Maureen Reddy's (davinci29) Blog

Home Staging for the Non-Seller

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:20:07 -0700

Maureen Reddy, owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, adds another timely service to her design repertoire…”Staging for the Non-Seller”. In a real estate market where homeowners are hanging on to their property rather than selling, but are in dire need of a redo, Reddy provides quick affordable makeovers that have owners falling in love with their homes again. Reddy reflects, “I’ve transformed hundreds of homes in my 15 years of home staging. When I had completed the staging process, sellers would gush over the transformation and wish I had staged the house while they were living there. After hearing this many times over, I decided to offer this unique service to homeowners who are not selling their property, thus ”Staging for the Non-Seller”. This quick and affordable makeover adopts the principles of home staging by addressing function, flow, balance, and color, while decluttering and organizing. We work with the bones of the house, arrange existing furnishings, and provide paint selection, props, accessories, and art. “Whether you are selling your home in the future or not selling at all”, says Reddy, “homeowners, themselves, should enjoy the investment of home staging. ”The cost of this service is based on an hourly rate so you can virtually transform your house in one day.. Maureen Reddy is the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, a full service interior design/ home staging firm, operating out of the Boston, MA area for over 15 years. www.ddg-re.com

Does Virtual Staging get you a Second Date?

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:17:27 -0700

As a home stager for over 15 years, I have seen the industry grow. I have witnessed the hefty return on investment that staging brings to a homeowner and the transformations that ultimately sell the property. I understand the psychology of environment and the effects that it has on a potential buyer. Walking into a staged home creates the desire to buy… staging homes sell. Virtual home staging is the latest trend and has certain advantages. By using computer technology to place furniture and accessories into listing photos that will be posted online definitely curbs the staging budget in these trying times. Decor can be changed with a few keystrokes, and homeowners can expect traffic to increase by using virtual staging. Yet, I wonder if virtual staging will garner the same positive end results as real staging…a committed buyer. After all, the “virtual” visit to these properties is quite different than the “actual” visit. I can’t help to think that virtual staging is somehow akin to online dating. It’s easy to find a perfect match online who posted a terrific picture and enticing copy, however, coming face to face with the subject may lead to certain disappointment. “Love long walks on the beach” might translate into ….everyone on the beach took a long walk through this living room. “Thirty-something Gemini who loves cuddling by the fireplace and pets”…conjures a vision of a split ranch that housed 3 dozen felines and a chimney that hasn’t been cleaned in years. I believe buying a house and meeting a special someone, both require a certain amount of “actual reality”. When you are “actually” with someone, you learn to understand them, become attached, and want to invest in them. So too, with a home. Will buyers be disappointed when they arrive at the property with the “virtual” vision in their head and are met by an empty property …or will they take one look at the home and think “the photo I saw online must have been taken 20 years ago”, excuse themselves to take a pretend call, and high tail it out the back door? Ultimately, online dating success occurs in reality. When the person you met on the dating site arrives at the corner coffee shop at 12:27p.m., is recognizable from the photo they posted, and uses multi-syllabic words in conversation, there may be hope for a relationship. And so it stands to reason …that when you meet your match at 29 Pleasant St., based on a profile claiming “trendy, in great shape, and new appliances”, that is exactly what you should find! Only then will you be able to plan a happy future together. Maureen Reddy is the owner of DaVinc Designer Gallery, a full service interior design/ home staging firm, operating out of the Boston, MA area for over 15 years.

Home is staged on a Saturday; Sells on a Sunday-DaVinci Designer Gallery

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:03:30 -0700

When will homeowners and Realtors realize that staging = sales? Last weeks staging project in just outside of Boston, MA was a smashing success with two full price offers at the first open house. The asking price for this dated townhouse was initially set at $299,000. The improvements needed to get the property up to par cost the homeowner just under $4,000. The improvements included painting decks and some interior walls, upgrading kitchen floor, bringing in updated furnishings, art, accessories and soft goods, and professionally cleaning carpets. After the home was staged, the price was reconfigured to $319,000 and sold at the first open house. The homeowners recouped 500% of their staging investment. Realtors: Educate the homeowner on the statistics of staging...it usually cost less than the first price reduction.... 1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not.2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property3) Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery brought in an average of 325% return on every staging dollar spent. (Based on comparative evaluation where staging cost was under $4,000)4) Staging, in most cases, costs less than the property’s first price reduction ($10,000 average reduction suggested by seller’s agen

