Karen Bernetti

About Karen:

I'm proud to call myself a Socially Conscious Entrepreneur.... putting people, planet, purpose before profits. Here's my story....

Helping Seniors Get From Where They Are to Where They Need to Be

I'm a Home Stager and the owner of Staging4Smooth Transitions in Southington, Connecticut. I specialize in helping seniors prepare their homes for sale because without a doubt, seniors have very unique needs. My team of experts can help you with preparing your home for sale to move-in services (a.k.a. "downsize design") to EVERYTHING in between.

Years ago I became an advocate for home staging because as a Realtor® I saw how frequently homes were UNDERVALUED.... simply because of the way they looked!

In this fiercely competitive market most sellers need to squeeze as much equity out of their homes as they possibly can. Properly preparing your home for sale can help you do just that!

Work with Me and My Staging4Smooth Transitions Team and Here's What You Can Expect:

1. Practical, low-cost and no-cost strategies for preparing your house for market. 2. An explanation of what you need to do, how to do it and why it's important. 3. The option to have my team do some or all of the work for you.

We'll get your house ready to sell and even help you make your new place feel just like home. Rest assured, you, your home and your belongings will be treated with dignity and respect.

Staging Is NOT Just About Making Houses Look Pretty

To me, staging is a PEOPLE business. I know how difficult it is to part with a home, especially if you've lived in it for decades.

I encourage you to take the time you need to sort through the wide range of emotions you're bound to feel during this most stressful time.

Overcoming the emotional attachment you have to your home is one of the most important things you can do prepare for a successful home sale!

Not Just for Exclusive High-End Homes

A lot of people believe staging is a luxury service that is reserved for only the most upscale homes. But I believe homes of EVERY size and price point deserve to sell quickly and profitably.

Here's a story from a satisfied client who told me she was planning on retiring in Arizona in about a year. She needed to sell her modest 3 bedroom home that she had lived in for 30+ years and wanted advice on what she should do to get ready. She was serious, motivated and she listened to my advice. This is what she had to say about her experience....

"With the market being in favor of the buyer these days, I knew I had to do everything possible to make my house marketable. I called Karen for advice with staging. Her knowledge and assistance helped me give the house the uplift it needed, without the expense. My house was on the market for 19 days when I had a contract, very near my asking price (I also had several full price offers). Thank you Karen!" ~Deb Clark, Southington, CT

Staging Works!

HomeGain surveyed about 600 real estate agents from all around the country to determine the top relatively low cost, do-it-yourself home improvements for homeowners getting their house ready to sell.

HomeGain Survey Image re-printed with permission

In my opinion, a home is properly "staged" when all of these items have been addressed, but for the purpose of this survey, staging is given its own category and ranks #3. The top five home improvements that Realtors nationwide are recommending (based on those that offer the best return on investment) include: clean & de-clutter, lighten & brighten, STAGING, landscaping, electirical and plumbing.

Reduce. Re-use. Recycle....because it's good for the PLANET!

We offer staging solutions for any budget. You don't have to buy or rent all new furnture.Most of the time we can work with what you already have. You see, staging is really about the HOUSE not the stuff. The goal is to highlight your home and its best architectual features....

And sometimes we'll even work with what you don't have. Oh what fun we have with our "Low Budget Vacant Home Staging" using tag sale finds, slip covers, decorator tables,boxes and air mattresses....

1. 

My PURPOSE - My Passion I've been compassionately coaching sellers through the home sale process since 2006 and have found assisting seniors with their downsize moves to be most enjoyable and rewarding.

Unlike traditional businesses that revolve primarily around profits, conscious entrepreneurship is tied to environmental and social concerns.....which is why I became an independent association for Viridian Energy.

Viridian Energy empowers its customers to save money on their electricity bill while helping the environment. By switching your supplier to Viridian you’ll enjoy cleaner, greener and more affordable electricity for your home and/or small business [if you live in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland or Illinois].

And if you know of a charity or non-profit organization looking for a powerful fundraising opportunity, Viridian has that too. Visitwww.viridian.com/hometeam to become a customer or just give me a call at 860.302.0333. I’d love to tell you about what this company is doing to help our local communities and especially how they’re making an impact all over the globe!

People, planet, purpose before profit- that's what I'm all about! Give me a call at 860-302-0333 to find out more.

Special Announcement

Testimonials

"The Association of Design Education was delighted to have Karen participate in our Staging Panel of Experts during our 2008 conference last September in Mystic, CT. Not only does Karen have a vast knowledge of the staging and real estate industries, she is an interesting and informative speaker – and very willing to share what she knows! Thank you, Karen, for being such an asset to our conference!" Ann Anderson, School of Interior Redesign 203-783-1556 www.schoolofinteriorredesign.com

"In November of 2007 we received the staging report for our home. We thought you might be interested to see how it turned out to date. As you know it continues to be a work in progress. Thank you again for all your wonderful advice and innovative ideas to help us show our home to it's best advantage." Pat and Hank, Newtown CT

"Karen, thank you so very much for speaking at our Chamber event on April 22nd. Your presentation on preparing homes for sale was both creative and informative. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you soon." Dee Babkirk, Communications Director Southington Chamber of Commerce

"The first time we saw this house when it was empty it was okay. When we came back and saw it after you ladies worked your magic we knew we just had to have it! You did an amazing job making this house feel like home. Thank you for putting an end to our home search early. " Mrs. Brown, Meriden, CT