Staging your Home for Sale

Who's Buying Your Home?

2012-01-21T20:25:00.002-06:00

I was recently talking with a friend about working with a new client who had contacted me to stage their home. She asked a question that surprised me. "Why would anyone need someone to tell them how to get their home ready to sell"?

Now granted some of us know the basics of selling a home. Clean it, organize your closets and take care of any deferred maintenance such as paint and repairs. Those of us who have sold a few homes believe we know the drill. We expect to do those minor updates before we put the house on the market. It's comparable to cleaning your home before a party. Put your best face forward.

What's the big difference now when selling your home and why do you need help to stage your home for maximum return?

In the past most buyers came from your local area. FIrst time buyers typically bought into affordable neighborhoods close to amenities and in town areas. Move up buyers typically purchased in established neighborhoods with good schools, good transportation access for commuting. Marketing to your local buyers was a snap as buyers' expectations about home styles and amenities was a known quantity.

Online home buying has changed the local marketplace completely. While there will still be local buyers, when your home is for sale you are now effectively marketing to the world. With Facebook, Twitter, Trulia, Zillow and many other sources, information about you or your home is condensed into a nugget of first impressions. First impressions conveyed mainly by the photos you use to market your home.

Those photos are a reflection of how good a job you did preparing your home for sale. Still want to assess that yourself? Marketing is everything and your home is no exception. A professional home staging company can guide you to a realistic and professional presentation of your home that will appeal to your target buyer. Wherever they're moving from.

If every picture tells a story, make it a best seller!

2011-12-05T13:20:00.000-06:00

Recently I used Realtor.com for research while working on a project. I was searching all over the country in different price ranges to get a sampling of current listings.

In this market and with the challenges facing sellers today I was frankly shocked at what I found. Listing after listing had either inadequate photos to market the home or the photos did absolutely nothing to sell a potential buyer on the property.

Realtor.com allows up to 25 photos to participating agents to market homes. I found million dollar plus homes with only 4 photos. Or million dollar homes with photos clearly not taken by a professional.

Here's some examples of photos on the MLS (mulitple listing service):

All of the homes above are listed for $1.5 million and up. Do these photos portray Million Dollar listings to you?

The homes below are a great example of how not to market your home if you want to sell it.

Can you imagine a buyer getting excited about the home these photos represent?

Here are some ideas to keep in mind when listing your home for sale:

• Hire a real estate agent who has a proven track record of marketing their listings with home staging, professional photography and social networking. If buyers can't find your home or see it's potential you've lost them.
• Work with your real estate agent and home stager to prepare your home before photos are taken. Don't rush to list your home before it's ready. Remember. One chance to make a first impression.
• To buyers, your home is only as appealing as your photos. It's worth spending a little extra to have professional photos taken no matter what price range you're in.
• Once you've listed your home, do some research yourself. Check your home's listing on Realtor.com and make sure the photos are appealing, well lit, adequate to represent both exterior and interior and large enough so buyers can use the slide show feature to preview your home. Use as many photos as needed up to the maximum of 25.
• If your home has been on the market for awhile check and make sure photos online represent your home now. A photo of a winter landscape in the summer tells buyers you've been on the market a long time. Take new photos and update your listing.

A great photo is worth it's weight in gold when selling your home. Especially at today's prices!

THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY

2011-08-30T20:43:00.001-05:00

If you're a builder or developer and considering whether or not staging is worth the investment, take a look at these numbers.

Johnson County TX May 2011 Home Stats from NTREIS

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 875

Months Supply of Inventory: 8

Average Sales Price: -10.11% from 2010

Average days on market: 126

Model home on market BEFORE staging: 365+ days

A local developer contacted us to help get their inventory of 6 model spec homes sold and off their books. These homes had been sitting - unsold - for over a year.

Hampton Redesign worked within the developers budget by utilizing some existing model home furniture in their storage facility and staging only the main living areas and the master bedroom.

As there were 6 properties to sell before the next phase could be started, we recommended furnishings and accessories be purchased. Although the upfront cost is a little higher than renting, this gives a builder or developer the option to maximize their investment. Once the initially staged property sells, all furnishings can be moved to the next and so on. Since the furnishings become the property of the developer, they can either sell with the property as a value add or re-use to stage other homes.

This model home, once it was staged, sold and closed within 30 days (or less than a quarter of the average days on market in Johnson County).

