Last week, I provided a staging makeover with a couple who are both realtors in the Eugene area. They listed their home for sale recently and worked very hard at putting away a lot of their furnishings and decor (similar to the recommendations they provide to their sellers). However, when I came to their home, we identified a number of other things that I strongly recommended changing and editing.
Many agents in this area (since Eugene isn't really a mature staging market) still think that Professional Real Estate Staging is pretty much just cleaning up and decorating. Because of this, there is not a tremendous response when I do workshops about staging in the process of marketing myself locally.
It was really a great opportunity to work directly with these folks in re-staging their own home for sale. My hope is that they will now go back to their office and talk with colleagues about the difference between what they have been doing and what I do. They both acknowledged that my recommendations were a lot more detailed and they think the new RMLS photos will showcase their home in a much more compelling manner.
Here is a visual tour with BEFORE and AFTER photos of their home. The best outcome I can see for this is that they get a sale in the next month or so. I've got fingers crossed!
BEFORE - LIVING ROOM - cool decor, but just too much of it, as well as too much furniture:
AFTER - LIVING ROOM: Less furniture, less decor
BEFORE - DINING ROOM: they had dated chairs at their dining room table which had high, solid backs, acting as partial walls and impeding the view into the back yard. There was also a problem with this room not being sure "WHAT IT WAS". Dining room; family room??
AFTER - DINING ROOM: They had some updated dining chairs in the garage with lower backs. We also removed the TV and updated the decor on the wall above the fireplace. Now there is a much clearer view to their large patio and back yard.
BEFORE - MASTER BEDROOM: This was a small room with some taste-specific decor.
AFTER - MASTER BEDROOM: We removed decor as well as the trunk that had been at the foot of the bed. We also got a photo that accented the outdoor greenery.
BEFORE - MASTER BATH: Too much stuff on counters.
AFTER - MASTER BATH: Removed power cord and misc. "stuff" from the window sill as well as changing out the rug on the floor.
BEFORE - KITCHEN: Dated cabinetry, too much stuff!l
AFTER - KITCHEN: They painted their cabinetry, which was a very inexpensive "fix" that updated the look significantly. Most items were removed from window sills. It's amazing how items placed on a window sill stop the eye from seeing beyond, into the back yard.
BEFORE - GUEST BEDROOM:
AFTER - GUEST BEDROOM: Horizontal shot makes the room look WAY bigger
BEFORE - LAUNDRY ROOM: This space was an afterthought in the BEFORE photo:
AFTER - LAUNDRY ROOM: This was really a great space. Lots of cabinets, large room, light and bright with a pleasant view to the back yard.
Property provided with a Staging Makeover by The Notably Well-Dressed Home. Listing Agents Don and Gwen De-Groote, Keller Williams Real Estate; 541-431-6490.
Wonderful neighborhood, large fenced yard, remodel including carpet, lighting, window covers, landscaping, interior and exterior paint. Office/4th bedroom and utility not included in square footage, buyer verify. Storage/shop and irrigation well (needs new pump). Call for information about FHA 203K loan that allows you to make needed updates after close of escrow. 541-431-6490 or Chase at Wells Fargo 541-221-1070.
Home Staged by The Notably Well-Dressed Home. Listing Agent: Barbara Thomas; 541.736.6886
Enjoy breath-taking panoramic valley and mountain views from your new 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home. Built in 2006, this pristine 2247 SF home features many upgrades, including hardwood flooring, gas fireplace, granite slab counters, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry, and surround sound.
Y
Year Built 2006
Sq Ft 2,247
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Floors 2
Parking 2 car garage
Lot Size 2,247 sq ft
HOA Dues $88/year
The formal living room ceiling soars with sky-high windows reaching to the second-story atrium above. The gourmet kitchen sports gas appliances, tile floor, pantry and informal eating area. Beautiful hardwood flooring, gas fireplace and a wall of windows grace the family room.
The enormous master retreat has a private deck overlooking a quiet, wooded hillside. With a large walk-in closet, sitting/exercise area, bath with soaking tub, shower and dual sinks, and “to-die-for” views, you may just never want to leave. The second and third bedrooms are perfect for family, guests or hobbies. And the upper-level alcove works equally well as an additional seating area, office or playroom.
Sliders off both the dining room and family room lead to a patio that runs the entire width of the home. Custom rockwork and pathway leads you up the hillside to a peaceful spot to enjoy southwest hills living.
