Cats Don't Have to Stink

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippyclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippyclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>The famous Skippy. She is a lady and she never leaves an unpleasant aroma in her wake. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm spending a few days babysitting my two young grandsons where they live. We're "home alone," while my daughter and her husband take a well deserved vacation. I'm also sitting for Skippy and and Jenga, their two tiger cats.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cats in the Staged Home</span></b><br /><br />Since I have never owned a cat, having to feed and clean up after one is new to me. Kids, yes. Kitties, no. What else is new to me is that a cat box doesn't have to smell up the whole room.<br /><br />Have kitty litter formulas changed over the past few years, or have I visited only cat owners who never scooped poop?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Catstuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Catstuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have the kind of nose that, if I walk my dog on a summer evening, I can tell you what each neighbor is cooking for dinner, and what is blooming in their yard. And I will be triple bagging what I have to pick up after Misty. I have a sensitive nose, and if I can't detect any nasty cat bathroom scents, no one can.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Animal Smells Are a Turn-off</span></b><br /><br />Home sellers with pets, there is NO reason for any unpleasant animal aromas in your home. None. The product that Skippy and Jenga use is Fresh Step brand, Premium Multiple Cat Scoopable. It contains carbon for odor absorption. It's lightly scented. It makes easy work of what could be a stinky chore.       <br /><br />This post is short because I'm scheduled for a reading of <i>Goodnight, Moon. </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Jengaprone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Jengaprone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jenga likes a bedtime story, too. </i></div>

Cats Don't Have to Stink

  The famous Skippy. She is a lady and she never leaves an unpleasant aroma in her wake. I'm spending a few days babysitting my two youn...

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Do You Have a Pre-Showing Checklist?

<div style="font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/paleblueandgreenbedroomHomegoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/paleblueandgreenbedroomHomegoods.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The cleaner your home is, the more buyers will love it.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"> But you have to live there, too!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="goog_1017225275"></span><span id="goog_1017225276"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Your Realtor calls to ask if she can bring someone over, like <i>now</i>. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">You don't dare say no. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Are you ready?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having a checklist on your phone, or else printed (but not left out for home buyers to see!) will come to your rescue at times like this. </span><br /><br />Keeping clutter under control and creating the illusion of a spic and span home are two of the best ways to win a buyer. <span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">This list was originally created by my friend Laurie who had a house on the market. She has four children. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can label her compulsive if you like, but I love the way she balances her preference for cleanliness with sane living. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">She knew it was important to keep her house show-me ready until it sold. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;">And sell it did! Here's Laurie's list: </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Baths</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Cover</b> any laundry in hampers.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Put</b> toiletries away in vanities.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Check</b> shower and tub for toys, stray hairs, and facecloths.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Wipe</b> counters, sinks and faucets with microfiber cloth.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Bring</b> out the good towels.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Pour</b> some<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/12/how-scents-are-messing-with-your-health.html" target="_blank"> scented cleaner</a> in toilets and put lids down.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Collect</b> prescription medicines and throw in go-bag to take to car. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kitchen</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Relocate</b> anything in sink to dishwasher. Quickly once-over sink, faucet, counter, and stovetop with microfiber cloth. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Empty</b> kitchen garbage, and take outside.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Swiffer</b> the floor.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bedrooms</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Stash</b> small rugs under beds.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Put</b> magazines, etc, under bed.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Fluff</b> pillows, pull bedspreads tight.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Close </b><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/07/eight-thrifty-ideas-to-help-you-stage.html" target="_blank">closet</a> doors. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Living Room, Family Room, Dining Room</span></b> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Swiffer </b>floors, check carpet for bits of debris.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Plump</b> <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/06/the-easy-way-to-make-your-own-decorator.html" target="_blank">pillows</a> and seat cushions.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Hide </b>newspapers and remote under seat cushions.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Gather</b> all toys and toss into chest and baskets.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Whole House</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Walk</b> through house and throw any stray, embarrassing, personal or small items into designated clean laundry basket. Put laundry basket in car.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Double check</b> desk top, refrigerator front and all tables to be sure all personal stuff like credit cards, mail, calendars and valuables are securely out of sight. When in doubt, stuff into go-bag.   </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Turn on</b> ceiling fans and lights.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Open</b> all blinds, drapes and curtains. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Outside</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><b>Sweep</b> steps. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Check </b>for cobwebs near entrance. Hit them with broom. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Move</b> bikes, toys garden house, etc. to side of house. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">U</span>se Laurie's list. <span style="font-family: inherit;">When <span style="font-family: inherit;">you</span></span> get a short notice call, ask the broker to stall for 30 minutes, so you can run down your list. <span style="font-family: inherit;">A checklist</span> helps you focus, <span style="font-family: inherit;">gives<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you</span></span> peace of mind, and simplifies your tasks when you have to pickup on the fly. Find other ways to be prepared for home buyers in my </span><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html#.VBXN3tgtCM8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #629914;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$5 eBook, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.</i></span></span></a><span style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Calibri;">   </span> </div>

Do You Have a Pre-Showing Checklist?

