Staging Tips for the Laundry Room, Attic and Basement

Everyone knows to stage the key areas of a home, but few sellers go the extra mile to stage the laundry area, the attic or the basement. As a seller in a struggling market you should not leave any stone unturned, or miss a single opportunity to impress on the buyer how well your home lives. Often times it is the "extra spaces" that tip the scales. I personally would love to have a space for a craft room/sewing room and my husband would love to have a work out area, not to mention the extra storage. Paying careful to those extra spaces means adding functional square feet in the buyer's eyes. Leaving those spaces dusty and cob web ridden is a huge mistake.



Start with a good declutter. Pack away those things that are on the floor and eating up the visual space. Clean and clear all horizontal spaces, empty out the area so you can see what you have to work with. Store, donate or sell items. If you have a lot of items to store look into off site storage.



Ok, the space is empty and clean. What condition is the floor in? Do you need to paint, add an area rug or install laminate flooring ? How about the walls? A nice neutral paint can go a long way. In basements be sure to pick a cheery and light reflective color. Don't forget art, it really takes the space up a notch and sets the tone.



How is the storage? Add shelving if needed, organized storage is a big plus. And don't forget the ceiling, lighting is important, especially in places like attics and basements that are normally dark and creepy. Any scary views? Put up blinds or curtains, just make sure that you don't block out the light.



Staging the laundry room is easy. Get baskets to put all the products in, add in a rack to hold the iron and the ironing board. Ikea is a great place to shop for organizational items that can create a laundry center affordably.



The basement can be anything you want. You can add a craft table or add a mirror on the wall, an exercise ball and yoga mat, a small table with bottles of water and towels. If the area is big enough you can do both, be sure to have some good lighting, art and plants.



Yes it is work, but if you want to put your very best foot forward and get rave reviews from buyers it is time well spent. You want to give the buyer every reason to pick your property by helping it stand out with a bright and clean laundry area, lots of storage space in a well lit attic and a basement space that can be fulfill the buyer's dream of a craft room, sewing space or work out area.

Summer Staging Tips

It's summer time, well almost, and it is time to think about how that impacts the staging of your home or your listings. Please enjoy the virtual tour below, it has tips that are easy for anyone to use and sure to help your property show at it's best.

Shop Open

As many of you know I have spent much of 2009 helping my siblings care for my very wonderful mother (pictured here) who passed on August 12, 2009. It was an honor, I only wish we had longer to spend with her but I know I will see her shiny happy smiling face again.

It has taken awhile to get my spirits back up and my mind full time on business, but I am finally here and ready to do battle with this crazy real estate market.

Thank you for your patience. Newsletters, tips, pictures and real estate shows are forthcoming on a regular basis again so please bookmark my blog and check back in often. Thanks,

Laura

Consignment Shopping

I have an agent client who is paying for a vignette staging on one of her listings. Vignette staging means that you focus on using small amounts of furniture and lots of art and accessories or small vignettes to tell the story and warm the space.

So I hit the shops yesterday just looking for some new art to address and draw out the focal points of each space and to diffuse any issues that are presently glaring. I found almost everything I needed.

I live in Charlotte but shopping almost always means a trip to Gastonia for me. There are a few consignment shops there that I just love and can count on having some pieces that I could not afford otherwise.

I got 2 great mirrors, a screen, 5 pieces of art, some wire work, and few nice florals. I found more than my budget would allow me to purchase but with the new WOW factor and my 1000 square foot warehouse I will be able to pull that job together and make those spaces look awesome on a budget.

The Perfect Color in only moments, with no mistakes

Selecting paint from thousands of colors in paint decks has always been terrifying. Recently I learned the secrets and the science of making that process a snap by completing color certification training, "The Art and Science of Color."

This earned me the distinction of becoming a Certified Color Consultant, recognised by The Decorating and Staging Academy, the WCAA, CHF, RESA, and IRIS.

As an interior decorating professional I have the responsibility to keep my clients current on the trends happening within the industry. People are intimidated by color but are desperate to have it in their homes. This training will enable me to bring the latest techniques and trends to my clients.

Traditional interior design can take a alot of time and money. Adding the right color to a space can give you instant gratification for a fraction of the cost. Check out my website for services and pricing or call me at 704-517-6653. If you want a room that is transformed for a price tag you can afford call today for a Color Consultation and get a free Personal Color Palette.

Happy Thanksgiving

There is no better time than now!

