Barker and Hedges Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Home Staging & Curb Appealhttps://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/Copyright BarkerHedges.com2013-07-10T09:44:23-07:00tag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:23703 Home Staging Tips for the Spring Real Estate Selling SeasonIt is almost the start of the spring selling season in Minnesota. The art of staging a home - the visual preparation of a residence for sale in the real estate marketplace - could be the key to helping your home sell. Whether your househas been on the <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/twin-cities-real-estate/" target="_blank">Twin Cities real estate</a> market for a year or is just being put up for sale for the first time, now is a good time to do some <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/" target="_blank">home staging</a> for when potential buyers come to call.1. Do your research. Take some time to evaluate the staging of other homes, whether its through photographs online or by attending open houses. This is a great way to get ideas if you're not sure what a staged home should look like.2. Clean, declutter and depersonalize. Staging is more than just making your house look good. It is about creating situations where buyers can "mentally move in" or visualize living in your home. Ensure that all rooms are spotlessly clean before showings. Depersonalize as much as possible, including reducing the amount of knick-knacks and family photos displayed.3. Don't stage the whole house. At the very least, stage the main living areas, like the living room, dining room and kitchen. Then stage at least one bedroom. If there is a room without purpose, stage it to show how it can be used.<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">Home sellers</a> don’t necessarily have to home a home stager. They can many things on their own to contribute to the staging of their home at little or no cost. When staging a home, the most important thing to remember is that buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home. Happy staging!2012-02-27T00:49:00-07:002013-07-08T22:29:38-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2173What Do Enchiladas Have To Do With Staging?In today's busy world, time is at a premium for hardworking people. "Multi-tasking" has been engrained in our daily habits so much that it is almost second-nature. For example, at this moment I am writing a blog, updating my Facebook status, planning three vacant staging projects for next week, and cooking enchiladas for dinner (beef, not chicken). <br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuZ5EFovwI/AAAAAAAAAWc/SHQ1tb6uvFk/s1600-h/busy.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuZ5EFovwI/AAAAAAAAAWc/SHQ1tb6uvFk/s320/busy.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548986943684354" style="width: 120px; height: 116px" border="0" /></a>Staging your house while juggling kids, work, and the dog may drive busy <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">sellers </a>over the edge. In situations like this, it is essential for these sellers to have a "plan of attack" when preparing their house for sale. It is the goal of <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> professional to give suggestions for color choices, furniture arrangement, and home accent placement. However, good staging consultations do not stop there. Realizing the importance of your time, stagers should prioritize your staging To-Do List. <br /><br />So many times I find sellers cleaning out underneath the bed before cleaning the stain on the carpet that Fluffy left behind. (If you are taking notes... Pet stains on carpet take priority over the junk under your bed.) <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuabpaAq7I/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zo7QhhMzLjk/s1600-h/Dog.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuabpaAq7I/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zo7QhhMzLjk/s320/Dog.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362549581076802482" style="width: 127px; height: 121px" border="0" /></a>Take me for example... although my Facebook status is long overdue for an update, it is not as important as planning my upcoming staging projects. And even though this blog post is keeping all my fan waiting (yes, fan - singular), I have been regularly checking my cooking dinner in an effort to not burn it... again. <br /><br />PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES<br />Once you have received a proritized staging list, your time will be used more efficiently; thus, allowing your to take Fluffy on an extra walk to prevent further stainage. Yes, staging your house properly does take a lot of work, but it does not need to be an overwhelming obstacle. <br /><br />While technically, this staging post does not offer the latest trend in home staging tips; hopefully, it will be an encouragment to homeowners who find themselves insanely lost in a pile of boxes and tchotchkes. There is hope. <br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuZCS-rYlI/AAAAAAAAAWU/2OoDPtbwMMg/s1600-h/images%5B2%5D.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SmuZCS-rYlI/AAAAAAAAAWU/2OoDPtbwMMg/s320/images%5B2%5D.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362548046048223826" style="width: 116px; height: 116px" border="0" /></a>The Result of Priority Planning --> The enchiladas (made from scratch) are now in the oven with the timer set... The vacant stagings are coming together... This blog is now completed... and My Facebook status awaits, if I can pry the computer away from my teenage daughter. KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" target="_blank" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" target="_blank" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation. <a href="http://www.copyscape.com/"><img src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-wh-3d-234x16.gif" alt="Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape" title="Do not copy content from the page. 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If you have ever been to the parks, you can reminisce how mouse ears, fairy princesses, and non-stop cheery music create a magical world that most children, young and old, cannot resist.Over-zealous mouse fans can unintentionally turn Disney charm into a <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> nightmare when trying to imitate the Magic Kingdom in their own room...<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SlzVMRsZd4I/AAAAAAAAAWM/Z1cSxv8xMsE/s1600-h/DisneyRm.JPG"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SlzVMRsZd4I/AAAAAAAAAWM/Z1cSxv8xMsE/s320/DisneyRm.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358392063548815234" style="width: 320px; height: 213px" border="0" /></a>Snow White, Bambi, and a myriad of characters turn this room into a cluttered sight. Notice there is no furniture, no decor, just walls full of a busy print. Therefore, when <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/home-seller-representation/">selling a house</a>, it is essential to neutralize the space for buyers. <br /><br />Neutralizing walls have positive effects: <br />Suits various decor styles and colorsIncreases the visual size of the roomReduces a cluttered atmosphereAppeals to a larger segment of buyersThis room in the picture above has a happy ending... but you will need to check out future blogs to find out!KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" target="_blank" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" target="_blank" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation. <br /> <a href="http://www.copyscape.com/"><img src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-wh-3d-234x16.gif" alt="Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape" title="Do not copy content from the page. 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All these suggestions help to create a desirable atmosphere in the house. However, there may be other "desirable" items in your house that we do not necessarily want buyers to enjoy.<br />TOP FIVE HOME STAGING PRECAUTIONS<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/441/image/rxpic_170.jpg" alt="rxpic_170" title="rxpic_170" style="width: 93px; height: 131px" height="170" width="113" align="left" />1) Move OTC ephedrine tablets and all prescription medications to a personal dresser.2) Keep personal papers containing your financial information in a secure location.3) Place kitchen knife blocks inside the cabinetry for Realtor safety.4) Empty jewelry boxes or remove entirely.5) Remove house and car keys from key hooks.<br />Now this blog post is not encouraging <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">sellers </a>to turn anthropophobic, agoraphobic, or harpaxophobic. Instead, homeowners should be empowered and secure their belongings by removing the temptations altogether. The probability of a theft occurring during a showing is quite minimal; however, we do not want to take the risk (no matter how slight it may be).<br />So, in the midst of packing your non-essential home decor (as directed by your friendly, <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging </a>professional), keep mindful of the Top Five Home Staging Precautions to secure your personal safety.<br />KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" target="_blank" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" target="_blank" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation. <br /><a href="http://www.copyscape.com/"></a><br />KFM Staging & Design "Creating First Impressions That Sell!"<a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/members/minneapolis_stager/" title="MyBlogLog"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/imybloglog.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/activerain/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iactiverain.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/blogger_id/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iblogger_id.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/facebook/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/ifacebook.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/flickr/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iflickr.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/intensedebate/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/iintensedebate.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/trulia/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itrulia.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/twitter/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/itwitter.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a><a href="http://mybloglog.com/s/zillow/minneapolis_stager/?r"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/mbl/services/izillow.png" style="border: 0px none" /></a>Visit <a href="http://www.mybloglog.com/">MyBlogLog</a> and get a signature like this!2009-07-14T12:48:00-07:002013-07-08T13:51:49-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2132Falling in Love... with a HouseAfter several blog postings of home staging tips, techniques, and examples, it was time to revisit WHY home staging helps houses to sell. So, put on your lab coats, we are dissecting the science behind the falling in love with a house.
