Dressed For Success (Alyse's Blog) - Kingston, ON

Check out these cute tshirts - onesies

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:36:24 -0700

A friend pointed me in the direction of this site, and they have the cutest tshirts and onesies for your little one. I have twin boys and couldn't resist picking up a couple. After a long day of staging or hitting open houses, it's a pleasure (ok, most of the time) to go home and spend time with them... These were too cute to resist!! http://trendytadpole.com

Home Staging in Kingston Ontario

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 08:01:34 -0700

Knowing what needs to be done and having the time and inclination to do it are two different things. I will work with you and your belongings to reach the optimal placement of furniture, artwork and accessories to showcase the property. I will be available hands on and to oversee your project, if needed, and you also have access to my extensive list of contacts including, but not limited to, packers, movers, landscapers, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and trades people as well as local discounts. Since each house is unique the average staging cost varies depending on what needs to be done, what you would like Dressed for Success to do and the time it will take to turn your home into a house. For more information, please contact Alyse at www.dressedforsuccess.ca or 613-453-2835

Vacant Home Staging in Kingston Ontario

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 07:55:59 -0700

Real Estate Brokers will tell you - Selling an empty home is harder and it takes longer. Strategic placement of a few pieces and accessories may be all that it takes to create a warm and welcoming feeling. It allows potential buyers to imagine what their furnishings may look like. It gives them a baseline for scale, proportions and layout, and is actually a better way to see the size of a room. Staging a vacant also gives life to MLS photos, and buyers are less likely to give a lowball offer .Lifestyle selling attracts a greater number of potential buyers leading to the best return on your investment. A basic 4-bedroom vacant home will cost approximately $450.00 to stage, plus the cost of furniture rental.Isn't it better to be Dressed For Success from the start?www.dressedforsuccess.ca613-453-2835

Dressed For Success - Interior Redesign

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:00:39 -0700

Are you stuck and can't figure out what colour to pick for a room? Or maybe you are giving your whole house a makeover and are not sure where to start. Let an expert help take the guesswork out of the situation. After all, color choices are one of the biggest impacts on our moods and the overall feeling of the home. Do you need a little help with your home's décor? We can assist with furniture placement, colour choices, and room styling using your existing furniture and accessories.Dressed For Success can help you make all of your decorating decisions. We can help you save time, money and your sanity!Isn't it better to be Dressed For Success from the start?www.dressedforsuccess.ca

Dressed For Success

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:51:24 -0700

Real estate marketing has a new weapon in its arsenal - it's called Dressed For Success - Home Staging Strategies.When it comes to real estate, the old adage that you only get one chance to make a first impression is especially true. Are you wondering what you can do to ensure that your listings stand out from the growing number of houses for sale in Kingston? Dressed for Success is a local company that helps you, as an agent, and your sellers sell homes at top dollar and in the shortest period of time possible. Home staging is easy, it works, and best of all, it is very cost effective. Home Stagers objectively dress the home to appeal to a wide range of people, while creating an emotional connection. We help put the "wow factor" into your listing.Isn't it better to be Dressed For Success from the start?For more information please see www.dressedforsuccess.ca or I can be reached at 613-453-2835 or alyse@dressedforsuccess.caServing Kingston Ontario and Areas of Amhertsview, Napanee, Belleville, Gananoque, Perth, Smith falls and Brockville Ontario.

Introduce Yourself!

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:44:39 -0700

I'm curious to know about the person behind the stager/realtor. We exchange ideas and bits and pieces of ourselves through our blogging. I'd like to know more about you!I'll startCurrently I'm a SAHM/WAHM in Kingston, Ontario, Canada - to my 3 kids. Kyriana is 3, and Jacob and Mitchell are almost 17 months. We recently moved back to my home town due to a job offer my husband received, and the ability to be closer to family. Prior to this, I spent the last 10 years working as a Social Worker. I've always had a passion for decorating and anything creative. I've been staging homes (before I really knew what it was called) for a few years now for family and friends. After moving to this city, I decided I wanted to pursue this full time, and thus Dressed For Success was born. I've been actively marketing myself for about 4 months now. Your Turn!

Is Staging Expensive?

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:35:07 -0700

The amount of time and money to be invested in your house is entirely your decision. Dressed For Success works within your budget to do as little or as much as you require.Staging is an INVESTMENT, not an expense. Staging your home will only cost you if you don't stage it. After about a month on the market, most realtors will suggest a price reduction. Typically $5,000 and up! That is a lot more than the typical home staging fee. Isn't it better to be Dressed for Success from the start?

