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Home Selling Must Haves: 2012 Home Staging Hot List

2012-02-13T16:20:00.003-05:00

With the spring market around the corner, it seems like everyone is full throttle towards whipping that house into shape. Over the next few weeks we will be posting on the "must have's" for putting your best foot forward in the real estate market this year. Keep checking back for our "Hot List" updates. (or sign up for updates!)

2012 HOT LIST:

An Entry way SHOW STOPPER!

Putting your best forward begins at the door and the first thing on the list is a great front door. Even if your door is lacking luster, get out the paint and get that front door shining!

For those of you that just cannot resist the URGE to personalize that door. Keep in mind your potential home buyers probably do not share your last name initial therefore, instead go for personalization for your house instead of your family.


Help with Numbers

This year we are seeing bright colors and pattern making a huge impact in the design arena. Staging a house and using lots of color can be really tricky so if you are just dying to paint that door a color, keep in mind that color is a preference. Our recommendation would be black or gray.

mayyyybe a cheery yellow...if you must

Get a great planter, urns are probably our favorite

These lions are really great but keep the porch accoutrements to a minimum when selling!

This door is fabulous but power wash those steps!!

And last but not least...TAKE DOWN THAT CHRISTMAS DECOR!!

(remember; holiday decor is okay in moderation only if the holiday has not yet passed ;)

Stay tuned for our next hot list item

Studies in Staging: Calvert Court

2012-01-09T17:40:00.001-05:00

It's easy for us to preach about the benefits of staging; the 8 years of successful statistics, the testimonials of happy clients and the many before and after photos of homes staged and sold, but sometimes there comes along a fantastic example of a house transformed by good merchandising and marketing. This home is in California and is a fantastic study in what a difference good video and staging can make in showing off a residence in its best light- especially a luxury home. (note: this home was not staged by us but compliments go to whomever did the work because it is stunning!)

Before Photos:

AFTER:

Look at those floors! I wouldn't have noticed them before.

BEFORE:

The not so lucky bamboo needs to go.

AFTER:

BEFORE:

Random dining chairs hanging around is such a waste of space.

AFTER:

So gorgeous! Color is making a big splash in staging this year.

BEFORE:

Yawn...

AFTER:

Chic and ready to work!

You can view the full video of the earlier listing photos HERE

You can view the full video of the current listing HERE

If this isn't a great example of what marketing can do for a house presentation, I'm not sure what is.

Hardware Selections

2011-12-19T20:12:00.000-05:00

Selecting hardware when you are selling your home can be a daunting task. Why spend an arm and a leg when you will not be around to appreciate the beauty? Will the new homeowners see the value in your expensive hardware? Eehh...probably not. (unless they happen to be a design junkie) Let's find a happy balance...

First recommendation would be mixing in the bin pull. (Unless you have a contemporary kitchen of course). And when it comes to finish, remember if you are selling, now is not the time to make your big design statement. I would stick to safe yet stylish.

For white cabinets, I think the chrome will have greater longevity over the brushed nickel look.


This one (above) from Atlas Hardware can be purchased at Home Depot for approx $8.50 ea	.

Since they are somewhat pricey, put them on special cabinetry, like below. maybe just on the center island drawers instead of all of the drawers.

Victoria Hagan's kitchen via Architectural Digest

The brass is FABULOUS however probably not a good selection for the larger market when selling.

http://kentkitchenworks.wordpress.com

If you have some brass elements that you need to play down instead of replacing, I would suggest mixing in a hammered brass or copper, playing up the "modern country" as much as you can. These are much more expensive too, therefore, weigh out the cost of replacing dated brass (I'm not saying all brass is dated, I'm talking about those Builder special light fixtures from the 90's) vs. integrating more brass into the space.

Contemporary kitchens won't be able to "pull' off the bin pulls. :) So, my next pick is the steel bar pull

These GORGEOUS kitchens are designed by Martensen Jones Interiors. I seriously die over most everything in their portfolio so please check it out if you haven't already. Similar pulls can be found at Home Depot here.