Home Staging Video-DaVinci Designer Gallery's is Informative and Inspirational

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:59:59 -0700

Realtors, do your homeowners need to upgrade their property but aren't comfortable with staging yet? Show them a video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba9OgxE8cpM DaVinci Designer Gallery has created a susinct video that explains home staging background, presents before and after photos, and provides statistics. Visit my video with your clients, educate them on staging services and have them see the advantages of staging with their own eyes.

Home Staging Boston- Convince the homeowner

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:45:49 -0700

Attention Realtors: How do you convince your clients that their home needs staging? Call a professional stager! At DaVinci Designer Gallery, as with many home stagers, a professional staging report is furnished to the homeowner. This instructional report…. 1) Makes the homeowner aware of upgrades necessary for selling 2) Allows the Realtor to maintain a positive rapport with the homeowner while deferring recommendations to a professional designer 3) Ensures that recommendations will be implemented by homeowner or DDG 90% of the time 4) Adds value to Realtors sales package and client's property DaVinci Designer Gallery has been providing exceptional interior design and home staging services for over 15 years. Our professional experience, warehouse of furnishings, and proven sales record, ensures a quick and profitable sale. Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery recoup 300% return on every staging dollar spent.

Boston Home Staging- Instant Gratification

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:45:54 -0700

“As owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, I have been successfully staging homes for over a decade, in the best of times….and, yes, the worst of times. I want to give you, the sellers, a glimmer of hope and a bit of advice in these “worst of times”. My staging project last week found me in Peabody at a quaint property with an aqua blue bathroom (shower, sink, and tub), cut up floor plan, steep stairway, and dysfunctional rooms. After assessing the upgrades, formulating a plan, and scheduling the trades, we set off to work. Several rooms were painted, a pass-through bedroom was refunctioned as a den, carpets were professionally cleaned, and our blue bathroom went bye-bye. The vanity and toilet were replaced and the tub was reglazed. Updated light fixtures were added throughout along with furnishings art, area rugs and window treatments. This project was completed in five days and just in the nick of time for the photo shoot. Before the staging process, Realtor Jim Armstrong, of Armstrong Field Real Estate, Salem, MA was considering putting this property on the market for $309,000. After the staging was completed Jim and the homeowners agreed that the asking price would be set at $339,000. The home sold for full asking price at the first open house!! That’s correct staged by Friday sold on Sunday! For all the staging synics out there, here are the undisputable facts…. 1) The Realtor provided the homeowner with a professional Home Staging report by DaVinci Designer Gallery in order to educate them on how to add value to the property. 2) The homeowners spent approximately 2% of the value of their home. 3) The homeowners enjoyed an approximate 500% return on their staging investment. 4) The homes visual presentation added to an immediate sale. Sellers take note. With the vast inventory on the market you need to be a step above your competition. Have your home professionally staged allowing it to show its absolute best. Realtors take note. Educate your clients on positive staging statistics. Visit staged properties and interview local stagers to find the right one for your client. Most importantly, in these “worst” of times understand that staging sells a home quicker and for more money. Staging is an integral tool in a real estate sale.

