Speechless Sundays- All That's Missing is a Hammock!
19 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 30 2011 11:40AMStaging: Why Do So Many Balk at HGTV – I Think I Know…
Kristine Ginsberg of Elite Staging and Redesign in NJ wrote an excellent post on why it's important to use the services of a Professional Home Stager. The shows on cable television have been instrumental in letting sellers know that simply putting out a For Sale sign and giving the house a coat of fresh paint is no longer enough. However, even the best Do-It-Yourself Homeowner can benefit from a Staging Consultation which will provide them with a blueprint for staging. Enjoy the post!
Via Kristine Ginsberg (Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC):
First, we stagers have to thank HGTV for getting the word out on the benefits of staging! Most of us love watching thier shows on home Staging, myself included.
That said, the reality is leave it to the trained professionals, like the stagers on these respective shows when preparing a home for sale! Below are some reasons why you might want to consider calling a pro instead of tackling staging all on your own:
1. HGTV is somewhat unrealistic when it comes to staging your own home: Why, they bring in a team of professionals with an unlimited budget and try to convince the average homeowner they can stage their home just by watching their shows or reading their articles. Not true - I can watch an electrician all day long and still not have a clue how to do electrical work - it's not my area of expertise!
2. Their "simple, inexpensive fixes" are done by professional craftsmen, contractors, carpenters, landscapers, lighting technicians and outside consultants. Do they really think the average Joe is all that rolled into one?! Not only are their projects unrealistic for the average homeowner, who has the funds to hire all these professionals?
3. The products they use when staging or redesigning a space are donated because of the free advertising they receive, so it doesn't cost them a penny. Moreover, they send out a team of professionals to "find" great pieces of art, furniture, rugs and that perfect chandelier at auctions and flea markets. Who has time to search out all these "off the beaten path" places for hidden treasures that would fit perfectly into their home - not me or anyone else I know!
4. When staging a home, HGTV use sewing professionals who whip up cheap, inexpensive pillows, curtains and window seat cushions using a bevy of fabrics to choose from. How many of us have sewing and design professionals at our disposal with remnants of fabric on hand let alone the funds to hire them.
5. When they unveil their staging transformations, they don't factor in the price of labor for contractors, painters, clean-up crew and paid staff to get the job done, thus their claim that they "staged" a home for under "$2000." isn't realistic at all!
6. HGTV Staging shows recommend adding box trim and crown molding - great in theory, but unless you're a professional craftsman, it will more than likely look like shoddy workmanship and detract from the home. In addition, this is a big investment and not realistic for the average homeowner when staging to sell.
7. Unless you own a florist, who can afford to keep up 20 vases of expensive, fresh flowers while their home is on the market?! Again, great in theory, but unrealistic.
8. They tell you to "create better flow using furniture placement." Don't you think the homeowner would have already done this if they had they knew how? This is where a professional home stager is invaluable - they are trained on how to accomplish this.
So that's my take on HGTV's home staging shows - love them, but there really is more to it then what is depicted. When staging your home hire a professional stager who will work within your budget, give you a realistic idea of what needs to be done, highlight your home's best architectural features for the biggest return on your investment. Watching a couple episodes of HGTV's "staging" shows (while they do have some useful information) isn't realistic for the average seller!
Home Staging Morris County - Kristine Ginsberg - (201)602-2562
When you're looking to sell quickly and for top dollar, Elite Staging and Redesign of Morris County knows how to get the job done right. We will use proven techniques to create warm, inviting, updated spaces that will appeal to the masses. In today's competitive market, every home can use an edge and that's what Elite Staging is all about.
Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign
Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio
Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com
19 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 29 2011 03:50PMDeerfield Beach 31st Festival of the Arts is this Weekend!
Deerfield Beach in Florida will hold its 31st Festival of the Artsthis weekend, January 29 and January 30th from 10 am-5pm. The event is held on Ocean Way just south of the Deerfield Pier.
What a great weekend to enjoy the beach, take a healthy walk along Deerfield's Ocean Way, sample all the fun fesitval food and view art from more than 107 artists. If you go early there's limited metered parking nearby, a parking garage about 2 blocks away or a free shuttle that runs from the Cove Shopping Center to the event.
