Living in Contra Costa County

Everyone knows first impressions mean a lot. When it comes to selling your home the first thing potential buyers see is the front of your house. For some this begins at the curb and for others it's the front door. For this reason it is incredibly important to remember these areas when getting your house ready to sell.

In fact having a terrific entry is so important Anita Cooper of Realty Biz News recently listed replacing the front entry door as one of the top three home improvement projects which "mostly pay for themselves."

2 Reasons the front door is so important when selling your home.

1. Most home owners begin their search either by looking online themselves or reviewing listings online sent to them by their realtors. The thumbnail accompanying the listing is generally a shot of the front of the house with the focal point of the photo being the front door. If potential buyers are not impressed with this first photo they often won't bother to look at the home any further.
2. Potential buyers spend a good amount of time at the front door waiting for their realtor to open the lock box and unlock the door. This gives them ample time to notice even small things, such as peeling paint, a broken door bell or the worn finish of the door hardware. This was just the case with a home I recently staged in Leander, Texas. Take a look.

When potential buyers see neglected repairs such as a broken door bell or peeling paint they start wondering what else needs repaired. Even minor things such as these will have the buyer keeping a mental tally of how much less they plan to offer.

While replacing a front door may be the optimal solution it often doesn't fit into the budget. But there are plenty of other ways to add appeal to your entry.

How to stage your front door.

• Repaint. Paint is a home sellers best friend. It is inexpensive, DIY friendly and makes a huge difference.
• Add a potted plant or flowers.
• Change the door hardware.
• Put out a new welcome mat.

See what a difference these simple changes made to this front door.

First a complimentary shade of green paint was applied to the door along with a vining plant attached to a topiary trellace. Then door hardware was replaced with a new set in an oil rubbed bronze finish. Last a door mat was added.

Now that the home has a welcoming entry buyers will be imagining themselves welcoming their guests through the door. This is exactly what home staging is designed to do. Make potential buyers begin to see themselves living in your house. This helps them form an emotional attachment to the house and emotions equal offers.

 

In Staging we talk a lot about de-personalizing a home. We talk about creating a neutral envelope and about helping the buyer focus on their lifestyle while they view the home.

That's all true, but we never forget to leave in the warmth. It can be a fine line and if you cross it, you lose that 'feeling'.... the feeling of 'home'.

So don't forget that lov'n feeling when you prepare your home for sale. Your home should look and feel like a home that is working for the present owner.

 

A child's room should be tidy and uncluttered but still have that 'cute' appealing look that makes a buyer imagine how pleased their child would be in the room.

 A Kitchen should be spotlessly clean and ready for the closest of inspections but not stripped completely. Here we walk a fine line between looking like a model home and looking like a kitchen that is functioning well for the owner.

If the style of your home means you entertain in the kitchen, add some 'dining' touches to elevate the space. Upgrade the chandelier and the table and chairs.

 

 

 

Make sure the Great Room looks spacious with good traffic flow but don't make it cold.

Show them where they can relax and watch a game or a movie with friends and family.

Turn on the fireplace if it's cold outside.

 

Master Bedrooms, no matter what the size, need to show the buyer their retreat from the world. Don't crowd it with excess furniture. Make sure the closet shows it holds a couples clothes.

If your bedding is tired, use the new bedding now. It will help you sell. Add touches of romance with candles.

Get the kids toys or the office area out of the room.

Yes, do remove family pictures, religious items and used soaps or tooth brushes.

Show the buyers a home you find comfortable, a home that works for you. Just don't show them those dirty sneakers, over flowing hampers, wet towels or make them smell last nights dinner. Leave the warmth but not the drudgery.

Leave that lov'n feeling.

 

 

 

Serving Burlington,Oakville, Milton, Hamilton & surrounding areas.     905-467-5353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Budget Bathroom Staging: Before & After Photos

We’ve  all heard that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes…..but that doesn’t mean you have to do any renovations – you won’t get your money back. There is a much better alternative. You’d be amazed at what a little paint and added accessories can do to transform a bathroom all for under $50.00!