An extensive front porch, Hardiplank siding, 50-year roof, heat pump, attached 2-car garage and under-home storage complete this amazing home package.
QUIET COUNTRY LIVING just minutes from Eugene. Great family room with amazing rural views from the back of the home. Back yard includes large dog house and bark chip run enclosed by chain link fence. Yard also has garden space as well as a tool shed that doubles as a great kid's playhouse. Perfect for a growing family.
Property Staged by The Notably Well-Dressed Home and offered by Peggy Saleeby / Keller Williams Realty / 541-520-9779
It was interesting to find out recently that two of the agents I work with at REMAX were on a panel at a real estate workshop, along with other agents from different cities in Oregon. When asked why the two of them are actually SELLING in this market, they mentioned my name in front of all of their colleagues who were attending the workshop. They price homes agressively and I Stage professionally so those all-important RMLS photos ROCK!
I have since gotten at least 6 calls from other realtors at the same REMAX office, confirming my assumption that when a realtor recommends a Stager to another realtor, this type of referral gets me WAY more new business than ANY OTHER marketing tactic. Consequently, I have to say that my ongoing business is truly "ALL ABOUT THEM"!!
I always do my best to underpromise and over-deliver to these realtors. They know that I REALLY APPRECIATE their ongoing business, that I LOVE what I do, and that I WORK VERY HARD for them and their homesellers. I KNOW, LIKE and TRUST THEM, and the feeling is evidently mutual, given their ongoing business. I am honored to have achieved this relationship with THEM.
Here is a home that one of those realtors recently called me in for. I was there for 2 hours - we did some quick redesign work (the realtor had already prepped this client, who was very proactive). I was able to get in, do some quick tweaking, get the photos done and get out in one trip. The following weekend, this cute starter home got a full-price offer. I love when that happens and so do my realtor associates - ESPECIALLY in THIS MARKET!
...or maybe it was a child who closed the deal. Take a look at this cute girl's bedroom with chandelier! ;=)
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I'm a professional real estate home stager in Eugene Oregon and Lane County who understands that Staging is ABOUT THE PACKAGING (not decorating) to sell homes quickly & for top dollar! 541.345.0432
Visit us online at: http://www.notablywelldressed.com
The Notably Well-Dressed Home is a Professional Real Estate Staging Company serving Eugene Oregon and parts of Lane County. We offer full service staging that ranges from cost-saving mini consultations (starting at $129) through full staging of vacant homes. We have been staging homes since 2005 and our services help homeowners sell more quickly and for top dollar in any market.
August, 2005 segment of ABC's 20/20 on Professional Home Staging
Janis Gaines from The Notably Well-Dressed Home participated along with Staging professionals across the nation in staging this Puget Sound area home. After having been on the market for months, the property sold shortly after staging was completed and the ABC 20/20 segment was filmed.
View video of ABC 20/20 segment.
Read newspaper articles on Real Estate Home Staging in both the Seattle Times and the Eugene Register Guard featuring The Notably Well-Dressed Home and other industry professionals.
March, 2006 Seattle Times DIGS (Design Interiors, Garden Spaces) section
July, 2007 Register Guard Business section (Set Stage for a Sale) on Staging in Eugene
ABOUT Janis Gaines and The Notably Well-Dressed Home:
Janis is an Accredited Staging Professional™ (ASP). She first trained and worked in Puget Sound area during 2005 & 2006, interning 250 hours with professional staging companies including Donogh Home Interiors before starting her own Staging company. She then moved to Eugene, Oregon where she has been a leader in professional real estate home staging since early in 2007.
Her home staging market includes: Single family homes, townhomes and condos; new construction, vacant, lived-in. She does ongoing work with homeowners, realtors/brokers, builders and developers. Please contact The Notably Well-Dressed Home and let her know how she can help you prepare your home for sale.
JANIS' BACKGROUND – Proud to be a Duck and a Rocker!:
Janis received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in Music Composition and spent nine years on stage as professional entertainer, including keyboardist for "Sapphire", a Eugene-based, all-female rock-and-roll" band.
After becoming a mom, her professional performing career ended and she entered a new creative venture as a graphic designer. After many years in this profession, she began searching for projects in a more community-oriented field. This led her into two years of marketing and development as a non-profit fundraising professional.
Now she's working another kind of stage, using her graphic design skills to market her business and her relationship building skills to develop a growing list of satisfied clients in Eugene Oregon!
