AtWell Staged Home's Stage Every Listing Log - Westchester NY, Fairfield CT and surrounding areas

Services Center

2012-02-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

AtWell Staged Home’s Favorite Home Staging Success Story of 2011

Agent-paid 2-hour consultation leads to accepted offer in first listing week. It could happen to you too!

Think you can’t sell in this market? Think your home has to look like a Pottery Barn catalog before listing? Think again.

A Mount Kisco, New York, family is desperate to sell quickly due to relocation. To limit commuting from New York to Florida, clients use just what they have to quickly stage their home to sell.

Unsure if staging would work for them, these home sellers are now staging believers, after the agent-paid 2-hour consultation leads to an accepted offer in the first listing week.

Click here to see the full set of before-and-after pictures.

It can happen to you too, when you stage, price it right, and have the support and marketing skills of a great agent.

Before Staging

After Staging
No time or budget to remove dated light fixtures or window treatments so instead the focus is put on cleaning, decluttering, furniture placement and accessorizing to define and showcase the large, bright open spaces.

Author’s Note: It was difficult choosing a favorite home staging success story for 2011, but this particular project proves that even in a bad economy and with no time or budget for updates, a home can still sell quickly when everyone involved gives it their all.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2012-01-29T00:05:00.000-05:00

Pretty Planters for the Winter

Keep flower pots full of life, even during the nongrowing season.

In the winter, outdoor planters are often neglected and can come across as pots of dirt. Never a good first impression – especially when your home is on the market.

Keeping planters out year-round is easy when you change with the seasons – flowering plants in the spring and summer, mums in the fall, but what about winter?

Try this simple trick. Add evergreen, holly, pine cones, sticks and any other colorful cuttings found outside and around your home. Have fun and be creative while waiting for spring to return.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2012-01-14T01:33:00.000-05:00

Educating Sellers on the Benefits of Home Staging

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download your copy of How Much Does Home Staging Cost? eBook. This complimentary publication is written specifically for agents to share with their clients.

How Much Does Home Staging Cost? eBook answers all your clients’ questions about Home Staging, including:

What is Home Staging?
What is Home Staging’s ROI?
How to find a Home Stager?
What are the benefits of Home Staging?
Can a Home Stager help me sell my home quickly?

And more…

Bonus Feature: Top 10 DIY Home Improvements for Home Sellers

No email opt-in required. Read and review the eBook by simply clicking here. Then choose “Download” in the upper left, and save it to your hard drive.

Feel free to share it with your own blog readers, newsletter subscribers, clients, colleagues, managers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans. Email the file, or just send this link: https://acrobat.com/#d=kn9tm*IkFA8mT9vAhhAfTQ

The spring season will be upon us soon. Let’s teach sellers how Home Staging can be an essential marketing tool to help sell their homes quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2011-12-06T21:54:00.001-05:00

Frequently Asked Question:
How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

As a home stager the first question I often hear is, How much will it cost to stage my home? But really, the fundamental question to ask is, Can a home stager help me sell my home quickly?

Similarly, if your doctor recommended a procedure, would your first question be how much does it cost or are you more likely to investigate the efficacy of the treatment?

Let’s start at the beginning…

What is Home Staging?

Home staging uses decorating to properly prepare a home for sale by showing off its best features and downplaying its flaws. To put it more succinctly, home staging is the “art of decorating a home to sell quickly and for top dollar” (http://www.stagingdiva.com/).

Staging, in a word, is marketing. And as with any form of marketing – or advertising – there is usually an initial investment. An investment that will be returned three-fold when the “product” sells, according to HomeGain’s 2011 home improvement survey.

Last but not least, staging speeds home sales by making your home appeal to the largest number of potential buyers. And a faster sale generally leads to a higher sales price.

Improve the product, and more people will want it. Simple, huh?

Dollars and Sense

Now that you understand home staging and its benefits, how much do you spend to ensure a positive return on your investment? To decide, you’ll need to be objective and know which projects are most important. HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer tool is a good place to start.

In 2007 the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Buyers and Sellers reported that investing 1-3% of the price of a home would bring an 8-10% increase in sale price. In today’s market, just selling without a price reduction – and before the competition – may save you a 10% price reduction. Reward enough.

If you are having trouble being objective – and almost 90% of home owners will – consider hiring a professional home stager. A stager can quickly evaluate your home and ensure that you invest your money wisely.

How Do I Find a Home Stager?

To find a home staging professional, use Google. Put “Home Staging YOUR CITY/STATE” (i.e.: “Home Staging Somers NY”) in a search box, and you should get the best results for your area.

Or, if your home is currently on the market, or you’ve already chosen a real estate agent, ask him/her to make a recommendation.

Next, you’ll want to know about the home staging company. What is the home stager’s expertise and experience? Does he/she have a website with before-and-after pictures of successful projects, testimonials from satisfied customers, and information on how the staging process works?

Finally, because many real estate professionals recognize the benefits of staging, more and more see it as another marketing investment and may reimburse an initial consultation at closing. The cost of home staging may also be tax deductible (check with your accountant to learn more).

Where Do You Start?

A good first step is the home staging consultation.

The purpose of an initial consultation is to evaluate your home, stage as much as possible, and create a plan for completing the process. All of this is based on the home owner’s time and budget requirements.

When Home Staging Fails

Staging needs to be combined with a realistic price that represents the current value of the home. In this market, there is no amount of staging that will make up for a home that is overpriced or underrepresented. (Refer to Selling Insanity to learn the 3P’s of home selling.)

Listen to the Pros for Staging Success

Your home is now a commodity – like Coca-Cola or Lee jeans. Just as the manufacturer wants its product to attract as many people as possible, so should you. It’s no longer about your taste; instead, it’s all about appealing to potential buyers.

Take your stager’s and Realtor’s advice to heart. They are in the business of selling homes. They understand the market and what clients are looking for in a house. Plus, they have the objectivity that most home owners do not.

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

Many home staging techniques cost nothing to implement, and those that do will be returned at closing. Therefore, home staging pays for itself.

I’ll leave you with this. If you could sell your home faster and for more money, wouldn’t that be an investment worth making?

Want to share this article? Download a free PDF version here or share this link https://acrobat.com/#d=kn9tm*IkFA8mT9vAhhAfTQ.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Market Statistics

2011-11-21T20:52:00.001-05:00

Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors (WPAR) Third Quarter Residential Real Estate Report

Below are excerpts from WPAR’s 2011 third quarter real estate report.

The Westchester-Putnam real estate market enjoyed a welcome uptick in sales volume in the third quarter of 2011.

The burst of third quarter sales still was insufficient to counterbalance the relatively weak postings of the first and second quarters.

…the direction of the market appeared to be improving.

Taking all nine months into account and projecting for the balance of the year, 2011’s year-end performance could come close to 2010’s and establish a mildly improving trend line from the depths of the recession in 2009.

In 2010 the median sale price among [single family Westchester] properties selling for less than $1 million was $590,000; in 2011 that submarket median fell to $540,000.

The combination of lower prices and extremely low interest rates made Westchester and Putnam real estate more affordable than at any time in recent memory, thus turning some of the pent-up demand into real sales.

Read the complete 6 page report here.

To compare this report, with reports going back as far as 1981, visit Market Statistics at www.WPAR.org.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Short & Tweet

2011-11-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

Home Tweet Home

AtWell Staged Home uses the micro–blogging social media tool Twitter to quickly share concise and informative real estate related articles and information.

Here are this month’s top Tweets:

Home Improvement…

52 DIY Fixes for Annoying Home Ailments from This Old House Magazine http://bit.ly/pWvG82
Fun Quiz from HGTV's FrontDoor - Test Your Home Value IQ http://bit.ly/pfWPW4
Fall Fixes for the Home from Realty Times http://bit.ly/nrp1OA
Painting Tips to Know Before You Paint - from This Old House online magazine http://bit.ly/nXsvZ5

Home Staging…

Tips to Increase Home Appeal - Glad to see home staging for photos and showings as #1 in author's list of 5 tips. http://bit.ly/nNtUvK
Tips for Selling Your Home Before the End of the Year - Author stresses importance & impact of professional staging. http://bit.ly/nHk5w9
Home Staging Tips for Fall. 8 seasonal staging ideas make your home for sale feel warm & cozy for potential buyers. http://bit.ly/qZZm7s
Selling a home this fall? Make the most of the season with these 7 ideas for sprucing up your home's curb appeal. http://bit.ly/pE0Ch7

For the Real Estate Pro…

National Association of REALTORS Defends its Trademarks - Useful rules & reminders for using the term REALTOR. http://bit.ly/qrxuFa

4 Tips for Surefire Business Success http://bit.ly/pDvLOZ via @biggerpockets

Quick Tip…

Overhead light fixture size guide. Add length & width of room in feet, convert to inches i.e.: 15x20-foot room needs 35-inch-wide chandelier.

Click here to follow us on Twitter.

For the Home Seller, Buyer or Real Estate Pro

2011-10-27T23:35:00.001-04:00

Pictured Perfect

See how computer images can reveal the potential in your current – or future – home.

HGTV shows like Hidden Potential, Property Brothers or Curb Appeal are popular because they help buyers and owners visualize a home’s potential through computer-generated drawings. Now there is a local resource that can do the same – CSbD Associates.

Pictures speed up the sale of a home.

Realtors, have you ever wished your clients could see the potential of a home?

It’s important for home buyers to visualize themselves in a space. 3D sketches and renderings allow buyers to picture a house as their home.

Conceptual renderings also highlight areas of opportunity for buyers looking to keep initial costs low when considering a fixer-upper.

Pictures help showcase future renovation possibilities.

Home buyers, would you like to know what a home’s hidden potential really is? Could that almost perfect home be made perfect with the addition of a master suite, for example?

CSbD Associates works with potential buyers to illustrate conceptual home modifications from paint colors to kitchen remodels to full additions and more. All within a reasonable time frame and budget.

Pictures show the value added with minor or major renovations.

Home owners, have you ever wondered, What would our house look like with a front porch?

Like the TV shows mentioned above, computer-generated graphics can help you visualize that dream home. It’s rare that a house reflects personal taste and style without some changes or modifications, even if it’s just the exterior paint color or a change of shutters.

Through detailed images CSbD Associates clearly communicates what a remodeled space will look like – inside and out. Line drawings, full-color renderings, walkthrough animation and 3D drawings allow clients to realize their dream home.

Call Gail Dietz at 914-373-9035 to learn more about CSbD Associates, a design firm based in Westchester County that creates perspectives and colored renderings to aid home owners, buyers and sellers realize a home’s full potential.

Visit their website at http://www.csbdassociates.com/.

Download a brochure or view brochure online.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2011-10-02T00:05:00.000-04:00

Frequently Asked Question:
Should Realtors Attend Home Staging Consultations?

Together, agent and stager need to find the best way to encourage and support their sellers. Consequently, there is no right or wrong answer to this question.

Some agents never attend, some always attend, and others attend occasionally or a few minutes only. But in my experience, the real key to success is the home owner’s willingness to go along with the staging recommendations, and not whether the agent attends the consultation.

Whether or not you attend, it’s always a good idea to consult with the stager in advance on any special challenges or sensitive areas you would like addressed.

Many home stagers, like me, follow up with an executive summary to the Realtor. This brief note is sent when an agent does not attend the consultation. It typically includes:

First and overall impressions
Main accomplishments during the initial consultation
Prioritized list of major remaining tasks
Estimate of time remaining for completing the process

If you are unsure about attending a home staging consultation, here are a few points to consider.

Consider attending all – or some – of the initial consultation if:

It’s the first time using this home stager
You are new to home staging and unclear as to what actually happens during a home staging consultation
The seller invites you to stop by
You enjoy home decorating

But do not feel obligated to attend if:

You do not enjoy, or feel you have a good eye for, decorating
Your time will be used more effectively by doing something else on your clients' behalf

Focusing first on your clients' needs will serve them best.

Each client, agent, and project are unique. Sometimes it will make sense to attend; other times, it will not. Regardless, encouraging clients to stage shows the extra effort you put into marketing their homes to sell.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Best of Blogging

2011-09-25T00:05:00.000-04:00

Home Tweet Home

AtWell Staged Home uses the micro–blogging social media tool Twitter to quickly share concise and informative real estate related articles and information.

