I just couldn't let 2008 slip away without showing my favorite 2008 transformations.   It was too hard to pick just one so I'm going to show you several of my favorites.


First up is the first vacant staging Stage a Star did of 2008.  It was an adorable starter home on the west side of Cincinnati.  The Realtor had done a little staging herself but after being on the market for close to a year, she was smart enough to bring in the big guns (that would be us, Stage a Star...smile) to stage it so it would appeal to that particular demographic of buyers...20's professional, 1st time buyer.  The other fun twist to this first staging of the year was the opportunity to mentor 2 great ladies from Ft.Wayne, Indiana, Gina Zimmerman and Hannah Picotte.  One thing we all learned that day was assembling furniture on the job site is HARD!  

 The house was under contract within 30 days!   A great way to start off 2008 I'd say!

My favorite "outdated" makeover I blogged about last January:  "Grandma's Bathroom gets a Makeover!"   This is a great example of how you can take a very "dated" space, add some decorative accessories and professional photography and make a dramatic improvement.   Even I was amazed that this bathroom from the early 80's could look so good.
The staging worked for this property too!  After a year on the market, it was under contract in just 90 days and sold during the winter months.

Moving into summer of 2008, Stage a Star had the opportunity to stage an adorable house in the cool east side suburb of Cincinnati called Mariemont.
I can honestly say I ADORED this home.  I love houses from the 40's with all their character and charm.   After we staged this beauty, it was under contract in 30 days.

I have 2 "Selling Feature" Staging favorites. The first would have to be the window seat in a home we staged back in the Spring.   The house had been on the market for 6 months with only 1 showing.  After it was staged, it was under contract in just 10 days!  Blog: "A Charming Window Seat: Make it an Irresistible Selling Feature Buyers will Love!"

The other favorite "Selling Feature" staging was my "Martha Stewart Stylin' in a Vacant Master Bath"    I REALLY enjoyed this one!  The property is still on the market and the agent said the staging has made all the difference with the feedback she is receiving vs. poor feedback prior to staging.

And I'll end it here with the last staging of the 2008 year.  This one was staged the week before Christmas.  What an AWESOME renovation in this charming house in Cincinnati's "Norwood" area.

It was fun to look back and see all of Stage a Star's staging projects of 2008 and remember the clients and stories behind each home.  I'd like to think we played a big part in the behind the scenes of preparing the homes prior to their successful sales.   I can't help but smile to think of all the clients we worked with in 2008 and how they have been able to "move on" with their new lives.  It might have been a transfer to a new state, a bigger house, downsizing, retirement, or a divorce.  I wish them much happiness as I picture them settled into their new surroundings and very much looking forward to a New Year.  

Here's wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year 2009!!!   If you currently have a home or investment property to sell or will be preparing to sell in 2009, please think of Stage a Star and give us a call.  We look forward to working with you in 2009!