Boston Home Staging- Instant Gratification

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:43:15 -0700

“As owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, I has been successfully staging homes for over a decade, in the best of times….and, yes, the worst of times.   I want to give you, the sellers, a glimmer of hope and a bit of advice in these “worst of times”.   My staging project last week found me in Peabody at a quaint property with an aqua blue bathroom (shower, sink, and tub), cut up floor plan, steep stairway, and dysfunctional rooms. After assessing the upgrades, formulating a plan, and scheduling the trades, we set off to work. Several rooms were painted, a pass-through bedroom was refunctioned as a den, carpets were professionally cleaned, and our blue bathroom went bye-bye. The vanity and toilet were replaced and the tub was reglazed. Updated light fixtures were added throughout along with furnishings art, area rugs and window treatments. This project was completed in five days and just in the nick of time for the photo shoot.   Before the staging process, the Realtor was considering putting this property on the market for $309,000. After the staging was completed Jim and the homeowners agreed that the asking price would be set at $339,000. The home sold for full asking price at the first open house!! That’s correct staged by Friday sold on Sunday!   For all the staging synics out there, here are the undisputable facts….   1) The Realtor provided the homeowner with a professional Home Staging report by DaVinci Designer Gallery in order to educate them on how to add value to the property.   2) The homeowners spent approximately 2% of the value of their home.   3) The homeowners enjoyed an approximate 500% return on their staging investment.   4) The homes visual presentation added to an immediate sale.   Sellers take note. With the vast inventory on the market you need to be a step above your competition. Have your home professionally staged allowing it to show its absolute best.   Realtors take note. Educate your clients on positive staging statistics. Visit staged properties and interview local stagers to find the right one for your client. Most importantly, in these “worst” of times understand that staging sells a home quicker and for more money. Staging is an integral tool in a real estate sale.

Press Release: Boston Globe Magazine Quotes DaVinci Designer Gallery and Posts YouTube Video on Home Staging Necessity

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:27:51 -0700

Maureen Reddy, owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, is fervent about getting the message of “home staging importance” out to realtors and sellers. Read the latest press release from on Home Staging Firm DaVinci Designer Gallery http://www.prfree.com/index.php?cur=index&action=preview&id=107504

Boston's Home Staging Professional-DaVinci Designer Gallery

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:06:19 -0700

Realtors,do your sellers need professional home staging services but are reluctant to act? You must be educated on the importance of home staging and pass that information on to your client. Take time to research the stats, meet local stagers, and view staged homes, allowing you the knowledge that can make the difference between a quick and profitable sale or a property languishing on the market for months. Visit the "Home Staging" Video by DaVinci Designer Gallery, for a taste of staging information!. It's educational, inspirational, and just maybe the catalyst for a quick and profitable sale.Enjoy and pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba9OgxE8cpM

Home Staging Sells your property Quick- Latest Statistic

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:11:47 -0700

Home staging not only sells your property for more money, but it sells it quickly. The properties staged by Davinci Designer Gallery, in April , sold in record time.Watertown Condo–Days on Market -29 (current Watertown condo average dom 129 days) Watertown Single Family -Days on Market- 22 (current Watertown single family average dom is 83 days)Newton Single Family -Days on Market -73 days (current Newton single family average dom is 101 days)Cambridge Condo- Enjoyed the results of the staging so much they pulled the property from the market and bought various staging products brought on the job.It is most important, in today’s selling environment, that your property shows its absolute best. Staging can make the difference between an immediate sale or your home languishing on the market for months! As we all know …time is money. Staging your home in order to make a quick sale will eliminate, not only “seller angst”, but the need for price reductions and marketing costs. DaVinci Designer Gallery has been successfully staging homes across Massachusetts for over a decade. Sellers enjoy a 300% return on investment for every staging dollar spent. Today’s buyer is looking for a “show house” property. DaVinci Designer Gallery’s years of experience and customized service allows for an outstanding presentation and ultimately, a quick and profitable sale.Contact Davinci Designer Gallery for a property review 617-319-2837 www-ddg-re.com

Boston Home Stager cited in Real Estate Trade Magazine- DaVinci Designer Gallery

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:08:40 -0700

Maureen Reddy of DaVinci Designer was interviewed by journalist, Camila McLaughlin, and quoted in her recent article”Setting the Stage”. The article appeared in the July /August issue of Bay State Realtor, the official publication for the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.The article investigates the importance of home staging from both the Realtor and the stager’s points of view. Positive statistics are mentioned in the article along with staging relating to photographs, video, on-line selling, and marketing property.Staging is an intregal part of the real estate industry and it is a service that is here to stay, “ Buyers today expect a property to look like a designer show house “ says Reddy, and savvy Realtors are using the service to ensure their success.To read the article visit:http://www.marealtor.com/content/bsr_news_features.htm?inCtx13pg=0&page_id=940&inCtx13news=16&inCtx13view=40&site_id=1&minor=1&major=1&inCtx13order_by=S:[start_date]%20desc&inCtx13news_id=1011

