MI Home Staging

Earth Day

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Earth Day. What started out in 1970 as a U.S. born day is now an international day of recognition and change.

Visit www.earthday.org for tips and ideas on how to make a positive change to your Earth.

Spring time!!

2011-04-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

The calendar says it has arrived, the weather not so much.....

Soon we will be out cleaning up our yards and gardens. Doing the annual maintenance on our exterior of our house. Prepping our yard tools.

Spring is here!!

Calcium chloride or salt?

2011-02-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

Which do you prefer?

Let us know.

Roof raking?

2011-02-16T09:00:00.003-05:00

There has been a few instances where the snow on a roof has caused the roof to be compromised and the roof or part of the roof has collapsed. There is a roof rake available at many of the home improvement stores and hardware stores that is extendable (?) and may reduce the possibility of your roof having issues.

Just be careful you don't rake a snow avalanche on your head!! Use caution.

Snow, pt. 2

2011-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

So my last post was on the snow in SE MI.

Growing up in northern Michigan (where we lived 22 miles from the city with a grocery store) we always had some things in the pantry (pasta & sauce, beans, powdered milk, flour, etc) and in the freezer (hot dogs, hamburger, etc) to have on hand in case we got caught in a blizzard. Yes, we had blizzards where snow drifts were 8 feet high and wind chill was 20 below zero or more. We were prepared whether or not the media told us to be.

Here in SE MI it's different. There are stores and gas stations, pizza parlors and food delivery. We are not stuck in the middle of Antarctica with snowshoes.

Be prepared and don't buy into the media hype. Snow happens in SE MI.

Snow, snow and more snow!!

2011-02-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Snow has been falling for the past few months in South East Michigan. It always amazed me how the media gets us into a frenzy about preparing for an impending snowfall that may or may not transpire.

Bottom line - it is winter in Michigan. It snows. We have or should have shovels. There are many kids out there walking the streets looking for a few bucks to shovel your drive or sidewalks. We live in a metropolitan area, meaning there are stores every few corners. Do we need to stock up on cases of water, bread, eggs etc for snow? NO. We need to be prepared and part of being prepared is having a few extra things on hand, not preparing for the apocalypse.

Snow. Snow. Snow.

What do you do.....

2011-01-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

What do you do when.....

You need a plumber? Electrician? Heating/Cooling?

Ask me for my preferred partners.

What do you do.....

2011-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

What do you do when....

Your garage door freezes shut? Do you get out the hairdryer, kick it, go back inside?

Please send your thoughts to me to share.

Baby, It's cold outside!!!

2011-01-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

BBRRRRR......

Mom was right, wear a hat to stay warmer! I think this year is the coldest in a while.

Tips for staying toasty? Please share.

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

Here's hoping your 2011 is the happiest year yet!!

Happy New Year!!

How long?

2010-12-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

How long do you keep your holiday decorations up?

Send me your thoughts on what is your "just right amount of time".

Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today is the shortest day of the year!!

Tomorrow gets 1 additional minute of daylight. The days will get longer and before you know it, spring will have sprung!!

Safe Solstice to you!!

Simplicity

2010-12-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

Are you feeling overwhelmed with decorating this year?

Trying to use the family favorites?

Pare it down, reduce your stress and create a simple, elegant environment.

Cookies!!!!

2010-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year me and my friends get together for cookie exchanges. It works well with 6 participants, it's neither too many nor too little.

Each of us makes (with flour, sugar and other ingredients - even though I would love to use the break and bake!!) a dozen cookies, brownies, candies, etc for the others.

So with 5 others joining in with you, you will have at least 5 dozen different kinds of cookies for the holiday entertaining. Be creative.

Enjoy!!

Chaos or Calm?

2010-12-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well if you celebrate any type of holiday at this time of year, it may be a little chaotic for you. With the cookie exchanges, gifts, gatherings and such it can be a whirlwind of activity. Take a few moments of each day and gather your thoughts and sanity. Reach and achieve some calm in your days during this time.