Model home on market AFTER staging: 30 days

Buyers are looking for move in ready. Staging a new home helps buyers focus on the NEW and not the HOW of living in an empty space.

Banish those low ball offers and pesky pet odors! Pt.2

2011-06-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

Ah what a difference it makes when you decide to present your home as fabulous, not as is!

It may not be the easy route to take, but when you do take the trouble to update your home as needed (master baths and kitchens should be on the top of your list), and make sure it's clean and organized (no giant waterfalls of clutter to greet buyers when they open your closet doors), you will reap the benefits.

Your home will sell in less time and for more money because that's what it takes these days to get a home sold. Buyers are asking for move in ready and they will pass on your home if it's not in great condition.

Don't make the mistake of thinking potential buyers will want to change carpet, paint or make needed repairs. They will just as likely move on to the next home that is updated and ready to move into.

You've worked hard for your home. Don't throw away your investment in time and money. Make sure you don't leave any money or equity on the table.

Update
Clean
Organize
Stage

THEN sell!

What's the value of pet odors, repairs and dated furniture? Pt 1

2011-06-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

The best way to throw away money is to sell your house "as is".

"As is" used to be code for a home that had maintenance or repair issues the seller had no intention of repairing or addressing. The "as is" in the home remarks was also a carrot to any investor or buyer looking for a great deal. In exchange for making repairs, the buyer had the opportunity to make money and in turn equity.

Putting a home on the market today without preparing it by making repairs, updating, cleaning, and staging it for sale is like throwing money away.

When buyers walk into your home and they see clutter, dated furniture and smell pet odors they mentally deduct the value off your asking price. Buyers are not only comparing your home to resale properties in their price range but also to new homes. New homes that are shiny and lack the flaws of older homes. New homes that may be staged as model homes without the clutter of owners.

The best way to market your home is to present it as new not as is. Most existing homes have great features that new homes may not. More square footage, better floorplan, more mature landscaping. You get the idea.

A stinky dated home does not get top dollar! Don't throw your equity (or next down payment) away. Show your home as new, not as is.
Wherever you live, there is a professional near by to help you sell your home. In Fort Worth TX you can contact Hampton Redesign, to help you show your home to it's full potential!

Model Home in Burleson TX, Staged by Hampton Redesign

2011-05-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hampton Redesign just staged this model home at 1321 Doe Meadow Dr., Fort Worth TX 76028.

5 Secrets of Extraordinary Sellers

2011-05-25T11:35:00.000-05:00

On January 31st I had a staging consultation with a client who was getting ready to put her home on the market. Her husband had been transferred and she was ready to hear what it would take to get her home sold ... fast.

We met for a 2 hour staging consultation where I walked through their home and gave her advice not only on furniture but updates to walls, floors and bathrooms. A few weeks later she contacted me to help her through the design choices to completely update the home. We chose new carpet, all new paint, new countertops, bath fixtures and lighting fixtures. All wallpaper was removed as were drapes and wow what a difference!

Then we started buying furniture to "stage" the home. All the furniture had to be able to work in her new home which of course she hadn't bought yet! A challenge, but we bought pieces that would work in the current home and that they loved.

The end result is a completely updated home. It was listed last week and I have no doubt they will be getting an offer soon.

Here's a view of the living room before (dining room furniture was piled in while they were painting) Sorry for the blur - taken on my phone.

Living Room Before Staging

Living Room After Staging

Living Room Before Staging - From Kitchen

Living Room After Staging - From Kitchen

This seller went above and beyond to transform her home to sell. How can you be an extraordinary seller too?

1. Act on advice. When you hire a staging consultant take their advice and run with it. Second guessing doesn't sell a home, action does.

2. Be open to change. That's the big one. This family home looks completely different. It required willingness to change.

3. Get help. This owner relied on our help every step of the way. When you create a great partnership, good things happen.

4. Communicate. Communicate with everyone on a regular basis. Your stager/designer, your spouse, your kids, your realtor. Keep everyone in the loop. Communication is the cornerstone of coordinating any move.

5. Have fun. Make it fun whenever possible. Keeping your sense of humor when selling a house is priceless!

UPDATE: This home was under contract within 10 days of listing!

I've staged my home... now what do I do?

2011-02-09T11:45:00.001-06:00

Okay your home stager just left and your house looks great.

You've done everything on your list.

