Okay, That Was Meant to Get Attention...
But Baths, along with Kitchens, do sell houses! And meaningful transformations can be made by simply staging the baths so that they look inviting and spa-like. Here are some recent examples by RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign in Michigan:
Before, this bath looks dated, not to mention very pink! Below, the savvy seller agreed to tile over the floor (and get rid of those old-lady accent tiles), put in granite and add new knobs to the cabinets, paint the brass light fixture, plus paint the room a color that goes with the Master Bedroom:
Priced at over $500,000, this house received an offer over list in just 17 days! "Kathi, We have a signed contract for $1,000 more than list!!!!!!! CASH. The buyers have looked at 60 homes and wanted MINE."
Can't beat that--especially here in Michigan!
While that example was quite dramitic, here's one that was done using only the accessories to make the difference:
Most would say "Good enough", but we said, "Let's take this from good to great!"
This house had an accepted offer just 2 weeks after it went on the market!
Here is a condo we staged recently in Ann Arbor:
See what just the right accessories (and talent) can do to transform this space:
Now a buyer can see how easily they can move in, without doing a lot of work!
Staging works! The goal is to make an emotional connection with the buyer so that even though your house may compare equally in all other aspects, including price, a buyer will choose yours!
RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $40 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com
They May Be Talking In Code...
Say you have a seller and you think their house looks just fine. Well, you know the contemporary style is going to be a challenge in this area (southwestern Michigan, in this case), but it's very clean and basically uncluttered. And, yeah those grayish purple walls and dark purple carpet could put off some buyers. Oh, and the acrylic posts in the stairway won't be everyone's taste...but let's list it and see what happens.
The seller asks,"Is there anything that needs to be done? Is there something else I should be doing?' You say, "No, can't think of a thing."
Two Weeks Later
Now, the clients are unhappy because there hasn't been any showings. And while price is usually the culprit in such scenarios, there may be other issues. Take the photos, which are the real "first showing". Does the house show well?
The Seller Makes The Call
Sellers watch HGTV. They know about staging. What they don't understand is why you didn't suggest it, especially with no showings. Well, they take matters into their own hands, and find a professional in their neighborhood (through a referral from a friend whose house was staged and SOLD!)
The staging company (in this case, RE:STYLE) comes out and does a consultation. The seller has invited the agents out, too, as a courtesy to them. The stager meets and greets, then proceeds to give a 2-hr. walkthrough consultation with many suggestions and recommendations , including at least the paint color or the carpet must change; both should. Working with the home owners, they move furniture and suggest important purchases. The fireplace is virtually being ignored in the current configuration, and is actually absent from the online photos (though you see it in the video tour).
The Realtors stay seated throughout. No comments.
Missed Opportunity--The Realtor Could Be The Hero!
Many Realtors understand the basics of staging; some have the training and the "eye" to do it themselves. But any Realtor can suggest a staging consultation, especially in a difficult house. Or, more importantly if they hear:
Cracking the Code
"Do I need to do anything else?"
"Is there anything you see that I should do?"
"What can we do other than lower the price?"
"Help!"
Why Do So Few Realtors Suggest Staging To their Sellers, Even When They are Actually Asking For It?
I have my theories. I'd love to hear from you! Also, any suggestions as to how to make it even easier for Realtors to refer stagers. I look forward to your comments!
RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com
Choose Your Realtor By Their Photos
No, not the pictures of themselves--of the houses they are selling! The Internet is where 85% of the buyers are searching. And they eliminate houses based on the photos. So really, the pictures of your house on the Internet are your FIRST SHOWING. Also, great photos make your house look as valuable as it really is.
Make sure your house makes its best possible first impression! When you interview an agent, along with all the other important questions:
-Ask them how their photos of their listings compare to other agents.
-Ask to see examples.
-What kind of camera do they use? (Phone cameras don't count!)
-Do they use a professional photographer?
-is the lighting good? And the exposures correct?
-Are the photos in focus?
-Are they showing off the features?
-Are they using a wide-angle lens to capture all the space?
-Do they have an "eye"?
-How many photos do they typically post for each listing?
-Will they take outside photos, and photos that are relevant to your residential community? (Community pools, parks, etc.)
-Do they recommend having your house staged professionally prior to having photos taken?
-Do their photos evoke an emotional response in you?
Study Photos On The MLS (Check out Realtor.com)
You'll see what works, and what doesn't. And you'll be amazed at what you'll find:
-No photos posted
-One outside photo only
-Toilet seats up (ugh!)
-Underexposed shots, with windows "blown out"
-Photos that make you feel "tippy" (room is slanted strangely) or "unfocused" (blurry)
-Strange pictures of walls, hallways, doorways, etc.
