I won 2 awards!!!

I just returned from the Real Estate Staging Association Conference (RESA) conference in Las Vegas and I am still in shock that I actually did it. 

I won 2 awards: 

• Rookie Stager of the Year in the Northeast
• Rookie Stager of the Year of all of North America

I am so honored and thrilled to have achieved the highest award in the staging industry!

Below, Matthew Finlason (from the HGTV Show "The Stagers") and Shell Brodnax (President of RESA) are handing me the awards. 

Las Vegas, I am Coming!

What does Las Vegas have to do with Home Staging? Simple, the Real Estate Staging Association's International Home Stagers Conference is taking place there this Sunday through Tuesday. I am so thrilled to go again this year, especially because I am the first Connecticut Home Stager who ever made it to the finals for an award for the most prestigious awards in the Staging Industry. The winners will be announced in Las Vegas.

Awesome speakers like Matthew Finlason (from the HGTV show "The Stagers"), Jackosn West (from Design Stars season 1) and many other hugely successful Home Stagers from all around the country will be there as well. I can't wait to learn more about the new industry trends and networking with other stagers.

 

HGTV's 14 Home Trends Currently in Demand

Building industry professionals have identified home trends for 2011. Are you also looking for any of these things? 

These are our top 6 picks off the list:

• an efficient design with lots of storage
• more natural light
• eat-in, partially separated kitchen
• a comfortable family gathering space
• a home office that multi tasks
• energy efficient appliances

Did you know that besides our Home Staging Services we also offer Interior Redesign Services specializing in maximizing your home's space to best use your home's square footage?

For the full list check out HGTV's page. 

Small Space, Big Style Office

One of the most challenging designs is when you have little space and need to utilize every single quarter of an inch, but still want the space to look stylish. I just LOVE these challenges. I am happy how this small office turned out. There is so much storage space!

Selling your house during the snowy months

Tonight and tomorrow there is another snow storm in the forecast for our area here in Fairfield county, CT. Right after our last storm I was at a client's house for a home staging consultation and made a few observations, which I thought are important to share with home sellers who live in a snowy area.

• Buyers should be directed through the front door, where they get the best first impression of the house (curb appeal as well as entering the house). Therefore, shuffle the snow in front of your house and the walk way to the front door. 

• If the house is located closer to the street and the snow plow pushed the snow to the side of each side of the street, but there is then no longer enough space for any cars to park, make the extra effort to shuffle parking spots. Potential buyers will then be inclined to park in front of the house and take the front entrance. 

• Make sure that the driveway is free of snow, so enough cars can park in your driveway. Once the snow is no longer fresh it gets much harder to remove the snow to accommodate traffic for your Open House visitors. 

• If your driveway is to the side of the house ensure that there is a snow and ice free pathway from there to the front door. Don't lead buyers through the garage and basement into the house just because it is easier. You will loose out on opportunities of a great first impression. Remember, first impressions are formed within the first 10 seconds. 

• Have a door mat on either side of the front door - outside and inside - to get the snow off the visitors' shoes. 

• Clean off the snow from your deck and patio furniture, so buyers and see how large it is and in what condition it is. 

Happy selling!