Home Staging Video on You Tube from DaVinci Designer Gallery, Boston, MA

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:27:02 -0700

For your visual pleasure, I have added a home staging video on you tube. Please visit the link below. I hope you enjoy the show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXyuToFF9dM

( Boston) NECN-Dream Home interviews Home Stager Maureen Reddy

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:00:50 -0700

(NECN) New England Cable News interviews home stagers on their show New England Dream House. On April 12, stagers Maureen Reddy from DaVinci Designer Gallery and Paul Santo from Boston Staging and Design were featured on the cable news show, New England Dream Home. The importance and neccessity of home staging was discussed.....check it out at... www.necn.com/category/40/32482

Home Staging Sanity

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:25:35 -0700

Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.This interesting quote rang true last week when I was introduced to several sellers who have had their homes on the market for well over a year. Each homeowner had gone through at least 2-3 real estate agents and were convinced that the failure of selling their home was due to the incompetency of the last agent. The newly enlisted agents called me for my advice because these properties were showing horribly and the homeowners resisted the idea of staging and they refused to lower the price. I explained the Einstein quote and suggested that they be perfectly frank with the new client …either raise the value of the property or lower the price. In each case raising the value would be most beneficial for the following reasons:1) Staging costs would be less than a $10,000 price reduction2) Competition is tremendous, a property needs to look its absolute best.3) After staging you can confidently add the cost to the selling price 4) You can market the “old” property as “newly designed”5) A property that has been on the market for this amount of time may see return buyers who are interested in the added valueMy suggestion to Realtors who are in such a quandary … introduce the seller to the idea of staging before taking the listing, educate them on positive staging statistics, pay for a professional staging report …..and most importantly, be willing to walk away from the property if the homeowner “is going to do the same thing over and over”….stop the insanity.Maureen Reddy is the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery , a full service design firm that has been staging homes for over a decade. The combined experience of interior design, visual display, marketing and advertising, allows for staging services that are unmatched in the Boston area. Visit our website at ddg-re,com to view our sales record and media coverage. Call now for a property review 617-319-2837

Home Staging Article:The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (by DaVinci Designer Gallery)

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:00:53 -0800

Home Staging Yesterday and Today

By Maureen Reddy As the owner of a full service design firm, I have enjoyed staging properties throughout New England for over a decade and have keenly observed the transition of the home staging industry. When my design firm first introduced staging, it was a hard sell. Most REALTORS® had never heard of staging. As the idea of home staging made its way to the East coast from the West, the concept was more readily accepted. There was still, however, a tinge of skepticism associated with staging up until the early 2000’s, as buyers were afraid that sellers were somehow “fooling” them with staging. After this time and up until late 2006 staging constituted 50% of my business. The properties that I had staged were flying off the market in a matter of weeks, sometimes days. Over 40% of my staged properties sold for asking price or above. Sellers were eager to schedule their staging appointments and gushed over the “designer show house” results. Many clients received multiple offers and easily tripled their staging costs when the property sold. The market had substantial movement, sellers undoubtedly cashed in on their staging investment and REALTORS®’ sales numbers rose sharply. In the fourth quarter of 2006, I noticed a decline in staging projects which was not unusual for the time of year, however, the slowing trend continued as the market suffered, housing prices dropped, and foreclosures made daily headlines. Now we are looking at an uncertain future in the real estate industry but one thing is for sure…today’s seller is in need of staging now more than ever. Stiff competition, hundreds of days on market and savvy buyers make it necessary that a property show its absolute best. The well-informed and sophisticated seller and agent know that the statistics speak for themselves: 1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not. 2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property. 3) Staging, in most cases, costs less than the property’s first price reduction ($10,000 average reduction). Home staging has become a necessary tool in the business of selling property and its positive results ensures a win-win situation for all the parties involved in the home buying process. Maureen Reddy is the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery , a full service design firm that has been staging homes for over a decade, for more information visit ddg-re.com.

