Introduction to Home Staging

To decorate and stage homes for sale

If you are asking how to do it…….one realtor told me some ways stage and quickly…unless it needs a total overhall. Weed and fresh mulch flowerbeds, clean windows, open blinds, all of them!!, wipe walls down with rag, and or walk around with that can of paint and a little brush and touch up where you have chipped it off. Get some lemon oil and do ALL of the wood baseboards and all. Rid it of clutter, get it out, store it, even in the garage. They said cleanliness is key….if you over decorate, which is nice, but they will spend time looking at that not your house. Last, bake some cookies or bread before an open house, it makes the house smell yummy and put them in an "at home" feeling.

I have recently been thinking of starting a Home Staging business (the process of designing a home for sale), what do you think? Would you use a home staging service if your home was for sale? I have looked online and there are a lot of certification classes that you can take, however they aren’t required and they are expensive. Do you think that makes a difference? Does anyone have any helpful advice for someone that wants to get into this business? I’m looking for serious answers please, thank you!

I would recommend that you do a couple of houses for free, or a very small fee (just have the homeowner pay for the rentals and small items). Then you can photograph them and write up your success stories of how you helped these houses sell. Then you can begin charging a real fee.

What would be a reasonable hourly rate for a professional home stager?
Thanks all, I was actually inquiring for a friend who is looking to start her own business after getting laid off from a design position. She was curious about what she could reasonably charge per hour for her services.

That would depend on the amount of staging being done. If they are just removing the clutter and rearranging what you own, in the Northeast it’s $15.00 per hour

If they are painting and renting furniture, doing a little updating and landscaping the going rate is $25.00 per hour

If they are calling in outside contractors for some remodeling you will be paying the stager and the contractor.

These wages include client participation. If you are leaving the staging entirely up to the designer you will pay significantly more.

What is the best way to market my company besides print advertising?

start small
post free ads in your local craigslist.com

put flyer’s on bulletin boards in grocery stores

when you do a job well done, word of mouth is the best advertising

If you are just beginning a new project, invest a moment to read about “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”. Here we discuss 7 common mistakes that can prevent your project from reaching your design goals.

1. Don’t Forget… “The Wow Effect”

We have all seen it before. At times it is almost impossible to describe. Everyone is trying to create this dramatic effect in their home or business, but it is very elusive. There truly is an art to creating “The Wow Effect”. Most Architects and Interior Designers will look back on their careers, and reflect on one or two projects that they are most proud of. On those occasions, they were able to bring all of the elements together and create… “The Wow Effect”.

When you are just beginning your next project, set the visual and effect goals for the project very high. If members of your design team can see that you are not passionate about the project, they will follow your lead, resulting in a less than dramatic effect.

There will be many days, when it seems like every idea that is presented, falls short of creating the drama. When this happens, sleep on it, and take your ideas with you to bed. Think about the emotion and sense the completed vision of your project. The next day, you will be amazed at the variety of ideas that will present themselves. Not sure why this works… just know that it does.

2. Oops… Clearly Identify The Vision Of Your Project

Often times when we are beginning a new project, we are so eager to get started, we will hurry out, choose our favorite wall color, and start painting. Next, we will begin our search for the other layers of the project. Unfortunately, many times the effect does not always create the drama we had hoped for.

Important – At the very beginning of any project, and before anything is purchased, painted, or papered, you must visualize the entire project from beginning to end. You may find a dramatic finish, texture, or fabric, which would require a different shade of paint or change the direction of the project completely.

Most people will minimize the importance of this step. You will invest a lot of time working this process. But, if you truly wish to create a dramatic project, you must visually complete your project from beginning to end. There is no easy way to do this. The more detailed the specifics, the greater the chance for a dramatic effect.

3. Funding… Establish an Interior Design Budget

It is so important to identify a budget for your Interior Design Project. The cost for ideas can swing dramatically in price. Once you have established your budget, this will provide the needed structure, and will ensure your project is completed on time.

Through the design process, new ideas will be introduced, which may raise your budget. Many Interior Design projects are completed in phases. Most of us do not have unlimited funds.