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSeQwMbnHI/AAAAAAAAAUM/d66u3yDtl84/s1600-h/circulatory.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSeQwMbnHI/AAAAAAAAAUM/d66u3yDtl84/s320/circulatory.jpg" border="0" align="left" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSeQwMbnHI/AAAAAAAAAUM/d66u3yDtl84/s1600-h/circulatory.jpg"></a>
THE HUMAN BODY: Several chemical and physical reactions occur in the body when it encounters something it loves - pupils dilate, heart rate increases, and endorphins (happy hormones) flood the blood stream. Now, this may all seem very "unromantic," but these reactions trigger an emotional response which creates a memorable experience for buyers who are visiting your house.
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THE EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: Studies indicate that buyers decide within 5 seconds of seeing a house if they like it or not. I believe that the emotional response when purchasing is instantaneous. Whether buyers like, dislike, or are indifferent about the property they are viewing, they have drawn a conclusion about the house from their immediate emotional reaction. This is exactly why home staging is essential.
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THE HOME STAGING FACTOR: The purpose of <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> in the process of <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a> is to create an environment in the house that buyers will (literally) love. Using stylish furnishing and design principles, home staging sets the scene for what life will be like when THIS house is purchased while re-enforcing the emotional connection for buyers.
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSicTvxu7I/AAAAAAAAAUc/xVanM7IQLio/s1600-h/Logan+DR2.JPG"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSicTvxu7I/AAAAAAAAAUc/xVanM7IQLio/s320/Logan+DR2.JPG" border="0" /></a>
Understanding the physical response to a positive experience restates the necessity of home staging in today's market. So stage your house, put it on the market, and let the love fest begin!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SeSh0Vd5OPI/AAAAAAAAAUU/TyBHstjraVI/s1600-h/Logan+DR2.JPG"></a>
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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2009-04-14T08:27:00-07:002013-07-08T22:43:52-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2108A Closet Shopper<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">Staging a house</a> during a recession may make <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">sellers </a>cringe at the thought of spending money just to "decorate" a house. Although some purchases may be beneficial, most homeowner can shop for free in their very own cupboards and closets. Take a look at some no-cost decorating/staging ideas below.
BATHROOM COUNTER DECOR:
-Rolled hand towels
-Basket of mini soaps, lotions, or perfumes
-Candles
The photo below displays two hand towels arranged on the counter for added color and softness to this area.
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfZBy8NXJI/AAAAAAAAATs/VRK7wp9r0Og/s1600-h/DSCN1876.JPG"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfZBy8NXJI/AAAAAAAAATs/VRK7wp9r0Og/s320/DSCN1876.JPG" border="0" /></a>
KITCHEN COUNTER DECOR:
-Large pepper mill and salt shaker
-Jars of flour, sugar, etc.
-Glass vase with various color beans
-Platters from China set
-Cookbooks
-Fresh fruit
This kitchen is staged using fruit and decorative dishes.
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfZHC89HvI/AAAAAAAAAT0/XNUUyfHM88o/s1600-h/IMG_0620.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfZHC89HvI/AAAAAAAAAT0/XNUUyfHM88o/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" border="0" /></a>
MASTER BEDROOM DECOR:
-Neutral photo frames
-Throw blankets
-Guest pillows
-Empty jewelry box.
This master bedroom was given an instant headboard using photo frames.
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfY8eQbCtI/AAAAAAAAATk/x-sn04_klLE/s1600-h/DSCN5080.JPG"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SbfY8eQbCtI/AAAAAAAAATk/x-sn04_klLE/s320/DSCN5080.JPG" border="0" /></a>
Hard times may call for drastic measures, but when sellers use their imagination, they may save themselves a lot of money when staging their home.
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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2009-03-11T07:52:00-07:002013-07-08T20:10:15-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2096A Case for Good Balance<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">Home staging</a> has been identified as a key component to preparing <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/">houses for sale</a>. Professional stagers have been known to beautifully redesign a living room within minutes of stepping into the space, leaving home owners scratching their heads and muttering, "Why didn't I think of this before?"
The truth is, there is a fine art (yes, art) to the act of rearranging furniture and setting home accents in "just the right place." More than having good taste in decorating, stagers follow proven design principles that show off the individual layout of a house and highlight the features of each room. To accomplish these tasks, stagers perform a "balancing act" that equally distributes visual weight around the room.
In the photo below, the buffet and glass cabinet AND art work AND lack of space on the opposite wall create an over-crowded and unbalanced room that weighs heavy to the right. Off-centered to the light fixture, the improper placement of the table adds to the uneven representation of this room.
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SZTnk9-ReKI/AAAAAAAAATc/l0Ja9F37wxk/s1600-h/DSCN1743.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SZTnk9-ReKI/AAAAAAAAATc/l0Ja9F37wxk/s320/DSCN1743.JPG" border="0" /></a>
Removing the buffet and cabinet allows the table to be centered under the light fixture and with the window. Eliminating the large furniture pieces also creates a "lighter feeling" on the right wall which results in balanced visual weight with the opposite wall.
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SZTngJmVQrI/AAAAAAAAATU/8ZI7WjIJrdo/s1600-h/DSCN1903.JPG"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SZTngJmVQrI/AAAAAAAAATU/8ZI7WjIJrdo/s320/DSCN1903.JPG" border="0" /></a>
Rearranging and/or eliminating furniture while staging serves a specific purpose when preparing your home for the market. When properly placed, your furniture will accentuate the positive characteristics of each room.
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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2009-02-12T21:20:00-07:002013-07-03T01:44:01-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2090Six Degrees of Home Staging - Wayne NewtonFor die-hard home stagers and staging fanatics around the world, <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> is believed to be linked to any profession, celebrity, or life event with-in six degrees.
For our first attempt, let's start with an easy one...
Wayne Newton and Home Staging
Wayne Newton is known as Mr. Vegas
Vegas's long-running top show was Siegfried and Roy
Siegfried and Roy are famous magicians
Magicians are known for their sleight-of-hand tricks
Sleight-of-hand uses misdirection to bring attention to a desired area
Attracting attention to desired areas is a key component in home staging
The master bedroom shown the photo below has several angles with low ceiling points. Having no other point-of-interest, the eye is immediately drawn to these low-set roof lines. <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/buying/">Home buyers</a> (especially those over 4'10") may view this master bedroom as a series of obstacles.
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SYCx8dgL9bI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/OV1-GxgtZSI/s1600-h/DSCN3799.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SYCx8dgL9bI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/OV1-GxgtZSI/s320/DSCN3799.JPG" border="0" /></a>
The staged photo below shows how staging redirects the eye from negative features by creating a visual display that captures buyers' attention. Instead of focusing on the negatives, staging allows buyers to see how to work around less desired areas of a home.
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SYCyDbMBaAI/AAAAAAAAARE/9QTfZEw_NP8/s1600-h/PanBed1a.JPG"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SYCyDbMBaAI/AAAAAAAAARE/9QTfZEw_NP8/s320/PanBed1a.JPG" border="0" /></a>
Some critics of home staging accuse stagers of "covering up" flaws in the house; however, that is a uneducated or misunderstood concept of the profession. Home staging shows us how to optimize the unique characteristics of each house.