These pulls work well with any cabinet finish where you have a shaker style or flat front door. You can also do the bronze version which is pretty fabulous on these cabinets...


Image via http://modernsauce.blogspot.com

And next of course we have the basic cabinet pull. The catch with these is that I suggest the simple designs, no fancy little carvings or shapes, just simple and classic. I happen to like these oil rubbed bronze knobs:

And for $.97 cents, you cant beat it! Find them on sale here

And then of course there's the trusty silver family. I will say that even in the most stunning kitchen, these still work like a charm. Aren't convinced? Look how Candice Olson can rock a classic knob....

www.divinedesign.tv

I think the dark counters with the dark knobs are good choice.

On a very limited budget, we selected this hardware on these gray cabinets for

a model home and they worked out great.

We'd love to have your input so feel free to share your favorites (on a selling budget of course)

happy selling !!

Holiday decorating when your house is for sale.

2010-11-08T08:13:00.007-05:00

To sell or not to sell during the holidays?

That is the million dollar question. Some Realtors like Elizabeth Weintrub advise "it's hogwash", while others encourage Sellers to list during the holidays. Regardless the answer, should you decide to sell your home during the holidays, thematic decorating can make or break or break a holiday selling game plan.

When selling a home during the holidays, one might assume a very motivated and willing to do Seller would do what it takes to sell their home. Any real estate professional will tell you that in order to sell you need a “ready, willing, and able Buyer”. But often times (especially holiday season) a home remains listed or goes on the market without establishing that they have a “ready, willing, and able SELLER.”There is no greater home selling crime than taking valuable family time away from the Buyer, you the Seller, and your hard-working Real Estate Agent during the holidays (or anytime really) to show your home without the full intention to sell.

Willow Decor Blog

Understanding our own motivation to sell can help prepare us in advance for feelings or circumstances that may arise, like the holidays, allowing us to move through the selling process with a greater sense of control. Once the decision to sell has been made, every household member should be on board with all of the; let’s face it, inconveniences of selling. If you do not have buy-in from everyone in the house, then you may find yourself getting some reluctance from household members when it comes to holiday decorating such as:

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without our stuff”

“How will we fit all of the family in the house”

“What about the kids” etc etc etc.

If you have skipped one of most important steps in creating a positive selling experience which is to bring everyone involved in the move together and have a discussion about moving- then you are in for a long winter.

“Keep It Simple Santa”

The goal of home staging is to bring out the features of the home; the windows, the fireplace detail, the ease and functionality of the floor plan, DOWN playing the personality of the Seller and playing UP the personality of the house. When you are selling your home and asking yourself whether or not to decorate for the holidays, it really comes down to a matter of priorities. Remember your goal:

“SELL THE HOUSE!”

Holiday decorating could be an indication to Buyers of just how motivated you are to sell. If your house is decorated to the rafters with billowing holiday décor, it may be clear that the Seller intends to be there through Dec 31. With that said, no one wants to be moving on Thanksgiving day so let’s set a realistic goal of finding a nice balance between celebrating life’s blessings and moving on to the next adventure.

Staging a successful holiday sale can be accomplished by following 10 simple holiday home staging rules:

Furniture arrangement should reflect how the Buyer will use the room on a day to day basis. Moving furniture to accommodate holiday décor is not a good selling tactic.
It’s best to keep holiday decorating to a winter theme vs. religious themes. Remember, the goal is to appeal to a large audience. Keep the themed towels and pillows packed up for next year.
Use natural accents such as winter scented candles, pine cones, garland, and winter plants/flowers for display on table tops and counters.
Outdoor areas should be decorated with a “less is more” attitude. Keep it to well maintained window boxes, a simple garland wreath, and NO lawn ornaments. (Think of where you’ll put that blow up Santa next year)
Limit holiday reds and greens and use white as your “go-to” color for holiday decorating. Natural garland, raw bark, natural wood grains, warm winter whites and beige will absolutely make your home shine like the North Star. (Get fabulous holiday white decorating ideas from the Willow Décor Blog)
Keep your holiday cards/photos organized in a special album this year instead of hanging from doorways and mantels. No one appreciates your friends and family like you do but they will appreciate that crown molding when making an offer. J
Keep wrapped presents stored in a closet or organized in a designated area. Presents everywhere can create security concerns in addition to cluttering up some valuable square footage in the room.
Keep those winter boots and shoes in the closet. A heaping pile of shoes next to the door can draw attention to a lack of storage space. Pack any shoes or summer clothing up and get it out of the way.
Kids take cues from you. Keep the positive attitude and holiday spirit high by doing fun activities together like driving around looking at lights, renting holiday movies, ice skating, window shopping, making a photo album…etc. Maybe this is the year to volunteer at school, church, or in your community? They may even need to borrow all of your extra decorations!
Give your Professional Home Stager a call for quick holiday styling help. For the cost of what you likely would have spent on new holiday décor, you’ll be making an investment in shorter selling time and closer to a reason to celebrate that New Year!

