Mid Valley Professional Stagers

Most Valuable Partners in Service-MVPs

2010-05-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

You might say we’re back on home plate, ready for a winning spring season. Mid-Valley Professional Stagers (MVPS) recently attended a Salem OR vendor fair sponsored by Prudential Real Estate Professionals. Our group offered many receptive REALTORS guidance and information on how MVPS can be their Most Valuable Partner in Service. Over the past several months, homes in the valley that have been staged by our members are selling in a matter of weeks! Each of us looks forward to helping more Realtors and more home sellers be successful in selling a home. Professional Staging can make the difference between blah and BUY! Read on to learn more about how home staging works.

Posted by Liz Harrison, Spruce It Up! Home Staging and Redesign, Salem OR

Long Rant on Reality-Who are America's homebuyers?

2009-08-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Are any of you pros in the real estate industry interested in making a REAL reality show for HGTV? I turned on my fav’ cable channel, HGTV, to entertain me while I folded another load of laundry. The show on was called “House Hunters” and the story always goes like this…Realtor and potential home buyers team up, look at 3 properties meeting the buyers’ criteria and then there’s the pivotal ending where the buyer needs to decide which house to make an offer on. Well, I think the producers had to be smokin’ crack when they decided to air this segment. On the other hand, this episode was so stereotypically American indulgence at its best…an eye opening reminder of how our culture, and more so, our youth, is so caught up in materialism.

Buyers criteria: Certain bedroom community outside Austin; 3500+ square feet; game room for a pool table; guest rooms; kitchen and dining room for plenty of entertaining; a pool and hot tub or at least plenty of room in the yard to put one in; a garage large enough for the $62,000 Hummer and a +/- price tag around $265K with a monthly PI of < $2000. Sure, at first I thought a $265K price tag was delusional but apparently in Texas, not terribly off the mark. The shocker for me came when the buyer was introduced…He was a single, 20 year old kid with just 2 years of college courses under his belt. He’d left school and was newly employed at his parents’ family run business. Mom and Dad were giving him the down payment, a gracious gift many parents offer when they can. But along with the down payment, they apparently were paying him an entry level salary high enough that his $2000 monthly mortgage might keep him around the ideal of 30% of gross earnings to qualify for a home loan. (If I did the math right, that’s around $72,000!)

I’ve not met a parent of my generation yet that doesn’t want to provide more for their kids than our parents were able to provide for us. I vowed the same for mine. My kids all have their own rooms and, in spite of my insistence years ago that I wouldn’t…I’ve provided them each with cell phones, a shared laptop they can call their own, heck, I even bought the car my teenagers share (albeit a 1993 economy sedan) and pay for most of the gas and insurance. I genuinely worry sometimes that I’m contributing to a sense of entitlement in them, discouraging them from working hard for what they want, teaching them that the finer things in life can come very easily if the wind blows right. Right this minute, I’m just thankful that none of them were watching the program with me. Spell guilt with a capital ‘G’!

So back to my concept for the new HGTV reality show. Realtor accompanies home buyer to the office of the Donald-Trump-hearted banker or lender to figure out how to avoid foreclosure on the home that has overextended him once he loses that $72,000 job. Bring in an “Antique Road Show” estate liquidator to sell off the possessions, Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” to take away the Hummer and Dr. Phil to pick up the pieces as the buyer's life dissolves around him. At the end, the buyer gets to choose which of 3 lessons were the hardest to learn. I generally despise all those crazy ‘reality’ (NOT!) shows but part of me thinks this one could beat out “Survivor” in prime time! Auditions anyone?

Posted by Liz Harrison, Spruce It Up! Home Staging and Redesign, Salem,Oregon

Do the Math

2009-07-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's often difficult for home sellers to swallow the cost of home staging of a vacant property. It's labor intensive for a stager so the one-time staging fee can run anywhere from $700-1500 depending on the size of the property, the number of rooms being staged, price range and location of the home. There's an additional cost for rental of furnishings and accessories that is incurred monthly, usually several hundred dollars. I'd say the average investment my clients make for staging a vacant home for three months is less than $2500.

Don't say 'ouch' until you consider the information found in this article in Realtor Magazine (taken from an AP source). "Maintaining Vacant Property Can Be Expensive" is typical for sellers who need to leave a home before its sold. Add the monthly cost of the mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, lawn care and mainenance. Odds are it adds up to at least the same amount as a 3-month investment in professional staging.

