OUR SERVICES:
Staging and Design with the placement of a “Professional Live-In Home Specialist” SM. All fee’s for this package can be paid at closing! No upfront – out of pocket costs!Staging and Design no placement of a “Professional Live-In Home Specialist” SM. This is similar to a “Model Home”.Homeowner occupied Home Staging.We will be happy to customize a Home Staging Package that is just right for you!
MOST PACKAGES INCLUDE:
Phone ConsultationNo obligation proposal and rate quote for your specific home.Written recommendations concerning curb appeal, updating, painting, etc.Professional movers to move-in our inventory.Furniture and accessories necessary to stage the home.Setup and placement of furniture.Professional Home Stager to Custom Stage your home.Presentation of the final Staging Design with Homeowner and Listing Agent.Breakdown and packing of our inventory once home has sold.Professional movers to move-out our inventory.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Creating a Warm Welcome by Staging Your Home
Creating a Warm Welcome by Staging Your Home
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_Silveria]Frank Silveria
Making sure your home shows well cosmetically is simply called "staging". You want to stage your home in such a way that creates an atmosphere that draws in your potential buyers to choose your home over the others on the market.
We all know what first impressions can do, and it's no different for your home. When potential home buyers walk through your front door, what do they see and feel? Is the entrance warm and welcoming? Are the foyer walls bare or are they staged with welcoming, beautiful framed pictures? You can't get passed a first impression so you want to make it the best as possible.
As your potential home buyers pass through the entrance and peruse the rest of the home the same rules apply. How warm and cozy does your home feel? Generally speaking people make decisions based on feelings. What kind of feelings are you creating with the décor and style of your home?
Most homes are not staged, but are simply shown as lived in. This is sometimes detrimental to the selling of your home. People tend to see what you show them and if the house is nothing special but just looks lived in, then people tend to get that feeling that there probably is something better out there. You want to offer the potential buyers a glimpse of what their life will be like in the home. So you would want to make it as appealing and luxurious as possible, not just lived in.
Staging a home can be a large process and very laborious. With that in mind there are companies that will do this for you. They are professional stagers that can get your home ready to sell with the right touches and the right look. Granted that these companies will cost you money for their services, it just may pay off in the end when you can get your asking price or near asking price for your home. Also, if your home is being shown but not receiving any offers, this may be an indication that you have not got the right bait. The bait may be staging.
In the tough market that we are in right now home sellers need every advantage possible. The average lived in home may not be appealing enough as the professionally staged home down the street. Look at all your options when putting your home on the market, and don't forget the staging.
Frank Silveria III has been a full-time licensed Realtor in California for approximately 10 years. As a lifelong resident of the San Joaquin County, Frank is one of the most well-known and successful Realtors in the Valley. Specializing in [http://www.thesilveriateam.com]Tracy CA Homes and Mountain House Real Estate the Silveria Team is here to serve. If you would like more information about [http://www.thesilveriateam.com]Tracy CA Homes please feel free to contact us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Silveria http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-a-Warm-Welcome-by-Staging-Your-Home&id=3018301
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_Silveria]Frank Silveria
Making sure your home shows well cosmetically is simply called "staging". You want to stage your home in such a way that creates an atmosphere that draws in your potential buyers to choose your home over the others on the market.
We all know what first impressions can do, and it's no different for your home. When potential home buyers walk through your front door, what do they see and feel? Is the entrance warm and welcoming? Are the foyer walls bare or are they staged with welcoming, beautiful framed pictures? You can't get passed a first impression so you want to make it the best as possible.
As your potential home buyers pass through the entrance and peruse the rest of the home the same rules apply. How warm and cozy does your home feel? Generally speaking people make decisions based on feelings. What kind of feelings are you creating with the décor and style of your home?
Most homes are not staged, but are simply shown as lived in. This is sometimes detrimental to the selling of your home. People tend to see what you show them and if the house is nothing special but just looks lived in, then people tend to get that feeling that there probably is something better out there. You want to offer the potential buyers a glimpse of what their life will be like in the home. So you would want to make it as appealing and luxurious as possible, not just lived in.
Staging a home can be a large process and very laborious. With that in mind there are companies that will do this for you. They are professional stagers that can get your home ready to sell with the right touches and the right look. Granted that these companies will cost you money for their services, it just may pay off in the end when you can get your asking price or near asking price for your home. Also, if your home is being shown but not receiving any offers, this may be an indication that you have not got the right bait. The bait may be staging.
In the tough market that we are in right now home sellers need every advantage possible. The average lived in home may not be appealing enough as the professionally staged home down the street. Look at all your options when putting your home on the market, and don't forget the staging.
Frank Silveria III has been a full-time licensed Realtor in California for approximately 10 years. As a lifelong resident of the San Joaquin County, Frank is one of the most well-known and successful Realtors in the Valley. Specializing in [http://www.thesilveriateam.com]Tracy CA Homes and Mountain House Real Estate the Silveria Team is here to serve. If you would like more information about [http://www.thesilveriateam.com]Tracy CA Homes please feel free to contact us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Silveria http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-a-Warm-Welcome-by-Staging-Your-Home&id=3018301
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Home Staging is Not an Expense, It's an Investment
Home Staging is Not an Expense, It's an Investment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Carpentier]Dawn Carpentier
We just can't say enough about the wonderful consequences of the staging process. The metamorphosis is always amazing and does not have to be costly for the property owner. Often simply de-cluttering and painting, followed by the right placement of furnishings and accessories can make over many properties.
Even staging a home which has been unoccupied for some time can make all the difference to prospective purchasers who can ultimately envision themselves living in a warm and inviting environment instead of an empty home.
Staging and showcasing can be accomplished within a variety of budget constraints, but should always be considered an investment in maximizing the return to the homeowner, instead of an expense.
Professional stagers can be objective, highlighting the positive features of a property, showcasing the various focal points, and in so doing reminding the homeowner of the original reason for the purchase of the home, even though it may have been many years ago. Oftentimes a homeowner gets so comfortable in their own individual style of living that they lose track of how others may view their arrangements and placements. A return to a more traditional setting may require a short term sacrifice on the part of the owner, but also provides the prospective purchaser with a more conventional and perhaps a more acceptable setting. For example by transforming exercise rooms, playrooms or other uses back into the originally intended bedrooms, the purchaser can envision a family environment which better suits their style of living.
Staging is a three step process when done by a professionally trained stager (Canadian Staging Professionals CSPtm). The first step is a comprehensive consultation, with a written report outlining what work is required prior to the actual hands-on staging process. It requires us to visit the premises for an average of about 1 1/2 hours. It involved an overview of about 15 minutes with the homeowner, followed by our tour and taking of photographs. Our subsequent report provides complete details, from the exterior curb appeal perspective, to a room-by-room breakdown of actions required. We outline which items/furniture should stay and which should be removed or put into storage during the marketing phase (viewings and open houses).
If a homeowner has the time and expertise to perform this work, the second stage or "sweat equity" portion of their input in minor repairs and painting is very cost effective. If time constraints for busy homeowners is an issue (or being unable to capably take on these tasks necessitates hiring professionals), a stager can usually either recommend various companies to carry out the work or with the approval of the owner, oversee the completion themselves, for a fee agree upon by the two parties.
Once this work has been completed, the third or showcasing stage can then proceed. It is a one day process requiring a team of CSPtm staging professionals who come into the home and arrange the furnishings and accessories with a view to making it more attractive to potential buyers. Once completed, the homeowner and/or the real estate agent can proceed immediately with offering the property for viewings and open houses. The competitive advantage of staging over unstaged houses in the neighborhood provides an opportunity to sell faster and with a higher return than similarly priced properties, a true investment in the property, with a recovery of the costs involved in the staging.
Dawn Carpentier and [http://www.supremelystaged.com]Supremely Staged specialize in preparing properties for clients for quicker sale for more money.
Take advantage of our gift certificates and our coupons (for discounts on our staging process). More information is available from our site by going to http://www.supremelystaged.com/AboutUs.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Carpentier http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging-is-Not-an-Expense,-Its-an-Investment&id=2951456
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Carpentier]Dawn Carpentier
We just can't say enough about the wonderful consequences of the staging process. The metamorphosis is always amazing and does not have to be costly for the property owner. Often simply de-cluttering and painting, followed by the right placement of furnishings and accessories can make over many properties.
Even staging a home which has been unoccupied for some time can make all the difference to prospective purchasers who can ultimately envision themselves living in a warm and inviting environment instead of an empty home.
Staging and showcasing can be accomplished within a variety of budget constraints, but should always be considered an investment in maximizing the return to the homeowner, instead of an expense.
Professional stagers can be objective, highlighting the positive features of a property, showcasing the various focal points, and in so doing reminding the homeowner of the original reason for the purchase of the home, even though it may have been many years ago. Oftentimes a homeowner gets so comfortable in their own individual style of living that they lose track of how others may view their arrangements and placements. A return to a more traditional setting may require a short term sacrifice on the part of the owner, but also provides the prospective purchaser with a more conventional and perhaps a more acceptable setting. For example by transforming exercise rooms, playrooms or other uses back into the originally intended bedrooms, the purchaser can envision a family environment which better suits their style of living.
Staging is a three step process when done by a professionally trained stager (Canadian Staging Professionals CSPtm). The first step is a comprehensive consultation, with a written report outlining what work is required prior to the actual hands-on staging process. It requires us to visit the premises for an average of about 1 1/2 hours. It involved an overview of about 15 minutes with the homeowner, followed by our tour and taking of photographs. Our subsequent report provides complete details, from the exterior curb appeal perspective, to a room-by-room breakdown of actions required. We outline which items/furniture should stay and which should be removed or put into storage during the marketing phase (viewings and open houses).
If a homeowner has the time and expertise to perform this work, the second stage or "sweat equity" portion of their input in minor repairs and painting is very cost effective. If time constraints for busy homeowners is an issue (or being unable to capably take on these tasks necessitates hiring professionals), a stager can usually either recommend various companies to carry out the work or with the approval of the owner, oversee the completion themselves, for a fee agree upon by the two parties.
Once this work has been completed, the third or showcasing stage can then proceed. It is a one day process requiring a team of CSPtm staging professionals who come into the home and arrange the furnishings and accessories with a view to making it more attractive to potential buyers. Once completed, the homeowner and/or the real estate agent can proceed immediately with offering the property for viewings and open houses. The competitive advantage of staging over unstaged houses in the neighborhood provides an opportunity to sell faster and with a higher return than similarly priced properties, a true investment in the property, with a recovery of the costs involved in the staging.
Dawn Carpentier and [http://www.supremelystaged.com]Supremely Staged specialize in preparing properties for clients for quicker sale for more money.
Take advantage of our gift certificates and our coupons (for discounts on our staging process). More information is available from our site by going to http://www.supremelystaged.com/AboutUs.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Carpentier http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging-is-Not-an-Expense,-Its-an-Investment&id=2951456
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Condos Staging - Why Selling Your Condo For Top Dollar Requires a Little Extra Work
Condos Staging - Why Selling Your Condo For Top Dollar Requires a Little Extra Work
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brett_C._Meade]Brett C. Meade
When trying to sell your home, it is important to remember to prepare it so it is looking its absolute best for showing potential buyers. This process is known as "staging". Not only will staging help you sell your home faster, but it will also make sure that you sell it at the best market price. Staging is especially important to condominium owners, because it can make even the smallest of condos seem more spacious. Some staging tips are quick and inexpensive fixes, while some will requite more time and money. Following all or some of the staging guidelines will help you sell your condo in the most timely and lucrative manner.
