Cindy's Blog

North Texas Chapter CONTEST!!!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:28:28 -0700

The North Texas Chapter of IRIS has put together a contest for "Get Redesigned Month". The winner will have a Redesign of a family room, master bedroom, kitchen and another room of our choice. The link to enter is www.makeovermastersofnorthtexas.com . It's easy, fun and valued over $1600.00. So maybe you know of a single mom that could use a renewed space or a mom or dad that have a spouse away in the military, or a newly married couple needing help...contact them or surprise them with entering on their behalf! All proceeds go to Minnie's Food Pantry. The Makeover Masters are very excited about this and the contest ends in September so spread the word to everyone you know in the North Texas Region! We will announce the winner in October and of course post the Before and Afters! Thanks in advance for spreading the word.

Practice What You Preach!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:15:43 -0700

After giving out so many Staging Reports to clients it was now my turn to put my home on the market and see what staging could do. First step before listing was to make the "dreaded" list - the Staging Report. I being a professional stager thought my list was about half the length just because I like to live clutter free. We started de-personalizing so others could see beyond my family living there and most importantly, took de-cluttering to the next level. We cleared out half of all closets, all cabinets and made sure everything was completely neat and tidy. The laundry room got new baskets for containing detergents and the pantry was tip top with every can turned just perfectly with nothing on the floor to show ample storage. The house was pristinely clean, cobweb free and had no pet odors (we have three dogs). But one very important aspect of staging my house was that everything we didn't use on a daily basis was packed away and delivered to a storage unit off premises. Doing that took about 3 full days. We were exhausted yet anxious to get it "show home" perfect for listing and new pictures. Let's face it; if a Stagers house doesn't sell quickly, I'm in trouble, especially in my own neighborhood where everyone sees my car driving around and knows what I do! So to make a long exciting story short...we listed with pictures on Wednesday, had 7 showings within a week and had a contract that next Sunday! I need to mention that the houses around us are on the market several months and going on average at $92.00 a sq. ft. Ours sold within a week and a half, at $103.00 a square foot. I do not say this to brag or pat myself on the back. I say it so every seller out there can see the importance of staging. I say it because every back breaking moment and my kids asking everyday if they have to make their bed today is WAY WORTH IT! Now if your house in on the market already or plan to list soon, you'll want to get a Staging Report. Call a professional stager, call Cindy Richter owner of Interior Motiv. You'll be glad you did! Interior Motiv - metro 817-925-2021, www.interiormotiv.com

Practice What You Preach!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:09:31 -0700

Congrats to the stagers up North!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:15:34 -0700

Just had to mention this: We had a new family move into the neighborhood. Our little neck of the woods is very transient with a lot of transfers from California and up north like Michigan etc. so we have several houses for sale. There are usually 2 on my block alone at any given time. With all of that said, my new neighbors came down one weekend about 2 months ago and looked at "50" houses in 3 days. She said not one of them was staged or even looked good! I wanted to say "yep, can't get the Realtors and homeowners to understand the importance." but instead I said well let me show you the ones I've done! She said that where she came from (Minnesota), that they were practically all staged. Hers was staged, and sold in ONE day! So CONGRATS TO THE NORTH! You are doing a fantabulous job! (now come help us in Texas!)

Tips that are on ALL of the Staging lists!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:06:43 -0700

You want to sell your home and have watched all of the HGTV shows you can stand and still don't have the info needed for a quick sale? Well here are a few tips that will help. No Rugs - Now I don't mean the area rugs that anchor the seating area in the Family Room. I'm talking about the runners, the mat in front of your kitchen sink, the mat at the backdoor and most importantly, the rugs on the bathroom floor. These make your floor look choppy and don't show off the square footage. Some buyers might think you're hiding cracks or stains and someone might slip and fall. You don't want to have to deal with that. No Personal effects on counters or in showers - No one wants to see what shampoo you use, what perfume you wear or your favorite magazine. Put away the plungers, trash can, toilet bowl brush and anything of personal use because NO ONE wants to think about what goes on in a bathroom! Clean until it sparkles - I tell everyone to have your home professionally cleaned. You might think you have the cleanest home in the neighborhood and can eat off of the floor...but a cleaning crew can see the dirt and grime you have gotten used too. They get the cobwebs, ceiling fans, baseboards and the tile and grout. So let someone else's back ache and you start packing up the clutter. Now you are one step ahead of the competition and one step closer to a sale. But remember, with so many homes to choose from, buyers can be picky and yours needs to be the best. If you need help, or want a detailed report on everything you should accomplish to get top dollar, call a professional. Call Interior Motiv! www.interiormotiv.com

