the Staging Matters blog

Before and After Pictures

2012-12-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

By Debra Rosser

Picture This!

2011-05-05T11:05:00.002-05:00

I just bought my first DSLR camera, a Nikon d3100. It takes amazing pictures! Taking a great interior shot seems to come down to having an artistic eye (I've got that), a steady hand (or for me a VR lens and tripod), a wide angle and a professional camera.

Having better pictures will enhance the before and after pictures that help sell my service on my webpage! This will also mean that if you have a house on the market, and you already had professional shots taken but now you want to stage some of the home; we will be able to deliver beautiful after shots that you can swap out of the rooms we stage.

What is in your MLS photos can drive traffic to your listing... or away from it. You have a lot of control over this. Look at your pictures carefully, think about the properties best features. List the strongest photos/features first. We have a favorite local real estate photographer we partner with and can even include their professional photography services in a package designed just for you. We are happy to give referrals; just ask!

Quote

2011-05-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

The happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything!
Bill Etheredge
Counselor
The Colony High School

Dressed for Success

2011-02-27T14:59:00.000-06:00

Do you think it is a good idea to get your car detailed before you sell it?
Do you wear clothes to a party or usually go naked? Why?
When you are having a party do you clean up the house, the bathrooms, the floors, and the kitchen?
Do you generally think people look better after a make-over?
Do you think that the style of clothes a person wears can make them look older than they actually are?
Is it important to you to stay in shape?
If the price is the same do you buy new or used?
Have you ever been surprised by someone’s talent on American Idol? Why?
Have you ever notice that someone had chipped toenail or fingernail polish?
Do you dress differently when you are cleaning house than when you are going to work?
Do you wear deodorant? Why?

Like it or not, looks (and smells) do matter. We make judgments about all kinds of things based on what we see. If your house is on the market it is competing with the other houses on the market and guess what….the best looking houses (in each price range) sell first, and for the most money. Understanding this is not rocket science. If your house is about to go on the market or already is on the market (and you are disappointed with the results you are getting) contact us. Staging is an investment that pays very well and it is always cheaper than a price reduction. Staging Matters. Call today.

Susan Boyle, the older woman who appeared on American Idol and shocked the nation with her voice, is a great example of how packaging creates expectations. Susan Atwell, of Atwell Staged Home, writes an interesting article on this subject in her blog. You can read the article here:
It All Boyles Down to this – Looks Count

North Texas Holiday Staging Tips

2010-11-18T00:24:00.000-06:00

It must be tempting, if you are a homeseller, to pull your home from the market during the Holiday season. For some this may be a smart time to let the clock reset and take a break but before throwing in the towel you might want to consider the advantages of sticking it out.

There are fewer homes typically on the market over the holidays; this means you will have less competition (that is a big deal in a buyers market). Secondly, those buyers that are looking during this time are more likely to be serious, motivated buyers.

I have been asked already several times about how I suggest someone "stage" during the Holidays. Here is the honest answer to this question from a staging perspective. It is not a popular answer but it is an honest one. If your seller can stick to these guidelines they will have an edge over the competition and that is sometimes all it takes.

So here are my suggested guidelines...

Less is still more in November and December. If you add something large (Christmas Tree) you must remember to take something of equal size out of the room (loveseat or large chair). Square footage is what you are selling so remember that less is still more even during the Holidays.

Curb appeal is still critical! The first impression from the curb can include a Holiday Wreath and maybe some white lights....but that is really it. Frosty the blow up Snowman and all the plastic candycanes need to stay in the attic.

This is not the year to decorate all the rooms of your home. Buyers need to be able to focus on the house, not your decorations. So what is the magic formula? Think in terms of 3. Three areas is enough to keep you in the Holiday spirit and to celebrate family traditions but not overwhelm your buying guests. For most this will mean they will put up a tree, decorate a mantle and set the dining room table. That is all, just those three places.

Kitchens and Bathrooms sell houses. Keep these areas "holiday free". Buyers will be able to appreciate these rooms if they aren't distracted by your decorations.

While you shouldn't overwhelm buyers visually with the Holidays you can enhance the warm feeling of your home by baking some cookies and leaving some Holiday music playing softly in the background.