Here are this month’s top Tweets:

Social Media and the Web…

Ever wonder how people found your website? Read Secrets Google Analytics Is Dying to Share http://bit.ly/pjxk4A via @pamelaiwilson

Social Media and Real Estate - a primer http://bit.ly/nEkmWd

Real Estate…

Listing Prices in Today's Market - great article for Realtors & home sellers. Price too high? Staging can't fix that. http://bit.ly/mYzZ2D

How to Prepare Your House for Sale - from About.com http://bit.ly/lhrP9

What Sells a House? Is it price, location, condition, staging, kitchens, agents, marketing OR all of these and more? http://bit.ly/rclXa2

For the Real Estate Pro…

Attention Realtors: HGTV's FrontDoor wants to help you sell more homes. Sign up for your free profile here http://bit.ly/p39Kah

Realtors, are you missing the first step to a successful short sale - prequalifying the seller? http://bit.ly/mSAOoD

Understand the Four Rules of Business Expansion and the level of risk you'll need to achieve Champion Agent status. http://bit.ly/nvUoY3

Sound advice on how Rookie Real Estate Agents can succeed...even in this market. http://bit.ly/oRq92f

Just for Fun…

Have a BlackBerry? Just got mine. 3-minute video making fun of all this technology. Hope it makes you laugh, too. http://youtu.be/kAG39jKi0lI

Click here to follow us on Twitter.

Quick Tips

2011-09-11T21:45:00.002-04:00

Caught on Camera

Today’s home buyer starts his/her search on the Internet. When selling, ensure pictures of your home flatter, not fail.

For fun – and awareness – we’ll periodically showcase some of the worst real estate listing pictures found on the Web. In addition, I will add my (slightly sarcastic) impressions, thoughts, and (serious) fixes for these (regretful) listing pictures.

Did you say photograph the Toile bathroom, or the Toilet in the bathroom?

Either way, this image is a failure. Remember, first impressions start online. Does this presentation evoke the intended emotions? Probably not.

Why are they selling?

For financial reasons, of course. Anyone that cannot afford a toilet paper holder must truly be down on their luck.

All Kidding Aside

Seriously, an image such as this should never make its way onto the Internet especially when the other pictures are elegant and live up to the caliber of this multimillion-dollar home in Bedford, New York.

The Fix

Always make sure toilet lids are down – for photographs and showings.

Remove unnecessary or personal items from counters. (Often these items are toothbrushes and used bar soap. In this case, it also includes the roll of toilet paper.)

Why not take the picture from a slightly different angle? Minimize or eliminate the toilet from the shot and focus on the vanity.

All simple, no cost fixes.

What do you think?

Am I being too critical or not critical enough? Add your captions and comments here.

If you come across an awful but fun listing picture, please email it to me for a future installment of Caught on Camera. (All submissions will remain anonymous to protect the innocent.)

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Best of Blogging

2011-08-22T00:05:00.032-04:00

Home Tweet Home

AtWell Staged Home uses the micro–blogging social media tool Twitter to quickly share concise and informative real estate related articles and information.

Here are this month’s top Tweets:

Social Networking…

Are Your Social Networks Getting Out of Control? More on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn http://t.co/9KrV5NE via @DeniseWakeman

Confused about Google+? Watch Grandma Mary Dish on the New Kid in Town, as well as Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn... http://bit.ly/qf6FU6

Real Estate…

Top 5 Mistakes Sellers Make - Hint: Not preparing or pricing the home properly are 2! http://bit.ly/iJZueV

10 Secrets of Home Staging by Carla Hill of Realty Times http://bit.ly/l4CJjR

RT @BiggerPockets Top 5 Questions About Short Sales http://bit.ly/pw51gs

Open Houses in Down Markets - helpful hints for Realtors - Hint: It all starts with a well staged home! http://bit.ly/oweu5R

Horse Farm Prices Take a Tumble - NYTimes Real Estate - I recently staged the 8M Bedford Corners property described. http://nyti.ms/j1PjZa

Cool Tools…

ReadyHang™ designed to install your drapery effortlessly. No drills, no measuring-very clever! See "how it works" video http://bit.ly/uYt6i

Fun - and educational link - to help decide which furniture styles appeal to you http://bit.ly/n9PDWK

For fun and enjoyment…

This will blow your mind! Machine that makes 3D "copies". See how it recreates a wrench. Handy? http://youtu.be/ZboxMsSz5Aw

"Best Staged Plans" novel by Claire Cook. If you like reading on the beach - & decorating tips - this is for you. http://amzn.to/reJBlu

Click here to follow us on Twitter.

Market Statistics

2011-08-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors (WPAR) Second Quarter Residential Real Estate Report

Below are excerpts from WPAR’s 2011 second quarter real estate report.

An assessment of the Westchester-Putnam real estate market in recent months can generate an optimistic or pessimistic outlook depending on how far back one makes the comparisons.

…the second quarter market could be characterized as on Pause with no clear trend line Forward or Rewind.

Uncertainty prevails at all levels and our Westchester-Putnam local real estate market is caught up in that.

On the positive side, the level of inventory is not very large by either short- or long-term experience in this area.

Read the complete 6 page report here.

To compare this report, with reports going back as far as 1981, visit Market Statistics at WPAR.org.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2011-08-08T00:05:00.019-04:00

The Price is Right

What factors influence the pricing of professional services like home staging?

The following story, found in an article by Dirk Zeller in Realty Times, answers this question well:

A senior executive is having problems with his computer. He calls in the technology expert to fix his problem. The technology expert looks at the computer diagnostically for a few minutes. He then reaches into his briefcase for a small hammer; he taps on the computer three times, and it is fixed. He then hands a bill to the senior executive for $500.

The executive says, “I won’t pay this; you were only here five minutes. That’s outrageous! I want you to itemize this bill.” The technology expert itemizes the bill. It now reads: “Two dollars for tapping on the computer and $498 for knowing where to tap!”

Moral of the story? The author surmises that anyone can buy a hammer, and most can even use one, but only an expert knows exactly where to tap to deliver the service and value on which their customers rely.

In the case of home staging, a valuable professional has a proven record of delivering the greatest return on investment for her client by quickly and economically decorating a home to sell.

Below is a recent example of agents successfully encouraging their Heritage Hills client to stage. Less than 3 weeks after listing, 4 offers are received. With the agent’s reimbursement of the initial consultation at closing, the home seller’s investment is just $250.

Gone is the TV, replaced by a comfy sitting area, created with an overstuffed chair borrowed from the living room. Gone also is a desk – donated to charity – and replaced with the owner’s rocking chair. Additional decluttering and new furniture arrangement turn this master bedroom into a welcoming retreat for zero dollars.

Check out AtWell Staged Home’s growing list of Success Stories and Testimonials from satisfied customers.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2011-07-08T15:34:00.001-04:00

Empty Nesters Go Back in Time to Hasten Home Sales

Many home sellers are empty nesters, or nearly empty nesters. And many times bedrooms that were formerly children’s rooms are either vacant, no longer being used as bedrooms, or still contain the remnants of a young adult.

In order to sell a family home, it is best to decorate to appeal to the potential buyer.

Will the buyer have young children? How old will they most likely be? Should a room be taken from teenager to toddler? Will it pay off?

Yes! And it has so many times. Here’s an example of a grown child – almost moved out – willing to go back in time to help Mom and Dad sell the family home.

A little girl’s room is created using the owner’s Disney themed artwork and accessories. At the time of staging, only the bed remains, tucked into a corner of this spacious room. Dresser is borrowed from adjacent bedroom and a night table is found in the hall. No-cost staging really shows off the size of this room while appealing to young children.

Below is another example of how it is not uncommon for stagers to “invent” children to help sell in a family neighborhood. The owner’s son is grown and moved on, but the buyers don’t need to know.

Can you hear it now? The young children of potential buyers saying, “I want this to be my room, Mommy.” How can a buyer resist?

Prior to staging, only a desk, chair and boxes remain. The existing hockey stick window treatments inspire a sports theme. Related artwork is found in storage. Dark navy ¾ panels are removed and just the valance remains. Coordinating side table is found in adjacent room, and the bed is brought up from the basement. The only item purchased – navy blue bed sheets.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2011-07-08T15:33:00.001-04:00

Most Stressful Jobs for 2011

Working 9.5 hours a day and with an average salary of $53,100, real estate agent is considered the 10th most stressful job of 2011 by CareerCast.com.

The slowly improving housing market puts real estate agents in a lower stress position than they were last year… However, their incomes are based on commission, and there is uncertainty regarding future sales and job availability. Real estate agents also work long, erratic hours, spending much of their time showing properties to clients. They must be extremely independent, and able to handle sales quotas and deadline pressures.

Sound pretty accurate? So what could make this job less stressful? For starters, how about clean, decluttered, light, bright and move-in ready homes?

Whether you are primarily a seller’s agent or a buyer’s agent, everyone benefits when sellers properly prepare their homes for sale.

Help reduce your stress – and your fellow agents’ stress – by encouraging sellers to stage their homes. Home staging can put you in the top 10 in sales, not stress.

Wondering what the other 9 most stressful jobs are? Find the complete list here:

America’s Most Stressful Jobs 2011

Services Center

2011-07-02T22:36:00.004-04:00

WAG Magazine’s “Home of the Month” Staged by AtWell Staged Home

The May 2011 edition takes us inside, and tells the story, of an historic Somers NY home.

As you drive this road, you can’t help but notice this home, said to have inspired Gone With the Wind’s Tara.

A grand home, one that makes you ask yourself, “I wonder who lives there and what it’s like inside?” Well, here’s a rare opportunity to learn the answer to those questions, along with a lesson on the home’s long history.

Read WAG Magazine’s Out of the Past.

In a future newsletter, I’ll detail how you stage a 10,000 square-foot home in just a few weeks.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

A Well Staged Home

2011-06-06T00:10:00.042-04:00

3rd Time’s the Charm

Vacant 1400 square-foot cottage decorated using the seller's own furniture and accessories finally sells – third time around.

First attempt to sell comes when the home is occupied.

Second attempt, after the owners move out, and home is vacant.

Third and final attempt, this vacant home is staged with the seller’s own surplus furniture and accessories.

New paint, deep cleaning, and fun furniture lead to a quick offer – and shortest time on market – this time around.

Living Room – Original Listing Picture

Living Room - Vacant

Living Room After Staging…
Room is staged with just enough of the home owner’s accessories and furniture to add perspective, warmth, and color. Now the room appears larger and shows off its best assets: refinished hardwood floors and stone fireplace. Total spent: $4 for 2 bird houses used on mantle.

AtWell Staged Home’s “staging outside the box” saves this seller over $2,500 in furniture rental fees.

Entry – Original Listing Picture

Entry After Staging…
Furniture now defines the entry, showing off its size, hardwood floors, high ceilings and large windows. Marble top sewing stand found in shed, makes a great entry table, once cleaned. Owner’s iron deck chair is a perfect mate. Total spent: $30 for new mirror.

Here’s what this Ridgefield CT home seller had to say right after seeing the home staged:

“You did a magnificent job. I just walked through the house and I said, ‘Boy, I'd like to buy it myself again.’ Thanks for all the help in staging our vacant house.”

Kitchen – Original Listing Picture

Kitchen After Staging…
Owner’s rug, dishes and bowls add color while stainless steel spoons show off utensil rack. Small 79 cent art coordinates with bowls, and grout is thoroughly cleaned. Colorful and clean help sell this space. Total spent: $30 for spoons, plate stands and art.

Budget Breakdown:

$400 for professional movers
$175 for accessories

Master Bedroom Before Staging

Master Bedroom After Staging…
Owner’s air mattress is placed on top empty boxes found at the local liquor store. Bedding, side table and bowl are also borrowed from owner. Metal stars, found for 90% off, become makeshift headboard. Total Spent: Less than $4 for Stars.

See how a plastic outdoor table subs well as a dining table, and how an office and bedroom sitting area are staged for $0.

View the complete set of before and after pictures at:

https://acrobat.com/#d=zh-XNLUByV8bb3eDN83DVQ

Contact Susan to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

Discounts available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2011-05-14T09:54:00.011-04:00

Everything I Know About Home Staging I Learned From My Mother

In 1964, my parents sold their first home to the first people to see it. My mother has always held the belief that the home sold quickly based on how it was decorated. I think she may be on to something.

It all began when my parents were taking a drive in the “country” – Katonah, NY – and saw a model home they really liked.

As they considered a move north from Yonkers, they discussed their potential plans with a neighbor. That neighbor told a friend who shortly thereafter stopped by to see the house. Later that evening the neighbor’s friend returned with her husband and agreed to pay the asking price.

Without knowing it, my mother had staged her home to sell.

Why can’t it always be that easy to sell a home? Well, even if it can’t always be that easy, there are simple and inexpensive ways to make a home more attractive to potential clients. And, like this example, the faster a home sells, the higher the sale price.

Growing up, if your mom was like mine, she took great pride in decorating and showcasing her home.

I remember our formal living room. There were no electronic devices – phones, stereos, or TVs – and it was set up purely with friends and family in mind. A cozy conversation area was established while still highlighting the room’s two main features – a fireplace and large picture window. And, as with staging, these spaces were always ready for company.

