Sunday, March 18, 2012

When it comes to Staging – Seek Professional Help by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging - Denver's Premier Home Staging Resource


When it comes to Staging – Seek Professional Help




Am I talking to the many professional Stagers that may seem a “little crazy” over their need to place things a certain way?  Or how happy we get over being able to make sense out of other people’s chaos?  Or how about how excited we might get over how we tie a towel – albeit cleverly and creatively? 

No – I am talking to the public out there – the people that want to Sell their houses or the people that work for a living selling houses – the Realtors. Staging is more than just plopping some accessories in a house and sticking furniture somewhere in a room.


When it comes to Staging – Seek PROFESSIONAL Help! There – I said it. There IS a difference between someone that says, “I Stage houses,” and someone else that is trained to do it professionally – and dare I say it – PROPERLY.


There are those that believe they have the ability but really don’t know what they are doing and confuse Staging with decorating. There are those that believe they have the ability but lack the vision of what to do. There are those don’t see the need to invest properly in Staging so it is done halfway and gets no results. And there are those that may have the ability but lack the knowledge of how to deal with a client that may resist or not be totally on board with making changes.


Professional training matters because it gives a Stager a framework in which to operate a successful business with the knowledge of how to handle a client properly and professionally, and ultimately get the results they desire.


After rescuing a condo this past weekend I KNOW there are those that are doing just what this mis-guided but well-intentioned agent did to help “Stage” the house for sale. I walked into the property and found accessories that were tasteful and did help add color to kitchen and bathroom counters. But then in the main living area – no furniture – just a little table with 2 chairs slammed up against a blank wall. There was a nicely accessorized baker’s rack at an angle in the corner which I could surmise was to “hide” the A/C vent but served no purpose in the corner. There was an old couch that was up against a wall in the “den” which could also be a bedroom. The master bedroom was totally empty and there was zero artwork on the walls.


Even in the photos I was sent initially I could see what had to be done – and many of my professional colleagues would have been able to easily make sense of the space as well. This is because I have taken the time to train my eye, to know what the goal of the Staging is, and how to execute that vision. Carrying out my vision, adding a few key pieces of furniture, and making sure the master bedroom was furnished – was the goal.


Now the condo is professionally Staged – even with a limited budget – using what was there along with a few key additions – makes a HUGE difference in the presentation.


I guess it goes back to the old saying, “Don’t ask a plumber for medical advice.” Just as I would not assume to know how to do another professional’s “job” (accountant, plumber, teacher, Realtor, doctor, etc.) – I sure wish people would stop trying to do my job when they really don’t have the ability to do it right.

Professional Stagers serve a vital role in getting the buying public to envision themselves in a property – online and in person. I believe the abundance of articles and shows makes people THINK they can do it right – but the plethora of poorly presented properties that the seller and/or agent would say are “Staged” proves that when it comes to Staging and SELLING – seek professional help! Take the time to do it right with a professional – from the start - so you don’t have to waste time on the market and pay a professional to “do it over.”

Condo Staging - Aurora - Proper placement and touches make the difference

These photos show how important it is to work with a professionally tained Home Stager when selling a house. This condo was for sale and the Realtor brought in some of her accessories which really helped add some pizzazz to the kitchen - but the placement of the furniture was not right for best buyer appeal. Rearraning existing pieces, and then bringing a master bedroom set up, adding artwork to bring the eye up - helps make this condo more marketable.

Friday, March 9, 2012

SOLD in 1 DAY after Staging complete! Prepare to be impressed with this Littleton Beauty!

Prepare to be impressed! This home is truly exquisite. The sellers spared no expense on this top to bottom remodel and large home addition. Listed by Derek Gilbert, Keller Williams Realty.



Only the finest materials and upgrades were used. As you open the front door you are welcomed by a large panoramic great room with vaulted ceilings. The quality is immediately on display with a slate tile entry that leads into the great room with beautiful hickory hardwood floors and a warm custom tiled fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features Cherry Cabinets, granite counters, & top of the line stainless appliances. The cherry wood grains, tiled backsplashes, and cabinet space will impress even the most finicky buyer. The kitchen truly is the center of this home and has views of the entire home with a great open concept. Every room in this home is amazing. The master bathroom will rival any resort spa. There are simply to many features to describe without seeing this home in person.



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Great before and afters of Denver cottage style house!

Check out the photos from a Staging I helped with on E. 6th Avenue in Denver. Working with team member Peggy Brandon, ASP, we Staged this cute cottage type house for sale to set the scene for Buyers. In fact as we were Staging, someone came by and loved what we had done - and may even make an offer!! Staging WORKS!!


This house needs some updating but the budget does not allow for that - so the Staging was about setting the scene room by room using what the Seller had available. Ideally it's best to replace carpeting BEFORE it comes on the market, but the Sellers were able to paint, remove a LOT of stuff, and get the house ready for sale. One solution provided to the Sellers: Get an estimate for carpet replacement and include that information for any buyer's agents and buyers that come to see the house. Knowing UP FRONT what the cost is to replace the dated carpet will help buyers know if the house is priced fairly, and let them know how much they will have to invest when they move in to the house.


Saturday, March 3, 2012

Sensational Home Staging - another successful Staging project!

Check out our lastest transformation - Staging on a budget works - and as we have all learned it's not about the money - but creativity.  Setting the scene room by room will help Buyers envision how they can furnish and live in the house.  Adding some updated accessories and Staging tricks helped update the dated furniture.  When the Seller cannot afford to rent "new" looking things - we work with what they have and reposition, accessorize and add pizzazz!

Before & After Transformation - Sensational Home Staging Style

Enjoy the before and afters from one of our latest Staging projects! This was a collaborative effort with the Realtor, the Stager and the Seller and it hopefully going under contract shortly!

10183 Grove Loop - Westminster, CO - Staged and for SALE!

Check out this great condo-townhouse in Westminster listed by Lee McCue - Keller Williams Realty
303-859-0198.