Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Staged Home Decor Gives You Staging Mythbusters
Home Staging® Myth Busters
Myth 1: Staging is Decorating...
Fact:
Staging is NOT Decorating or Design! Decorating or Design is personalizing and Staging
is De-Personalizing and preparing a house for the un-known Buyer. That is why it's KEY
that you hire someone with training specifically on how to prepare a house for sale.
The Accredited Staging Professional DesignationTM (ASPTM) is the ONLY nationally recognized
professional designation for Home Staging. Make sure to hire someone with this professional
designation when selecting a qualified Home Stager.
TIP: When the focus of the Staging becomes about things and not your house, then you are working
with a decorator and not a trained Stager. An ASP Stager can use existing items in a house and their
creativity to properly Stage a house for sale.
Myth 2: Staging Costs Too Much...
Fact:Staging is an INVESTMENT in getting a house sold and the investment in Staging is
always less than a price reduction. An ASPTM Stager has been trained to work with a
Sellers' budget and time frame to properly Stage a house. We like to ask our clients, "Can you afford
NOT to Stage?" When compared with the other costs associated with the sale or purchase of a home,
Staging is very reasonable. In most markets, a Staging report detailing what needs to be done to Stage
the house for sale is less than the appraisal or Home Inspection reports.
Myth 3: All I Need Are Lights, Flowers & Music...
Fact:
Lights, Flowers and Music are great for Showing a house, but that is not Staging. Staging
requires an objective and professional assessment of a house's strengths and challenge
areas, and solutions to help Buyers fall in love with what they see. This requires more than just flowers
and music to achieve - it requires an Action Plan! Your ASP can help you and your clients with a Success
Plan for getting their house STAGED and SOLD!
Myth 4: I Can Just Watch One of Those Shows...
Fact:
The shows on HGTV and similar channels give Sellers the idea that they need to do
something to their house to prepare it for sale, but Sellers cannot truly be objective in
a house they have been living in and need a 3rd party independent opinion to get it properly Staged.
ASPs have the experience and ideas to help Sellers get their houses ready and we honor our clients, and
work closely with Realtors to help get a house sold.
Proudly posted by Deborah Harshman, Accredited Staging Professional Master
Personally taught by Barb Schwarz
This information has been made possible by my association with Barb Schwarz, Creator of Home Staging and CEO Stagedhomes.com
Stage® is a federally registered trademark of StagedHomes.com & StagedHomesCanada.biz. ASPTM is a trademark of StagedHomes.com & StagedHomesCanada.biz © Barb Schwarz 2006
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Please be kind...honesty is the best policy
My facebook posts on Wednesday, June 2nd...
Spent the day yesterday making a Staging happen for today, "Flip this Staging", it should have been called. Then at the hour of loading the truck, I got a call! I was under bid! Contract was not emailed, and I was frantically calling and waiting or I would have to cancel. All for being "the person" to make it happen for them. No one else was supposed to be in contention. Where is the integrity?????
I did not add this little tidbit to the earlier post today- I woke up to finding out properties on Copenhaver Drive in Potomac, MD were having Broker Open events. We needed to take advantage of the property comparison for the value and show the Realtors our property for sale at 9028 Copenhaver Drive, as well.
It was a three-house tour. *** I started by talking to realtor at 7am. and then compiling an e-newsletter to announce to realtors. at 8:30 am I ... See Morewas shopping, had to make cheese board and fruit tray because store had none ready-made. Went to wine store for less expensive and cold wines! Showered, dressed and then went to set up fancy spread! Sped to Capitol Hill. ****no mini-commitment contract printed, no time.
I decided to trust and make the best of the situation. You know-superwoman??? Gave estimate over phone and was assured there was no competition. They were happy someone would take it on in 24 hours. Shook hands and on my way. So much to get done by 3:30 deadline to secure furniture rental...
Jane, this is the first time I didn't get a deposit up front!!!! Arrrggghhh!
Since then I have learned they had called my colleagues as well, with the same line!!! This is my next blog..thanks for your help in my post, all!
Does this ring a bell with anyone? Have you been inconsiderate of other professionals time? We all have a responsibility to others.
Spent the day yesterday making a Staging happen for today, "Flip this Staging", it should have been called. Then at the hour of loading the truck, I got a call! I was under bid! Contract was not emailed, and I was frantically calling and waiting or I would have to cancel. All for being "the person" to make it happen for them. No one else was supposed to be in contention. Where is the integrity?????
