Staging With Your Family - How to Make it Work

Staging with Your Family - How to Make it Work

By Jennie Norris, ASPM, IAHSP-Premier, ASP-SRS, ASP-SRS

Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource

Building a Home Staging business is not easy. It takes perseverance and hard work, dedication and long hours. Toss the added challenge of having a family – and you have the question of “How do I make this all work?” How do you roll your roles as spouse, parent and business owner together without losing it?

When I started Staging 10 years ago, my 4 children (3 boys and a girl – the oldest) were 3 to 8 years old. I was also homeschooling them (did that for 5 years). No I am not nuts but love my children and that was the path we chose at that time. When it became necessary for me to once again contribute to our family income, I was determined to not go back into the corporate world where I would leave my children in child care and deliberately found a profession that not only used my creative talents, but was flexible as well. It was not easy to start a business with a 3, 4 ½, 6 ½ and 8 year old!

So I compromised and made it work. In the early years of my business, I did not go to client appointments in the day time. I had to get consultations done in the evening, and would Stage nights and weekends as needed. When I started getting more and more demands for daytime appointments, I added a team member whose kids were older so she was available in the daytime – and she handled those appointments. Stagers on my team will remember midnight completions of vacant Stagings, and zooming to a Starbucks that was about to close with warnings from us on the phone to stop cleaning their machines because we were going to make it in time! I did what it took to make it work. I was able to build a business around my family, I did sacrifice some time with them, and thankfully I have a husband who was supportive from the beginning, and would do child-duty at night when I had an appointment. And I am grateful Staging is flexible and being able to build a team of Stagers helped offload projects that I could not personally handle.

In the beginning my children could not help out much in the business because they were too young. They could help with administrative things like marketing pieces, organizing papers, and stuffing envelopes. You want to find ways to involve your children in your business so that they gain an appreciation for what you do, and eventually can grow into a business partner. You see there are ways to involve your family that are advantageous for you and them – because you can pay a family member any wage you determine for them to help you in your business. A child can earn over $5,000 tax free as your employee and the benefit is this money can then be used by them to purchase things they need such as clothes, school supplies, entertainment – things you would be paying for anyway – but now they are a legitimate tax write off for you. So I found ways to involve my family.

Our daughter (18) helps with the creative side of things in a Staging acting as an assistant on projects where I need help. She has also helped with marketing campaigns on occasion. My boys have grown up to become my labor. Our oldest son is now nearly 6 feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, and at 17 years old is proving himself to be strong, reliable, and did I mention strong? I will sometimes include some of his football buddies when I have a Staging that has bulky items to move around. These boys are polite, hard working, and happy to work for $20 and a pizza. Our two younger boys (13 ½ and almost 15) provide a labor resource for getting items from the vehicles into a house, helping to pack, load, and organize. I remember when our 2nd son proudly exclaimed, “Look Mom! I can carry this area rug all by myself!” The rug was longer than he was tall but he was carrying it and doing a great job! Our youngest son is a whiz at packing a truck, maximizing the space potential in ways that would challenge any Tetrix enthusiast!

My husband has always been available as needed – he has helped schlep inventory, he has driven vehicles, he has helped de-Stage when I was flying solo and my crew were not available. Most of all he has helped open doors for relationships because he is such as great networker and spokesperson for my company. He says the things I am too embarrassed to say because it sounds like I am bragging. He has a full-time demanding job in the high-tech industry, and yet loves the real estate industry and truly understands how I fit within the industry to help serve Realtors and sellers. I know if I did not have his support, and that of my children I would not still be Staging because it would be too challenging to have to prove my value repeatedly to my family and demonstrate that I have a legitimate business.

When I started both my Staging companies, I built from the ground up from scratch. We did not know any Realtors or have any sort of network for referrals in both the cities where we lived. That is the hardest way to build a business – cold – and yet that is how I have had to do it both times. Having the encouragement of family has been key.