Happy holidays!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm

2010-10-29T12:00:00.002-04:00

I was at a house party the other day and the smells were phenomenal. Apples, pumpkin, spices, cider........

You can also enjoy these with the originals or something a little more easy. Visit www.tastefullysimple.com/jraybaud

Clean and clear

2010-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Time to clean the windows.

I know, it's the one chore everyone hates to do but you see the dramatic results right away!! I have found glass cleaner by Gold Canyon that is absolutely incredible. Interested in finding out more? Go to www.mygc.com/firedup to check out the great cleaners, scents and decorations they have.

Falling into a "new" look

2010-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Yep, autumn is definitely here! We have had colder nights and cooler days.

Place some mini pumpkins in a bowl on your dining room table, mix in some apples and you have a colorful centerpiece. Add a few red, gold or yellow leaves the day of a party and your arrangement is complete. Randomly spread a few more leaves and pine cones on the table and nothing else says "Fall is here" like that.

WOW

2010-10-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you to many attendees that stopped by at the Macomb County Women’s Expo this past Sunday. So many prizes were given away, so many great buys at the silent auction, so much fun!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

This year was a smashing success and The Tree of Hope Foundation sincerely appreciates everyone for their support. Thank you again!!

See you there again next year!

Today is the day!

2010-10-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Macomb County Women’s Expo is TODAY!!!! HOORAY!!

Stop on over and join us at Barrister Gardens in St Clair Shores between 11-4 for fun, food, shopping, 50/50 raffles, giveaways and so much more.

Register to win gift baskets and help out our nonprofit this year, Tree Of Hope Foundation.

See you there!

Just a few days away....

2010-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

From the Macomb County Women’s Expo sponsored by Women In Networking and benefiting The Tree of Hope Foundation, a local non profit located in St Clair Shores.

Come join us at the Barrister Gardens in St Clair Shores on 10/10/10 between 11-4 for lots of fun, prizes, silent auction and shopping!!

Swing by my booth for a chance to win a gift basket.

See you there!!

Support Tree of Hope Foundation

2010-09-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

Visit over 50 vendors at the Macomb County Women's Expo sponsored by Women In Networking. This year the local nonprofit receiving the proceeds is Tree of Hope Foundation.

Come out on 10/10/10 and support a local nonprofit! There will be gift baskets, silent auction, raffles and so much fun!!

See you there!

Click on the link for more details.

Silent Auction

2010-09-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

WOW!!! What great gifts, baskets and more at the Macomb County Women’s Expo on 10/10/10

There are gift cards, jewelry, movie baskets, food baskets, staycations and so much more!!! Visit http://www.winofmetrodetroit.com/winexpo.html for more information.

Come out and join us at the Barrister Gardens in St Clair Sores on 10/10/10 from 11-4. Over 50 vendors, fun, prizes 50/50 raffles and so much more. See you there!

Macomb County Women’s Expo is coming….

2010-09-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

10/10/10

This is the day for the upcoming Macomb County Women’s Expo sponsored by Women In Networking. This year the expo is benefiting The Tree of Hope Foundation, a local nonprofit in St Clair Shores.

Grab a friend and join us!! Go to http://www.winofmetrodetroit.com/winexpo.html for details!!

See you on 10/10/10!!

Macomb County Women's Expo Advertising

2010-09-14T12:00:00.003-04:00

Interested in an inexpensive yet productive advertising opportunity?

Visit http://www.winofmetrodetroit.com/WINExpo.html for details on how you can advertise for as little as $25!!!

Fragrance

2010-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Want the fragrance without the worry of a candle starting a fire? Check out Gold Canyon's Scent Pod Warmers & Scent Pods!! I have mine on for showings and in my office. Safer, cleaner and no worries!!

Visit Gold Canyon at http://www.mygc.com/shopcandlespa for all your frangrance needs!!

Spiff it up!!