Even today, my mother’s home is a reflection of how she wants her guests to feel when they visit – welcomed and relaxed. From the minute they drive up, until they enter the living area, they are greeted by warm, inviting, and clutter-free spaces.

My mother understands the emotional response to home decorating and that emotional response is even more powerful when decorating a home to sell.

Both staging – and my mother’s decorating style – are based on emotion, because few people buy a home based on logic alone. Think back to when you purchased your home. Most likely, you bought the home you fell in love with.

As you prepare your home for sale, step into your buyer’s shoes, and ask the questions that perhaps your mother did as well:

Are the rooms inviting?
How do they make you feel?
Are the spaces clean and neat?
Do they encourage conversation and relaxation?
Does the furniture layout draw you into each space?
Is your home designed to appeal to a wide variety of friends, family and potential buyers?
Will your “guests” feel like staying – lingering – perhaps long enough to make an offer?

(By the way, these are the same questions home stagers ask themselves as they walk through the homes they stage.)

Having trouble stepping into your buyer’s shoes? Consider hiring a professional home stager to guide you.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2011-04-30T00:05:00.001-04:00

Your Staged Listings – Online

Has your staged listing been featured by AtWell Staged Home? If so, it may be available as a downloadable PDF to keep, share with potential clients, or post at your website.

Now it’s easy to show prospective clients how the homes you market are transformed quickly and at little expense.

Most important, show how fast these homes sell with help from one of your most powerful marketing tools – home staging.

Simply download, and then share electronically or in print.

See AtWell Staged Home’s Portfolio for the ever growing list of featured stagings. Not sure if your listing has been featured? Just email Susan for the link.

Only 2 weeks to relist this 3,000 square-foot home, but check out what is done for $0 in this office transformation: golf/sports theme remains; unrelated items are removed; space is made tidy and clean.

Click here to see more before and after listing pictures.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2011-04-16T00:05:00.010-04:00

Selling or Renting,
It Pays to Stage

2-hour home staging consultation transforms small Heritage Hills condo. Home looks good enough to sell and rents on first listing day.

After inheriting a condo, the owners aren’t sure if they should rent or sell. Their agent advises them to stage – regardless. She also advises them to leave all remaining furnishings to save on the cost of staging.

Stager, agent and assistant go to work so quickly, “before” pictures are not taken. Click here for the complete set of listing pictures, along with written detail of how each room is changed using only what remains in the home.

Home seller is shocked – and thrilled – at speed and results of same day transformation. Total cost of staging? Zero dollars.

Click here to view complete set of listing pictures for this no-cost, 2-hour, home staging transformation.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2011-04-04T00:05:00.019-04:00

Using Plants Effectively when Staging Your Home to Sell

The main categories of plants used in home decorating are: live, silk, and dried. Only live, and realistic-silk, should be considered when selling your home.

Regarding live plants, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell says it best:

The only kind of plant you want in your home right now is a healthy, full, bushy plant. Any that are sickly, dying, or wimpy need to go because they send a warning to buyers. That warning is: “If they can’t take care of a plant they probably did not take care of this home.”

When it comes to artificial flowers, here is more excellent advice from the authors:

If your silk floral arrangements are more than two or three years old, it is time to throw them away. Dried arrangements must be tossed – no exceptions. Fresh equals new for buyers. Dried equals old and dusty. What do you want buyers to associate with your home?

Use artificial plants (sparingly) when:

They add drama, warmth, color, or visual interest that enhances the décor / home
The plants are new (less than 3 years old)
There is little, or no, natural light
The home is vacant and there will be no one visiting regularly enough to attend to plants

In lieu of a chandelier, this silk centerpiece adds color while defining and anchoring the dining area of this 750 square-foot vacant co-op staging.

Don’t use artificial plants if:

They are full of dust, and can’t be cleaned
They are dried (read “dead”)
The colors are dated or unrealistic (i.e.: blue roses)

The purpose of staging is to enhance a space without distracting buyers with items that appear out of place. These types of distractions need to be replaced or removed. Done right, buyers will look past the decoration and see the home’s structure.

Fresh, new silk floral arrangement is used in place of art to add drama, color and visual interest to this vacant home staging.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2011-03-26T00:05:00.018-04:00

The Perfect Closing Gift™

“The gift they will always remember from the Realtor they will never forget.”

I recently attended a real estate trade show, where I had the fortune of being located next to the creators of a very unique and clever product.

Throughout the day, I couldn’t help but see how much interest this item received from the hundreds of real estate professionals in attendance.

I feel their website describes their product and purpose best:

The purchase and sale of a home is an emotion-filled lifetime event that deserves to be commemorated. What more delightful closing gift could you give your buyer or seller than a watercolor imaged photo of their new or former home? The nominal cost of such a gift belies its value as a treasured keepsake of a lifetime memory.

Make a lasting impression on your clients by giving them a gift that will remind them of their home, and of you, every time they see it.

A great idea from a retired Realtor for Realtors.

Please visit WaterColorImaging.com

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2011-03-19T00:05:00.010-04:00

Complete Newsletter
Archive Now at AtWellStagedHome.com

We’ve made it easy to review and share every issue of Stage Every Listing Letter.

Share this link with clients, co-workers and friends to sign up, manage subscriptions, or view the complete Stage Every Listing Letter archive of articles:

http://www.stageeverylisting.com/

Also, starting with the November/December 2010 issue, the newsletter may be shared on Facebook, Twitter or any of your favorite social media sites, thanks to MailChimp, our new email delivery service.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2011-03-07T00:05:00.001-05:00

Sold On Heritage Hills

Buyers can be choosy when selecting a home in this 2,700-unit condo community. To stand out and sell quickly, agent and seller choose home staging.

Staging leads to over 40 showings in 3 months for this rare 2-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot Berkshire model.

As you can see from this listing picture, the home garnered attention from the first day, with its open floor plan, high ceilings, and grand staircase.

Click here to see the complete set of listing pictures.

Staging makes this home a standout – online and in person – and gives the home seller an opportunity to begin the arduous task of downsizing.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Special Report for Home Sellers & Real Estate Pros

2011-02-28T00:05:00.034-05:00

Top 10 DIY
Home Improvements
for Home Sellers

Home Staging, once again, leads the list of home improvement projects with an almost 300% return on investment. Increase a home’s resale value with staging, the key to selling success.

The following is reprinted from HomeGain’s most recent survey.

HomeGain Releases 2011 Home Improvement Survey Results

HomeGain reveals new survey findings of top 10 do-it-yourself home improvements for home sellers; cleaning and decluttering ranks as highest return on investment, followed by lightening and brightening

Emeryville, CA – January 19, 2011 - HomeGain.com, the first website to offer web-based free instant home values, today announced that it has released the results of its nationwide home improvement and home staging Home Sale Maximizer™ survey.

HomeGain surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals nationwide and configured a list of the top 10 do-it-yourself home improvements that cost under $5,000 and benefit sellers most when they sell their homes.

According to the HomeGain survey, the top five home improvements that real estate professionals recommend to home sellers based on average cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are:

Cleaning and decluttering ($290 cost / $1,990 price increase / 586% ROI)
Lightening and brightening ($375 cost / $1,550 price increase / 313% ROI)
Home staging ($550 cost / $2,194 price increase / 299% ROI)
Landscaping ($540 cost / $1,932 price increase / 258% ROI)
Repairing electrical or plumbing ($535 cost / $1,505 price increase / 181% ROI)

Cleaning and decluttering continue to rank as the top suggested home improvement (since the survey was originally conducted in 2000), recommended by 99 percent of real estate professionals, costing less than $300 and returning a value of nearly $2,000 to the home's sale price, or a 586 percent return on investment.

"Sellers need to prepare their homes for sale before putting them on the market," said Louis Cammarosano, General Manager at HomeGain. “Homes that have initial appeal have a better shot at selling faster and closer to the asking price than homes rushed to the market with no improvements."

Rounding out the top 10, low cost, do-it-yourself home improvements includes: updating electrical systems and/or plumbing, updating the kitchen and bathrooms, replacing or shampooing carpets, painting interior walls, repairing damaged floors, and painting the outside of the home.

The home improvement projects with the highest price increases to a home's resale value are updating the kitchen ($1,265 cost / $3,435 price increase), followed by painting the outside of the home ($1,467 cost / $2,222 price increase) and home staging ($550 cost / $2,194 price increase).

To see the complete survey results, visit the HomeGain Real Estate Blog.

HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer online home improvement tool, based on the results of our home improvement surveys of real estate professionals, is designed to provide home sellers with the most cost-effective improvements to best increase the salability of one’s home.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

Discounts available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2011-02-15T00:05:00.002-05:00

Should You Be Insulted When Your Real Estate Agent Recommends Home Staging?

Absolutely not. A good real estate agent knows that home staging is a highly effective marketing tool. Be insulted if they don’t recommend home staging.

Need I say more? Well, just in case you still feel a little insulted, here’s the full story.

Real Estate Pros know the secrets of marketing your home to sell.

Have you ever really thought about why it’s best practice to hire a professional real estate agent to sell your home? The answer is Realtors are experts in marketing homes to sell. And one of their biggest marketing secrets is home staging.

Real Estate Pros know what buyers are looking for in a home.

You can blame it on new-construction and model homes. Everybody loves the idea of a new-construction home. But since not everyone can have a new-construction home, staging does the next best thing.

Home staging makes buyers feel that they are getting a newer home – warm, inviting, up-to-date, and move-in ready.

Real Estate Pros know that an investment in home staging will be returned at closing.

You expect your agent to invest in marketing techniques like: great photos, advertising on-line, broker open houses, and more.

Would you feel insulted being offered any of these options? Of course not. Home staging is the same thing. It’s simply another marketing technique in your agent’s toolbox.

Agents would not make – or recommend – these investments if they did not garner great results.

Real Estate Pros know that decorating to sell is vastly different from decorating to live.

Decorating to sell – also known as home staging – showcases a home’s best features, while selling a lifestyle appealing to the masses.

Staging makes others fall in love with your house as they imagine themselves living in each space.

Real Estate Pros know that your listing needs to stand out from the competition.

Employing every marketing tool available is key. Don’t be insulted, instead be pleased when your agent recommends home staging.

Home staging is the best way to give your home the advantage over the competition. And the competition has never been greater.

Real Estate Pros know you’ll be glad you staged, when your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Take no offense. When your home sells faster than all the others, the only thing you’ll feel is thrilled! And then you can tell everyone that staging was your idea.

View the many successes at AtWell Staged Home’s portfolio.

These home sellers took their agent’s advice to stage. Seven months and no sale. After staging, house sells in two.
Are they offended now?

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2011-02-04T00:05:00.018-05:00

Love at First Showing

You’ve heard of speed dating, well Home Staging is speed decorating.

In just a few hours, a house is transformed into a home everyone will love.

The Goal

Make the best first impression you can, because first impressions are lasting impressions.

On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!

Timelines are tight, budgets are small, limitations high and brains and brawn combine for creative solutions.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, wouldn’t it be nice if potential home buyers fell in love at first sight with your home?

Here’s a fun example, of a family room staged by AtWell Staged Home in less than an hour, during a home staging consultation.

(Click images to enlarge)

Baby grand piano is relocated from the adjoining dining room, replacing an oversized massage chair.

Accessories are placed on the mantle to highlight the focal point of this room – the stone fireplace. Earlier, an oversized painting hid much of this great feature.

The far couch is moved away from the window and sofa table repositioned to the fireplace wall. The home owner’s own colorful art is added over the table.

Finally, the “good” pillows are pulled out of storage for an extra punch of color.

And the best part? This transformation cost $0.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2011-01-21T21:33:00.004-05:00

New Year,
New Approach,
for Fast Sales

Make a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep – add home staging to your marketing plan in 2011.

AtWell Staged Home wants to help you keep this resolution.

Start by downloading The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010 eBook.

This free eBook is written specifically for agents to share with their clients – because education is the first step to a successful home sale.

The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010 includes:

9 of Stage Every Listing Letter’s most popular home seller tips – with links back to my blog for commenting or sharing
7 local success stories – with a before and after pictures that tells the story – along with a link to more great pictures
1 page explanation of home staging services for vacant and occupied homes

Want better results this year? Resolve to make this the year Home Staging becomes a regular part of your marketing plan.

Together, we’ll help home sellers successfully prepare and market their homes for a quick sale.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-12-28T21:29:00.029-05:00

My Gift to You...

The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010 eBook

Tis the season for gift giving – and re-gifting. But don’t feel guilty about re-gifting my New Year’s gift to you. It is perfectly appropriate. And I might even be insulted if you don’t.