The first step in the staging process involves giving your condo a little (or a big) makeover. This can be one of the most time consuming and expensive parts of staging, but it is also one of the most important and will likely pay for itself in the end. The typical condo makeover includes painting and fixing anything that needs repairing. The key with picking paint colors is to think neutral. Even if your walls were freshly painted with your favorite hue of burgundy within the last year, you have to keep in mind that not everyone is going to like that. It is hard for new owners to visualize their taste in color on the walls, so keep the paint colors on the white/ivory/tan side of the color spectrum. This way, a potential buyer can see the walls as their fresh palette on which they can impose their own style. When it comes to making repairs, make sure to fix both the obvious and not-so-obvious. Replacing tiles and filling holes in the walls are givens, but going the extra inch to repair more obscure, such as unhinged cabinets and leaky faucets will pay off in the end.
The next steps in staging are quicker fixes, but they still make a world of difference. A step, especially important in condos, is rearranging and removing furniture to create the illusion of a lot of space. First, clear out any excess furniture. Grandfather clocks, bookshelves, chests and armoires may be some of your favorite pieces, but they also take up a lot of space. So keep only the furniture that is necessary for a home. Buyers won't notice if your oversized chair is missing, but they will notice if you have no dining room table. Aside from removing furniture, other clutter should also be stored away. Keep kitchen counters empty. Even the things you use-coffee makers, toasters, blenders-should be kept out of sight to create the illusion of more counter space. Doing small things around the home can do wonders. Place new, fluffy hand and decorative towels in bathrooms. Remove all rugs and throw pillows and blankets. Make closets appear more spacious by removing some of the clothing. It is also vital that you remove all personal items. Think back to the rule of paint colors: you have to keep it neutral. It is hard for buyers to visualize the condo as their own when your family photo is hanging in the entryway. Take down photos, refrigerator magnets and anything else that is personalized. Also remember that first impressions do make a difference. The outside of your home is the first thing that people will see, so keep that in mind. Make sure your lawn is mowed and weed-free. Plant flowers, paint the front door and display a welcome mat.
The final stage of staging should be done right before the condo is being shown. They are the simple touches that can either make or break a sale. Cleanliness is key. A dirty house is one of the first things to deter potential buyers. Go above and beyond the typical cleaning duties like vacuuming and making the beds. Polish baseboards, clean windowsills and wipe down walls so they are smudge-free. On the actual day of showing, open up curtains and windows. Letting in as much light and fresh air as possible will make rooms appear larger and unstuffy. It is also encouraged to light a candle with a comfort scent, like vanilla or sugar cookie. These smells will make viewers feel right at home. If it works with your real estate agent, leave the house before the condo shows. If you have to be home, send children and pets to stay with friends or family, as they can be negative distractions to viewers.
Though staging your condo may seem like a lot of work, it is well worth it in the end. Just make sure to start the process early so you don't end up stressing at the last minute. Along with following all of the aforementioned tips, ask yourself this question: "If I were buying a condo, what would I want to see?" If you keep this in mind, you'll be sure to find a buyer for your condo.
Brett Meade sells [http://www.seattlecondohunt.com]Seattle condos for RE/MAX Metro Realty. He specializes in [http://www.seattlecondohunt.com/belltown-condos.php]Belltown Condo listings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_C._Meade http://EzineArticles.com/?Condos-Staging---Why-Selling-Your-Condo-For-Top-Dollar-Requires-a-Little-Extra-Work&id=2934735
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brett_C._Meade]Brett C. Meade
When trying to sell your home, it is important to remember to prepare it so it is looking its absolute best for showing potential buyers. This process is known as "staging". Not only will staging help you sell your home faster, but it will also make sure that you sell it at the best market price. Staging is especially important to condominium owners, because it can make even the smallest of condos seem more spacious. Some staging tips are quick and inexpensive fixes, while some will requite more time and money. Following all or some of the staging guidelines will help you sell your condo in the most timely and lucrative manner.
The first step in the staging process involves giving your condo a little (or a big) makeover. This can be one of the most time consuming and expensive parts of staging, but it is also one of the most important and will likely pay for itself in the end. The typical condo makeover includes painting and fixing anything that needs repairing. The key with picking paint colors is to think neutral. Even if your walls were freshly painted with your favorite hue of burgundy within the last year, you have to keep in mind that not everyone is going to like that. It is hard for new owners to visualize their taste in color on the walls, so keep the paint colors on the white/ivory/tan side of the color spectrum. This way, a potential buyer can see the walls as their fresh palette on which they can impose their own style. When it comes to making repairs, make sure to fix both the obvious and not-so-obvious. Replacing tiles and filling holes in the walls are givens, but going the extra inch to repair more obscure, such as unhinged cabinets and leaky faucets will pay off in the end.
The next steps in staging are quicker fixes, but they still make a world of difference. A step, especially important in condos, is rearranging and removing furniture to create the illusion of a lot of space. First, clear out any excess furniture. Grandfather clocks, bookshelves, chests and armoires may be some of your favorite pieces, but they also take up a lot of space. So keep only the furniture that is necessary for a home. Buyers won't notice if your oversized chair is missing, but they will notice if you have no dining room table. Aside from removing furniture, other clutter should also be stored away. Keep kitchen counters empty. Even the things you use-coffee makers, toasters, blenders-should be kept out of sight to create the illusion of more counter space. Doing small things around the home can do wonders. Place new, fluffy hand and decorative towels in bathrooms. Remove all rugs and throw pillows and blankets. Make closets appear more spacious by removing some of the clothing. It is also vital that you remove all personal items. Think back to the rule of paint colors: you have to keep it neutral. It is hard for buyers to visualize the condo as their own when your family photo is hanging in the entryway. Take down photos, refrigerator magnets and anything else that is personalized. Also remember that first impressions do make a difference. The outside of your home is the first thing that people will see, so keep that in mind. Make sure your lawn is mowed and weed-free. Plant flowers, paint the front door and display a welcome mat.
The final stage of staging should be done right before the condo is being shown. They are the simple touches that can either make or break a sale. Cleanliness is key. A dirty house is one of the first things to deter potential buyers. Go above and beyond the typical cleaning duties like vacuuming and making the beds. Polish baseboards, clean windowsills and wipe down walls so they are smudge-free. On the actual day of showing, open up curtains and windows. Letting in as much light and fresh air as possible will make rooms appear larger and unstuffy. It is also encouraged to light a candle with a comfort scent, like vanilla or sugar cookie. These smells will make viewers feel right at home. If it works with your real estate agent, leave the house before the condo shows. If you have to be home, send children and pets to stay with friends or family, as they can be negative distractions to viewers.
Though staging your condo may seem like a lot of work, it is well worth it in the end. Just make sure to start the process early so you don't end up stressing at the last minute. Along with following all of the aforementioned tips, ask yourself this question: "If I were buying a condo, what would I want to see?" If you keep this in mind, you'll be sure to find a buyer for your condo.
Brett Meade sells [http://www.seattlecondohunt.com]Seattle condos for RE/MAX Metro Realty. He specializes in [http://www.seattlecondohunt.com/belltown-condos.php]Belltown Condo listings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_C._Meade http://EzineArticles.com/?Condos-Staging---Why-Selling-Your-Condo-For-Top-Dollar-Requires-a-Little-Extra-Work&id=2934735
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Will I Stage Or Will I Go?
Will I Stage Or Will I Go?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kathie_Shandro]Kathie Shandro
Your real estate agent has suggested that you hire a home stager, but you're not sure. Or you've heard about home staging, and you wonder what it entails. What is home staging, and why should you stage your home?
Home Staging is the process of rearranging your furnishings in order to make your house the preferred home among buyers. It generally includes packing away unneccessary furniture and home decor, especially objects that reflect your personality.
Home Staging does not include washing the windows, sweeping the porch or dusting the furniture. Home cleaning and home repair tasks are necessary to get the highest possible price for your home in the current market.
When your home is staged, the professional you've hired will stand in your living room, in the likely spot that a homebuyer will view the room. From that vantage point, your home stager will work to open the room, making it feel comfortable and inviting.
"But wait, " you might say, "my home is already inviting. My friends always compliment my home." The difference between your friends' perspective and a new homebuyer's perspective is key, however. Your friend looks for reflections of your personality; the homebuyer does not.
Homebuyers are trying to imagine their life in your space, often in less than 10 minutes. It is critical that your furnishings help the buyer "try on" your house to see if it fits. For that reason, homes that are professionally staged sell faster, and for more money, than other homes.
So embrace the idea. Listen closely to the home stager and follow her advice. You'll be glad you did.
Kathie Shandro is an experienced RE/MAX Realtor in Denver, Colorado. Visit Denver-HomesForSale.com for property listings and information about Denver's favorite suburbs, like [http://www.denver-homesforsale.com/denver-cities-castle-pines.php]Castle Pines Village.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathie_Shandro http://EzineArticles.com/?Will-I-Stage-Or-Will-I-Go?&id=2899770
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kathie_Shandro]Kathie Shandro
Your real estate agent has suggested that you hire a home stager, but you're not sure. Or you've heard about home staging, and you wonder what it entails. What is home staging, and why should you stage your home?
Home Staging is the process of rearranging your furnishings in order to make your house the preferred home among buyers. It generally includes packing away unneccessary furniture and home decor, especially objects that reflect your personality.
Home Staging does not include washing the windows, sweeping the porch or dusting the furniture. Home cleaning and home repair tasks are necessary to get the highest possible price for your home in the current market.
When your home is staged, the professional you've hired will stand in your living room, in the likely spot that a homebuyer will view the room. From that vantage point, your home stager will work to open the room, making it feel comfortable and inviting.
"But wait, " you might say, "my home is already inviting. My friends always compliment my home." The difference between your friends' perspective and a new homebuyer's perspective is key, however. Your friend looks for reflections of your personality; the homebuyer does not.
Homebuyers are trying to imagine their life in your space, often in less than 10 minutes. It is critical that your furnishings help the buyer "try on" your house to see if it fits. For that reason, homes that are professionally staged sell faster, and for more money, than other homes.
So embrace the idea. Listen closely to the home stager and follow her advice. You'll be glad you did.
Kathie Shandro is an experienced RE/MAX Realtor in Denver, Colorado. Visit Denver-HomesForSale.com for property listings and information about Denver's favorite suburbs, like [http://www.denver-homesforsale.com/denver-cities-castle-pines.php]Castle Pines Village.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathie_Shandro http://EzineArticles.com/?Will-I-Stage-Or-Will-I-Go?&id=2899770
Friday, September 18, 2009
9 Reasons Why the Flow Must Be Consistent
9 Reasons Why the Flow Must Be Consistent
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Parris]Joanna Parris
It would have been and easy sale if...IF some care and attention had been put into preparing this particular home for sale before it was placed on the market.
There was quickness in their steps and a look of excitement on the faces of the prospective buyers as they walked towards the front door. That was because this house promised to be the house of their dreams. Twenty-five hundred square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal dining room, a family room, an office etc., it seemed that this property was tailor made for them. The lawn was well manicured; the trees pruned and healthy looking; the roof was one year old; the windows were recently installed and still under warrantee; everything seemed just right. Then they walked into the foyer and their faces fell; they looked back to the bright well kept front lawn, and then looked again at the walls which were painted in a very dark green that seemed to envelope them and crush their enthusiasm. They proceeded with less of a bounce to their step, yet still expecting that the next room they entered would be more in keeping with the image that was created in their minds from the very pleasing curb appeal. But no, this room had its own problems; they could not identify the focal point, there was too much stuff - mismatched pieces of furniture; accessories that stuck out like sore thumbs and the room had no clear cut function.
The tour of what could have been their dream home was cut short, as they did an about face and headed for the front door. A look of disappointment had replaced the excitement and expectation - It could have been an easy sale, IF, the sellers had taken the time to prepare the property for sale. Curb appeal IS a big seller, but the flow in remainder of the property must be consistent. It is easy to correct some common mistakes by doing the following: Light neutral colours are most pleasing and much easier on the eyes.
Each room should have a function - furniture should give a clue as to the use of the room.