Based on current statistics from RESA and Staged Homes com, properties that are professionally staged are selling in around 30 days. The seller in the article had carried his property for nearly 2 years! Had he staged prior to listing, odds are very good that the house would have sold long ago (provided it was priced right). Hypothetically, if his home sold just two month sooner, he would have recouped more than his initial investment. Say the staged home sold in the average DOM we're seeing for professionally staged homes today...32...This seller would have saved himself over $26,000!!!! I'm no financier or mathmetician :>) , but that's a return of 10 times his original investment. "Money Saved is Money Earned" goes the old adage.

In this buyers'market where price and presentation are king, sellers can't really afford not to stage.

Contributed by Liz Harrison, Spruce It Up! Home Staging and Redesign

Community Celebrates as One

2009-07-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last night, on the 4th of July, I headed down to Salem's Riverfront Park to watch people and fireworks. It struck me how much more diverse our community is becoming. Fifteen years ago when I moved to Salem from Portland, I was frustrated by the homogeneous demographic and culture. And just yesterday, I saw every skin color, heard many languages, witnessed the family traditions of the sub-cultures that now exist in our community. And just yesterday, everyone at the Independence Day Celebration, regardless of language or color or origin, was an American.

As a professional working in the real estate industry, I've become familiar with many different areas and neighborhoods in town. Many of them reflect the culture of those that live there. Others tell stories of success and prosperity while many instill worry for the families trying to raise youngsters in safe, happy homes. Regardless of the differences between those neighborhoods that are evident now, I hope that Salem will remain a community that values the diversity that's changing the status quo. I'm often accused of being idealistic but I really look for Salem to grow into a place where everyone views themselves and others as members of OUR community, all vested in the same outcome...quality of life, family focus, vibrant economy and residents willing to set aside selfish motives and work for a greater good. It couldn't possibly be as it was on this 4th of July but it can begin to steer that direction.

Written by Liz Harrison Spruce It Up! Home Staging Salem OR

Can I Afford To Have My Home Staged?

2009-06-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

The following is a great article from a home builder who has seen all types of markets and situations over the past 40 years. We haven't had experience with thousands of sales like he has, but we too continue to be amazed at how staging makes well laid out homes warm and wonderful and awkward floor plans "work".

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

As a former homebuilder with 40 years experience, I can say without equivocation that professionally staged homes have a distinct advantage over non-staged homes. I can say this as I have had direct experience with the sales of thousands of homes during my career.

With several years in the corporate world of home building, I saw first hand the advantages of staged homes. That’s why ALL major homebuilders, including the ones for which I worked, had professionally decorated model homes in each neighborhood. And strangely, the model home plan was always the big seller in that neighborhood.

The simple reason for that is that buyers are attracted to homes that show well, that are tastefully decorated, and in which they can visualize living. Most buyers lack the ability to visualize a home with their furniture and accessories, so having the home appear “ready for living” is a distinct advantage.

In today’s difficult market, staging isn’t just helpful, it’s essential to achieving a sale at a reasonable price and within a reasonable time frame. In order to sell, a home MUST show better than its competition; and there’s much too much competition to ignore having a home professionally staged. And, while some feel that the lower prices being dictated by this market rule out the expense of staging, the opposite is true. Staging is usually less expensive than the alternative. Staged homes sell faster—meaning less time on the market and fewer mortgage payments and other expenses—and often command a higher price.

The ultimate goal for sellers is to attract buyers. Tastefully staged homes will do just that, allowing sellers to reap the dividends of a faster sale, and perhaps, more money at the closing table. The question is not, "Can I afford to have my home staged;" it is, "Can I afford not to?"

For the latest news for those interested in buying, selling, building, remodeling, or repairing homes, visit: The Housing Guru
During the past week our company received calls from five different agents/owners exclaiming - It's Sold! Some of these homes were on the market for a very long time before staging. Staged homes show better than unstaged homes - a critical advantage in this market!

Article submitted by Margaret Oscilia of Creative Concepts and Contracting. Copyright 2009.

Stay in the Game with the Most Valuable Partners in Service

2009-06-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Prudential hosted a vendor fair prior to their awards banquet on Tuesday, June 9th. Over 55 vendors displayed goods and services that will benefit Prudential Realtors and their clients.