Being on the market during the Holidays is not without challenges so if you are going to stick it out....stay in the race!

Dallas/Ft Worth Stager Shares a Trick

2010-11-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

Sanity Saver for Homeowners

Imagine it is just past 8 in the morning. You are still wearing your pajamas and you are in the middle of feeding your toddler some breakfast. The phone rings. It is the service wanting to let you know that your home is scheduled for a showing within the hour.

It is really rare that you will get a showing that is truly convenient. Somehow the service that schedules those doesn’t ever schedule a showing when you are perfectly prepared, when your spouse is around to help or when the maid has just left. So how do you survive when you have less than an hour to prepare?

The first TRICK is to always have these 2 baskets available. The first basket is a large empty laundry basket. This is a basket that you will use to put anything that is out of place into. The second is a basket or bucket that is loaded with some cleaning essentials. In this bucket you should always have an empty trash bag, Windex, microfiber towels (3 or 4), Pledge and a room spray that smells like cotton or fresh laundry.

Now when the phone rings grab both the laundry basket and the emergency cleaning bucket and move from room to room systematically. In every room you are going to throw anything (and I do mean anything) out of place in the laundry basket. I have even known clients to throw dirty pans and dishes into the basket. Now, using the buckets contents, quickly wipe down any counters, mirrors and sinks, close every toilet lid, empty every trash can, open every blind, turn on every light and spray every room with room freshener. All beds should be made and only pretty things should be out on any counter. Move from room to room in a systematic fashion. Don’t leave any room until all of the above are done.

Turn on some elevator music, grab your keys, throw the laundry basket in the trunk of your car and drive away with the kids and the animals in the back seat.

As you drive away remembers this. The only thing worse than being on the market is being on the market for a long time. Almost every showing will include a qualified buyer; ready to buy someone’s home, it might as well be yours. You have one shot at grabbing their attention so it is worth it to be prepared. Every showing could be your last!

Quote

2010-11-04T09:45:00.004-05:00

The Only Thing More Stressful Than Having Your Home On The Market, Is Having Your Home On The Market For A Long Time!
To avoid this give us a call today because the Staging Matters.

Will Buyers Really Look in My Closets?

2010-10-26T11:22:00.001-05:00

You can count on it. Buyers do open closets. Here are some quick tips to get your closets in the game.

1. Almost without exception I tell my clients to pack up at least 1/2 of their closet before they even begin to organize it.
2. Use all the same hangers if possible. I don't care if they are wire, plastic, flocked or wood. Just get them uniform and hang them all in the same direction.
3. Clear the floor. Not most of the floor, really get everything off the floor.

4. Use a system for clothes. Hang the shirts, skirts, dresses, and pants together in groups. Then organize in each group by color.

5. Have a shoe plan. For most women this means you need to pack up most shoes and have a system for keeping what you must keep out until you move....and remember they can't be on the floor. See rule number 2.

6. Put odds and ends in baskets and store neatly on shelves.
7. Keep dirty clothes out of sight (and smell) and covered up. Wouldn't you just hate people looking at your dirty....socks?
8. Vacuum the carpet inside the closet.

Top Ten Mistakes a Seller Can Make When Trying to Sell Their Home

2010-09-07T20:01:00.000-05:00

This article was born after a particularly interesting day visiting Open Houses in Highland Village and Coppell.   It is a lot of work to have a home on the market. Seek the advice of your Realtor or Stager when preparing for an Open House in North Texas.