2010-04-13T09:53:00.003-04:00

The weather has been changing and we have been outside more than inside.
Spring is a new beginning!!!

Now is the time to:

change out the heavy window coverings and freshen up with some lighter colors - you may be amazed by the difference something so simple can make

wash the windows and screens - it will be clearer

send the rugs out for a good cleaning - gets rid of the salt and grime from winter

open the windows and let the fresh air in!!!

Happy spring!!

Moving? Pt 2

2010-01-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

Get the kids involved! Let them know there will not be any new toys, games, sporting equipment unless they get rid of some things as well. Let them decide what they want to keep and reduce or recycle.

Check out your local freecycle site. www.freecycle.org Great way to get rid of things!!!

Post items for sale on Craigslist in your town. www.craigslist.org . Be smart about it tho!

Organize a block sale.

Make sure you have room in your new home for your furniture. This is often overlooked. Just because your living room set is 6 feet long, doesn't mean it will fit the way you think it will. Allow for clearance!!

Moving? Pt 1

2010-01-17T06:00:00.002-05:00

Are you moving? Soon or off in the future? If so, here's some advice on making it a little smoother.

If you are like most people you have stuff. A LOT of stuff!

Start now! Even if you aren't moving for months. You will be amazed at how much you actually have. So,

It's time to go through it and reduce, reuse or recycle! You have read this before in my blog and it is true! If you haven't needed, missed or used it in 12 months - reduce or recycle! Place it in the garage for a garage sale, give it to a charitable organization, donate it to a church closet but whatever you do, DO NOT KEEP IT!!! This is how it starts to multiply!! Before you know it you have even more "stuff".

Label boxes! Take a picture of the contents if it is going into a storage facility and use a system that works for you - numbers, locations, pics, etc.

Is it time for a change? Will you be getting new/different furniture? Then don't take it with you, sell it in a house sale!

You have heard of clothing swaps, have a knick knack swap! Invite several friends over and open your "store" let them choose what they would like and then you can still "visit and see" your items, just not in your home.

Snow

2010-01-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

During winter in Michigan it is very hard to avoid snow. Let's face it, if you don't like it, you are not going to like winter in Michigan!! What does the snow (and salt or melting chemicals) do to your house? It can ruin a carpet or floor. It will cause additional cleaning of both. But you can limit the amount of moisture and salt coming into your house!

Make sure you have at least 2 doormats to wipe shoes and boots off.
Place one outside the door and one inside the door.
Take off your shoes/boots as soon as you come in the house.
Place a rug remnant inside the door for boots and shoes.
Remember to rinse and dry the remnant at least once a week.
Clean your footwear.
Wear slippers inside your house.
Take proper care of your flooring to preserve it!

Storage

2010-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Can't pare down the collectibles?

Just have too much?

Are you in need of more storage?

It may be time to look to some new furniture. Yes, new furniture. There are so many functional, beautiful storage ottomans out right now. It could just be the extra you are looking for. And it also serves as additional seating for parties and gaming systems!! Take a look and see what works for you!

Time for a change

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Typically this is the time of year many people are ready for a change. Could be a wall color, cabinets, carpet, furnishings, a new house...... There is a saying that goes something like this "There is nothing cheaper than a gallon of paint to change the look of a room." That is so very true! So if you are ready for a change, go to your local paint store and check out the new colors. Get away from builder beige and try something new. Remember, it's a gallon of paint and your time. And who knows, you may just love it!!

Bedding

2010-01-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Do you just love to fall into hotel quality bedding? Are you afraid of the prices? My friend, Julie, sells exceptional hotel quality bedding at affordable prices. Her quality is phenomenal and she will set you up with a 7 layer system that will give you a blissful night's sleep. And right now, she is having a clearance sale!!! Woo Hoo!! Interested? Click this link http://www.myprivatequarters.com/pq_pdfs/January_2010_Sale_Flyer.pdf for her sale items. Visit Julie at http://jsullivan.privatequarters.net/ for more information. Hurry, her sale items do not last!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Here's wishing you and yours a Very Happy and Safe New Year!!