Stagers are a Realtor's Most Valuable Parners in Service!! Realtors will hit a home run with their clients every time by connecting with a professional stager. Realtors visited the Mid Valley Professional Stagers (MVPS) booth and walked away with a bag of peanuts, property score cards, and MVPS trading cards. They also had the opportunity to play a toss game to enter a drawing for a complimentary consultation.

A huge THANK YOU to Prudential for including Mid Valley Professional Stagers as one of their Most Valuable Partners in Service and for the opportunity to participate in a second year of their annual vendor fair.

The Market is Picking Up? Staging Saves the Day!

2009-06-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Based on these recent sales results in our area, you'd never know the market is in a slump. There ARE buyers out there. Buyers that want great products at great prices. These homes staged by Spruce It Up! were "packaged" for the market and sold very quickly. Let your home be a showcase that will really draw a buyer's eye, and heart. Call in a Professional Stager.

STAYTON 3/2 HOME

Oct 2008-April 2009- Vacant, on the market for 6 months w/ multiple price reductions
April-May 2009- Removed from the market, replaced carpeting, professionally staged by Spruce It Up! Home Staging.
May 2009- Relisted w/ new agent for more than last asking price. SOLD in 3 weeks...cash offer at nearly full asking price!

WEST SALEM 3/2 HOME

April 2009- Home was cleaned out and professionally staged by Spruce It Up! Home Staging
May 2009-Listed on WVMLS and under contract in 14 days.

Submitted by Liz Harrison, Spruce It Up! Home Staging Salem OR

Stagers are Green, too

2009-06-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you look these days are articles about going “Green”. Seems you can't pick up a magazine or newspaper without noticing how important this has become in every aspect of our lives. It struck me recently that Stagers are experts in regards to repurposing, recycling and reinventing. We have to be. It's just not feasible or reasonable to buy new items for each staging job that comes along. Yet to make each home have it's own distinctive “look” requires some inspirational thought and input.

Between the initial consultation and the actual staging are many hours of prep time that would surprise most people who are not in the business. Examining photos of each room and then choosing appropriate furniture and accessories can take many hours. This time the chair that was in a living room may show up in this bedroom with a different throw and pillows to achieve a new look. The wicker chest that doubled as a coffee table is now at the end of the bed as a bench. The lamp has a slightly different shade that goes better with the bed coverings. The tray on the wicker chest was a wine tray in another living room and now has a couple of colorful mugs and faux fruit for a relaxing “Breakfast in Bed” look. The small table with a chair previously from a breakfast nook is now a desk in the room. Two small file cabinets do double duty as nightstands. Candle holders have their look changed by adding foliage and different colored candles to blend with the room's decor. And so it goes with each room to be staged.

No one would ever guess that most of these items are being reused because all good stagers know how to repurpose, recycle and reinvent. It's just our nature.

Article posted by Deanne Morris, Deanne Ellen Interiors, copyright 2009

Moving Out, Moving up, Moving on

2009-06-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Professional stagers can be instrumental in helping families and individuals with the task of downsizing or relocating. For seniors, leaving a longtime home to move into a retirement community is often a daunting and emotional task. For the busy families that care for them, the process can be just as overwhelming.

“Dear Liz:

In July 2006, I had you assist me in pre-planning for a move-in, downsizing from a 2-bedroom house to a one bedroom retirement apartment. We met in the apartment to discuss furniture arrangement, paint color and flooring options and to identify/create optimal storage solutions.

It was the easiest move I ever made because I knew right where to put everything. It was wonderful! I got so many compliments on how nice the apartment looked. It is a very pleasing arrangement and one I like more all the time. You certainly may use my name as a reference!”

Sincerely.
Mildred Y., homeowner/retiree

Article submitted by Liz Harrison, Spruce It Up!Copyright 2009

10 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make

2009-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

Smart Money has some ideas here on helping home sellers get off to a great start. Home sellers are smart to take time to do some research and make sure they heed this advice. You wouldn't go to a job interview without preparing a good resume, thinking of what skills you have, or making sure your clothing was perfect to make a great first impression. Selling your home is no different!

Here's a summary of a couple of my favorite points from this article.

