Melissa Franey

I've been on a mission to enlighten, educate and encourage Owensboro, KY on the many positives of Home Staging. However, as mentioned in my last post, I have run across much confusion and dis-interest. So I began to contemplate why people are unwilling to try something that could make them more money and sell their home faster. After much consideration, debate and head scratching, I decided to turn to my neighbors on ActiveRain. You all out there are educated, experienced and deal with home owners on a daily basis. So I ask that you share any information you might have on why homeowners fear Home Staging. What fears have you seen? Do they truly understand Home Staging? Are they misinformed? Please take your liberty and be open about what you encounter in the field with regards to Home Staging. I appreciate all input and look forward to your comments!

So I started my Home Staging business in Owensboro, Kentucky about 6 months ago and have been surprised to discover how much Owensboro does not know about Home Staging. There are several shows on television that highlight staging, the benefits and the how-to's, yet there is a only a certain group of home owners who actually watch the shows. I am always surprised when I have someone ask, "What is staging?" but am always happy to educate people on how effective and affordable Home Staging can be.

So, in an effort to educate Owensboro, Ky about Home Staging, I will be doing hand-to-hand combat. By this I mean for a llimited time, I am offering a FREE Home Staging consultation. This will give me an opportunity to talk to clients, establish a rapport with them, teach them how Home Staging can benefit them and that Home Staging doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars. I want to use this to spread the word about Home Staging and about Designer's Eye. Since there is no other Home Staging business in Owensboro (other than Realtors), I'm hoping that a little time invested by me now, will produce volumes of business in the future. This is also a great opportunity for Realtors to get to know me, my business and my work. I will also be giving a FREE Open House Checklist at each consultation that will help homeowners prepare for showings.

If you live in Owensboro, Kentucky or near Owensboro, feel free to contact me for more information or to schedule a FREE Consultation. I would love to speak with any Realtors who have questions or to find out how I can supplement your business!

Spreading the Home Staging word,

Melissa Franey

Designer's Eye

Usually a D is a bad thing right? Well, D's are my criteria for Home Staging in Owensboro, Ky! They will help guide you through successful staging and earn top dollar for your home. So what are D's you might ask? They are: Deep Clean, De-Clutter, De-Personalize and Design. Each one is important in it's own right and necessary to appeal to the greatest amount of home buyers. So...how do they work?

Deep Clean is the first and for a good reason. It will be difficult for buyers to get past a nasty stench at the front door or a dirty bathtub. Buyers believe that if home owners have neglected cleaning, they have probably neglected caring for the home. Deep cleaning involves scrubbing floors, inside of appliances, doors, windows, every inch of the bathroom, vacuuming vents and ceilings for cobwebs, cleaning light fixtures and especially the carpet. The dollar signs associates with replacing carpets will negatively affect any offering price. Clean everything well and spot check before open houses or showing.

De-Clutter is next because it is necessary in order for buyers to be able to move freely throughout the house. Buyers should be able to see the true "space" in the home as well as all the architectural features instead of furniture and accessories. Furniture and accessories should be kept to a minimum and only this seasons clothes should be kept in the closets. Paperwork, books, magazines, toys and audio items should be packed away and stored. If the house feels a little bare and empty, it's probably perfect.

De-Personalizing is the next step and is probably the easiest. Anything that speaks directly to who you are should be removed. This includes photographs, collectibles, knick knacks and taste specific items. The house should mainly be neutral so buyers can visualize themselves living in the space. Select neutral colors for the walls and use accents and accessories that are interesting yet "popular." This is a good time to detach from the home that you are selling and completely take yourself out!

Design is the last step and is like adding make-up and jewelry as the finishing touches. This step involves placing the furniture to allow proper traffic flow, visual balance with furniture and accessories and color harmony throughout. Your Home Stager is extremely beneficial in this category because design is what makes the home "feel good" to the buyers. Mixing good design will complete the Home Staging process and help sell the home faster and for up to 10% more.

Good luck and happy staging!

Melissa Franey