Selling during the holidays can be a real challenge however; with these simple strategies you will be putting your best holiday foot forward, setting the stage for a successful sale. If your holiday decorating takes priority over selling your home, talk to your Real Estate Agent about your selling options.

Why is a model home important ?

2010-01-23T20:11:00.010-05:00

A model home is a silent salesperson. Merchandising is simply a way of packaging your product to your targeted market. Models are intended to influence home buyers by reinforcing their lifestyle desires, creating memory points and triggering their emotional hot buttons.
This creates a sense of urgency in the buyer and solidifies their decision in choosing the Builder.

Today's buyer can be considered a "be back" on their first visit if you consider over 90% of buyers will have seen the home online first. A typical buyer will look at 50 homes, starting online, weeding out which homes they want to tour in person. Once the buyer walks in the door of your house, you can assume you've made it to their "top" list of homes they are considering for purchase. You have a matter of minutes to sell this buyer.

A model home should do the following:

- Is an extension of your marketing and brand

- Demonstrates how the home will live
- Draws ties to the community
- Implements forward thinking design according to absorption rate
- Increases the perceived value of your product
- Identifies with the target market through style, function and memory points.

Interior decorators typically work for individuals to buy furnishings for creating a living space that fits their client.
Professional merchandisers understand the dynamics of real estate and target markets. We merchandise to the masses within a targeted market, highlight the features of the home without over-decorating, and create continuity within a marketing strategy.

2009-02-21T14:11:00.002-05:00

Going green doesn't have to mean expensive new technology forced on home builders. Home builders and consumers are not always in a position to be able to afford trendy, eco-friendly, components. However, the consumer can see the value in a more efficient product and will weigh the benefits of short and long term cost savings.
If you build it, will they buy?

The answer still lies in Place, Product, Price.
•Who is your target market? (ah yes, the key to the universe)
The marketing twist: Not only is the 2009 Buyer asking "Why buy from you?"

The 2009 Buyer wants to know, "How does it pay to buy from you?"

Builders can use these rebates to not only "green" their new homes- but also green their own wallets. $$

New Hampshire Summary:

Loan programs: New Hampshire Electric Co-Op's SmartSTART (Savings Through Affordable Retrofit Technologies) Program

Residential Rebate Programs: (From http://www.goodtobegreen.com/) excellent information on this site!!
KeySpan Energy Delivery - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
National Grid (Granite State Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs
New Hampshire Electric Co-Op - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Northern Utilities - Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Northern Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
PSNH - Large Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
PSNH - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Unitil - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

Residential Grants: PSNH - Energy Rewards RFP Program

Massachusetts Summary:
Loan programs:
Berkshire Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Boston Community Capital - Energy Advantage Program
MASS Save heating program

Rebates: There are many! visit the goodtobegreen website page to see the list of 19 programs

Residential Grants:
KeySpan Energy Delivery: Building Practices and Demonstration Program

Yes, I know- alot of (not so fun to read) information however, there are thousands of dollars to be had in rebates for new construction homes so why not take advantage?
Want to get more involved in going green? Be our guest at the next member meeting of Emerging Green Builders of Boston

If you have any new "green" projects coming up- let us know! You could be featured on a tour by the EGB group.
New England Home Staging® tel:1.888.778.NEHS (6347) http://www.stagingnewengland.com/

Staged home sales still gowing strong 2009!