Painting is cheap! It’s the most cost effective way to clean and update a bathroom. Elite Staging and Redesign painted this bathroom in a cool blue/grey and added some accessories. It was easy, and yet the transformation is remarkable…

Before:

After:

Opposite View:

After:

Close-up:

After:

We added a litte storage space in this unused nook...

   

Contrary to popular belief, home staging is about working with what you have, spending the least amount of money while transforming a space. Great home stagers pride ourselves on being resourceful to keep the cost to the bare minimum while transforming your home for the market.

 

Elite Staging and Redesign - Staged to Sell, Designed to Live 

Elite Staging and Redesign - Kristine Ginsberg - 201 602 2562

Home Staging Morris County - Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!

Elite Staging and Redesign (201)602-2562

You have 90 seconds to make a great first impression once your home goes on the market. Consult a Morris County professional home stager serving Union, Essex, Sussex Counties for that competitive edge so your home stands out from the competition, selling faster and for top dollar!  

 

Elite Staging and Redesign offers home staging services to North Jersey homeowners, real estate agents, banks, builders, and investors in preparing homes to stand out in today’s real estate market. For a consultation on vacant staging, lived in homes or interior redesign projects call Elite Staging and Redesign.

We will use proven home staging techniques to create warm, inviting, updated spaces that will appeal to the masses. In today's competitive market, every home can use an edge. For a free home staging proposal, call us today at 201-602-2562.  

Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign

Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio

Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com

 

           

 

How to Choose a Successful, Reputable Home Stager

Just like any profession there are steps to follow when choosing a top-quality, ethical home stager with a proven track record.

Follow these steps BEFORE you hire a home stager:

The first thing you want to see is their portfolio of work. Make sure they have before and after photos, preferably at the same angle, but at least so you can see it’s the same room. If they don’t have before photos, it’s a big red flag and suggests it’ may not be their work. Any reputable home stager will have a good body of work showing before and after photos.

Ask for a list of references and not just from prior clients, but also realtors. A good home stager always has references from clients and Realtors they’ve worked with and will happily supply you with them.

If you’re doing an Internet search for a home stager they should have an online portfolio/gallery along with testimonials on their website. If they don’t, move on.

Make sure they give you all the prices up front so there are no surprises. Do they take their own MLS photos? Is that included in their staging services? If not ask how much additional money it will cost. Generally is should be included.  

Always inquire about a timeline. If the job isn’t done in the timeframe specified, will the stager be charging you more or completing the work as promised at no additional cost? Again, always be on the lookout for hidden costs not agreed upon.

If you’re renting accessories: art, pillows, silk plants, centerpieces, bed linens, ect,  you should know up front how much this will cost. If they can’t give you an exact price because it depends on the length of time you’ll be renting their inventory, ask how they determine their pricing so you’ll have an idea of what you’re being charged be it daily/monthly or whatever system they use as it does vary.   

Successful and seasoned stagers will happily adhere to this list and it will weed out the bad ones. Like any profession there are really bad and/or unethical stagers out there.

Using this list will help lead you to a talented, respected and top-notch home stager! 

Click here to see this Morris County Stager's Portfolio.  Elite Staging and Redesign – Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!

Elite Staging and Redesign - Kristine Ginsberg - 201 602 2562

Home Staging Morris County - Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!

Elite Staging and Redesign (201)602-2562

You have 90 seconds to make a great first impression once your home goes on the market. Consult a Morris County professional home stager serving Union, Essex, Sussex Counties for that competitive edge so your home stands out from the competition, selling faster and for top dollar!  

 

Elite Staging and Redesign offers home staging services to North Jersey homeowners, real estate agents, banks, builders, and investors in preparing homes to stand out in today’s real estate market. For a consultation on vacant staging, lived in homes or interior redesign projects call Elite Staging and Redesign.