The house looks better than it ever has before. Everything that could be donated or sold has been (you're already plugging the tax deduction into your 2011 taxes). All that extra furniture has been put in storage and all the extra "stuff" has been boxed up and packed away too.

The kitchen counter has been cleared off and the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless! Fluffy white towels are hanging in the master bath, the closets are organized (wow who knew color coordinating your hanging clothes would make such a difference) and the floors are gleaming and freshly vacuumed.

Once everything was clean and organized, you and your stager pulled all the furniture and accessories together to give each room purpose and a focal point. Your home looks HUGE!

The "after" staged photos are off to your realtor.

Your home is now in MLS and whew here we go. You're listed!

Now what?

Now comes the challenging part. Yes your home looks great, but how do you keep it looking great while you're living in it?

Typically you have a minimum one hour notice for a showing. If you work during the day or are going to be gone for any length of time, you need to have a routine. Get your home set up so that you can prep it for a showing quickly. Then just before you leave....

BATH
- Put most of your bathroom counter top necessities in a plastic bin and make room so you can pop it out of sight quickly
- Keep those white fluffy towels neatly folded on towel bars and keep your every day towel neatly folded over the shower door, bathmat too.

BEDROOM
- Hide all personal jewelry in a faux book box or something similar so that it's out of sight but accessible to you
- Keep your bedding simple but make sure it's made up every day!
- Toss your robe, jammies etc in your laundry basket(with lid)

KITCHEN
- if you use a dish drainer, put it under the sink along with any cleaning supplies, so your sink(s) are clear and clean
- Make sure all dishes are in the dishwasher along with sponges etc
- Wipe down counter tops with a quick all-purpose spray cleaner and paper towel
- Burn a candle (pineapple/cilantro is a favorite) to soften any kitchen cooking smells if needed

LIVING
- Make sure your new throw pillows are plumped and your throw is folded just so
- Keep a large flat basket on a table to corral your magazines and tuck remotes in

Make sure carpets are freshly vacuumed after every showing if possible and keep blinds and curtains open to let in the maximum light!

15 minutes is all this should take before you leave the house. It's that little bit of extra effort that will pay off in great showing feedback and help your beautifully staged home stand out from the rest!

How long do you think it took this $780K Fort Worth home to sell?

2011-01-17T13:29:00.001-06:00

Four days.
It was listed the day after Thanksgiving and had a contract 4 days later!

Previously it had been on the market - empty - for over a year. Hampton Redesign was contacted by the new listing agent, Debbie Washuleski of Keller Williams. She did not want to put this home on the market without getting it professionally staged first.   After we staged this wonderful Colonial style home, we sent Debbie these photos and more to show buyers how they could live, entertain and enjoy it! The first week listed, there were multiple showings. Staging this Fort Worth home for sale definitely helped showcase this premium property.

Here's the before and afters.
Formal Dining before

Formal dining after - I decided not to stage with holiday decorations. Just a simple tableau.

Formal Living before

Formal living - I managed to overcome the mustard color on the wall by going neutral with furniture!

Family room before

Family room after

So you see it's not that hard to sell a premium property in this market. Even in what is considered one of the slowest selling periods of the year, this home got an offer and is SOLD!

If you do nothing else when you put your home up for sale, do this.

2010-10-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

CLEAN. Yes I know that may seem obvious to you and me but apparently not to all sellers, because today I got an eyeful of bugs. And yucky toilet stuff. Did I mention spider webs big enough for Hallowe'en decorations? And that was without my glasses on. Ugh.

If you do NOTHING else, have your home professionally cleaned before, during and after you have it on the market for sale. Before you even think of staging your home, before you let the realtor put the sign in the yard, CLEAN.

What does cleaning do for your home's appeal?

It makes it smell nice (one of my favorite senses and a HUGE selling plus)
It looks move in ready (without the rolling tumbleweeds of dust and bug clusters in the corners)
It appears well cared for and maintained (a BIG thumbs up to buyers)
It gives it that new home feel (buyers like brand new, especiallyi n the bathrooms)

Cleaning is especially important with vacant homes. Where every little dust rambler is visible to the naked eye. Cleaning makes a vacant home feel cared for, not neglected. SO important to buyer's first impressions.

No matter what your budget, most sellers can afford to hire a cleaner for a half day or full day.

Don't scare your buyers away!
Banishing bugs brings offers. Have you cleaned your home today?