Get a great agent - just because they are your friend or relative, doesn't mean they are a good marketer or negotiator. We work with dozens of agents and have learned there is a huge range of skills and qualities. Will they keep you updated, give solid advice, advertise well on the internet. Look at their listings - are the descriptions, marketing materials and photos top notch?
Set a Reasonable Price - Price it well - not expecting to lower the price later. Testing the market causes you to lose valuable time. Your agent and some research should help you determine the correct price.
Don't skimp on listing photos - According to the National Association of Realtors over 85% of home buyers look first on the internet. These photos need to be phenomenal - not only showing well staged rooms that are clutter free and well arranged, but also good quality photography too. Light, bright and spacious that's the image buyers want to see!
Don't wait to fix up the place - Statistics show that buyers are willing to pay more for move in ready and always overestimate what repairs will cost. While that new carpet may only cost $2,000, buyers are going to want a $5,000 price reduction if the work isn't already done. What type of buyers do you want to attract? Buyers looking for a fixer uppers or buyers looking for their "home sweet home"? Don't underestimate the emotional appeal of your home. Gary Keller (Keller Williams) said in his book Shift that price attracts buyers, but staging brings in offers. Your home must appeal to the emotions of buyers to get a great offer in this market!
Check out this full article and take the ideas to heart if you are considering selling your home!

Article submitted by Margaret Oscilia of Creative Concepts and Contracting. Copywright 2009

H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center - Phase 2

2009-03-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

I promised you an update on phase 2 of the H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center project... here it is!

The following weekend, January 31st, three members of Mid Valley Professional Stagers (MVPS), along with the generosity of one community member and three men from the National Guard, we tackled the removal of carpet and the pad throughout the main and upper level of the resource center. One local contractor contributed services by relocating the washer, dryer and 2 refrigerators while another installed a wonderful storage solution for the teen's backpacks.

With hammers, pry bars, gloves and masks... we were ready. Over the years, a different carpet had been added to each room, giving it an eclectic mix. Much of the carpet pad was so old that it just fell apart. Based on the large volume of traffic and condition of the carpet, it appeared to be 15+ years old. We were thrilled to find hardwood flooring underneath that was in pretty good condition.

The following week, donations for area rugs, 2 new sofas and miscellaneous items were received to help provide warmth in the transformed spaces.

Above is a group photo of the carpet removal team and below are a few action shots from everyone hard at work. As you can see we were tired (well exhausted, really) and dirty... but another day that resulted in a HUGE difference for the H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center and the at-risk teens it services!

Get the Most Mileage from your Renovations

2009-02-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Many potential home sellers are waiting on the sidelines for the market to improve before putting their homes up for sale. In the meantime, there's a great opportunity to make necessary improvements that will increase the homes value and decrease the length of time it takes to sell a home AND let the seller enjoy the benefits of those renovations.

With the services of a professional home stager/redesigner, sellers can identify a clear budget and get help determining where to best invest those funds. A plan is essential. I've seen sellers spend thousands on "over the top" kitchen improvements leaving nothing left for less costly but very important improvements like carpeting or landscaping. Had the money been spent across the board, to improve more areas of the property, the result would have been a quicker sale and no points of negotiation when a buyer came in.

A professional that provides both staging (home marketing) and redesign services has the experience and know-how to stretch the renovation budget with the ultimate goal being to increase resale value of the property and appeal to buyers.

See the following article: http://fsbo.fizber.com/2009/01/26/personal-home-renovations/#comment-15029

This article submitted by Liz Harrison with Spruce it Up!, copyright 2009

H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center Receives Touch of TLC

2009-02-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

At the end of 2008, the members of MVPS decided to take on a community service project. There were many worthy organizations to choose from, but in the end the H.O.M.E. Youth Resource Center was selected. H.O.M.E. is a day shelter and outreach center for at-risk teens. The shelter provides assistance with homework, meals, a place to wash clothing, obtain needed clothing as well as serves as a refuge and safe haven.

Prior to the project starting, there were several meetings to discuss how the staff and teens utilized each of the spaces as well as how we could help them improve the day shelter. The combined goal was to improve function and maximize the home's potential to best serve the teens.

PHASE 1:

A volunteer crew of Salem Area Professional Organizers (SAPO) as well as a couple of the MVPS members gathered on Saturday, January 24th to do the initial purge, decluttering and organize mission. There were nearly a dozen in attendance but we accomplished the work of 20! Items were sorted into keep, donate and toss piles. All donations were provided to another Salem area non-profit organization.

The day was extremely productive and we all enjoyed our time spent together while making a difference!