A focal point should be highlighted; having several focal points is confusing. The focal point in a family room is usually the fireplace, or a window.
Balance is crucial to good design in a room. The furniture should be on scale with the size of the room and strategically placed.
Accessories are meant to "finish" a room or to add some colour; but there must be some relationship or connection.
Artwork should not be hung too high; the pieces should be at eyelevel, but not to the level of the tallest person in the home.
Too many art pieces would create a sense of clutter; the eye does need some blank spaces upon which to rest.
Rugs should fit and not float. If furniture fits half on and half off the rug, it gives the appearance of floating.
Lighting is extremely important to "lift" a room, open curtains so that natural light flows though and have enough lighting so the room appears bright.It would have been an easy sale, IF, someone had prepared the place for sale. Your individual taste or style is not necessarily universal. Get professional advice and make that sale happen easily.
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Stating Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at [mailto:Joanna@effectivestaging.com]Joanna@effectivestaging.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Parris http://EzineArticles.com/?9-Reasons-Why-the-Flow-Must-Be-Consistent&id=2850519
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Parris]Joanna Parris
It would have been and easy sale if...IF some care and attention had been put into preparing this particular home for sale before it was placed on the market.
There was quickness in their steps and a look of excitement on the faces of the prospective buyers as they walked towards the front door. That was because this house promised to be the house of their dreams. Twenty-five hundred square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a formal dining room, a family room, an office etc., it seemed that this property was tailor made for them. The lawn was well manicured; the trees pruned and healthy looking; the roof was one year old; the windows were recently installed and still under warrantee; everything seemed just right. Then they walked into the foyer and their faces fell; they looked back to the bright well kept front lawn, and then looked again at the walls which were painted in a very dark green that seemed to envelope them and crush their enthusiasm. They proceeded with less of a bounce to their step, yet still expecting that the next room they entered would be more in keeping with the image that was created in their minds from the very pleasing curb appeal. But no, this room had its own problems; they could not identify the focal point, there was too much stuff - mismatched pieces of furniture; accessories that stuck out like sore thumbs and the room had no clear cut function.
The tour of what could have been their dream home was cut short, as they did an about face and headed for the front door. A look of disappointment had replaced the excitement and expectation - It could have been an easy sale, IF, the sellers had taken the time to prepare the property for sale. Curb appeal IS a big seller, but the flow in remainder of the property must be consistent. It is easy to correct some common mistakes by doing the following: Light neutral colours are most pleasing and much easier on the eyes.
Each room should have a function - furniture should give a clue as to the use of the room.
A focal point should be highlighted; having several focal points is confusing. The focal point in a family room is usually the fireplace, or a window.
Balance is crucial to good design in a room. The furniture should be on scale with the size of the room and strategically placed.
Accessories are meant to "finish" a room or to add some colour; but there must be some relationship or connection.
Artwork should not be hung too high; the pieces should be at eyelevel, but not to the level of the tallest person in the home.
Too many art pieces would create a sense of clutter; the eye does need some blank spaces upon which to rest.
Rugs should fit and not float. If furniture fits half on and half off the rug, it gives the appearance of floating.
Lighting is extremely important to "lift" a room, open curtains so that natural light flows though and have enough lighting so the room appears bright.It would have been an easy sale, IF, someone had prepared the place for sale. Your individual taste or style is not necessarily universal. Get professional advice and make that sale happen easily.
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Stating Expert; President, Durham Chapter - RESA (Real Estate Staging Association); member of SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) and certified Senior Move Manager (cSMM) - she can be reached at [mailto:Joanna@effectivestaging.com]Joanna@effectivestaging.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Parris http://EzineArticles.com/?9-Reasons-Why-the-Flow-Must-Be-Consistent&id=2850519
Thursday, September 17, 2009
STOP!!! Before you reduce the price on your listing...have you considered this???
HOME STAGING!!
Instead of lowering the price on your property consider staging it! Statistics have shown that staging your property will help sell your home much faster and usually for list price! Yes list price! Even in today's wishy washy real estate market homes are selling at or about what the list price is -when using a Home Staging Service! The value of home staging is worth the price you pay and is usually much less than what you are just about to lower the sales price to! Do you still live in the home while it is listed? Home Staging Professionals can swoop into your home..help you de-clutter, tell you how to arrange what you have and give you hints to help you redecorate! Would you rather reduce your sale price by $10,000 (or more) OR hire a Professional Home Staging Company to bring a sense of value and luxury to your home and sell it for what you wanted when you orginally placed it on the market?
Showcase Staging Houston services all of the Greater Houston Real Estate Market. We have several packages to suit your needs and budget. Ask us about our Pay At The Close of Escrow Package. Save Time and Money - No Upfront Fees!
Http://www.showcasestaginghouston.com
Areas Served: Houston, Midtown, Inner Loop, Galleria, River Oaks, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Friendswood, League City, Pearland, Heights, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Champions...
Instead of lowering the price on your property consider staging it! Statistics have shown that staging your property will help sell your home much faster and usually for list price! Yes list price! Even in today's wishy washy real estate market homes are selling at or about what the list price is -when using a Home Staging Service! The value of home staging is worth the price you pay and is usually much less than what you are just about to lower the sales price to! Do you still live in the home while it is listed? Home Staging Professionals can swoop into your home..help you de-clutter, tell you how to arrange what you have and give you hints to help you redecorate! Would you rather reduce your sale price by $10,000 (or more) OR hire a Professional Home Staging Company to bring a sense of value and luxury to your home and sell it for what you wanted when you orginally placed it on the market?
Showcase Staging Houston services all of the Greater Houston Real Estate Market. We have several packages to suit your needs and budget. Ask us about our Pay At The Close of Escrow Package. Save Time and Money - No Upfront Fees!
Http://www.showcasestaginghouston.com
Areas Served: Houston, Midtown, Inner Loop, Galleria, River Oaks, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Friendswood, League City, Pearland, Heights, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood, Humble, Champions...
Monday, September 14, 2009
Why Home Staging Pays Off For Savvy Realtors - Staging Creates Traffic
Why Home Staging Pays Off For Savvy Realtors - Staging Creates TrafficBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Fasnacht]Mary Fasnacht
Professional Home Staging Increases Traffic To Your Listings
While traffic on the freeway is literally a pain in the rear, traffic through your listings is absolutely crucial to your selling success. So how do you drive traffic to your listings and get prospective buyers walking through the door?
You start by making the best of your online presentation. These days approximately 90% of buyers start their home search online. And you have only a few short seconds to pique their interest or your chance to sell to them will pass with the simple click of their mouse.
Outdated house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
Confusing house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
Cluttered house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
In order to avoid the "click" and make a potential buyer's "must see" list, you need to make sure your listings look terrific in both MLS photos and virtual tours. What is the best way to ensure your listings look as good as possible online so they will drive traffic to your listings?
Professional Home Staging will be crucial to your selling success.
Effective home staging will address issues like flow, function, space, clutter, cleanliness, style, odor and animal issues, and curb appeal. It will also ensure your property appeals to the broadest range of buyers and that its best features are clearly highlighted while minimizing any challenges.
Real estate selling is one time when traffic is a very good thing. The more traffic, the more likely the listing will sell, and sell quickly. It's like the line from the movie Field of Dreams, "Build it and they will come." When you are selling it's, Stage it and they will come - and they will buy!
Mary Fasnacht of Feels Like Home Interiors provides home staging and interior redesign services. She helps home sellers in Washington County, PA and the surrounding Pittsburgh, PA area prepare their homes to make the best possible impression in today's challenging market helping them to be successful sellers. Please visit her website at http://www.feelslikehomeinteriors.com/ to find out more about how she can make a difference for your home or listings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Fasnacht http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Home-Staging-Pays-Off-For-Savvy-Realtors---Staging-Creates-Traffic&id=2795891
Professional Home Staging Increases Traffic To Your Listings
While traffic on the freeway is literally a pain in the rear, traffic through your listings is absolutely crucial to your selling success. So how do you drive traffic to your listings and get prospective buyers walking through the door?
You start by making the best of your online presentation. These days approximately 90% of buyers start their home search online. And you have only a few short seconds to pique their interest or your chance to sell to them will pass with the simple click of their mouse.
Outdated house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
Confusing house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
Cluttered house-CLICK and on to the next listing!
In order to avoid the "click" and make a potential buyer's "must see" list, you need to make sure your listings look terrific in both MLS photos and virtual tours. What is the best way to ensure your listings look as good as possible online so they will drive traffic to your listings?
Professional Home Staging will be crucial to your selling success.
Effective home staging will address issues like flow, function, space, clutter, cleanliness, style, odor and animal issues, and curb appeal. It will also ensure your property appeals to the broadest range of buyers and that its best features are clearly highlighted while minimizing any challenges.
Real estate selling is one time when traffic is a very good thing. The more traffic, the more likely the listing will sell, and sell quickly. It's like the line from the movie Field of Dreams, "Build it and they will come." When you are selling it's, Stage it and they will come - and they will buy!
Mary Fasnacht of Feels Like Home Interiors provides home staging and interior redesign services. She helps home sellers in Washington County, PA and the surrounding Pittsburgh, PA area prepare their homes to make the best possible impression in today's challenging market helping them to be successful sellers. Please visit her website at http://www.feelslikehomeinteriors.com/ to find out more about how she can make a difference for your home or listings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Fasnacht http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Home-Staging-Pays-Off-For-Savvy-Realtors---Staging-Creates-Traffic&id=2795891
Friday, September 11, 2009
Texas Economy Stabilizing?
I received this via a post from Linkedin - It is an exerpt from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas - The Dallas Beige Book - I have the link for the entire article posted at the bottom but thought I would highlight the Construction and Real Estate section to share with you all:
"Construction and Real Estate Sales of low-to moderately-priced homes continued to improve over the past six weeks as buyers took advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax incentive. Sales of higher priced homes and condos remained slow according contacts. New home construction ticked up, but some respondents said it was more related to inventory replacement than sustainable improvement in demand, as builders had depleted most of their standing inventory during the downturn. Home values continue to hold up better in Texas than in many other areas of the country, and respondents were pleasantly surprised by recent figures that suggest prices may be firming. Despite some positive signs, contacts are hesitant to suggest a sustained recovery in the housing industry in the near term.
Commercial leasing activity remains sluggish. Some contacts said owners were offering early renewal of office and warehouse space, but tenants were hesitant to commit. Investment property sales are "dead in the water," although there were still reports of increased investor interest. Contacts continue to express concern about the large share of commercial real estate loans up for renewal, but for now lenders appear to be extending the loans. Commercial construction activity is at historically low levels, and many contacts said the stimulus funds were not expected to help much. Most contacts don't expect conditions to improve until 2011"
http://www.dallasfed.org/research/beige/2009/bb090909.html
We all need some good news and hopefully signs of a recovering economy! Keep your chins up!
"Construction and Real Estate Sales of low-to moderately-priced homes continued to improve over the past six weeks as buyers took advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax incentive. Sales of higher priced homes and condos remained slow according contacts. New home construction ticked up, but some respondents said it was more related to inventory replacement than sustainable improvement in demand, as builders had depleted most of their standing inventory during the downturn. Home values continue to hold up better in Texas than in many other areas of the country, and respondents were pleasantly surprised by recent figures that suggest prices may be firming. Despite some positive signs, contacts are hesitant to suggest a sustained recovery in the housing industry in the near term.
Commercial leasing activity remains sluggish. Some contacts said owners were offering early renewal of office and warehouse space, but tenants were hesitant to commit. Investment property sales are "dead in the water," although there were still reports of increased investor interest. Contacts continue to express concern about the large share of commercial real estate loans up for renewal, but for now lenders appear to be extending the loans. Commercial construction activity is at historically low levels, and many contacts said the stimulus funds were not expected to help much. Most contacts don't expect conditions to improve until 2011"
http://www.dallasfed.org/research/beige/2009/bb090909.html
We all need some good news and hopefully signs of a recovering economy! Keep your chins up!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Curb Appeal! It's more important than you think!