We will use proven home staging techniques to create warm, inviting, updated spaces that will appeal to the masses. In today's competitive market, every home can use an edge. For a free home staging proposal, call us today at 201-602-2562.  

Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign

Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio

Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com

 

           

 Connecticut Home Staging Story:  Family Photos - Do Or Don't?

Kevin Crawford's recent Featured blog post asks "Do people REALLY hate your family photos?"  Bemoaning the pervasive nature of the many HGTV staging programs, he decried the sterile appearance of many "staged" houses because all the family photos had been removed.

(Personally, I feel that it's a sad decorating case if the only art and accessories are family photos!)

When a professional Stager recommends removing personal and family photos, it is for several reasons:

• Safety of family members, especially the children's
• Prevent buyer distractions
• Enable buyers to envision themselves in the home

It's certainly not because anyone "hates" family photos!

When large photos or collections of photos are removed, we frequently have them replaced with other art and/or accessories to keep a warm feel to the house.  Here's the example I used in my comment on Kevin's post:

Before:  HUGE portrait of lovely couple above the bed in the master bedroom; it doesn't leave "room" for buyers to imagine themselves living there.  There's a slight feeling of discomfort; an invasion of someone's personal, private space.  You want buyers to feel welcome and be able to imagine themselves in this space!

 

After:  In a Staging Consultation, I asked the sellers to change out the portrait for a neutral landscape (or the like), and this is what they selected.  I don't know what it is, but at least we're not distracted by the photo!  Nothing else was changed; it's not sterile, but it's not as personal as it was before.

Now the focus is on the room itself!

Connecticut Home Staging Story:  Family Photos - Do Or Don't?

 

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings Home Staging & Model Home Design:  Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT (including Fairfield, Southport, Westport, Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown, Stratford, Easton, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich) and Connecticut.

203.257.7395

nestings@snet.net

Nestings Portfolio

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG!

     

 

Tip for Sellers: Dark Cluttered Office Transformed with Paint & Staging Help

This is one of the rooms in a Portland OR home we staged last week ... but the transformation is quite dramatic!  Not only that, it was quick and easy, too ~ something anyone could do before putting your home on the market.

The main floor bedroom was being used by the sellers as a home office -- perfect use for the space.  It was painted about 8 years ago when dark red was a very popular color.  It was also overstuffed with furniture, making the space look much smaller than it really was.

Here's how the office looked BEFORE

We recommended a lighter paint color to brighten up the room, and removal of the existing furniture.  We then staged it lightly, letting buyers see the function of this space as an office.

And here's how it looked AFTER

For a minimal investment, buyers don't have to "see past" a dark, cave-like room to imagine how they might use it.  EASY!

***                    ***                    ***

Room Solutions Staging offers home staging services to Portland Oregon homeowners, real estate agents, builders, banks,  and investors to prepare homes for the market.  Our home staging clients love our customer service and our home staging statistics!  Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultations, staging for both vacant and lived-in homes, and interior restyling service.  For a free home staging proposal, please contact us @ 503-246-1800.

~ Staging and Photos by Room Solutions Staging LLC ~

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Portland home stager Maureen Bray of Room Solutions Staging was a Featured Designer for HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

 

~ Licensed ~ Insured ~ Accredited ~ Certified ~

Copyright © Room Solutions Staging LLC

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~

Want to Know What Home Staging Is?  Well Let Me First Tell You What It Isn't!

Home Staging is often misunderstood... what exactly does it mean?  To some it means “moving furniture around”... at least that’s what people usually say to me when I tell them I’m a Home Stager.

Others, thanks to certain cable television shows, think that a Home Stager comes in and begins ripping out, knocking down and removing everything in sight.  Not necessarily true, although there are times when we wish we could.

And some think that Home Staging is about trickery, deception and dare I say “fraud”.  

