Houzz Live Chat: Real Estate Staging Tips

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

Welcome back to Houzz Live! Today we are going to be discussing Staging Tips with our very own Staging Pros! Please welcome...

Jane Kienzle of Fluff Designs & Decor
http://www.houzz.com/pro/rentfluff

Ilse Benard of Staged for Perfection
http://www.houzz.com/pro/ilsebee

In addition, all community members are invited to jump in and participate by answering the questions posted.

The format is as follows: We will post questions as comments to this discussion thread. Each question will be prefaced by the question number, for example “Q1)”. For every answer to a particular question, you should use a corresponding label to attribute it back to the question you are answering, for example “A1)”.

Remember to refresh your page to see new questions and answers.

Most importantly, have fun!

Featured Answer

PRO

Flüff Designs

12 years ago

Hello! I'm Jane from Flüff Designs in Vancouver, BC. We are a home staging and rental company that specializes in staging, interior styling, as well as furniture rentals for the staging and film communities in the greater Vancouver area. I am very excited for this discussion and can't wait to hear everyone's involvement!

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Comments (113)

dannibee
12 years ago
Q7, if its a kitchen you are talking about, remove the upper cabinets, and install simple shelves, paint the lower cabinets something neutral.. Again I would say white or black. Flooring, depends what it is. If its some awful Lino that you just haven't the budget to remove, then, time for an indoor/outdoor rug to hide its ugliness!
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
A7: Clean is key, everything should be powerwashed, swept, trimmed and raked. Ensure it looks low maintenance and easy to keep. A fresh new doormat, a nice seasonal urn to add colour tops it off.
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Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q8) For homeowners who want to try to stage themselves, what would your number one tip be?
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
A8: Store unnecessary items, de-personalize, less is always more!
PRO
Staged for Perfection
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A8) Declutter as if your life depended on it. Pack away all the excess and then pack away more. Put it in storage, sell it or give it away. You are moving anyway! I would also have to say that cleaning is very very important. And yes, those family photos have to go too.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
A7, no cobwebs, dirty siding or stucco. Windows have to sparkle. No cars in the driveway if possible.
dannibee
12 years ago
Previous one was A6.
A7... Tidy up, neutralize any funky color schemes on the outside. A nice freshly painted door.
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
A7
dalymal
12 years ago
A7) definitely make sure the yard is manicured. For the porch try rugs around the seating area which can add color and if covered porch try some curtains which will soften the overall look. Potted plants also help make the porch a retreat.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A8. Declutter, every space imaginable. That means garage too. Put in storage, Less is more. Rooms and closets need to feel large, Drawers and cabinets need to show ample storage.
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
A8: A small investment in a Consultation Report by an experienced, certified, professional stager will be worth every penny. It will serve as your To-Do list, from someone with a trained, objective eye.
Isabel Boschi
12 years ago
Well said! @Lori
Darzy
12 years ago
Q8..Declutter. Remove anything off the floor that isn't a piece of furniture. Clean, clean, sparkling clean. Remove those ugly recliners!
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Q9) What would you say is the most important room to focus on when staging? Any particular favorites of yours?
PRO
Staged for Perfection
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A9) For me the most important room is the first room that potential buyers set foot in. Then after that it would be the living areas. Make everything look uncluttered and clean.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
A8. Trust the person that you've asked for help. Trust your realtor, they know what appeals to the masses to sell your home. Don't fight them please....
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
A9: I call them "First Impression Rooms" - the first one or two that the prospective buyer will see the moment they enter the door. Statistics show that an connection is made to the home in the first 10-20 seconds, or its not.
Darzy
12 years ago
Q8..If you have a desk/computer in your living spaces, remove it. This only reminds a buyer that there isn't an office available or a proper space for it.
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
A9: The living and dining areas; they are the first rooms you see when you walk into the property and are the main areas where entertaining and living occurs. They are also one of the main deciding factors of purchasing the property.
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
A9. I think it would be the first room that you enter into in a home. You only have one first impression!
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
A9: And, the Master Bedroom and Ensuite. The people signing the offer have to be able to envision themselves there ;)
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
A9: Main living areas as well as the room that will belong to the purchaser, most likely master bedroom. That's what we normally recommend If the client's budget doesn't allow to stage the entire property
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
Ok everyone, last question!