Happy New Year!!

Christmas recovery

2009-12-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

What a day!!!
What fun and what chaos always happens at our family gatherings. My extended family is quite large (over 35 of us this year) and we always get together on Christmas Day and take in the festivities. Santa has come to visit our family for over 40 years and he made his presence this year as well. 3 generations have sat on his lap and he is still much adored in our family.
We also remember those that have passed on before us. We say a prayer, blessing and then we recount our best memories of the holiday season - baking in the bakery, delivering to the nuns, sleeping on the flour sacks, drinking a little hot toddy and more.
Then we recoup and prepare for the next year.
My family is wonderful and I want to thank them for making the Christmas tradition continue in our family year after year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!
May you be blessed with family and friends today and always!
Merry Christmas!!

Prepare for the holidays

2009-12-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

Are you close to being ready for the upcoming holidays?
Have you trimmed the tree? Strung the lights? Baked the cookies? Wrapped the gifts?
No worries, there is still time!!! Take a deep breath and try not to feel pressured. Remember, you do not have to be perfect. Your family will enjoy the time together and won't know that the fruitcake is purchased from that great bakery down the street. Or that the gifts were wrapped by the local high schoolers looking to make a few extra bucks. Or that the tree isn't decorated on the hidden side. Relax, take a breath and enjoy the season!!!

Thanksgiving Day trials and tribulations

2009-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Every year we get together with my husband's side of the family for Thanksgiving. It is the only time we get together with them as a whole and we do enjoy the time together. But as with any family, we have had some tyring times as well. This year we are going to Chicago for a few days. I have shared some of the equipment with Candice in September. So now I am sharing some of our trials and tribulations of the past.

We have hosted Thanksgiving 3 times in the past. What I have found to make everything go smoothly is prepare, prepare, prepare. We start the weekend before and continue up until dinner time!! I have also found the following to help:

chafing dishes really work well and they can be found at such places as GFS, Costco and Sams
if you have an extra stove to use, use it!
let the kids set the table and use things from outside to enhance it - acorns, leaves, apples etc
buffet style works best with our large family
get everyone involved!
take a break and play in between prep
shop late at night at the 24 hour market - less people
remember to laugh!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and enjoy the time!!

Get ready....

2009-11-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

Oh is it getting colder & colder!! BRRRRR!

It's time to start:

covering up those more delicate plants outside.

laying another layer of mulch.

planting bulbs and such for next year.

preparing the grass for winter.

cleaning out gutters.

make sure the winter tools are primed and ready.

The cold weather brings the snow and we need to prepare. Get ready!

Moving?

2009-08-26T21:49:00.002-04:00

Maybe you are and maybe you have made the decision to stay where you are. Either way, you may be ready for a change. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a change is with a gallon or two of paint. So change it up. Add some color. Try a new technique - rag roll, suede finish, block painting, etc.

Don't know how or are not the best painter? Call your local home improvement store for class information - many times it's a free class! Still unsure? Go online, to the library, a friend or neighbor with well painted rooms and talk to them.

After all if you don't like the outcome, it was only a gallon or two of paint and your time. Not too bad!

Plant those perennials!

2009-08-18T20:27:00.002-04:00

Right about now you can get some great deals at the home improvement stores for perennials. It's getting to be the end of season and there are still some pots of plants in the garden center they need to sell. Check it out! You may not benefit from enjoying them year after year, however, you just increased your curb appeal!
Plant & pack!!

Now is the time!

2009-08-10T14:13:00.003-04:00

With so many houses to choose from right now, why choose yours? Because it is HOME!! However, now is not the time to relax and think staging is not important. It is so very important and buyers are still looking for a home that is ready for them to move into. Help them by creating the atmosphere! Now is the time!