Clearly identifying the approximate cost of the entire project, will give you the needed structure for this process.

At this point you can make the decision whether to divide your project into phases. Breaking your project into Interior Design phases ensures that your Interior Design Project will have funding, without settling for a collection of design effects that may fall short of your initial vision.

You can now focus on creating the vision and the drama, without becoming overwhelmed with the financial numbers of the project. Do not begin your Interior Design project, until you have established an Interior Design budget for the entire project. This will become the foundation for the project, and will release your energy to focus on … Creative and Dramatic Interior Design.

4. Capturing Your Ideas, Always Begin with a …”Design Board”

Dramatic Interior Design ideas are like the wind. You need to capture all new ideas as they appear. Most people do not do this, but this is such an important step.

When you are creating your design project, put all of your ideas on a presentation board or design board. These are often called concept boards or mood boards.

It is much easier to test new colors, fabrics, textures, or ideas. You will sense when “The Wow Effect” magic is beginning to happen and your Interior Design project is taking form.

Focusing your creative energy is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”. There are no short cuts or easy ways to create dramatic design. We have all seen Interior Design Projects, where an investment of a little more thought, and creative focus, may have produced a more dramatic effect.

When all of your ideas are placed on a design board, visually, you will be able to sense what is creating drama and what is not working. Introducing new ideas is much easier and the process will start to flow.

Finally, you will never forget the moment, when everything is working, and your design project is taking form. It is almost like a “Runners High”. All of the elements are finally coming together, creating the dramatic vision of your project.

If you truly wish to create “The Wow Effect”, do not skip this critical step. Your investment is too great, not to ensure a final dramatic effect. Always use a design board or concept board on any Interior Design project.

5. Understanding … The Principles of Layering Color, Texture, and Effect

Think about it, almost everything that is appealing to the eye, was created with layers of Color, Texture, and Effect. Visually, we love to admire things that incorporate the “Principles of Layering”.

Color and Texture are the tools you work with, and Effect is that intangible that is generated when you bring the layers together.

Think of the seasons, how in the Fall, the colors naturally compliment each other. If the wrong colors were introduced, the final effect would be much different.

Your layers will include, your Floor Plan or Unique Spaces of Opportunity, Paint, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finish, Wallpaper, Ceiling Finish, Flooring, Fabrics, Furniture, Drapery, Lighting, Accessories, and Plants.

There truly is an art to layering. On your design board you will learn first hand about the principles of layering. Your senses will tell you immediately what is working and what is not creating drama.

Invest some time to learn more about “The Principles of Layering”. There are many good books on this interesting subject. Dramatic Interior Design can only be created in layers.

6. You are the Director … “The Importance of Staging”

Staging is the process of creating the mood, ambiance, and feelings, for a designated are. This is such an important step to learn.

Correctly staging the area that… precedes your next area of opportunity, is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”.

If you have too many colors, decorative items, or visual confusion going on in the staging area, this can and will distract from your unique spaces of opportunity.

Staging will create the maximum effect and control the visual emotion as you move through your home. Drama and effect are rarely created by accident.

Remember, “You Are The Director”. How you set the stage, light the room, choose yours colors and texture, will determine the success of your Interior Design Project.

Learn more about the “Importance of Staging” and “How to Stage you Home”. If this is done correctly, walking through your home will be like reading a great novel. You cannot wait to get to the next room or chapter.

7. Looking for Ideas? … Share a Coffee with an Interior Designer

Everyone is always interested in a good idea. If you feel you would like to discuss your ideas and your project with someone else, I would strongly encourage you to meet with an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator.

There is no obligation for this meeting, but you will be surprised how your project will become focused almost immediately. Ask around to your friends for referrals, to view some of there previous projects, and also discuss their fees.

Everyone will not need an Interior Designer. But there may be times, when the layers of your Interior Design project are not coming together. When this happens, meeting with an Interior Designer may be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Finally, creating “Dramatic Interior Design” is a challenging process. You will spend many days of struggle and effort. At times the tension and difficulty of the process, will make you want to surrender. But I am here to tell you, if you stay with it, and invest the time…

“Someday in the still of your home, you may hear your friends or family members quietly whisper … Wow!

