Atlanta Georgia Home Staging : August 2007

Yesterday, as I was nearing completion of staging a condo, I called the agent to make arrangements to return the key.  Fortunately, he was close by and asked if he could come over to see the results. He was with a friend who had the opportunity earlier in the morning to see the condo when it was vacant.   

Their reaction - They were blown away with how different it made the home and how incredible it looked.  But equally, if not more important, the "friend" kept asking questions regarding the features of the home and whether I had added "that" or added "this."  In summary - he proved a point I tell all of my prospects.  Furniture and accessories help to showcase the features of the home.  The items he was pointing out weren't items I had brought into the home.  Instead, they were features that simply didn't stand out when the home was vacant.

Here's a picture of the LR "before" staging:

Here's "after" staging:

Here's a picture of the kitchen:

Here's the "after" picture:

Here's a picture of the eat-in kitchen:

Home Staged by Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

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About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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As a professional stager, I'm often asked what room is my favorite to decorate.  And as much as I'd like to think that I don't have a favorite - I have to admit that I love staging kitchens.  I'm on the constant look-out for kitchen accessories whether it's cookbooks, greenery, kitchen towels, etc... to keep my inventory fresh.

Here are a few examples of kitchens I've recently staged:

All Homes Staged by the team of professionals with Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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While I'm NOT Abby, I do receive emails via my contact us form from my web site that read exactly as stated in the blog title.

There are many recommendations, I'm sure, that Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips (pen name Dear Abby; now currently written by her daughter Jeanne Philips) would provide.

Here's my response:

• If you're currently listed with an agent, it's likely you've received sound advice on what improvements (structural or otherwise) that need to be addressed.  I highly recommend that you act on these suggestions.  Most agents have been selling real estate for a while and know precisely what will assist in getting the home sold.
• The ever-so-important curb appeal.  Don't underestimate the value.  When a prospective buyer hits the driveway, the exterior needs to be welcoming enough to want them to take the next step which is to enter the home.
• Look at your home through the eyes of the buyer.  Start at the front door and make your way through the entire home.  Are there things, as a buyer, that aren't appealing?  If yes, correct those things.  Perhaps it's clutter, perhaps it's a feature of the home that isn't standing out as much as it could.
• Target all 5 senses:  Site; Sound; Touch; Smell and Taste.  Site:  Make the home visually appealing.  Sound:  Have soft music playing;  Touch:  Soft towels in the bathroom, for example; Smell:  Ensure the odor of the home is fresh and eliminate any bad odors.  Taste:  Have a dish of candy with a small hand written note that says "help yourself."
• Ensure you're priced right.  Again, your agent has likely given you advice, based on research done in your area, on what the home should be listed for.  If you're selling your home FSBO, take the time to understand what the neighboring houses are selling for.

If in doubt, call on a professional home stager in your area as they have the expertise and understanding of what prospective buyers are looking for and can help showcase your home.

And for fun, I've included a picture of my dear friend Abby with whom I had the pleasure of meeting via Active Rain.  Abby (on the left) owns and operates ALR Home Staging & Showcasing in Atlanta.  And yours truly owns and operates Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC

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About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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For me, staging is an opportunity to get as creative as I can and to make the space I'm working with as beautiful as possible.  Truly, the opportunities are endless as each home is like a blank canvas.

As mentioned in my blog 5 same bedroom suites, 5 different looks, each home is unique and has its' very own style.  Some homes are large while others are small; some have a separate dining room while others do not.  The list of things that are unique goes on and on.  In summary, these differences allow for creativity. 

I welcome the opportunity with each of my staging projects as I can't think of another outlet that's more rewarding than making a home look beautiful.

Here are 6 examples of dining rooms (same table, some round, some rectangle):

All Homes Staged by the team of professionals with Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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I love receiving these kinds of notes from my clients as it makes me feel good.  The condo had been staged for one day and a prospective buyer was planning on arriving the following morning.  So, in my follow-up with her, I asked how the condo showed.  Here's her response: 

Dear Kathy,

I can really tell the difference already.  She loved the place, thought it was so comfortable - she even asked to buy the furniture ;)

She's not sure if my condo is "big enough" for all her stuff, but she wants to think about it more.  It was the longest anyone has been in my condo when they've looked at it.