number 10- If you remove a light fixture put another one in its place. Don't just put a metal cap on it.
number 9- If you are going to leave the closets open when showing the house make sure the closets are not scary looking.
number 8- Don't hang signs up all over the house for buyers. "This room could be a nursery" just doesn't cut it.
number 7- Having dirty carpets but putting up a notice that you are willing to give a carpet allowance.  Deferred maintainance is a red flag for buyers. Clean the carpets and if they still don't look great consult with your Realtor and Stager about whether replacing them makes good financial sense.
number 6- Leaving keys in any doors just isn't safe. When you have an open house remove keys, medicines, bills, jewelry etc.
number 5- If you have a great backyard, with an awesome outdoor living space it is not a good idea to leave your killer gaurd dog outside. Buyers won't go outside if the dog looks menacing. Take the dog with you so buyers will see all the great things your backyard has to offer.
number 4- Don't hang out with your agent during an Open House thinking buyers won't figure out who you are. Go away and let the agent concentrate on those visiting your home. Everyone is more comfortable asking questions if you are not there.
number 3-Don't leave the answering machine volume up when you are showing your house. Imagine getting a call from the bank or a repair person when someone is looking at your house.
number 2-   Cooking broccoli and other strong smelling foods while your house is on the market could leave a lingering distraction for buyers. Be in tune to the smells associated with your home...they can either really work for you (smell of cookies, fresh laundry, Pledge) or really work against you (smoke, broccoli, mold, cat).
and number 1- Never underestimate the possibilities when your house gets a showing! You have this one shot; be prepared so they see your property at its best. Every showing could be your last if you play your cards right.

Practical Painting Tips

2010-09-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

Staging a Master Bathroom in Under an Hour

2010-08-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Master bathrooms are very important. Follow this step by step process and you will be on your way in no time to designing a bathroom that is appealing to buyers!!

Remove every item from every surface. Completely empty the room of rugs, accessories, products, towels, dryers, plungers, toilet lid covers, trash cans, scales ....everything. Start with a completely blank slate.
Clean, clean, clean. Kitchens and bathrooms must feel like no one ever really uses them. These 2 rooms must be over the top clean.... No one wants to buy a used bathroom.
Pick a contrasting color for towels and one bath mat. If your bathroom is dark; pick white. If your bathroom is white pick a gorgeous gold, green or black. This is a good time to invest in some new "show towels and a rug".
Add a stack of folded towels to a surface (side of tub or countertop, etc). Place towels like you imagine a 4 star hotel would.
Add one nice piece of art. Be sure it is reflected in the mirror.
Add a plant or greenery to either the tub area or the countertop.
Replace any outdated fixtures and towel bars.
Add one decorative element or grouping. This could be candles, glass vases with cotton balls, a lovely tray or a loofah and sponge.
Stop. Make sure that the bathroom looks "spa like" and stop.
Create your system for adding and removing products daily. Consider putting your shower products in a bucket and storing the bucket under a sink when you aren't actually in the shower.

Quick Checklist Before Any Showing

2010-08-01T10:24:00.000-05:00

by Debra Rosser of Staging Matters

1. Beds are made neatly.
2. Clutter is removed and everything is in it’s place. Take a moment to gather any items that are out of place. Keep an empty laundry basket at all times. When a showing is coming sometimes it is easiest to just put anything out of place in the laundry basket (I’ve even known people who put dishes into the basket when they were in a hurry). Put the laundry basket in the car so the mess drives away from the house when you do.
3. Check the kitchen and quickly wipe down all counter tops and kitchen table.
4. Either let some fresh air in the house for a few minutes or spray a clean smelling fragrance. Remember that some people are very sensitive to smells so avoid flowery fragrances using ones that smell like vanilla or fresh laundry instead.
5. Turn on every light and open every blind. People buy bright, well lit houses.
6. Keep the yard free of children’s bikes and toys.
7. Wipe down sink areas so they sparkle.
8. Close every toilet lid, and remove any toothbrushes.
9. Turn on some soft music, classical or “elevator” type music is best.
10. Turn down the volume on your answering machine; your messages are private and you wouldn’t want someone looking at your house to hear them.
11. Remember to remove from the home anything of value.
12. It is a serious mistake to be home during a showing. Plan ahead of time where you will go when there is a showing (park, neighbor’s home, mall, grocery store, on a walk, etc). People viewing your house shouldn’t have any distractions!
13. When you leave if it is at all possible take the animals in the home with you. You only have this one shot to get people comfortable enough to seriously consider buying your home. If you can’t take a dog with you then at least confine them to a crate. Your animal could become a liability if left loose.
14. Any cat litter boxes should be covered, clean and out of the way.
15. Spend time each week looking at the front and back of the home. Keep yards mowed neatly, leaves raked up and weeds out of the garden!