Vacant, Welcome, Exit, You & Zzzz

2009-05-25T13:53:00.003-04:00

Wrapping up the last of the alphabet we have:

V is for Vacant! Remember, vacant houses are cold and uninviting to buyers. Most buyers have a hard time envisioning themselves living in an empty house. Some people also have a hard time getting the size of the room into perspective. Showing them how a room can be used give them some of that perspective.

W is for Welcome! Make sure the foyer is a welcoming attribute to the house. This is the first impression a buyer gets when entering a property. Put a plush rug, chair and table by the door, add a mirror, art and accessories. Remember, this is a room too!

X is for eXit! Exit the property for showings. Leave before the agent and client arrive and make sure they are gone before returning. Doing this allows the buyer time to decide if your house is right for them. Too often homeowners want to tell the tale of the house and the buyers don't want to hear it. Let the SEE the house at its best.

Y is for You! After tackling the whole alphabet, you deserve a break! Make sure you take the time needed for yourself as well. Moving Day will be here soon and you'll need your strength.

Z is for zzzzs. Sleep well knowing you have done everything possible to prepare your house for the best showings. Congratulations! You have accomplished a lot in this time. Here's to many showings and multiple offers above your asking price!!

Q is for Quick!

2009-05-19T10:45:00.001-04:00

Quick!!! There is no time like the present to prepare your house for sale. The more time it takes to get a house in top showing shape, the more time lost on showings. Even if you are thinking of selling in the future, now is the time to start preparing!!

Reduce, Shine, Timers, Unload

2009-05-19T10:38:00.002-04:00

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! Donate to charities, use items differently and make sure to visit salvage stores for great ideas to stage your house. Using materials for other than they are intended, you can get very creative and thrifty with decorating. Donating to charities not only reduces the amount of belongings in the house but you may also get a tax deduction and help someone else in need!

Shine, Show & Sell! Keep the windows, glass, appliances and floors shined as much as possible. If these are sparkly and bright, it shows the care taken with the rest of the house.

Timers! Use timers to automatically turn the lights and music on before a buyer arrives. This is a welcoming idea for others to come in and know they were expected. It also created more safety for you to have a light or two on when returning home from your day.

Unload! Sure we all have laundry and dirty dishes, but the buyer does not have to be reminded they will have them too. Not do they need to see yours! Dry the dishes and put them in the cupboard. Fold the clothing and make sure to put away where it belongs.

Next we are going to Vacate, Welcome, Exit, You and ZZZZ.

Tips M - P

2009-05-11T20:51:00.003-04:00

Music, Neutral, Odors & Paint

M is for Music! Set the radio quietly to the same easy listening station throughout the house. By doing this you are contributing to the flow of the house and also are tuning out the outside sounds of the neighborhood.

N is for Neutralize! This does not mean paint everything white or beige. This simply means to make the house neutral for others. Neutralizing the house, you have a better chance of appealing to larger variety of the prospective buyers.

O is for Odors! Odors are offensive! Make sure to open windows and exchange the air everyday. When cooking odiferous foods, open the windows, turn on the fans and put out a bowl of vinegar to absorb the lingering smells. Change animal litter and bedding everyday to make sure they are not smelled before they are seen.

P is for Paint! Paint it warmly. By painting a room a cocoa brown, warm blue or green, the whole backdrop of the room is warmed up. White makes a room feel sterile, builder beige is boring, red is very powerful and yellow could cause anger.

Next on the alphabet - Reduce, reuse & recycle, Shine, show & sell, Timers and Unload.

Staging tips I - L

2009-04-30T08:22:00.002-04:00

Part 3 of 7

I is for Invite! Invite some trustworthy friends over to give their opinion of the changes. Don't be offended, remember these are your friends and yo may get a fresh perspective of your surroundings. This will allow necessary changes before the buyers come.

J is for Jewels and Jewelry! This is the perfect time to remove anything of value that may come up missing during open houses and moving to your new home. Get a safety deposit box if you don't have a safe and put expensive and sentimental items there for safekeeping.