Not all of my extended family “got” what I did in the beginning and therefore were not the most supportive. I believe they thought it was a hobby, fad or trend that I would move past and not a legitimate business. Staging was not that well known where they lived so my starting a Home Staging business was probably odd to them. When I started bringing in big dollars that is when my parents’ eyes opened. I have had family members sell and not contact me for help – and that’s OK. They may never totally appreciate what I have done in the past 10 years as a business owner, mentor, trainer, author, and entrepreneur, but my family and I know and that’s all that matters.

And my sisters and brothers in the trenches in the industry know because they are right there with me each day working to increase their business, to be successful, to represent our industry, and to help others achieve their goals along the way. I cannot think of a better role model for my children than a person that uses their God-given talents to develop a business that helps others. The fact that it is a great industry and lucrative is a double bonus. My Staging family that extends all over the world has become a huge avenue of support, encouragement and friendship and I would not be able to do this without them!

Highlands Ranch - Sensational Home Staging success!

Staging helps this house that was stuffed with things - sellers had definitely outgrown the house - to show its best for buyers.  In this situation, the Sellers opted to move out - leaving the house vacant - and then The Sensational Home Staging TEAM stepped in and got the house Staged for sale. 

Ken Caryl Beauty - Sensationally Staged and for sale now!

Check out the latest listing from Kellie Morrissey, Keller Williams Realty Success in Littleton CO - this beautiful 5 bed/5 bath, approx 6400 square ft. custom Tudor home in the Ken Caryl Valley North Ranch is for sale now!  Listed at $750,000.  Call Kellie at 303-877-2813 for information and to schedule a showing. 

Sensational Transformation - SOLD with Staging!

This house was in desperate need of Staging help.  The Listing Agent met with them before they met with me to get their Staging Consultation with specifics of what to do to make their house sellable in today's market.  Knowing how much a project this house was - and the time it would take to hand-hold the Seller to make sure things got done - the Realtor wisely had me come in as part of his team.  The Staging consultation was specific room by room - and included updating, remodeling and Staging tips for each room. 

As you will see, the custom paint colors were too much and the house had 17 years of accumulation inside that needed to be purged.  Thankfully the Sellers were motivated and did most all of what was recommended for Staging.  The end result was when the house finally came on the market - it SOLD in a matter of weeks!  Job well done and ANOTHER Sensational Home Staging success story!!

Home Improvements that Yield the best ROI for the Homeowner

Home Improvements that Yield the Best ROI for a Homeowner

CAUTION!  As a professional Home Stager I am often asked about improvements that can/should be made prior to listing a house for sale.  Really it boils down to the house, market and the Seller's budget.  My experience is that when a Seller understands the ROI - they will find a way to make the necessary improvements - and the key is not to overimprove and to invest whatever budget they have wisely.  My philosophy is a seller needs to do whatever they can UP FRONT prior to listing the house for sale rather than start at a lower list price and/or lose money to price reductions.  It's much easier to come from a marketing standpoint of being able to say, "New carpet" versus giving a carpet allowance and trusting that a potential buyer will be able to look past your stained and worn out blue carpet.

But home improvements don't have to be done only when you are selling - why not invest in your property while you live there - and you enjoy the changes?

What if you are not selling?  Upgrading your home is exciting and can also provide a nice return on your investment when you sell. To maximize returns, it is important to know which improvements to focus on and to not over invest in your upgrades.




Check out the list of improvements and percentage of your investment that may be recouped at resale - provided by Remodeling Magazine: Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeling 2011-12 Cost vs. Value Report (http://www.costvsvalue.com).


88-92% Garage Door Replacement
A simple, updated garage door can take years off the look of an older home.


76-81% New Windows
New windows not only give your home a “fresh face,” but they can also improve energy efficiency and buyers appreciate those changes.


75-80% Deck
Outdoor living space is a desirable asset no matter where the locale. No maintenance decking material leaves lots more leisure time too.


