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Jessica Pirone

Continued Proof That Home Staging Works.



THE MASONBORO, a Compass Pointe Home on Masonboro Pointe (Leland NC) is the second home we staged in the development. We chose the colors and enjoyed watching construction go up the past few months and at the end of June, we added our 'perfect touch' to it. It was a lot of fun. I love the floorplan and the outdoor living spaces. Leisure Homes is likely to be famous for their outdoor spaces, just as Logan Homes is, that come standard for many of their floor plans and have these amazing sliding glass doors that seem normal when closed, but create a completely new environment when you open all 3 panels up to create airy combination of indoor/outdoor living. I love staging each and every home we do, but for some reason, this one was something special for me. I was inspired by photos my mom brought me from our friends house on 'The Cape'...they'd recently taken a trip. Anyway, the cool serenity of coastal living inspired me. Just Perfect was in between loosing a couple team members and getting new ones, so my mom (awesome as she is!) came up to help after Father's Day, and my sister and Rebecca, our fabulous design associate, and a few others here and there, pulled it out... I loved it, but here's the proof:

I found out today July 30 that this home, which we staged June 28 has already SOLD!!! (and it's over $250,000! which is what seems to sell most around here these days) It will be a leaseback and will remain as a model for the next couple years, so come check it out if you're interested in building a custom home. It's a great floorplan, and while I'm partial to this development, of course you can build it where you'd like! :)

Enjoy the pictures, and REMEMBER STAGING HELPS SELL HOUSES IN A BIG WAY!!!











New Development - Compass Pointe

If you have not heard of Compass Pointe, it is definitely something you need to check out! A rather amazing new development that is set about 10 minutes across the bridge down 74/76. They had their Swing into Spring event over the weekend, and I don't think they could have asked for better weather. I had been to their sales center downtown (108 Market St) several times and was impressed with the plans...amenities galore. They have separate lanes for golf carts throughout as well as wide sidewalks. I love this - it was always one of my favorite things about Bald Head - carts replacing cars... it would be awesome to see that be the primary transportation within the development. They also have a walking trail around the perimeter, which you are starting to see more now and I am a big fan of!


While I had been to the sales center and thought it was going to be a fantastic community, last weekend's event is the first time I actually saw the property. Wow. The land itself, is absolutely gorgeous. There are creeks throughout, the grass is green as can be, beautifully landscaped already, and water features in place. The gated entrance is up and a few bridges along the way... The weather of course just made it even better. Seriously though, you need to at least go look at this development. I wanted to move there just being out there this weekend. The landscape is not flat either like you see around Wilmington typically. Rolling hills that like I remember running through as a kid. They have a manmade beach too, which is kinda cool. A lot of people felt the same way I did this weekend, as I believe there were over 40 tours given! Several lots were already sold, and even more went over the weekend. There was a lucky winner on day two that won the putt off and earned himself a FREE HOMESITE! It was a great location within the development too. I believe he was local, which is awesome!

I forgot my camera when I was out there, but will definitely shoot some photos to post next time I am there. I also found out I am going to have the opportunity to stage a gorgeous home out there too! So I am excited. In the meantime, check them out at www.compasspointenc.com. My good friend Angela Batchelor is their Realtor Liason and has great information for agents at www.pointesouthnc.blogspot.com

Why Buyers Prefer Staged Listings...

When speaking with sellers, I always talk to them about how staging their house will benefit them... the truth is, it also benefits buyers, which is why sellers are able to close the house more quickly and for higher offers.


How is it mutually beneficial? Staging ensures buyers that a lot of the work has already been done for them. When a home is staged, repairs and updates are typically recommended and carried out. This means less work for the buyer, and presents them with a home they can move in as-is without being frustrated. Below is an example of a recent home we just worked with. When we first met with the clients, it had a good floor plan, but the homeowner would have alot of work ahead of them to get it where they want it, and many buyers would not be able to see past what it was currently (a home full of wood trim and paneling that was dated). It is amazing what some paint, major cleaning, a few updates, and staging can do! Plus, notes on the home inspection were addressed and taken care of as well.
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Builders are Catching on to Staging!

I was recently at a Live South Show in Burlington, MA that was full of developments in the south, predominantly NC & SC. I met a few builders/developers there, and had spoken to several back in Wilmington over the past few weeks as well.

The concept of the "Model Home" caught on years ago, and has made a big difference in the world of development and real estate. It really started the technique of adding life, creating warmth and inviting a connection with the home. In the past, most model homes have been decorated by interior designers and decorators. They are always beautiful. However, often times you'll walk in and fall in love with the decor sometimes rather than the house. The decor may not appeal to everyone, but those it does are really taken with it. I have heard people sometimes call back to ask where the furniture is from, and how they can get it, but have no interest in the house and continuing to move forward with that. This raises some issues, and some questions. Also, when these models are photographed, you may think they were for a furniture store if you saw the photo out of context, because again, the decor is what fills the picture and takes your attention.

Home staging, while really catching on in real estate, is something I have recently seen more and more builders really start to seek, understand and utilize. They are realizing they can still achieve the warm inviting atmosphere while keeping focus on the house and it's unique details. It also tends to be more affordable, as they are not having to purchase a lot of expensive furniture and decor outright and upfront. Staging is proving to be flexible for them, as they are able to change the look of each of their homes when they move their model, rather than be limited to the furniture they purchased for the original home (it often may not be the right size or style for the next.) This is really exciting to see the transformation start to take place in this arena, and encourage any realtor/builder/developer to ask questions and learn more.

There is a entire spectrum of possibilities that can work in the favor or the builder/developer that they may not be accustomed to...it's just a matter of keeping an open mind, being willing to change what you're used to always doing, and finding what works for you! Staging could be your answer!