Here are a few more photos to share our day...

Thank you to all of the Salem Area Professional Organizers who graciously donated their time - we greatly appreciate you!!

A report on phase 2 is forthcoming... stay tuned!!

Portland homeowner tells it like it is

2008-12-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

If you're curious about what's going through the minds of local home owners (and would-be sellers), this is a fascinating and honest account by John Stankovich of Hillsboro, OR. Don't miss the photos.

http://www.stankavich.com/index.php/2008/11/housing-bubble/

Submitted by Jennifer Hofmann of Interior Aura.

Great article on home values (and homeowners' assumptions)

2008-11-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

If you're having trouble swallowing the actual value of your house in this market, you're not alone. Here's a terrific article that helps explain what's happening nation-wide: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27648884/

If you want to increase the perceived value of your house, don't forget to include a qualified stager on your home-selling team. Mid Valley Professional Stagers can help!

2008-11-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

WINTER WONDERLAND SALES

Selling in the "off" season of winter can be a bold move and even have its advantages. Some typical reasons for buying anytime of the year include upsizing, downsizing, merging households, job transfers and lifestyle changes.
Four of the things that affect the sale price of your home are Location, General Market, Condition, and Presentation. You can't do anything about the first two, but you can affect the condition and the presentation of your home. "You have only 30 seconds to make a good first impression." Savvy homeowners do sell in winter and here are a few ideas and special considerations.

Curb Appeal A Must ~
Just like any other time of the year, if buyers don't like what they see from the street, they won't even come inside. And as they are approaching they'll still look at that patio or deck and dream about the summer BBQ and the fun times, so make sure front drives, walkways, steps, porches and decks are well cleared, and free of ice. Give them a comfortable entryway to your home. It's another opportunity for a positive impression and to add to that well-maintained feeling.

Highlight the Positive ~
A feature that is always a plus is multiple car parking, particularly if your realtor and potential buyers arrive in separate cars. Another great feature is a nice porch. If you have one... show it off by having the porch light on at night or on gray days. It becomes even more important to add some color accents-fall flowers in pots or a brightly colored chair or bench on the porch or near the front entry. Maybe these items could play up the color of your trim or shutters. You need something attractive that says, "hey, look at me." To highlight a fireplace, perhaps add a copper bin with a few logs or pinecones in it. This will give a hint of the warmth and welcome inside.

Coats-R-Us ~
The next consideration is wet boot, shoe, scarf, and glove control. Make sure the coat closet is cleared out enough to handle the extra bulk and number of garments that winter requires without looking over stuffed. If necessary, use another closet for overflow or another option is an attractive trunk or storage box that can serve as a seat or table. Every positive impression counts.

Cozy & Comfy ~
In the colder weather... cozy, comfy and inviting is easily achieved. A fire looks much more natural in the fireplace than it does in the middle of June. Holiday Decor is okay as long as it is done simply and tastefully. This is not the time to have something in every room or in every window. The same goes for all the kids' handmade decorations from grade school and the ornaments with the family pictures on them. Save them for the next year in your new house. Capture the buyers emotions by taking advantage and highlighting that reading corner with the afghan tossed over the arm of the comfy chair and a great novel on the seat just waiting to be read. The smell of cookies or fresh bread baking in the oven completely adds to the feeling you want buyers to experience.

These are just a few helpful ideas to ensure that your home shows at its best, even in the winter months. The goal is... no matter what the weather or season is, you want to achieve open, light and bright spaces that are welcoming and attractive to the greatest number of prospective buyers.

"The way you live in your home, and the way you sell your house are two different things"

2008-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Mid Valley Professional Stagers Membership

Membership Requirements:

* Must be registered business.
* Must have professional certification or minimum of 3 years experience
* Must be member of national or international organization (i.e. IRIS, The SDP, ASHSR, RESA, etc).

Application Process:

Please submit the information listed below for review by the MVPS Board. Following review, the MVPS Board may request an informal interview to discuss material and inquiry.

* Cover letter;
* Summary of services offered;
* Copy of professional certification (if applicable) and insurance;
* Sample bid;
* Portfolio containing 6 sets of before/after photos; and
* Local references (3)

Annual Membership Fee:

The MVPS annual membership fee is waived if you are a member of national or international organization (i.e. IRIS, The SDP, ASHSR, RESA, etc).