Doing these things will help your house sell! Living in a house that is on the market is very inconvenient but doing these things consistently will increase your chances of a sale with every showing.

Realtors, Are you getting the most out of Staging?

2010-07-15T16:28:00.010-05:00

by Debra Rosser, a North Texas stager with Staging Matters

1. Staging is not decluttering and cleaning. Doing these two things does improve how a home looks of course but it isn't "the staging magic" that sells a house quickly and for top dollar. Think about builders' homes. They are staged. They are not plain, neutral and empty looking. Their homes have a feeling; a warmth, some charm, a style, some color and accessories. This is not on accident. They are creating environments that ask a buyer to stay; look around; imagine what it would be like to live in this home. They are creating spaces that buyers will "aspire" to live in. It works; that is why they continue to do it. Less is more (until it looks boring)...let stagers find the right balance in each home.

2. Every home that is staged should not come out with the same look. A great stager will look at what a homeowner already has and will build from there. Some homes lend themselves to a formal look; others to a comfortable look. A good home stager will have looked at other homes in the same price range and either try to beat what she sees or create a different look so the home stands out amidst the competition. I recently staged a home with a casual/garden feel. All the other homes in that price range have a more formal feel. Strategically this will make this home easy to remember by buyers at the end of a long day of looking at houses. ( Fingers crossed.)

3. I am a homestager. I am a full time, serious stager. To borrow a thought from Donna Dazzo, a stager I admire, "I am not a real estate agent, a property manager, a staging trainer and a furniture rental company". I focus on two things, home staging and redesign. I do those two things well because they are my focus.

4. It not only takes vision and talent to stage a home but it takes time and energy. As an agent you may have the vision and talent but your time and energy are better spent getting listings and showing houses, this is where your profits lie. Use the time you would spend staging on getting another listing.

5. Ouch! This one is going to hurt a little but.... As I research who the "big dog Realtors" are in Flower Mound, Highland Village and beyond there is one thing they all do. Wait for it..... They stage every listing. They advertise that they stage every listing. They are committed to staging every listing. It makes them shiny. It is one of the secret weapons that helps win them listings and it is why their inventory is constantly changing. Staging is not their only secret but it is an obvious one to me. They pay for an initial staging consultation and for some actual hands-on staging. I'd estimate this costs them about three to four hundred dollars(for a 1/2 day of staging). This investment in marketing pays off; they are the big dogs. You may not be able to pay for that yet (or you may feel that the client should pay for the stager just like they pay for the inspector and appraiser...this is a valid point) but find a stager that you like and work through a plan that will still deliver real results for your clients; even if you don't pay for it. Taking the time to brainstorm solutions to your business needs with a stager is time well spent.

Part 2

6. Spending $75 on each house to have a stager run through in under an hour and tell the homeowner a few things to do isn't going to have a big payoff. If that is what you have tried, paying a stager a small fee for a quick visit....you owe it to yourself to try a different approach or save your money. If it was that easy then we really could create a checklist and homeowners could do it themselves.
(To be fair, if you are paying a small fee for a stager to meet with your client, go over the project and propose actual staging time then your cost is justified as long as a lot of your clients do actually book more staging time/advice). For a homeowner to really get the most out of staging; they should spend some time actually working with the stager in their home getting some main living areas staged. Staging is an art and it is hard to really get great results from reading a report or simply clearing all the counters. Creating that "feeling" that buyers like takes skill...it is not something that happens in 1 hour.

7. Waiting until a house has been on the market for a long time and then calling in a stager...not the best choice. I'd bet my left arm that you knew it wasn't going to sell quickly but you were so excited to get that listing that you didn't want to make any waves. The waves are coming if you don't change the condition of the house so why not pay a stager to "make the waves" from the beginning so you will have some smooth sailing later. Be proactive and stage them first whenever you can. Staging pays very well and makes for happy clients. Why? Because they get to move on so much faster.

8. Isn't it time to develop some strong partnerships. We should be able to talk honestly about a listing, the challenges and goals. It takes 3 things to sell a house. Neither of us can affect the location but let me market and merchandise the inside of the house, you price it right and market it to the outside world and I bet the results will be remarkable.

