Introduction to Home Staging

I am in a writing course and have been using bits of a novel I wrote but still in it’s early stages during the course as a guide. Now we have to write an introduction and synopsis. I am afraid that if I reveal the story somebody will pinch my idea. But it will help me with the novel. Any suggestions?

Copyright your work… that way, no one can steal it.

Then you can discuss it without worrying

I am tasked with selling my mother’s house now that she has gone into a nursing home. The realtor is insisting that I complete a long shopping/decorating list to "stage" the house for sale. I had assumed it would be sold empty, after a few necessary repairs and upgrades.

The idea of staging completely throws off my timeline in terms of having an estate sale to sell furniture, etc., having the house professionally cleaned by a service, having the hardwood floors refinished, etc., etc., etc. It makes a really complicated, stressful job a whole lot worse for me.

Is staging really necessary or can I just tell her I want to sell it empty? I’m not looking to soak every possible dollar out of the sale, I just want to get it done.

Thank you.

They are only suggesting what they think will sell the house more quickly. You are the seller and in control and remember they are working for you. So do what you want to do, if they insist, get another agent.
Good luck.

I’m just at the signing contract stage of buying a house, but the vendor has now – after 6 weeks, decided she wants to buy a house (she previously was planning on renting) & wants to tie it all in…meaning my move in date will be delayed. I’m living temporarily with a friend after giving up my rented accom & am trapped in a nightmare! Should I threaten to pull out? Though I don’t actually want to! Is there any way of hurrying her along? Would really appreciate some advice! Thanks

I am an agent and this does happen quite regularly. Legally there is nothing that you can do….The Vendor is reliant on your cash for her onward purchase tho, so technically you hold the cards. I would explain your position to the agent and make it clear that this was not the agreement and that you cannot wait a possible 2-3 months longer. You may have to threaten to pull out, but beware if the property is saleable and she knows this, she may call your bluff and try for a new flexible purchaser!

Are there necessary certifications and/or training? What else do I need to know about this business? Any books that can be recommended? Websites? Thank you!

You need to know how to explain to people that their kids’ art has to come off the fridge, and painting over the purple wall in the living room is well worth the money. Anyone can pack up people’s stuff and clean off shelves and garages. Psychology and tact are the skills that are the hardest to master, especially when it comes to religious and/or ethnic themes and items. Negotiation skills will serve you well, and an understanding of different personality types, biases, and traditions.

Connections with realtors will be almost mandatory. Work for free for 6-8 homes to get some experience and references if you do not already have a customer base that is easily reachable.

If you are referring to scaffolding to be able to work safely on heights then you can call your local rent-all centre…they will deliver for you.

Hi there! I just bought a beautiful new home and all the walls are off-white and neutral . . . anyone have any decorating tips or sites I can refer to to spruce it up and give it a feel?? The model homes had amazing color schemes like navy blue with pewter and burgundy with gold . . . any ideas or sites I can refer to??

First congratulation on your beautiful new home .next go to benjaminmoore.com they have the best paint site and full of tips and color options along with the option of putting pictures of your rooms on and virtually painting them

Our agent says we are priced below our comps and that we get a lot of traffic on the internet and at open houses. Our house has been on the market for 38 days and we have has a total of 2 viewings apart from our open houses. Our house is nicely staged and it looks like a model home. What gives? What should we be asking of our agent? We basically have about $25,000 wiggle room in the price and we were hoping to use that as a "haggling" cushion. Should we shave the price now? Our house is a 1928 tudor in a neighborhood where comps are really difficult as no 2 properties are alike. Is it too early for me to freak out? Should I be concerned about lack of showings if we’re doing well with open houses and on the web as far as hits? Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can impart!
Also our next door neighbor is our agent and friend so it’s a lot more of a sensitive issue –so we can’t go all Rambo on our agent
Oooooo—good point, Angie! I didn’t really think about that. Do you think there’s a conflict of interest here?

How long is the contract with your realitor? Conflict of interest or not – it is is not selling, list it with someone else or try it on your own for say 30 days.

Offer seller concessions of up to 6 percent of the closing costs may help. Offer to pay the appriasal. Print up flyers to hospitals, factories, businesses, grocery stores, with the picture of your home. Listing price, selling price, give up some equity in the home if need be. Good Luck to you. (ok)

I have simple taste, and I hate clutter. I know what looks good, I just have problems putting it all together.

Ok. I can understand and relate to that. Here are some ideas:

http://www.jiancai365.cn/decorating/Tips-For-Decorating-A-Clutter-Free-Home.htm

http://www.interior-design-it-yourself.com/minimalist-interior-design.html

http://www.gharexpert.com/articles/Home-Improvement-1948/Clutter-Free-Bathroom_0.aspx

http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=2939&cat=1&by=1

http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-the-Minimalist-Decorating-Style&id=806266

http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/minimalist-style.html

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/decorating/bathroom-decorating-ideas3.htm

http://freshome.com/2008/10/23/modern-minimalist-bedroom-interior-design-ideas/

Enjoy!

I have discovered that the house I live in has a manhole in the living room – the living room is in an extension that was built at a different stage to when the house was built.

Now, do you know if this means the house is not fit for rental and should therefore have never been rented out? If so, can I sue the landlord and get my money back? I’ve been in the house for 4 years, but only found out recently when a neighbour renovating his house asked me if he could have access to the manhole in my living room to unblock the drain.

what do you suggest I do? I’m renting with foxtons, in clapham
thanks for all your answers! I’ll contact the citizens advice bureau to find out more, but your comments have all ben extremely helpful!

You need to go to the CAB these will tell you your rights.

looking for ideas for my lounge-fancy a New England kind of look but can’t find any inspiration.

The success of any decorating scheme depends on how well it suits all the members of your family. To create a décor that you will be happy with, think about what you want and also what you don’t want.

It’s a good idea to know what you have before you begun to change things. As you begin to pull your design ideas together, think about your preference and what will work in your home.

Color can work wonders… it can change the look of a room and change your feeling about the room. You can start by looking through magazines, and catalogs. Give yourself plenty of time, it will take longer than you think, and your ideas will develop as you go.

Gathering samples is a great way to begin. If you are starting with a color, your samples might include fabric, paint chips, wallpaper, carpet, wood, stone, and tile.

Knowing what you can spend on a project will give you a clearer idea of what you can achieve. If you’ll on a limited budget, mark off those things that will make the most difference, such as a new wall color and a new sofa.

You can set the mood of a room in lots of ways, such as lights, and furnishings. There are no hard or fast rules or must-do sequence for this process.