Home Staging Blog

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September 27th, 2006

Home Staging Safety Tip-Beware the Bungee Cord!

The Bungee Cord is one of the most used and multi-purpose tools we have.  But today we discovered that they can be very dangerous as well.

We arrived early this morning for a large Staging project in Rossmoor and swiftly began unloading the van.  We stacked our storage crates 4 high and 2 deep on our trolley, tightly strapped them down, and rolled them up to the door.  But when we released the cords, one of them took off like a slingshot and smacked Kelly squarely in the eye!  It felt to her like a bee had just flown into her eye and stung her!

Thankfully Kelly is okay, although she has a nasty shiner and her eye will probably be bloodshot for a couple weeks.  We learned today that even the simplest tools that we use every day can instantly become dangerous. 

I can tell you first hand that it is very important to make it a point each day at the beginning of each project to consciously commit to being aware of your surroundings, your work space and the protection of your safety. 

We work in a creative and physical business and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the project with our minds racing ahead.  But we had some pretty strong reminders today that while we are dreaming about our visions, we had better stay conscious of our day to day routines - including the use of our favorite bungee cords! 

HOme Stagers Bungee Cord

I hope Kelly feels better soon!

September 24th, 2006

Westchester House Flippers Property Ladder Episode Aired 9/23/06

Last night I managed to catch Property Ladder’s latest new episode featuring the Bradford family in Westchester.  As you know, we had the opportunity to Stage their home a few weeks ago so it was great watching the show to see how their project had progressed from start to finish.

The Bradford family had their share of challenges in renovating their 1940’s Los Angeles home, but they really did an excellent job - it turned out gorgeous.  They made some very wise decisions in choosing what updates to make, materials to use and square footage to add.  Their home is definitely move in ready for some lucky buyer.

If you missed it last night and you would like to check it out, it will be airing again over the next couple weeks.  You can check the schedule, sit down and enjoy the show.  See a hard working family in action learning the process of house flipping, and getting some beautiful results.

September 13th, 2006

Home Staging Defines a Room’s Possibilities

Have you ever walked into a vacant room and wondered what the room’s function is?  We recently staged a newly constructed home in Westchester that was faced with this type of issue.

This home is gorgeous-built with beautiful materials and expert craftsmanship, spacious with a combination of formal and casual living spaces.  This combination of living spaces is somewhat uncommon for our area.  Most buyers when entering a vacant home have difficulty judging the size and space in a room.  When faced with mulitiple rooms and a somewhat unique floorplan, some buyers are simply lost and may consider these rooms “wasted space”.

Staging a vacant home defines the room’s use and puts on display the possibilties they offer.  Buyers walk in and get excited about the spaces they see - not confused.  Staging a home creates the vision of the lifestyle that awaits should a person choose to make your house their home. Don’t let buyers mistake any room in your home as “wasted space”.  Have your home professionally Staged so that each area is showcased to highlight its potential. 

Westlawn Formal Living Room Staged  Westlawn Formal Dining Room Staged  Westlawn Family Room Staged

Create the vision of the lifestyle your home can offer.  Make your home’s first impression a powerful and positive one.

September 8th, 2006

Today is a Special Day - Home Stager Joaquin Lopez is 23 Today!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!  I would like to wish you a very happy birthday!  And to tell the whole world that today is your special day!

Joaquin is, without any doubt, “the muscle” behind Get Staged 2 Sell.  But don’t let that fool you, he’s got just as much creativity and mind power to match those muscles of steel and looks to die for.  And besides that, he’s my son in law and an all around good guy.

Home Stager Joaquin Lopez

Happy birthday!  Have fun.  We’ll see you Saturday!

Love,

Mom

September 8th, 2006

Why You Need to be Considered with Safety when Staging a Vacant Home

As Home Stagers, we are going in and out of homes on a daily basis, many of them vacant or only partially occupied.  Real estate agents as well are constantly previewing properties, so I thought I would make a little note to remind home sellers to keep in mind.  You need to leave your homes in such a state that they are available to be safely seen.

 I recently went to view a property where there was a lockbox with a key for entrance to the home.  Once entering the home, it was so dark that I literally could not see in front of my face.  I fumbled around the walls looking for the elusive light switch, but could not locate it.  The only thing I could see was the sunlight filtering through the blinds across the room.  So I boldly stepped forth into the darkness to open the blinds.

Unfortunately, I discovered too late that I was standing on a tile landing on a sea of tile flooring and once I took that step I went flying into the air and landed sharply on that cold, hard, tile floor.  After taking an inventory of all my parts and pieces, testing all the moving extremities, I got back up and made my way to the window and opened the blinds so I could recover all the things that had once been in my hands. 

After gathering the key, keybox, my keys, camera, sunglasses, and the business card I wanted to leave on the counter, I limped back to the door to lock up and head back to the office.  I didn’t have to hunt for my cell phone because I learned very early on in my career that no smart person that is traveling on business, meeting with new people or entering vacant homes ever has a cell phone that is not attached to their wrist at all times.  I didn’t get a chance to see this entire home, but I can tell you, this is not the way to show a home for sale. 

 So as a Home Stager or Real Estate Agent, when you walk into a home for the first time, don’t just lunge in.  Take care and remember that each home is different.  While most of us expect to be able to just walk in and reach for the light, some homes have different layouts and even though we have seen a ton of homes, we have to expect the unexpected.

And home sellers, you must keep in mind, you are selling your home.  While you might have your floor plan memorized, your buyers do not.  The last thing you want is for your buyers to come in and land kerplunk - sprawled out on the floor because your home was left pitch black dark - in the middle of the day!

Remember, the first step in Staging a home for sale is you have to make it available.  If the buyer (Home Stager, Realtor…) can’t see it, how can they know if they want to buy (Stage, Sell) it?  And if they get injured just trying to get a look - how the heck is that going to get it sold?

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