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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2009-01-28T13:25:00-07:002013-07-04T05:00:54-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2073The Holidays Are Over... Now What?!Once the presents have been opened and the guests have gone home, your house may need extra attention to return it to prime showing condition.
REMOVE HOLIDAY/SEASONAL DECOR: Pine garland, snowman decorations, and ornamental lights should be packed up no later than the second day in January.
CLEAN UP: Paper scraps, champagne bottles, and expired leftovers should be tossed to keep your house looking tidy.
REDUCE OLD INVENTORY: As your children collect new toys from Santa, pack away some older items to reduce the amount of clutter in their bedrooms. *This tip may be applied to the adult children of the house as well!
REMAIN POSITIVE: Even though the selling process can be quite stressful, retaining a positive attitude will help to decompress the pressure in your home. Instead of complaining about the showings or the lack thereof, use your energy to be proactive in the sale of your house.
Let the New Year bring in a fresh perspective on <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling your house</a>! When it comes to <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a>, clean, reduce, and pack are the keys to post-holiday celebrations.
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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2009-01-01T11:06:00-07:002013-07-08T10:30:49-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2058Holiday Staging Tips<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SSMcG6nDJXI/AAAAAAAAAGo/5LXTDOxyd3k/s1600-h/KFM_logo_RGB.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8gzhfoWtmtQ/SSMcG6nDJXI/AAAAAAAAAGo/5LXTDOxyd3k/s200/KFM_logo_RGB.jpg" /></a>
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Tidings, and Festivus Greetings to all!<a href="/selling/">
Selling a home</a>? No matter what holiday you are celebrating, staging your home during this time of the year can be hassle-free by following these simple guidelines:
CURB APPEAL: Without going Clark Griswold on your roof, tastefully use exterior Christmas lights to stir up warm feelings in your buyers. Now that our days are shorter, it is important to use artificial lighting to set the mood. Avoid using large outdoor displays. Inflated snow globes may look neat, but buyers will have a hard time looking past it and may miss your landscaping and other exterior features.
USE MINIMAL SEASONAL DECOR: Keep seasonal decor to localized areas such as the fireplace mantle, table center pieces, and vanities. Having just a few pieces will give the "flavor" of the season without "overwhelming the taste buds." Displaying too many decorations create unwanted effects on your home. 1) Buyers will not remember the house's features, 2) The house will appear small and cluttered, 3) Overwhelming religious holiday decor may be offensive to hardcore PC buyers.
KEEP DECOR TIMELY: Once your holiday is done, pack the decor ASAP. A house that retains holiday or seasonal decor past its due date has a neglected atmosphere. Avoid using holiday or seasonal decor when photographing your listing
SEASONAL FRAGRANCES: Although tempting, using candles, potpourri, and room fresheners may irritate sensitive buyers. Instead, use natural fragrances such a baked cookies and simmering cider to boost the aromas in your home.
Home staging for an occupied residence is a continuous process. Use this time of the year to create a warm atmosphere through neutral seasonal decor and common sense.
KFM Staging & Design is a <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/" title="KFM Staging & Design">Minnesota home staging company</a> that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> consultations. Visit our website for <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/tips.html" title="Home Staging Tips">staging tips</a> or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.
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</a>2008-11-28T16:15:00-07:002013-07-09T02:16:41-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2049Extreme Makeover - Furniture EditionHome staging involves using the home owner's existing furnishings if possible. However, when dated furniture depreciates the appeal of a house, additional action must be taken. Below are "quick fixes" to expensive problems to help you with <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>:
Dated/Worn Furniture: If your furniture has seen better days or is just plain ugly, slip covers offer an inexpensive solution. Stretchy furniture covers, described by some as "Spanx for your sofa," eliminates the shiftiness of loose fitting overs. These wonders can transform wing-back chairs, love seats, and full couches to a like-new appearance. (CLICK HERE to watch a "how to" video)
Scratched/Knicked Tables: Scratches in wood furniture pieces can be minimized by using stain pens available in any home improvement store. You literaly color your problems away! Table tops and chairs that require more care may be updated with coat of glossy black spray paint. (CLICK HERE for pen link)
Dull Cabinetry: To fill in worn areas of your cabinetry or wood floor, use Old English Scratch Remover. Although temporary, this oil will help the wood in the worn areas look rich again.
Outdated Headboard: A dated headboard can make your entire master bedroom dreary. Simply remove the headboard all together and keep the mattress on the metal frame. A visual headboard can be created through your pillows and hanging art work over the bed.
Updating your furniture may be an essential part of <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a>, but you don't need to spend a fortune to make your room look like a million bucks!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that creates “First Impressions that Sell” in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. Many of our staging clients use KFM’s redesign consulting service in their new house to create a designer look. Visit our website for staging tips or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.2008-11-11T18:31:00-07:002013-07-09T14:52:17-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2042A Time for Reflection<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/kfm_logo_rgb.jpg" title="KFM Staging & Design"></a>
This post is a sequal to a previous blog addressing art placement.
With the wide variety of frames available, mirrors are excellent ways to add a decorative element to your walls, brighten a dark hallway, or visually enlarge a room. As with other wall art, it is important to apply the principles of size, height, and space when choosing where to place a mirror; however, there is an additional factor to be considered when hanging mirrors: reflection.
Improper mirror placement is regarded by some as one of the deadly home staging sins when it comes to <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>. So many sellers are afflicted by reflections of ceilings, floors, and blank walls... never knowing the truth of proper staging principles. Fortunately, redemption is at hand.
Mirror Placement Dos and Do Nots
DO: Reflect the focal point or secondary focal point of the room. Mirrors reflecting empty spaces or stairways should be replaced with another art piece.
DO NOT: Hang more than two mirrors in a room unless it is displayed as a series. Too many mirrors creates visual chaos in the room because of multiple reflections.
DO: Place mirrors high enough to reflect the entire head of the subject. Even a bad case of bed head should not deter you from hanging a mirror at the proper height. Mirrors that are hung to low may simply be too small for the space.
DO NOT: Hang mirrors facing each other. Not only do facing mirrors give the room a peculiar unbalance (a.k.a. bad chi), you may inadvertently create a third dimension vortex as see on "The Twilight Zone."
Although buyers may not understand the technical explanations behind interior design principles, if a design "sin" has occurred, buyers will sense what is known as JDLR (just doesn't look right) which results in an odd impression of the house.
When properly displayed, mirrors offer valuable decorative contributions to your home. Sellers can use these principles in their existing house as a <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> technique then apply these same elements in their new house to create a designer style to enjoy for years!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that creates “First Impressions that Sell” in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. Many of our staging clients use KFM's redesign consulting service in their new house to create a designer look. Visit our website for staging tips or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.2008-11-03T11:01:00-07:002013-06-26T20:17:48-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2033"Your kids aren't THAT cute" and Other Things Your Realtor Won't Tell YouIn the world of real estate, a seller has control over two things: the price of their property and condition of their home. While Realtors help sellers determine a price, many agents count on home stagers to deliver the "bad news" to their clients about the appearance of their house.
TOP TEN THINGS (some) REALTORS WON'T TELL YOU
"Your kids aren't that cute... pack the photos."
"Multi-colored carpet does not include stains."
"Hummel collections are not considered focal points."
"Toilet seat covers do not qualify as 'spa-like' accessories."
"Mint green is not a neutral color."
"Your dining table should never be used as long-term storage space." <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/dog.jpg" title="dog.jpg"></a>
"Most buyers are not looking for Jeff Gordon themed houses."
