real: Home Staging Specials on Energized Seller - 01/18/09 03:49 AM
Energized Seller, the website connecting the dedicated home seller to the dedicated Real Estate Professional has gone live with their Home Staging Specials from some of our very own AR Pros.
There are still opportunities for some areas nationally that haven't been covered yet and if this is something you want to offer in your market by all means check it out and email support@energizedseller.com to add your offer there too.
 
(11 comments)

real: Greetings 86 Collin County, TX RE Pro members! Where are the other 741? Here's a challenge... - 01/04/09 12:08 PM
I started thinking today about how great Active Rain has been for me both personally and professionally as I hope it's been for you or will be in the future.  As with anything, you get back what you give out.
Personally I've made real friends here from coast to coast. We talk on the phone, get together (if local & some of my other friends and I have talked about meeting somewhere in the middle) send personal emails and notes and genuinely support and encourage each other.
Professionally, it's increased my business and my SEO as well as keeps me connected with other North Texas RE Pros in my … (9 comments)

real: Looking for a few Good Stagers around the country - 12/28/08 07:42 AM
As many of you may already know I'm a big fan of energizedseller.com the website for the dedicated Home Seller and Real Estate Professional.
If you haven't checked out the site yet or joined, by all means, what are you waiting for? This is a FREE site connecting home sellers to RE Pros around the country with many great features being added daily and exposure nationally with supporters like the Dave Ramsey Show
I was recently contacted by energizedseller to see if I'd be interested in a cross promotional type offer where my company, Home Star Staging would offer a discount through their site to visitors to the site … (9 comments)

real: Sellers connect to Real Estate Professionals around the country at EnergizedSeller - 11/03/08 01:18 AM
I've been an active member of EnergizedSeller since the beginning of this year and have had the pleasure and opportunity to assist sellers around the country with some questions they posed regarding how to prepare their homes to sell. 
EnergizedSeller is a website for dedicated Home Sellers and Real Estate Professionals to connect to one another. 
I invite you to check it out, join me and become a recognized expert in your area.
Home Sellers join us too!
There is a lot going on at EnergizedSeller these days to not only help sellers but Real Estate Professionals as well!
You too can … (16 comments)

real: Don't be fooled - I may be a Home Stager but my business is Real Estate - 10/03/08 07:16 AM
This is something I've known for a long time and if you think that as a professional home stager that you are only in the "home staging business" then you are not in the business of real estate.
A good analogy for this is to think back when trains were the main form of transportation (before my day folks but I remember history lessons).
When airplanes came on the scene the big wigs at the Rail Road industries stated something to the effect of," They'll never fly! People and cargo travel by RAIL not air!"
 
 
Well as we all know, … (36 comments)

real: Why you can't afford NOT to get your home in top condition if selling or leasing in today's market - 09/28/08 03:01 PM
With a national financial crisis and the tales of woe and doom in the housing market many wonder how are they are ever going to get through this time if selling a property at this most uncertain time of our nation's economy? 
After reading an article today on MSN.COM titled: Top 5 Things home buyers and sellers should do now, I am convinced the services of a home staging professional are even more necessary than ever.
Listed below are the top 5 tips for home sellers from the article:
Wait out the market if possible, especially if your house is located … (11 comments)

real: Plano - based Home Staging Professionals featured in Dallas Morning News - 09/05/08 12:17 AM
This time last year , Home Star Staging along with another Plano-based home staging professional (and my good friend), Barie Pinnell, with WRE Interiors, were interviewed for an article by the Dallas Morning News. It was an article regarding of course Home Staging for sellers.  
As we all know, in today's tough real estate market, home staging is fast becoming a way of setting a home apart from the competition, but not everyone understands how to work with a home stager. 
Barie and I, along with a few other local home staging professionals had actually gotten together for the article and collectively staged a property … (14 comments)

real: Learning by example - A student, a teacher and a lesson learned - 08/29/08 05:23 AM
What a timely blog written by Connie Tebyani called "Got....Interns?"
I just finished teaching my 3rd Home Staging class at Collin College  in Plano, TX this week and it was the smallest class yet. It was actually really nice and intimate and I have been very busy these last two weeks with work and school starting for my kids, so the class size was a welcome respite from the hectic nature of this past month.
The last day of the class I talk about vacant properties and how important it is to stage them. I've written on this topic several times … (13 comments)