The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010 includes:

9 of Stage Every Listing Letter’s most popular home seller tips – with links back to my blog for commenting or sharing
7 local success stories – with a before and after picture that tells the story – along with a link to more great pictures
1 page explanation of home staging services for vacant and occupied homes

No email opt-in required. Read and review the eBook by simply clicking here. Then choose “Download” in the upper left and save it to your hard drive.

Feel free to re-gift it to your own blog readers, newsletter subscribers, clients, fellow real estate professionals, colleagues, managers, Twitter followers, Facebook friends and fans. Email the file, or just send this link: https://acrobat.com/#d=hoezW64cEQDxJc21jyH5Ag

Let’s make this the year all sellers benefit from an investment in Home Staging.

Warm thoughts and best wishes
for a very Happy New Year,

Susan Atwell

President, AtWell Staged Home

PS - If you experience any technical difficulties, please email me and I will forward the eBook as an attachment.

Download your copy of "The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010" eBook and re-gift it throughout the New Year.

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-11-06T12:33:00.002-04:00

The Best of Home Seller Tips 2010

AtWell Staged Home has compiled the Best of Home Seller Tips as a gift for your sellers.

Click here to download.

Educate and show clients your support for home staging as a powerful marketing tool for selling homes faster and for more money.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-10-31T00:05:00.025-04:00

Pack It Up – Don’t Pack it In

If you could make thousands on the sale of your home, simply by packing away personal possessions for a few months, would it be worth it?

Committing to a move means sooner or later you will have to pack up all your belongings. Choosing sooner, will make moving easier and less stressful later.

No need to give up your prized possessions forever. Anything packed early, will be taken with you to your new home, and enjoyed there. Here’s a list of items to pack ahead of time and why.

Pack and store any items you feel you will not need over the next 6 months.

Clothing is a great example. If you are selling in the spring or summer, pack away your winter clothes. Label clearly for an easy swap in the fall.

Pack nonessential furniture pieces and small accessories.

Decluttering and editing furniture and accessories will make a space feel roomy and spacious.

Carefully wrap and store expensive, sentimental or personal items.

Home buyers feel like intruders in homes with personal items like photos, awards, diplomas, and even monogrammed towels and doormats.
Removing personal items will allow buyers to picture themselves living in your house.
Buyers should be as comfortable in your house as they are in their own. The longer they linger, the better shot at a sale.
Prevent expensive and one-of-a-kind collections from being stolen or broken.
Pack away wedding photos and religious symbols to keep home buyers from knowing more about you than you intended.

Store items out of sight.

Store packed items in an attic, rented storage unit or friends' garage.

It takes objectivity to know which items to pack and remove. If you’re finding this process difficult, consider hiring a professional home stager.

Houses are selling, even in this tough market. Packing up clutter is free and easy and will make your home stand out from the competition.

Excess furniture and accessories are put into storage, in this dramatic master bedroom makeover.

(Click images to enlarge)

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-10-09T00:05:00.016-04:00

A Spirit of Volunteering

Church volunteers share their time, efforts and talent to welcome a new pastor to her first house.

A new pastor triggers a whole house update. To save money, volunteers sand, prime, paint and clean this 2500 square foot 1930s Cape. Below is just one example of this miracle makeover.

I am flattered when asked to help pick paint colors for this renovation. To better understand the demands I make of my home staging clients I join the painting crew. A great learning experience and feeling of accomplishment and community.

Looking from a home staging perspective, I could see the potential in this house, but also knew it would take a lot of work. And, I was reminded once again, that sometimes a little paint, some planning, and a thorough cleaning are all it takes to make a house a home.

A consistent neutral paint color, removal of worn carpeting, and refinished hardwood floors, turn this entry from bland to grand.

(Click images to enlarge)

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-09-30T00:05:00.015-04:00

Name that Room

Child’s bedroom reclaimed for intended purpose at minimal cost.

As a general rule, a home with four bedrooms should have at least three staged as bedrooms. The fourth can be staged as an office, gym, or hobby room.

In this home, the third bedroom is already being used as an office. The fourth as an exercise space (shown below). It’s necessary to convert one back to its intended purpose. The owners prioritize their needs and choose to convert the gym.

Even though this couple’s children are grown and gone, the home owner has fun turning the room into a little girl’s room. Why? Because potential buyers will most likely have young children.

Staging this room as a little girl’s room makes it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living here. Most items are found in other areas of the home, or taken from storage, for a transformation at minimal expense.

Before

After

(Click images to enlarge)

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-09-11T00:05:00.014-04:00

Who Pays for Home Staging?

A good question often asked by Realtors. Here are 3 simple options.

Option 1 – Home Seller Pays

Ideally, home sellers will see the value of staging their home and pay for it themselves. According to HomeGain’s 2009 survey, the rate of return for home staging is 583% on an investment as small as $500. As this shows, sellers have the most to gain.

Option 2 – Real Estate Agent Pays

Another option is for the Realtor to pay for an initial 2-hour consultation. Let your client know this is your gift to them, a gift that should bring a quicker sale resulting in a higher sale price.

Option 3- Real Estate Agent Reimburses at Closing

And finally, here's an option that combines one and two. Ask the client to pay upfront, but offer to reimburse an agreed amount at closing. For example, reimburse for an initial 2-hour consultation. It is then at the home seller’s discretion to pay for any additional time.

This option offers the least risk and protects the Realtor in the case clients take the home off the market, do not implement the recommended changes, or insist on listing the home at too high a price.

The Choice is Yours

Each client is unique and you’ll decide which option works best. The goal is to help all clients sell quickly, and for the best price, by consistently incorporating staging into your marketing plan.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-08-31T00:10:00.017-04:00

As Seen on TV – DIY Home Decorating Tip that Really Works

For less than five dollars, a can of black matte spray paint turns a light fixture from drab to fab.

Punch up your decorating by adding a touch of black to any space.

Before: This beige fixture is lost in a sea of beige walls. It is barely noticed.

After: A little black spray paint, along with a new furniture arrangement, and a deeper paint tone, adds a touch of elegance.

(Click images to enlarge)

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-08-27T00:10:00.010-04:00

One Day Decorating Leads to One Day Sale

Home staged on advice of agent sells on first listing day.

The sellers are not convinced home staging will make a difference. A two income family with three young children does not have a lot of time, money, or energy to prepare their home for sale.

But their agent is confident in the benefits of home staging – now a consistent part of her marketing plan. She works with these skeptical clients to stage their home.

The consultation takes just three hours. By the end, the sellers are seeing how simple changes make their home show its best. They proceed with the remaining recommendations, AtWell Staged Home returns to assist with the final staging, and the home sells immediately.

(Click images to enlarge)

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-08-23T00:10:00.050-04:00

Unifying Spaces
Separated by Time

Home staging expert Susan Atwell makes a May-December romance in home styles engaging.

Most home owners have plans to fully renovate their home before selling. But sometimes, a home needs to be sold before all updates are complete.

The challenge: Unite updated and non-updated spaces without major construction or cost.

The goal: Excite buyers to see every space – new and old.

Going room to room is more like walking from house to house. One house has current, neutral, high-end updates, the other feels old, dated, and a little neglected.

The main level of this ranch – which buyers will see first – is inconsistent. Most spaces reflect current trends, but a few are flashbacks to the 1960s. For example, compare this updated powder room with this original master bath.

Click images to enlarge

AtWell Staged Home is concerned home buyers might not stay around long enough to see the homes most exciting feature – a completely renovated basement, equal in size to the main living space. A grand surprise.

And the two thousand square foot finished basement is going to seal the deal for any buyer – as long as they are inspired to complete the tour.

The solution? Staging. Staging marries old and new décor, and staging sells this home on its first listing day.

Click image to enlarge.

Wallpaper removal, neutral paint, new white towels, updated lighting, and a thorough cleaning, are all completed on time and on budget. There’s no time for a complete bathroom remodel, but these quick updates unify this bath with the renovated spaces, making it move-in ready.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-08-07T00:05:00.015-04:00

What Lies Beneath

Are you hiding your room’s biggest assets? Every room has one, and once identified, AtWell Staged Home ensures it’s the first thing buyers see upon entering.

It wasn’t in the budget to replace the early 90’s dusty rose carpeting, but it didn’t mean attention couldn’t be drawn away from it. Luckily this room had two great, built-in distractions: large windows and high ceilings.

Working within the client’s budget, the easiest and most cost effective solution is to simply remove all window treatments.

After staging, the space looks brighter, larger and more modern. Prior to staging, the eye is directed into the room, at the furniture. After removing the blinds the eye goes to the window, the high ceilings and great view.

Showing off the positives and playing down the negatives. Sounds simple enough, but often times hard to do in a space you have lived in for a long time.

Bringing in the fresh eyes of a professional home stager can make you thousands with just a minimal initial investment.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-07-24T00:05:00.021-04:00

Home Staging Creates
“Free” Flowing Spaces
that Bring in Big Offers

You do not have to buy or rent all new furniture and accessories to sell quickly and for top dollar.

Even if your furniture is 50 years old – as shown below – have no fear. Furniture placement, to show off a home’s best features, is what really counts.

After 3 months on the market, staging sells this home in 1 week.

This space is transformed in less than an hour using only the room’s current contents. Accessories are limited to just a few large and dramatic pieces. Window treatments are streamlined and modernized by removing sheers and tie-backs.

Finally, three distinct areas are created in this long living room: an intimate sitting space for two tucked into the bay window, a welcoming entertainment area for family and friends, and a functional work zone.

Buyers no longer wonder where they will put their furniture. The room feels warm, inviting and natural. It flows – and it is all done for free.

What’s old is new again in this no cost 1-hour whole-room redesign.

Whether you are selling or staying, you probably already have the elements for a warm, cozy and inviting home. It’s just a matter of the best furniture placement to create the desired flow.

BEFORE

AFTER

Staging reveals this home’s potential for a quick sale.

BEFORE

AFTER

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-07-17T00:05:00.010-04:00

Good Cop, Bad Cop

Stagers and Realtors combine forces to sell homes quickly and for top dollar.

The part of the “good cop” will be played by you, the Realtor.

Your role is straightforward. Ensure your clients recognize that:

• Realtors are experts in marketing homes to sell

• Home staging is one of the most powerful marketing tools

• Professional home staging is an important part of your marketing plan, because staged homes sell faster and for more money than unstaged homes.

There’s no longer a need to spend hours telling your sellers to put away their personal photos, eliminate that funky odor emanating from the basement, or to clean those unsightly stains around the tub. No more nervous tiptoeing around these sensitive topics.

And most important, there’s no risk of offending sellers, since you recommend staging to all your clients.

Awkward space transformed into cozy sitting area during consultation.

The part of the “bad cop” will be played by AtWell Staged Home.

AtWell Staged Home advises the seller on everything they can do to sell quickly and for top dollar. This is done with tact and sensitivity, while developing creative solutions for clients to live comfortably in their newly staged home.

Have you ever seen a home that couldn’t benefit from a 2-hour home staging consultation?

Let the home stager be the bad guy. See how much faster a home is transformed to a show home when you bring in the professional services of AtWell Staged Home.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-06-30T00:05:00.038-04:00

AtWell Staged Home: Sure Solutions Sweepstakes Finalist

Slip cover manufacturer – SureFit – holds a room transformation contest.

SureFit chooses the top 8 finalists, and then opens voting up to the public. Click here to view all 8 finalists and see how a simple slip cover changes the look and feel of an entire room.

AtWell Staged Home recommends SureFit slip covers as a budget friendly solution to quickly revive or update any room.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-06-26T00:05:00.011-04:00

I’m a Believer –
In Home Staging

But I wasn’t always a believer. So what changed that for me and can it convince you too?

Last month, we used science to prove that home staging works. This month I’ll share a personal story of how I became a home staging believer.

Convincing a Home Stager that Home Staging Works

It takes two experiments to convince me staged homes sell faster. My first foray into home staging starts with a friend’s condo. It sells in the first listing week with multiple offers. The market is hot, and I think little of it at the time.

My second foray is more conscious and challenging. Another friend’s house, on the market 9 months, and no sale. The market is beginning to cool, but when the home is originally listed, the market is still hot.

Proof that Even in the Best Markets, Some Homes Won’t Sell “As Is”

This home is transformed for less than 1% of listing price. It sells in 2 months with multiple offers and the beginnings of a bidding war. After, the agent asks to hire me and a year later, AtWell Staged Home opens its doors.

Even with my passion for decorating and staging, I still needed proof home staging works. After two successful staging projects, the home stager finally becomes a true believer.

Secret to Home Staging Success

One final observation regarding the secret to this success. These sellers did not spend a lot of money. The common theme of these, and later successful clients, is effort.

Sweat equity – cleaning, decluttering, rearranging of furniture – is their best investment.