67-91% Remodeled Kitchen
A kitchen remodel can reward a seller with a sizable payback. Remember that splurging on fancy finishing materials or sophisticated equipment may cut into profits. Keep it simple.


68% Family Room Addition
The key to maximizing your return is to avoid over-improving and keeping the improvement in line with other homes in the neighborhood.


65-75% Remodeled Bath
A master bath is on many buyer lists, so invest here. If you own only one bath, install two sinks or a double vanity to handle the morning crowd.

61% Bathroom Addition
It takes a simple 5 x 9 foot extra bath to make mornings more civilized for most families. Don’t count on a return on extras like a heat lamp or whirlpool tub.


57-64% Expanded Master Suite
To keep costs down, try to find extra space to create this wish-list item by combining existing rooms and spaces. Heavy structural work entailed by adding square feet diminishes returns.


50% Home Office Remodel
A home office adds to comfort, convenience, and salability, but isn’t among the top projects for adding home value.


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If you live in the greater Denver area and are in need of professional Home Staging services for sale or for living, just call Jennie Norris, Sensational Home Staging.  With over 10 years of experience and 2,700+ houses Staged - she has yet to meet a house she could not help!  888-93-STAGE or 303-717-7918.  Go to http://www.SensationalHome.com to learn more about Sensational Home Staging.

Before-After Staging - Highlands Ranch, CO

Here is the latest Staging project - Sensational Home Staging - using homeowners things and our added artwork and decor to help add pizzazz and color.  Hoping sellers get the fast sale they want!

Finding Your Inner Super Hero

Finding Your Inner Super Hero - by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging, Denver's Premier Home Staging Resource

Superman. Wonder Woman. Bat Man. Iron Man. Mighty Isis. Captain America. Cat Woman. Fairy. Mermaid. Hulk.


The release of “The Avengers” has put us Super Hero mode. I remember as a child – I wanted to be a fairy – to be able to fly. My sister and I would put on “capes” and run around pretending we had special powers. When Wonder Woman came out I am sure every young girl dreamed of flying in an invisible plane, having a magic lasso, and the ability to deflect bullets with special wristbands. Even as cheesy as the TV Show was, I remember repeating, “Oh Mighty Isis” and twirling in circles to transform into “Isis” – the heroine with super powers.  When we'd swim in the water, we'd pretend we were beautiful mermaids - and I wanted to have long flowing hair, and be able to swim like and live under the sea with dolphins.  I don’t know when it happened but at some age – probably just before I became a teenager – I stopped playing the imagination games. They were for "kids."  My fantasy of wishing I could fly was replaced with the reality of teen activities and knowing flying was only possible on a plane.


Recently I was riding on the train at the Denver airport and I was seated at the back of the train so I could see through to the next compartment. Looking at me through his window was a young boy – maybe 3 years old – and he had his Iron Man helmet and special arm piece on. He WAS iron man! And it got me thinking – maybe we all need to be that little boy - we need to embrace our inner Super Hero! We all have that person in us that inspires us to greatness – who can conquer our fears with strength and courage. In our business, when we have fear over cold-calling a prospect, we can channel our inner fearlessness and become “Awesome Action-taker.” When we have fear over marketing our business, we can become “Magic Marketer.” Forget the Caped Crusader – bring on “Super Stager!” We can leap tall houses in a single bound, we can defeat doubters with one conversation, we can create magic spaces with our Creativity! We are “Super Stager!” It’s about embracing our child-like faith that once had us believing we could fly if we could just jump high enough!


That child-like faith of believing things we cannot see is what propels a person forward when they have yet to see the results of fruits of their labor. It’s what keeps hope alive when “reality” is telling us “businesses fail, you can’t succeed, it’s too hard.” Without that faith – there is no magic! Running a business has to be fun – and we have to have times when we just dance around, act silly, have fun and just LAUGH. When was the last time you laughed with the delight of a child? If it’s been a while – do something about it. Go to a place where you can just REMEMBER – remember what it was like when you were younger and did not even know what stress was. Go to that place where you can be free to just “be” – and enjoy the moment without the worry of tomorrow. Recall a funny memory or create a new one that makes you laugh – and enjoy life.