Notice great shots:
-Unique angles (high, low)
-Photos where the outside is visible while the inside is perfectly exposed
Demand That Your "First Showing" Be The Best it Can Be!
Be sure and check your listing online once it is posted. Request that photos be retaken if they don't meet your standards. In fact, insist on it!
When it comes to the MLS, a picture can be worth a thousand dollars...or more!!!
RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating. www,RestyleStaging.com
Here's An Example of What Many Realtors and Property Managers Have To Try To Sell/Rent--Empty Rooms
Don't these leave you feeling empty? Lonely? Cold? Not many buyers can actually judge how large a vacant room is--most believe it's a lot smaller!
BUT--If A Savvy Seller Or Realtor Is Involved, A Buyer Will See This...
And what a difference a professionally staged house will make! In this case, this house was staged to sell by RE:STYLE in Brighton, MI.
Why try to sell a house that's empty and unappealing, when you can sell one that's full of life and looks like somewhere a buyer would love to live???
Stage your house or listings to sell!
Staging is Big News Around Here--Especially When it's For A Bank-owned Property! VERBAL OFFER RECEIVED!!!
Click here to see the story that aired Saturday evening on ABC Channel 12!
And here are the complete "after" pictures, that didn't get shown on the air:
This is the second bank-owned condo staged by RE:STYLE just this week! Staging with RE:STYLE works--the first condo, staged on Wednesday, already has an offer!
More banks need to speed up the sales process by staging their inventory that is in good condition. We all benefit from the quick sale of foreclosure properties!!!
RE:STYLE is a Michigan home-staging company based in Livingston County. We stage the counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. Please contact Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for staging consultations for lived-in and vacant properties, and for hands-on staging. Our work is designed to sell!
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RE:STYLE, a leading home staging company, staged $10.9 million in SOLD! real estate in 2007. RE:STYLE's work has been seen on HGTV's National Open House & the Today Show.
Get The Selling Advantage From Michigan's Premiere Staging Resource
Kathi Presutti is the owner of RE:STYLE LLC, and an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP). With a design degree from the University of Michigan, and a successful career as an advertising executive (she was an Executive Creative Director) behind her, she looks at home staging from a marketing point of view. To Kathi, every home for sale is actually a house that is a product on the market, in competition with every other house, including new-builds. RE:STYLE has many success stories, which can be found at www.ReStyleStaging.com
RE:STYLE works with Realtors and their clients, and also directly with homeowners. But RE:STYLE has a special affinity for staging vacant properties, drawing on its extensive inventory of accessories, artwork and smaller pieces of furniture. Vacant properties are particularly prone to staying on the market longer, as buyers are often unable to visualize how their furnishings will fit into the space. Vacant properties also leave buyers cold because they aren't as warm and inviting as lived-in properties, lacking that WOW factor that makes buyers remember them, and fall in love at first sight.
RE:STYLE's statistics mirror the national ones; houses that are staged by RE:STYLE sell twice as quickly as un-staged homes. What a difference that can make in this challenging buyers' market!
Investment Considerations
Remember, the investment in staging is always less than that first price reduction! The cost of staging doesn't need to be expensive. In lived-in houses, the idea is to use as much of the homeowners' possessions as possible. And when staging a vacant house, it's important to remember all the money that'll be saved by selling the house just one or two months more quickly: mortgage payment, heat, electricity, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.
There are many ways to cover the investment in staging
RE:STYLE offers one-hour verbal consultations at a nominal cost, often paid for by Realtors as a way to give added value to their clients. Some Realtors (often top producers--does that tell you something?) will pay for several hours of staging, or even share the cost of staging a vacant property. By asking homeowners to pay upfront, and then reimbursing them at closing, a Realtor can help ensure that the listing stays with him/her.
Our work is designed to sell...
RE:STYLE your house and restyle your life. Staging with RE:STYLE helps homeowners to move on with their lives. Living in a staged house can be a very freeing feeling. When the clutter is gone, so is the stress. Even if you aren't selling, you may enjoy staging your house to live!
Our clients say the nicest things! Below you will find comments from homeowners, Realtors, and others, including Barb Schwarz, the founder of Home Staging!
Quotes about RE:STYLE from Barb Schwarz, founder of Home Staging® and CEO of StagedHomes.com: Girl, look what you have done…these are some of the best I have ever seen and I mean it…I am putting you into the newsletter and I want to know if it is alright with you to put your pics on the home page of SHC? Also, can I add them to our photos in class with full credit to you and also on the before and after section of pics in the university with full credit to you…? Please let me know as it would be my honor to ‘brag’ on you and toot your horn…Fabulous…fabulous…you did such a wonderful job…”
“This is fabulous and I’m so proud of you for all you are accomplishing. You are doing wonderful!! Please be sure to let us know when to watch National Open House. I’m putting the pics in the newsletter too. If you have any before shots and please send your press coverage for the newsletter piece. Thank you for telling me and keep up the great work!!! Hugs!” Barb Schwarz, when informed that RE:STYLE has 2 houses that will appear on HGTV’s National Open House
Before After “I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting Kathi and having her stage my home. She took an ordinary, datedhouse into one of a modern, fresh look. People who have seen the house have said that it didn't look like the same house.