Cool down in Lewisville Texas

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:02:02 -0700

Need a place to take the kids to cool down this summer? Don't forget about the Sun Valley Aquatic Center (801 S. Valley Parkway) or the Old Town Aquatic Park (535 W. College Street) in Lewisville. They are city operated with a lazy rivers, splach zones, slides and a competition sized pool. You can pack a picnic lunch and spend the day. Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Monday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Tuesday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Wednesday CLOSEDThursday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Friday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m ADMISSION is from $3.00 - 5.00Under 3 Free So don't walk, run to the nearest wet zone in Lewisville!

Concerts at the Gazebo in Parker Square

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:47:44 -0700

There are only a few more concerts left this summer at the gazebo in Flower Mound's Parker Square. So don't let the opportunity pass you by! If your visiting here in Texas, it's a fun and relaxing but if you get anxious while waiting for the music to start...there's always shopping! Don't forget the lawn chair or blanket to sit on, the water bottle but most importantly...the battery powered, misting fan! Whoo it's hot. But if you do, you can order take out from one of the many restaurants. Enjoy! Here is the schedule and all concerts begin at 7:30 PM. Flower Mound Community Orchestra and Voices of Flower MoundFriday, June 20 FM BandFriday, July 11 Maddy Rose & Soul MixFriday, July 25

July 4th Celebrations in Flower Mound, Texas

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:34:58 -0700

Come celebrate July 4th in Flower Mound Texas. Starting at 11:00 AM, at Timber Creek Elementary School you can line up with a decorated wagon, stroller, bike, trike, whatever you'd like and start marching to kick the day off. The route is short (so the tiny tikes don't get too tired) and ends at the LISD School Administration Building. Once you get there, you'll be greeted with FREE hotdogs, drinks and lots of activities for the kiddos. And for the adults, there's live entertainment! Then...starting about 9:25 PM...The Independence Day Fireworks Show begins! Gates will open at 7 PM for the good seats. But remember, no glass containers, alcoholic beverages and no tobacco products may be brought to the high school where the parking is free. For more information, call 972.874.6276.

Youth Fire Academy in Flower Mound, TX

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:20:23 -0700

On August 11 - 14, 2008 the Flower Mound Fire Department will hold a Youth Fire Academy for students that enter the 7th or 8th grade this fall. It runs from 1 to 5 PM at the Central Fire Station located at 3838 Forums Dr. It's a free program designed to introduce them to the world of fire protection and emergency medical services. The class is limited so if you're interested or know someone who might want to join in, get registered by July 7th. If you have any questions contact Ken MacInnes at 972-874-6265.

Local Stager in a Home Improvement Magazine

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:16:33 -0700

Only because the wonderful Karen Otto asked me to do this, am I doing it. karen was wondering around Plano and found me in the Dallas Home Improvement Magazine. www.homeimprovementmag.com I was called one day in April on the way to a consultation by the Editor, Kimyla Stegall. She said she found my web page, liked what she saw and said she was doing an article on "budget design". Asked if stagers did that kind of thing and I said "OF COURSE WE DO!". She needed it that week so I submitted a before and after shot, a list of materials, where I shopped and a testimonial from the owner. And Voila, she puts it in the June edition. Yes, I'm excited but more excited that she now knows that Stagers decorate too! I probably told her more than she ever wanted to know about staging. They used to have the magazine issues online but now you'll just have to find one. There in lots of places so pick one up and check it out. But the most important thing...always answer your phone! You never know who it will be on the other end!