"No amount of scented candles are going to remove that odor."
"Lack of lighting does not 'set the mood.'"
"Crotch-sniffing dogs rarely make good hosts."
There is a lot of work that goes into properly preparing a <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">house for sale</a> on the real estate market. This task is made easier by getting a professional evaluation from a trained home stager. Stagers will identify the "red flags" that could hinder a sale as well as develop a plan that will make your listing stand out from the competition. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">Home staging</a> has been a secret weapon in the real estate wars, and it continues to win victories in the current makret. Even though some Realtors may not want to deliver the bad news to their clients; they can rely on professional stagers who will respectfully help sellers through the staging process.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that creates "First Impressions that Sell" in the Twin Cites and Western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in vacant staging and staging consultations. Visit our website for staging tips or to schedule your in-home or online consultation.2008-10-16T11:21:00-07:002013-07-06T08:09:25-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2021Home Staging - Size Does Matter<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/kfm_logo_rgb.jpg" title="KFM Staging & Design"></a>
Adding art requires more consideration than picking between a nail or a screw.
When <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>, proportion and placement of home accents are just as important as choosing the style. Improper placement of an art piece will cause focal point confusion; furthermore, choosing decor that is out-of-scale with the space will leave buyers questioning the quality of the home. Take a look at the examples below:
Many amatuer decorators are under the impression that art work needs to be hung at eye-level; the problem with that theory is that what is eye-level for you isn't necessarily eye-level for the buyer.
In the photo to the left, the art pieces (hung at eye-level) leave too much space between the pieces and the furniture. The phenomenon is called "floating art syndrome," and this room suffered from a double case with breakouts on both walls.The perscription for this "illness" is to reduce and lower. The photo below shows how the artwork has been condensed to the focal point of the room and lowered to create a more intimate atmophere. (Dr. KFM has cured the patient, and this house is now sold!)
<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/red-after.JPG" title="red-after.JPG"></a>
<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/red-after.JPG" title="red-after.JPG"></a>The next example (to the right) shows a bedroom with art work that is too small for the space. Ignoring all the other obvious flaws displayed in the picture, this relatively small art piece is dwarfed by the king-sized bed. If you thought the corrective measure would be to add a larger art piece, you would be right and wrong.
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By adding a larger art piece, the room will start to look unbalanced (topic to be addressed on another post). The method of correction would be to choose a piece or series of pieces that would add length but does not overwhelm the wall.
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Rememer the "intimate" feeling created by lowering the art in the living room (pictured above). This intimate setting should be refected in the master bedroom as well. The photo below shows several small framed pieces placed side-by-side to create a horizontal display that is as grand as the bed itself but is not over-powering.
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The improper placement of home decor and art pieces may seem like an unlikely culprit that hinders the sale of your home, but it is a "quiet killer" that leaves a bad impression on buyers. So whether you are preparing your house for sale or are just updating it for your own pleasure, style, size, and placement of art should be considered before picking up your hammer.
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The examples above show how good intentions at <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> backfired due to lack of knowledge. After consulting with KFM Staging & Design, these sellers were shown the proper staging techniques that gave their house memorable appeal. Your largest financial investment deserves a professional evaluation!
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KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that has been creating "First Impressions that Sell" in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities. For more home staging tips or to schedule an in-home or online consultation, visit our website at www.kfmstaging.com.2008-09-30T14:51:00-07:002013-07-09T20:25:11-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:2014Home Staging Tips for FallThe transition from summer to fall signifies more than just back to school and football. Individuals who are <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a house</a> should use the changing of the seasons to re-evaluate the showing condition of their home.
Home Staging Tips for Fall:
Curb Appeal: Don't be too eager to winterize the lawn mower. Even in cool weather, regular yard care should be exercised; a lush, manicured yard translates into a well-cared for home. Be sure to cut back dead or dying perenials and replace with fall blooms such as mums. Fallen leaves, sticks, and other yard debris should be gathered and moved to a compositing collection site.
Fall Decorations: Both indoors and out, keep your fall decorations to a tasteful minimum. Setting out too many (or too large) yard displays will not only decrease the visual size of your yard, but it will distract the buyers from what they really should be focusing on... your home. Instead of setting up your impromptu grave yard for the kiddies, use neutral fall decor (such as pumpkins and small hay bales) that appeals to the adult buyer. (see photo below)
Seasonal Scents: Nothing conjures up warm memories of family better than the sweet, spicy scents of fall. However, using artificial sprays may irritate some buyers; and lighting scented candles for showings can be a fire hazard. Natural scents such as freshly baked spice cookies or simmering apple cider adds a fresh aroma without overpowering the buyer.
Making the effort to update your listing during the change of seasons will ensure that your home remains fresh and therefore attracts a greater number of buyers.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating "First Impressions that Sell" in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities. For more home staging tips visit our website at <a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com">www.kfmstaging.com</a>.2008-09-20T16:06:00-07:002013-07-09T08:30:10-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1996Home Staging De-Clutter Series, Part III<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/kfm_logo_rgb.jpg" title="KFM Staging & Design"><br /></a>
Home Staging Physics: Clutter attracts clutter.
Unorganized papers on your desk... Your children's toys pushed into the corner... Overflowing magazines and newspapers on the kitchen table... What is the common thread in all these scenarios? Once one of these piles have been establish, it multiplies overnight! (Hence the <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> physics lesson for today.)
When papers, toys, or magazines do not have a proper storage place, it turns into clutter. If you are <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>, the piles of "un-stored" items (aka clutter) needs to be removed.
The example below shows a master bedroom that is being used as a storage space. In this state, buyers will not see this room as a restful retreat.
After a staging consulation by KFM Staging & Design, the exercise equipment, children's clothing, and magazines were removed, and neutral accessories were added. The result is a clean and peaceful space that is sure to attract buyers!
Removing clutter is one of the most effective techniques of home staging! Although these items may be precious to you, it will not help you sell your home. Pack away your excess belongings to get them out of the way and ready to move to your new home!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-09-08T12:03:00-07:002013-07-04T16:49:04-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1992Home Staging De-Clutter Series, Part II"How you live in your home and how you sell your house is two different things." In staging circles, this sentence is uttered to clients daily. However, it is widely under-appreciated by those who have not experienced staging in their own homes.
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While living in your house, function usually precedes form. Translation: even though it may not look pretty, it works for our family. When <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>, it just needs to look pretty. Take a look at the example below: In this photo, the dining room is being used as a storage space.
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For the family, this area was not being used on a daily basis, so it was convenient for them to place their unneeded items on the table.
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In this condition, buyers could not imagine eating a peaceful meal or entertaining in this room.
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Knowing that changes needed to be made, the family had an in-home staging consultation to prioritize the assignments. After removing the storage items, place settings were added with a floral arrangement for drama.
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Now, buyers can imagine entertaining in this room, hosting family holidays, and having a candle light dinner for two.
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Instead of showing clutter, the table setting tells a story of elegance while coordinating the color scheme with the rest of the home.
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The best part of staging this room was the minimal costs involved. Most items were used from the homeowners' China cabinet! The biggest investment the homeowners made was with their time and effort.
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De-cluttering may be the least glamorous part of <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a>, but it proves to be the most effective tool in helping your house sell quickly! The time invested in preparing your house for sale before it is listed will most likely reduce the time your house will remain on the market.
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Don't think of removing your extra stuff as a chore, but instead, think of it as packing early!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-08-22T03:06:00-07:002013-07-09T14:52:17-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1991Home Staging De-Clutter Series, Part IAttention Sellers: What does hair gel and room decor have in common? The answer: A little goes a long way!
