Jamie Cochran

Why is it important to stage an empty house?? Properties that sit empty cause a couple of different problems. For one, home buyers have a difficult time visualizing an empty space. Especially in odd shaped rooms. Living rooms with a lot of natural sunlight and a wood burning fireplace are on many buyers lists, but how did the previous owners fit a sofa, a couple of chairs and a TV into a room with so many windows?? How about the master bedroom? Will a queen size bed and two dressers really fit in here, leaving ample room to walk around? Either leaving some key furniture pieces or renting a few will help them to be able to see the room for it's potential.

Another problem with vacant houses, is that buyers will automatically assume they can get a great deal on the property because it was left empty. It makes it look the the sellers had to move because of financial reasons, whether that is the story or not. Buyers will let that house sit on the market until the bank takes it back, knowing they can get thousands of dollars off the purchase price.

As if there weren't enough reasons to stage a vacant house, did you know that your homeowners insurance rates can go up if you leave a property empty??

Home Staging is going green just like many other businesses. Is it possible to fix up your home for sale economically and still use green alternatives?? It sure is! There are so many options out there for homeowners, and if you know a little about green alternatives, you will see you may already be using some green products.

What is considered green? Any product that is considered sustainable, ie granite counter tops, glass back splash, etc. Products that will stand the test of time and not wear out after a few years, in considered a sustainable product. Low VOC paint is also a common choice. If your paint has a potent odor, it is considered high VOC. If there is minimal to no odor-that is a healthy green product. Ask your local paint professional about the paint you are buying. It will say on the back of the paint can, what the VOC count is. A VOC is a Volatile Organic Compound, and is very bad for your health. Other green products are those that can regrow within 8 years and be harvested again, such as bamboo flooring. Also, any product that is made of recycled material or can be recycled when you are done using it, such as carpet.

For more information about Green Remodeling visit www.usgbc.com and download the ReGreen Guide.

Hello Real Estate Community!!

This is my first blog, so I think I will start out with something simple. How to choose a home stager.

There have been more and more TV shows coming out about staging, so I think the community is getting pretty familiar with the idea. So, you know staging is a good idea, but how do you know who to hire?

There are a few things you should look for. First, education. Is the stager you are considering versed in Interior Design? You don't want to hire someone that read some decorating books and bought some business cards. Second, experience. The stager should be able to show you a portfolio of their work or possibly a website. Don't be fooled by someone with a lot of pictures. There are lots of great stagers out there that are just starting out their new business, and don't have a lot to show for it yet. Focus on the quality of work, not just the quantity. Third, ethics. This is something you will learn by talking with them via phone, email or in person. If a stager promises you your house will sell within the week, they are probably just trying to get you to hire them. An honest stager will tell you that staging will increase your chances of a faster sale, but they will not make any guarantees.