K is for Keep it Clean! Our lives are busy and our homes reflect it. When the decision has been made to sell, it is the time to think of your house as a commodity and marketed to the highest potential. The house must remain in the cleanest state possible. It's only for a short time and you will benefit from the pristine showings.

L is for Light it up! Walk through the house and make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs with the maximum wattage for the fixture. Add some lamps, up-lights and mood lighting if there is only ceiling fixtures. This will warm the room up. Make sure the fixtures are crystal clean!

Next up-
Mood, Neutrals, Odors and Paint!

Tips E - H

2009-04-21T22:52:00.003-04:00

Continuing on from where I left off....

E is for Empty! This is the most important time for the house to be as neat and clean as possible. Remove 50% of EVERYTHING from the closets, cupboards, shelves and drawers in the house - see tip B. This will "create" more space. Make sure the remaining items are neatly arranged.

F is for Flowers! Fresh flowers are a sign of life and prosperity. Get a fresh bouquet every week and mix it up. Add some 7-Up or Sprite to the water and they will last longer. Farmer's markets are a great place to pick up a new, inexpensive arrangement.

G is for Greenery! Just like tip F, greenery gives a feeling of life. It is very calming and actually puts us at ease to see plants in our surroundings. Tip - If you don't have a green thumb, use good quality silk greenery as long as it is clean. There is nothing worse than nasty, old silk arrangements!

H is for Hanging Artwork and Window Treatments! This simple step actually finishes the room. When hanging artwork, hang it at eye level to create a more welcoming ambiance and make the ceilings appear higher.

More to come.

Tips

2009-04-18T19:06:00.002-04:00

These past few months have just flown by!! I have seen so many houses in the beginning of the year with my real estate clients that I thought I would share some tips and pointers for you diy'ers. So here's a few tips for this week.

A is for accessorize! After the room has been cleaned, the furniture has been placed and the artwork has been hung, now is the time to accessorize. A few groupings of no more than 3 or 5 items works best on a table, bookshelf, credenza or desk. Acessories give a feel of the room being complete!

B is for box it up! If you are trying to sell, begin boxing up your belongings (in the same size boxes) and neatly store them in a storage area of the the house or go rent one offsite. Make sure to label the boxes carefully! Taking pictures of the contents helps when the time comes to unpack in your new home.

C is for curb appeal! The first impression to a potential buyers starts before they even get out of their vehicle, make it the best impression! Go outside and look at the house form different angles. Make sure you can see the house - prune the trees, plants and shrubbery neatly, make the door noticeable and make sure the walkway is free from debris and trip hazards. If the buyer sees an issue on the outside of the house, the will subconsciously be looking for issues on the inside as well.

D is for design! Design the rooms as they can be used. Give the buyer an idea of how to use the room. Furniture does NOT have to be against the walls on the perimeter of the room - try angles or different seating arrangements. "Shop" other rooms for needed items.

More to come!!

Holiday Time

2008-11-30T13:20:00.003-05:00

Where does the time go? I swear it cannot be the beginning of December already!! The holiday chaos is about to explode in our house and I'm sure it will spread it's joy onto you as well. So what can we do to to keep our sanity, enjoy the time with family and friends and still have a relaxing time?

Pare it down. This year, my family is getting a tree and a wreath hanging outside. I have bypassed the holiday village, nativity scene and all of the extra decor. Less is more at times and with the busyness upon us, it will be a much welcomed change.

I wish you a very relaxing December and will have some simple decorating tips for you soon.

Is staging "worth" it?

2008-10-08T14:30:00.003-04:00

What is staging "worth"? To some, it is a complimentary service to market their house better, to sell faster and for more profit. To others, it is a way to decorate or redecorate and get a fresh look. And to some, it is a frivolous expense. I would like to expound on how I view staging and the impact it can and will have on your life.

Staging is designing or redesigning a space for better flow, more comfort and a way to welcome others into a property without making them feel like they are intruding in your space.