Do you realize the first thing any prospective client will see when they pull up to your property is the front yard? Now that seems kind of like I'm being silly.. Of Course you know that right?? So don't scrimp on putting some money into making it look fantastic! You want folks to pull up to your property and go wow..what a beautiful home! If they drive by and see Sanford and Sons has taken up residence they will drive by..if they see...a dead lawn and broken sprinklers and lots of weeds...trust me they will likely keep on going. Take a walk out to the street and take a good look at your property. It may only need some minor repairs and freshening up! Clean out the leaves in the gutters...power wash the roof and sides and the driveway too! Make sure all the sprinklers are working...trim down some of the tree limbs and any bushes you may have. Can you see the home clearly from the street? If not then you need to! These trees shading your property may be cutting out a lot of the light that could help brighten up the inside of the home. People love natural light! You're not into yardwork?? Well who is? With a small investment of likely less than a few hundred dollars you can have your yard looking awesome and buyers will WANT to see the inside of your home... just make sure the inside looks as good as the outside ;) Happy Tree Timming!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Staging Your Home to Get More Showings
Staging Your Home to Get More Showings
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver]Tina Traver
Staging your home will make it more receptive and inviting to buyers. Has your home been on the market for a while now? Are you getting showings but no offers? A little bit of work on your behalf will help your situation and produce more showings.
The days of just cleaning and painting before putting your home on the market are over. Staging your home is a process of marketing that will make your home stand out above the rest. This process ensures that buyers will be more attracted to your property which will in turn produce more showings and a quicker sale.
If your home is already on the market, you need to get right to work. Start by addressing the curb appeal of your home. Most buyers drive by several homes at once before making an appointment to go inside any of them. If you were the buyer, what would your first impression be of the outside of your home? Would you want to take the next step and see the inside?
Determine your budget and dig in by doing any repairs that take way from your curb appeal. Your goal is get these buyers inside your front door. Staging your home to improve its curb appeal should make buyers say "wow" when they pull up to your driveway.
Now you can move to the interior of your home. Your goal here is to make your home as welcoming, appealing, and attractive as possible. You need to make your buyers feel like this is the home for them by producing an inviting space where they would love to live.
You will need to enhance your living space by emphasizing its best selling features. Each room should reflect its intended function. For example, the living room should be the living room, not the office. De-personalize so your buyers can see themselves in each space, not you. Make use of harmonious color that looks fresh and clean. Take a look at your lighting because buyers love homes that are light and bright.
And most importantly, don't give up. Staging your home is the best way to make it more appealing and marketable. Taking the time and spending the money to stage your home is much more effective and will cost less than reducing your asking price. When your home is in tip top shape the quality of your showings will be better and you will get more of them. You will increase the changes of buyers coming back for a second look.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! Visit my site to learn more [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home-to-Get-More-Showings&id=2778477
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver]Tina Traver
Staging your home will make it more receptive and inviting to buyers. Has your home been on the market for a while now? Are you getting showings but no offers? A little bit of work on your behalf will help your situation and produce more showings.
The days of just cleaning and painting before putting your home on the market are over. Staging your home is a process of marketing that will make your home stand out above the rest. This process ensures that buyers will be more attracted to your property which will in turn produce more showings and a quicker sale.
If your home is already on the market, you need to get right to work. Start by addressing the curb appeal of your home. Most buyers drive by several homes at once before making an appointment to go inside any of them. If you were the buyer, what would your first impression be of the outside of your home? Would you want to take the next step and see the inside?
Determine your budget and dig in by doing any repairs that take way from your curb appeal. Your goal is get these buyers inside your front door. Staging your home to improve its curb appeal should make buyers say "wow" when they pull up to your driveway.
Now you can move to the interior of your home. Your goal here is to make your home as welcoming, appealing, and attractive as possible. You need to make your buyers feel like this is the home for them by producing an inviting space where they would love to live.
You will need to enhance your living space by emphasizing its best selling features. Each room should reflect its intended function. For example, the living room should be the living room, not the office. De-personalize so your buyers can see themselves in each space, not you. Make use of harmonious color that looks fresh and clean. Take a look at your lighting because buyers love homes that are light and bright.
And most importantly, don't give up. Staging your home is the best way to make it more appealing and marketable. Taking the time and spending the money to stage your home is much more effective and will cost less than reducing your asking price. When your home is in tip top shape the quality of your showings will be better and you will get more of them. You will increase the changes of buyers coming back for a second look.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! Visit my site to learn more [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home-to-Get-More-Showings&id=2778477
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Staging Your Home - 5 Tips For the Kitchen
Staging Your Home - 5 Tips For the Kitchen
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver]Tina Traver
Every home has a focal point that needs to be centered on when you are staging your home. In most cases, the kitchen is the room that we're talking about. For most homeowners, this is the hub of your home where much of your time is spend. Buyers want organized and updated kitchens. These 5 tips will help you give them what they're looking for.
Depersonalize your kitchen. Is your refrigerator covered with drawings, pictures, magnets, and notes? These things are very distracting to buyers so remove all of them. You also need to depersonalize your counter space, something that many homeowners neglect to do. Store your toasters, coffee pots, and any other small appliances somewhere besides your countertops. Doing this will make your kitchen and the counter space look bigger.
Remove any wallpaper and borders. When buyers see wallpaper, borders, or stenciling, they see work that needs to be done on their behalf. Staging your kitchen correctly will remove those feelings of apprehension. Applying a coat of fresh paint with a color that is appealing against your cupboards is a good way to freshen the room.
Inspect your cupboards. Take some time to check for scratches and scuff marks on the cupboards. Determine how old the hardware is and whether it needs to be updated. Your local home improvement store sells markers in various wood tones that you can use to fill in any scratch marks. Updating your hardware is relatively inexpensive and will give the cupboards a new look.
Give old flooring the heave ho. Updated flooring is one of the top three features that buyers look for when viewing a home. If you can only afford to replace one floor in the entire house make it the kitchen floor. Hardwood, laminate, and tile are the most popular options. Others include vinyl and carpet so replace with whatever is in your budget.
Update appliances. If your appliances are old and outdated they will detract from the character of the kitchen. There are a couple of angles that you can look at with appliances. If this is an expense that you weren't planning on addressing, you could buy new, not include them in the sale of the home, and take them with you to your new home. Or you could buy new with fewer features to save money, and leave them with the home.
Staging your home is one of the most important steps of the preparation process. Spending money on your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase the equity of your home.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! Kitchens are important but so are the other rooms in your home. Visit my site to learn more [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home---5-Tips-For-the-Kitchen&id=2808232
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver]Tina Traver
Every home has a focal point that needs to be centered on when you are staging your home. In most cases, the kitchen is the room that we're talking about. For most homeowners, this is the hub of your home where much of your time is spend. Buyers want organized and updated kitchens. These 5 tips will help you give them what they're looking for.
Depersonalize your kitchen. Is your refrigerator covered with drawings, pictures, magnets, and notes? These things are very distracting to buyers so remove all of them. You also need to depersonalize your counter space, something that many homeowners neglect to do. Store your toasters, coffee pots, and any other small appliances somewhere besides your countertops. Doing this will make your kitchen and the counter space look bigger.
Remove any wallpaper and borders. When buyers see wallpaper, borders, or stenciling, they see work that needs to be done on their behalf. Staging your kitchen correctly will remove those feelings of apprehension. Applying a coat of fresh paint with a color that is appealing against your cupboards is a good way to freshen the room.
Inspect your cupboards. Take some time to check for scratches and scuff marks on the cupboards. Determine how old the hardware is and whether it needs to be updated. Your local home improvement store sells markers in various wood tones that you can use to fill in any scratch marks. Updating your hardware is relatively inexpensive and will give the cupboards a new look.
Give old flooring the heave ho. Updated flooring is one of the top three features that buyers look for when viewing a home. If you can only afford to replace one floor in the entire house make it the kitchen floor. Hardwood, laminate, and tile are the most popular options. Others include vinyl and carpet so replace with whatever is in your budget.
Update appliances. If your appliances are old and outdated they will detract from the character of the kitchen. There are a couple of angles that you can look at with appliances. If this is an expense that you weren't planning on addressing, you could buy new, not include them in the sale of the home, and take them with you to your new home. Or you could buy new with fewer features to save money, and leave them with the home.
Staging your home is one of the most important steps of the preparation process. Spending money on your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase the equity of your home.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! Kitchens are important but so are the other rooms in your home. Visit my site to learn more [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home---5-Tips-For-the-Kitchen&id=2808232
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Staging Your Home - 5 Cool Cleaning Tips
Staging Your Home - 5 Cool Cleaning Tips By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver]Tina Traver
Are you getting ready to sell your home? Are you stressing over the cleaning that you need to do before people start viewing the home? Staging your home by making it spic and span will help sell it faster. Check out these inexpensive cleaning supplies that will make your life much easier.
Hair Dryer. Yes, you read that right - a hair dryer. We all have one of them but did you know that you can use them when cleaning your artificial plants? Turn them on low and gently blow off the dust on all of your plants and trees.
Pledge. It's not just for dusting your tables anymore. Once you've used your hair dryer to remove most of the dust on your artificial plants use your pledge to clean the leaves. You don't need to wipe each leaf clean. Just gently spray the entire plant and they will look great. Did you think that staging your home would be this easy?
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This is an incredible product that you can use anywhere in your home. It is great for removing scuff marks on floors, doors, trim, and baseboards. Use it in the tub and on shower doors to remove soap scum. It even removes crayon and fingerprints from walls. If you've never used one before, you'll be glad you tried it.
Krud Kutter. This cleaner is a degreaser and stain remover all in one. It works great on tough stains like glue, grease, oil, permanent marker, and tape residue. Use it in your kitchen to get rid of grease stains. It's also good for wax, lipstick marks and pet stains.
Aluminum Foil. Here's another household staple that you can use as a simple solution for a common problem. If you have scratches in your stainless steel you can rub them out with aluminum foil. What a quick and easy fix!
These products will give you a great start when you're ready to start staging your home.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! For more cleaning tips visit my site at [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home---5-Cool-Cleaning-Tips&id=2808260
Are you getting ready to sell your home? Are you stressing over the cleaning that you need to do before people start viewing the home? Staging your home by making it spic and span will help sell it faster. Check out these inexpensive cleaning supplies that will make your life much easier.
Hair Dryer. Yes, you read that right - a hair dryer. We all have one of them but did you know that you can use them when cleaning your artificial plants? Turn them on low and gently blow off the dust on all of your plants and trees.
Pledge. It's not just for dusting your tables anymore. Once you've used your hair dryer to remove most of the dust on your artificial plants use your pledge to clean the leaves. You don't need to wipe each leaf clean. Just gently spray the entire plant and they will look great. Did you think that staging your home would be this easy?
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This is an incredible product that you can use anywhere in your home. It is great for removing scuff marks on floors, doors, trim, and baseboards. Use it in the tub and on shower doors to remove soap scum. It even removes crayon and fingerprints from walls. If you've never used one before, you'll be glad you tried it.
Krud Kutter. This cleaner is a degreaser and stain remover all in one. It works great on tough stains like glue, grease, oil, permanent marker, and tape residue. Use it in your kitchen to get rid of grease stains. It's also good for wax, lipstick marks and pet stains.
Aluminum Foil. Here's another household staple that you can use as a simple solution for a common problem. If you have scratches in your stainless steel you can rub them out with aluminum foil. What a quick and easy fix!
These products will give you a great start when you're ready to start staging your home.