CPR Classes in Highland Village, Texas

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 06 May 2008 01:07:38 -0700

The Highland Village Fire Department (must say they are a fabulous group of people) conducts monthly courses to residents and non-residents of Highland Village. Training covers CPR for adults, infants, children and AED Training. The next class will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008 from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. The cost is $25.00 for residents and $35.00 for non-residents. You will never know when you might need to use CPR. Space is limited so sign up today.

Red White and Blue Festival 2008 in Highland Village!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:58:05 -0700

It's that time of year again! Time for the Highland Village, RED WHITE and BLUE Festival! If you didn't go last year or the years before that, then you must go this year. You won't find a better fire works show ANYWHERE! The festivities start at 7:00 AM with the 1K/5K run. at 9:00 AM starts the Family Fish Out and at 11:30 is the Arbor Day Proclamation. At 5:00 PM the gates open for the music from Wade Bowen and Reckless Kelly. Then of course you have all the bounce houses, face painting etc. And who can forget the food and fireworks! Love it! I'll be there, hope to see you too.

Highland Village, Texas, Newsletter

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:50:22 -0700

Do you live in Highland Village, Texas? Do you want too? Thinking about it? Or just want to know what's going on in them there parts? (that's hick talk for you folks) Well, the city of Highland Village not only has a web site to check out but now has the City Connections monthly newsletter! Stay informed of upcoming events, important city info as well as on going project details like the Inland Trail or the Heritage Hawks! Visit www.highlandvillage.org and check it out!

Community Activity Center in Flower Mound, TX opens Summer 2008

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:35:11 -0700

Growing up on the west side of Fort Worth Texas, I had a recreation center to go to during the summer when my mom was tired of entertaining me. Now Flower Mound is opening one too! There will be activities for everyone of all ages. It is centrally located and the CAC will provide easy access to all residents. Visit the CAC website at www.flower-mound.com/cac for more info. Hope to see you there one day this summer!

Reading Program in Flower Mound, Texas

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:27:54 -0700

The Flower Mound Library Summer Program is coming soon!Keep the kids busy this summer with reading. The Reading Club starts June 5th for all kids in preschool through middle school. They can join the Reading Jubilee and win prizes for every seven days they read for at least 20 minutes! All high school students and adults can win prizes in Book Bingo and who doesn't love Bingo?!

Ribbon Cutting for New Fire Station!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:05:06 -0700

Highland Village Central Fire Station Ribbon Cutting We've been needinga new fire station in Highland Village for a while now. Well, it's finally here and I know the city and the Firemen are really proud of it. The new Central Fire Station, located at 1200 Highland Village Road, is now open. So trot on in there and have a tour. Take the kids and let them toot the horn on the big red engine! Oh yeah, and by the way...The Highland Village Business Association, Flower Mound Chamber and Lewisville Chamber will hold a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m.

When will you take a vacation?

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:47:47 -0700

I have been so crazy busy that I have been thinking quite often about a vacation. In my mind it sounds great and feels like relaxing. But then reality sinks in and I wonder when would be a good time to vacate Texas?!?! So...I'm asking the rest of you busy stagers and re-designers out there when will things slow down and when will you plan your vacation? The only "vacations" I've been able to take in the last 3 years are short and usually include a conference. Any advise?

The 5% Home Sellers don't realize!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:00:33 -0800

Buyers will spend about 1 minute at the front door while waiting on the Realtor to unlock it. This is one reason why "porch" appeal is so important. Don't forget these important tips when selling: Clear the cobwebs and dirt Sweep leaves and add life to potted plants (red and yellow are the most appealing in natural plant colors) Entry lights work with no broken glass or broken switches (such as the door bell) or knobs No trash, newspapers or solicitation flyer's piled up New door mat if needed (dark iron always looks great) No squeaky doors (a little W-D 40 goes a long way)Letting these go unattended tells the buyer you neglected to maintain the home and gives a bad first impression. Not the image you want to start out with. Lastly, do something unique and striking with your "porch" appeal. New hardware? Unique address numbers? New chair and table? It doesn't have to be extravagant, just clean and tidy! If you need help, call a professional. Call Interior Motiv!

