These past couple of years with the economy I have seen a steady increase of "Home Stagers" enter the marketplace. With HGTV, come many who believe that after seeing Staging on television that they can do it themselves. As an Accredited Staging Professional Master, who has invested in education and has continually "upped" my knowledge and experience I am perplexed by those who have entered the market and have not taken the time to prepare by equipping themselves with the best tools available to them.
I am also perplexed by the ineffective Staging I have seen in increasing numbers. There is method to the practice of home Staging which true professionals adhere to. Simply putting furniture in a space is NOT, "effective" home Staging! In an effort to save money, many home sellers have chosen to go with the lowest priced Stager. The old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds true, especially in these times. No pillows, artwork, area rugs, accessories does not equal effective Staging. At least not Staging that will serve the purpose of creating the wonderful aesthetic that draws buyers in and inspires them to make offers. Good Staging should create a visceral, emotional response.
We all know money is tight, but honestly, investing in Staging, GOOD Staging that is, by Accredited Staging Professionals pays much higher dividends to the home seller, Realtor by getting homes sold quickly and for top dollar. Staged homes do sell faster but that is a "qualified" Staged home, that is effectively Staged employing professional methodologies by trained professionals. Quality matters, education matters and ethics matter in the field of Home Staging. Do yourself as a Seller, Realtor or Investor a favor. Choose your Stager based on quality, accreditation and experience not just price. You will find a greater return on your Staging investment when you choose well.
Stagers, Designers and Realtors alike need to be aware that as of April 22, 2010 the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting program outlining regulations regarding updates done in homes built before 1978 goes in to effect. Contractors must have training and certification in proper lead safety techniques and be able to display it at all homes that may contain lead paint. The EPA has the authority to fine contractors in excess of $3,000 per incident of abuse civilly and may also seek criminal charges with similar fines. Enforcement efforts will increase over time.
Points to consider when hiring a contractor:
1. No use of grinders and sanders without HEPA filters
2. No use of open torch or high-heat guns
3. Plastic sheeting should be used to seal off affected areas
4. Clean-up must be done with a HEPA vacuum, followed by a wipe test
5. The cost to contractors may be as much as $150 per job and homeowners
can expect to bear the cost
These new regulations are not to be seen as punitive in nature but rather to protect
the health of homeowners. Our responsibility needs to be to our clients by providing
education about these regulations and making sure that the contractors that we recommend follow
the guidelines as outlined by the EPA by receiving the training and certification necessary.
So, I had to laugh the other day when I was staging a property here in Denver. While I was placing furniture and accessories, I was aware that the Realtor was there scrubbing marks off doors and walls. She had her son in the backyard, raking leaves, picking up scattered debris and cleaning windows and doors. After that, she was out front spraying out the garage, dusting the front door and replacing the door mat with a fresh new mat.
As I watched her, I couldn't help but laugh to myself about the many times I have heard people say that Realtors don't earn their commissions. This Realtor embraces the notion that she has the obligation to do everything she possibly can to get her clients property sold for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
This "notion" is what sets the bar for high performing Realtors. Her marketing plan is comprehensive, targeting the buyer who is most likely to purchase in this suburban neighborhood. She has counseled her clients about doing the things that are going to garner them the highest return on their investment and protect their hard earned equity. Attending to maintenance issues and making sure the property is well staged are two ways she has provided her clients with the opportunity to receive top dollar.
I am sure that there are Realtors who have earned the criticism that has been fostered by those that truly do put a sign in the yard, place the property on MLS and show up to collect their commission check. This particular Realtor, and to be honest, most of the successful Realtors, I have had the pleasure to work with, do in fact earn every dollar they make. They go above and beyond to support and counsel their clients in the venture to sell their property for the optimum price. After all the craziness of the past couple of years, they are still standing, still growing, still believing and are the keepers of the flame. Rock on Rhonda! You epitomize what home sellers and home buyers want in the Real Estate professional they choose. I hope your clients know how fortunate they are.
Not to overstate the obvious, but it has been a difficult couple of years. The effect has been extremely broad and encompasses just about every individual that I know. I have even heard our economic state referred to as the"Great Recession". Denial is a very strong protection mechanism and fear is a very strong motivator. Both have been uber-prevalent over the past couple of years.