9. I can afford to be bolder than you can be. In fact that is part of what makes me a good stager. I will tell the homeowner the truth (if I can't get them to tell me that same truth on their own). My relationship with them doesn't last as long as yours. Let me say what you are thinking. Trust that I will know what needs to get done and I will find a way to talk about it. My only real goal is to maximize a homeowner's profits and reduce their stress. This happens with a healthy offer and a quick sale. I am focused on correcting the things that will get in the way. If there is a way; I will find it.

If you haven't seen results with staging then it may be time to try a new stager and develop a new staging plan. You should feel like the stager you are working with is bright, dedicated and invested. She should be helping you market your home in some new ways.

I love what I do. I am good at it. I can feel when a Realtor thinks they don't need help with staging and I am frustrated if I look at their listings and know that they could be getting different results. What if I am as good at marketing the inside of the home as you are about marketing to the outside world of buyers? That could make for a fabulous team!!!! I'd love to brainstorm with you today....

Our New Website is Up

2010-07-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

Please check out our new website. It is now up and we will be adding lots of things to it in the coming weeks so come back often!!!
Let us know how you like it.
http://www.thestagingmatters.com/

2010-07-11T23:02:00.002-05:00

This is a new software program we are using to highlight the properties we stage. When the show finishes you will have an opportunity to click on "other shows". This home has a "before and after" you are welcome to watch. It is a beautiful property. Email me for more information.

Free Consultation

2010-06-02T14:09:00.005-05:00

We offer a free phone consultation to new clients. During this consultaion we will discuss your particular situation, any specific concerns you have, time frame for getting your home on the market and/or challenges you are facing if you are on the market already and aren't getting the results you were hoping for. We will take this time to get to know you and help you find solutions that will begin to relieve some of the your stress. We work with some great Realtors that are also willing to answer questions for clients that aren't working with a Realtor already.

Please email us with your name, phone number and MLS listing number (if you already have a listing). Please put "free phone consultation" in the subject line of the email. Email us today and we will help develop a strategy that sells. We look forward to hearing from you. debra@thestagingmatters.com

Question of the Week

2010-06-02T13:33:00.004-05:00

by Debra of Staging Matters

Should I turn a bedroom into an office?

This is a question that I have gotten a few times lately. In the North Texas area it is estimated that much of our workforce utilizes a home office. Living and working in DFW has lots of perks but sitting in traffic on your way home to Southlake or Coppell is not one of them. For this reason more and more professionals are starting to work at least some of the time at home. I think it is a good idea to stage an office if you have the room. My rule of thumb in most family oriented communities is that if the home does not have a designated office and it has more than 3 bedrooms then yes I will stage an office. When staging a bedroom as an office I will not go over board as I want the buyer to be able to imagine a 4th bedroom as well. I will usually put in a leggy desk (takes up less visual space) and some sort of daybed or futon. This helps people see all the possibilies for the room.
In general if you are unsure about how to stage an area of your home ask a Professional Stager in your area what is most desired in your neighborhood. We are trained at helping you get the best return on your investment (ROI).

: Savvy Home Sellers Are Looking For REALTORS® That Offer Home Staging Consultations

2010-06-01T13:21:00.002-05:00

by Cindy Bryant, a Stager in Houston
http://www.redesignetc.com/

More and more homeowners understand that in any market, especially this one, a seller needs to do everything possible to get a home sold. That's why they are looking for real estate agents that offer this service, or know of a home stager they can recommend. A home staging consultation is the most cost effective service a seller can get before putting their house on the market.

Why do Home Sellers Want Professional Home Stagers?

•Home sellers don't want a generic list of "Things to Do"handed to them from their agent.

•They want personalized service from a professional stager that can pinpoint specifics about their home and make recommendations.

•They want an unbiased opinion from someones that's not involved with the commission.

•They want to know with confidence that their home will show better than their competition down the street.

•Real estate agents shouldn't be concerned with the buyer being insulted in suggesting the use of a home stager, quite the contrary, sellers are looking for this add-on service.