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When <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a house</a>, rooms should appear uncluttered and stylish. If a room has too much decorations or stuff of any kind, buyers will miss seeing the room itself. Take a look at the example below:
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In this photo, the overwhelming decorations are distracting to the room.
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The wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures make this area feel smaller than it should.
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Too many pieces of art work ornate the walls barely leaving any visual wall space.
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The vanity is covered with daily products thus decreasing its visual size. While the floor is hardly visible amongst the rugs, shelves, and other miscellaneous items.
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In this condition, buyers will remember a room that is chaotic and small instead of appreciating the full bath tub and large vanity.
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After an in-home staging consultation by KFM Staging & Design, the home owner was given a plan to create a spacious bathroom that will appeal to buyers.
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The color palette was kept neutral to create the illusion of more space. A small amount of color was added with the artwork for visual interest.
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The artwork was limited to the focal point of the bathroom - in this case, the wall space above the towel bar. It is important to see clean wall space when selling your house.
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Extra items on the floor, including the rugs, trash bins, and shelves have been removed to show the maximum amount of floor space. The more floor space that is visible, the larger the room appears.
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The final transformation to this area was exchanging the dated shower curtain for a cloth curtain that is streamline. Just like window treatments in a bedroom, the shower curtain will set the style of the bathroom. Through staging, this bathroom was instantly updated!
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When it comes to de-cluttering, a little goes a long way, but a lot goes even further!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-08-13T11:24:00-07:002013-07-04T12:54:15-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1990It's all in the DetailsSmall details in a house can make a HUGE difference in how the house is perceived by buyers. If your house is in pretty good shape but you still want a more polished look, consider replacing the outdated light fixtures, faucets, and window treatments.
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Take a look at the example below:
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The room in the photo shown above has out-dated light fixture and old-style window treatments. Even though the hardwood floors were in excellent condition and the large windows have an amazing view to the back yard, the house felt like it was stuck in the 1980's.
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After an in-home staging consultation for <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>, the home owners changed the light fixture and updated the window treatments. The result was an immediate leap from the '80's into the 21st Century! See below:
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Updating a few key elements allowed buyers to appreciate the features of the home. The elegant window treatments now frames the amazing view, while the new light fixture emphasizes the current style of the home.
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Although these changes seem insignificant, it clearly made a big impact in updating the style of the home!<br /><br />KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-08-05T15:20:00-07:002013-07-09T04:46:48-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1989Home Staging - Shopping at Home.One of the goals to preparing a house for sale is to highlight the features in your home, such as a fireplace, granite counter tops, bay windows, or a jet tub. Placing decor by these areas can help draw the eye so buyers will remember the features.
Home owners do not need to run to the nearest home decor store and spend hundreds of dollars to make their home look great; they can shop for decor in their very own house. I don't mean online shopping, either. Using accessories from other rooms in a new and interesting way can give focal points the emphasis that it needs.
This photo to the left shows a jet tub with no accessories. Although nice, there is nothing memorable about this area. The lack of decor leaves this area feeling cold and uninviting.
Buyers who may view several house in one day may not remember anything special about this master bathroom.
This photo to the right displays a pedestal and vase with flowers taken from the living room. This decorative feature helps to emphasize the elegance of this space. The height of the arrangement brings drama into this master bathroom. Rolled towels on the opposite corner softens the room while bringing a spa-like feel.
The total cost of decorating this space was $0.00!
So whether you are <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a> or just want a new look for your space, using items from around your home can help you achieve an updated look without spending a lot of money!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-07-28T07:11:00-07:002013-07-09T12:13:22-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1960The Furniture DietNo, this isn't the latest California weight loss program... However, eliminating furniture pieces from your room may be beneficial when it comes to <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a>!
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Rooms hosting extra large furniture items or too many furniture pieces will create two negative side-effects: 1) the room will appear cluttered and chaotic, and 2) the room will appear smaller than it should. BEFORE STAGING
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This large living room appears crowded due to the over-sized furniture and the numerous pieces. Buyers will appreciate the spaciousness of this room since the furniture is over-powering the space.
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This layout also cuts off the natural traffic pattern from the living room to the family room. Although functional, buyers are left to navigate around the far side furniture making for an akward transition between rooms. AFTER STAGING
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Removing the love seat and adding a small-scale chair, space is visible around the furniture pieces which creates a more spacious feeling in the room.
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Rugs are great to section off areas; however, in this case, removing the rug instantly increases the visual floor space resulting (again) in a spacious feeling.
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With the new arrangement, easy pathways are created in and out of the room.
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Even though buyers are not purchasing your furnishings, these items will set the atmosphere in your home that buyers will remember. Removing unneeded furniture will help to create an open layout that is stylish and inviting.
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So, forget about counting calories and carbohydrates. Put on your spandex and headband, and get your exercise by following the Furniture Diet!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-07-22T12:35:00-07:002013-07-06T02:09:22-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1974Staging Your RefrigeratorNo, you do not need to go get your glasses, you read the title right the first time!
Staging your kitchen appliances may sound ridiculous, but it has its place within the staging process. After your priority areas have been staged, it is important to remember the "sometimes forgotten" spaces in your home.
Whether sellers realize it or not, buyers will look inside the appliances they are purchasing. You have been officially warned... there is no more hiding the breakfast dishes in the oven or the dirty laundry in the dishwasher.
To properly stage your appliances, think "minimum," "clean," and "organized."
Remove all items and wash out the inside walls, drawers, and shelves.
Throw out all expired or odorous food.
Replace the remaining items in an organized fashion.
Not only will you enjoy freshly cleaned appliances, but the buyers will equate these well-cared for areas into a well-cared for home. When <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling your home</a>, small details can make a huge impact to buyers! Be proactive with your listing, and use all the available staging tools to make a positive impression on buyers.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-07-09T14:57:00-07:002013-07-09T05:52:16-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1957Home Staging with PetsHome Staging Fact: Not everyone will love your pets as much as you do. When staging, it is always recommended to remove all signs of pets from your house. Although some buyers may not mind seeing a pet or two roaming around your listing, other buyers may be bothered by the idea of living in a space previously occupied by animals. In this tough seller's market, it is important to NOT alienate any segment of the buying population.
If you are <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">selling a home</a> and you have pets, don't be discouraged - there are techniques you can use to stage your house without giving up the pooch.
Keep it Clean: Vacuum and/or wash pet areas including any space in your house that your pet is free to access. Cleaning removes hair, odors, and other evidence left by your pet.
Condense Pet Items: Keep all pet toys, food, and leashes in one basket. If a short-notice showing is scheduled, you will only need to remove one large container that holds your pet items. If you are unable to remove the basket for weekday showings, using the one basket method will reduce the amount of pet clutter in your home.
Litter Location: Litter boxes should be placed in lower priority rooms such as the basement, laundry room, or a storage space. Remember to clean the box on a daily basis to reduce odor build up.
Ditch the Dish: Like the litter box, pet dishes should be kept out of the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living spaces. If, however, if you need to keep the feeding area in the kitchen, it should be placed in a corner that is not visible from the entrance of the room.
Beds, Towers, and Carriers: Large pet items such as these should be removed out of the main living areas for two reasons 1) these items trap odors that may be offensive to non-pet owners, and 2) these items use up valuable floor space.
Contain the Critter: If at all possible, you should attempt to contain your pet to a specific area during showings. Over-friendly cats and dogs may be a nuisance when trying to view a house.