The Hidden Potential Buyers see that Sellers don't think about

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:54:52 -0800

When getting your home ready for the market, you probably took care of the family room, kitchen and bathrooms. So spend time on the hidden potentials too. Here are a few tips that sellers might forget about but buyers don't. Closets: Think half full. Since your planning to move, pack the winter clothes and keep everything off of the floor. That's part of your square footage too and clothes look best when they're color coordinated. Whites with whites, blues with blues. If you can, use only the same hangers for cohesiveness. Pantry: All soup cans should be facing the same way, bags tucked neatly and cereal etc. in nice straight lines. If you want to go all out...Use clear storage containers (such as POP by Oxo) and recycle those boxes and bags! Linen Closet: Sheets and towels should be folded and like colors together. Light colors on top and darker on bottom. If you have blankets, put them on the lower shelves so it won't seem top heavy. Under the Kitchen Sink: Put things in baskets or nice rows. And this isn't an extra storage unit for batteries, car oil etc. Keep only kitchen items under the sink. Laundry Room: If you don't have cabinets, keep detergents and softeners in baskets that all match. This room is easily used as a storage unit so keep dirty clothes in the washer/dryer and no lint on anything. This might seem ridiculous and time consuming but in today's market, buyers can look at dozens of homes. You want yours to stand out from the competition! If you need help, or want a detailed report on everything you should accomplish to get top dollar, call a professional. Call Interior Motiv!

Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Most Popular Countertops!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:39:26 -0800

Is a kitchen remodel in your future? Well, before you tackle that crucial room, here are a few tips on some of the most popular countertops. Granite: Timeless, durable and beautiful! It won't date itself like some of the others. The darker the granite, the less porous and more stain resistant it is. You will need to seal it twice a year and clean up is a breeze with warm water and liquid detergent.Manufactured Quartz: Highly durable, low maintenance, easy to clean, and stain and scratch resistant, what else could you ask for? Composed of quartz blended with a resin binder, it imitates the look of granite, marble, or limestone but still appeals to people who want a more even, balanced pattern. It's warmer to the touch than granite and not as busy. Clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleanser. No sealing required. Concrete: Both modern and rustic, concrete works well with most architectural styles. If you want a natural, organic look and don't care for the polished hue of granite, this is your alternative. Don't pour it yourself though, concrete tops have meshing and metal in them and are installed after they are fabricated. You can change the look of concrete by adding glass tiles, dyeing it, stamping it, etc. You will need to wax the concrete every 6 months and seal it annually. It can stain so clean up spills immediately. Glass: Glass is known for its attention-grabbing translucent beauty, and is as durable as most other counter tops. Because of its distinctive look, I suggest using it as an accent countertop rather than throughout the kitchen. But recycled glass is an eco-friendly option. For maintenance, clean with window cleaner. Natural Stone: Soapstone and marble are just a couple of choices. Soapstone won't crack like others stones, but it will dent if hit with something hard. Some like the dents because it gives the room a used, stressed look and comes in many colors for a warm sentiment. Although bakers love marble it is soft, stains easily and chips so use it in moderation. Try using it on an island countertop instead of the entire kitchen. Clean stones with a liquid detergent and water. Seal marble annually but apply a mineral oil on Soapstone every other week for the first year to help the stone oxidize evenly. Apply every other month thereafter. Stainless Steel: This counter has been around for years. The reason why is it can take abuse from just about any kitchen utensil and the scratches and marks instill a lived-in finish This countertop works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens making it a popular choice. To maintain it, use a cleaner with a high alcohol content that dries quickly. To buff scratches, use a scouring pad and follow the grain of the metal. Laminate: Laminate has come a long way and is one of the best options for the budget minded. With some attractive styles out there now, choices are made easy AND you can install it yourself! Laminates tend to show scratches but if you love rich color, you can find a pattern that hides the scratches. If you want a retro kitchen, this is for you! Laminate is susceptible to heat and standing water but no sealing is required. All you need to do is rinse after cleaning to avoid soap rings. These helpful tips provided by: www.interiormotiv.com