“At that moment, no words need to be spoken, you know in your heart, … You Did It!”

Mark Nordgren

Mark Nordgren
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/7-interior-design-mistakes-to-avoid-681722.html

for Home Staging business

Call a local realty company and ask if any of their agents use a staging service and what the name(s) of the companies are. Then call those companies and see if you can either intern for them or if they are hiring.

You do need to have an idea of what and how to stage. I know there are schools now that offer this training.

In today’s high-stakes world of real estate sales you may, at some time be approached by your realtor and be asked to have your home staged. This process is becoming ever more popular in home sales and as it gains popularity it becomes ever more necessary; due to the fact that staged homes simply show better. This simple fact has led to the explosion of the Home Staging industry and it takes little effort to find a stager in almost any town or city.Any stager will operated along the same principles; get rid of clutter and mess and improve the visual qualities of all rooms.This is true in all staging as homes in their lived-in condition can sometimes be harder to sell as they do have that “lived in” look. This can make it more difficult to sell a home as places such as this tend to impart too much of the seller to the buyer, thereby making it hard for the buyer to gain a sense of comfort in the home.

Comfort for viewers is incredibly important, too many prospective sales have left homes because they just “don’t feel right.” Much of the time this is due to your daily items being in their line of sight, This is one reason why some stagers will suggest that you use rental furniture specially chosen for the staging process. With rental or replacement furniture, the stager can tailor colors and patterns to compliment the home and you can get started on your packing without having to worry about showing an empty home. Unfortunately ‘lived in” is not really the look you are shooting for here, what is preferable is the “showroom” look that you see in magazines and furniture stores. This has become the reality of home sales. Simply cleaning the home has ceased to be sufficient to ensure a quick sale and buyers are looking for something more in homes that they view and the responsibility to provide that has fallen to the seller. Sellers must supply more of a complete package than ever before and staging has proven to a great way to do this.

John West
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/home-staging-and-you-171189.html

http://www.globalspan.net/staging.htm

I found this site that has some basic info. I’m not sure how much info you need on the subject but this had some pointers.

This home is in not near any large cities, and even though there are three listed in the phone book, all are out of business.
The realtor could not tell me, and there are only two agents on the lake.

If there are interior design programs available through any local technical colleges near you, it may be possible for you to offer your home to them as a project house at a more than usual reduced end cost to you for the service. If they aren’t in need of any "project houses" it may be worth your while to inquire about any recent grad’s who might be in need of a cash job and some real world experience, also technical colleges oftentimes will have an online bulletin board or something where you could post an ad.

Staging my home for sale, but not moving out: What should I do with my elliptical machine?

I have a relatively small 3 bedroom 1.5 bath ranch style house from the early 1980s with bedrooms on one side of the house and kitchen/dining/living room on the other.

It’s only about 1100-1200 square feet, but the space is used well and “feels” larger than it is due to a great layout.

I have done a lot of work on the inside and out have this one staging issue left:

I use my elliptical trainer every day and want to continue to, but the only place it fits in my house is in this perfect little enclave in the living room where there is a notch cut out of the wall.

Problem is, that notch is one of the best architectural features of the whole house and could really be used to sell the house by placing an entry table, secretary. wine storage, large mirror, beautiful plant, or something along those lines there.

That little notch is the difference between “ordinary aging smallish
3, 1.5” and “wow, this place is pretty nice for an affordable first home”.

The main part of the house is pained a warm golden color, neutral but warm. I was thinking of painting the notch an eggplant color to make it stand out and decorating it for sale…but…what do I do with my elliptical – it won’t fit anywhere else? Should I

1) Buy a pretty privacy screen and a plant, and still paint it eggplant?

2) Leave it as it and forget about it?

3) Give up my elliptical and store it while I’m trying to sell?

4) Other?

Leave it as it is. If it was out in the middle of a room, or interfering with the view of the space, I’d move it. The screen might be more of distraction than a help. The eliptical isn’t a huge deal, people can imagine the space with it in place.

Good luck selling your home!