CREDENTIALS:
• Certificate in Project Management – Bellevue Community College
• Certificate of Leadership – Advance Bellevue
• Interior design training
COMMUNITY SERVICE is an Important Part of The Notably Well-Dressed Home's Work Ethic:
• IAHSP “Foundation Day” projects with Portland IAHSP Chapter: September, 2007• IAHSP “Foundation Day” projects with Seattle IAHSP Chapter: September, 2005 & 2006
View pictures of our 2005 Foundation Day project
• Numerous volunteer hours with Diversity Arts Project, ArtsCorps, Music Works Northwest, Experience Music Project, Race Unity Day
• Working in voluteer capacity with various realtors, providing recommendations for distressed properties
First Impressions are Lasting Impressions
Whether Staging your property to sell or simply updating the look, The Notably Well-Dressed Home transforms your home into a property that presents a significantly more dynamic FIRST IMPRESSION. When Staged to Sell, homes typically receive top dollar and close in the shortest amount of time.
Staging to Sell (WE DO THE WORK FOR YOU)
Vignettes to fully furnished; vacant, occupied and new construction. Staging spotlights your home's positive features, providing warmth, dimension and visual impact to every Staged room.
Staging Consultations (IDEAL FOR DO-IT-YOURSELFERS!)
A cost-effective alternative, we meet with you for up to 2 hours and provide recommendations for Staging your home that you can implement yourself.
Staging Consultation Plus Redesign Sessions (RESCUSITATE THAT USED HOME!)
"CPR" for your Home, this Consultation with follow-up Redesign assures that your home is professionally Staged and ready to be placed on the market.
One-Day Staging Makeovers (INCLUDING HOLIDAY MAKEOVERS!)
A "facelift" for one room or your entire home. During the complimentary Pricing Proposal, we will determine if a Staging Consultation is advised before the Makeover begins.
Testimonial from Agent regarding Staging redesign on owner-occupied property in Eugene Oregon:
“I don’t know what I’d do without Janis!
She comes in and works her magic & turns these homes into model homes...creating some type of emotional hook that makes buyers fall in love. Our last project was pending within 2 weeks. I thought we were going to have to repaint the entire house but Janis was able to transform the space using the colors to our advantage creating a rich, warm environment.”
Jamie Paddock, Broker - ReMax Integrity
Multi-Million Dollar Producer
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Email from Agent selling condo that had been on the market vacant for several months in Eugene Oregon:
“The Notably Well-Dressed Home made my trip to Italy possible! Let me explain.
Prior to having a home Staged by Janis, this property had a few remaining pieces of furniture, but it just didn’t call out to prospective buyers. In fact, people turned their nose up at the place. Once the seller agreed to allow Janis to bring in the flare it needed, everyone who viewed it said it was a beautiful space. I have an abundance of accolades to describe Janis. She has topnotch designer abilities and is capable, trustworthy, meticulous and fun.
The Staged home had a real lived-in look, allowing prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there. Needless to say, this home sold not too long after being furnished by Janis Gaines. That is how I got paid and why I am now able to go to Italy! Thank You Janis!!!”
Fawn Faribault, Broker - Friends & Neighbors Realty Group
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Email from Agent in Eugene Oregon for whom The Notably Well-Dressed Home has provided several Mini Consultations:
“When Janis works with my clients, her straightforward manner really engages them. Once she has grabbed their attention with her initial video presentation she is able to express her vision of their home with her graceful descriptions and verbal imagery. Janis is a real star in the Staging Industry. I highly recommend her if you want to decrease your listing’s days on the market.”
Kit Sixel, Broker - John L Scott
Going the Extra Mile
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Email from Agent who was selling 86 condo units in Eugene Oregon:
"Dear Janis,
Thanks very much for the incredible job you did. It was very refreshing to work with a dedicated professional... I have been selling real estate for 17 years. While I have had a full career, I have not used a staging professional for help.
The Condominium project has been a great success and has been a much easier job of selling when people can see for themselves how good a space can look.
Staging a home greatly helps accomplish the goals required by our clients. Even more so, staging by someone like you helps accomplish this. We began with a sales goal of selling all 86 units in 6 months. In 1 month we have sold 46 units – at full price.
Because of your loyalty to us, keeping costs down and performing on a high level, we would only use you in the future. Thanks very much for your service."