There's entertainment at the main stage during the day as well as street entertainers to enjoy while you shop. Don't forget to take your beach chairs, sunscreen and a towel and take some time to enjoy Deerfield's beautiful beach!
I was out early today but take a look at the various vendors getting set up for the weekend!
Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts
January 29-30th
10 am to 5pm
On the beach... south of the pier!
6 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 29 2011 01:51PMBreakfast AND Lunch with my Family of Realtors.... What More Could You Want!
Today I had Breakfast AND Lunch with my Palm Beach County family of Realtors... what more could you want! (read on to see a familiar AR face)
I had an early start with the Women's Council of Realtors Greater Palm Beach County for the first business meeting of 2011. Held at the Boca Greens Country Club, our 2011 Chapter President, Sandy Shepherd welcomed new members and set the tone for the coming year... "Through our influence as successful business professionals, women will effect positive change in the profession and in the broader community."
(The light was in everyone's camera, but I just had to share with you what a beautiful and sunny view we had!) Stagers, if you have the opportunity to join as an affiliate your local WCR, I suggest you do. They are a dynamic group of women (and men) who are very active in their profession.
Next stop was the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches Monthly Lunch on the House. Besides the many services the Board provides for its members, once a month they offer a quick lunch and a guest speaker. This month we learned about the benefit of adding video to your blog or website and also how to do it.
Domenic Caloia gave a good piece of advice that I'll pass on... if you're showing a living room, for example, it's evident that it's the living room. He likened it to Robin Leach on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Robin didn't just say "Here is the living room." He, in a way that was clearly Robin Leach, would embellish the video with his description of how the imported marble fireplace was perfect for the evenings at home... yada yada.
We've read here at our own ActiveRain about adding videos to your blog or website, so you know it's the way to be marketing.
And last but certainly not least as my door prize for the attendees I gave away Steve Hoffacker's book.. "Building the Sale..Who, What, When, Where & More in Realty Sales"
Steve has at least 6 or 7 other books he's written so I urge you to visit his website and learn about all of the products and services he provides.
What about you? Have you had Breakfast or Lunch with your Family of Realtors?
11 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 27 2011 05:36PMHome Staging Tips:Just because your home has been beautifully decorated doesn't make it staged to sell.
Home staging and interior design serve two different masters with two different goals in mind. Pat Kennedy wrote an excellent post about a home with way too many "knick knacks" that cluttered the view. It was probably decorated with great expense to the homeowner and it created the environment they wanted for their home. However, Home decorating/Interior Design and Home Staging are different.
This is an issue near and dear to a Home Stager's heart. Here's the short and sweet difference between the two.
Each Serves a Different Master!
Home Decorating/Design- the master is the Homeowner. The Designer's job is to choose color, artwork, furniture and accessories that will create an environment pleasing to the Homeowner. After all, this is their retreat away from the rest of the world. It is where they can express their personal choices.... what makes them want to be home. It can be taste specific.. it's their home and it's where they will live.
Home Stagers design for the vast majority of the Buyers that will view the house. Once the "For Sale" sign is on the front lawn (and actually before that) the Buyer is the one the Stager has in mind when deciding what colors to use, what furniture to use and where to place it.
Each Has a Different Goal in Mind!
Home Decorating/Design- the goal is to express the owner's personal taste and lifestyle. It doesn't matter that you abhor animal print or stuffed animal heads in a home. Nor does it matter whether or not you think that 20 foot palm tree lamp is just too much for the entry. The goal is to create an environment for the Homeowner that reflects their lifestyle and their interests. I know there are some decorators who might try to steer a client away from something approaching just bad taste but after all it's the client's home.
Home Stager- our goal is to create an environment that will appeal to a broad range of potential buyers for that home in that community and pricepoint. They have to be able to envision their lifestyle in that house. They need to be able to see how a room could be used and furnished. No tricks... no mirrors.