Did you know that the average days on market for many homes is 180 days or more? Can you afford to wait that long for a sale? [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]Staging your home can cut that time in half (or even more)! For more cleaning tips visit my site at [http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster]http://www.squidoo.com/staging-your-home-so-it-sells-faster.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Traver http://EzineArticles.com/?Staging-Your-Home---5-Cool-Cleaning-Tips&id=2808260
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Home Staging For Real Estate Sales - A New Tool For Your Tool Box
Home Staging For Real Estate Sales - A New Tool For Your Tool Box By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jo_Ann_Coulter-Wientjes]Jo Ann Coulter-Wientjes
Home Staging for Real Estate Sales is not a new concept in most of the United States; however it is a bit of new tool in some part of the country. Home Staging is the process of preparing your property for sale by setting the scene throughout the house to create immediate buyer interest in your property. It is also a proven way to increase the chances of your property selling in a timely manner. It has been around since the late 1970's when the real estate market on the west coast took a dive into the deep end of the pool. Staging helped sell listings that had previously been on the market for a lengthy time.
The latest statistics from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) indicates that occupied homes not previously staged were on the market for around 57 days, but when staged were only on the market on average for 6 days, a significant reduction. Vacant homes not previously staged were on the market for around 190 days, but when staged were only on the market on average for 28 days.
Home owner's have previously been left to their own devices in preparing their homes for the real estate market. Sometimes Realtors will stage a home or make suggestions, but most of the time the owners choose to ignore their suggestions. Some home owner's think it is the job of the Realtor to Stage their home. It's not the Realtor's job, their job is to MARKET the home to potential buyers and other Realtors in an effort to secure the sale. Many times I am told by Realtors in the New Orleans region that they are truly afraid to tell the home owner to do certain things to improve the chances for a sale. They are afraid of offending or hurting the client's feelings because of fear they will loose the listing. That is exactly when a Stager can come in handy. A Stager can perform an assessment of the home that will inform the owner and the Realtor of all the things that need to be done to the home prior to listing. Now the Realtor is off the hook and doesn't come off as the bad guy to the home owner.
First impressions are everything in real estate sales. A seller has four opportunities to grasp a buyer's attention; when they drive up to the home, as they walk toward the front door, at the front door and in the entry. If you haven't gotten their attention by the entrance to the home they probably will have little interest for the remainder. Buyers are more attracted to houses they have to do very little to in order to be at home in them. Today's buyers are more savvy than ever before and the choices in the New Orleans region are significant. Realtors and home owners can no longer afford to do business as in the past, it's a new day in New Orleans and business practices have to change to accommodate the situations we are presently in.
The cost of Staging an occupied home can be as little as $400 and range into the thousands for vacant homes where furniture rental is involved. A little known benefit is that Staging is considered tax deductible as an expense to sell the home. It is tax deductible for both the home owner and the Realtor, so either one could Stage the home and it would be an expense to sell the home, it is considered marketing fees for the home owner and a cost of doing business or advertising fees for the Realtor. For additional information, check IRS Publication 523 and talk with your accountant.
There are a number of ways to locate a Stager in your area. There are website online directories you can check and the Interior Redesign Directory is just one of them. Each of these websites has a directory for you to locate a Stager. You can also perform a web search for Home Staging and then further refine your search for your area.
The next most important tool is to properly price your home. We are all emotionally invested in our homes and a lot of times we think they are worth a lot more than they really are. Trust your Realtor when they suggest that the home should be priced lower than you want. Selling real estate is what they do as a profession and they have access to a lot more information and experience in that arena than we as home owners.
If you are thinking about Staging your property remember that you, your Realtor and the Stager are a team. The team is like a three legged stool, if one member fails then the stool can't stand upright. You are all working toward the same goal, to post that SOLD sign.
Jo Ann Coulter-Wientjes owns Sudden Change Interiors in Metairie, LA. since 2007. She enjoys teaching & helping others get organized and Staging homes so they sell in a timely manner.
Home Staging for Real Estate Sales is not a new concept in most of the United States; however it is a bit of new tool in some part of the country. Home Staging is the process of preparing your property for sale by setting the scene throughout the house to create immediate buyer interest in your property. It is also a proven way to increase the chances of your property selling in a timely manner. It has been around since the late 1970's when the real estate market on the west coast took a dive into the deep end of the pool. Staging helped sell listings that had previously been on the market for a lengthy time.
The latest statistics from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) indicates that occupied homes not previously staged were on the market for around 57 days, but when staged were only on the market on average for 6 days, a significant reduction. Vacant homes not previously staged were on the market for around 190 days, but when staged were only on the market on average for 28 days.
Home owner's have previously been left to their own devices in preparing their homes for the real estate market. Sometimes Realtors will stage a home or make suggestions, but most of the time the owners choose to ignore their suggestions. Some home owner's think it is the job of the Realtor to Stage their home. It's not the Realtor's job, their job is to MARKET the home to potential buyers and other Realtors in an effort to secure the sale. Many times I am told by Realtors in the New Orleans region that they are truly afraid to tell the home owner to do certain things to improve the chances for a sale. They are afraid of offending or hurting the client's feelings because of fear they will loose the listing. That is exactly when a Stager can come in handy. A Stager can perform an assessment of the home that will inform the owner and the Realtor of all the things that need to be done to the home prior to listing. Now the Realtor is off the hook and doesn't come off as the bad guy to the home owner.
First impressions are everything in real estate sales. A seller has four opportunities to grasp a buyer's attention; when they drive up to the home, as they walk toward the front door, at the front door and in the entry. If you haven't gotten their attention by the entrance to the home they probably will have little interest for the remainder. Buyers are more attracted to houses they have to do very little to in order to be at home in them. Today's buyers are more savvy than ever before and the choices in the New Orleans region are significant. Realtors and home owners can no longer afford to do business as in the past, it's a new day in New Orleans and business practices have to change to accommodate the situations we are presently in.
The cost of Staging an occupied home can be as little as $400 and range into the thousands for vacant homes where furniture rental is involved. A little known benefit is that Staging is considered tax deductible as an expense to sell the home. It is tax deductible for both the home owner and the Realtor, so either one could Stage the home and it would be an expense to sell the home, it is considered marketing fees for the home owner and a cost of doing business or advertising fees for the Realtor. For additional information, check IRS Publication 523 and talk with your accountant.
There are a number of ways to locate a Stager in your area. There are website online directories you can check and the Interior Redesign Directory is just one of them. Each of these websites has a directory for you to locate a Stager. You can also perform a web search for Home Staging and then further refine your search for your area.
The next most important tool is to properly price your home. We are all emotionally invested in our homes and a lot of times we think they are worth a lot more than they really are. Trust your Realtor when they suggest that the home should be priced lower than you want. Selling real estate is what they do as a profession and they have access to a lot more information and experience in that arena than we as home owners.
If you are thinking about Staging your property remember that you, your Realtor and the Stager are a team. The team is like a three legged stool, if one member fails then the stool can't stand upright. You are all working toward the same goal, to post that SOLD sign.
Jo Ann Coulter-Wientjes owns Sudden Change Interiors in Metairie, LA. since 2007. She enjoys teaching & helping others get organized and Staging homes so they sell in a timely manner.
Jo Ann can be reached at http://www.suddenchangeinteriors.com or 504-459-3527.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Ann_Coulter-Wientjes http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging-For-Real-Estate-Sales---A-New-Tool-For-Your-Tool-Box&id=2708428
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Ann_Coulter-Wientjes http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging-For-Real-Estate-Sales---A-New-Tool-For-Your-Tool-Box&id=2708428
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Home Staging - Professional Service Slashes Time and Increases Profit
Home Staging - Professional Service Slashes Time and Increases Profit By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Teri_B_Clark]Teri B Clark
It's time to put your home on the market. You've hired a real estate agent. You've signed all the papers. You've been given the typical remarks about keeping your home neat and ready for potential buyers. And now you wait. Or do you?
Instead of waiting the typical 4+ months and then taking a reduced price on your home, why not invest in a home staging professional! Doing so will drastically decrease the amount of time your home spends on the market - up to 20 times faster - as well as increase the amount you get for your home - six percent over listing is typical!
What is Home Staging?
Home staging is simply the art of preparing your home for sale. Basically, there are five steps to home staging:
- Cleaning
- Getting rid of clutter
- Depersonalizing
- Decorating and accessorizing
- Maintaining
In days gone by, home staging consisted of advice by your real estate agent to "clean up" and "de-clutter." If you had a savvy agent, you may have even been told to add fresh flowers or fresh linens in the bathroom. However, being a real estate professional is not the same thing as being a design professional.
Professional home stagers know exactly what to do to create the right atmosphere. They not only tell you to de-clutter, but know exactly what to do in order to create a clutter free environment. They can walk through your home and know immediately if you need to remove or rearrange furniture. With just a quick visit, they can tell you what will enhance your homes curb appeal.
Why Does Home Staging Matter?
When it comes to sales, first impressions are everything. A potential homebuyer will often decide to enter a home based on the outside appearance. And once inside, they make up their mind about a home within about 10 seconds. This means that you have 10 seconds to create an atmosphere that entices the imagination and creates a longing in the buyer.
Home staging is the way to create that desire and longing. Through home staging, you can put your home's best foot forward.
Professional or Do-It-Yourself?
Professional home staging services are not free and many people believe that they can save money by doing it themselves. However, there are many pitfalls to the "do-it-yourself" mentality.
1. You obviously like the look of your home or you wouldn't have created it, right? Making changes can be downright difficult when you love your things and feel that your home is comfortable "as is." A professional can help you step back and see your home in the same way that a potential buyer will see it. They help you take yourself out of the home so that the homebuyers can see themselves in it!
2. What do you know about color, lighting, and traffic flow? If you are like most people, you know very little about these things. Although the colors or the traffic pattern worked for you and your family, a professional can see issues that will keep your home from having that "instant appeal." Remember, buyers are not buying "your" house - they are buying "their" house!
3. Can you walk through your home and instantly list 10 inexpensive ways to increase the value of your home? Home stagers can. They know how to make the changes in a timely manner so that you can get your home on the market quickly. They view your home from the buyer's point of view and can tell you what to store, what to keep, what to move, and what will add that pizzazz that will make your home sell.
Is Home Staging Cost Effective?
One of the most important things you can do to sell your home quickly and for the highest possible price is to "stage" it. The proof is in the pudding:
- According to the National Association of Realtors, for every dollar sellers put into staging, they get $4 back
- The average increase over the listing price is 6.32%. On a $500,000 house, that is nearly $32,000 and will more than pay for your professional real estate agent! Think of home staging as a way to get your real estate agent for free!
A real estate professional has the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to sell your home. A home stager has the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to prepare your home for the sale. Although professional services are not free, the cost of the services more than exceeds the benefits received!
Selling your home can be a trying time. Why wouldn't you want to decrease the time your home spends on the market while increasing your sales price? Relying on a home stager can make all the difference.
Teri B Clark is a professional writer and published author. Her most recent book, 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought, explains these tips in more detail and offers many, many others. To learn more about Teri's latest book, visit http://staging-your-home.blogspot.com/ or sign up for a free newsletter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_B_Clark http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging---Professional-Service-Slashes-Time-and-Increases-Profit&id=470259
It's time to put your home on the market. You've hired a real estate agent. You've signed all the papers. You've been given the typical remarks about keeping your home neat and ready for potential buyers. And now you wait. Or do you?
Instead of waiting the typical 4+ months and then taking a reduced price on your home, why not invest in a home staging professional! Doing so will drastically decrease the amount of time your home spends on the market - up to 20 times faster - as well as increase the amount you get for your home - six percent over listing is typical!
What is Home Staging?
Home staging is simply the art of preparing your home for sale. Basically, there are five steps to home staging:
- Cleaning
- Getting rid of clutter
- Depersonalizing
- Decorating and accessorizing
- Maintaining
In days gone by, home staging consisted of advice by your real estate agent to "clean up" and "de-clutter." If you had a savvy agent, you may have even been told to add fresh flowers or fresh linens in the bathroom. However, being a real estate professional is not the same thing as being a design professional.