The cleaner your home is, the more buyers will love it.  But you have to live there, too! Your Realtor calls to ask if she can bring someone...

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What Staging Can't Fix

<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neverpaintagain.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ceiling-texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.neverpaintagain.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ceiling-texture.jpg" width="316" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>Know what's fixable, and what isn't. Popcorn ceiling texture is removable, but it's a <a href="http://www.neverpaintagain.co.uk/removing-popcorn-ceiling-texture/">big hassle</a>. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>                                                           Photo: Never Paint Again</i><br /><br />J<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ust like you can't fix stupid, there are some things that home staging just can't fix.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simple staging can't fix things like:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Popcorn texture on ceilings.  </span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Windows that are not energy-efficient.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Walls in terrible condition.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Traffic pattern on carpeting.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Ceilings lower than 8 1/2 feet.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Lack of windows or small windows.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Unattractive view through window or doorway.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Awkward room dimensions or shape.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Awkward exit or entrance.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Small room.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Cavernous room.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Limited closet or storage space.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Mismatched doors or trim.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Mismatched flooring.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Obsolete appliances.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Obsolete bath fixtures.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Poor quality kitchen cabinets.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"></ul><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Unless your staging goes heavy-duty, these shortcomings won't go away. What smart staging can do is minimize the impact these liabilities have on buyers. It's all about keeping the focus on a home's assets. Some of these problems can be passed off as charming quirks. Some may not be problems to certain buyers.  Some would disappear if you just threw money at them. </span> </div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">The way I see it, there are three levels of home improvement. They are, in the order of the most expensive to the least expensive:  </span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Remodeling</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Repairing</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Redecorating or staging</span></li></ul><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, the boundaries between these three are fuzzy.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Any buyer financing the purchase of your home will be required to hire a home inspection company to examine the property. Any serious problems, such as structural ones, will be noted on that report to the financing company and the buyer. You and your home have no secrets.</span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">To camouflage or disguise your home’s flaws would be a mistake. The house is what it is, and any attempt to hide problems would be foolish. Your staging shouldn’t be deceptive. Do not hide flaws or mislead buyers. Honesty will breed trust. It's better to offer an allowance for repairs you can't fix, but only if the buyer insists.   </span> </div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">If you have a windowless room, don’t create a mock window by hanging a curtain or shade on a blank wall. If you have a non-functioning appliance, don’t pretend that it works. If you have a dripping faucet, don’t just turn off the water to that sink. Fix what you can fix. </span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">There may be mirrors called into service for home staging, but not smoke!</span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8919423189147062938&postID=2611984766542846262" name="id.875d648b316a"></a></span> <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Examine the staging you’ve done in your home and evaluate it the way a prospective buyer would, then eliminate anything that a buyer would consider unethical. I offer plenty of tips for dealing with problems like old kitchen cabinets, old bath fixtures, ugly views, small rooms and mismatches, in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.   </span></div>

What Staging Can't Fix

Know what's fixable, and what isn't. Popcorn ceiling texture is removable, but it's a big hassle .                              ...

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Details that Make the Difference