"Home Staging Statistics prove this service is a basic and necessary selling tool for the real estate industry" says Maureen Reddy owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, Boston, MA

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:38:14 -0800

Interior designer/stager, Maureen Reddy contends that positive statistics support basic selling principles: A home is simply a product for sale and must be packaged in the most appealing way possible to entice the consumer and make the sale. The formula of visual marketing and home staging are the same. Create a desire that translates into a sale. If a buyer feels wealthy, sophisticated, intelligent, happy, and (or) healthy in an environment, they are more likely to make an immediate offer. Professional home stagers are able to evoke these feelings and create these desires through color, lighting, arrangement, and design. Today’s seller is in need of home staging now more than ever before. Stiff competition, hundreds of days on market, and savvy buyers make it necessary that a property show it’s absolute best. Yet, sellers are reluctant to make the dollar investment in staging because they feel they will not recoup these staging costs and believe they are already losing money by selling at this time. Nothing could be further from the truth. The well-informed and sophisticated sellers know that the statistics speak for themselves: 1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not. 2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property. 3) Staging, in most cases, costs less than the property’s first price reduction ($10,000 average reduction). 4) Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery, a Boston based interior design/home staging company, recoup an average of 325% return on every staging dollar spent. (Report based on comparative evaluations where staging costs were under $4,000) Maureen Reddy is the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery , full service design firm that has been designing and staging homes for over a decade throughout Massachusetts. She has recognized other trends in the home staging industry and says "Now, the properties I am staging that are priced under $400,000 are selling far quicker than any other priced property, staging is successful no matter what the property’s price, and younger buyers actually expect that the property will be staged. In these uncertain economic times, a seller must be certain about the positive presentation of their product." Contact Information Maureen Reddy DaVinci Designer Gallery 617-319-2837

Home Staging: A necessity not a luxury

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:30:12 -0800

Today’s seller is in need of staging now more than ever before. Stiff competition, hundreds of days on market, and savvy buyers make it necessary that a property show it’s absolute best. Yet, sellers are reluctant to make the dollar investment in staging because they feel they will not recoup these staging costs and believe they are already losing money by selling at this time. Nothing could be further from the truth. The well-informed and sophisticated seller and agent know that the statistics speak for themselves:  1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not. 2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property 3) Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery brought in an average of 325% return on every staging dollar spent. (Based on comparative evaluation where staging cost was under $4,000) 4) Staging, in most cases, costs less than the property’s first price reduction ($10,000 average reduction suggested by seller’s agent)

Home Staging Beginnings, Boston MA

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 10:17:46 -0800

My Home Staging training began in the “Christmas windows” of Jordan Marsh.In the early ‘90’s I began my visual merchandising career in down town Boston at Jordan Marsh Co. As I “fluffed” the Christmas trees, applied the specified amount of bulbs, dressed the sulky mannequin in the finest attire, and fussed over the mile high bed donning Ralph Lauren linens, I had no idea that this would be my initial training in home staging (and how could I know…there was no such thing as home staging back then).The objective of a visual merchandiser, is to create an irresistible presentation of the product which then translates into a sale. In the case of staging, the product happens to be a property instead of furniture, bedding, towels, or jeans.I am often asked if staging really works and the answer is a resounding YES! A home is simply a product for sale. A product will sell quickly and for more money if it is packaged and presented well. A good example of this is when you see television commercial for the latest vehicle. Unlike most of our cars, the front seat is not littered with empty Starbucks cups, there are no petrified french fries to be seen, and gone are the faded parking tickets listing out of the glove compartment. What you will see is a beautiful model driving a pristine vehicle through a breathtaking forest. Not necessarily reality…but marketing and advertising. Advertisers are creating a desire. You want to be that beautiful model driving that pristine vehicle through the breathtaking forest.The same thought goes into the staging of a home. When I remove the tv set that is conflicting with the stately fireplace, place the same colored books in the built-ins, trim the bushes outside in order to gain more natural light, or place the perfect art work on the wall to highlight the moldings, I am creating a space that the buyer wants to be in, I am creating desire.The formula of visual merchandising and home staging are the same. Create a desire that translates into a sale!