2009-02-21T13:29:00.001-05:00

A great thing about selling in a slow, tumultuous, snowy, cold, real estate market in New England is that home sellers can assume the buyers looking at homes are serious about purchasing. As a service provider in the real estate market, we went into January with high hopes and anxiety about the 2009 market. Our clients whom staged their homes in January continued to show strong results, each going under agreement right away, consistently beating the average DOM in their market. View success stories

What is the staging difference and does it really matter in a slow market?
VIEW this MLS listing BEFORE staging on the market 122 days, getting showings yet no offers (prime staging candidate!!)
VIEW this same MLS listing AFTER staging This house is UNDER AGREEMENT from the first showing after staging!!

Yes this is real estate market January 2009!

If you have a listing or a home for sale that is getting showings yet no offers, you have the perfect home staging candidate. Every showing you receive is an opportunity for a sale. Trust us, the tire kickers are home shoveling the driveway, they are not out looking at homes right now. Buyers in 2009 mean business!

Regardless of market conditions, when you decide to sell, your home becomes a product. Staging is the best way to display your product to help buyers identify with the lifestyle your house represents. Statistics show that a well displayed home sells faster and for greater profit. Today's savvy buyer is looking for quality, style, and a smart investment. A home that is offered for sale in "AS IS" condition or "un-staged" before selling, will likely get an "AS IS" price in the marketplace. If you are selling a home without staging then you can consider yourself in the "as-is" marketplace where unfortunately, many of the homes in New Hampshire for sale are foreclosures or bank owned homes in NH.

Especially for Builders, you are off to a rough start if you have a peice of raw land and are asking your real estate agent what you should build. Few small to mid-sized builders understand the role of marketing in new home sales. Construction competence, while necessary for a strong product, is not enough to ensure sales. If you produce quality however find your sales disappointing, chances are you are lacking an effective marketing force. We're not talking about simply hiring the right real estate professional- rather employing a team that together will define your position in the marketplace through brand building and creative marketing solutions.

If you would like more information on home staging or marketing solutions for new homes, CALL New England Home Staging at 1-888-778-NEHS

Getting stuck in the "nice house" syndrome.

2009-02-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

How to avoid the "nice house syndrome"

These photos are from a NH home and are a great example of how we live in our home differs from how we must market and sell our home. This is a formal dining room which needed to be defined as such.

The "Nice Home Syndrome" is what we at New England Home Staging call it when your home gets showing activity, the Buyer feedback states " Nice House, we're going to keep it on our list and think about it", yet they leave and you never hear from them again. And the most frustrating thing is, the feedback from the showing is ALWAYS GOOD!

How do you know what to fix when your feedback is always good?

We find this is the most common syndrome in our long list of clients needed some fine tuning.

These Sellers have decluttered and depersonalized, they have repaired and conditioned yet still they find themselves without an offer on their home.
How can you improve your home based on the feedback if the Buyer never has any negative remarks or constructive criticism??

Here are a few of the tactics we use to bring quick, inexpensive, solutions to this common dilemma;

Spatially define each room by the room's original purpose. (Using a pool table in the dining room is great if you are not selling, but when selling- we need to see a dining room setting.)
Know the demography of your Buyer. What will likely be their age, their style, their likes and dislikes? Playing up to their "likes" will surely help them identify with the home. This creates an emotional connection. We have a secret strategy for mastering this. :)
Keep small projects to a MINIMUM. What may be tiny things here and there, add up to " Let's keep it on the list and maybe come back to it after we've seen a few other homes"
Pay CLOSE attention to the last area the Buyer will likely see in the home. This is typically the basement. Often times we make the upstairs fabulous but leave the basement as a dumping ground. A good impression is important however, create a lasting impression by making the basement, or the last area the Buyer sees, complimentary to the best parts of the house.

Give us a call to find out how you can move from the "nice house syndrome" to SOLD.

1-888-778-NEHS