And it is this last misconception that needs some addressing.  A recent post may have left some people with the notion that Staging is something akin to the man behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz.  I honestly do not think that the author meant to imply that Home Staging is about pulling the wool over a Buyer’s eyes.  I think/hope the point was to alert buyers to the need to see a property as it is.  

And in a sense, that is what our goal in staging is... to allow a Buyer to see ALL of the possibilities of a house.  

So, please indulge me while I address some issues mentioned in the post.  

Furniture- Stagers do not use “small furniture” to make the room appear larger.  And in fact, we are often left to deal with over-sized/over-stuffed furniture that the Seller has... furniture that they bought for their next larger home, but now makes their room appear too small.   When we do bring in furniture, it is size appropriate for the room.  

In Staging a Master Bedroom, I use nothing smaller than a queen sized bed so that a Buyer will be able to see that their bed will fit.  I’m not sure who would stage a Master Bedroom using a single bed, but if you see a room that has a single bed in it, it is most likely being shown as a child’s room or... it’s a really small master bedroom.

Camouflage or Cover Up- I tell my Sellers AND Realtors that baking cookies, simmering cinnamon sticks or lighting candles is no longer done.  Buyers are wise to this and that the best scent is the scent of CLEAN.  
         I also tell my clients to have all of the lights on and shades or drapes open.  And, what most sellers don’t want to hear but I tell them is that... Buyers will look in their closets and pantries.  This space is important to Buyers so Sellers need to pack up, donate or throw out items they don’t need.  It’s not about creating space that isn’t there... it’s allowing the space that IS there to be seen.

Activities and Props - Stagers show the possibilities of a space.  If the demographics show that Buyers for this property will more than likely have young children, we may show a bedroom as a child’s room, with toys and appropriate bedding.  If on the other hand, the Buyers may be empty nesters or retired, we may show a third bedroom as an office.  

Items that are there for Appearance Sake-  All reputable Home Stagers will not be party to or suggest covering up a flaw.    But these are items that are also addressed by the Listing Agent.   Mirrors and paintings are placed in areas that are aesthetically appealing and probably in the same places where a new home owner would place some artwork.    And, we will often use the same design principles and practices that the new owner would use when they move in.  

Yes... Buyers should take photos and take a tape measure when they’re seriously considering a property.    Yes.... drive by to get a feel for the neighborhood, but this has very little to do with staging.  Yes... go back more than once to view a house.

And yes,  we as Stagers have sometimes added to the misconception by our choice of phrases....

      “Let’s do this to make the room look larger.”

No... our goal is to show the room and all it has to offer not to deceive anyone into thinking the room is larger than it is.  After all, the size of the room is what it is.  

 

Staging is really more like Home Marketing or Home Styling.  We’re there to take what the property has and show it in its best light.  

 

 

 

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

                     

                                   

 

 

 

 

Many sellers don't want to make that final investment in their home.

These sellers feel that the buyer is just going to make changes when they move in so why should they waste their money.

The seller who thinks this way is leaving money on the table. Their buyer is looking for value and will choose the home that meets their expectations within their price range.

Sellers must be ready to compete for a buyer.

 

Here are some easy ways to update, improving your home's appeal and value:

1. Paint always heads my list. A coat of paint will freshen up any space and bring a 'new' feeling to it. Paint is also very cost effective.
2. Lighting ranks high as well. Styles change over the years. Updating the lighting fixtures in the home gives it a modern look. It is not necessary to buy high end fixtures, just get current styles within your budget.
3. Flooring should also be looked at. Worn and tired flooring can raise red flags for buyers. Shampoo those carpets and if they are worn, replace them. Hardwood is always a favorite. Flooring comes in different price ranges and one should fit your budget.
4. Update key areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This can be done with the careful use of paint on walls and/or cabinets, new hardware, new vanity tops, new sinks and modern taps. Updating costs far less than a renovation and you can do as much as your budget allows.
5. Curb appeal should not be forgotten. This is what makes the buyer want to get out of the car. Make sure the lawn is in good shape. Trim shrubs or replace them if necessary and make sure they are not blocking windows. Paint areas on the exterior if they need it. Replace broken windows and screens. Add seasonal planters. Make sure that front door pops.