Professional home stagers know exactly what to do to create the right atmosphere. They not only tell you to de-clutter, but know exactly what to do in order to create a clutter free environment. They can walk through your home and know immediately if you need to remove or rearrange furniture. With just a quick visit, they can tell you what will enhance your homes curb appeal.
Why Does Home Staging Matter?
When it comes to sales, first impressions are everything. A potential homebuyer will often decide to enter a home based on the outside appearance. And once inside, they make up their mind about a home within about 10 seconds. This means that you have 10 seconds to create an atmosphere that entices the imagination and creates a longing in the buyer.
Home staging is the way to create that desire and longing. Through home staging, you can put your home's best foot forward.
Professional or Do-It-Yourself?
Professional home staging services are not free and many people believe that they can save money by doing it themselves. However, there are many pitfalls to the "do-it-yourself" mentality.
1. You obviously like the look of your home or you wouldn't have created it, right? Making changes can be downright difficult when you love your things and feel that your home is comfortable "as is." A professional can help you step back and see your home in the same way that a potential buyer will see it. They help you take yourself out of the home so that the homebuyers can see themselves in it!
2. What do you know about color, lighting, and traffic flow? If you are like most people, you know very little about these things. Although the colors or the traffic pattern worked for you and your family, a professional can see issues that will keep your home from having that "instant appeal." Remember, buyers are not buying "your" house - they are buying "their" house!
3. Can you walk through your home and instantly list 10 inexpensive ways to increase the value of your home? Home stagers can. They know how to make the changes in a timely manner so that you can get your home on the market quickly. They view your home from the buyer's point of view and can tell you what to store, what to keep, what to move, and what will add that pizzazz that will make your home sell.
Is Home Staging Cost Effective?
One of the most important things you can do to sell your home quickly and for the highest possible price is to "stage" it. The proof is in the pudding:
- According to the National Association of Realtors, for every dollar sellers put into staging, they get $4 back
- The average increase over the listing price is 6.32%. On a $500,000 house, that is nearly $32,000 and will more than pay for your professional real estate agent! Think of home staging as a way to get your real estate agent for free!
A real estate professional has the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to sell your home. A home stager has the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to prepare your home for the sale. Although professional services are not free, the cost of the services more than exceeds the benefits received!
Selling your home can be a trying time. Why wouldn't you want to decrease the time your home spends on the market while increasing your sales price? Relying on a home stager can make all the difference.
Teri B Clark is a professional writer and published author. Her most recent book, 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought, explains these tips in more detail and offers many, many others. To learn more about Teri's latest book, visit http://staging-your-home.blogspot.com/ or sign up for a free newsletter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_B_Clark http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging---Professional-Service-Slashes-Time-and-Increases-Profit&id=470259
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Showcase Staging Houston - Our Home Staging Services for the Houston Real Estate Market
Showcase Staging Houston is Houston's #1 source for Home Staging and Staging Design services. Our experience includes over 19 years in the Real Estate industry. We offer more than 13 years of professional home staging design expertise, with over 6 years in the Houston market.
Our primary objective is to assist you in selling your home fast and for top dollar.We specialize in High-End Vacant Homes on the market For Sale.
Our services include Staging and Design, with or without the placement of a "Professional Live-In Home Specialist" SM. Professionally "staged homes" are proven to sell 85% faster, according to the Real Estate Staging Association.
Do you want to sell your home faster and for more money?
Showcase Staging Houston is dedicated to providing you with a level of service that is unmatched. Each home is custom staged to highlight architectural features, paint colors, floor plan, etc. We are very knowledgeable in Home Staging techniques and will utilize our expertise to help you sell your home fast and for top dollar.
OUR SERVICES:
Our primary objective is to assist you in selling your home fast and for top dollar.We specialize in High-End Vacant Homes on the market For Sale.
Our services include Staging and Design, with or without the placement of a "Professional Live-In Home Specialist" SM. Professionally "staged homes" are proven to sell 85% faster, according to the Real Estate Staging Association.
Do you want to sell your home faster and for more money?
Showcase Staging Houston is dedicated to providing you with a level of service that is unmatched. Each home is custom staged to highlight architectural features, paint colors, floor plan, etc. We are very knowledgeable in Home Staging techniques and will utilize our expertise to help you sell your home fast and for top dollar.
OUR SERVICES:
- Staging and Design with the placement of a "Professional Live-In Home Specialist" SM. All fee's for this package can be paid at closing! No upfront - out of pocket costs!
- Staging and Design no placement of a "Professional Live-In Home Specialist" SM. This is similar to a "Model Home".
- Homeowner occupied Home Staging.
We will be happy to customize a Home Staging Package that is just right for you!
MOST PACKAGES INCLUDE:
- Phone Consultation
- No obligation proposal and rate quote for your specific home.
- Written recommendations concerning curb appeal, updating, painting, etc.
- Professional movers to move-in our inventory. Furniture and accessories necessary to stage the home.
- Setup and placement of furniture.
- Professional Home Stager to Custom Stage your home.
- Presentation of the final Staging Design with Homeowner and Listing Agent.
- Breakdown and packing of our inventory once home has sold.
- Professional movers to move-out our inventory.
*Placement of a "Professional Live-in Home Speicalist" SM
*Select Packages
For further information, please contact Showcase Staging Houston at 281.979.5555 or, send us an email at: info@showcasestaginghouston.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Effective Home Staging Tip Series Number 3 - How to Create a Home Staging Plan of Attack
Effective Home Staging Tip Series Number 3 - How to Create a Home Staging Plan of Attack
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan]Alice Chan
Now that you know what really sells a house, let's talk about How to Create Your Plan of Attack During the Pre-Staging process.
I can't begin to stress the importance of having a game plan. I see sellers and real estate professionals either waste money and time or leave thousands of dollars behind by not having their act together in this arena.
These are the things to do that, in general, I find most important:
1) Having a clear schedule
2) An objective and thorough assessment of your property
Let's elaborate a little...
1) Having a clear schedule - If you are going to have a successful home sale, you must have a clearly defined schedule of all the activities that need to take place prior to your home actually being on the market. Start with the target market date and work backwards to fill in dates when significant activities need to be completed. This exercise will save you the stress and reduce the overwhelm that would otherwise be inevitable.
The goal is to fit the "necessary" tasks in to properly prepare your home for sale. DO NOT skip this crucial step, you will live to regret it.
Here's a sample list of things to calendar:
* date of first open house
* date of broker's tour
* date of virtual tour
* date of professional photo shoot
* date of home inspection
* date of scheduled cleanings, i.e. house, window, carpet, etc.
* date of scheduled repairs or renovation work
There were many times that I received calls requesting my staging services and when asked when they were planning on putting the house on the market, the answer was "this weekend" or "next weekend" or "as soon as possible". With further qualification, the inquiring party realized that the timeframe was not realistic to accomplish everything they had in mind or was later shown was needed.
2) An objective assessment of your property - get a notepad and walk around the perimeter of your home and jot down anything that you see that needs to repaired, changed or replaced. Better yet, to assess your curb appeal, stand across the street and see it from that perspective. Walk through the entire property, room-by-room and do the same. If you don't see anything wrong, enlist the help of an objective friend who will tell you like it is, not just what you want to hear. Really evaluate the condition of everything from the carpet, walls, lighting, even the scent of the home. Decide if you need help eliminating any food or pet odors. Make notes about all the deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed now.
Remember, buyers are particularly choosey in today's market. They need turnkey, not a fixer upper. Anything that needs work, however minor, conjures up dollar signs in the buyer's minds. Don't give them any ammunition against you. Squash any concerns before they arise.
This pre-staging process will be the foundation for your home selling success.
Stay tuned for #4 in our Effective Home Staging Tips series where you will learn what upgrades are expected in your neighborhood and price range.
© 2009 AKC Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Alice T. Chan, the Staged Home Lifestyle Expert helps Real Estate Professionals and Home Sellers create irresistible, market ready homes that SELL. Alice's "Do-It-Yourself Home Buyer Attraction System" empowers home sellers to stage their own homes so they STAND OUT from the crowd and make buyers STOP and TAKE NOTICE! For FREE Home Staging tips and to get your free e-course "8 Steps to Creating an Irresistible, Market Ready Home that SELLS", visit http://www.AliceTChan.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan http://EzineArticles.com/?Effective-Home-Staging-Tip-Series-Number-3---How-to-Create-a-Home-Staging-Plan-of-Attack&id=2671187
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan]Alice Chan
Now that you know what really sells a house, let's talk about How to Create Your Plan of Attack During the Pre-Staging process.
I can't begin to stress the importance of having a game plan. I see sellers and real estate professionals either waste money and time or leave thousands of dollars behind by not having their act together in this arena.
These are the things to do that, in general, I find most important:
1) Having a clear schedule
2) An objective and thorough assessment of your property
Let's elaborate a little...
1) Having a clear schedule - If you are going to have a successful home sale, you must have a clearly defined schedule of all the activities that need to take place prior to your home actually being on the market. Start with the target market date and work backwards to fill in dates when significant activities need to be completed. This exercise will save you the stress and reduce the overwhelm that would otherwise be inevitable.
The goal is to fit the "necessary" tasks in to properly prepare your home for sale. DO NOT skip this crucial step, you will live to regret it.
Here's a sample list of things to calendar:
* date of first open house
* date of broker's tour
* date of virtual tour
* date of professional photo shoot
* date of home inspection
* date of scheduled cleanings, i.e. house, window, carpet, etc.
* date of scheduled repairs or renovation work
There were many times that I received calls requesting my staging services and when asked when they were planning on putting the house on the market, the answer was "this weekend" or "next weekend" or "as soon as possible". With further qualification, the inquiring party realized that the timeframe was not realistic to accomplish everything they had in mind or was later shown was needed.
2) An objective assessment of your property - get a notepad and walk around the perimeter of your home and jot down anything that you see that needs to repaired, changed or replaced. Better yet, to assess your curb appeal, stand across the street and see it from that perspective. Walk through the entire property, room-by-room and do the same. If you don't see anything wrong, enlist the help of an objective friend who will tell you like it is, not just what you want to hear. Really evaluate the condition of everything from the carpet, walls, lighting, even the scent of the home. Decide if you need help eliminating any food or pet odors. Make notes about all the deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed now.
Remember, buyers are particularly choosey in today's market. They need turnkey, not a fixer upper. Anything that needs work, however minor, conjures up dollar signs in the buyer's minds. Don't give them any ammunition against you. Squash any concerns before they arise.
This pre-staging process will be the foundation for your home selling success.
Stay tuned for #4 in our Effective Home Staging Tips series where you will learn what upgrades are expected in your neighborhood and price range.
© 2009 AKC Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Alice T. Chan, the Staged Home Lifestyle Expert helps Real Estate Professionals and Home Sellers create irresistible, market ready homes that SELL. Alice's "Do-It-Yourself Home Buyer Attraction System" empowers home sellers to stage their own homes so they STAND OUT from the crowd and make buyers STOP and TAKE NOTICE! For FREE Home Staging tips and to get your free e-course "8 Steps to Creating an Irresistible, Market Ready Home that SELLS", visit http://www.AliceTChan.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan http://EzineArticles.com/?Effective-Home-Staging-Tip-Series-Number-3---How-to-Create-a-Home-Staging-Plan-of-Attack&id=2671187
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sell Your Home Faster For a Higher Price With a Home Staging Service
Sell Your Home Faster For a Higher Price With a Home Staging Service By Dale Seiler
Maybe you found your dream house and need to sell yours immediately, or maybe you are someone who buys and sells house to make a profit; whatever the case, presenting your home in the best possible manner is key to selling it quickly. You want your house to make potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable, and you especially want key assets in the home to shine through. Barren empty rooms, boring long hallways, and dull dreary colors are not helpful to people’s imaginations; many times this alone can dissuade people from buying. Apart from deterring away buyers, empty homes also push real estate agents away due to the fact the homes are harder to sell.