What Home Staging is NOT

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:00:20 -0700

Home staging is not about tearing out kitchen cupboards or doing major renovations. It is a concentrated effort to direct a buyers eyes to views, square footage and focal points to create an immediate WOW factor that will make a positive impact on potential buyers the second they walk through the door. It is about eliminating the eye catching distractions, highlighting and showcasing the existing features of your home so buyers can imagine themselves living there. For more information on Home Staging and how I can assist you in preparing your home for sale, please check out my website at http://www.dressedforsuccess.ca/

Not Bad - Better - Staged

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:54:50 -0700

When purchasing a home, buyers aren't just buying a house, they are buying a lifestyle. Home Stagers objectively dress your home to appeal to a wide range of people, while creating an emotional connection. Not Bad Better Staged For more information on Home Staging in Kingston, Ontario contact Alyse at Dressed For Success

Pictures Talk

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:26:13 -0700

You all know the saying... "A picture speaks a 1000 words"What would you want the pictures of your home on MLS to say?You have 90 seconds to make a lasting impression. That is how long it takes for potential buyers to form their first impression about your house and decide if they want to see more.Lets Talk StatisticsAccording to the National Association of Realtors:80% of buyers prescreen homes on the internet75% of these buyers went on to drive by the homes61% walk through a home viewed onlineStaged homes look better in online and print advertising because they are appealing and present the best features of each space. Contact Dressed for Success for more information.

Open House Chronicles

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:12:34 -0700

I was at an open house on Sunday. I don't know if it was staged by the realtor or the homeowner. You could see that the cliché things were done. It was neat and tidy, the lights were on, there was a fire in the fireplace and there was a basket with soaps and wine glasses on the en-suite tub.However the furniture placement was horrible. The family room had large windows and lovely fireplace. The furniture was placed with its back to the fireplace and the focal point was the large screen TV. I highly doubt they are planning on leaving the TV when they sell, so why not make the fireplace, a feature of the home, the focal point?There were personal photos and nick knacks everywhere, One of the children's bedrooms had a calendar up that was of a half naked woman. Objects that are distracting or potentially offensive to buyers, should be removed.The kitchen was neat and tidy, but there were far too many objects on the counter. It lacked decorative touches and colourful focal points that would draw a buyer in.The home while quite large was painted in very dark colours and the furniture was crowded in to the space available. The square footage was there, but the home didn't feel inviting.The home has been on the market 102 days and seems to be priced right.I spoke to the agent and asked her why she thought it was still on the market. She said "Everyone says the house is too big"I gave her my postcard and a couple tips. On my way out I had to ask her to grab the cat so I wouldn't let it out.Realtors: What would you need to convince you to try staging?Stagers: How would you have addressed this situation?

Happy Passover

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 07:38:57 -0700

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy passover!Here is a fabulous recipe for Passover Chocolate Cake. I served it last night at our seder and it was a HUGE hit! I promise, it doesn't taste like passover cake.10 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 3/4 cup cocoa powder 5 eggs, beaten Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch round cake pan, and dust with cocoa powder. Melt Chocolate and Butter in the microwave on low. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slices can also be reheated for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.

Blues and Greens should never be seen...

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:26:12 -0700

except in the washing machine!Anyone remember that old saying? Along the same lines of Pink and Red never working together. It's funny how "rules" change. How Home Decor is constantly evolving. Here is a simple family room, with before and after pictures, using blue and green accents with a touch of red. Simply removing the middle piece of the sectional, moving the toys to a designated play area, opening the curtains and bringing in a few accessories from other rooms in the house - really opened up this room and made it a lot brighter and warmer. Before After If you would like help redesigning your family room, or staging it to sell - Contact Dressed for Success

Passover Chocolate Cake

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:30:56 -0700

I know what you are thinking. Passover Cake? Aren't those usually dry and tasteless? Try this recipe, I promise you, you won't be disappointed!!10 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 3/4 cup cocoa powder 5 eggs, beaten Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch round cake pan, and dust with cocoa powder. Melt Chocolate and Butter in the microwave on low. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Slices can also be reheated for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before serving.

Cottage Country

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:02:35 -0700

Whether you're seeking adventure, culture or some needed R&R Kingston Ontario and surrounding area should be your destination. Kingston is surrounded by water -it is a city located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, where the lake runs into the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands begin, there are literally hundreds of locations to choose from for your home away from home. Situated just 2 hours from Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa or Syracuse; Kingston is the perfect place to get away to, without having to drive forever. Kingston is a well-known destination for fresh-water wreck diving. Some of Kingston's wrecks can be classed among the best in the world. Kingston's wrecks are well preserved by its cool fresh water.Prefer to stay on top of the water? Kingston is listed by a panel of experts among the top sailing destinations in North America. Every August CORK - Canadian Olympic-training Regatta is held in Kingston.Kingston has a rich and beautiful waterfront. Major features include Flora MacDonald Confederation Basin. Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Collins Bay, Wolfe Island, Garden Island and the Cataraqui River.