Ten Really Good Reasons to Stage Your Home

2010-10-13T12:57:00.001-05:00

I was updating my website today and decided to also update the downloadable PDF files I have for sellers and Realtors to click on and read to find out why they should stage their home, as well as Home Gain and RESA staging statistics to show the numbers.
I thought it was worth posting my top ten list of reasons to stage a home. The original list was provided by Home Staging Resource (an excellent training resource, thank you Audra!) and I have updated it. Here we go....

Top 10 Reasons to Professionally stage your home

1. You Will Make More Money
U.S. Housing and Urban Development reports that a staged home will sell, on average, for 17% more than an un-staged home.

2. Your House Will Sell Faster
The New York Village Voice reported that the average number of days a staged home is on the market is 13.9 versus 30.9 days for an un-staged home.

3. The Cost of Staging Doesn’t Cost A Dime
In a 2009 Home Gain Survey of over 2000 Realtors, sellers recouped an average 586% of the cost to stage from the increased resale value of their home.

4. Most Home Sellers Cannot View Their House Objectively
If you can’t see objectively, you can’t “package” effectively. A staging professional can see your home with “buyers” eyes.

5. Less Guesswork and “Do It Yourself”
A professional home stager can manage your projects from start to finish. Or, they can give you a detailed report based on their extensive knowledge and training to have you “finish it yourself”.

6. Only 10% of Homebuyers Can Visualize the Potential of a Home
That’s why staging a home is critical! You don’t want the advantages of your home overlooked and left up to the buyer’s imagination.

7. The Longer Your Home is for Sale, the Lower the Price Will Be, so STAGE FIRST!

According to a National Association of Realtors survey, homes that sold after 4 weeks on the market sold for 6% less than those selling within the first 4 weeks! Don’t be in a position where you have to lower your price…have your house staged first.

8. Staging Fees May be Tax Deductible
Your staging costs may be deducted from your sales gain as “advertising” costs.

9. Leaving Your House in “AS IS” Condition Sells the Competition
Right now the number of homes for sale on the market is at a record high. Buyers have very high expectations. T he key to selling competitively is to stage professionally.

10. You Can Relax
You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have done absolutely everything
possible to affect a quick sale of your most valuable commodity and for top dollar!

Which home do you think will get the best offer??

Do you REALLY want to sell your home?

2010-09-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

If you really want to sell your home then you are going to have to make some changes. Changes to your lifestyle (no more leaving dishes in the sink or an unmade bed), changes to the way you view your home (it's now a commodity on the open market), and the biggest challenge of all is not taking it personally when someone doesn't love your home.

Change can create stressful feelings in most of us. By nature we are creatures of habit. The habits we form help us create order out of our sometimes chaotic world!

Moving is change, there is no getting around it. Whether you have decided to move voluntarily or your move is due to a life transistion or job transfer, it's still change.

But what happens if you commit to the change? What if you decide that the outcome is going to be a positive one? Don't you think committing to your decision, taking action and then believing in the best outcome beats doubt and worry?

By making the decision to move forward you take control.

Selling your home is a commitment. It's not a long term one (hopefully) but if you want a good outcome you need to make a commitment to the process.

Too often sellers feel that moving in itself is enough of a a burden. They may resent the idea of having to do more to get their house sold. Whether it's repairs, painting, staging their home or packing ahead of time, it can be overwhelming to think of all they have to do to get their home sold.

You know what? Ask for help. It's out there. Take it a step at a time but get started today. Do one thing. And then feel good about getting that done.

Call your local agent and make an appointment to get an idea of market value.
Contact a reputable handyman or contractor to take care of any repairs
Ask your agent or google "home staging" in your town and find a home stager to help you organize and present your home in it's best light.
Start packing
Set a date to reward yourself for all your hard work. Each time you accomplish one step give yourself a little treat!

Think of the times you committed to something and followed through. Now remember a time when you didn't decide or didn't make a plan. What happened?

Once you decide, and act and believe in the outcome, results follow.

You can sell your home. Commit to the change and watch what happens!

Does Your Home Need a "Make Under"?

2010-09-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

Happened to be home when Oprah was on this afternoon. The topic was Makeunders. Women who needed less not more. But this also applies to homes. Nate Berkus did a room Makeunder and it inspired me! Every home that goes on sale needs a "make under". The less of you, the quicker your home will sell. The bigger and more spacious your home looks the higher it's perceived value.