Here's a "before" picture of the dining room: 

Here's the "after" Picture:

Home Staged by Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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As most people are aware, I outsource my furniture rental needs.  In the beginning, I thought perhaps it made more sense to purchase.  However, as time went on, I realized that this would mean transporting, renting a truck, hiring help and then storing the items.   In summary, I decided leasing the furniture was the better option.

With leasing comes the new challenge.  How do we make each bedroom look different using the same exact bedroom suite? The truth of the matter is that each home is unique and each has its' own style.  The opportunity really lies with the layout of the room and the opportunity with unique bedding.

Here are the 5 examples:

All Homes Staged by the team of professionals with Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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Whether vacant or occupied.  There, I said it.   And... I don't charge $5,645.

Pretty sells.  Don't believe me?  Ask the advertising agencies as they've used this practice for decades.  Still wondering?  Ask the builders who've decorated their model homes using either interior designers or home stagers.

As seen in my blog from August 9th Occupied-Home-Staging-in-3 Easy Steps the clutter can be a deterrence.  As a prospective buyer, I'm likely to be paying attention to things that don't really matter.  In this case, it's toys (and yes, that's called living).

By removing the clutter, where are my eyes drawn to now?  Through staging, the buyers eyes are now drawn to the features of the home which is a) the space and b) the fireplace.  Jeez, I'm sure that's not trickery.  And yup, I consider these two very important features.   Don't you?  And by golly, are those hardwood floors? 

And because I've been referred to as the "Queen of Active Rain Before & After Pictures", here's a recent home just staged on Monday.

Before:

After:

So, Sheron Cardin, my dear staging sister,  I too believe that staging benefits everyone!  I love assisting sellers sell their home and love the fact that I've played a role in the buyers life as well.

Home Staged by Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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I'm asked often by homeowners, as well as agents, as to whether or not there's value in staging a condominium on the market.

My answer is the same whether I'm addressing a million dollar listing or a two bedroom condo: 

• Home Staging helps to separate your home or listing from the others on the market.  It's likely that there are others, within the same complex, and most definitely within the area that are on the market as well.  Now's the time to make yours stand out.
• As with any home, you want the prospective buyers to emotionally connect with the home.  Home Staging provides that connection.
• Want them to linger longer?  Give the buyers something, beyond walls, to see.

Here's a condo I staged today in Atlanta, Georgia.  As you can see, the condo was partially furnished. 

Here's the "after" picture.

Home Staged by Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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I often speak of the importance of showcasing the features as well as the space a home has to offer.  Because I'm a visual person, I thought it best to provide an example of what I'm referring to.

As you can see below, the couch faces the two chairs.  This layout makes perfect sense when you don't have your home on the market.  However, when selling your home, the layout actually makes the room appear smaller.  Also, the back of the couch, although nicely decorated, was one of the first things you could see upon entering the home. 

Now here's the "after" picture. This simple change in the angle of the couch and moving the tree to the other side opens up the room and provides a clear path to the keeping room and kitchen. 

Sometimes it's simple changes such as this that can reap the biggest reward!  In the end, the most important factor to consider is how best to showcase the home.

For staging solutions such as this, contact the professionals at Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Proudly serving metro Atlanta, Ga with all your staging needs.

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About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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As I explain to my prospects, the process of staging an occupied home is simple. 

Using a home I completed yesterday, I've taken the liberty of inserting pictures to further explain what the process is like.  I hope this helps anyone considering having their home professionally staged.

Step 1: 

A visit is made to the home and "before" pictures are taken.  At this point, a verbal consultation or a detailed consultation report is offered.  In addition to a verbal or detailed consultation, a third option; which is to have me come in once the to-do items are completed is offered.  In this case, the homeowner went with the verbal and elected to have me come back in for the final touches.

With the verbal consultation, assignments are given to the homeowner for them to complete.  In the picture below, this included removing the personal pictures, toys and to obtain added accessories (of which I had outlined).

Step 2:

With the homework assignments complete, I return to the home and am pretty much left with a blank canvas.  Here's a picture of what I'm referring to:

Step 3:

We return to the home to re-arrange the furniture.  This is an important element given the fact that the objective is to showcase the features of the home as well as the space.  In this final step, the added accessories are placed in the room.

As you can see, the results provide a clean and sophisticated look.  Prospective buyers will now be able to see the features of the home and not be distracted by the homeowners things.

Home Staged by Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC.  Whether the home is vacant or occupied, we're here to assist in separating your home from the others on the market.  For more examples of our work, visit our web site at http://www.homestagingatlanta.com.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is  a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly.  Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392.  Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.

 

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