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!

Considerations when Staging or Designing a Dining Room

Do the following questions puzzle you? 

What is the right size of table for my dining room?
Can I still fit a hutch or china cabinet?
What size of dining table should I buy to accommodate my family comfortably?

For the answer of these questions with easy charts click here. 

Happy Holidays to our Fans!

We wish all our fans Cheerful Holidays and the Very Best for the New Year!

 

 

SOLD within 32 days after vacant home staging

This house in Redding, CT was occupied, but un-staged, in the very beginning when it was put on the market. Therefore, the online photos showed the house furnished. I have to say it looked quite spacious online.

Shortly thereafter the home sellers moved out and the house was now vacant. After the house had not sold for quite some time, the real estate agent suggested to the home sellers to have it staged. When I came to the house and saw the empty house, it looked small. How would home buyers be able to see fitting their furniture in here? I am sure this was the reason why this property had not sold after 101 days yet.

After we had it staged, it again looked very spacious, warm and welcoming. This proves again how deceiving vacant rooms are as there is no point of reference in the room. 

After the house was staged, it SOLD within 32 days! 

This example shows again, how important it is to have a vacant house staged if the goal is to sell fast and at the top dollar. After all, home buyers buy homes not houses. 


Click here to see the BEFORE & AFTER Home Staging Video