real: A Model Client - The Monaco - 4343 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX - 08/22/08 01:46 PM
This week Home Star Staging had the pleasure of staging a sales model for The Monaco at 4343 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX.
These units are absolutely gorgeous with no detail left un touched. From the exterior to interior, buyers will not be disappointed. Beautiful moldings, granite counter tops, the finest fixtures, nothing is left to do but move in.
Conveniently located just West of 75 Central exit Knox-Henderson and located just steps away from shopping and fine dining, The Monaco is a jewel in the City of Dallas.  Stop by and check out the model.
For more information contact Chad Brozovich, 3 … (17 comments)

real: Realtors, who's in your arsenol of influence? - 08/15/08 11:43 AM
I was inspired by a blog written by Collin County, TX's own, John Cannata with Reliant Mortgage, when he posted this blog to Realtors, "How to obtain more listings Part I". 
John went on to give some great tips and information on how to do just that. If you haven't read his blogs I would highly recommend them, they're really well thought out, informative and highly useful. Just the kind of information we like to read here on Active Rain.
This is not to say I didn't enjoy the blog or get something out of it because I did but I immediately noticed … (15 comments)

real: Open House 1:00 - 4:00 PM PM Sunday 7/20/08 740 Mustang Ridge Drive, Murphy, TX FREE Staging Tips - 07/14/08 09:14 AM
 

It's a "Neighborhood Open House"
Join Sarah Nguyen of Janus Real Estate Group and myself, Karen Otto of Home Star Staging at
740 Mustang Ridge Drive, Murphy, TX, 75094 When: Sunday, July 20, 2008 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM It's a neighborhood open house and our friends and neighbors here at Active Rain and Localism are invited. 
Please tell your clients, friends and family if they're looking for a gorgeus spacious home in beautiful Murphy, TX, this may be the one!
For all the great details visit the Realtor.com link for 740 Mustang Ridge Drive, Murphy, TX.
I'll … (5 comments)

real: Curb appeal and blind dating = 2 of a kind - 04/27/08 02:04 PM
Analogies are great. They help us understand why something that may not seem important to us at first glance really is. Let's use an analogy for curb appeal when selling your home and why it is so important to buyers.
Let's compare it to blind dating. Bear with this and you're likely to understand why.
Think of yourself as going on a blind date and the anticipation you feel before meeting that mysterious someone.
They sound great on the phone, They looked attractive in a photo online They were readily giving you lots of information about themselves via emails.  
 
(20 comments)

real: Got Pets? Selling a house? One sniff could snuff a sale - 04/09/08 09:27 AM
Pets. We love them if we own them, they're our babies and a part of the family. However when selling, they become a different story when others will be entering and previewing your property.
First and foremost, for the safety of your beloved pets, consideration must be given to how they will be kept safe while showing. Potential problems could arise if:
An exterior door is left open for possible escape A usually friendly animal is frightened by strangers entering his "territory" and aggressive behavior ensues (I learned this first hand when I acquired a small Quaker Parrot. Oatie cannot be left out when visitors come because he flies … (14 comments)

real: Stage"ducational" Broker's Tour - 03/30/08 02:31 PM
Ever try to think of different ways to draw a crowd to your broker's tour on a new listing? Now I know food and drink are part of the usual suspects at these events, but how about in addtion to that, adding an informative "educational" portion of the tour?
For those Realtors who have a Professional Home Stager on their team, if you already haven't asked, why not suggest to your Stager to come (provided of course they staged the property you've listed) and give a Q & A time for your Realtor colleagues who drop by?
Believe it or not many Realtors still have questions … (15 comments)

real: Thank you John McConnell, Professional Real Estate Photographer - 02/11/08 02:57 PM
I just wanted to thank my friend and trusted business partner, John McConnell for sharing his time and talent tonight in the Collin College CE Course on Home Staging.
John voluntarily presented a wonderful Power Point presentation, answered questions and gave some great tips on how to take better Real Estate photography for your MLS listings and marketing materials. 
John will also be featured this month on Channel 8 News here in Dallas, TX for a special marketing promotional item he designed for a local Realtor who specializes in certain properties. For now it's top secret but more to come later, and … (19 comments)