Michael O'Connell Jr. - Remax Integrity -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email from wife of Michael, Sr., Developer of Condominium project in Eugene Oregon:
"I was truly amazed how much more "livable" the condos appeared when I saw the welcoming colors Janis used. The theme was carried throughout in her choice of four different, contemporary styles.
Comments we heard back from people who had seen the condo prior to staging was that Janis' choices in furniture and decor made the condos look bigger! Staging the four condos differently had a huge effect on reaching different buyers. Janis' ability to make a statement through visual impact overwhelmingly gave our model units that, "I want this one" appeal.
We believe beyond any doubt that staging our model units prior to our kick-off date had the effect we wanted! We sold one quarter of our 86 units that first weekend!
The time crunch we expected Janis to work within actually became a positive rather than a negative! The commotion of boxes, bedding, lamps & loveseats coming through the door had everyone excited. Her team worked efficiently and enthusiastically over a 3 to 4-day period and the units were ready on time. We were amazed and very proud of their accomplishments and have reaped the benefit of working with them over and over again. "
– LINDA, office of Mike Sr., Commercial & Investment Real Estate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email from Realtor after Consultation Plus Refining Session (CPR):
"I thought you might like to know that I received a call from an agent 2 1/2 hours after putting the home on the market to say he was writing an offer. I have received it and it's over list price. We have other showings scheduled for tonight and tomorrow morning. You and your team are true professionals and I appreciate how hard you work for the client!"
– JOI, Real Estate Agent -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from Seattle Times article - DIGS pullout section (Design Interiors/Garden Spaces):
Windermere associate broker Mike Knutsen has been selling homes for 20 years, most of that time without home staging. But when a home in West Seattle sat on the market for longer than expected, he sought out the services of Janis Gaines in hopes of moving the property. Within two weeks of the staging, the home sold, and Knutsen, a self-professed skeptic, was converted.
"Staging brings the home to life and makes it much warmer," said Knutsen. "It gives people the ability to see how they can use the space."
– MIKE K, Windermere Real Estate -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email from ASP who has interned on several NWDH Staging jobs:
"You have been such a great mentor! You showed me the "real work" involved in home staging. It is very exciting but I can tell that it is a lot of hard work. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to help you."
– SUNNIE, ASP
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Email from homeowner after Consultation Plus Redesign Session for home in partnership with Tessera Design:
"I just want to say that what we formerly described as "our cheesy little house" has become an elegant, comfortable and peaceful place, thanks to you and your wonderful group. I hadn't realized that I had too many things everywhere, including on the walls, and that the cluttered look brought a cluttered, almost claustrophobic feeling. We are thrilled and proud of our home now."
– LORRAINE & ED
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Email from homeowner whose home was Staged and sold within 4 days:
"Hi Dale (and Janis), Thank you very much for everything you have done for us to get mom's house on the market. Marilyn and I walked through the house yesterday evening and we were absolutely delighted! Janis has exceeded our expectations with the staging in every way! This is very exciting. I will forward this message to Kathy so she can see the results of our hard work and the effect of the home staging. I want to make an offer on the house myself."
– DAVE E.
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Email from Realtor who has had NWDH Stage several of her listings:
"Thank you very much, Janis, for your email here and for the bid. I think you are one of the most professional people I know! I will get this to John and Clare and see what they decide. Your recommendations are good ones, and I'm sure they will take them into account. Have a good week and talk to you soon."
– DALE K, Windermere Real Estate
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Email from homeowner and "collector" after Consultation Plus Redesign Session:
"If you don't remember me, I'm the guy with an incredible amount of junk in the garage. It looked like Gilligan's Island's Garage Sale. Thanks again for all the stuff you taught me. I moved to Arizona and am just finishing a 5 week flip. Of course I have already accumulated a garage full of furniture. I have my realtor friends trying to rent my furniture.
Right now, I'm being selfish and am going to stage my flip and get it sold, then I'll explore the furniture rental business. You are a great talent and impressed on me to treat my house like a business. Not always easy to accept, but you made me some great money off the house in Bellevue, I would be crazy not to use the formula. Let me know if you ever get to Phoenix, I owe you many margaritas!"
– REX R.
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Accreditations & Affiliations
We provide Home Staging services in Eugene, Springfield, Coburg and surrounding areas of Lane County, Oregon.
Accredited · Insured
Creative · Competent · Honest · Ethical (...and Fun!)
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Notably Well-Dressed Home transforms the stress of preparing a home for sale into
a joyful, rewarding experience so that homeowners can "move on"
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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