I think we all need to get a cape we can run around the house – yard – heck – go outside and run around! I Dare You to RELEASE your Inner Super Hero!!  

I am Amazing Aquaeyes Super Stager!  My power is the ability to see what someone needs - and I use my laser vision to cut away clutter and to do everything in my powers to get results!  I have amazing powers of love for family and friends and see into their hearts to know what they need.  I can fly and have super strength to help me accomplish what I need every day!

Let’s Go! I can’t wait to see who is inside YOU! 

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National Association of Professional Women - NAPW - Woman of the Year Award Recipient - Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging.

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Denver - Totally rennovated 100 yr old house - Vacant to Staged and Spectacular! Sensational Home Staging!

Check out our latest Staging success!  This house is coming on the market next week - listed by Darcy Bertles, Keller Williams Littleton Southwest.  The house has been totally updated and remodeled inside and out!  Smooth walls, warm neutral colors, white doors and casings, beautiful counters in baths and kitchen (granite, travertine, soapstone), stainless appliances, updated light fixtures, travertine, lovely dark wood floor . . . great neighborhood in the Wash Park area.  For more information, contact Darcy at (303)518-5775.

Staging transformation - Brighton, CO

Check out this Staging transformation - using what the Seller's had, encouraging them to paint some areas, and a small budget for some accessories - they worked with the plan of action and got their house Staged.  Ideally it would have been great to replace carpeting and update fixtures, but what they were able to do with the timeframe and budget they had makes a big difference in how this house will present to buyers.

Staging and Selling in Winter by Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP - Owner, Sensational Home Staging

Staging a house can become challenging in the winter when the landscape around the country does not look that great - dead grass, spindly trees with no leaves, two-tone colors with snow and dirt.  In fact I believe winter time is the toughest time of the year to sell when dealing with curb appeal.  Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may have lots of green and warmth this time of year, or deal with the barren landscape.  When there is snow on the ground, it does look pretty, but as the snow melts, you are often left with bald patches of dirt, icy or muddy streets, and little color in the yards with deciduous trees that have no leaves. 

So how do you add that curb appeal necessary for Selling when Mother Nature seems to have another plan?

Here is an excerpt from an article entitled "Home Staging Tips for Every Season" where expert and my personal mentor, Barb Schwarz, was interviewed by AOL online (http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/20/home-staging-for-every-season/

Home Staging Tips for Winter:

• Keep your place warm. You want the house looked at! If you aren't living there or even if you are, spend the money to keep it warm. They will walk out if it's too cold," says Schwarz. "And that means no sale."  Trying to save money by keeping your house cold and not heating it properly is a turn-off to buyers.

• Keep lighting in mind during the winter months. Winter means it gets dark earlier, so put lighting on timers inside and outside the house. Every room in the house can be on timers, as it welcomes buyers into a room and you want them to keep walking and checking out the house.

• Just because it's winter doesn't mean you shouldn't have flower boxes and greenery at your front door, in pots. On the contrary, it's really warm and welcoming. Just make sure they are seasonally appropriate.

• Keep snow off the back patio and front porch. You want people to go out and see the back and front of the house and the patio and yard, too. Go back to your back fence and see what does the back of your house looks like, does it look boring? You can keep flower pots by the slider doors, as it softens the look of the house in the gray winter.

• Don't forget to put out the summer photos of your great outdoor deck, so people know what it will be like in warmer months.

Here are some added tips:

Invest in some annuals or perennials that like the cold weather and put them in pots or line the walkway with them. Some of the best annuals for color that like the cold are pansies, primroses, kale (cabbage), and emerald greens (arborvitaes). Think not just about adding green bushes, but add color with annuals that will survive in your climate. If you are not sure, consult with your local landscape supplier and ask what you should put in those pots in the front and back yards.