 

 Home Gain stats show:

A $500 - $750 paint investment yields a $1500 - $2000 increase in value.

A $300 - $400 electrical investment yields a $1500 - $2000 increase in value.

A $300 - $400 landscaping investment yields a $1500 - $2000 increase in value.

A $1000 - $1500 kitchen update investment yields a $2000 - $3000 increase in value.

A $750 - $1000 bathroom update investment yields a $1000 - $1500 increase in value.

A $300 - $400 staging investment yields a $1500 - $2000 increase in value.

Make sure your home can compete.

The closer your home is to 'move in condition' the more buyers it will appeal to and the faster you will be SOLD.

 

 

 

Serving Burlington,Oakville, Milton, Hamilton & surrounding areas.     905-467-5353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staged to Sell, Designed to Live – Defining Staging and Redesign

Many people don’t exactly know what home staging and redesign is. Homes are Staged to Sell and Redesigned to live when you want to update and create that wow effect without breaking the bank!  Let me explain. Home Staging is preparing a home for sale by neutralizing the space to appeal to the masses. Usually this requires removing about 30% of furniture to emphasize the home’s space so buyers can see how their furniture would fit. The décor should always fit the demographic you’re selling in and match the style of the home.

Thus, the focus should never be on the décor, but on the home’s architectural features. I always tell my clients we are selling your home, not the décor so don’t be offended by the changes we make, they are just to appeal to a broader audience.

This is an example of a staged room - everything you see the client owned:

Redesign is using what the client already has and updating it using new accessories: art, throw pillows, center pieces, floral arrangements, new paint color and rearranging the furniture, even swapping from another room to give it a whole new look.

Essentially this is interior design, but much more economical because we are not starting from scratch, but working with what you already have, updating the room by adding inexpensive, but great looking  accessories.  Interior design involves very high-end furniture and accessories, not typically mass produced, and in many cases the price is 10x’s higher than Redesign.  

Redesign is all about giving a room a whole new look, using great products from economical stores where we get great deals and use our designer discount. The results are still dramatic, but at a fraction of the cost of interior design.  

This is an example of a Redesign - we used all the same furniture, tailored it to my cleint's taste and fixed the window problem:

With the holidays upon us, this is a great time to consider Redesigning a room in your home so when guests come they will be wowed and you will feel so much pride with your brand new, updated look. Only you’ll know how easy and inexpensive it really cost.

If you’re interested in a consultation, please call me, Kristine Ginsberg, principal designer of Elite Staging and Redesign -  Staged to Sell, Designed to Live at 201-602-2562!

Home Staging Morris County - Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!

Elite Staging and Redesign (201)602-2562

You have 90 seconds to make a great first impression once your home goes on the market. Consult a Morris County professional home stager serving Union, Essex, Sussex Counties for that competitive edge so your home stands out from the competition, selling faster and for top dollar!  

 

Elite Staging and Redesign offers home staging services to North Jersey homeowners, real estate agents, banks, builders, and investors in preparing homes to stand out in today’s real estate market. For a consultation on vacant staging, lived in homes or interior redesign projects call Elite Staging and Redesign.

We will use proven home staging techniques to create warm, inviting, updated spaces that will appeal to the masses. In today's competitive market, every home can use an edge. For a free home staging proposal, call us today at 201-602-2562.  

Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign

Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio

Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com

 

           

Selling Staging to Children

As professional stagers we frequently have sellers tell us that their family cannot live in a staged home.  Part of the reason that they object is that they cannot imagine convincing their children that "staging" their bedroom is a good idea or that once staged, they will stay that way. 