This means it's really important to edit your stuff so what's really important greets you (and your buyers) when you walk in the door. You want your homes' features to shine, you want buyers to say aaaah!

The trouble is we tend to keep adding stuff to our homes and don't stop to edit.
I compare it to getting dressed. You've got a great look going but then you keep adding accessories to your outfit. A scarf or two. All of a sudden your great look gets lost. No one will be able to focus on that perfect necklace or pair of shoes because there's too much to look at. The best outfits are the ones with a simple color palette. A nice pair of jeans, a contrasting top and jacket and some great accent jewelry and shoes.

Your home is no different. It's an extension of who you are but it shouldn't be the catchall for everything you've ever wanted to bring home. Layering is wonderful but you have to know when to stop before your look gets lost.

Start with one room. Treat it like an extension of yourself. How would you dress it?

10 Easy Tips to "Make Under" Your Home

1. Keep in simple, Pick one or two main colors for your walls and floor. The fewer colors the more spacious your home will look.

2. Pick a third and fourth (if desired) accent color . Use these colors sparingly.

3. Keep your surfaces consistent. Walls should be the same material if possible and painted or finished in the same color on all walls. Floors also. Keep flooring consistent throughout the house.

4. Group your family photos on one wall and use similar frames and mats to keep a unified look. Edit your photos first and keep only the ones you love.

5. Group your plants also. Your plants will thrive and it reduces watering time. Toss out any that are unhealthy or dying.

6. If a room has more than one use make sure there's a dedicated space for each use. Screens or dividers can help separate living from office or exercise space.

7. Keep your window treatments clean and simple. Heavy window treatments that cut down on light can overpower a room. Invest in some light colored curtain panels instead hung on a simple pole. These look great over inexpensive 2" blinds.

8. Remove area rugs on carpet. Visually they cut up the floor space and make the room feel smaller.

9. Edit your collections. Keep only pieces you love on display. Again grouping them will create impact and reduce visual busy-ness.

10. Keep it to 5. When in doubt, keep no more than 5 toys or 5 plants or 5 pillows or 5 frames or 5 lamps for example in a room at one time. If you want to add a new piece, take out an old one.

Remember keep it simple. Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or just want to live lighter, a professional home staging consultation can help you with your "makeunder".

Photo is not a sample of Hampton Redesign staging but was chosen to represent how a simplified color palette can "Make Under a room.

Chic Oleander Place Townhome Just Staged

2010-06-04T11:04:00.002-05:00

Renovating and Staging a Ridgmar Fort Worth TX 76116 Home

2010-06-03T19:18:00.000-05:00

One of the things I enjoy most about home staging here in Fort Worth is having the opportunity to transform a home that had previously been un-loved and just about un-inhabitable into a gorgeous fresh new space for someone to love and come home to. It's really gratifying to see how a house can be made new again. These older neighborhoods on the west side of Fort Worth, this one is called Ridgmar, have great homes that are gradually being turned over from one generation to the next!
So... here's the befores.

This home needed everything. I mean everything. From top to bottom inside and out. Hampton Redesign works with an investor who buys these distressed properties to renovate and flip. I come up with a master plan, floorplan, kitchen, bathrooms, finishes, cabinets, granite, colors, floors and overall look and feel. In this case I recommended knocking out the wall between the kitchen and great room as well as opening up the galley kitchen wall to the living area.

BEFORE: Here you are looking into the old kitchen with the living area on the left.

AFTER: Two walls between the kitchen and living room were removed to open up the space.

BEFORE: This is another view looking from the kitchen out to the dining area.

AFTER: The sliding doors on the left were replaced with French doors

BEFORE: Another view of the living room. This is looking from the dining area to the front door.

AFTER: The wall to the right of the door opening is now gone and it's an open living space.

Keeping the floors all wood created a seamless flow between the living and dining areas. White cabinets were chosen to keep the eye moving up and to open the ceiling height up visually. The dark wood floors ground the space.

I really enjoy working on these types of projects - and of course once all the construction is done I get to put the icing on the cake. Staging it! Staging this home in Fort Worth's Ridgmar neighborhood is the key to helping prospective buyers visualize where the furniture will go and how they can make the most of this open floor plan!

So How Much Time DOES It Take to Stage a Vacant Home?

2010-03-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

Recently I gave some thought to exactly what happens once I get a request to stage a vacant home.