Immediate Removal: As a pet owner, you are responsible for the actions of your animals. If your pet shows any kind of aggressive behavior to strangers, it MUST be removed for showings. You may be liable for more than a lost sale should an accident happen to a buyer while in your home.
Marketing a house with pets takes extra time, but the results will be worth the effort!
*The middle picture is a long-haired guinea pig, not a 1980's mullet.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
2008-06-11T11:06:00-07:002013-07-09T01:54:36-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1946School's Out: Keep Sane While SellingHaving your kids at home while selling does not need to drive you crazy. Sellers can retain their sanity by getting their children involved with the selling and staging process.
Once your house has been initially staged, it is necessary to retain your staging standards for last minute showings. A daily checklist can be used to keep your house in peek condition. By using a list, your staging chores will be structured and time will be used efficiently.
To further ease your daily duties, make a separate checklist for your children to follow. Little ones as young as two years old can learn about personal responsibility by cleaning up their own toys. The children's chore list should be easy to follow and age appropriate.
Although seemingly impossible, keep a positive attitude during the selling process. Children easily sense when their parents are stressed. If you stay calm and remain positive your children will reflect that behavior. Finally, be sure to give your little helpers plenty of praise for a job well done!
Staging your home will give you the best chance of selling your house. Maintaining your staging during the non-school months will further ensure a favorable response from buyers!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
2008-05-29T15:50:00-07:002013-07-09T18:23:15-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1928Home Staging Faux PasHome staging is increasing in popularity across the United States as homeowners compete this buyer's market. Unfortunately, some sellers are missing the mark by practicing some common staging faux pas. These mistakes may cost them time on the market and could hinder the sale of their home.
1) Faux Painting: Walls that are overly accessorized with decor or paint detract from the room itself. Instead of buyers focusing on the features of the house, they are distracted by the swirling colors of paint.
Specialized painting finishes are a personal preference that may turn off some buyers. Thus, these techniques should be reserved for your new home. When selling, your walls should have a fresh coat of paint with a single color.
2) Faux Foliage: There is a time and a place to use fake greenery when selling your home. When tastefully done, faux plants add a beautiful decorative element. However, fake foliage should never, EVER be used outside! Like a bad toupee, they don't fool anyone. Buyers may love the house, but will immediately give a teenage-girl-eyeroll at the first site of these plastic plants growing from the ground.
Instead, use REAL perennials in the warm months and tree top arrangements in the winter. Making the extra effort will keep your exterior looking fresh while reducing the "cheese factor" when showing your home.
3) Faux Windows: Also including in this category are faux landscapes, faux baseball stadiums, faux tree scenes, and faux any-room-sized-mural.
As with faux paint, these murals do not highlight the features of the home. Instead, buyers are left questioning how the faux scene will fit in with their decor. Properly staged homes should be neutral enough so many styles of home accents can fit with the room. Remember, we want to appeal to the most amount of buyers to get the fastest offer.
4) Faux Fireplaces: Fireplaces are a great selling feature... when they are real. Buyers, including those with poor eyesight, are not easily fooled by these faux creations.
Not every family room has a fireplace. Sure, they are a great focal point, but if your home lacks this natural feature, other areas of interests may be highlighted. For example, an entertainment can be centered on a wall for an immediate focal point, or a sofa with hanging artwork adds an interest point to any sized room.
Portable electric fireplaces have made vast improvements in the recent past; some are very convincing as (almost) real fireplaces. These items, though very similar to the real thing, are still NOT the real thing. It is better to remove the fake altogether rather than trying to convince buyers that something is there when it really isn't.
Although these examples may be extreme, they prove their points. When selling your home, "the faux has got to go." Homeowners have the right to decorate their homes in any style that suits their tastes, but when you are marketing your home, we need to appeal the general public's taste (and not our own) to get the best offers.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
2008-05-09T16:53:00-07:002013-07-10T05:58:14-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1920Curb Appeal - Spring Edition<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/kfm_logo_rgb.jpg" title="KFM Staging & Design"><br /></a>
Buyers first impressions of your house begins at the curb.
The white blanket of snow is a ghost of winter's past; the dead grass sits over the green sprouts like a brown mat; early-blooming flowers are mere nubs from the softening earth; and tired-looking Christmas lights sway from the roof top in the gentle southern breeze. (Poetic liberties exercised.)
As many <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/" target="_blank">home sellers</a> are waiting for their bulbs to bloom, they are wasting precious time as their house sits on the market with little activity. Proactive steps can be taken to make your exterior look inviting while your lawn slowly sheds its winter coat.
1) Seasonal Decor: Before any other exterior projects are tackled, seasonal decor including plastic Santas and deflated jumbo snow globes should be placed into deep storage. Holiday lawn ornaments that linger into April and May detracts from the freshness of springtime.
2) Lawn Care: Dead grass looks tired and poorly maintained. As soon as the weather permits, rake away the unappealing brown layer. This will allow the new growth to emerge more quickly. Add rich soil and grass seed to damaged areas, fertilize, and water frequently to retain a lush looking yard.
3) Garden Areas: Remove the remnants of last year's growth. While the new plants are peeking up through the ground, hearty cold-weather perennials such as pansies can be added for instant color. New mulch quickly updates a brown, tired flower garden. Don't limit adding flowers to just specified garden areas. Planters with robust flowers adds a punch of color to any corner!
4) Critter Control: Warm weather is accompanied by the emergence of hibernating insects. Buyers can be turned off by any swarming pests. A safe way to eliminate these pests is to spray them with soapy water. Check with your local university's expansion center for other safe alternatives for insect removal.
5) Clean Your House: Combine step 4 with a power washer to spray away the dull residue left by the winter winds. Nothing freshens up your siding, patios, sidewalks, and garage doors faster than a quick dowsing from this powerful machine. Your local hardware store such as Ace Hardware usually rent out these time-saving contraptions.
Home staging begins with an attractive exterior. Many great homes have been overlooked because the yards do not reflect the character and charm that is found within the house. Draw-in the buyers by creating an exterior space that is well maintained with great <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">curb appeal</a>.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/minneapolis-home-staging/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
2008-05-03T15:59:00-07:002013-07-10T02:41:31-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1909Politcally Correct Home StagingWhat do the 2008 Presidential election, the Iraq War, and religion have in common? All these issues provoke a strong reaction in people and should be avoided when staging your home. The purpose of home staging is to transform your house into a product that is pleasing to a wide variety of buyers. For example, how many consumers boycotted Heinz ketchup when John Kerry was a presidential contender? That condiment was banned by some when associated with a political figure whom they opposed. Similarly, sellers may unintentionally sabotage a sale if they insist on showing their support to one cause or another.
Obama, Hilary, McCain, and Ron Paul will not help you sell your home. When you are preparing to sell your house, be sure to remove all political signs and other propaganda from your residence. A die-hard liberal may reject a house solely based on the extensive library of conservative material. Other liberal vs. conservative topics should be avoided as well. “Pro-life” or “Right to Choose” instantly generates strong opinions and can cause the most sincere buyer to abruptly end the showing; likewise, gay right issues are sure to stir up some form of controversial opinions no matter which side buyers are on. When advertising your home, it is best to remain neutral in all areas.
The Iraq War has been an issue of debate since the day it started. A yard sign that states “End the War” may discourage for buyers whose son is in the midst of battle. Whether you want to "Support the Troops" or "Bring Them Home," keep your yard free from advertising your views until your house is sold. There will be room in your new lawn for these signs to be displayed.