•They know staging is the hottest marketing and merchandising tool out there.

•It also gives the home seller satisfaction knowing that the agent is doing everything he or she can do to help sell their home.

•Don't have the time to do it themselves.

•Understands the concept, but doesn't know how to implement the process themselves.

•Lacks the decorating skills, and has better things to do.

•Sellers know it's a must in today's market and it's a win-win for all parties involved.

•Some real estate agents will pay for a home staging consultation as part of their marketing plan, but typically a home seller pays for costs associated with home staging.

•All REALTORS® should be able to recommend a professional home stager that can provide not only staging advice, but furnishings and accessories for a vacant home.

© Redesign Etc.,Inc. 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Home Staging Helps Real Estate Investors and Builders Maximize Profit

2010-05-31T10:58:00.001-05:00

Author: Debra Gould

When selling your investment property, are you tempted to leave a room or the entire house empty? Decorating your house to sell, also called Home Staging or Real Estate Staging, will help you sell your investment in record time and get top dollar for your home.
If you have gone through the expensive and time-consuming job of renovating, don't decide to save money when it comes to furnishings and accessories.
When you've gone through expensive renovations, suffered with delays or extended beyond your budget, it's difficult to stay motivated to the bitter end. It can be tempting to say, "It's good enough. The paint's dry; let's put it on the market as is!"
This is short sighted and can cost you a bundle!
It's relatively inexpensive to rent anything you need, and these finishing touches help ensure you make the profit you deserve for all those costly repairs.
Imagine it's the Academy Awards. A big star is wearing a fabulous designer gown so she decides she doesn't need to get her hair done. Does everyone talk about the fabulous gown? Of course not, all they can remember is the terrible hair!

Or imagine a fine painting stuck in a dollar store frame. Does the painting have the same appeal as it would if it had been framed by a professional? Conversely, have you ever taken one of your child's paintings and had it framed? What a difference it makes compared to how it looked when it was stuck on the fridge with a magnet.

5 REASONS IT'S A BAD IDEA TO LEAVE ROOMS EMPTY WHEN SHOWING YOUR HOUSE:
1. People don't buy houses, they buy homes.
2. It is difficult to understand how large a room is when there's nothing in it as a reference point.
3. People can't visualize how furniture will fit in an empty space, and if they're unsure, they don't buy.
4. When a room is empty prospective buyers focus on negative details instead of falling in love with the overall space.
Instead of looking at the flow of one room to another, prospective buyers get bogged down in questions like: Is the drywall smooth? Will those bumps in the carpet come out? Why doesn't the closet have a hanging bar? Why doesn't that molding fit perfectly? Why is the light switch in the middle of the wall?
5. When a house or even a few rooms are empty prospective buyers can get distracted from paying attention to the house and shift their focus to the home owners.
Instead of focusing on whether this is the home for them, they may be busy wondering: Is this a divorce? Have they left town? Are they selling because they have money problems? This train of thought can then prompt buyers to starting thinking, "maybe I can put in a low ball offer since the seller might be desperate." Definitely not the picture you are trying to paint.
Home staging is about packaging a home to show off its best features and downplay the flaws. You romance the buyer and entice them into making an emotional connection with your house. So, bring in some furnishings and accessories to add character and warmth to the home. Taking the time to do these final details will ultimately translate into a higher return on your investment.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_460193_80.html

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is president of Six Elements and creator of The Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program with 1000+ Graduates worldwide. Debra is the author of two home staging guides and offers a Directory of Home Stagers to help homeowners and real estate agents locate home stagers who will decorate homes to sell quickly and for top dollar. To learn more visit http://www.stagingdiva.com

http://www.stagingdiva.com/

Truth or Dare

2010-05-14T14:44:00.003-05:00

By Debra of Staging Matters

Being successful in the home staging business can come down to this. How easy is it for you to tell the truth in such a way that people are motivated to make some changes? A great home stager doesn't tell you what you want to hear, exactly. I tell people that they need to paint bright purple and stark white walls different colors, that they need to remove country lacy curtains, that they need to put away all the sports memorabilia (even the Aggie stuff), that the litter box is stinky, that the weeds have to come out (even if they are blooming), and the real flowers have to go in. I tell people to clean their windows inside and out as many times as it takes to get sparkle happening.