Remove hazardous ice from walkways, streets, etc. - this could pose a slipping hazard for a potential buyer and you want to avoid potential issues arising from a buyer that falls on your property.  Plus, it makes it look like you care about your house when you have taken the time to remove the ice and piles of snow so that the house is easily accessible.

Add outdoor cushions to your chairs that may be outside for color and appeal.  You can have a fireplace set up on your patio or deck where when the nights are not too cold, you could convey enjoying a nice cozy fire outside.

Lastly, when the outside is lacking in color, make sure you have plenty of color elements INSIDE your house to balance out the bleak.  Use accessories and layers of color to help create that buyer appeal and transition from the outside to inside.  If a house is bleak on the outside, and then on the inside has white walls, tan furniture and beige carpet, it is blah and boring.  Using artwork, fabrics, throws, pillows and accent decor can help create an inviting look for buyers.

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For information on getting your house show ready, contact Jennie at 303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE.  With over 2,700 houses Staged successfully, Jennie has the expertise and ideas to help you achieve your goals of a successful sale.  http://www.sensationalhome.com/



'Twas the Month Before Christmas . . . A Staging Poem for Sellers and Realtors

Trouble viewing the graphic?  Here is the text version:

‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the town

Sellers were asking, “Should we bring our price down?

Or go off the market until sometime next year,

We just can’t seem to get a buyer in here.”

Their houses were marketed during the season

No buyers were coming - what could be the reason?

Perhaps there needs to be more appeal

To help a buyer come make a deal!

Well here’s the solution that’s sure is engaging

From your Staging expert - Sensational Home Staging!

I’ve transformed many houses, to help them look best

From furnished, to vacant, large, small and the rest.

The services are varied, but one things for sure,

Staging a house is often the cure!

The best things about a home - I help buyers see

Using their own items or special inventory.

The data I track proves Staging works well

Even in this market - my Staged houses sell.

The investment in Staging is really quite clear

It will help you sell now versus sometime next year.

Copyright (C) Jennie Norris, 2003-2011 - All Rights Reserved.

Staging Before & Afters - Sensationally Staged for the Client's Budget & Timeframe!

Check out the transformation Staging creates in this house. Although the house itself is dated, the Staging helps give it an "updated look" using current colors and styles. The Buyers will still have decisions to make on flooring, counters and amenities, but they can definitely appreciate the square footage and layout of this house. The Staging selections were based on the client's budget and timeframe for Staging and we used a combination of their things paired with rental items. Now it's time to get an offer!

Staged by Jennie Norris, Sensational Home Staging - 303-717-7918

5940 S. Cimarron Way - Littleton 80123 - Staged and Ready to Buy!

Listed by Susan Miesen, Remax Professionals, 303-521-2133. Call today to schedule a Showing!

Sensational Staging Project - Littleton, CO - Staged and Ready to show and SELL!

Check out the latest Staging success from Sensational Home Staging - Denver Region's Premier Home Staging Resource!

This staging project came from a Seller that found me online - and impressed with what she saw, she hired me to Stage this property. It was listed for 90 days with another agent - did not sell. Enter Staging - and working with professionals that know how to market and sell a house.

Not only did I get the Staging work - but I also REFERRED the listing to a Realtor client that I do a lot of business with - and it was my pleasure to give her this opportunity as a way to say, "Thank you" for all the business she has brought me. I also know she gets the job done - and has successfully SOLD some tough properties! Of course, they were all Staged - so we are a good team.




For help in Staging your house or listing, please give me a call. 303-717-7918 or 888-93-STAGE. After successfully staging over 2,500 properties, I have yet to meet a house or client that I could not help. - Jennie Norris, ASP Master, IAHSP, WCR

IAHSP Featured on The Today Show - finding a professional Home Stager to help you prepare your house for sale!

On Monday, June 6th, Al Roker and Barbara Corcoran discussed real estate issues and talked about Staging a house for sale. When posed with the question of where to locate a qualified professional Home Stager, the answer was "IAHSP" - The International Association of Home Staging Professionals. Having served as Vice President for 5 years and President for 2 years, and currently on the IAHSP International Board serving as Ethics and Special Projects Director, IAHSP members truly are the industry leaders for Home Staging.

