Home Staging Blog

It is hard to believe it has been a year since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.  Listening to the news today while driving, I heard stories from residents that are still living in the area and are in the midst of rebuilding - or dreaming of rebuilding.  I heard stories from people that will never go back.

News stories talking about the devastation and destruction.  And stories about the celebration of life.  I managed to catch part of a program on TV earlier this week highlighting a couple of families that are rebuilding their homes.  The human spirit is an amazing and wonderful thing. 

I hope that next year when we mark the second anniversary of Katrina that we see New Orleans and the other Gulf Coast cities without the trailers lining the streets where their homes used to be.  I hope that next year, the cities are full of homes, the schools are full of children and the businesses are thriving.  I hope that next year, there will be lots of neighborhood parties and a big welcome home!

It’s been a fun and exciting day and I just had to share the news.  We had the opportunity to Stage a home in Westchester for a fabulous family that is in the process of flipping a home for the hit TLC TV show “Property Ladder“.  And these homeowners have done a great job!

They were working right up to the end, but their home really looks great.  I will post some pictures and more info later, but I just had to share.  Their Open House is tomorrow and I wish them every success!  I love to see families that work together!  And from what I saw today, this group of family and friends are a tight knit group that really works well together.

And thanks to TLC for allowing us to participate!  And to my entire crew who worked so hard today and to CORT Furniture who supports me in such a fabulous way!

 Good luck tomorrow!  I hope we see a sold sign soon!

Have you been wondering who the heck is behind Get Staged 2 Sell?  Who is Nickie Rothwell and where did she come from?  Well after some prodding, I finally updated my “About” page.

So if you would like to know more about me, check out our “About” page.  And if there is anything else you’d like to know, just ask.  I’m coming clean, so now’s your chance.

When buyers walk into your home for the first time, you want your home to look clean, bright and fresh.  Faded, dark or dingy draperies make your home feel dated.  Remove them, wash the windows to a sparkle and let the sun shine in.

When Staging homes for sale, we often leave the windows bare.  Why not let the home show lovely and bright?  Particularly if you have a great view!  And if you don’t have a particularly special view - create one.  A strategically placed piece of outdoor art will create a focal point through a window.  Or a small table and chair to create a quiet outdoor space to lounge in.  Or simply a beautiful tree to gaze upon. 

If you are faced with a view of something you truly don’t want to look at, a simple semi-sheer window covering that still allows light into the space will filter the view without blocking out all the light.  To soften edges, a simple scarf draped across the top of the window will allow plenty of natural light into the room.

Whatever the view from your home, it is better than having the old drapes that give your home a dated look.  Take them down, open up and let the sun’s natural light show off your home.  Buyers want clean, open spaces.  Brighten up and let the sun shine in.

Statistics show that homes for sale get the most activity during the first two weeks of their listing date.  Real Estate agents and buyers are eager to see the newest listings.  Broker’s Open Houses and Public Open Houses generate a lot of activity during those first couple of weeks.  Having your home professionally Staged and prepared for sale before listing will maximize your marketing efforts.

Your agent will spend time preparing brochures, ads, and photos for the MLS.  You want your home to create a positive and powerful statement right from the beginning when interest is at its highest point.  The Broker’s Open House is your opportunity to get the Real Estate Agents excited about your home.  If the agents are excited they will be excited to get their buyers over to your home and to get those offers written.

Make the most of your agent’s marketing effort.  Have your home properly prepared to sell, professionally Staged and ready for your buyers.  Those first two weeks are crucial.  Especially in a market where there is six months inventory available.  Make your home one to get excited about.  Of course it is never too late to get your home looking best for market, but why not capitalize on those first two weeks?  Get it Staged and increase your chances of getting it sold fast and for more money!

Hanan over at Grow a Brain is celebrating 5 million hits in his three years of blogging.  As part of the celebration, he is offering $100 to a random commentator.  If you want to help him reach his goal of 500 comments on his post within 30 days, just stop by and say hi here.

Happy Blogging!

A common question homeowners ask when preparing their homes for sale is if they should paint their homes white.  If your home’s paint is the least bit dingy, finger-printed or just not looking up to par, then by all means, apply a fresh coat of paint to give your home a clean look.  But that does not necessarily mean it has to be white.  A little color can go a long way.

Choosing a warm accent color can make a dramatic statement that will create a wow factor that buyers will remember.  Take for instance this powder room shown below.  Vacant, the color looks strong and seems as though it might be difficult to live with.  By adding just a few well coordinated accessories, this room is elegant and sophisticated and so much more inviting than a plain white bathroom.

When Staging your home for sale, take a look around and evaluate the condition of the paint.  If a fresh coat is needed, have it done before you put your house on the market.  Consult with your Home Stager about adding some color.  Use color to add an extra shot of drama to really wow your buyers and make your home one to remember.

Garages are more than just a space to store your stuff and occasionally, park the car.  They are an extension of the home and a valuable piece of real estate that is going to be part of a buyer’s list of considerations when choosing a home to purchase.  To get the most dollars for your property, be sure to stage the garage along with the rest of the house to ensure this valuable space is going to help you get the fastest sale and the highest price.

I often come across homes where the garages are so full of stuff that you can barely see what’s in there, let alone see how much space there is.  It’s pretty tough to visualize the use of a space when you can’t actually see the space. 

I came across a great article in the Realtor Magazine Online that has some great links and sources in it that can certainly inspire you.  It talks about folks that not only organize, clean and add a few comfort items to their garages, but who take their garages to whole new levels.  One person in Orange County California, a car collector, even had his floor painted with a checkerboard racing motif and had custom shelves built for his collectibles display.

There are many sources out there to help you get your garage organized.  Keeping it clean and clutter free is definitely the first step.  If you are preparing to sell your home, you will want to be sure to have this space open and visible to buyers.  While to some a garage is little more than a place to store things they no longer use, to others a garage is a place to create a workshop or store a boat, or hey, some people might even want to park their cars in there.