When you are finished living in a home and you are ready to make some serious money on this big investment, isn't maximizing the profits exciting? So hearing the truth doesn't hurt; it sells! I dare you to beg for the truth and follow through with all changes. When you can really hear the truth, the Staging will Matter! You can expect to sell faster and for a lot more money.

Tipsheet: Staging Tips That Can Help Sell a Home

2010-05-03T15:44:00.003-05:00

By Mary Beth Breckenridge

Staging a home for sale can set it apart from the competition and make it inviting to the greatest number of buyers. Kiplinger's Personal Finance has these suggestions for staging your home for less than $1,000:

"Focus on a few rooms. Hire a stager to redo just the entryway, main living area, kitchen and master bedroom. Stagers usually charge $75 to $125 an hour. Ignore secondary rooms, or do them yourself once you've seen how the pro works.

Add some pizzazz. Sometimes a few decorative extras can update or neutralize a home's decor. You may be able to negotiate with a staging company for decor items such as wall art, area rugs, lamps or other accessories. One company Kiplinger's checked charges roughly $250 per month, with a three-month minimum, plus one month's fee for setup and breakdown.

Pay for a plan, but provide the muscle. Many stagers will work as consultants, touring your house and offering suggestions on presenting it. Barb Schwarz, founder of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says the average fee for a consultation is $350.

Then it's up to you to do the cleaning, decluttering and rearranging. Kiplinger's suggests renting a portable storage unit if you have a lot of stuff to store. One company, PODS, will deliver the unit to your driveway, transport it to a secure facility and charge you a monthly storage fee."

By Mary Beth Breckenridge
Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
Posted: 04/09/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT
Updated: 04/09/2010 02:59:59 PM PDT

Staging Matters would love to help you stage your house. Staging increases the profitability and decreases the time on the market. We'd love to visit with you today. 469-322-9113

Targeting Your Probable Buyers

2010-05-03T15:38:00.001-05:00

RISMedia recently put out a great article about how home staging should target buyers by group. The article talks about how different groups are looking for different things in a house and how to attract your target market. You can read the article by clicking here http://rismedia.com/2010-04-13/home-staging-tips-that-focus-on-largest-customer-segments/

Attracting First Time Home Buyers

2010-05-03T12:43:00.002-05:00

Click this link for a great article about attracting first time home buyers. Staging your home to sell to a first-time buyer

Closet Makeover Tips

2010-04-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

by Debra Rosser of Staging Matters
It is very likely that serious buyers will look in closets and open cabinet doors. The closets that look organized, clean and spacious make a great impression. Here are 6 things you should do to get a closet ready for viewers.

1. Remove about 1/2 of the clothes. If the closet is packed with clothes a buyer may think there isn't enough storage. Pack up clothes you don't need and get them to out of sight.

2. Clear the floors. The floor of your closet should be empty. Get things off the floor and then vacuum the carpet in the closet.

3. If possible use only one type of hanger. You can pick flocked, plastic, wood or wire but if you only use one kind it will add to the organized feel.
4. Get all dirty clothes out of sight. This isn't the time for people to see your dirty....socks. Get a basket with a lid and keep your hamper covered.
5. Keep the closet smelling fresh. Do laundry more frequently so dirty clothes don't give the closet a "smell". Add a box of baking soda to absorb odors, add some kind of room deodorizer and air out your closets.
6. Use baskets to store things on shelves and remember that the shelves shouldn't look "stuffed". Be sure about 1/3 of the shelves are empty.

Closets can convey to a buyer that a home is well maintained and cared for; that the owners are organized and therefore have probably taken care of the house. Getting the closets in order puts you closer to a sale and will make packing easier in the end.

New Preferred Realtor Program

2010-04-14T13:13:00.004-05:00

Staging Matters has a new Realtor Program for preferred Realtors. To get more information about this program please contact us at 469-322-9113 or by emailing debra@thestagingmatters.com. Join this list today! The Staging Matters.