Take a Chance on Home Staging and Win Big

Take this experiment to your home. Consult with AtWell Staged Home on making your home appeal to prospective home buyers. Implement the recommendations. Combine with the right agent and the right price to see how quickly your home sells.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-06-20T14:50:00.007-04:00

Two Reasons
Price Reductions Alone
Won’t Sell a House

Do your clients think offering a lower price than the competition will guarantee a quick sale? Are they willing to lose thousands to avoid the work required to fully market their home? If so, remind them how:

Price reductions won’t make buyers fall in love with a property

All buyers have a list of items they want in a home. But, when a buyer really loves a home, they throw out that logical list and buy the property anyway. If all they love is the price, that’s probably not enough to make a sale.

Price reductions won’t make a home move-in ready

Many of today’s buyers are busy two-income families. They don’t have the time or money to do major fix-ups and renovations just to move into their new home.

AtWell Staged Home is happy to speak with your clients about the benefits of staging their home. The phone call is free, investment small, and the rewards grand.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-06-13T00:05:00.012-04:00

Focus on Features

AtWell Staged Home compels buyers to see a home’s best architectural features.

This room’s best architectural feature – or focal point – is the picture window. It brings in great amounts of light and shows off the private view. But, before staging the eye is drawn primarily to the beautiful loveseat.

After staging, the eye skips past the furniture to the feature window, newly framed with paint. Buyers are now drawn into the room to view the private backyard. Eliminating the window treatments modernizes the space while saving money.

AtWell Staged Home brings out the best features in a home. We specialize in quick, simple, budget friendly transformations that generate rapid sales.

And, if you’re curious, staging helps sell this home in just 4 days.

Contact AtWell Staged Home at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-06-01T00:05:00.028-04:00

Home Staging Proof

Solid science proves staged homes really do sell faster.

I may have a BA in English, but my passions lie in the sciences and math. After a few years in the business world, my love for logic, evolved into a successful career as a computer scientist.

So when I first heard that staged homes sell faster than unstaged homes, it seemed to make sense, but I still wondered, how do they really know?

A Scientific Method for Proving Home Staging Works

In my mind, there’s only one way to prove home staging works. And that’s scientifically. To perform this experiment, we need to take two identical homes. One staged, one unstaged. Everything else being equal – location, price, promotion – see which one sells faster.

Since we know this isn’t really possible, the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and I have a comparable method. Here are the steps:

First, attempt to sell a home unstaged. Wait. If there is no sale, stage it. Wait an equal amount of time, or until the home sells. Finally, compare the results.

RESA Study Proves Staged Homes – Vacant or Occupied – Take 78% Less Time to Sell than Unstaged Homes

RESA’s study compiled data from home stagers around the country. Here’s what they found:

Between January and December of 2009, 87 vacant homes are put up for sale. Average days on market with no sale are 277. These same homes are later staged with rental furniture and accessories and sell in 63 days.
Similarly, in the same time period, 39 occupied homes are put up for sale. After an average of 233 days, without a sale, they too are staged. After returning to the market they average only 53 days to sell.

Click here to view or download a copy of the complete RESA study.

AtWell Staged Home Confirms RESA Study Findings

In a review of AtWell Staged Home's properties staged during this same time period, once staged, these homes sell 85% faster. Very similar to the RESA study results.

Click here to see how quickly AtWell Staged Home's properties sell.

Never Too Late to Stage

Luckily, most clients stage prior to listing. But, even when they don’t, that’s OK. The data show it’s never too late to stage.

Vacant home staged after 5 months and no sale.
Home sells 1 week after staging is complete.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-05-19T00:05:00.021-04:00

Educating Clients Made Easy

Home Seller Tips from AtWell Staged Home’s Stage Every Listing Log is the free source for educating and motivating clients to prepare their home for sale.

Every month a concise article written specifically for home sellers – your clients – is published at AtWell Staged Home’s blog. Simply click the envelope icon to email these short posts directly to your clients.

AtWell Staged Home welcomes you to reprint any articles in your print or electronic newsletter, but please include the following paragraph and links:

Reprinted from "AtWell Staged Home’s Stage Every Listing Log," a newsletter and blog for anyone selling real estate. Subscribe at www.AtWellStagedHome.com or by emailing Admin@AtWellStagedHome.com.

Why reinvent the wheel? Use the free resource of Stage Every Listing Log to educate your clients on the “how to’s” and benefits of home staging.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-05-08T00:05:00.017-04:00

Blog & Website – All in One

AtWell Staged Home has a whole new look and tons more content to educate home sellers.

You can now:

Add yourself to our FREE eNewsletter mailing list

Learn all About Us

Read, share and comment on our Blog

Review all Services offered by AtWell Staged Home

See Testimonials from our many satisfied clients

View a comprehensive Photo Gallery of before and after pictures

Download or share our Brochure

Find out what the Press is saying about AtWell Staged Home

Examine details of select projects through our Portfolio

And now 2 convenient ways to reach us:

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

or

http://www.susanatwell.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-05-01T00:05:00.016-04:00

Big Bang Theory
of Home Staging

It is always better to delay the listing of your home, than try to trickle out fixes and upgrades while the home is on the market.

When marketing a product, consumers are bombarded with images and sounds, on TV, radio and print. It may take 10 or more times before a consumer reacts to that ad.

But that’s not quite how it works in Real Estate. A home is not placed repeatedly in the face of consumers. It generally explodes onto the market with a single big bang! Just one chance to make that very important first – and lasting – impression.

Like a gourmet meal – artfully described – agents and buyers see this listing as fresh, new and enticing. But what happens when no one “bites”? The listing quickly becomes stale followed by concerns. Why is no one interested? Is there something wrong?

So, what is the Big Bang Theory of Home Staging? Simply put, it’s when all the elements required to sell a home quickly and for top dollar come together at the same time.

The perfect formula integrates promotion, price and product. The agent is responsible for promoting the home to potential buyers, as well as advising the seller on setting a fair price based on current market conditions. But the seller alone is responsible for preparing the product – the home – to look its best.

Properly showcasing a home is an important piece of the equation. And the big bang can only be achieved when this vital step is complete. This part takes the most time and effort, but garners the greatest reward.

As Nike says, “Just do it!” Whether training for an athletic event, preparing for a presentation, or writing a term paper, we are limited only by time and effort.

Start early, and do a little each day, to reap the greatest rewards while reducing the stress of moving. No all-nighters, just do what can be done in the timeframe established. The key is to prioritize and focus on the tasks with the highest return on investment (ROI).

The seller’s only job after listing is to keep the home in showing condition – and field offers, of course.

Not sure where to start or what to do? Work with your agent or hire a professional home stager. A 2-3 hour home staging consultation will give you all the information you need to properly prepare your home for its debut.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-04-27T00:05:00.026-04:00

Secret to Success:
Home Staging Consultations

I recently ran a workshop for a group of local Realtors. Early in the discussion, and before I have a chance to say it, the manager tells attendees:

“There isn’t a home out there that couldn’t benefit from a 2-hour home staging consultation.”

Agents are then encouraged to offer this service to all clients. Paying up front for the consultation or reimbursing the cost at closing. With a speedier sale, and higher purchase price, this investment will easily be returned to the agent at closing.

Below is a great example of no cost staging achieved during a 2-hour agent paid consultation. An offer is accepted within two weeks of listing.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-04-23T21:05:00.007-04:00

AtWell Staged Home
Making News

Former writer for The Advocate in Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut, Nadia Lerner, recently interviewed Susan Atwell about her successful home staging business.

"Despite our poor economy, Susan Atwell's thrifty house staging tips have helped numerous home owners market their dwellings for quick, well-priced sales."

Please click here to read the full article: Home Staging Entrepreneur Helps Sell Houses at Top Prices.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2010-03-27T00:05:00.012-04:00

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words – or is that Dollars?

Use photographs to expose equity killing clutter.

Have you heard the phrase, “clutter kills equity”? But how do you recognize the clutter in your own home? Try taking “before” pictures. A room will look cluttered in a picture, where it may not in person. Because photos never lie.

Step 1: Take the pictures yourself, or ask your agent to take them.

Take pictures from all points of entry to a room. Take additional pictures, focusing on architectural features like fireplaces, picture windows, or built-ins.

Step 2: Wait.

Wait a few days before reviewing the pictures. If possible, review the images away from your space. This will make it easier to be objective.

Step 3: Review the pictures.

Now, here’s the hard part – being objective. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and pretend you are looking at photos of someone else’s home. Avoid making excuses, or thinking its “good enough”.

Remember, no one with a choice ever settles for a home that is “good enough”.

Know what buyers are looking for: move-in ready homes, great architectural features – like hardwood floors, large windows and fireplaces, and a little WOW factor or pizzazz doesn’t hurt either. Does your home show any, or all of these elements? Could it if you removed some of the clutter and/or furnishings?

Before getting started, test your objectivity with this “before” image. One of many homes where clutter was slowing down the sale. Ask yourself the following five questions:

Where is your eye drawn – are you looking at the room or its contents?
Does the fireplace standout?
Do you notice the window?
Can you tell how big this room really is?
What feelings do you have when viewing this image?

Before: The eye is drawn to the “stuff” in this space. Too much furniture and knickknacks make it hard to focus on the fireplace – the central feature. The window is almost unnoticeable, and the room feels like it is closing in on itself.

Next, ask yourself these same five questions about the “after” picture below.After: The owner has edited down both furniture and accessories. Now, the walls, fireplace, floor and window – the elements for sale – are clearly visible. The room even appears larger, and after all, we are selling square footage.

The cost to stage this room – zero dollars. Selling in less than three weeks after lingering for over three months – priceless.

If you’re still having trouble being objective, or want a faster approach, consider hiring a professional home stager. By the end of a 2-4 hour consultation you will know exactly what’s needed to prepare your home for sale.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com

Quick Tips

2010-03-20T00:05:00.002-04:00

Put a Lid on It

The other day I was viewing a listing on-line. It was a beautiful 2 million dollar Westchester County NY home. Each room was exactly what you would expect for the area and for the price – all but one.

This photograph centered on the toilet. Not just a toilet, I wouldn’t mind that, but this one had its lid up. The picture stuck out from the rest because it was inconsistent with the overall image being projected. And, as I learned from Sesame Street, this one photo did not belong with the others.

Keep your presentation consistent and classy. When photographing or showing a bathroom’s toilet, always put a lid on it.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-03-13T00:10:00.015-05:00

Inspired Decorating

AtWell Staged Home is invited to decorate a client’s new home after successfully selling his prior home.

The owner’s prior house lingered on the market for 9 months, but after staging, sells in just 2 months with multiple offers.

"I am so proud of my new home and receive many compliments. I miss my old house, but Susan has helped me decorate my new home as a place where friends, family and I love to spend time." – JM, Somers, NY

Working with the owner’s desires and budget, many projects were tackled. Two complete bathroom makeovers, hardwood floors, paint and some new furniture help this owner make a fresh start in a new community.

Prior home – inspiration piece – the owner’s favorite area rug.

New home – Hardwood floors are installed and a buttery paint color applied. A new couch, chair, and window treatments are all that are needed to coordinate with the owner’s favorite area rug, furnishings, and accessories.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com

Special Report for Sellers and Agents

2010-02-20T00:05:00.021-05:00

Top 12 DIY
Home Improvements
for Home Sellers

Home Staging, once again, leads the list of home improvement projects with the highest return on investment. Increase your home’s resale value with staging, the key to selling success.

The following is reprinted from HomeGain’s recent survey.

HomeGain Releases 2009 Home Improvement Survey Data

HomeGain reveals new survey findings of top 12 do-it-yourself home improvements for home sellers, based on responses from nearly 1,000 REALTORS; cleaning and de-cluttering ranks as highest return on investment, followed by home staging.

Emeryville, CA (PRWEB) November 5, 2009 – HomeGain.com, the first website to offer web-based free instant home values, today announced that it has released the results of its nationwide home improvement and home staging Home Sale Maximizer™ survey.

HomeGain received responses from nearly 1,000 Realtors nationwide and configured a list of the top 12 do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvements that cost under $5,000 and benefit sellers most when they sell their homes.

According to the HomeGain survey, the top five home improvements that Realtors recommend to home sellers based on cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are:

Cleaning and de-cluttering ($200 cost / $1,700 price increase / 872% ROI)
Home staging($300 cost / $1,780 price increase / 586% ROI)
Lightening and brightening ($230 cost / $1,300 price increase / 572% ROI)
Landscaping ($320 cost / $1,500 price increase / 473% ROI)
Repairing plumbing ($385 cost / $1,250 price increase / 327% ROI)

Cleaning and de-cluttering continues to rank as the top suggested home improvement (since the survey was originally conducted in 2000), recommended by 98 percent of Realtors, costing less than $200 and returning a value of nearly $1,700 to the home’s sale price, or an 872% return on investment.