SEASONAL STAGING SUGGESTIONS


There is no better time to have your home on the market than right now! What better time to show buyers how warm and wonderful your home is than when the holidays are approaching?

My experience tells me the buyers that are out looking now are serious. The first-time homebuyer tax credit has been extended so get ready to put your best foot forward, I expect the next 2 months to be more active than normal for this time of year.

Staging is an art, you need a well thought out plan to make the most of each space and to enable the plan to be implemented in a timely fashion. It is alot of work, but it is very doable and well worth the time and money invested.

You can do all of it yourself or choose what you want to complete and hire us to do the rest. We offer services that run the gamut, from a staging consultation that will give you a thorough staging plan and will guide you through the process so you can DIY to completing the entire project for A-Z for you.

Here are few insider tips for seasonal staging.

Welcome them home! Set a scene that invites them to enter and entices them to fall in love with the life that living in your home offers. Start at the front door.

• Put up a tasteful seasonal wreath on the door. If the old family favorite that Aunt Mable made is looking worn or needs updating, get a new one. My favorite is something made with fresh greens, local florists can make up something beautiful and that smells delightful. Sight and scent are very powerful.

• Make sure that the door itself looks good. Check the paint, does it need to be freshened, perhaps even painted a more updated color? Are the knobs and kick plates in great condition? You want to send the message that yours is a very well cared for home.
  

• How about the knocker, does it have your name on it? If it does replace it. You want the buyer to be able to envision their family in your home, not yours.

• Check the trim, is it fresh? How about the siding, mailbox and concrete? How about the light fixtures? Are they on trend and in good condition? Make any necessary repairs now, first impressions are very important. While the agent is opening the lockbox to get the key the buyer will be inspecting the entire scene and forming an opinion. You want this to be the place the excitement starts so you build on that momentum.

• Is there some place to sit? A comfy seat with a pillow in it and a small table with a plant.

• Red is a color that gets us excited. I always try to flank the steps with something flowering in red, perhaps a pair healthy poinsettias or pots of pansies. Just make sure whatever you use is thriving.

• Get a new welcome mat, there are many that will work just keep if tasteful and neutral. Check the path to your porch, make sure it is manicured. Put out fresh mulch and trim the bushes.
  

Okay, you are off to the right start! The buyers will be excited and confident that your home has been loved and may be the one they are searching for. What happens once they enter the door will decide if that excitement turns into a contract or if instead something turns them off and they mark your home off their list.

Stay tuned, more tips coming.

Another Success Story! Sold in 36 Days!

I will get some winter staging and organizational tips posted in the next few days, I promise. Things are very busy right now and it is hard to find the time to proof read my articles, but that is a good thing.

My staged properties continue to sell well. This property was listed for a while and did not sell so when the seller relisted it she had it staged. Smart seller. The virtual tour went up on 12/3/2008 and it went under contract today, 1/8/2009. That is 36 days, counting the Christmas holiday slow down. Nothing shabby about that. Virtual tour forthcoming, until then here is a picture of the great room.

Happy Holidays!

Seasonal Staging Tips

The holiday season is most everyone's favorite time of the year. It takes us back to traditions, family and shifts our focus totally toward home.

There is a myth that no one shops for a home during the holidays. I am here to tell you that just is not true. In my previous professional experience as an agent I have written a contract on Christmas Eve.

It is true that there are fewer buyers out but the ones that are out and shopping are serious. I had 2 of my staged homes sell during the Thanksgiving break. So don't make the fatal mistake of letting your home go during the holiday season unless you have the luxury of waiting for a sale.

Set the scene for celebration but take a light hand with decorations. In most homes all bets are off come Christmas time and the brighter and bolder are acceptable when they might ordinarily be deemed tacky. That won't work to your advantage when your home is on the market.

-Dress the mantle with evergreen

-Do a tree in white lights

-Hang a festive but understated wreath on the door and use uplights to illuminate it.

-Use a centerpiece with candles on the table.

-Do NOT clutter every surface and every room with Christmas scenes

-You will also want to be careful about the room arrangement. When we make room for our tree it usually displaces several large pieces of furniture. A room filled to overflowing with too much furniture is the kiss of death. Be sure to check the traffic flow through out your spaces.

I am wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a contract that will move you and yours forward to your next home.

Sold in 8 days

This property SOLD IN 8 days-

Sold In 17 Days!