As a retired classroom teacher I have had many classes and experiences with child psychology and I employ that knowledge with staging.  I know that children, of all ages, will listen more to an outsider (that they trust) than they will their parents.  So, I proceed with caution and enthusiastic anticipation.  Unlike most staging jobs, where we ask the sellers to be absent while we work, I don't do that with children (to include teens). 

First, I get to know the kids and get their feelings about the impending move.  We sit in their rooms and have some heart to heart time without their parents listening in.  With younger children, I first get their permission to touch their stuff and we start the staging process together.  With older children (pre-teen +) I outline what should be done, show them some photos and let them get to work while I'm elsewhere in the house.  I always get them involved in the decisions to move furniture and hide-away the clutter (their valuable stuff).  Buy-in is crucial. 

Here is an example: 

Let's call the owner of this room Darren.  Darren was very OCD about his stuff.  I could not touch his toys but with time he was fine with moving things more out of sight....but ONLY he could do it.  Together we moved furniture and I helped direct where his valuables would work best...always asking first..."do you think that will work?" or "what if we moved this here?"  I don't work fast or push, I prompt and compliment with each move forward. 

Darren's room started out looking like this:

He had always been very concerned about keeping his room neat and organized. 

Here is what we accomplished together, plus his mom decided to buy him new bedding since he was being so cooperative. 

 

The toys, the shelves and the hamper remain in the room but tucked away, out of immediate view for potential buyers and for the camera. 

With Darren's sister, we'll call her Samantha (age 15), we followed the same process.  Here is her bedroom before:

I played the "more sophisticated and grown up" card with Samantha.  What teen girl doesn't want to be grown-up and impress her friends with her level of sophistication?  She agreed that the purple walls were now too juvenile for her, thus dad could paint them.  Again, mom set up a contract and since Samantha did keep her room tidy, she purchased new bedding that she could use now. 

Here are the results for Sam's room:

Where did all of her personal items go?  Honestly, I do not know.  I showed her photos of nicely staged bedrooms and I asked her to find places for her things.  I know that she purged and donated many items.  You can still see her hamper but at least it's tucked behind the bookshelf and not in plain sight. 

Next came the Jack and Jill bathroom that Samantha and Darren shared.  Their mom just couldn't imagine how this room could stay neat and tidy. 

Well, we dug up some baskets and tubs.  We purged the excess of product in the cupboards and tucked away the items that they used daily.  They did the work together and the psychology here was to make their bathroom look better than their parents bathroom. 

Here is what they accomplished with just a bit of help. 

Did this bathroom and their bedrooms stay this way...you bet they did.  Each week I called the house and I checked-in with the kids.  We kept the competitive spirit going and I kept promoting the "self-pride", especially with Samantha. (By the way I did get Darren's permission to put floral items in his bathroom.)

Mom and Dad were thrilled at what we were able to accomplish together, as a team, to get their house SOLD. 

Besides getting the house SOLD, our Fresno area staging and interior decorating company is now helping this family transition into their new home.   

Children can help sell a house, it just takes some thought and persuasion skills to make it happen and perhaps a professional stager, outsider, to get the ball rolling. 

Call a professional stager, in your area to see how they can help.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dream Interior Redesign and Staging by Ginger Foust is a full service, licensed and insured CSP ® Professional Home Stager, Interior ReDesign/Decorating Specialist, consulting and training company. 

Locally serving the California foothill and mountain communities of: Oakhurst, North Fork, BassLake, Coarsegold, Ahwahnee, Wawona and Mariposa.  Also serving areas of: Fresno, Clovis and Madera, California and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

• Professional staging of vacant and occupied properties
• Color and Design Consultations
• Interior Decorating
• Virtual and Conceptual Staging Worldwide 

Click here to see short slideshows with examples of our work. When the first show is over, click on OTHER SHOWS to see more. 

 Visit our website at http://www.dreamredesigns.com for more information or call 559-877-2442