I did not add this little tidbit to the earlier post today- I woke up to finding out properties on Copenhaver Drive in Potomac, MD were having Broker Open events. We needed to take advantage of the property comparison for the value and show the Realtors our property for sale at 9028 Copenhaver Drive, as well.
It was a three-house tour. *** I started by talking to realtor at 7am. and then compiling an e-newsletter to announce to realtors. at 8:30 am I ... See Morewas shopping, had to make cheese board and fruit tray because store had none ready-made. Went to wine store for less expensive and cold wines! Showered, dressed and then went to set up fancy spread! Sped to Capitol Hill. ****no mini-commitment contract printed, no time.
I decided to trust and make the best of the situation. You know-superwoman??? Gave estimate over phone and was assured there was no competition. They were happy someone would take it on in 24 hours. Shook hands and on my way. So much to get done by 3:30 deadline to secure furniture rental...
Jane, this is the first time I didn't get a deposit up front!!!! Arrrggghhh!
Since then I have learned they had called my colleagues as well, with the same line!!! This is my next blog..thanks for your help in my post, all!
Does this ring a bell with anyone? Have you been inconsiderate of other professionals time? We all have a responsibility to others.
Monday, March 1, 2010
For Your Protection, Beware of Biting Neighbors!
For your protection...these words may be so familiar and overused. I hope this will get your attention.
When I was buying the items in the protection package at a recent meeting of the DC IAHSP, I had doubt that I would need the things in it. I listened as the Lieutenant was telling stories of unfortunate happenings in the real estate business. Thinking, I don't show houses, so I most likely will never need to think about being in a compromising situation while Staging. After all, the doors are locked if I happen to be alone at the property. Keyword: ALONE.
Last week I had agreed to pull together our team and Stage late in the day because the DC area was about to get yet another snow storm. We needed to be ready for the weekend. So moved up the date two days.
I wasn't alone at 4:30 pm at the property we of Staged Home Decor were Staging last week. We had just unloaded the final item from the final load into the property. We were just about to close up the van and move it from directly in front of the property. Just then, a woman burst through the front door. She was yelling and screaming and cursing, that we were blocking her driveway. Evidently this was pent up anger at contractors working at the property before us and were either on street in front of the house and blocking her driveway. It sounded and appeared clear, she felt she should have clear pavement on both sides of the entire street in front of her property across street at all times. Vehicles parked anywhere within her sight were forbidden!...by the way, We were not blocking her driveway. Well, after allowing her to vent she turned and left, went across the street and got into her car, backed down the driveway and went down the street. We moved the van and went to work. The project was being completed as team members left in turns to go home to their small children and family.
I remained alone, Little 5 feet tall me, to load the empty containers and close up the property.
Oh, did I mention, the listing agent lived next door? Well, she was coming back and forth and I felt secure getting out of there on my own. FAT CHANCE!
It is dark outside. I was just 2 minutes from being able to close up and go home. Long day... I was placing my tool kit in the back of the van and I saw car lights. I made sure the door was not out in the street beside me and continued to fit the kit in the tight space I had left for it. Well, BANG! the door hits me in the left side of my body and this woman it screaming and cursing like a madwoman. I was shocked and scared to death. Not bad enough? then comes the driver of her car, a man with an umbrella pointed at me screaming and cursing me. They were blocking me from moving and threatening me if I tried to leave. As she was going to call the police because I wouldn't engage her and she just was fed up with the cars in front of her home. Here is where the protection package comes in...why didn't I have mace??? I was so frightened. A crazy woman in my face and a man with an umbrella pointing and shaking in my face. I did get my cellphone from my pocket and dialed 911, afraid of physical attack when I finally did it. Seeing me do this and hearing me talking, she ran to the agents home screaming, I mean loudly screaming as I talked to the 911 operator. Thank goodness she went to the agent, because I then I could go back into the house then I had some help. Let say too, Not a neighbor came out of their home to help me. The police responded with two units and I can't say anything was resolved with her. But I got away. I am having nightmares every night and I am truly emotionally shaken.
I can't believe in that neighborhood, anything like that could ever happen to me by a homeowner. This is a very good residential neighborhood in Rockville.
Let this be a lesson. No neighborhood is too good for all safety precautions to be taken. NEVER be alone working without protection. And agents take my advice, beware of biting neighbors!
When I was buying the items in the protection package at a recent meeting of the DC IAHSP, I had doubt that I would need the things in it. I listened as the Lieutenant was telling stories of unfortunate happenings in the real estate business. Thinking, I don't show houses, so I most likely will never need to think about being in a compromising situation while Staging. After all, the doors are locked if I happen to be alone at the property. Keyword: ALONE.