Top 10 Tips for a Successful Staging

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:32:30 -0800

Think like a buyer. Even though your home might be several years old, people want something new. You need to make it look it's best. Be realistic and remember your house isn't yours anymore but a commodity. Unless your selling "as-is" buyers want to do few improvements.Create curb-appeal. It's absolutely essential that the outside of your house create a positive preview of what's to come. Clear those weeds, spruce up the door mat and pick up those toys. You don't want hat first impression to be a "drive by".De-clutter it. Nothing is a bigger turn off than a house that's packed to the ceiling with collections, personal photo's, magazines and more. Not sure how much to de-clutter? Take a look at the model home, no0clutter! And a model home sells!De-personalize it. While your de-cluttering, it's a good idea to go ahead and pack those family photo's, kids artwork on the fridge etc. You want the potential buyers to see the special details of the home, not the wedding photos. The less there is to distract a buyer, the more likely an offer will be made.Neutralize it. You want you home to appeal to the masses. If you have dark forest green carpet, replace it with a nice Berber. You don't need to spend a fortune re-carpeting - just enough to keep the buyers from using the worn out carpet as a reason not to buy. Most buyers don't want to take that extra effort in getting new floors.Paint it. The more color on the walls in each room, the smaller and choppier it looks. Buyers are looking for space, the best value per square foot. Paint your walls a nice calming, neutral tone. Again, most buyers don't want the task or expense of re-painting or re-carpeting. And remember too, paint is the least expensive way to change the look of a home. Make sense of it. Perhaps you're a bachelor and turned your dining room into a game room? Most buyers have a hard time conceptualizing their stuff in your house. Make sure the use of your rooms makes sense to anyone who walks in off the street.Arrange it. Arrange each room to highlight focal pints. Make sure there's plenty of room to walk around and get to doors and windows. You may need to remove some furniture. Again, look at model homes - they are staged with less, not more. You want each room to appear spacious and to give the illusion that there is ample space to fill.Market it. Be sure your Real Estate agent uses the best photographs for your flyers and replenishes them as needed. Make sure your MLS picture is the best and email your friends and colleagues and let them know it's for sale. Include the asking price, a few great photos and the stats.Get help. Selling a house can be an emotional, time consuming process. Save yourself the time and stress by hiring a trained professional stager to help you sell your listing for top dollar as quickly as possible.These helpful tips brought to you by: Interior Motiv. Imaginativ ~ Intuitiv ~ Interpretiv www.interiormotiv.com

5 Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:46:36 -0800

Would you be surprised to hear that your home improvement jobs will bring mistakes? I didn't think so, well here are a few tips to help you minimize those mistakes.•1. Don't slack on prep work - Every project has an element of prep work. New doors, painting, replacing a faucet, installing door knobs, whatever the project, neglecting to do it will undoubtedly result in lengthened project time and frustration. Having forethought will guarantee a professional-looking result. Knowing what you are in for will enable you to maintain your sanity when the going gets tough.•2. Biting off more than you can chew- You hate your bathroom and can't take it anymore? Want to take a sledge hammer to it right now? Hold on...while it might make you feel better, tackling too much at once is a common mistake with major consequences. Be realistic, you can't have a new bathroom in one day (no matter what you see on HGTV!). Assess what you really need or want done first and start there. Take things one step at a time and surrender the process. Ask yourself if you need a friend to help, need a pro for the trickier things or if you actually have the time? Don't set yourself up for failure by not allocating enough time and resources. •3. Improvisation - This can be useful in many situations and it shows you have creativity but there is a difference between improvisation and carelessness. If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, always err on the side of caution. It might take longer to finish the task but better to do it correctly the first time then doing it again later.•4. Refusing to ask for help - Okay this might be more for the men out there but don't be fooled into thinking you have to complete a job by yourself. While certain projects only require one person, working with someone else is more fun and sometimes educating! It's less embarrassing to ask a friend to help than to have to call a professional later to fix your mishap.•5. Letting bad attitudes take root - Knowing what lies ahead and being prepared is 95% of the battle and if you have followed the first four steps, you are ready to go. Hit a road block? Take a break, sleep on it, or call a friend. Don't let your dissatisfaction ruin all of your planning or your negativity stop you from completing your project. Home improvements can either be the most frustrating or the most exhilarating. Plan ahead and make your project the envy of the neighborhood or if you haven't been happy with your past improvements, rethink your old ways or habits. Being prepared, informed and holding fast to a sunny disposition are crucial to getting that job done right the first time! These helpful tips provided by: Interior Motiv www.interiormotiv.com