Home Staging- Boston Style

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:37:34 -0800

When you’re ready to put your home on the market follow DaVinci's 3D's for Home Staging.Declutter- Innately humans long for maximum space and light. It is a wise decision to edit furnishings in the room, remove unnecessary furniture and highlight the homes best features. In order to add a sense of space to any area you must remove the clutter. Countertops, in kitchens and bath, should be clean and clear. Overstuffed bookcases should be emptied, boxed, and stored. Closets are best seen with minimal clothing hanging.Depersonalize-A potential buyer needs to envision themselves as the owner of your home, this may become difficult if Uncle Horatio's portrait is hanging alongside 37 family photographs in the front hall and your Ukrainian stamp collection is on display in the dining area. Strip your home of family photographs and memorabilia. Replace it with non-descript and tasteful art. Design-Through furniture placement, spatial design, painting, wallpapering, landscaping, etc., the homeowner or stager can transform a dated, worn home into a masterpiece. If using a stager, the seller should be able to set the budget and decides what their "enhancement" investment will be. An experienced home stager will be able to recommend the best use of those investment dollars. DaVinci Designer Gallery, a full service interior design firm, has been providing home staging, visual display, and interior design services for over a decade to the retail, residential, and commercial sect. Find out more at www.ddg-re.com

Home Stager - DaVinci Designer Gallery is featured in the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine - Real Estate Issue

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:40:16 -0700

DaVinci Designer Gallery was featured in the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine's Real Estate Issue on Oct. 26, 2008. Maureen Reddy, the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery was asked to stage an area of a South Boston condo in order to show the benefits of home staging, along with the transfomation oppportunities that are available to each and every homeowner. There were certain constraints that came along with this project in the form of budget and time, however, the end result was fantastic and the article...quite exciting. To visit the online article, link to the following address... http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/

Home Staging- Beyond simple floor moves.

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:44:06 -0700

Your latest staging project requires construction.....you want your project to run smoothly and your contractor to return for subsequent work. How do you achieve this? It's simple. Like any relationship there needs to be communication, understanding, and respect. After you have gotten three estimates on your proposed job, called on references, and chosen your contractor, you need to interview him as if it was a first date.You must clearly communicate your needs, (in writing) and accompany that with a time line. You must impart to your new "significant other" that there will be consequences if your needs are not met. If your needs are met, you must reward!! Treat your contractors and his crew to coffee and muffins some morning. A plateful of cookies and a kind word makes a world of difference. Always speak with respect to every member of the crew and take an interest in their lives. Creating a comfortable work environment makes for a successful project. We, at DaVinci Designer Gallery, take this approach on all of our jobs and I find that my contractors feel more like family and friends, my clients are happy, and the contracted work -outstanding. So remember to extend yourself and the result will be a positive contractor/ client relationship.

PRESS RELEASE : Home Staging

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:25:34 -0700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maureen Reddy Tel.: 617-539-0241 Cell Phone: 617-319-2837 Email: davinci29@verizon.net Home Staging: Original oil paintings “Set the Stage” in Boston’s Real Estate Market HOME STAGER HANGS HER OWN ART TO CREATE A DESIRED ENVIRONMENT, ENTICE POTENTIAL BUYERS, AND MAKE THE SALE. Boston, MA- May 21, 2008- In today’s slumped market, where single-family home and condominium sales are down 28.3 percent and 35.6 percent respectively from last year, sellers are looking for any angle to set their property apart from the competition, to wow the buyer, and to close the deal. On the flip side, buyers are looking for the best value for their dollar along with a well designed and aesthetically pleasing space. Home stager/designer, Maureen Reddy, from DaVinci Designer Gallery is well aware of the needs on both sides and satisfied those needs by including her original artwork on the latest staging project. Reddy contends that “ When staging, we are appealing to potential buyers through the senses and creating an emotion. By adding these large format, oil paintings to our design we are evoking a feeling of sophistication and financial success. Home buyers want to see themselves in such an environment.” Shira Steinberg of RE/Max Unlimited, who has used staging services for several years explains “Maureen's staging takes a property that looks below average for it's price range, and makes it look hot. The attention to detail and now the personal touch of using her art , certainly appeal to the buyer and ensures a quick sale. The original artwork brought this South Boston property up another notch and sets it apart from competitors in the area. Any property sells faster, and sells higher when it is staged in this way”. Owner of the newly renovated South Boston condos, Rob Sheils, is sold on the staging process and impressed with the art that was used. “The design and staging of this condo conversion was fantastic, but the artwork was the icing on the cake. It feels as if I am looking at the pages of a high end, interior design magazine. We accepted an offer on the property within 10 days and I know that is a direct result of the visual impact that was created in these condos.” DaVinci Designer Gallery of Winthrop, MA has over 15 years experience in interior design, home staging, and visual merchandising. This varied background and knowledge of the real estate industry allows for a dramatic home transformation that will ultimately translate into a speedy and gainful sale. ### For more information please contact Maureen Reddy 617-319-2837 davinci29@verizon.net