Religious beliefs may be shared through signs and symbols, but the truth is your religion is within you. Removing the physical representation of your convictions does not change how or what you believe, it simply opens your home to more potential buyers. For example, Buddhist shrines may offend Roman Catholics while crosses may turn off Jewish buyers. Your house should represent a neutral religious territory, so buyers can imagine their own belief system in the home.This post does not disregard the importance of free speech. Within legal limits, homeowners should have the right to voice their support or objection to current events. However, when you sell your home, you are selling a place of peace and comfort. If buyers see highly charged propaganda, their differing opinion may cause a strong emotional reaction that could immediately ruin the sale. You will receive maximum results if you are sensitive to the opinions of others and keep your signs and symbols reserved for your new home.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
This blog entry was originally posted by KFM Staging & Design on Active Rain, a Real Estate Network Website.
2008-04-22T14:51:00-07:002013-06-26T17:27:35-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1906Breaking Up is Hard to DoBefore you prepare your home for sale, you need to prepare yourself!
This post (a.k.a. "It's Not You... It's Me," "Cutting the Cord," and "I Thought I Couldn't Live Without You, But I Was Wrong") is dedicated to homeowners who have poured their hearts into their beloved homes and have decided that it is now time to move on.
It is natural to develop an emotional attachment to things that we spend a lot of time using. Chefs rely on their favorite knives when preparing special dishes, carpenters cherish their best hammer for all their special projects, and Grandma's prized knitting needles have a place of honor in her basket. We develop feelings for the items that have brought us enjoyment and comfort over the years.
When you decide to sell your home, an emotional separation needs to occur before you can adequately stage your house. In today's tough market, it is essential that sellers take advantage of home staging techniques; however, owners who are overly-attached to their house may have a difficult time following necessary staging directions. The result may be a residence that is highly personalized to the seller's tastes, turning off buyers whose styles may not match.
Stripping away all emotions, a house is essentially wood, wires, glass, and steel. It is the family that turns those raw materials into a home. Disconnecting from your house emotionally will help you to efficiently market your home as a product in the world of real estate. Breaking up from your house may be hard to do, but it is a necessary part of the home staging process!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
2008-04-17T08:10:00-07:002013-07-06T05:10:03-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1902How to Kill a SaleIf your home is currently on the market but you really do NOT want to move, follow these guaranteed Sale-Killer Tactics:
Show Off Your Stuff: Display all of your knick-knacks, Star War collectibles, and beer steins on every available shelf. Buyers will be discouraged if they cannot see the actual room.
Dual-, Tri-, and Quad- Purpose Rooms: Keep your computer, exercise bike, and newborn's crib in your master bedroom. A luxury retreat should be reserved for homeowners who actually want their house to sell.
Fire the Cleaning Company: Bathroom vanities that feature dried toothpaste, hairy brushes, and empty toilet paper rolls cause buyers to run from your property.
Pamper Your Pet: Man's best friend is a buyer's worst nightmare. Pet food, pet beds, pet hair, pet odors, and pets themselves can be a huge hindrance to the sale of your home. A large barking dog will keep the most interested buyers on the outside of your door.
Curb (Lack-of) Appeal: Let the weeds grow, turn off the sprinkler system, and forget about collecting the morning paper. Buyers will not even bother to get out of their car.
If, however, you are a serious seller and do not want to scare off interested buyers, carefully read all the Sale-Killing Tactics, and do the complete opposite! Buyers love a house that is clean and clutter-free with great curb appeal.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-04-10T15:27:00-07:002013-07-09T11:29:35-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1898Five Senses of Home StagingWhen looking for a new home, <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/buying/">buyers </a>use more than their sense of sight to determine if a house suits them. If you are selling your house, be sure that it is pleasing to all the senses.
Seeing - In today's tough market, sellers need to make every effort to show their house in a clean, clutter-free, and stylish way to compete with other listings. Using staging techniques will help you achieve a great-looking house that appeals to a wide variety of buyers.
Touching - Your home should feel comfortable to buyers. Keep the air conditioner running in the summer so buyers are not overheated in your house. In the winter, turn on the fireplace for an extra layer of warmth.
Hearing - For added comfort, soothing music may be played throughout the house. There should be the absence of unpleasant sounds (ie. running toilets, dripping faucets, squeaky doors).
Tasting - Homeowners can set out cookies or small wrapped chocolates for buyers to enjoy while they are touring the house. On a warm, summer day cool bottles of water will leave buyers feeling refreshed.
Smelling - Nothing will turn off buyers faster than a foul smelling house. Pet odors, cigarette smoke, and whatever smell eminates from a teenage-boy's room can be offensive to buyers and could potentially kill the sale. Take the necessary steps to eliminate the source of the odor so the house smells fresh and clean. Do not use heavy room sprays or candles to cover up everyday odors, many people are sensitive to strong fragrances.
Staging your home requires using all of your senses. While walking through your home, try to imagine what buyers are seeing, hearing, feeling, and smelling when they are touring your house. Take note of what pleases your senses in model homes or a friend's house, and apply those techniques to your own home.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
<a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com/"></a>2008-04-04T11:01:00-07:002013-07-09T09:49:47-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1895Ten Reasons to Buy an Existing Home<a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/buying/">Buying a home</a> is an emotional decision for most people. Whether to buy new or used has been a topic of discussion for years. While there are some advantages to purchasing a new home, here we will discuss many benefits of buying a resale home.
1. Existing features. Finished basements, water irrigation systems, fences. When you buy an existing home, you buy the extra improvements that have been made to the land and structures.
2. Land. New homes tend to be built on smaller lots. In some cases, home or garages can be too close for comfort to someone who likes their privacy. When you seek to purchase an older property, you can often find a home with a larger yard or even acreage.
3. Established neighborhoods. From their tall, mature, tree-line communities to the residents that have been living there for years, resale homes in established area have the benefit of long-term stability going for them. You can meet your neighbors before you move in. New subdivisions are generally on the outskirts and all of the residents are new or may not have moved in yet.
4. Mature Landscaping. When you purchase a resale home, upkeep on the land is less strenuous. Installing landscaping elements yourself can be costly. Established lawns and existing landscaping require less money and maintenance than new plantings.
5. Cost savings. Existing homes are usually less expensive per square foot, in part because of escalating land costs in new subdivisions. The modern building materials that new homes are constructed with also cost more. In addition, the price of labor associated with building a home has gone up considerably in recent years.
6. History. When you purchase an existing home, there is a record how much the property has appreciated over the years.
7. Character. Though new homes are customizable in many ways, they still tend to be built in a somewhat generic manner. Homes with the same floorplan may be just across the street. A resale home could be a pre-Civil War farm house, a beautiful Victorian, or a Greek revival as easily as it could be a rambler, a split-level, or a ranch-style house.
8. More room for negotiation. Builders have a number of costs to recover when developing a new community. Often they have a minimum amount of money they must receive and will not budge on their price. When purchasing a resale home, you may have more flexibility with an eager seller.
9. Availability. Waiting for a new home to be finished can take forever. And if there is still construction going on the area, you will have to navigate around construction workers and vehicles, daytime hammering, and stray nails for months. A resale home is already there waiting for you to occupy it.