Q10) Do you have any photos or fun stories to share of your favorite staging project?
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10) This master ensuite is one of my favourites, the spa-like colour palette combined with the bold wallpaper and clean finishes turned out beautifully.
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10) This re-design was a breath of fresh air, using the clients white leather Corbusier sofa and chairs was our kick off point to create a contemporary design throughout the home.
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10) This is another project that turned out wonderful. We utilized neutral pieces with pops of indigo to accentuate the natural beams and surfaces throughout the space.
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10) I would have to say, this Deep Cove property is one of my favourite transition projects. Seeing the realtor and homeowners reactions is truly the most fulfilling part of the job!
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
A9) Well said @LB Interiors. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
PRO
Staged for Perfection
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10) This was a beach house
dalymal
12 years ago
example of covered porch
sherrrydamore
12 years ago
Sorry, I have tried and tired to upload photos, but can't get it to work. Bummer. I really need your help!
anne dee
12 years ago
Answer to Q9 Bunches of fresh flowers are a nice touch. Adds color and brings in the outdoors not to mention the lovely smell.
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
This concludes the chat. Thank you to everyone who participated, especially the pros! You now can speak freely. :P Be sure to join us every Thursday for another Live Houzz Chat! If you want a schedule of what future topics will be, refer to our Events page. http://www.houzz.com/events
PRO
Flüff Designs
12 years ago
sherrrydamore please e-mail me at info@rentfluff.com if you would like a few tips!
Jeannie Nguyen thanked Flüff Designs
PRO
Lori Pedersen Home
12 years ago
I love when professional night shots are taken - it definitely makes the listing stand out on MLS. No staging required for the last shot :) (Photo credit V Wei)
PRO
Staged for Perfection
12 years ago
I can help too! email @ Info@stagedforperfection.com
Jeannie Nguyen thanked Staged for Perfection
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
A10. Low budget ... Staging an architect's home office. I got a bit creative with the tools of the trade. Used them to create an artwork collage. A large artwork of a photo taken while ocean diving. Incorpoarted a car license frame to frame out a photo of their ocean diving adventures as a personal touch to the overall art arrangement.
Before - Architect's Office · More Info

After - Architect's Office Home Staging Thousand Oaks · More Info

Architect's Office Artwork Home Staging Thousand Oaks · More Info
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
Sorry I missed this chat! How do we get a heads up about upcoming chats? Am I missing something, or are these random?
Jeannie Nguyen
Original Author
12 years ago
@decoenthusiaste: They're posted in our Events page. :) http://www.houzz.com/events
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Another
Before - Kitchen · More Info

After - Kitchen Home Staging Granada Hills · More Info
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
In Law Suite Entry
Before - In Law Suite Entry · More Info

After - Home Staging Thousand Oaks · More Info
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
Living Room. could not move the piano. Inexpensive changes.
Before - Living Room · More Info

After - Home Staging Living Room Thousand Oaks · More Info
curraghgirl
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Hmm- I think I would like to re-"stage" this type of chat - not so easy to follow as it was rather distracting - kind of like a badly staged home full of clutter - Qs and Qs all mixed up . Sorry :(
HU-64960
12 years ago
I've bought and sold many houses, my advice is... You are not just selling a house you're selling a life style, your house needs to be clean,uncluttered, natural light (open all blinds, turn on lights, it needs to smell pleasant and fresh. Buy new linens and towels( something eye catching , current and good quality)new fresh shower curtains pack up half of your closets. Make it appear as though living in this house makes life easy and organized. Take the time to prepare your home before you list, it makes for quicker sale.oh and don't forget curb appeal, your front door clean and attractive and inviting!
lbabbits
12 years ago
I wonder what you recommend for drapes?
PRO
LB Interiors
12 years ago
For drapes, some neutrals that work with the walls and rooms. Should have some contrast in color to the walls.
Can be stationary side panels if there is privacy treatments on the windows. Neutral subtle patterns are interesting.
Stationary panels
Living Room and stenciled window trim · More Info
PRO
Staged for Perfection
12 years ago
Here is an example of a house that was great but did not sell for 6 months because potential buyers perceived the living room to be too small. It was obviously the arrangement that was wrong. This was a low budget fix. The house had a contract and closed within 3 weeks after staging
PRO
Great Homes By Glenda
4 years ago

I love the staging we do with our company Iron Valley here in Central Pa

www.gshull.ironvalleyrealestate.com
PRO
Bergen Furniture & Design
4 years ago
A9) Out of all the rooms in the house, the living room is the most important for staging. And that’s why over 80% of sellers choose to stage this area of the house. Since it’s commonplace for all the members who will be living in the house, it’s going to be the first impression always.
felizlady
2 years ago
Re: the photo…..Guests with a drink in hand have no solid flat surface upon which they can set their drink down, nor an adequate surface for a small plate. Spill happens.