I told you that things sell during the holidays, this contract was settled on Thanksgiving Day! Even after all of this time I am still amazed at the power of staging. There are 20 plus properties for sale in this area. Here is a tour of the property;

Who says houses aren't selling?

My staged properties sure are selling, almost too fast. You always hear how things slow down over the holidays but my experience has been that homes that are priced accurately and look great sell year round.

I only so 2 or 3 Signature Stagings a month, it is a lot of work to do a Signature Staging on a vacant property. I take the time I think each property needs to get it perfect. I have a warehouse full of furniture, art, lighting and accessories to choose furnishings from but the pack up, the move and then the unpacking and staging is arduous work.

I thought for sure I would have a relaxing December with multiple staged properties in place. Especially with all the bad news of late and the slowing economy. But such is not the case, several staged properties sold in the last 2 weeks so it looks like I will doing a few more moves in December. I have some happy sellers.

One property had been on the market for 14 months prior to Signature Staging and it sold in 44 days. The tour for that one is featured below. Another sold in 17 days. But I should not be surprised, I see it over and over. Staging works in any market!

Energy Saving Tips for the Home

Energy Saving Tips for the Home

(ARA) - Looking for ways to save money? According to The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), a good place to start is in the kitchen. Replacing older, inefficient appliances with more modern appliances is a leading way for consumers to reap tremendous energy savings.

That’s great advice considering the fact that the amount of energy consumed by home appliances has dropped sharply since 2000. Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers combined account for a 43 percent decrease in energy consumption since 2000, and decreasing energy consumption in turn drops cost.

Replacing an 8- year-old refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer with new appliances of average efficiency will save consumers about $95 per year in energy bills. Replacing an 8- year-old clothes washer will save more than $60 in electricity costs and nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year.

Consumers can attain additional savings by purchasing Energy Star designated appliances. Here are some more energy savings tips:

* If you are replacing your refrigerator, do not use the old refrigerator as a second refrigerator. This will not yield energy savings. Properly recycle the appliance. To find recycling options in your area, call (800) YES-1-CAN.

* Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator; and always cover foods that may release moisture in the refrigerator.

* Limit opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. Label foods or use clear food storage bags to easily identify foods.

* Scrape, but do not pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Dishwashers do a great job of cleaning soiled dishes.

* Take advantage of your dishwasher’s “eco” option that reduces water use, or use a no-heat air dry feature.

* Use load size settings on your washing machine. If you are washing a small load of clothing, be sure to change the load setting; and use cold water settings whenever possible.

* Don’t over-dry clothes. This causes shrinkage, generates static electricity, and shortens fabric life. If your dryer has a setting for auto-dry, use it instead of a timer to avoid wasting energy.

* Always clean the lint filter on the clothes dryer after each use. A clogged filter will reduce dryer performance.

For more information on energy savings and to purchase AHAM’s historical Energy Efficiency and Consumption Trends, log on to http://www.aham.org.

Before & Afters, First Buyer Bought It!

Everyone clamors for pictures, and since staging has alot to do with how homes are visually presented I have started working on some before and after shows. Here is the first one, this home sold to the first buyer who viewed it.

The take away is that simple changes can have a huge impact. We edited personal items, repositioned the furniture and I brought a van full of accessories and small things to make the space memorable. The end result was an updated looked that felt as good as it looked.

The listing agent brought me in as part of the marketing team, something he does on most of his listings.

How to Remove Stubborn Soap Scum from Glass Shower Doors

How to Remove Stubborn Scum from Glass Shower Doors

(ARA) - Vicki Lewis of Cottonwood, Calif., lived in her new home for less than three weeks when she first noticed it. Regardless of how hard she scrubbed her new glass shower doors, she could not get them as clean as they were when she had first moved in.

Stubborn soap scum and hard water stains on glass shower doors are a very common problem for homeowners. In communities where hard water is an issue, the build-up of mineral residue can begin clouding glass almost immediately. Simple, routine maintenance is the key to keeping shower glass sparkling. A light coating of wax or sealant every two or three weeks will prevent soap scum and hard water from staining your shower doors.

To determine if your shower build-up is soap scum or mineral deposits, mix one cup of liquid fabric softener with one quart of warm water. With a soft cloth, gently rub the mixture onto the glass in a small circular pattern. Most soap scum will disintegrate and rinse off using this technique. If the build-up fails to respond, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 1 part mineral oil to 4 parts water. Spray the mixture onto the scum, let it soak for a minute, and then wipe with a clean sponge.