We cannot dispute the facts regarding the economics that we have grown accustomed to and continue to face as a country. We are all well too aware of the effect that the Real Estate crisis has had on our housing prices, the corporate insanity of so many companies that shall not be named, and the general state of fear that has held our populous in paralysis. It takes me back to my grandmother who shared that her mother said that in the years following the crash in 1929 that the world was "going to hell in a hand basket" and that many believed that the end of days was near. That was in 1965. The pendulum has swung back and forth many times in the forty-five years since then. And as we can all feel sure, the pendulum will continue to swing.
All that being said, there are a few undeniable truths that we can embrace. 1) What goes up must come down. Add to that, what comes down must go up. 2) What we focus on grows larger. Whether we believe we can or believe we can't, either way....We are right! 3)There will always be storms. That is the nature of human existence. The brave get an umbrella and go out looking for rainbows.
We can only be absolutely sure that the one constant is change. The words "I can", "It will", "It is", are more powerful in our opportunity to move in the direction of our dreams. It is not about being a Pollyanna, or not embracing reality. We all have the choice to take steps to make our futures whatever we choose. For me, I choose to dance in the rain. It is getting a bit musty inside and who knows, there might be a rainbow out there just waiting to be seen! Baby steps everyone, baby steps. One at a time, in the direction of your dreams. Be the best of who you can be.
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Complete Home Preparation Specialists - Colorado's Premier Home Staging experts -Changing the face of Colorado Real Estate One Home at a Time! Call 303-521-8551or Trish@WeStageColorado.com
Changing the Face of Colorado Real Estate One Home at a Time
Staging Photo Gallery - Click the URL below to view great Staging results!
"Home staging" is not a new term, but for many homeowners and real estate agents the concept of "professional home staging" is shedding new light on how to prepare homes for sale in today's real estate marketplace. Visit our website, Http://www.WeStageColorado.com or email Trish@WeStageColorado.com for more information.
Staging is your VERY BEST marketing tool. No matter what statistics you believe, believe this: HOME STAGING WORKS! Let the pros at We Stage Colorado show you how. There is never a charge to review your property and we will provide you with a proposal for STAGING your home to sell! The Staging Professionals at WE STAGE COLORADO are accredited and insured. Members of the BBB, WCR and local Realtor Boards,
Before Staging
After Staging by We Stage Colorado Pros
Most people have a difficult time envisioning furnishings in an empty space. Staging provides scale and spacial relationship.
Before Staging
Empty rooms don't beckon potential buyers in. By adding warm and inviting furnishings, buyers are enticed to see more. We want them to fall in love with a property so they can mentally begin to move in.
After Staging by We Stage Colorado Pros
It's not always easy to get a home into selling condition in a timely manner without some experienced assistance. The Accredited Professional Stagers at We Stage Colorado are trained in the art of preparing a home for sale. We help you to visualize your property through a "Buyer's Eyes".
With the aid of our experts at We Stage Colorado, your house can make an exceptional first impression on potential homebuyers. Location is important but EMOTIONAL APPEAL is the critical factor in selling your home. The investment you make in Staging is always less than your first price reduction!
Accredited Staging Professionals at We Stage Colorado:
A previously empty room comes to life with color and well appointed furnishings. We want potential buyers to be "WOWED" when they come inside.
Before Staging
After Staging by the Professionals at We Stage Colorado
Our gallery of photos can be seen on the only National Staged Properties website http://www.StagedHomes.com. We Stage Colorado places our Staged Properties on this website to expand the reach of our homesellers and Realtors to include the relocation market. View our properties by searching our names as ASP's at http://www.StagedHomes.com website. Search: Trish Pachak, Denver, Colorado
Complete Home Preparation Specialists
Everything you need to prepare you home for market. Updating, color consultation, condition remediation. We help you create the aesthetic look that your potential buyers are looking for and are willing to PAY for! Every recommendation we make is centered on your best Return On Investment! Right now Staged homes average 33 days on market while non-Staged homes are averaging 186 days on market. That equals a 72% reduction in time on market. Add to that reduced carrying costs, mortgage payments.....not to mention the reduced STRESS from having your home on the market. 93% of our Staged homes sell in 30 days or less!
Staging Consultations: We review your home, room by room, giving you detailed instructions for Staging your home. Color, lighting, furnishings, update recommendations....everything you need to get your home SHOW READY!