Why Stage FAQ's

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:17:14 -0800

Here are a few questions that Home Sellers typically ask regarding Staging. I have given this to the Realtors that work with me (in the form of a flyer) to help their clients understand the importance of staging. This will also help the seller understand why THEY should pay for it and NOT the Realtor! Thought I'd pass it along to you all. Hope it helps,WHY STAGE? FAQ'S:The housing market is fine...why do I need to stage my house to sell?Every house will sell eventually. It's a matter of when and for how much. Even if your home sells quickly and in a good market, it doesn't mean it sold for the same as if it had been professionally staged. * Surveys show that Staged Homes sell an average of 6% more. If your home is $250K unstaged, it probably would have sold for $265K staged.Can I stage my own home?Most people cannot. It's like our children; it's difficult to see the flaws. You need to be objective and that's even harder when we are used to the way it looks and are emotionally attached. Home Stagers "stage" homes for a living. That's what professionals are for and that is where the greatest returns come in.Can't home buyers use their imagination and look past the décor?To sell your home faster, you must sell more than just 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2000 square feet. You must sell a lifestyle. A place where buyers can see themselves raising a family, entertaining friends, preparing gourmet meals or relaxing in a luxurious bath. Staging is dressing up the best features of a home and minimizing the worst. Do you think Cinderella would have married the prince if she had arrived at the ball dressed like a maid? My house is empty and clean, why do I need to stage it?Only 10% of home buyers can actually visualize the potential in a home. That is why having a vacant home professionally staged is so important. Buyers cannot see size and scale so furniture helps to give them a frame of reference. Potential buyers will typically just move on to the next home instead of working so hard to "see it" and make it work. Is my house worth being "professionally staged"?Absolutely, your home could be worth $50K and even spending $125.00 for a detailed Staging Report should net you thousands of dollars in return and speed of sale based upon statistical data. Home Improvement Investments(*Home Gain Survey 2003)

Improvement	Typical Cost	Average Return
Home Staging	$212 - 1,089	169%
Clean and De-Clutter	$305 - 339	594%
Lighten and Brighten	$86 - 110	769%
Landscape and Trim	$432 - 506	266%

The longer your home stays on the market the lower your selling price will be. Don't go through a price reduction; have your house professionally staged from the start. WWW.INTERIORMOTIV.COM

Cutting through the C.R.A.P. when choosing the right Home Stager!

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:28:11 -0800

Consultation Fee: Most consults range from $75 - $200.00. Look for one that applies your fee towards the staging job or better yet...is FREE! Reputation: Ask for testimonials, references and/or recommendations. Make sure your getting experience and knowledge with your service not just an opinion. Ask: Get the proposals in writing and make sure the labor and installation are included. They shouldn't mind spelling it out for you. And get at least 3 bids for comparison. Preview: Look at a current listing by the stager. Most homebuyers don't want to spend a lot to get the home market ready but keep in mind, the goal is to make the home look it's best. The less expensive route isn't always best. A well-staged home looks beautiful, clutter free and depersonalized. You want buyers to see themselves in your home and not your family. You want to appeal to everyone and not just a few. That's the point of staging! So while sifting through to find the best Stager, check out Interior Motiv. Experienced, competitive, and FREE vacant evaluations!

"Fallen Soldiers" memorial comes to Lewisville, Texas

Cindy Richter, IRIS Dallas, TX Home Stager (Interior Motiv Home Staging) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:06:28 -0800

Denton County soldiers who were killed in Iraq will be on display at the Lewisville City Hall. The memorial is here December 17th thru 21st. It was designed and built by the veterams Monty Slough and Dee Cork. It's a tribute to nine local men killed in action since 2002. Each of the nine men are recognized with an etched granite tile mounted on the display. The "Fallen Soldier" memorial will be set up at 151 W. Church Street.