Staging a property to sell is de-personalizing it so guests are more comfortable, arranging furniture to optimize space, creating vignettes and utilizing the rooms for which they were designed as opposed to how we use them. To stage a house is to showcase it. Make prospective buyers linger in your house longer and they will remember it more. Make prospective buyers remember your house in the positive manner more and it will quickly become a favorite. Make prospective buyers favor your house and soon they will make it their home.

Notice how I used the term "house" instead of "home" when I was describing your house? When the decision is made to sell your family dwelling, you can no longer remain attached to it. It is a commodity and like all commodities it has to be marketed to its fullest potential. That is where staging comes in. That is why staging is worth it. That is why staging is important. That is why staging is necessary.

So to get back to the original question. Is staging "worth" it? Of course I am going to answer with a very robust and resounding "YES!". To invest a small percentage of your future profits into staging is a very sound return on investment. Partnered with the right marketing and pricing from your real estate agent, your house will soon be sold. Isn't that worth it? You can even do it yourself!! For additional tips for diy-ers please visit www.mihomestaging.com.

Join us for the next in the series on redesigning and what it can do for you.

Fall Prep part 2

2008-09-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

Fall 2008 Stageletter - Interior
By Melissa Emanuel

Now that the outside is complete before the weather takes a colder turn, let's focus on the interior of the property.

Inside –
· Wash the windows using the opposite motion as you did on the outside. Make sure to swipe the ledge as well.

· Change out the lighter summer sheers with some luxurious heavier ones. Don’t go too dark, but dark enough to make it feel warmer inside.

· Fall is the time for apples and gourds. Make masterpieces out of them. Apples and cinnamon will make a yummy centerpiece. Gourds will last a long time as a kitchen or dining table display.

· Check your light bulbs. Change any burned out ones and make sure they are the maximum wattage for the fixture. Your lights will be on more now during the showings, making it bright.

· Make sure your inside plants look like showpieces. This sends the message you care about your house and the items in it.

· Clean the carpets. Protect them with runners if lighter colored flooring.

· Polish the hardwoods if needed. Not only does this bring out the shine right now, it also will help protect the floors for the salty, winter months to come.

· Wipe the corners of the ceiling. Spiders like to come inside during this time and cobwebs are more noticeable.

· If you haven’t cleaned the ductwork, now may be the time. There is a very unpleasant smell that comes with the first couple of firings of the furnace burning off the dust and dander collected through the summer months.

· Go to an apple orchard and enjoy the great cider and donuts during the showings you get with these tips.

Visit me at the "WIN Big" Women's Expo on September 21, from 11 - 4 at the Best Western Concorde Inn in Clinton Twp. For additional information go to www.winofmacomb.com and click on the WIN Big Expo tab. See you there!!

Fall preparations

2008-09-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

It seems like yesterday the kids were just getting out of school for a summer of fun. Now it’s tomorrow they go back to school. So the beginning of the school year also means the seasons are changing and the seasonal changes in weather mean changes have to be made to market the listings for sale.

Now is the time to get ready for fall! Staging and showing houses in the fall require a few changes, inside and out. Here is a list to get you on the right path to selling your house during the autumn months.

Now go outside –

· Mums the word!! No, don’t be quiet about it, shout it. Chrysanthemums that is. Now is the time to replace faded flowers with the brighter mums or other fall blooming flowers. By using mums you are not only adding color now, but plant a perennial and you are adding great greenery and color for the new year.

· Prune it. Carefully and neatly prune the trees and shrubs that have gotten a little leggy, sparse or just overgrown throughout the summer.

· Add new mulch. Just like in the spring, new mulch adds color to the landscaping and requires less watering for the plants.

· Keep grass cut to 3-1/2 inches to choke out the weeds and promote a healthier lawn. Don’t forget to edge with clean lines!

· Water the lawn during the early morning hours to discourage fungus growth and allow time to saturate the ground before evaporating in the sun and wind.

· Watch the gutters. Make sure the gutters are clean and attached to the house in a secure manner.