If you are not a member of a national or international organization, the annual membership fee would apply. The fee is $120 and is calculated on a calendar basis. The membership fee will be pro-rated and calculated based upon the month applicant is accepted and joins MVPS. This applies to one person per business with each additional person able to join at half price.

The annual membership fee is used for MVPS marketing materials, advertising, vendor fees, supplies, etc in an effort to achieve our goal of increasing MVPS and industry awareness.

Please submit application materials by ground or email to the following:

1353 Kitsap Ct NW, Salem, OR 97304
midvalleyprofessionalstagers@yahoo.com

As promised-New Staging Pictures!

2008-10-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Before & After-Warmer, brighter and clutter free!

Posted by Deanne Morris
Deanne Ellen Interiors, Copyright 10-9-2008

Lots of work but worth it!

2008-09-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sept 22, 2008 Ok, what happened to summer? It disappeared when I wasn't looking! We are enjoying a gorgeous Autumn right now with warm days and cool evenings. I love the changing seasons. Spring and Autumn are my favorites, though. I think it is because it is more noticeable. Kind of reminds me of home staging-Big Changes! I just finished staging a home for a couple and it looks so fabulous, they are wondering why they wanted to sell it!! It is supposed to be listed with a realtor this coming Thursday but the realtor called last Saturday and had a client who wanted to see the home on Monday-this morning! So, of course, we were flying around like crazy, trying to get as much accomplished as possible. We made it but the couple put many hours of long, hard work into getting their house ready for market. I will be posting some before and after pictures soon so everyone can see what a beautiful home it is.
But back to my point that getting a home ready to put on the market is hard work. This is a relatively new home, only about 4 1/2 years old. But it still had a few things that needed a bit of upkeep and maintenance. A house is like anything else and will show the wear and tear of everyday living. Most of the time, if it is our own home, we may not even notice the "little" things that are starting to show up. Paint chipping, small cracks, dented molding from moving the furniture around again are all normal signs of living in our homes. Some things that you as a homeowner may not see or think about are cleaning gutters on a regular basis, trimming bushes so they don't overwhelm the yard, and power washing the exterior of your home. Your home is your biggest asset and by staying on top of all those little maintenance details, you will be one step ahead of your competitor if you decide to put your home up for sale.

Submitted by Deanne Morris
Deanne Ellen Interiors, Copyright Sept. 2008

Get Buyers Through the Door

2008-09-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Capture the buyer's heart and interest from the street. Get buyers through the front door by paying attention to the exterior of a home and the impression it makes. Here are a few easy... but essential steps that sellers can take that will make their house more desirable, get buyers through the door to see what else the home has to offer.

CREATE IT
One of the easiest ways to create a desire for potential buyers to see beyond the front door is by creating curb appeal. You can emotionally "catch" a buyer as they drive by looking from their vehicle.

MANICURE & FIX IT
Neglected yards give buyers the impression that the home has not been maintained. The lawn and flowerbeds should remain well manicured. With fall around the corner, it is important to keep up with falling leaves, yard debris and fall pruning. Take advantage of the remaining nice fall weather to ensure that all exterior home repairs have been completed. Items may include... pressure washing the sidewalks, replacing burnt out light bulbs in fixtures, repairing and cleaning gutters, removing debris/moss from the roof. Get the repairs done so buyers look past the exterior and want to walk through the front door!

CLEAN IT
Make sure that the whole area around the front door is clean. Sweep the area all around and keep it free of cobwebs and other "natural inhabitants."

COLOR IT
Jazz up the entrance with a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Choose a color that coordinates with the exterior paint color, but at the same time, provides a "pop" to the entrance. It is a project that can be completed in a few hours and make a great first impression on potential buyers. Fall mums come in a variety of shades and are a beautiful and inexpensive way to add a bit of color.

STAGE IT
Whether occupied or vacant, every home is in need of staging. It may be as simple as decluttering, minor repairs and cleaning... or it could be a little more indepth with fresh paint, furniture placement, and a bit of updating. We keep the client's budget in mind while assisting with every level of staging.

ADVERTISE IT
The internet has become mainstream for many people who's lives continue to busier. Over 80% of home buyers "shop" online to create a wish list of homes they'd like to visit. Get them through the front door by providing as many photos as possible on the MLS.

This article submitted by Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura. Copyright 2008.