IAHSP is the only professional association serving the Home Staging industry that is rooted in education first, ethics that are enforced and excellence standards for Staging. Members must be educated in Home Staging from a reputable entity - and earn the highest form of training - an Accreditation as a Staging professional to qualify for membership.

As a member of IAHSP since 2003, I am happy to see this great coverage for our professional Association that serves thousands of members worldwide!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sensational Home Staging - Before & Afters of our latest Staged property!

This house needed some warmth and pizzazz to help it show its best in photos and in person. This client had some budget constraints - and yet we were able to come up with a Staging plan that not only fit their budget, it is all that is needed to showcase this house properly. For information on how we can help you with your house or listing to get it Staged to sell, contact me at (303)717-7918 or SensationalHomeStaging@q.com.

Staged - Before & After in Denver - Coming on the Market soon!

Check out the Before and Afters of this transformation - using what the Seller had, removing, rearranging and repurposing! Sensationally Staged!

Staged and Ready for Sale in Brighton, CO!

12191 North Holly Way, Brighton. Listed by Clinton Porter, Remax
Colorado Vistas Team 720-876-8544

If you STAGE it, THEY will come!

How many times have you been asked to do something you were not quite sure of - and you reached a crossroads of decision?  "Do I follow this advice and do what I am being told to do or do I fall back on my safety net just in case they are not right?"

There are two movies (I am sure there others) that I can point to that are relevant for this subject. The first is "Field of Dreams" where I was inspired by Kevin Costner's character, Ray, as he goes out on a limb and despite everyone thinking he is crazy as he follows the mantra he hears, "If you build it they will come."  He goes ahead and follows the plan and takes a risk.

The second movie is "Evan Almighty" where Steve Carrel's character, Evan, is told by God to build an ark because there is going to be a flood. This is an edict given to him during ione of the hottest, dryest spell in Northern Virginia, and to top it off he has all of the DC politicians thinking he is "crazy!" God even changse Evan's appearance to look like Noah - furthering his humiliation until he finally "gets it" and goes for the task with FAITH.  His family doubts him at first and then gets on board. . . hmmm - sounds slightly familiar!

I thought about parallels - and see that it takes FAITH to follow through with Staging. Faith is belief in something not seen. It is trusting that the advice and direction you are being given will lead you to where you want to go.

Fortunately with Staging, we don't have to just go on blind faith as we have PROOF Staging works!  There are statistics being released monthly that demonstrate Staging's power in any market to help bring a Buyer that makes an offer.

Selling a house is not just about having a bunch of people look at your house - it's about getting at least one of them to MAKE AN OFFER you accept!  In order to do that your house has to be THE ONE they want over all the others out there.

Like Evan, you may be asked to change the appearance - of your house.  You may have to paint, remove things, bring things in - all in an effort to help your house appeal to the most buyers!  But unlike Evan and Ray, this does not involve embarassment to you or your family, does not cause you to lose your job - really the RISK is minimal.

So why don't more people embrace the service and business of Staging?  I believe it's an issue of education:  They don't know what Staging really is and how it can help them.

• Staging is NOT decorating, it is a MARKETING and FINANCIAL tool to help your house sell.
• Staging can HELP you by getting your house sold FASTER and at a better price than your un-Staged competition, which translates in to EQUITY you get to KEEP. 
• The longer a house sits un-sold on the market, the more likely it is going to have a price reduction - and you don't want that.

Staging will help your house attract MORE BUYERS! As they look at houses online and see how nice yours is compared to the others - they will then decide to look in person.

IF you STAGE it, THEY (the Buyers) will come!

So be like Evan and Ray - and take a leap of FAITH - and get your house Staged.  You will be thankful you did follow through with the advice that is there to HELP you achieve your goals and dreams.