· Wash the windows and screens. This is the most important time to do this chore. Your windows are going to be closed more, so now is the time the dirt and grime are going to be more noticeable.

Successful staging and subsequent selling!!

It took longer than I expected, but it's finally finished!!

2008-08-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

As you can see from the pics, there was much to be done here. We really conquered the clutter and removed quite a bit of art, books and knick knacks. We warmed up the walls with a complimentary color to the owner's original artwork and we rearranged the flow of the room. Now you can enjoy the phenomenal view from the 19th floor of this high rise.

Do you see the family pics lined up on the sill.

Now you have an unobstructed view.

Too much going on here.

Your eyes need a "rest" to enjoy the art and not feel so overwhelmed by the choices.

Limited space,

spacious.

Wall to wall shelving?

Not anymore.

Packed and packing to

Present and presentable.

Thank you to my very dear friend who I know will be moving into another condo within the same building very, very soon. She did everything to present her property as a new, welcoming home for the prospective buyers who schedule showings every day.

Thanks for visiting!

Redesigning for friends

2008-04-02T15:04:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love what I do!!! It doesn't matter if I am staging a home to sell or redesigning a home to live, I thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy it so much my exuberance is contagious to those around me.

I am in the process of redesigning a friends' place. Yes, I know generally friends and business don't mix. But I know her style and am having lots of fun in giving her a luxurious retreat. With her consent I will post photos of the before and after shots.

I am preparing another family friends' condo for selling. We just got the painters in and out to paint all 2300 square feet of condo. Not a small job by any means. The condo is on the 19th floor and has lots of windows overlooking the downtown area and the river. It doesn't get direct sun so we brought the sun in with the paint choices. I chose a warm carmel color for the accent wall, a creamy cashmere color for the rest of the walls and a linen white for the ceiling. What a difference!!! The painter told me the sunset streaming in is absolutely FABULOUS with the color choices. Now we just have to pack and remove some of the 20+ years of collections. I may already have a buyer! WOO HOO!!!

Stay tuned for updates.

Stage your house to sell

2008-03-12T23:19:00.001-04:00

Staging Tips for DIYers

1. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - This is not just something we do for the environment, it is something you can do in the process to stage your home. Reduce the amount of clutter - Box up what you will keep but don’t need now. Donate items to charity (don’t forget your tax deduction). Have a garage sale. Try moving furniture into different rooms.

2. Curb Appeal - From roof and gutters to trees, grass and shrubs - Cleanup the brush, leaves and overgrowth. Trim the lowest branches to show the house. Add some coordinating color.

3. Welcome - Place a new doormat at the door. Clean, polish, paint or change the house numbers, mailbox and exterior lights. Add some potted plants to the porch. Sweep debris from the porch.

4. Let there be light - Clean the light bulbs, shades and sconces. Increase the wattage on all lighting fixtures to maximum wattage. Add up lights. Turn on all lights for showings. Open the curtains, blinds and other window coverings.

5. Create the space - Remove at least half of what is in the closets, cupboards, cabinets and walls. Box these items up and place in storage. This will create the effect of abundant storage.

6. Create counter space - Store small appliances out of view. Remove magnets, pictures and art work from the refrigerator.

7. Avoid eccentricity - Remove anything that may be construed as offensive. Take down the heavy metal posters, bikini clad tool/car calendars or anything with nudity. Remove model magazines, books etc.

8. Freshen the air - Open the windows for several minutes before showings - even in the winter. This changes the air in the house and is quite refreshing.

9. Excite the buyer’s senses - We’ve all heard about baking chocolate chip cookies, also try apple pie and microwave popcorn. Set the table for a romantic dinner or a festive dinner party. Light a fire in the fireplace and set out 2 wine glasses and flowers next to it. Play some soft music.

10. Go enjoy an hour, an afternoon or however long your showings/open houses will last. Walk away from the house and let the real estate professionals do their job.

For more tips and ideas visit www.mihomestaging.com