Interesting enough is the fact that instead of lowering a listing price, simply spending some extra cash to fix the home up or make it look nice can make a bigger difference when selling it. The key to doing this correctly is planning ahead. If you know when the next open house is, something as simple as renting furniture can give your house an edge on other homes.
Investing in inexpensive but tasteful furniture is a brilliant idea if you are someone who buys and sells house frequently. Doing so can help you save money instead of having to constantly rent furniture, and it will also save you time always having to pick out furniture. It would be ideal to have several matching sets to match different homes colors and flow.
Your real estate agent is a really good source for information on staging a home for resale, and can make suggestions that are quite useful. There are professional staging services that can come in and assess the home, tell you what is needed, what color of paint should be used in which rooms, how to arrange things in the best way, etc. Many of these companies can even provide their own people to come in and make changes that are needed.
Do not fool yourself into thinking the inside of a house is the only area staging can be done or is important. The very first thing people see when they walk up the driveway is the yard and exterior of the home, and first impressions can be vital to selling the property. Simple things, like keeping the lawn cut and watered, can make the yard look surprisingly better. Other things like painting garage doors and replacing front doors can do the same thing, and can also raise the value of the home.
Staging the yard to seem child and pet friendly is a fantastic idea if you are trying to present the house as a family dwelling. Simple ideas such as setting up a small playground or a sandbox, adding some toys, or setting up a cheap kennel can jump start peoples imaginations. Making it easy for people to envision their family living in the home makes it easier to sell the home.
There are many other tips and advice for you online, or from any local real estate agent. Not only can they help suggest improvements you can do on your own, but what professional services are available for your needs. With a little staging, the home you are trying to sell will make more warm and friendly, and will probably sell much more quickly then emptier ones of the same value.
Having an Accredited Staging Professional help you out during the selling process can make all the difference. It means you have someone that understands the differences between living in a home and selling a home. Find a home staging services near you.
Maybe you found your dream house and need to sell yours immediately, or maybe you are someone who buys and sells house to make a profit; whatever the case, presenting your home in the best possible manner is key to selling it quickly. You want your house to make potential buyers feel welcome and comfortable, and you especially want key assets in the home to shine through. Barren empty rooms, boring long hallways, and dull dreary colors are not helpful to people’s imaginations; many times this alone can dissuade people from buying. Apart from deterring away buyers, empty homes also push real estate agents away due to the fact the homes are harder to sell.
Interesting enough is the fact that instead of lowering a listing price, simply spending some extra cash to fix the home up or make it look nice can make a bigger difference when selling it. The key to doing this correctly is planning ahead. If you know when the next open house is, something as simple as renting furniture can give your house an edge on other homes.
Investing in inexpensive but tasteful furniture is a brilliant idea if you are someone who buys and sells house frequently. Doing so can help you save money instead of having to constantly rent furniture, and it will also save you time always having to pick out furniture. It would be ideal to have several matching sets to match different homes colors and flow.
Your real estate agent is a really good source for information on staging a home for resale, and can make suggestions that are quite useful. There are professional staging services that can come in and assess the home, tell you what is needed, what color of paint should be used in which rooms, how to arrange things in the best way, etc. Many of these companies can even provide their own people to come in and make changes that are needed.
Do not fool yourself into thinking the inside of a house is the only area staging can be done or is important. The very first thing people see when they walk up the driveway is the yard and exterior of the home, and first impressions can be vital to selling the property. Simple things, like keeping the lawn cut and watered, can make the yard look surprisingly better. Other things like painting garage doors and replacing front doors can do the same thing, and can also raise the value of the home.
Staging the yard to seem child and pet friendly is a fantastic idea if you are trying to present the house as a family dwelling. Simple ideas such as setting up a small playground or a sandbox, adding some toys, or setting up a cheap kennel can jump start peoples imaginations. Making it easy for people to envision their family living in the home makes it easier to sell the home.
There are many other tips and advice for you online, or from any local real estate agent. Not only can they help suggest improvements you can do on your own, but what professional services are available for your needs. With a little staging, the home you are trying to sell will make more warm and friendly, and will probably sell much more quickly then emptier ones of the same value.
Having an Accredited Staging Professional help you out during the selling process can make all the difference. It means you have someone that understands the differences between living in a home and selling a home. Find a home staging services near you.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Effective Home Staging Tip Series Number 2 - What Really Sells a House?
Effective Home Staging Tip Series Number 2 - What Really Sells a House?By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan]Alice Chan
Now that you are clear on what home staging is and what it is not, today I'm going to give you a quick overview of what really sells a house.
So, What Really Sells a House?
There are 2 main factors that make up the sale of your home that you can control, price and condition. There are other factors, but those are usually outside of your control, such as location. Generally speaking, a home cannot be moved.
Let's talk about each one.
1. CONDITION: The upkeep and presentation of your property is crucial in obtaining the highest value for your home in any given market at any given time. The pricing of your property must therefore, reflect its condition.
2. PRICE: Price is the number one factor in the sale of a home. A property is really only worth what one person is willing to pay another to gain ownership of it. Price must be in direct relationship to its location, condition and the current market. This is the most important of all! Be careful not to overprice!
When these two factors are in alignment, you have a sale! If not, it will take a longer time to sell.
A common problem amongst home sellers is that they believe their house is worth more than what a home buyer is willing to pay for it. A recent HomeGain survey shows that even though homebuyers and Realtors are telling homeowners their homes are worth considerably less than homeowners think they are and while homeowners may be aware of falling home prices around the country, many believe that the slide doesn't apply to their homes.
The bottom line for home sellers is, if you are motivated to sell your property, increase your home's sales appeal and don't overprice! You will just cause yourself unneeded stress and frustration. Price it right from the start and put your best foot forward and you will reap the benefits of your wise decisions.
Stay tuned for #3 in our Effective Home Staging Tip series where I will cover the importance of having a Plan of Attack during the Pre-Staging Process.
Now that you are clear on what home staging is and what it is not, today I'm going to give you a quick overview of what really sells a house.
So, What Really Sells a House?
There are 2 main factors that make up the sale of your home that you can control, price and condition. There are other factors, but those are usually outside of your control, such as location. Generally speaking, a home cannot be moved.
Let's talk about each one.
1. CONDITION: The upkeep and presentation of your property is crucial in obtaining the highest value for your home in any given market at any given time. The pricing of your property must therefore, reflect its condition.
2. PRICE: Price is the number one factor in the sale of a home. A property is really only worth what one person is willing to pay another to gain ownership of it. Price must be in direct relationship to its location, condition and the current market. This is the most important of all! Be careful not to overprice!
When these two factors are in alignment, you have a sale! If not, it will take a longer time to sell.
A common problem amongst home sellers is that they believe their house is worth more than what a home buyer is willing to pay for it. A recent HomeGain survey shows that even though homebuyers and Realtors are telling homeowners their homes are worth considerably less than homeowners think they are and while homeowners may be aware of falling home prices around the country, many believe that the slide doesn't apply to their homes.
The bottom line for home sellers is, if you are motivated to sell your property, increase your home's sales appeal and don't overprice! You will just cause yourself unneeded stress and frustration. Price it right from the start and put your best foot forward and you will reap the benefits of your wise decisions.
Stay tuned for #3 in our Effective Home Staging Tip series where I will cover the importance of having a Plan of Attack during the Pre-Staging Process.
Showcase Staging Houston is dedicated to providing you with a level of service that is unmatched. Each home is custom staged to highlight architectural features, paint colors, floor plan, etc. We are very knowledgeable in Home Staging techniques and will utilize our expertise to help you sell your home fast and for top dollar. We specialize in High-End Vacant Homes on the market For Sale.
http://www.showcasestaginghouston.com
http://www.showcasestaginghouston.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Home Office Staging
Today our presentation is on the study or home office. The room offers a nice bay window atmosphere, with french doors and crown molding. It is quiet and allows for reflection through the windows facing the front lawn.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Family Room Staging - Before & After Pics
Good Morning All - Today, the next series of Before & After shots belongs to the Family Room. There is no formal living room in this home. We have a large open area with a fireplace and media niche. There is also a small dining area and kitchen all open in one large space. We decided on a rich red theme to spread out throughout the home. Giving it a bit of a contemporary Asian feel to it. We have since added a small red orchid plant to the table. We've had 2 showings already since its listing 4 days ago. The feedback has been great. I think they would have bought it if the backyard was bigger!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Effective Home Staging Tips - #1
Effective Home Staging Tip Series #1 - What is Home Staging and What is it Not?
By Alice'>http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alice_Chan">Alice Chan
As the real estate market has cooled and many Real Estate Professionals and home sellers are struggling to sell their properties quickly, many think the best way to survive is to cut their budgets for staging their listings.
"Studies show that pulling back on staging your listings during a recession actually hurts, rather than helps with home sales. Listings that are staged and priced competitively sell in half the time that non-staged properties do."
That doesn't mean, however, that you can't find lower cost options to help you prepare your properties for sale.
I decided to create the Do-It-Yourself Home Buyer Attraction System to meet this need for valuable information at a lower cost than traditional staging services. The system provides real estate professionals and home sellers with the knowledge and skills that I have acquired working in the field over the last few years. These tools and strategies are proven to work in a seller's market and they will work in a buyer's market to make your property truly stand out in the marketplace and draw buyers to you.
So, over the next few days I'm going to lead you through a short, but information packed series on how you can start transforming your listing or home into a home buyer magnet.
Let's start with a very important distinction: What is Home Staging and What is it Not?
Home Staging (House Staging, House Fluffing, House Primping, Real Estate Staging, Staging Design) is the art of decorating a home to sell quickly and for TOP DOLLAR. It is the most proven way to get top dollar for your home as you prepare it for sale.
What Home Staging is NOT...It's not just decorating. It needs to be strategic. An important thing for both Real Estate Agents and Home Sellers to remember is that before you start the staging process, you need to identify who is most likely to buy the house, otherwise known as your target home buyer.
Staging is not just about hanging up some art, sticking a tree in the corner and adding pretty pillows to the sofa. This seems to be the misconception many times. By knowing who the target buyer is, you will be able to design a lifestyle to appeal to that specific group of prospective buyers. As a real estate agent, you can then design a marketing plan to attract those same people.
I remember a particular property that I was hired to "stage". It was for a Realtor client of mine. The interesting thing about this property was it was a job that was going to be a favor to him since the original Stager he hired for that project flaked on him at the last minute. I usually don't work on properties that I haven't had a "relationship" with, meaning I haven't seen the property and the sellers have not gone through my staging consultation process so that they fully understand what needs to be done in preparation and shown how they were going to live in their staged home. Well, to no one's surprise, when I arrived to do my 'thing", the house was NOT READY. It was a small house, but it was a family house with parents and a couple of kids. There were shoes and dirty laundry all over the house, the small kitchen and bath were cluttered and dirty, beds were not made, it was NOT READY! When I spoke with the owner, their comment was "well, can't you just stage around me?" The answer to that was a resounding "NO!". I left that property, unstaged. My mistake was agreeing to do the job in the first place. I thought I was doing the agent a favor, but really, I wasn't doing anyone any favors.
I understand that real estate professionals and home sellers are anxious to start marketing their properties as soon as possible, BUT take a moment to consider what you're allowing to be marketed. REMEMBER, you only have ONE chance to make a FIRST impression, make it the best one possible!!!
Stay tuned for #2 in our Effective Home Staging Tip Series where we will address what really sells a house.