Sellers... don't be caught with a beautifully decorated home that may appeal to your Buyers. Consult with your local Professional Home Stager!
17 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 26 2011 01:01PMIf Criminals Aren't Afraid of our Police Officers, then Where Does that Leave Us??
Most of us are taught from early childhood that the Police Officer is our friend. We respect them and appreciate that they put their lives on the line for us. Yesterday I took some time to watch the Miami-Dade community honor two fallen officers shot in the line of duty.
I watched as Police Officers from around the state of Florida lined the road to stop and salute their fallen officers. I also watched as citizens too stopped their cars, got out and with tears in their eyes paid their respect for these public servants.
Officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth were shot and killed last Thursday (January 20th) while attempting to serve an arrest warrant to a murder suspect. The suspect was shot and killed by another officer. They leave behind a total of 4 children, their families and the family of police officers that drove from as far away as Tennessee to honor and pay their respect for these slain public servants.
But unfortunately they are not alone. So far for the month of January 14 police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the United States. Just yesterday 2 more officers were killed in St. Petersburg, Florida.
We, as a community, must show our support of our First Responders. They are the ones that put their lives on the line when they put on that uniform. Sometimes they are forced into situations that they know may not turn out well for them... but they know that is their duty.
With budget cuts all over the States, law enforcement departments face the same issues every other budget department faces. But if ABC Widget company has to cut back on training or how much they spend for travel expenses that does not impact us and the community as much as when our police departments have to cut back on their training or recruiting.
I know that bigger budgets alone won't stop someone with no concern for human life from killing a police officer but what we can do is give our Law Enforcement personnel our support. Thank them when you see them. Take the time to learn what your community is doing to support our Officers.
I don't normally write posts of this nature... but enough is enough!
22 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 25 2011 01:35PMHome Staging Tip-Don't Put the Horse Before the Cart Before You Know How Much it Has to Pull.
Planning on Selling your house in Palm Beach County? Don't put the horse before the cart... til you know how much it has to pull!
The excitement of moving into a new home can often cause our Sellers to put logic, common sense and restraint on the back burner. As a Professional Home Stager, I see this many times when providing a Staging Consultation.
Specifically I'm talking about purchasing furniture that will work in your new home while still in the house you have on the market. It happens.... and many times for good reason. If your furniture is in bad need of updating or badly worn you may be tempted to replace it with new furniture. A good staging practice!
However, if your current family room, for example, is significantly smaller than your new home, any pieces that you choose for that home may look out of place in your current house.
Nice piece.... but not here!
The seller was right in wanting to replace an outdated piece of furniture but in choosing a piece that works beautifully in their new home... this piece now dwarfs the room. Buyers will wonder where the family will sit!
Before making these decisions consider the services of a Professional Home Stager. We can make suggestions on what pieces will and won't work in your current home........
............we can help you choose pieces that will work in your current and new home
.......and can rent accessories or pieces to fill in where necessary
10 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 24 2011 08:14PMWant Help on Your Road to Perfection? Take a Cue from This Quarterback.
I'm not sure that perfection can ever be achieved... or if that's necessarily such a good thing but I do think we all strive for it.
Let's face it.. since our first day in school we've been judged by how close to perfection we come. (it actually happens even before we leave the warm and cozy home we've had for 9 months.) You know what I mean.... perfect attendance... a perfect birth.... above average in height...A+ Grade..
While waiting for the Packers and Bears game today (and if you've read my blog at all you know I absolutely love the game) I came across a documentary on Tim Tebow. Even if you're not a fan of the sport, if you get a chance I highly recommend it. (it will be on again on ESPN2 Tuesday Feb 1 at 9PM). It follows Tim from the end of his career as a Florida Gator to the NFL Draft.
Look at the workouts he goes through on his way to the draft. Look at his commitment. And, look at this young man.
But what struck me was something he said. " If you constantly try to reach perfection in everything, you're not going to reach it but you're going to get close."
Very simple but very true.
How many times do we try something, don't necessarily fail but don't do that well and give up? Whether it's making cold calls to expired listings or learning the game of golf. ... being the perfect parent or being the #1 Realtor in your area.