Scum that fails to respond to fabric softener or mineral oil is most likely caused by a build-up of minerals that are dissolved in your water. When the water evaporates the minerals are left behind leaving what cleaning experts refer to as "hard water" stains.

Before applying a treatment to prevent build-up of soap scum and minerals in hard water, you must remove any existing stains. A sponge dipped in vinegar will often work to dissolve lighter mineral deposits. Stubborn deposits will sometimes yield to a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon hot water. Wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using solutions containing vinegar or ammonia, and be prepared to use some elbow grease. Never use harsh chemicals or heavy abrasives on shower glass.

Lewis determined that the build-up on her shower doors was caused by high mineral content in her water. Sensitive skin led her to develop her own safe and simple home remedy to remove hard water stains. She found that a combination of powerful detergents, mild jewelers-grade abrasive and oxygen bleach provided the best results without the need for caustic chemicals, harsh odors or hard scrubbing. Friends and neighbors found that Lewis' formula was effective and Bring-It-ON Cleaner (www.BringItOnCleaner.com) was introduced to the public in 2007.

After cleaning your glass, seal the surface to prevent soap scum and mineral deposits. Lemon or orange oil will provide a temporary coating and a pleasant aroma. For a longer-term seal you can use an automotive or furniture paste wax. Lewis found that a silicone-based spray worked best in her shower. All of these treatments prevent the soap and minerals from clinging to glass. To extend the effectiveness of the sealant, squeegee the glass after each use. Installing a water softener to reduce mineral content in the water can also help.

For more information about Bring-It-ON Cleaner visit www.BringItOnCleaner.com or call (800) 867-2643.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Perfect Summer Place

I can't speak for the rest of the world but I am enjoying the blooming hedgerow intensely, it makes me feel like a kid again, playing out in the yard with nothing to do but enjoy the sweet scent and warm breezes. It's an incredible feeling.

This is the time of the year to make your outdoor spaces live like indoor spaces, creating outdoor living rooms and kitchens. I know I keep talking about this but in staging it is particularly important to accent all your spaces. An empty deck is just an empty deck until you dress it, then buyers will be able to envision enjoying the lifestyle. Just in case you've missed that message, the lifestyle is what buyers are seeking and you are selling.


I also want to bring a little of the outside in as well. Not so much as to be "themey" but just enough to evoke that "summer feeling". It helps us and our buyers connect to the slower pace of summer and easy living. Here are some ideas from Pottery Barn that may inspire you to get in touch with summer too.

Candles and firelight

Comfortable lounging

Hanging gardens

Entertainment

Casual living is what the summer is all about, make sure your home connects with buyers on this level and lets them see that your home can be their perfect summer place. Next post we will address bring the outside in.

Newsletter Archieve

If you want to read past issues of the "Snap, Crackle, Sold" newsletter you can find a link to them on my website at http://www.roomsbylaurag.com/newsletter.html

Click on the turquoise button.

Sold First Time Shown- Yeha!

I can't help but to get excited when I see multiple homes we staged in the last month sell to the first buyers that viewed them. So don't give up, even if your home has been on the market for a year as one of these properties had been. Once they close I will post before and afters as well as speak to the whats and whys, what we choose to showcase as well as problems that needed diffusing, and why. So stay tuned...

ROI on Staging

What is the return on my investment in home staging? Another question that I hear often. Here are some stats from research done by HomeGain when they surveyed 2,000 real estate agents in each of the U.S. regions in 2007.

In this chart HomeGain separates lighting and brightening the home, decluttering, and curb appeal from the staging process. I believe that most professional Stagers consider all of those to be a part of the staging process. Perhaps by "staging" Home Gain was calculating the impact of furniture placement, room definition, traffic flow, art and accessories and other style choices made by the Stager.


Lighten & Brighten- avg. return 355%
Clean & Declutter- avg. return 578%
Fix plumbing, electrical- avg. return 164%
Landscape & Trim- avg. return 319%
Staging- avg. return 343%
Kitchen/bath updates- avg. return 121%
Repair flooring- avg. return 145%
Paint exterior walls- avg. return 147%
Paint interior wall- avg. return 150%


The research also points out the improvements made in advance of and in preparation for the sale actually yield the highest returns. That supports my mantra, "Stage early to reap the largest rewards."