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 03:55:49 -0700

Love to Travel? Kingston is your centrally located home with fabulous destinations only 2 hours away in every direction! The City of Kingston is located halfway between Montreal and Toronto, along the busiest corridor in the country, Highway 401. Kingston is also situated along the shores of Lake Ontario and at the gateway to the Thousand Islands via the St. Lawrence River. Kingston is also only 45 minutes to the US Border at Watertown, NY, and only 2 hours to Syracuse NY. Kingston is renowned as the Fresh Water Sailing Capital of North America. It prides itself as being the oldest City in Ontario and one of the Oldest in Canada, with buildings dating back over 300 years. Kingston was also the first capital of Canada in 1841, before it was relocated to Ottawa. Kingston was the home and is now the resting place of the first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald. Kingston is also home to the first High School in Canada; KCVI - Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute. Kingston is an eclectic mix of old and new "where history and Innovation thrive". Home to the internationally recognized and prestigious Queens University, Kingston is a hotbed for new ideas and discoveries. Whether you're into shipwreck scuba diving, conservation area walks, triathlons, 1000 Island cruises, clubs & pubs, or fine dining, Kingston has something for everyone - The amenities of a major centre, but with the fascinating allure of a small town.

A bobby pin, a lid and baby soap

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:26:54 -0700

You are probably wondering what these things have to do with Home Staging. While I was giving my 3 kids their bath this evening, the two youngest were not cooperating. Since I couldn't leave the bathroom, I decided to improvise. Using what I had on hand, I found a way to make Bubbles! Let me tell you, the mood in that bathroom immediately changed, and screams of displeasure turned into squeals of laughter. Home staging is like Bubbles - You use what the home owner has, you come up with creative solutions, and you turn every day items in to something special! When the Mood changes in a room, in a home - everything changes.

Going, Going, GONE!

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:51:54 -0700

You're moving. Do you really want to pack, schlep and unpack everything in your house? Are there things you can part with now? Your home will look more organized, more spacious and more inviting if you remove the unwanted items. Buyers want to imagine that their new home will be organized, that every item they own will have its own spot in the house. Asking the Difficult Questions:When was the last time you used it?When will you need it again? Why would you need it again?Who might ask for it?What would you need it for?Is it easily replaceable?What's the worst thing that would happen if you got rid of it?Is it beautiful, useful, or loved?Is there some other way you can remember it - Take a picture of it, frame it, scrapbook it Not sure what to part with? Here is an exercise for you: Empty all of the contents of your kitchen utensil drawer into a box. Over the next month, when ever you take one out and use it. Put it back in the drawer. At the end of the month, anything left in the box, get rid of it! (Don't forget to keep that turkey baster that you know you use twice a year)Put out several boxes to hold your items. Sort them into the following categories:Keep - Items you know you love and useGive away - Items that you can part with, give away to charityTrash - Items that can't be repaired or used by othersNot sure - Really not sure you want to part with it? Put it in here and come back to it later.Sell - Valuable items you can consign, garage sale or ebayReturn - Items that need to go back to the store, or you've borrowed from friends and family

Rental Properties

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:39:29 -0700

I'm wondering if anyone has staged a Rental Property before? I'm thinking more along the lines of a redesign - helping them pick the right fixtures, paint colours, flooring etc....I'm not sure it would make sense to stage it as a vacant - unless it was an expensive condo or something?!?What do you think of this? I've been approached by a property manager to do this.