“I am pleased to announce that we signed a sales contract on the house today. After 17 months on the market, we finally sold it. Judy said the buyers were impressed with the staging. Thanks for helping us get this done! We should have engaged you one year ago!” Lloyd J., Homeowner
“Wow…Wow…Wow…I am so, so, so proud of YOU!!!!!
Barb Schwarz, after seeing Before and After photos from RE:STYLE’s first vacant home staging project
Kathi was a pleasure to work with, and was very conscientious about sticking to my budget. She would always consult me before buying anything that she thought I would have concerns with.
We were in Florida during the renovation, and she served as project manager for us. She interviewed and foundbuilders, carpet cleaners, house cleaners, window washers. She selected the paint and carpeting that we had replaced, and she had exquisite taste.
Her staging was incredible. She did things that were simple, but took into account the look I was trying to achieve,and did things that I would never had thought of. The house is for sale, and I have high hopes that it will sell in short order.
If you are looking for a stager, contact Kathi. You won't be disappointed.”
Jan H., Homeowner
Whitmore Lake, MI
House SOLD! within 2 months of being staged, despite having been on the market, vacant, for 15 months prior to staging
Troy, MI 
House SOLD! to the 3rd person through (after being staged)
"I’m convinced now on the value of staging. I had a vacant house that had over 65 showings, but no offers. After having the house staged, I received an offer on it from the 3rd showing. Kathi’s ‘artist’s eye’ and marketing background, in addition to her staging training, makes all the difference in the world. I offer her service to all my clients now.”
Debbi D., Coldwell Banker Schweitzer, Ann Arbor, MI
“You should see the house!!! They moved the TV, painted, bought new light fixtures…Wow! The difference (your suggestions made) is unbelievable! Very dramatic, especially the family room and the dining room! Wait till you see…”
Christine T., RE/MAX Platinum, Hartland
“Thank you again for your wonderful work, stamina and professionalism! As I turned out the lights last night, I couldn’t help but admire, one more time, the life and beauty you helped to bring to 100 Underdown.” Shiela D., Realtor 
Luxury Home SOLD! for over $2 million in just 6 months
Ann Arbor, MI
“What can I say but a ‘thank you’ for your consultation. I really believe that the changes we made, based on your suggestion, were a big factor in making the home appealing in a dismal market. The house looked great, especially for being almost 13 years old. I know the new owners will appreciate a truly move-in condition home. I would highly recommend your services to anyone!"
Lori A., HomeownerBrighton, Michigan
“Since you staged my listing, the way the home shows is the difference between night and day! Being that the home was vacant and very dark, I wasn’t sure how much it would help without repainting the entire interior. But, wow! What a difference it made—the home now shows great!”
Randy M., The Michigan Group, Brighton, MI
“Kathi was a true professional in the way she interacted with us as the homeowners. Her ideas for laying out our home look great and make sense for every day living as well as for our feature on HGTV.”
Drew and Hilary Chorney, HomeownersAnn Arbor, MI House featured on HGTV’s “National Open House”
The pictures of the house look great! I’m especially impressed with the way Kathi made the blue countertops in the upstairs bathrooms seem like they made sense there.” Vicki C., Homeowner
Brighton, MI
House SOLD! in 62 days for 97.8% of list
“Kathi and RE:STYLE have helped many of our clients transform their homes into showplaces. We’ve found R:STYLE staged homes sell faster and for more money. Our sellers love working with Kathi.”
Todd B., LCAR 2006 Realtor of the Year, The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team, Brighton, MI
“Kathi's staging skills are superior. But what I really like is how thoughtful and empathetic she is with my clients. She is careful to honor their possessions, and she has a nice way of being gentle yet persuasive all at the same time. I trust her implicitly to work with my clients, whether I'm present or not!"
Linda P., Keller WilliamsBrighton, MI
"After RE:STYLE staged my Pine Creek listing, I never again heard what had been a deal-breaking complaint--that the house was 'too cold.' The staging definitely influenced the sale of this house, and did so in a relatively short period of time. Kathi has demonstrated that she has the high taste level necessary to stage these upper-end listings. And she made it fun!"
Sheryl M., Coldwell Banker Schweitzer, South Lyon, MI
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brighton-MI/RESTYLE-Home-Staging-Redesign-and-Interior-Decor/176762859087?ref=mf
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