“Many Realtors agree, especially in a buyer’s market, that sellers who make these recommended home improvements often get their homes sold faster and at higher prices,” stated Louis Cammarosano, General Manager at HomeGain.

“We have customized our Home Sale Maximizer online home improvement tool to help identify and prioritize the projects that can increase the salability and selling price of a home.”

Rounding out the top 12, the list of low cost, do-it-yourself home improvements includes: updating electrical, replacing or shampooing carpets, painting interior walls, repairing damaged floors, updating kitchen, painting outside of home, and updating bathroom/s.

The home improvement projects with the highest price increases to a home's resale value is Updating the Kitchen ($1,200 cost / $2,850 price increase), followed by Painting the Outside of the Home ($900 cost / $1,815 price increase) and Home Staging ($300 cost / $1,780 price increase).

"Inexpensive cosmetic home improvements and basic improvements greatly enhance the value of the home," stated Carol Wilson of Carpenter Real Estate in Indianapolis, IN, HomeGain AgentEvaluator member since 1999.

To see the complete survey results, visit the HomeGain Real Estate Blog.

Home Sale Maximizer is a home improvement online resource that helps homeowners identify key repairs for getting a home ready for sale, and that can result in a higher sale price for their home.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-02-06T00:05:00.003-05:00

Westchester Choice Realty Partners with AtWell Staged Home

Complete professional Home Staging services now available for all Westchester Choice home sellers.

Barry Kramer and John Crittenden, principal brokers of Westchester Choice Realty in Scarsdale, New York, believe in home staging and offer basic staging services – furniture placement and decluttering advice – free to all their clients. They encourage clients to consider the services of a professional home stager for those needing more assistance.

Westchester Choice Realty has partnered with professional home stager Susan Atwell of AtWell Staged Home. Susan has achieved remarkable results for her clients and Westchester Choice recommends her services.

AtWell Staged Home offers services from a professional design consultation to rental of furniture and other design elements. Occupied or vacant, AtWell Staged Home will give your home an advantage over the competition.

1 Bed 1 Bath co-op at 250 Garth Road, Scarsdale

Click here to view all the before and after pictures.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2010-01-30T00:05:00.007-05:00

Designing to Dwell

Decorating to Appeal to Your Likes & Tastes

Here are just a few ways AtWell Staged Home can help you create a warm and inviting home reflecting your personality:

Paint color recommendations
Planning projects, repairs, and upgrades
Recommending and coordinating with contractors
Window treatment recommendations and selection
Furniture arrangement, placement, and accessorizing
Interior redesign, organizing, and new home decorating
Shopping for accessories, furniture, or any other home decor

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2010-01-16T00:05:00.007-05:00

Multiple Offers

Stagers and Realtors working together generate multiple offers.

Co-listing agents spend their marketing money wisely. A reluctant home seller – helped and encouraged by her agents – implements changes as they are recommended by AtWell Staged Home. Many rooms are transformed on the spot, others after the 2-hour consultation concludes.

End result? After receiving multiple offers, this $449k Lincolndale NY home sells in 5 days, for just 4k below asking.

Multiple offers are still possible when you team with AtWell Staged Home. A 2-hour home staging consultation promises to produce more interest, excitement, and traffic to your listings.

Click here to view the complete set of listing pictures.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-12-31T19:00:00.004-05:00

New Year’s Resolution for Your House

If you had to sell your home tomorrow, would you be ready?

You never know when life will change and you shouldn’t have to put your life on hold because of a few neglected home improvements, repairs or upgrades. Be prepared.

This year, and every year, resolve to tackle one home improvement project. Make it a change you will enjoy, but also adds value to your biggest investment, your home.

This is an easy resolution that takes little willpower or sacrifice. It’s not about restrictions, it’s about return on investment.

Repairs and maintenance are your top priority. Keep up with minor repairs as they occur and plan ahead for major maintenance and upgrades.
Kitchens and baths sell houses. Pay special attention to keeping these spaces current. Paint, light fixtures, hardware and window treatments are easy and inexpensive upgrades.
Did you make compromises when purchasing your current home? Now that it’s yours – no more excuses. Fix these trouble areas now.

Sound like too much work? Well, imagine what a potential home buyer will say. Not only are you asking them to pay big bucks for your home, you’re asking them to make the improvements that were too difficult to tackle.

Keep in mind – at a minimum – buyers desire a move-in ready home. No buyer wants to pay top dollar for a project.

Having trouble choosing projects? Professional Home Stagers know which upgrades and improvements add the most value. Schedule a 2-hour consulation to prioritize short and long term goals for your home.

It’s always sad for home stager’s to hear a client say, “I wish I made these changes while I was living here.” Start this year with no regrets.

Budget friendly powder room upgrade with an eye toward resale.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-12-19T00:05:00.017-05:00

It All Boyles Down to This:
Looks Count

Remember the Susan Boyle phenomenon last year? What lessons can we learn from this experience? And what does this have to do with selling a home?

Singer Susan Boyle proves that first impressions and looks do count.

If you don’t believe looks and first impressions count, you may want to review this video. Note your thoughts, your initial impressions, the first time you see Susan. Also note audience members and judges reactions. I think the phrase, “Are you serious?” sums it up well.

If Susan Boyle was a house, most people wouldn’t slow down to take a look, let alone wish to go inside. Does it surprise us then that she has “never been given the chance before” to become a star?

We are superficial. Admit it. We believe, what we see, is what we get. All the more reason why we must impress our audience of home buyers the minute they open the door. Few buyers have the ability – or inclination – to look longer and deeper.

What a wonderful surprise to discover this beautiful voice hiding deep inside the out-of-date packaging that is Susan Boyle. Hair, make-up, clothing all make her appear much older. It gives the impression she is not keeping up with the times, and implies she does not care enough to do so.

Does your home’s décor – its packaging – leave the same impression? Does your home look old, neglected, and leave buyers to believe it is not being well maintained?

How do you unleash the inner beauty in your home? Staging, of course. A professional stager is your home’s personal stylist.

Last year, the Internet, the media, the world, went wild for a singer that proves yet again that looks count. If Ms. Boyle was made over prior to this show, maybe she wouldn’t have waited almost 47 years to become a star. How long until you stage your home into an overnight sensation?

The competition is fierce and your buyers are all “Simons”. Showcase your space now and give it the chance it deserves.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/p/about.html

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-12-07T00:05:00.006-05:00

Risky Business

Are your sellers receptive to Home Staging? Here’s why it pays to ask – every time.

Six months after listing his home, and no sale, his agent suggests staging. Consistently negative feedback about a few trouble areas is enough to kill any hope of a sale. And even though the client receives all of this feedback they take no action. Hesitant to propose a price reduction, the agent recommends home staging. But are they too late?

When the stager arrives, the seller says in passing, “I don’t know why my agent didn’t suggest this earlier.” Conclusion? The seller is open to home staging – even pays for it himself – takes the advice and makes the necessary changes. This ends well for the seller, but not the agent. At the same time the seller is replacing his carpet, he also replaces his agent.

Don’t risk losing a sale. Find out if your sellers are receptive to home staging. Explain that staged home sells faster and for more money. Repeat this message as home staging is a new concept for most sellers. If the owners appear receptive, schedule a 2-hour home staging consultation with AtWell Staged Home. When home owners stage everyone is rewarded.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-11-18T00:05:00.012-05:00

AtWell Staged Home
in the News

Home Guru, Realtor and writer for The Examiner Bill Primavera, features home staging expert Susan Atwell for his article Staging Makes a World of Difference in Selling Your Home.

“With home values down and inventory up, the best way to jump ahead in catching the buyer’s attention in any price range is through the dynamic medium of home staging. A good home staging can do more than a price reduction in capturing an offer to purchase.

For some, the term staging is relatively new, but the concept is not. Home sellers have always tried to make their homes look their best when they go on the market. But most times it’s better to have another set of eyes to make needed improvements. Buyers want to see the features of a home and how they could fit into it without being distracted or turned off by what’s in it or how it’s decorated.”

Please click here to read the full article.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-10-31T00:01:00.013-04:00

A Moving Experience

AtWell Staged Home creates DIY staging plan for anxious – but determined – home sellers. After 14 months and no sale, home sells 4 days after staging.

“A family’s life changed and all it took was a plan, some paint and a slip cover,” writes Staging Diva Debra Gould. Read the complete story of this transformation in her article:

NY Home Stager Helps Ailing Home Owner Make Quick Sale
I am thankful and moved by the actions of compassionate volunteers, a caring Realtor, and committed sellers. Home staging helps sell a home faster and for top dollar, but sometimes the rewards are greater.

No cost staging.
Crafts room transformed into relaxing sitting area.

(Click here to view all 9 before and after pictures.)

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-10-27T00:01:00.019-04:00

Give the Gift of Home Staging

A 2-hour home staging consultation is the gift that gives back.

Looking for that perfect gift for your clients? Why wait for the home to sell?

This year resolve to treat your clients to the gift that helps them sell fast and for top dollar. Show sellers you’ll go the extra mile to sell their home.

Guarantee a quick sale and high price with the gift of a 2-hour home staging consultation.

Discounts are available for Realtors including the cost of home staging consultations in their marketing strategy. Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-09-30T00:05:00.016-04:00

When a Stager Calls

Afraid to stage? You’re not alone. Here are 5 common home staging fears debunked.

I’m afraid it’s too late to stage.

In this tough market, your home needs to be the best to stand out from the rest. Even if your home has been on the market for months, it’s never too late to stage.
I’m afraid staging won’t work.

Success Stories & Testimonials

I’m afraid staging is too expensive.

Put Stock in Staging

I’m afraid I won’t have time to fix up my home before the stager arrives.

Would you lose weight before joining a gym? Probably not. Once you decide to sell your home, contact a stager. Working together, you will establish a staging plan that fits your time frame, budget, and skill set.
I’m afraid I won’t like the changes the stager makes.

This is unlikely if you’ve researched the home stager and viewed examples of their work. Keep in mind she is decorating for mass appeal and not for your – or even her own – personal taste.
The idea of someone – a stranger – coming through your home and critiquing every inch might be a little scary. But have no fear. A home stager is not critiquing your personal style or taste; she is making your home the most desirable to the widest audience possible.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/p/about.html

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-09-19T00:05:00.009-04:00

Scary Story

A potential client asks you, a Realtor, exactly what’s needed to sell. You go through the home, top to bottom, documenting the changes. Later, you review the list with the owner. To your surprise, they make all the recommended modifications.

So what’s so scary? Well, after all your hard work, the seller lists with another agent. Frightening, but true.

This agent performed a complete home staging consultation – taking valuable time and worth hundreds of dollars. Time better spent doing what Realtors do best – marketing listings, gaining new clients, and selling homes. Avoid this horror. Recommend the home seller to a professional home stager. Someone dedicated to selling homes fast and for top dollar.

Do you have any real estate horror stories? Please feel free to share them here at my blog or through email. Your story could be the inspiration for a future article.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-09-12T00:05:00.013-04:00

Success Stories & Testimonials

New at AtWellStagedHome.blogspot.com.

View testimonials and full details of AtWell Staged Home's interior decorating, redesign, and home staging projects.

Here’s a sampling.

“It doesn’t just look good, it feels good...” (GY)

“We signed a binder with the first couple that saw our house. We were very pleased with the outcome of the staging and can't thank Susan enough for her direction...Another very satisfied customer.” (JD)

“The condo looks great!!!!!! As they say in England I was gob smacked! Wow. Incredible! Great job!!...” (WT)

“The condo has sold...Thanks for your help. If we end up buying a new home in the area...I'll call you for decorating help.” (CM)

“Susan’s staging expertise moved my property within the first listing week...I’d recommend Susan to anyone looking to sell or just upgrade their home.” (LG)

“Her plan was well designed and executed with ease and minimal expense...Without Susan, my house would still be on the market today.” (JM)

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-08-29T00:01:00.012-04:00

All the Right Moves

How do you sell a nearly condemned, vacant, condo fast and for top dollar? It all begins with the agent…

Here are the steps one successful seller took to quickly obtain their price.

Consulted with her real estate agent months before the contract was signed.
Made the necessary upgrades and fixes suggested by the agent. This included a full kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrades, hard wood floors and fresh paint throughout.
Hired AtWell Staged Home to decorate the vacant home to sell - as advised by the agent. Furniture rental came to just $500 per month. A one-time purchase of accessories – including bedding – came to an economical $275.
Took their agent’s advice, and priced it right, from the start.

The seller, working with their agent from the very beginning, made all the right moves. The home sold in just 4 days at a price close to asking.

Click here to view all the before and after pictures.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-08-08T00:01:00.007-04:00

An Inconvenient Truth

Truth is few things are more inconvenient than having your home on the market.

