taught me a lot about how staging can actually help me as a Realtor. I've been reformed.

She was wonderful in pointing out the art of visualizing areas, and what they could be, or look like. Then she showed me why you don't over decorate, why you really are presenting a feeling for the buyer. In one house, a piano was positioned perfectly.. so inviting. Another room had a beautiful office with an airy desk and a cool globe. Why didn't you put a bigger desk in there I asked? She said that a bigger desk would have blocked the view to the window. Oh, ok. It just made so much sense after looking at a home that had been staged. I ask myself now why this not a common practice everywhere. The impact is superb, and the results are fantastic. I think any average Joe walking in a house can kind of put things together, but a stager like Lori knows what really will stand out and actually accent the home's features; she's really good.

The next time you are in California, Sacramento, Granite Bay and more, give her a call, you will be glad you did.

Sincerely,

Tom Braatz

RE/MAX Realty Center

262-377-1459, www.activerain.com/tommybraatz www.localism.com www.facebook.com www.linkedin.com

Posted by Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin on 07/22/2008 11:58 PM

Comments (13)

staging, lori kim polk, sacramento, sacrifice, a different attempt for a sale, clear cut technique that works, stager is great

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13 Comments on Staging is a truly an art form. I had a great teacher named Lori Kim Polk explain it to me.

Tom, these are great photos of an obviously beautiful home. Yes, staging changes the energy a home and makes it warmer and more attractive.

07/23/2008 06:01 AM

by Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate - Marzena Melby (Counselor Realty, Inc.)

Tom - LoriKim is one of the very best! I'm so glad you had the opportunity to see some of her gorgeous homes.

Kathy

P.S. I heard there were a lot of laughs (smile).

07/23/2008 06:07 AM

by Kathy Nielsen, Atlanta Home Stager (Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC)

Tom ~ Lori Kim is a very gracious person, which I have found just from her posts and comments. Great that you got to see some of her projects in person.

07/23/2008 06:20 AM

by Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating (Creative Home Expressions)

Hi Tom, Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge Lori Kim's work. Everyone in the Staging industry would hope to meet someone like yourself that takes the time to want to get a better understanding of what Staging can do for their listings and the finances of their clients.

07/23/2008 01:39 PM

by Michelle Finnamore CSP & Live Green, Live Smart Certified Trainer (Advantage Staging - Preparing your property for sale.)

Hi Tom: Personally, I think you and Lori are a perfect pair. You complement each other beautifully. There is a good balance and synergy between the two of you. If my stager ends up leaving the business because of health problems, Lori is absolutely on my list to call. BTW, I love the photo of the piano and the grand staircase. I always wanted to live in a home like that so I could make an entrance while my date fidgeted at the bottom of the stairs. LOL.

07/23/2008 03:13 PM

by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker (Lyon Real Estate)

Tom - You are so right on.. What a blessing that you were taught by one of the best stagers.. Now, go spread the news.. Professional Staging Works.. God bless,

07/23/2008 07:32 PM

by Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design)

Tonm, your blog was not quite as personal as the one that Lori wrote about your visit :) Glad you two had a good time. I am assuming Lori will be visiting Wisconsin soon to look about Real Estate? kym

07/23/2008 07:39 PM

by Kym Hough, Staging Consultant , Staged to Sell, SF Bay Area, CSP (Staged to Sell & StagersLIST.com)

Tom you are so right! Lori Kim is an awesome stager! When I first started staging and luckily found Active Rain - she was and still is one of the posts I read first. Betty

07/23/2008 10:46 PM

by Betty Haney (Haney Consulting)

What a nice post about a nice lady! Glad to hear you are a staging fan-spread the news!! The photos are lovely, very nice work!!

07/24/2008 12:47 AM

by Cathy Lee ASP (CL Design Services Home Staging)

I am not familiar with Lori Kim, but how lucky are you to have a wonderful friend and mentor.

Your photos are beautiful.

Joyce

07/24/2008 02:28 AM

by Joyce Zdenek (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty & Joyce's Interiors )

My goodness.. thank you Tom. You are so sweet. It was fun showing you how we do it here in Cali ;) Sure wish more Realtors were able to actually tag along with a stager to see part of the science. It does end up being a true win-win for everyone! Thank you..... Lori Kim

07/24/2008 08:57 PM

by Lori Kim Polk, Sacramento Area Home Staging (Artful Journey Designs and Staging)

Now Tom....we all know...Boys don't decorate....they just have crushes on women who do....CALL me !

07/26/2008 06:46 AM

by Sally & David Hanson, Southeastern Wisconsin Realtors (First Weber Group)

Tommy - What a nice tribute to Lori Kim. You're both blessed to know each other.

07/26/2008 11:36 AM

by Tom Plant - Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

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Real Estate Agent: Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin (Tom Braatz)

Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin
Oconomowoc, WI
More about me…
Tom Braatz

Office Phone: (262) 567-2455
Cell Phone: (262) 377-1459
Email Me

This blog is designed for anyone that may need my assistance, or ear. Years of experience have taught me to lend a voice when needed, and more importantly, have the abilty to be an attentive listener when needed. Thank You Tom Braatz www.buyingvip.com ,www.tombraatz.com 262-377-1459, 262-567-2455,1-888-792-2455

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