After having read Craig Shiller's post on "First Appearing on STAGE 3 years ago TODAY", (thanks Craig for sharing and again, congratulations!). I thought it might be fun if we could share pictures of our first homes we've staged. I'll start.
This was for an investor that was auctioning the home. He had never used a stager before and admitted that he needed help with paint selection and other minor changes he wanted our recommendation on. He knew leaving it vacant would be less attractive (and he was absolutely right).
Here's the before of the sun-room:
Here's a before and after picture of the den:
The Kitchen:
I was fortunate enough to attend the open house and I'm so glad I did. Over the course of two days (a Sat. & Sun) he had over 300 people in attendance. Imagine 300 people viewing your very first home you've ever staged! The home generated a bidding war with the investor making over $25K over what he had expected to get for the home. Yes, I love staging and Yes staging works!
Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392
RESA Professional Stager of the Year - Southern Region 2011
Whether your home is vacant or occupied, this Atlanta Georgia Home Stager, Kathy Nielsen, understands what it takes to sell a home quickly. Her homes have graced the pages of several publications, appeared in TV commercials as well as on HGTV's hit program Sleep On it.
With years of experience and a massive inventory - Kathy makes the perfect choice.
Home Staging Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Blog: Atlanta Home Staging
- Kitchen Transformations
- Short on Space? Keep it Simple
- Tips on Selling Your Home From a Professional Stager
- Curtains. Should they stay or go?
- How to dress up your coffee table and end tables when selling
- Quick tips for table settings
- How will buyers remember your home?
- Atlanta Home Staging Consultations - Check out what the homeowner did
- Atlanta Loft Gets Home Staged
- How to ensure your home appeals to a broad base of prospective buyers
PAINTED PANELING! ONE of my FAVORITES!
It adds SUCH interest in a room... IF you can talk people into painting "wood".
Looking GOOD!
Me
OK, I'll be 2nd. My first staging was also a success, although it does have a sour note to it. I'll explain later.
Working with the budget at hand and with the real estate agent and homeowner, I staged the lvr., kit., and mbdr. of this townhouse at a very reasonable fee. Staging of the 2 bathrooms was complimentary.
In these Before & Afters of the living room, we simply relocated the dark furniture to the rec room and moved up the sofa that was there. The only rental furniture I brought in was the 3 tables and 2 lamps, which helped to open and brighten up the space. Some plants and art from my inventory rounded out the picture.
A Before & After of the Master Bedroom (this was a waterbed so this guy was going nowhere; fresh flowers to be set out on the night table by the homeowner):
This property had been on the market for almost 3 months. After the staging was completed, it sold at the first showing 3 days later for 98%. Needless to say, the homeowners and agent (and I!) were thrilled. The homeowner commented that this had actually been a fun experience for her and the agent indicated that I had made a believer out of her and that she would not hesitate to use my services again. So, what's the sour note you ask?? Since then, the agent has staged a couple more properties, but with ANOTHER (bigger) staging company. ARGH!! What's a girl to do..... Thank God there's more fish in the sea.
Craig - I hear you on the difficulty getting owners to paint their paneling. Fortunately, the investor had no problem painting over it and loved the look. The room felt like a cave before and as you can see, it totally brightened up the room.
Joanne - I can't believe they used someone other than you with having sold it 3 days after staging. But you're right, there's tons of other opportunities. Good job posting the pictures.
Kathy
Kathy, thanks for the inspiration...I love seeing REAL stagings not the 'staged' stages...LOL It keeps me in check a little bit. I am intimidated because I haven't had my first client yet. I'll be sure to share mine, hopefully sooner rather than later! Hey, you aren't too far from me...if you ever need a helping hand, I'd be willing to volunteer for the experience! :) I have to get my feet wet!
And, Craig---what a true inspiration...so awesome!
Painting panelling is one of my favourite things. Talk about a dramatic transformation for peanuts!
Thanks Alyse and Abby!
Abby - You are so close to me. I'll drop you an email here in a few minutes as I would welcome the opportunity to help you get your "feet wet."
Kathy
Carole - I had paneling once in a home I lived in years ago. I never painted over it and after staging this home, I wished I had.
George - Thanks for the post. I do hope you can find a stager soon as it will help you get your listings sold. Best of luck.
Kathy