Part 2 of 2 – Click here to view Part 1

To reduce the amount of time that you will be inconvenienced – and you will be inconvenienced – focus on the following:

Be prepared. The hardest part of living in a home that is on the market is constantly being prepared to show your home. But you must be ready at a moment’s notice. You never know when your perfect buyer will walk through the door. This is not a good time to entertain or have guests.

Clean sells. It’s surprising how dirty even a vacant home can get. Dust on surfaces, cobwebs in corners, stains in stagnant toilets, finger prints on windows and appliances - all of these areas need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Consider hiring a cleaning service during this period.

Pack it up. Pack up and store anything you won’t need while your home is on the market. Packing sooner, rather than later, will make the transition easier. Many moving companies offer storage options for those staging their homes to sell.

Stick to the essentials. Too much or no furniture can make a home feel small. Cluttered homes are distracting, while vacant homes are cold. Either way, buyers will have trouble picturing their furniture in these spaces. Define each space to have a single purpose using just essential pieces, minimize clutter, and make sure there is plenty of light.

Showcasing or staging your home will minimize the stress and inconvenience that comes with selling. Being inconvenienced for the short term will pay off.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/p/about.html

Home Seller Tips

2009-07-18T00:01:00.006-04:00

No Vacancies

Five reasons furnished homes are more appealing and sell faster than vacant homes.

Builders do it and so should you. Furnish and stage a vacant home, that is. And why do they? Here are five reasons.

Furnishing a vacant home hides minor flaws while showcasing a home’s best features. No home – not even new construction – is ever perfect. Staging distracts the home buyers from minor cosmetic flaws and imperfections.
Vacant homes appear smaller because they lack perspective. Placing representative pieces of furniture in a room allows home buyers to imagine how – and if – their own furniture will fit.
Furnished homes are inviting and warm. It may sound corny, but your goal is to create a love connection between your buyer and your home. Buyers will purchase the home they love.
Furniture gives each space a purpose and helps sell a lifestyle. Defining each room with furniture and accessories quickly lets buyers picture themselves living in this space.
Vacant homes broadcast a message that the home owners have moved and are desperate to sell. Don’t give home buyers any reason to ask for money off on the sale. An investment in rental furnishings and accessories will be returned at closing.

Even builders of new homes know that vacant properties appear cold, uninviting, and often times small. It is money well spent to hide cosmetic construction flaws, showcase features, create warmth, and help buyers connect emotionally to a home. Staging a vacant home – new or old – is an important step to selling quickly and for top dollar.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/p/about.html

Services Center

2009-06-27T00:01:00.005-04:00

Vacant Home Staging –
Money Well Spent

AtWell Staged Home offers affordable vacant home staging services.

Whether you have a small condo or large house, all homes sell faster when furnished. AtWell Staged Home will:

Source rental furniture and unique accessories.
Work within your budget and the price point of the home to establish an effective and economical staging plan.
Quickly transform your home with furniture and accessories to showcase its best features.
Create an environment for potential home buyers to fall in love with your home.

To learn more, contact AtWell Staged Home, by phone or email.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-06-06T00:00:00.011-04:00

An Inconvenient Truth

Truth is few things are more inconvenient than having your home on the market.

Part 1 of 2 – Click here to view Part 2

Imagine a bad reality show, where you – a home seller – are forced to live in Macy’s window for weeks on end. Your personal items, your life, constantly exposed to strangers. And everything has to be perfect all the time.

If your home is currently on the market, you may feel this way already. So what’s the best way to get out from under the microscope? Sell fast.

Well, that sounds easy – and obvious – but how do you sell fast?

A combination of staging, effort, and a willingness to be inconvenienced – at least for the time that your home is on the market.

Remember, your efforts will be rewarded. The more you do now, the faster your home will sell, and the sooner you can return to a normal life.

Just one question remains. Are you willing to do what it takes to sell? The following questions should help you find out.

Are you willing to detach yourself emotionally from this home and view it as a product or commodity?
Are you willing to let go of your personal style and decorate to appeal to the widest variety of buyers?
Are you willing to pack up anything you won’t need for the next few months – even if it includes children’s toys, personal photos and keepsakes?
Are you willing to eliminate or hide TVs, computers or other electronic devices?
Are you willing to send your pets away when the home is being shown?
Are you willing to furnish an unfurnished home so that it is warm, inviting, and spacious?
Are you willing to clean like you’ve never cleaned before?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, then you are ready. The truth is that you will be inconvenienced, but it will be well worth it when you sell fast and for top dollar.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/p/about.html

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-05-30T00:00:00.008-04:00

What Drives Staging?

Is it inspiration or desperation?

Tony Robbins in Personal Power! explains that people are driven to action by inspiration or desperation. When your clients are considering home staging are they inspired or desperate?

The inspired client has not yet put their home on the market. If a seller asks about staging, this is a good time to explain the benefits. Encourage today’s seller to have the best property right from the start.
The desperate client’s home is lingering on the market with no offers, low offers, or just no showings. My experience is that the desperate seller – once committed to home staging – puts in the most effort. These sellers also gain the greatest financial rewards.

Inspired or desperate, these are the clients that are most likely to implement a home stager’s plan, to sell fast and avoid costly price reductions.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-05-23T21:53:00.021-04:00

New! Online Photo Gallery

Now available here at www.AtWellStagedHome.com

Click here to view samples of AtWell Staged Home's projects. Includes before and after pictures of staged homes, interior decorating, and redesign.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-05-17T20:14:00.020-04:00

Built-In Equity

Are you showcasing the unique architectural elements in your home?

A 70s modern condo, like many others in the complex, offered a unique built-in bookcase. Barely noticeable in this vacant home but brought to the forefront with a small budget and a little creativity.

Here is just one example of how an architectural feature can be taken from drab to fab. Use this budget conscious example to make the most out of the unique architectural features in your home.

Pick a purpose. The built-in was right off the dining room. Staging it as a hutch saved the expense of renting an additional piece of furniture.

Find a style. Will this space be formal or casual? Will it be used for function or form? A more elegant theme was chosen in this example to coordinate with the adjacent dining area.

Establish a theme and repeat it. Colors, shapes, objects, anything goes. In this space the colors from a large china platter and matching bowl established the theme. Maroon and silver were then repeated to unify the grouping of chargers, potpourri filled vases, candles, and sculptural book ends.

Keep it simple. If combining books and accessories follow the rule of thirds: 1/3 books, 1/3 accessories, 1/3 open space. Remember that less is more in staging.

Be kind to your budget. If you are buying new items, you don’t need to spend a lot. Look for items that just look expensive. All the items below were purchased from local home discount, craft, and thrift stores for only $65.

This is just one idea for how home buyers might use this space. The options for showing off a home’s built in assets are only limited by your creativity, resources, time and budget.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-05-09T00:01:00.007-04:00

Great Expectations

What do you say to a client who wants a price that you feel may be a little higher than the home is currently worth?

Well, you have two choices. You can explain to the home seller that the price is too high and they’ll need to lower it. Or, you could tell them about a tool to help them get top dollar. Which sounds better to you?

Staging is that proven marketing tool. It gives a house a competitive advantage over similar homes and is a creative alternative to price reductions. The cost of home staging will certainly be less than their first price reduction. What have they got to lose?

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-05-02T00:01:00.003-04:00

Follow Me On

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

If you’re new to Twitter, click here to view Twitter in Plain English. You can set up an account and start “twittering” in minutes.

Then follow me at twitter.com/AtWellStageHome. It’s easy to learn, but watch out, it can be addictive.

Scroll down to view my three most recent tweets.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-04-25T00:01:00.003-04:00

Kitchens and Baths Sell Houses

Any real estate agent will tell you that kitchens and baths sell houses. Don’t miss the opportunity to impress your buyers. Make staging your kitchen and bath a top priority.

Part 2 of 2: Bathroom Staging Tips

Hidden Gem

Staging played a key role in selling this home in less than 3 months. Apply these tips when transforming your bathroom. Transcend functionality. Think model home, fine hotel, or spa for your bathroom makeover.

Before staging, the bathroom appeared unsanitary. After staging – a completely different story. A deep cleaning, wallpaper removal and a buttery-yellow paint transformed this bathroom into an entirely new space.

Additionally, a rusty medicine cabinet was replaced with a custom mirror and an inexpensive white cabinet over the toilet. The vanity fixture was replaced and clutter removed. To expand and brighten this small bath, extra lighting and a translucent shower curtain were added.

The floor’s grout had gone from grey to brown. Cleaning with oxygenated bleach returned its original color.

This project proved, once again, that clean sells. It was the major focus for this project as it must be for all staging projects.

As the only full bath in a four-bedroom home, the majority of the budget was focused here. The total cost for these bathroom improvements was just $550 for this $550,000 home. Worth every penny to bring the shine back to this hidden gem.

Before:

After:

If you missed Part 1 – Kitchen Staging Tips – click here.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-04-18T00:01:00.009-04:00

Free Consultation or Sales Call – What’s in a Name?

How Home Stagers describe their services may mislead some into thinking they are getting something for nothing.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are no free lunches. These are just a few of the lessons life teaches. So what is a free consultation? Since Home Stagers charge for their advice, I have to conclude that “free consultation” is code for “sales call”.

free estimate

Six Elements Inc.

AtWell Staged Home keeps it simple and bills all services by the hour. We always begin with a 2-3 hour working consultation. At the end, home sellers know exactly what’s needed to prepare their home for sale. The seller then decides how much work they will do themselves or if they would like further assistance from AtWell Staged Home.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Special Event

2009-04-11T00:01:00.009-04:00

The Case for Home Staging

I had a great time this past weekend presenting at Pulte Home’s EZ Move Seminar at The Retreat in Carmel NY. I am thankful for the opportunity to educate sellers about home staging and why it works.

Those attending the event must sell their current home before moving into this active-adult community. With three beautifully decorated model homes, it was easy to make the case for staging. Anyone touring experiences the effect of home staging – firsthand – even if they don’t realize it.

It is staging that makes them connect emotionally to the house. Staging that allows them to picture themselves living there. And staging that invites them to stay.

To make the case, attendees were asked to recall their initial visit. What was their first impression? How long did it take to formulate an opinion? Do they still feel that way today? And finally, will home buyers react as favorably to their home?

So, what was the point of this line of questioning? To prove to attendees that, good or bad, first impressions are lasting impressions. All buyers are looking for a positive buying experience and staging delivers on that feeling.

I closed the session by describing my easy approach to home staging, and before I left, two participants had already scheduled consultations. They are ready to impress their potential buyers with a well staged home.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Special Event

2009-04-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

And the Winner Is...

…Donna Rohan of Peter J. Riolo Real Estate in Hastings on Hudson.

Donna, and over 150 real estate agents, recently attended the Westchester Real Estate Expo in Tarrytown New York where AtWell Staged Home exhibited.

What did she win? A 3-hour consultation from AtWell Staged Home.

It can be used for home staging or redesign – for a client or herself.

Congratulations Donna!

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-03-28T00:01:00.003-04:00

Put Stock in Staging

Where can you make a 343% return – or save $10,000 – on an investment of just $500?

Today’s new math is called home staging.

According to HomeGain’s 2007 Prepare-to-Sell national survey of over 2,000 real estate agents nationwide, the return on investment for staging a home to sell is as much as 343% on a typical investment of just $500.

Making a home “lighter and brighter” and “cleaning and decluttering” also had rates of return of 355% and 578% respectively. It’s no wonder that 97% of agents surveyed made these recommendations along with 91% who advised sellers to stage.

If those numbers aren’t convincing enough, consider this. In the New York metropolitan area the minimum price reduction, for an average home or condo, would be at least $10,000. How much will that first price reduction take out of your wallet?

Clutter, dirt and darkness eat equity. Don’t gamble. Put stock in staging by decorating your home to sell fast and for top dollar. No matter how you do the math, an investment in home staging is a winning venture.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Special Event

2009-03-21T00:01:00.016-04:00

EZ Move Seminar

Pulte Homes knows home staging works and they are putting their money where their mouth is.

The Retreat at Carmel Condominiums by Pulte Homes is hosting an EZ move seminar on Saturday, April 4th, from 1-3pm.

Pulte offers a generous credit toward home staging services for anyone needing to sell their current home before buying in this active-adult community.

AtWell Staged Home will be on hand to answer all your home staging questions. Learn how easy it is to stage your current home to sell quickly and for top dollar.

For more information, or to RSVP, please call 845-228-1216.

For directions to The Retreat in Carmel NY, visit:
http://www.pulte.com/communities/ny/carmel/retreat-at-carmel/

For free home staging tips and tools visit:
http://www.atwellstagedhome.blogspot.com/

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-03-16T00:01:00.008-04:00

Repairs that Pay

Which repairs can increase your home's value?

HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer™ Online Home Improvement Tool is now available here at my blog.

Use this tool to determine which home improvements to make, the average cost, the expected increase in your home's value, and the calculated return on investment.

Look for this symbol to take you there.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-03-11T00:01:00.006-04:00

Kitchens and Baths Sell Houses

Any real estate agent will tell you that kitchens and baths sell houses. Don’t miss the opportunity to impress your buyers. Make staging your kitchen and bath a top priority.

Part 1 of 2: Kitchen Staging Tips

Heart of the Home

A kitchen facelift helped sell this home in less than 3 months after it had previously lingered on the market for over 9. The techniques utilized here are easily adapted to your kitchen. The goals – present this space as clean, bright, spacious, and updated.

This kitchen had good bones. The cabinets were well made, appliances in excellent condition, and the floor and counters were a neutral white.

Even though the kitchen had ample lighting the seller complained the room had always been dark. This problem was easily fixed by removing the busy – and highly personal – wallpaper. A light and bright space had been hiding underneath all along.

Additionally, the leaf was removed from the table, all under cabinet appliances eliminated, counters decluttered, cabinet hardware updated, the chipped faucet replaced, cabinets polished, and the major appliances cleaned – inside and out – to look like new.

Knowing potential home buyers look inside cabinets, fifty percent of the contents were removed, and the rest neatly organized.

And the most important tip – clean sells. This applies to all spaces in your home, but especially kitchens and baths. Detail every inch of your kitchen like it was an expensive sports car.

A kitchen staging like this takes more elbow grease than money. The only costs were for a new faucet, cabinet hardware, and paint. Amaze yourself, your agent and your buyers. Infuse a little home staging to win over the hearts of house hunters.

Before:

After:

Read Part 2 – Bathroom Staging Tips

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-03-06T00:01:00.025-05:00

Extreme Home Staging

Ever instruct a home seller on staging their home but they take it to the extreme?

True story. An agent advised his sellers to declutter. He specifically directed them to keep essential pieces of furniture in each room – even though it was an estate.

So what did the ambitious home sellers do? You guessed it. They emptied the house completely. Decluttering taken to the extreme.

Consequently, the home took much longer to sell than necessary. Has this ever happened to you?

Avoid this situation. AtWell Staged Home will spend the time to explain and show home sellers exactly what to do. And we’re available after the consultation, by phone, email, or to handle more projects.

It’s never too much or too little. With AtWell Staged Home it’s always just right.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-02-21T00:01:00.006-05:00

New! Online Brochure

Easy to download and print. Email to friends, clients and colleagues.

A printer friendly version of www.AtWellStagedHome.com. Just one page when printed front to back.

Available here at my website or download now!

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-02-15T00:15:00.027-05:00

Stage Every Listing Log

I want to hear from you! Add your comments to my new blog at:

www.AtWellStagedHome.blogspot.com

Features:

Subscribe to this blog. If you’re confused about this – and trust me you are not alone – view this short video. RSS in Plain English explains how easy it is to subscribe to blogs.
Search for articles by topic or date.
Bookmark articles for future reference.
Current Newsletter and archived articles can be viewed at this blog.
Email individual articles to friends, co-workers or clients.
Comment and share your thoughts with me and other readers.

Visit my Weblog here at www.AtWellStagedHome.blogspot.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-02-11T20:53:00.013-05:00

Selling Insanity

Definition: Trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

I’m sure you’ve seen it. A seller puts their home on the market. They are convinced it will sell quickly, but after a few weeks, no offers. The price is reduced. A few more weeks pass, still no offers. Another price reduction is considered. And so it begins.

How do you prevent – or stop – this from happening to you? Focus on product, price and promotion.

Product

Your home became a commodity the second the For Sale sign was placed on the lawn. But does your home’s “packaging” reflect the image you want to project? Employ staging, a marketing tool that uses decorating, to sell your house quickly and for top dollar.

Price

Price it right – from the start. Desperate to sell? Consider real estate expert Barbara Corcoran’s advice. Set your initial price as much as 10-20% below comparable homes.

Promotion

Choose a real estate agent that will aggressively promote your property. An agent with a proven reputation for getting homes sold.

Buyers won’t be able to resist the combination of a home they love at a price they can afford. Work with a professional home stager and your real estate agent for the sanest selling experience you can have.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-02-07T09:18:00.014-05:00

Warm Clients to Staging
this Spring

The real estate market is heating up and promises to be one of the most competitive ever. Are your clients ready?

Take a lead from HGTV’s latest real estate show The Unsellables. In this series, sellers have the opportunity to step into a buyer’s shoes. They discover firsthand if their home measures up to comparable well-staged homes in the area.

The experience teaches sellers the positive effect a staged home has on a buyer. They also learn how those critical first impressions – good or bad – become lasting impressions.

This spring, instead of showing home owners comparables on paper, show them what they are up against in person.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-02-03T14:41:00.008-05:00

What Does Your House Say?

Greet buyers the moment they walk through the door.

Does your house capture their attention and shout:

Come on in! Make yourself comfortable and stay a while.
I’m maintenance free. No repairs are needed and I practically clean myself.
I’m so bright you’ll love living here.
All your furniture, and more, will fit in this space.
There’s loads of storage for your favorite things too.
Welcome home!

Not sure what your house says? Contact AtWell Staged Home to set up an appointment for a home staging consultation. In as little as 2-3 hours we will have your home speaking volumes and wooing buyers into a sale.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-02-01T00:15:00.003-05:00

Staging Succeeds where Price Reductions Fail

A lower price is a great way to gain fresh interest in your property, but price isn’t everything. For a competitive advantage, stage your home.

You’ve probably heard the joke – beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes straight to the bone. It’s no joke to house hunters. If potential buyers can’t immediately see a home’s surface beauty, they won’t hang around long enough to learn what’s underneath. Buyers will assume that superficial flaws go down to the foundation.

Staging dresses your house to impress.

Like meeting someone for the first time, whether it’s a job interview or a blind date, appearances matter. If you’ve grabbed the buyer’s attention visually, you’ve got a chance at grabbing him emotionally.

Staging makes buyer’s fall in love with your house.

House hunters buy the home they love, the one that excites them. Staging allows buyers to connect emotionally to your home by picturing themselves living there. You know you’ve set the scene when house hunters start planning where they will put their furniture, instead of commenting on yours.

Staging makes your house move-in ready.

Home buyers are looking for an easy transition – not a project. A move-in ready residence will put your home at the top of their list.

Staging adds value that can’t always be measured in dollars and cents.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-02-01T00:10:00.002-05:00

Staging Boosts Profits

Discover how staging increases both seller and agent profits with a free 40-minute presentation by AtWell Staged Home.

Topics include:

What is home staging and why does it work?
Tips for recommending staging to clients
Staging fees
Success stories
Q&A session

A great – and free – opportunity to learn how AtWell Staged Home can help your team achieve their sales goals.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-02-01T00:05:00.003-05:00

Long Distance Staging

Using the homeowner’s digital photos, AtWell Staged Home, performed this consultation over the phone.

The home recently sold for a mere 15k under the 550k asking price. Here is one of the staged spaces.

Before

After

Quick, easy, and inexpensive changes update this bath. All it takes is a stylish light fixture, fresh towels, and a bold arrangement. A stainless-steel soap dispenser even makes the existing faucet appear new.

This is what staging is all about – small changes that make a big impact.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2009-01-01T13:00:00.010-05:00

Six Tips to Maximize Your Home Staging Dollar

Think you can’t afford to hire a professional home stager? Think again. In today’s market, you can’t afford not to.

Interview the stager by phone. The stager will explain the process and gather needed information about your property before you meet.
Email your listing to the stager. First impressions start on the Internet. Staging will bring out your home’s best features – in person and on the Web.
Start with a home staging consultation. Sometimes referred to as a “working” consultation, these meetings generally last 2-4 hours. During that time, the stager walks through your home with the critical eye of a potential home buyer, proposing design and decorating modifications that are unique to your space.
Take your own notes. During the consultation allow the stager to focus solely on dispensing advice. This will save both time and money.
Prioritize your notes at the end of the meeting. The stager will ensure that you concentrate on the tasks that give you the most bang for your staging buck.
Do the work yourself. Let the home stager know your skill set, budget and time frame, before the consultation. Armed with this information, the stager will make cost effective recommendations you can do yourself.

Contact your home stager anytime after the consultation for clarifications or quotes on additional services.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2009-01-01T00:45:00.037-05:00

Staging: The New Rule

As a real estate professional, you know that staged homes sell faster and for more money. But how do you pass that message along to your clients, and more important, have them act on it?

Educate your clients on the importance of showcasing their home. Explain that in a buyer’s market, and with inventories so high, sellers must take that extra step to make their home stand out from the rest.

Reinforce the message. Why? Because staging is a new concept for most sellers. Whenever the opportunity allows, repeat the message that sellers who do the work for the buyer, will get the quickest sale.

Make staging your new standard. How? Add articles, links and information to your web site touting not just the benefits of staging but how to do it. For those seeking professional help, have a home stager referral list. Offer a 2-3 hour consultation with a home stager as part of your marketing plan. Or offer money back at closing to clients who work with a professional stager.

The goal is to make staging the rule, not the exception. An investment in staging – by the client or yourself – will be returned at closing in the form of a quicker sale and a higher price.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2009-01-01T00:15:00.016-05:00

Make Your House Memorable to Home Buyers

AtWell Staged Home ensures that your home is remembered for its features not its flaws.

Did you ever notice that house hunters often refer back to a home by its most prominent characteristic? And how often is that characteristic something less than desirable, like an awful pet odor, that 70s kitchen, or the dirty bathroom? Wouldn’t it be nice if they left remembering the good and not the bad?

AtWell Staged Home directs the buyer’s eye to a home’s best features. By accentuating the positives and playing down the negatives, we make your home memorable, for all the right reasons.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Home Seller Tips

2008-12-01T04:17:00.016-05:00

Avoid HGTV’s #1 Biggest Real Estate Mistake

For a quick sale showcase or stage your home.

Failing to showcase or stage their home is the number one mistake home seller’s make, according to HGTV’s 25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes and their panel of top real estate experts.

“When you are selling your house, you have to really look at it objectively and think about it from the viewpoint of the house hunter,” asserts Lisa LaPorta of HGTV’s Designed to Sell. This means decorating to appeal to the home buyer, not yourself. To achieve this look, Kendra Todd, real estate expert and winner of The Apprentice season 3, suggests hiring a professional home stager.

What is home staging? Staging is about decorating a house to sell quickly and for top dollar. If you wouldn’t wear pajamas to a job interview, don’t just stick a For Sale sign on your lawn. Prepare for the sale and put your homes best foot forward.

But isn’t staging expensive? Staging can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, or in more practical terms, much less than a typical month’s mortgage payment, condo fee, or taxes. And the cost may even be tax-deductible. By the end of a 2-3 hour consultation you will know how to make your home stand out from the competition.

Do I need to hire a professional stager? When you hire a professional home stager, you hire someone with an eye for decorating and a mind for business – someone who is committed to helping you sell your home quickly and who understands your target market. Their experience will save you time and money, as they know which changes reap the greatest returns.

Want to sell fast and for top dollar? Stage your home and make it the best in its class. Spending just a few hundred dollars to showcase your home has the potential to return thousands at closing. Staging a house may well be the best investment you make.

Contact Susan at 914-525-0454 or Susan@AtWellStagedHome.com to learn how an investment in home staging will help you sell quickly and for top dollar.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

For the Real Estate Professional

2008-12-01T04:05:00.006-05:00

Stage Every Listing

Quick sales – are they still possible in this market?

The answer is Home Staging – a cost-effective marketing tool that uses decorating to sell a home quickly and for top dollar – even in this market.

High inventories make this a buyer’s market. And with prices still much higher than they were just a few years ago, buyers are demanding more for their real estate dollar.

To appeal to these consumers, a home must be at its best. Staging accomplishes this by creating attractive, inviting, move-in-ready homes – everything these buyers expect. How many marketing tools can do all that?

Stage every listing – no matter the price point, location or size – to compete in this challenging market.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/

Services Center

2008-12-01T04:00:00.003-05:00

How to Stage on a Budget

Start with a home staging consultation.

What is a home staging consultation? Sometimes referred to as a “working” consultation, these meetings generally last 2-4 hours. During that time, the stager walks through your home with the critical eye of a potential home buyer, proposing design and decorating modifications that are unique to your space.

Following this consultation, you will know exactly what it will take to prepare your home for its next owner. Finally, you decide how much work you will do yourself or if you would like further assistance from the stager.

http://www.atwellstagedhome.com/