Interior Aura has acquired Simplicity Staging

2008-09-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

The official acquisition took place in early August between myself and Jennifer Hofmann of Simplicity Staging. I am excited about the professional growth of the business and am encouraged by the possibilities!

Through Interior Aura, Jennifer will continue providing staging services for occupied homes. She brings with her an immense amount of talent, skills and professional experience. We are looking forward to working together!

This collaboration will further enhance the services provided by Interior Aura with an opportunity to better meet the needs of home sellers and real estate agents in this challenging market.

This article submitted by Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura.

MVPS Staging Blitz - Prudential Real Estate Professionals

2008-04-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Prudential has previously had their lobby staged by Liz Harrison of Spruce it Up, therefore selected the lunchroom as the space that they felt would most benefit from staging services.

Before the staging, there was only enough seating for four people to eat around a table as well as a loveseat for relaxing.

By simply rearranging the furniture, we were able to comfortably add an additional table that could seat 3 more people. Artwork and greenery were also added to the space for a touch of warmth and the loveseat is better situated to relax and watch TV.

BEFORE & AFTER

The MVPS Stagers included: Deanne Morris of Deanne Ellen Interiors, Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura, Jennifer Hoffman of Simplicity Staging, Sherry Mouncer of Sherry's Home Staging, and Liz Harrison of Spruce it Up

MVPS Staging Blitz ~ John L Scott (West Salem)

2008-04-30T09:39:00.001-07:00

The John L Scott West Salem building is brand new and through the process of moving and getting settled, there had been little time to attend to the lobby area. Deanne Morris of Deanne Ellen Interiors and Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura staged the lobby with a couple tables, lighting, added artwork and bit of color.

BEFORE & AFTER

The lobby of the office is now warm and inviting to all who visit. The transformation was welcomed and appreciated.

MVPS Staging Blitz

2008-04-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Mid Valley Professional Stagers set out on a staging blitz on Monday, April 21st. Liz Harrison of Spruce It Up! made the initial contact with the four Real Estate offices listed below. Each office provided an area of their choice that they thought would most benefit by staging from the experts.

John L Scott ~ West Salem
John L Scott ~ Salem
Remax
Prudential

Some of the spaces simply needed rearranging, while others needed a few items that were brought in, completing the look and providing just the right atmosphere.

Everyone was very gracious, welcomed our services and really enjoyed the transformation of their spaces. We would like to thank the offices for their participation ~ we really had a wonderful time!

Keep watching for the before & after photos of each space!

The value of elbow grease (and staging)

2008-04-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a great example of what staging can do for an occupied home:

This was the home before staging as viewed from the front entry.

I gave the homeowner some suggestions to consider - replacing the dated carpeting, repainting the blue French doors, and allowing a budget for some accessories. He completed all of them!

Same couch, same chair - but what a difference! The house got an offer (accepted) within one week in January of 2008.

2008-04-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Cat Pee=Objectivity

Great article on the cat pee issue, Jenn! None of us want to approach a client with this but it does happen more often than people realize.

I think this points up another reason sellers need to hire Stagers. People do not view their own homes objectively. This doesn't happen with just our own homes, it can happen in every area of our lives! We are used to seeing things a certain way. For instance, I drove the same road to work for over 10 years and yet would be amazed when my husband or someone else would mention "Did you see that new pole barn that John is putting up on his property?" Well, no, because it wasn't there yesterday and I didn't see it today!

We are so used to seeing the world and, specifically, our homes in a certain way that it is difficult to be objective about them when it comes time to prepare them for sale. The stacked magazines that have been on the floor by the couch for several months, the seven pairs of shoes lying by the backdoor and the half-burnt candles on the coffee table are almost invisible to us. We have grown accustomed to the way things look. That is where a great Stager can be so beneficial.

Stagers can supply the necessary objectivity to the seller and the realtor. Our mission is to provide each client with open, honest and reliable information so they can market their house to it's best potential. This will mean dealing with unpleasant issues in a kind and caring way so the homeowners trust and dignity are not damaged. After all, we are dealing with a place where people may have lived for years and, even though they are moving on, there is still a great deal of emotional attachment to it. We cannot always minimize the effect this move will have on the entire family. However we can, as Stagers, be as compassionate and understanding as possible while supplying the necessary objectivity to get the house on the market looking it's best for a faster sale and a satisfied client.