Complete Home Preparation Recommedations: We will provide complete Design Services and Update Resources you need to address color, style and finishes. Our team of tradespeople provide quality work, quick turn-around and all at a price you can afford. We pass our design discounts right on to you. Project design and implementation followed by great Staging will help you get your home show-ready and SOLD quickly.
Vacant or Occupied Home Staging: Our Accredited Staging Professionals will transform your property, whether it is occupied, vacant or partially vacant into a warm, inviting show-ready property that appeals to your target market. We create a style that is in perfect harmony with the architecture of your home and socio-economics of your neighborhood.
We Stage Colorado carries a full line of high quality home furnishings and accessories to fit any level or style of home.
There is never a charge to visit, evaluate your home and provide you with a proposal for your Staging investment. Creative staging services for occupied homes vary depending on the scope of each project and services required. Please visit our website at http://www.westagecolorado.com or call Trish at 303-521-8551 email: Trish@WeStageColorado.com
Trish I am so excited, I just had to share my news with you! After you came to our home and counseled me about what needed to be done to stage our house I did EVERYTHING you suggested. My husband was very skeptical and thought it was all a waste of time and money. Well, he was until, 72 hours later, we received a full price offer! We even thought our pricing was a bit of a reach and the top of the possible range. Obviously, you know what you are talking about! Thank you so much for all your help and great suggestions. We are moving to our dream home and will be calling for your help to make our new home spectacular! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jill H., Westminster
I have used Stagers in the past with some success. Then I met Trish through a recommendation from a fellow agent. I was not prepared to be blown away but I was amazed. Trish brings more knowledge and expertise to the table than any other Stager I have EVER worked with. She touched on areas that even I, a veteran Realtor had not considered but found very valuable.
I will never use anyone but Trish to Stage my listings. She has a way of speaking with my clients that is respectful and yet firm in helping them to see what needs to be done if they want to sell for top dollar. Trish is truly in a class by herself. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She says that choosing the right Stager is as important as choosing the right Realtor and I am a believer.
Teresa S., Denver
Trish makes selling a home a joyous adventure. She is the perfect combination of business savvy, design expertise and customer service. Our house went under contract in six days in a buyer's market due in large part to Trish's staging. It showed beautifully and realtors and buyers were gushing about how gorgeous it looked.
We enjoyed working closely with Trish from start to finish. Trish was prompt, responsive, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. Her professionalism was a constant from the get-go. Whenever we called or emailed, we heard back from her within the same day or within 24 hours, even when she was out of town.
She is extremely knowledgeable about real estate and interior design and has a keen eye for space and placement. Her advice was invaluable. She understood the demographic of our prospective buyers and knew to make our home attractive and inviting to them. She truly loves her work, and has her clients' best interest at heart. We learned so much from her and cannot wait to work with her again.
Larry and Lori Goldman, Denver, CO
I have used Trish and her team of Staging Professionals for several of my listings. They have the ability to make a vacant home look fabulous, give occupied homes the look of a model home and make homeowners comfortable in the process. Trish is my good luck charm.
Wendy A., Realtor, Westminster, Colorado
Our home had been on the market for over 6 months with over 35 showings and no offers. Trish helped us to make the color and decor changes we needed. We put our home back on the market and within three days had a full price offer and two full price back-up offers. We are convinced, Staging really works!
Jean H., Lakewood, Colorado
Staging our home was the best decision we made when we decided to sell. Trish has a great sense of style and really knows what makes a home sell. She kept us from spending money on the wrong things and helped us to concentrate our efforts in ways that really made sense. Our house sold in less than a week after staging. Thanks Trish for making the process so easy and stress-free.
Katherine S. , Denver, Colorado
Trish and her team of Stagers really know their stuff. I will never list another house without insisting my sellers use We Stage Colorado. They are top notch professionals.
John E., Realtor Denver, Colorado
Thank you We Stage Colorado. Trish and her team of ASP's did a fantastic job staging our home. We were amazed to see how different our home looked with "OUR" things! If we didn't have to move for a job we would be tempted to stay. Everything looks amazing and we couldn't be more pleased with the professionalism and customer service offered to us. Trish, can you come work your magic in our new home?
Steve and Jen, Littleton, Colorado
Thank you, thank you We Stage Colorado! You have made believers of us. After six months on the market, you Staged our home and within one week we received two full price offers. You really are the experts. We will recommend you to anyone looking to sell their home. We will also tell them to get their home staged BEFORE they put it on the market and waste six months!
J and C Middleton, Westminster, CO
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