If there is any doubt as to time and effort involved, whether the expense is justified or what exactly is involved in staging a vacant property, this may be enlightening!

Here's my breakdown of what I do from start to finish for my clients.

1. Visit the vacant property to discuss rooms and possible solutions to awkward layouts. Take preliminary "before" photos to create staging design. 1-2 hours

2. Design and research furniture rental and prepare list for lease, includes revising and redoing plan several times based on what's available at time of staging 1-2 hours

3. Source and shop for additional furniture, accessories including bedding, plants, lamps, soft furnishings, kitchen and bath accents, door mats, and any unique accessories for the property. Includes travel time. 4-8 hours

4. Coordinate with furniture rental partner for delivery, lease and application paperwork and any unusual circumstances including meeting to review furniture selections. 1-2 hours

5. Day before staging - select and pack all accessories for delivery. 2-3 hours

6. Day of staging - pack any remaining items, drive to staging location to meet with furniture rental delivery, accept furniture and direct placement. Unload and unpack all additional furniture and accessories. Once furniture is in place, complete staging with accessories and add finishing touches. Sweep and make sure all staged surfaces are clean. Take photography of staged rooms and download. Crop and size in Photoshop and upload to web and send link to Realtor and owner. 4-6 hours

7. Return to check on staging every couple of weeks or more. Attend Broker or buyer open house to assist listing Realtor. 2-5 hours

8. Stay in contact with Owner and Realtor throughout staging via email or phone. If needed adjust staging. 1 hour+

9. Once home is sold, schedule furniture pickup. Arrive at staged home day before furniture pickup to pack and load all accessories and additional furniture. On scheduled day , meet to supervise furniture pickup. Clean and sweep once home is empty. 2-4 hours

10. Unload and unpack all accessories and re-inventory. 2-3 hours

I'm sure I've left out something but that's a total of 20-36 hours from start to finish! When you decide to hire someone to stage your home or if your Realtor suggests it, keep in mind the time and effort involved. It's a lot of work, but it works. Staging does sell houses!

How to Be a Top Chef on a Budget

2009-11-12T12:10:00.000-06:00

One of the best renovations to make to your home for return on investment is updating your kitchen.

If you watch HGTV even people who don't cook like to have stylish kitchens to house their microwaves! After all who doesn't harbor some deep desire to be an accomplished cook? Again with all the media exposure on cooking these days, from Top Chef to Kitchen Nightmares, cooking has become cool again. May Julia rest in peace.

So what is the right amount to spend on a kitchen renovation? Never assume that you will get a dollar for dollar return on your remodeling investment when you go to sell your home.

The right amount is what your budget can comfortably handle and what your neighborhood supports. Don't put a $50K kitchen into a $200,000 home unless the homes in your neighborhood support prices up to $300K or more. Don't make a huge investment in a kitchen remodel while leaving the rest of the house "as is". The kitchen remodel should fit the rest of the home. In style, in finishes and in scale.

Style means let the architecture of your home dictate the predominant style of the kitchen. If you have a traditional Cape Cod home in New England don't put a very modern contemporary kitchen in. By all means update but leave enough traditional elements so that future Buyers feel they are getting the best of the old and new. You can still have the WOW factor without leaving Buyers with the feeling they've lost the character they expect to find in an older home.

Finishes in a kitchen can range from Formica to granite, from laminate to custom cabinets or vinyl to real wood flooring. It's important to match finishes. Don't put granite countertops in a kitchen with vinyl floors and laminate cabinets or you will confuse Buyers. Your biggest dollar expense is likely to be your cabinets and this is where you should start when planning your kitchen remodel. Pick the best cabinets you can afford but time your purchase to take advantage of any sales, promotions or offers.

Scale refers to size and proportion. There are a wide variety of cabinet styles available and you don't necessarily have to stick with the standard upper and lower cabinet configuration. If you have a very small kitchen or low ceilings you may opt for base or lower cabinets with shelves above instead of upper wall cabinets. If you have very high ceilings you may choose a taller wall cabinet to keep the scale of the kitchen in proportion to the height of the room. Dark cabinets whether wood or painted tend to feel larger and take up more visual space than light cabinets.

For example, I'm currently designing a kitchen remodel in a home with a galley kitchen space and low ceilings. I've chosen white cabinets, with a light granite or stone countertop to brighten and make it feel larger and darker floors to "ground" the space. I'll update with photos as the remodel progresses!