We have to keep trying and working at it.
And I'll leave you with something else he said:
At the end of the day I ask myself "did I get better today? and was I the hardest working player today?"
What would your answer be?
7 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 23 2011 02:54PMWhat to Do BEFORE your Stager comes to Your House- 8 Helpful Tips!
If you're planning on selling your house you may have decided to invest in the services of a Professional Home Stager. To make the most of your time AND to get the most out of the consultation there are things you can do BEFORE the Stager comes to your house.
8 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home Staging Consultation
#1 Start thinking of your HOME as a HOUSE. You're ready to move to your new HOME, so you need to think of your HOUSE as something that needs to be marketed. Your Stager will make recommendations that are intended to make your HOUSE appeal to as many buyers as possible. We're not there to critique your decorating style or make any judgments on how you live. We just want to help you sell your HOUSE.
#2 Remove any Distractions so the Stager has your full attention. If you have young children, either in school or at home, get a babysitter or schedule the consultation while they are in school. Our pets can be a distraction as well especially if they require your attention when strangers are in the house.
#3 Clean and Pick Up so your Stager can SEE what they have to work with. No, you don't have to start moving furniture around... but you also don't want the time you have for the consultation spent on your Stager wading through piles of laundry and toys on the floor.
#4 Don't Get Rid of Everything. I know... Stagers keep preaching about decluttering. But let us see what you have first. There may be accessories or furniture that we can use to stage your house.
#5 Do NOT paint! Eons ago we were all told to put a fresh coat of white paint on our walls. Put the Paint Brush Down! Yes, your house probably could use a fresh coat of paint but part of what Stagers do is help you pick colors that will appeal to a broad range of buyers and show your house at its very best.
#6 Put all of the Staging shows you've seen on television on the back burner for now. We know you've seen every staging program out there.... we watch them as well! We KNOW you've seen them, and, yes, we KNOW how much you now know about Staging... but you're paying us to give you our professional expertise.
#7 If you MUST have moral support during the consultation and you invite your best friend over, hand her a pen and a notepad, let her take notes, then tell her not to say a word during the consultation. 
Remember... you're paying for the services of the Home Stager. Do you really want to spend that time listening to your friend's opinions?
#8 Do get a pen and a big notepad to take notes. I've seen notes taken on the back of a napkin but I wouldn't suggest this. Your Stager will be very thorough and point out detailed items for you to consider. You'll want to have all of these points in writing.
Make the most out of your Home Staging Consultation!
31 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 21 2011 06:04PMHome Staging Tips in Palm BeachCounty-Leave That Furniture Where It Is!
Homeowners planning on selling their home receive all kinds of tips from their friends and relatives. It doesn't matter if you live in Boca Raton or Boynton Beach....everyone will tell you what to do. I had a call from a homeowner who was planning on putting her home on the market. She was downsizing and moving closer to her children. Her plan was to give most of her furniture and accessories to her friends and family here and start fresh in her new home. It was suggested to her that she go ahead and give away what she didn't want since they felt an empty house would sell better.
Leave that furniture where it is!
Thank goodness she decided to seek the advice of a Professional Home Stager.
Stagers are more often than not faced with a home with far too many "things" and too much furniturehowever, trying to sell a home that is vacant has its downsides as well. A Home Staging Consultation can show you what items to keep and what you need to pack up. Using your own furniture and accessories, where possible, can save you in monthly rental fees.
Why is it important to have a furnished house when you have it on the market?
* A vacant home can appear cold. Furniture and accessories can help set the mood for the Buyer and give them an emotional connection to the house.
* If you have an unusually shaped room, placing furniture in it will help the Buyer see how the room could be used.
* With nothing to look at, a Buyer can begin to focus on a home's flaws or defects
* Lighting is important when showing a house. If your house is vacant, where would you put the lamps? Even on the sunniest of days in South Florida, a vacant house can come across as dark without additional lighting.
Before you start giving away the house.... talk to a Professional Home Stager!
12 comments • Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 • January 18 2011 08:56PM
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