Last week I had agreed to pull together our team and Stage late in the day because the DC area was about to get yet another snow storm. We needed to be ready for the weekend. So moved up the date two days.
I wasn't alone at 4:30 pm at the property we of Staged Home Decor were Staging last week. We had just unloaded the final item from the final load into the property. We were just about to close up the van and move it from directly in front of the property. Just then, a woman burst through the front door. She was yelling and screaming and cursing, that we were blocking her driveway. Evidently this was pent up anger at contractors working at the property before us and were either on street in front of the house and blocking her driveway. It sounded and appeared clear, she felt she should have clear pavement on both sides of the entire street in front of her property across street at all times. Vehicles parked anywhere within her sight were forbidden!...by the way, We were not blocking her driveway. Well, after allowing her to vent she turned and left, went across the street and got into her car, backed down the driveway and went down the street. We moved the van and went to work. The project was being completed as team members left in turns to go home to their small children and family.
I remained alone, Little 5 feet tall me, to load the empty containers and close up the property.
Oh, did I mention, the listing agent lived next door? Well, she was coming back and forth and I felt secure getting out of there on my own. FAT CHANCE!
It is dark outside. I was just 2 minutes from being able to close up and go home. Long day... I was placing my tool kit in the back of the van and I saw car lights. I made sure the door was not out in the street beside me and continued to fit the kit in the tight space I had left for it. Well, BANG! the door hits me in the left side of my body and this woman it screaming and cursing like a madwoman. I was shocked and scared to death. Not bad enough? then comes the driver of her car, a man with an umbrella pointed at me screaming and cursing me. They were blocking me from moving and threatening me if I tried to leave. As she was going to call the police because I wouldn't engage her and she just was fed up with the cars in front of her home. Here is where the protection package comes in...why didn't I have mace??? I was so frightened. A crazy woman in my face and a man with an umbrella pointing and shaking in my face. I did get my cellphone from my pocket and dialed 911, afraid of physical attack when I finally did it. Seeing me do this and hearing me talking, she ran to the agents home screaming, I mean loudly screaming as I talked to the 911 operator. Thank goodness she went to the agent, because I then I could go back into the house then I had some help. Let say too, Not a neighbor came out of their home to help me. The police responded with two units and I can't say anything was resolved with her. But I got away. I am having nightmares every night and I am truly emotionally shaken.
I can't believe in that neighborhood, anything like that could ever happen to me by a homeowner. This is a very good residential neighborhood in Rockville.
Let this be a lesson. No neighborhood is too good for all safety precautions to be taken. NEVER be alone working without protection. And agents take my advice, beware of biting neighbors!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Something Big in Home Staging in Maryland and DC Metro Area From NYC RainCamp
Something big in Home Staging MD and DC Metro Area is just what I mean! I promise to take it UP a NOTCH!
I spent the day in NYC RainCamp, and I have gained a new feeling about what is going to happen. I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was given so much information to enable me to offer Staging tips to Realtors in Potomac and all of Montgomery County, MD as well as, all of DC Metro area. My blogging will gain new momentum. I am still coming down from the high.
I wrote my first blog about 2 weeks ago and it stated this could be the start of something big.
I had no idea how my blog will progress. I learned I didn't know a thing! I am so green; and not with envy...oh well, yes green with envy too. I only wish I could be half as good as the panel of bloggers chosen from the attendees right on the spot. Patricia Kennedy, Cindy Jones and Sheldon Neal(click here to see his blog post about NYC RainCamp with photos). It was so encouraging to hear how they are doing it.
I had no idea how my blog will progress. I learned I didn't know a thing! I am so green; and not with envy...oh well, yes green with envy too. I only wish I could be half as good as the panel of bloggers chosen from the attendees right on the spot. Patricia Kennedy, Cindy Jones and Sheldon Neal(click here to see his blog post about NYC RainCamp with photos). It was so encouraging to hear how they are doing it.
Ben, Bob and Brad are so fantastic! I was working on 2 hours sleep and I didn't get the least bit tired all day. The adrenalin they were producing was sooo contagious! Vivian Gilbert and I were making it a round-trip day on Amtrak and we didn't stop talking or even need to sleep. I can't wait to be there at DC Rain Camp in May.
Looking forward to bringing Something Big in Home Staging in Maryland and DC Metro area for Realtors, Owners and Investors.
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