Your local big box home remodel store can be very helpful when planning your kitchen. I personally like the orange aprons! Head to the kitchen and bath department and find a kitchen planner to help you lay out your design with cabinets and appliances in place. Just be sure to keep an eye on the budget!

Buyers make better Sellers

2009-08-16T18:32:00.000-05:00

Once you've decided to sell your home, the best first step you can take is to be a buyer. That's right. Go out and start looking at homes for sale BEFORE you list your home.

Tell your real estate agent you'd like to start looking at homes in your own neighborhood and price range. While you're walking through each home ask yourself:

• Is the home updated or dated?

• Does the house have great flow? Easy to entertain in?

• What about color. Do the paint colors appeal to you?

• Can you see yourself living in the home as it is?

• What was your first impression as you drove up to the home?

• Does the storage space feel adequate for your needs?

• Can you see how your furniture would work in each room?

• Is the purpose of each room clear?

• Is it nice and clean. Does it smell inviting?

After you've toured a few homes, how does it feel walking now into your own?

Because once your home is on the market, every buyer who walks through it is going to be asking themselves the same questions? How does your home pass the
test?

Does the front entry say welcome?
Is there plenty of room to have a dining room table and seat the family for the holidays?
Do you have closet space to spare?

Moving out of your home emotionally, connecting with how a buyer thinks, is the best first step you can take towards getting your home sold quickly and for top dollar.

Great New Paint Products for Renovating

2009-08-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

I love paint. It's one of the least expensive ways to change the look of any room. A can of paint goes a long way to creating a mood and a new paint job always gives a home a fresh new perspective.

So you can imagine how excited I was to read about Rustoleum's new products!
These are especially useful to give your kitchen a face lift and kitchens are so important to the resale value of your home. If you want to make some quick and easy changes before putting your home up for sale, these are worth a try.

www.rustoleum.com

Stainless Steel
The timeless and modern look and feel of stainless steel is now available in a single application! Specialty Stainless Steel paint contains real stainless steel pigments to create a rich, metallic finish. Great for refinishing the exterior of appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and other household items such as tabletops, picture frames, accessories and more!
• Easy roll on application gives a smooth washable surface and resists fingerprints

Countertop Paint
Tired of looking at that old Countertop? With Rust-Oleum Countertop coating, you can renew laminate countertops, cabinets and furniture. In addition, it contains HomeShield(TM) Antimicrobial Protection which will protect the painted surface by inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew and other odor or stain causing microbes.
• No primer needed for laminate surfaces!

Can't wait to try these new products!

Don't Try This at Home

2009-08-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried to stage your own home? I did.

As an experiment I tried to stage my own home. The goal was to remove the design personality I've created over the past several years and try to view it as a potential clients' home. Open up the space, remove unnecessary furniture and clutter. Right? Rearrange the remaining furniture to make a better seating arrangement.

Do you know what I discovered? It's not easy. In fact it's almost impossible to look at your own possessions objectively and decide which can stay and which can go. Oh you can remove the personal photos and make that fireplace mantel a work of art, but at the end of the day, it's hard to know where your style ends and the staging begins. Once you've lived with your stuff for a while it takes on a mystical quality. It's part of how you see yourself and how others see you.

The trick to successfully staging an occupied home for sale is to be able to view it with a buyer's eyes. Buyers look at your stuff and see your personality and your lifestyle. It's hard for them to see your home as theirs when all they see is you.

The look you want to acheive is a clean palette - one where anyone who walks through the door can viusally paint themselves into the picture!

Top 10 Tips to Love it or Let It Go

2009-08-03T19:49:00.000-05:00

Get Ready to Sell Your Home by Letting Go!

So you have decided to put your house up for sale. Maybe you're moving for a new job, you're getting divorced and the house is only big enough for one, you're pregnant and you just realized you've run out of bedrooms or you're empty nesters, ready to down size or up size. So what is the first thing you should do?

#1. Before you call the real estate agent, look around. Take inventory of your stuff and think about whether or not it still works for you. Are you holding onto it because you always have? Do you need the thing to remind you of the memories it holds?

You'll always have your memories. Let go of all except your most adored photos and momentos. If it makes you smile and feel good, keep it. Put it out where you can see it every day. If it doesn't make you happy, toss, sell or donate.