© 2009 AKC Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Want To Use This Article In Your E-Zine Or Web Site? You can, but here's what you MUST include with it: Alice T. Chan, the Staged Home Lifestyle Expert helps Real Estate Professionals and Home Sellers create irresistible, market ready homes that SELL. Alice's "Do-It-Yourself Home Buyer Attraction System" empowers home sellers to stage their own homes so they STAND OUT from the crowd and make buyers STOP and TAKE NOTICE! For FREE Home Staging tips and to get your free e-course "8 Steps to Creating an Irresistible, Market Ready Home that SELLS", visit 
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
We have a unique living situation available...
At Showcase Staging Houston we have a fantastic program for those of you who can handle living in luxury homes at apartment rental prices! We currently have several homes in Houston in need of a "Live-In Home Specialist!". This is not a typical rental or lease. This is not a long term living situation! We do not accept housing vouchers! To qualify to become a "Live-In Home Specialist" you ~~~ Must be flexible and be willing to move from luxury home to luxury home periodically (you will be living in homes listed for sale!) Must not smoke (in the home) We prefer non-smokers.. Must not have any pets of any kind Must have decent credit and clear criminal history Must have verifiable income MUST HAVE NICE (MODEL HOME QUALITY PREFERRED) FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES! Pottery Barn, Pier One, Designer Furniture Stores. Your furniture will be used to Stage homes listed for sale - you will be living in these homes until the house sells~~~ Must provide Photos of Furniture before we process your application! Think of it as living in a model home - using your nice furniture (why we need your pics) - for a fraction of the cost to rent.... not bad huh? This is the real deal folks.. check out website below... For further information please visit our website at www.showcasestaginghouston.com or email shannon@showcasestaginghouston.com If sending email please let me know - what areas of town you prefer to live, please send some photos of your furniture if possible, how many rooms can be staged utilizing your furniture and how soon you need to move or can move. Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Final Product! We Have Completed Out Newest Staging Project!
Staged Bedroom
Staged Dining Area
Staged Family Room
Staged Master Bedroom
Staged Master Bathroom
Staged Sitting Area
Staged Hallway/Front Entrance
Staged Formal Dining Room
Staged Front Entrance
Staged Loft/Gameroom
Staged Study
Don't Be in Denial, Stage That House and Sell it Fast!
Don't Be in Denial, Stage That House And Sell it Fast!
By Nigel'>http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nigel_Coehn">Nigel Coehn
In today's tough real estate market, you'd be crazy to list your house for sale without staging it first. Most people, and I'm sorry to say, many professionals that work in real estate, don't have a clue how staging could benefit them. Unfortunately, a lot of people really believe that staging a house for sale is unnecessary. Of course, if asked they would insist that they are big believers in home staging, but then will actually go and list a house without staging it, claiming that this house was immaculate and didn't need to be staged. It's a proven fact that home staging, also called real estate staging, is the art of preparing a home for sale.
When you stage a house, you're enhancing a home's appearance and emphasizing the features that buyers are looking for, thus, creating a feeling which helps the buyer develop emotional connections to the property. It also helps define vacant spaces through the use of strategic furniture and accessory placement. Staging is also a proven approach that maximizes your home's appeal to the buyer and is a profitable and powerful marketing tool. For realtors with a cutting edge, staging is an extra value added service to offer at every listing presentation. For the seller of a house, staging will set you apart and give you the competitive edge over other homes listed for sale in their neighborhood. As a result, staging will shorten the time that your home is on the market. It really is a wise investment considering the return that you get. Staging also reduces the number of mortgage payments that the seller will have to make. Staging also helps a house sell fast and for top dollar. And here's one that your realtor should be telling you, that the investment in staging is always less than any price reduction!
So, I ask, how could you not stage your house before you put it up for sale? But, it happens all the time, houses go on the market vacant or occupied not having that "wow" factor. And that hurts everybody in the long run. The seller doesn't get top dollar, and as a result the realtor makes less money. I've seen many staged homes and none have stood out as much as the homes that have been staged by a San Diego stager, Tawni Oppenheim from Staged4Sale. The first thing that I noticed when entering one of her staged homes was all the finishing touches. The colors of the pillows just popped! The way she laid her throws just pulled my eyes in and every room was staged, not just the so called impact rooms. I called Tawni and asked her why she staged every room in the house that I previewed and she told me that since the seller was trying to sell the entire house that she believed that every room needed to be staged. That's a pretty good philosophy for staging. And it turns out that it is, because most of the homes that she stages sell so fast, it's just unbelievable. Tawni told me that she has staged homes that had been sitting on the market for over a year and after being staged they received multiple high offers during the first week.
Realtors should bring in a professional stager in on their listing presentation. It's a realtor's fiduciary responsibility to offer staging to the client right from the get go. And it's a crying shame when a realtor refuses to offer staging to their client because they're afraid that they may lose their listing, because they didn't offer it in the beginning. Some realtors would rather recommend a substantial price reduction rather than recommend staging to a client. A good realtor will make sure that a house is staged before it is listed on the MLS. Sellers should keep this in mind when shopping for a realtor. During a listing presentation, the seller should ask the realtor if they believe in staging and if they intend to make sure that the seller's house is professionally staged before it is listed. When it comes to selling your house, time is money.
So, it's imperative that the house is professionally cleaned and then staged right away before it is listed. If the house is professional staged, a seller will sell the home for top dollar. Buyers aren't stupid. If I buyer walks in to your home and see's that your home is dirty and in disarray, then they are most likely going to walk out or submit a low ball offer. Home Staging is like anything else in life. When you go to a special event, you dress up and brush your teeth as though they have never been brushed before. You have your car detailed and go the whole nine yards to look your best. So, why not do the same to prepare your home for sale? Imagine your home is a cake and staging your home is like adding frosting to a cake. Home staging is like adding a cherry on a sundae. So, really your home does not present a finished streamlined look unless it has been staged. And serious buyers in this market are looking for homes that have a finished look. So, if you're really serious about selling your home fast, then you really need to have it professionally staged. When interviewing realtors, always make sure to choose a realtor who insists on staging your home before it is listed on the MLS. Never hire a realtor who doesn't believe in home staging. The best realtors stage their listings, because they know that staged homes sell fast. And homes that sell fast make everybody happy. So, remember if you ever put your home up for sale, have it professionally staged first.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nigel_Coehn
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dont-Be-in-Denial,-Stage-That-House-And-Sell-it-Fast!&id=2632934
Friday, July 31, 2009
Staging Your Bathrooms! Keep It Clean!
Staging Your Home Guide - Bathrooms!
By Katherine'>http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Katherine_Sears">Katherine Sears
When staging your home, your smallest room may very well be your most important. You have certainly heard the statement "kitchens and baths sell homes." Perhaps a more accurate statement would be "horrible kitchens and baths prevent homes from selling." So, let's take a look at how to be sure you aren't stopping a potential sale in it's tracks.
No matter what else you do, the following is a list of musts for every single bathroom when staging your home.
- Everything must be in good working order.- It must be clean. Not just tidy, spotless.- No one wants to see your personal items.- No one wants to see your trash.- Any mildew must be eliminated. - Grout and caulking MUST be pristine. Replace them if they are no longer "cleanable".- It must not smell. Not of body odors, and not of damp or mildew. You cannot mask these odors, they must be eliminated.- You are selling a vision - think spa, think new, think hotel room. Try to give the impression that the bathroom is not being used.
Staging Your Bathroom - The Big Picture
Like all the rooms in your home, when staging, you should be striving for neutral colors. Repainting is always a good place to start, it is relatively easy and inexpensive. Contrary to popular belief, neutral does not mean white. Beiges, tans, greens, blues all have neutral shades and can add interest to a room that very often contains a lot of white to begin with. Stick with colors that compliment your tile.
This brings us to the topic of tile. If your tile is in bad repair, fix or replace it. If your tile is extremely dated, or taste specific - wherever possible - replace it. If you cannot afford to replace it, try to tone it down by using all neutrals for your other decorative items, paint and linens. If it is really old, you may be able to sell it as retro. Walk carefully here, this is a tough one to sell if you are not very skilled at interior design.
Staging Your Bathroom - Porcelain Products
- As indicated in rule one above, all items must work perfectly. Hot water should be hot, and toilets should flush easily. If not, repair or replace them immediately.
- *Note: Even if one is required on occasion, DO NOT leave a plunger next to your toilet. Nothing says "I am flawed" more clearly than that!
- If your toilet/tub/sinks are dated, they will make the entire room feel old and grimy.
- White is neutral and desirable when it comes to these items. Avocado green toilets or tubs scream, "I have been here twenty years". You may not directly get the money back that you invest in these items. But, since it could prevent the sale of your home, the extra months' mortgage you won't pay as your home sits on the market will make it worth the investment.
Staging Your Bathroom - Finishes
When staging your home, what do we mean by the terms "finishes" you may ask. This term primarily refers to all the metal surfaces in your bathroom. This is perhaps the single easiest thing you can do to really make your bathroom look new and updated.
- The number one rule here is that no matter what the actual finish is all of the items MUST MATCH! So, pick one, and stick with it.
- The number two rule here - gold tone or brass is dated. I am not going to spare your feelings, even if you like and it is in good repair - if it is gold toned, do yourself a favor and change it all out!
When considering your room, look at the following:
- Faucets
- Shower head
- Shower curtain rod or doors
- Towel bars
- Hooks
- Toilet paper holder
- Lighting
- Knobs and handles
There are many finishes available, but the easiest and most modern choices are a standard chrome or a brushed nickel. If you pick chrome, remember it must sparkle to impress. Brushed nickel is easier to keep looking nice (it doesn't show fingerprints), and is popular with younger buyers. Both finishes are readily available at your local home improvement store, and are affordable.
If you have a more traditional or classic bathroom - dark bronze fixtures may be appropriate. Do be careful with this choice, however, as it can be more taste specific. Also, this finish also tends to be more expensive.
On a final note here, be sure that you are choosing matching shapes and styles. It will look odd if you have a traditional goose-neck style faucet, but extremely modern towel bars. Whenever possible, buy things in sets that match exactly.
Staging Your Bathroom - Linens
- You are probably best off using a set of linens solely for staging. You would be surprised at how often a potential buyer will touch your towels when in your bathroom, nothing is more of a turn off than feeling a damp towel!
- White matches almost any décor, and leaves no question as to its cleanliness.
- If you have space, a basket or stack of rolled towels offers a luxurious spa like feel.
- Consider having a small hand towel or a stack of simple paper guest towels placed next to the sink. This is easier to change out frequently, and remember, your potential buyer may actually use the facilities while touring your home.
Staging Your Bathroom - Personal Items
Despite your desire to keep the bathroom looking spotless and pristine when staging your home, you also need to use it. So, how to deal with a used toothbrush, and your grubby bar of soap? Remember, your potential buyers WILL OPEN DRAWERS AND CABINETS, so you can't just throw everything in. Here is what you do:
- Get a bin or basket, and place your daily necessities in it. Make room for it under the sink and pull it out when you need it, put it back when you are done. This includes things such as; toothbrush, mouth wash, face wash, etc.
- If you have a medicine cabinet (yes, they will open this too), get rid of anything that is old and un-necessary. For the things you are using today, be sure they are clean - no toothpaste oozing everywhere, or leaking bottles. Turn prescription labels around so they do not face out. Be safe, and tuck away items that shouldn't fall into other hands.
- Put "embarrassing" necessary items, such as feminine hygiene products, into closed bins or baskets, and tuck them in a cabinet, or use a decorative box or basket and hide them in plain sight.
- Empty your trash every single day.
In the end, staging your home must include your bathroom. When done properly, you will give the impression of a newer bathroom, with only cosmetic changes and good cleaning skills.
We wish you the best of luck staging your home!
Please see http://stagingyourhomeguide.com for more information on staging your home, including other related articles.
We offer a virtual consulting service which is an affordable alternative to having your home staged - only $25 per room! Please see:
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