10. Taxes. Newer homes tend to spring up in less-developed areas, which may impose higher taxes for services such as fire and police coverage, sidewalks, sewers and possibly even a new school. An existing home in an established area has a more predictable property taxes.When you're ready, the Realtor team at Barker & Hedges can help you <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/about/" target="_blank">buy a home</a>. 2008-03-30T16:13:00-07:002013-07-09T09:42:33-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1892Home Staging - A Proactive ApproachThere is a collective sigh of frustration from <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/selling/">home sellers</a> as they read about the latest <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/twin-cities-real-estate/">Twin Cities real estate</a> report. But there is a proactive response that homeowners can take to improve their chances in today's market. Unless a house is categorized as a "fixer-upper" or is reduced in price for its "as-is" condition, sellers need to take advantage of the tools that are available to them and put them into practice.
In the world of real estate, the seller has control over two things:
The price of the house
The condition (appearance) of the home
PRICING YOUR HOUSE: Listen to your Realtor. They are the experts when it comes to the worth of your house. The average price of a home has fallen in the last couple of years, and what your house was worth in 2005 may be lower than what it is today. Barker & Hedges competitively price their listings to receive maximum interest from buyers.
STAGING YOUR HOME: Make the investment in both time and money to prepare your house before it is listed. Finish the uncompleted projects, update any necessary light fixtures, freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint, and start packing your unneeded home furnishings. The more effort you put into preparing your house, the greater your chances of receiving reasonable offers. If you don't know where to start, KFM Staging & Design can point you in the right direction.
The "wait-and-see" approach to selling a house no longer applies in today's market. If homeowners are serious about moving, they must price their house correctly make every effort to present their home in the best possible way.
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-03-27T11:45:00-07:002013-07-10T09:19:54-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1891Home Staging - Color TheoryWhen preparing your house for the real estate market, painting is an inexpensive way to make a huge improvement in your home. However, you must choose your colors wisely, because the color of a home's interior sets the atmosphere of a house.
Whether you are preparing your house for sale or just wanting a new look for your home, adding the right color could dramatically change they way your feel about your surroundings. Colors, like music, invoke an emotional reaction in people. Typically these reactions are:
Reds (warm) --> passion and excitement. Reds are an excellent choice that adds elegance and sophistication to any room in your house.
Blues (cool) --> calm and peace. Using blues in your room will promote feelings of nature (sky and water) which sets a relaxing tone.
Yellow (warm) --> joy and light (sun). Yellows add a cheerful atmosphere into the room and is typically found in kitchens.
Green (cool) --> restful and nature. Greens combine the calming effect of blue with the joyfulness of yellow; the result is a fresh feeling of natural elements.
Orange (warm) --> cozy and abundance. Using orange colors instill feelings of pleasant, autumnal warmth that should not be reserved soley for fall.
Purple (cool) --> wisdom and creativity. Traditionally a royal color, purples add a formal color palate with a creative edge.
Neutrals --> Neutral colors include all shades of whites, creams, browns, and blacks. When staging your house, select soft, light colored neutrals for your walls and bring color elements into your room through your home furnishings.
Before you choose a color for your walls or home accents, consider the "feeling" that you want your room to display. A beautiful room is just a few paint strokes away!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-03-24T15:36:00-07:002013-07-03T00:21:36-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1888Home Staging - Five Layers to StagingHome staging is the art of preparing your house for sale through color choices, furniture arrangement, and home accent placement. For some, the staging process can be overwhelming. By breaking staging concepts into layers, we can see how the individual steps help to create elegant rooms that buyers love.
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If you are confused about staging your room, start with a clean palate in an empty room.
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LAYER ONE: Wall Color - Select the proper wall color. The color you choose for the home's interior sets the atmosphere of the house. Soft neutrals help to set a relaxing tone, while colors promote different emotional responses. When selling, it is best to keep the walls neutral and add color through home accents and artwork.
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LAYER TWO: Large Furniture and Rug Placement - After you painted with your new color, set your area rugs into place. Rugs define a space while adding an additional color element. Next, large furniture pieces should be moved into place. Proper furniture placement determines the focal points, the traffic patterns, and the visual size of your room. Be sure to allow for easy walkways around the sofas, tables, and beds.
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LAYER THREE: Window Treatments Placement - The next step it to dress the windows. Window treatments determines the style of the room (formal, casual, or something in between). Treatments also softens the hard lines of the windows and finishes off the space.
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LAYER FOUR: Small Furniture and Lighting Placement - Add the remaining furniture items into the room. Small furniture pieces such as coffee, sofa, and end tables should be used fill in empty spaces in the room. If the space allows, use an accent chair for additional seating. Lamps may be displayed on the tables for a decorative element and additional lighting in dark corners of the room.
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LAYER FIVE: Home Accent Placement - Finally, home accents are used to sell the lifestyle of the home. Artwork should be limited to the focal points of the room. Home decor should be kept to a minimum so that it highlights the features of the room without being distracting.
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Home staging does not need to be an overwhelming process. Peel back the layers and use these techniques to help you stage your room with confidence and style!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-03-23T14:54:00-07:002013-07-09T13:10:16-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1887Home Staging Side EffectsHome staging is the hottest trend in real estate, because it works! But seller-be-ware, there are side effects to using staging techniques in your home. Watch for these warning signs:
HOME STAGING SIDE EFFECTS:
Positive Buyer Feedback --> Staged homes feel well-maintained, clutter free and stylish. When using proper staging techniques, buyers can see the highlighted features of the house.
Higher Asking Price --> Staged homes command top dollar offers. Buyers are willing to pay more for houses that portray the lifestyle they are looking for.
Faster Sales Time --> Staged homes average 1/3 less time on the market than non-staged houses. The house pictured in the photo below was sold three days after it was staged! (March, 2008)
Professional Images for Marketing Materials --> Staged homes have a professional appearance in photos. Most buyers will look online at photos first. Houses that are presented well in photo generally receive more interest.
The benefits of staging your home usually out-weight the risks and the costs involved. If you are serious about selling your house, consider staging; you will soon experience your own home staging side-effects!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota home staging company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.
<a href="http://www.kfmstaging.com"></a>2008-03-22T15:52:00-07:002013-07-10T09:44:23-07:00Matt Barkertag:barkerhedges.com,2012-09-20:1882Home Staging DefinedWith the popularity of today’s HGTV programs, home staging is increasingly practiced throughout the country. However, it is difficult to get an accurate representation of staging by watching an edited, 30-minute television show.
Home staging is more than just setting out fresh flowers, baking cookies, and playing soft music. Staging combines basic design principles with proven marketing techniques; the result is a beautifully presented house that appeals to a broad range of buyers.
Think about the process people go through when they sell their car. They wash it, they clean out the items that have collected under the seats, and they vacuum all the upholstery. Why? There are plenty of automobiles that are being sold, and the seller wants the best chance that someone will pick their car. Staging is simply detailing your house!
Consumers make purchases based on their emotional response to the product. This marketing theory translates into the real estate industry as well. Staging encourages a positive response from buyers by:
selecting a neutral color scheme
rearranging and removing furniture pieces
displaying home decor in focal areas
When properly used, these design elements create an atmosphere that is stylish and inviting. Not only will buyers have a favorable response, but they will also start to emotionally connect with the home. When a connection is made, usually an offer follows soon after.
From multi-million dollar houses to one-bedroom town homes, staging transforms properties into “products” that are in prime showing condition for the real estate market!
KFM Staging & Design is a Minnesota <a href="https://www.barkerhedges.com/blog/category/just-for-fun/">home staging</a> company that has been creating “First Impressions That Sell” for homeowners and Realtors across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. KFM specializes in home staging consultations and vacant stagings. For more information on home staging visit our website: www.kfmstaging.com.2008-03-20T16:50:00-07:002013-07-09T09:12:12-07:00Matt Barker