#2 Do you save things in case you might need them someday?

If you dig it out and you forgot you even had it stored away, toss, sell or donate.

#3 Do you keep things packed in boxes and move them from house to house, never unpacking them?

Those boxes are sucking the energy out of you. Open the boxes and consider the fact you haven't used or needed the stuff in the boxes or it wouldn't still be in the boxes.
Toss, sell or donate. Then throw away the box!

#4 What about your collections? Yes it's fun to hunt for those new additions, but couldn't you instead make your life about the passion driving your collecting?

Take a hard look at your collections, discover what inspired you to start collecting and then let your collection go. Got a train set? Donate to a children's group. Barbies? Sell on ebay. Let it go and find another way to be a kid again instead.

#5 Are your closets stuffed with clothes you don't wear... or even like?

Let go of the guilt for buying them, not fitting into them, or for not having the lifestyle you bought them for. Sell, donate or toss.

#6 Do you have project stuff stashed away in closets? Sweaters you're going to knit, jewelry you're going to bead, lumber destined to be shelves one day?

It's great to have projects. Just know which ones you are really committed to. If your time is better spent buying that sweater or you just can't seem to get around to learning how to knit, let the yarn go. And the needles.

#7 Is it hard to find wall space in your home? Has the furniture gradually multiplied until you have to squeeze past it in some rooms?

Unless you love it or it has real function, let it go. If you aren't using it regularly, or if its main function is attracting dust, sell it, toss it or donate it. Let someone else find your new treasure on craigslist or ebay or at Goodwill.

#8 If you are thinking of getting your home staged before you put it on the market - great decision!

You know other people are going to be coming through your home, looking at your stuff and you've already decided to move, so start packing it! Before you put it in a box though, ask yourself if you love it. If yes, in it goes, if no, you know the drill.

#9 One of the best places to practice your new discipline of letting go is the outside of your home. First impressions are SO important.

Clean up those flower pots, toss the old plastic ones and toss the dead plants along with them. Worn out hoses and lawn decor. Toss. Outdoor furniture that's broken or sad looking. Toss. The plastic gnome may have been cute at the time you bought it but now it just looks sad. Toss or donate.

#10 The most important love it or leave it tip? It's about You.

Love yourself and lovingly release your home as you are leaving it for a new one. Be willing to let go of it so you can move easily into your new life. Get excited about what is coming and know that everything will work out for the best. It's okay to move forward!

SELL IT
craigslist the classified ad site with local listings in almost every major metro area. Good place to put furniture or multiple items

ebay if you have an account you already know how this works but there are multiple companies that will sell on ebay for you or ask a friend and give them a cut - use for items of value that are easily searchable by keyword "Barbie 1967 Blonde" for example.

Consignment Stores - google Furniture or Clothing consignment in your metro area and find a local consignment store that will take your furniture or clothing on consignment. Most consignment stores keep 50 - 60% of the proceeds of the sale and many clothing stores will continue to mark your clothing down if it doesn't sell so you may not net as much as you think it's worth. If it's true designer or still has tags on it, try selling it on ebay. Especially good for vintage clothing or footwear.
Most clothing consignment stores only accept clean, brand or designer name pieces. Ask and check around for the best deal. Also good for childrens clothing.

TOSS IT
Most local trash pickup has a large pickup day. Go to your town or city web site to find out what day and make your pile! Good for large items such as appliances and furniture you no longer want. Plus there is always the chance someone will drive by and "recycle" it for you right into their vehicle.

1800gotjunk
From the web site . 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a full-service junk removal company. "We'll remove almost anything – from old furniture and appliances to garden waste and renovation debris. Plus, we do all the loading and cleanup, wherever the items are – you don't even need to get it to the curb!"

DONATE IT
YWCA
Donate clothing, furniture and household items, including books. Some areas will pick up. Items should be good quality, clean and useable.

Goodwill
Goodwill does not operate a home pick-up service for donations.

Salvation Army
Will pick up furniture

There are many other charitable organizations, these are just a few. Don't forget about that nice tax write off at the end of the year for your charitable donation (if you itemize).

I can't think of a more important step to take, before you put your house on the market. Every square inch counts to your buyers and they want to see the square footage of your home and all the living space it has to offer!

So before you move and stage your home for sale, take a look around. Do you love it? Does it work in the life you have now? Do you find it beautiful?

If not, let it go.