Garage Sale Tips

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:21:53 -0700

Prepping your house to sell? Before you list, keep in mind that people are turned off by rooms that look and feel cluttered. Remember, potential buyers are buying your house, not your belongings, so help them picture themselves and their possessions in your home by making your rooms feel large, light, neutral, and airy. As you clean, get rid of surplus books, magazines, CD's, extra furniture, rugs, vases, etc.It's hard to get rid of possessions, but cleaning and clearing out the clutter can really pay off in the end. Make your garage and basement as tidy as the rest of your house. If you haven't used it in years, Get rid of it. If you don't plan to use it at the new home, get rid of it now! Don't let anything detract from making your best first impression. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a garage sale:Allow three or four weeks to prepare for the sale.Date and Time - Choose a day and time to start your garage sale. Avoid holiday weekends, unless you know there is increased traffic in your area. Share a Sale - Think about having your sale with neighbours, neighbourhood garage sales are popular. - You can share advertising costs, and buyers like hitting an area with several sales.Merchandise - Choose what you want to sell. You should try to have a wide variety of items. Many collectors and dealers frequent garage sales, so don't be afraid to include one of a kind type items. (Ex: one single glass or one individual dish) Neat displays and groupings are recommended. Be certain all your items are clean and dust free.Displaying - Cluster like items together, keep surroundings clean and neat. - Consider offering all items on a table for a $1, or a whole box for $5. Place large items like electronics, tools and appliances close to the curb, and breakables up on tables, out of reach of little hands.Price items - Little white stickers listing price are easy to use. Be prepared to drop your prices. Pricing can be set at about 1/3 the retail brand new cost to you. Obviously, some items will not yield 1/3, such as clothes or books. Hewlett Packard offers a free online Garage Sale Kit for you to print off that provides customizable garage sale signs, price tags, and table tents. Before the sale - place a classified ad in the local papers giving days and time of sale and direction to your home. Put up ads in supermarkets and other public places. Be prepared for early birds. You may want to consider stating in your ad whether you accept early birds or not.Day of sale: Put out directional signs to your property. Make sure you have plenty of bags, boxes and paper on hand for packing.Keep plenty of change available and have someone manning the change box. Be sure to have an electrical source. This is for people to test any electrical items you have for saleIf your home is for sale make sure to feature flyers about your house. On a hot day, have a table with cold drinks. On a cold day, try something warm such as hot chocolate. Buyers will stay longer if they are comfortable.And lastly, if after just reading this you are exhausted, and you'll never get around to having a garage sale. Don't hold on to your stuff. You can drop off items at Goodwill, Salvation Army or Value Village.

ISO: A great Brownie recipe

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:29:04 -0700

In Search Of: A great brownie Recipe! - From Scratch, not a box.Seriously. I can't tell you how many I have tried. I'm looking for the recipe for the Ultimate Brownie. It must be Dense, Chocolaty and Chewy - you know the ones, the kind you get at the best little coffee shops that just melt in your mouth?Any suggestions?

it's all in the Accessories!

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:28:49 -0700

When we talk accessories, most people undoubtedly think of what we wear. Our minds race to get a visual of that trendy new bag or that haute new necklace. But accessories are also the jewellery for our home. They are the key pieces that dress a house and turn it into a home. They are the bits of glitter and dashes of colour that add warmth and give the room it's WOW factor!When dressing your home think about what you are trying to say and choose your accessories accordingly...From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Easy Manicotti

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:38:37 -0700

We had this for dinner last night, I forgot how quick and easy it really is! Easy Manicotti1 lb ground meat (Turkey, Beef, Veal) cooked and drained1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup1/2 cup water1 box oven ready Cannelloni/Manicotti24 oz jar/can of Pasta sauce - or your favourite homemade sauce1 tub light cottage cheese or ricotta3/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese2 tbs Parmesan CheeseMix Ground Meat, Cream of Mushroom Soup and waterIn a baking dish, Pour approx 6 oz of sauce until the bottom is lightly covered.Spoon meat mixture into each pasta shellLine in baking dishCover with Cottage Cheese, Then remaining pasta sauce.Sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese and Parmesan CheeseBake at 350 for 1 hour

Update and Find a Purpose!

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:34:29 -0800

From drab, dreary, cluttered and out of date! - This room lacked a purpose. It was cluttered and didn't show off the size of the room at all. This wallpaper mural was out of date and certainly didn't appeal to a wide range of buyers. To a cheerful little girls room! A fresh coat of paint, a neutral palette. Girly, but not themed. - and a welcoming chair that any little girl would love to crawl into with mom or dad and read a book. Inexpensive tab curtains were purchased and paper flowers were hot glued to the top to give them a designer touch. The pink chair was brought in from another room. The Picture Frame and Shelf were picked up at a discount store and were painted a matching green colour. A buyer can now visualize what this room is intended for, and could update with different accessories for a boy or a girl!

Don't Eat It!

Alyse Bromberg (Dressed for Success) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:15:12 -0800

Need a loaf of bread to stage a Kitchen? Try this recipe, with the added bonus of the wonderful smell of Coffee - what could be better? Java DoughThis is an easy to make sculpting dough that smells like coffee! It bakes to a wonderful antique tan color. ¼ C instant coffee ¾ C warm water 2 C flour ½ C Salt Mix the water and instant coffee together until the instant coffee is dissolved. Mix flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Add mixed coffee solution to flour mixture and stir until a smooth dough is formed. Shape dough into a loaf, buns, braid and bake them at 275 degrees for 45-90 minutes or until hard(depending on thickness)For a nice sheen to them you can brush with a mixture of egg and water before baking.*Also a fun dough to make with the kids, and shape into letters, beads, snowmen etc.. Bake for 30-45 minutes Courtesy of www.dressedforsuccess.ca