Home Staging- Greed vs. Need

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:16:27 -0700

Home Staging – Greed vs. NeedA friend recently commented to me that in today’s slumped housing market, sellers must be ringing my phone off the hook to schedule staging appointments. The phone is ringing…but not as much as I would expect. I explained that although his statement made complete sense, human nature was dictating a completely different scenario. …Greed is a stronger motivator than Need.GreedUp until mid 2006 I was a staging demon. My projects were flying off the market in a matter of weeks, sometimes days. Over 40% of my staged properties sold for asking price or above. Sellers were eager to schedule their staging appointments and gushed over the “designer show house” results. Many clients received multiple offers and easily tripled their staging costs when the property sold. The market had substantial movement and sellers undoubtedly cashed in on their staging investment.NeedSellers are in need of staging now more than ever. Today’s stiff competition, hundreds of days on market, and savvy buyers, make it necessary that a property show it’s absolute best. Yet, sellers are reluctant to make the dollar investment in staging because they feel they will not recoup these staging costs and believe they are already losing money by selling at this time.The well-informed and sophisticated seller knows that the statistics speak for themselves:1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not.2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property.3) More buyers are initially reviewing property via the internet. A visual impact is essential to get a second look. 3) Staging generally costs less than a Realtor’s first price reduction (10,000 average reduction).4) Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery brought in between 400%-635% return on every staging dollar spent. (Report based on comparative evaluations where staging costs were under $4,000)Don’t get caught in the Greed vs. Need conundrum. Your home is simply a product for sale. You must invest in the packaging of your product before you can enjoy a successful sale.

Home Staging Statistics

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:47:59 -0800

Home Staging Statistics Cited by DaVinci Designer Gallery Appeal to Sellers in Boston's Slumped Real Estate Market December 6, 2007 - (NewsBlaster.com) Boston, MA, December 01, 2007 --(PR.com)-- At the monthly meeting of the Massachusetts Real Estate Club, held at the Peabody Marriott, members were engaged with a presentation given by designer/home stager Maureen Reddy of DaVinci Designer Gallery. "The more information a seller has on the positive statistics of staging, the more likely they are to invest in this necessary service" said Reddy. The audience was made aware of sales records, staging benefits, before and after images, and the vital staging statistics below. The presentation included the following statistics: 1) Homes that are staged sell quicker and for more money than those that are not. 2) A buyer decides if the home will be a consideration within the first 8 seconds upon entering the property 3) Homes staged by DaVinci Designer Gallery brought in between 400%-635% return on every staging dollar spent. (Report based on comparative evaluation where staging cost was under $4,000) 4) Staging generally costs less than the first price reduction (10,000 average reduction) "Investing in home staging is more important now than ever before" explained Reddy, "you will certainly get a return on investment; whether it translates into a quicker sale or more money, you can't lose when staging your property." DaVinci Designer Gallery of Winthrop, MA has 20 years of experience in the areas of interior design, visual merchandising, and advertising. This varied background allows for a home staging service that is unmatched in the Boston area. The gallery marries interior design concepts with visual display formulas to offer a service in which your property is treated as a product and redesigned to appeal to a defined market. ### For more information: www.ddg-re.com Contact: davinci29@verizon.net Phone: 617-319-2837 Contact Information Maureen Reddy 617-319-2837 davinci29@verizon.net DaVinci Designer Gallery www.ddg-re.com

Staging has staying power...

Maureen Reddy, Boston's Premier Home Stager (DaVinci Designer Gallery) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:39:48 -0700

A Realtor who uses my staging services informed me that a property that I recently "unstaged" sold regardless because of the "staged" photos online....he was delighted that it was able to be seen in it's staged state.