Staging Minnesota - KFM Staging & Design

How many times have you entered a vacant home and there was no overhead lighting in the main living space?

On a recent vacant stage I came across this exact problem.  BUT a couple steps into the room, the light in the adjacent dining room popped on!  I went over to investigate and discovered that the homeowners installed an automatic light switch (one that turns on when movement is detected).

WHAT A BRIGHT IDEA!  (Sorry for the pun, but it fits so perfectly!)

This may be a recommendation to future clients if lighting is an issue in their home. 

For homeowners who are looking for free home staging tips, below is a list of staging do's and staging don'ts. For AR stagers, take a minute to reminicse about your past consulting experiences.

HOME STAGING DO'S AND DON'TS

Do:  display place settings at the dining room table.

Don't:  use the dining table as a storage shelf.

Do:  move your purse to a secure area.

Don't: use your purse collection as wall art. (yes, I have actually seen it!)

Do:  add a lovely scent to freshen your home.

Don't:  use cumin or garlic as your "lovely" scent.

Do:  update your walls with a new coat of paint.

Don't:   experiment with faux finishes.

Do:  move your pet area to a less traveled area of the house.

Don't:  use your comforter in the master suite as the new dog bed.

Do:  place greenery as a decorative element on top the kitchen cabinetry.

Don't:   start growing a garden by the kitchen ceiling.

Do: use wine bottles as a counter top display.

Don't:  use Jack Daniels as any kind of decoration.

Do:  set up some holiday decorations.

Don't:  keep your Christmas tree up in July.  (seen this one too, twice!)

Do:  pack up all untidy items.

Don't:  pack up the kids.

People are so fun!  I said it before:  Ya gotta love this job!

Is it me, or do other people suffer from Staging Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?  I haven't been "professionally" diagnosed, but I find myself thinking about staging, furniture inventory, my client base, advertising.... ALL THE TIME!!!

Is there such a thing as AR OCD?  I am new to the site, but I think I'm starting to develop some symptoms.

Kristina, KFM Staging & Design 

My daughters and I were talking about the big day on Thursday.  We always get together with my in-laws (since the rest of my family has moved south), and there is always too much food!  Here is the dilemma:  How do you eat all the wonderful dishes without putting yourself in a self-induced food coma?

This is what I tried last year and it works great...  I take the smallest portion (about 3 bites worth) of every dish, that way, by the time dessert comes around, I am ready for more!  Another tip:  I bring the reusable food containers to bring home some left overs.  I know it isn't an original idea, but it works. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Kristina, KFM Staging & Design

Staging is fast becoming the tool of choice to help prepare your clients' homes for sale.  The stager you choose will be a reflection of you.  These guidelines should help you make the right decision.  

1)  Choose a stager who is professionally trained.  Anyone can call themselves a "stager," but that doesn't mean that they know how to stage.  With the popularity of today's HGTV shows, many people think they know what to do when staging a house just by watching tv.  There is much more that goes into staging a home that what you see on the small screen. Stagers who have taken the time to be properly trained are more likely to give you positive results.

2)  Find someone who has experience.  Credentials are not enough. Does the stager have a website with photos of projects that they have personally worked on?  Do they have references and referals?  Newly hatched stagers may not have a lot of experience, but they can always practice on the homes of friends, family, church members, etc.  Stagers who are serious about this business will use any opportunity to practice.  Being new to the business does not have to be an excuse for not having experience.

3) Ask around.  As with any creative business, there are professionals with talent and professionals without talent.  The creative aspect of staging cannot always be taught.  Anyone can learn about staging and design principles from books, but a good stager needs the ability to apply those principles creatively in a wide variety of situations. Ask other agents who they use.  A good stager will generate a good reputation.

4)  Select a stager that fits you. For the most part, staging businesses are independently owned, and each stager will run his or her business differently.  Interview potential stagers to see which one will fit your personality and policies.

After a new stager has completed a consultation for one of your clients, ask the homeowner if they had a pleasant experience or not.  If the homeowners are confused or discouraged by the staging process, chances are the stager did not adequately explain the staging process during the consultation.  If you are not satisfied, keep looking.  There are plenty of good stagers out there.

**Choosing a stager is an important decision; they can be a valuable addition to your marketing plan.  Take the time to do your research, and you won't be disappointed.   Good luck to you!  Kristina

If you are selling your house over the holidays, follow these staging guidelines:

1)    Do not over decorate.

        -Keep holiday decor to a minimum

        -Use lights, artificial pine garland, and an accent color (ie. red berries, gold pine cones)

        -Place a centerpiece on the table and mantle (candles, surrounded by artificial pine garland)

        -Place a few decor pieces around the exterior door way (wreath, lighted pine trees in urns)

        -Avoid large yard displays

2)     Do not use overt religious symbols

        -Your religion is not in your stuff, it is in you.

        -Pack the manger, David stars, and Kwanza items to use in your next house

        -Remember, your house needs to appeal to a wide range of buyers

3)     Remove decor immediately after the holidays

        -As soon as the holiday has passed, remove the decor.

        -Thanksgiving:  remove the day after

        -Christmas:  remove by January 2nd.

        -Halloween:  shame on you if it is still up, it's almost December!

 Please add any additional holiday staging suggestions!

I will add photos for some holiday examples soon!

Kristina

KFM Staging & Design