real: Selling a home this spring? Plan Now! - 01/16/08 11:20 AM
 
 If you are a home seller preparing to sell a home this spring the time to plan and prepare is NOW!
There is never a second chance to make a first impression. The first 2 weeks after listing are crucial. 
Don't leave first impressions to chance.
Getting your home in show-ready condition for your spring "reveal" takes, time, patience, elbow grease and the help of a good Professional Home Stager. 
A Professional Home Stager can:
Assist you in identifying key areas
Help you create a home that is buyer ready
Highlight features and details of your home (not your stuff) that need showcasing
Recommend updates that pay high dividends … (10 comments)

real: You want me to stage when? A day in the life of a North Texas Professional Home Stager - 01/14/08 12:40 PM
Dear Clients,
I would like to explain to you how I work.
This is not meant to offend, just to educate you on the steps I take when I start the home staging bid process and when you'd like me to stage your property in the next day or two from initial contact, I'd like you to understand the process I undergo before we can even begin and I hope you understand why I can't do it with a snap of my fingers. 
I only wish it were that simple. BELIEVE me I do!
Let's set the scenario:
Day 1: I get a phone call let's say on a Wednesday : … (46 comments)

real: Selling Houses or Pencils? What's the Difference? - 12/29/07 06:22 AM
I'd like to give a lesson on Retailing 101 and how it applies to home sales. 
For anyone selling a home welcome to the world of Real Estate Merchandising. 
Let's put it in terms of another retailer though. A retailer of Pencils.
If you were the Acme School Supply Retailer of Pencils  what would bring customers to your store?
  Price —  Location  Inventory of items needed or wanted —  Marketing tactics - TV, radio, print ads,  coupons —  Customer Service —  Time of year —  When they need new supplies  
 
What would keep your customer coming back?
Price —Location —Inventory in good supply & condition … (42 comments)

real: Selling a Home in Collin County in the New Year? Here's a Home Staging Coupon just for you! - 12/29/07 04:27 AM
 
 
 
 Before Listing Put Your Property in Good Hands!
If you're planning on selling a home in 2008 start thinking NOW about what you can do to prepare your home for sale. Whether you're a home seller or Realtor you could benefit from a Professional Home Staging Consultation to get you on your way to a successful sale this season It's simple. Just follow the links belowPrint out the coupon Give us a call at 469-964-0516 to schedule your appointmentHurry, offer expires January 31, 2008! 
Stay ahead of the Collin County competition and let Home Star Staging make YOUR HOME the STAR Attraction in the … (2 comments)

real: North Texas Home Stagers WE WANT YOU! SIF Roundtable January 10th,2008 - 12/27/07 02:53 AM
Howdy again North Texas (and other parts too!) Home Staging Professionals!
It's not too late to join us for the SIF Roundtable on January 10th, 2008 (see details below). As of today there are 10 confirmed attendees. 2 of which are coming all the way from Houston, TX! 
This event is open to any Home Stager, regardless of affiliation or membership.  Check out this blog by Craig Schiller, for an idea of what others have already accomplished. Also check out this blog by Craig on the list of questions we will be using for the SIF Roundtable discussion time.
A list of questions has been provided for … (3 comments)

 
Karen Otto, Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes (Home Star Staging)

Karen Otto

Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

Plano, TX

More about me…

Home Star Staging

Address: Plano, Murphy, Wylie, Richardson, Allen, Lucas, Fairview, McKinney, Frisco, Dallas, Carrollton, Garland, Rockwall, , TX, 75075

Office: (469) 964-0516

Mobile: (469) 964-0516

As a North Texas Home Staging Professional this blog is a collection of information, thoughts, stories and ideas on the home staging profession as I personally experience it. I welcome comments and suggestions and hope I may help the home staging and real estate community in some way by my contributions on my blog. I am passionate about educating the public and real estate community on the benefits of home staging.



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