This article submitted by Deanne Morris of Deanne Ellen Interiors, 2008 Copyright

Furniture Placement is KEY

2008-04-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

The art of furniture placement is key in making your spaces feel warm, comfortable and inviting. Yes, it can be as simple as that ~ with the proper furniture placement, a room can be transformed. Just look how this room opens up and welcomes you in by simply rearranging the furniture.

BEFORE

Notice how the back of the sofa cuts off the space and the focus of the room is the gigantic TV.

AFTER

The sofa on an angle invites you into the space and the screen becomes a nice background, disguising the gigantic TV. The focus is now the space and the outdoor scenery beyond.

If you're looking to freshen up your interior space for spring with the proper placement of furniture and accessories, contact a local professional staging expert.

This article submitted by Lisa Sherman of Interior Aura. Copyright 2008.

What to do about cat pee

2008-04-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have a client who's almost ready to list and the last time I went to visit the house, it smelled like cat pee. Badly.

I have no idea what to do... Do you deal with this?

Answers:
Yup, I do. A stager's job is to bravely go where you may fear to tread - and that includes talking about cat odor.

Why pee-smell is hard to discuss
Several psychological studies have shown that discussing "olfactory offenses" are a major social taboo. If you've ever been stuck sitting next to someone wearing too much perfume, you can probably relate. You're dying for air - but can you imagine saying anything? Probably not.
This same human behavior applies to staging. It's hard to talk about with clients.

Odor is powerful
Odor has one of the strongest links in the brain of all 5 senses. When someone walks into a house for sale and smells something pleasant, a positive impression is made (usually unconsciously). Fresh laundry, vanilla, and citrus smell like a clean home. Ahhhh.

The problem comes in when you're about to list a house that smells bad. You've been in one, I'm sure - and you can't wait to get out, right? Buyers feel the same way.

One stager's secrets about cat urine odor:

1. Sellers don't know.
When you come home from a long vacation, have you ever noticed how your house smells different when you return? That's because your nose has been reprogrammed during the absence and you can now smell the normal odors in your house. A few hours later, you can't smell anything.

Most sellers have no idea about the cat smell. And if you tell them, they generally don't believe you or don't realize how bad it actually is.

2. Cats have potent urine
Male cats in particular have strong-smelling urine. There are dozens of reasons why cats urinate inappropriately - and its reason will affect where they do it. Mostly cats will pee on the carpet, but sometimes they spray it on the walls, furniture, books and more.

When I am working with a client with cat odors, I come at night and use a special black light. It works just like a CSI crime scene - the places where the cat has urinated will glow bright blue.
I did this for one client and discovered that his cat had peed around the entire perimeter of a room. Fortunately, it was all in the carpet and not on walls or furniture, so it was easier to remedy.

3. Synthetic smells won't cover it up
Whatever you do, don't buy a scented Plug-In and expect it to work. I'll bet you knew that already. Buyers will walk in and get assaulted with the strong synthetic smell and think, "What are they covering up?" Generally, it doesn't effectively hide the smell anyway.

Solution 1: Depending on the serverity of the odor, I recommend two solutions. The first is to clean the carpet with a solution of water, laundry detergent, and a product called Odor X-It (available online). You just put this into a rented carpet cleaner and it does a great job.
A lot of people ask me about other commercial cleaning products and enzymatic cleaners - I don't recommend the use of either. Commercial products dilute and spread the urine without actually removing it. Enzymatic cleansers are a good alternative, but are often ineffective if the carpet has been cleaned before. The residual detergent in the fibers actually kills the good bacteria that remove odor.

Solution 2: The second solution I recommend is carpet replacement. Abbey Carpets in Salem and offer my staging clients installed carpet for about $25 a square yard. That's a great deal.

In addition to the new carpet, removal also helps the homeowner determine if the urine has soaked into the flooring beneath and fix it there. Often a sealant can cover the smell permanently.

Fix cat odors. Period.
Cat odor will not be overlooked by a buyer. This is one thing I'm inflexible on, but tact with your clients is critical. I always bring it up from a sell-ability standpoint, rather than a personal one.
If this is a topic you don't want to broach with your clients, that's one of the many reasons to work with a stager. I've worked with many homeowners with this issue to find an inexpensive and effective solution to this sale-killing problem.

It makes a huge difference.

This article written by Jennifer Hofmann from Simplicity Staging. Copyright 2008.