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/barefootgirl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/barefootgirl2.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Little things mean a lot. Smart home stagers know<br />the importance of details inside and out. </i> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do snowflakes on mittens and brown paper packages tied up with string have in common? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Besides being some of Julie Andrews favorite things?<br /><br />They are <i>details</i>!<br /><br />Staging your home for sale? Then, details are your friends, because when you make them part of your decor, they will work their magic on buyers. Specifically, here's what details do: <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Create that high-end look.</b> </span><br /><br />Some details are small. But little things make a big difference.<br /><br />There is a whole category of decorator touches or dressmaker details, most of them items like tassels and tie backs on draperies, piping or fringe on a pillow, fancy or plain trim on a lamp shade, or nailheads on upholstered furniture.<br /><br />These touches create the layered look that gives distinction to a room.<br /><br />They make the room interesting without being arresting.<br /><br />Details by definition are subtle, like sparkle of real diamond earrings, the scent of bourbon vanilla, or the crackle finish of old leather.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9H_uTFl1IsnGU008CAc5rhW4fylZ3zwTWqmk4Bv3Zqvw1xVFsUTf_nC2oGuKb4nHLM5oGeVwydTqinUaudwSnvhlGQG7VDYotQDlC-goiiN7pFn0KYoEmw6oQaWDVmaizms3aDWvvqM/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9H_uTFl1IsnGU008CAc5rhW4fylZ3zwTWqmk4Bv3Zqvw1xVFsUTf_nC2oGuKb4nHLM5oGeVwydTqinUaudwSnvhlGQG7VDYotQDlC-goiiN7pFn0KYoEmw6oQaWDVmaizms3aDWvvqM/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">You can't talk about tassels without talking<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">about The Nester and her </span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/the-ultimate-tassle-guide-the-ebook">Ultimate Tassel</a> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/the-ultimate-tassle-guide-the-ebook">Guide</a>. </span></i></div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">You can learn how to create your own amazing <br />and fun tassels that add </span><span style="text-align: left;">designer style to any room. </span></i></span>   </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Surprise your potential buyer. </b></span><br /><br />Other elements are considered details because they aren't obvious. Like a clean and organized area under the kitchen sink, or a lovely little bistro table and chairs in a hidden corner of the back yard.<br /><br />These examples are details because not everyone would have thought to put seating there, or made an area hidden by cabinet doors pretty. <br /><br />Donald Trump -- love him or hate him -- is known for his attention to detail. Imitate The Donald, because you can't argue with success. In a Trump hotel, the staff is well-trained and polite, the lobby is scented to sweep you away, and the decor -- from chandeliers to flowers to carpets -- is oversized to impress.  Nothing is left to chance or done half-heartedly.<br /><br />There's a lesson there for home stagers. It doesn't have to do with chandeliers and fountains. It has to do with exceeding expectations. How can you surprise -- in the best way -- people who come touring your home?<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2880594995_732c636af2.jpg?v=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2880594995_732c636af2.jpg?v=0" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo: Room to Inspire</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Details will make the difference between an ordinary home and a memorable one. You want your house falling into the second category. Anytime home staging feels like too much trouble, remind yourself that it's the details that will set your home apart from the comparables.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Imagine the positive reaction.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b> A </b>house hunter will be impressed favorably when  she discovers this reassuringly tidy pantry on a home tour. It's artfully composed of many small details, that together make up something greater than the sum of its parts -- a closet she'll love.<br /><br />I once staged a farmhouse pantry in a similar fashion, lining the shelves with home preserves and pickled this and that. I know exactly the reaction the buyer had when she spied it: "When I live here, I can put up my own jams and jellies!"<br /><br />I discuss in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, how crucial it is in a staged home to avoid tiny stuff. Tiny stuff distracts, looks disjointed, and can be stolen. The trick to using details in a staged home is to make them part of something large.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's examples:</b></span><br /><ul><li>Finials on top of lamps</li><li>Bobeches on candlesticks</li><li>Cabinet knobs and furniture pulls</li><li>Drapery rods and rings</li><li>Crown moulding and chair rails</li><li>Napkin rings on oversized cloth napkins</li><li>Ribbon on a front door wreath</li><li>Slight distressing on a vintage piece of furniture</li><li> Soaps piled in an apothecary jar</li><li>Sphagnum moss covering the soil in potted plants</li><li>Matting around a framed print</li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Wrap: </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Once your home is decluttered<b> </b>and depersonalized, it may slide into that no-man's Land of Bland. Look over your rooms with a critical eye and ask yourself if there are enough details to capture the imagination and love of a potential buyer.<br /><br />Whether you believe that God is in the details, or the devil's in the details, it boils down to the same thing. They're powerful, so give them the attention they deserve.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Details that Make the Difference

Little things mean a lot. Smart home stagers know the importance of details inside and out.    What do snowflakes on mittens and brown paper...

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How January Is Good To Home Stagers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/purpledoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/purpledoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My father-in-law had a tradition of opening wide the front door on New Year's Eve to welcome the new year. Are you ready for the adventure ahead in 2011? And, don't you just adore this blue door? </i></div><br />This could be the start of something big.<br /><br />This could be the start of the year you sell your house and make more money than you thought you could.<br /><br />Because you staged it! Starting now. <br /><br />Now, January, is the time of starts. People are beginning new regimens, new habits, new plans to achieve new goals.  <br /><br />Many people have postponed plans to move until after the holidays. Now, the search begins in earnest. Springtime is peak time for relocating. Families want to settle in before school starts in the fall, and no one wants to move in the heat of summer, or in the fickle weather of winter.<br /><br />As a house seller, are you gearing up for the spring house-hunting season? Here are three steps worth taking.<br /><br /><b>1. Do Your Homework</b>. It's never too early to begin researching the market. What are houses similar to yours selling for? Listing for? Looking like? What's your least acceptable offer? Do you know a realtor? A home inspector? Do you have a budget for staging and moving? A timeline?  <br /><br /><b>2. Plan Your Staging</b>. Educate yourself about what styles will work for your home and what your typical buyer expects. Investigate off-site storage facilities or other options for storing excess furniture and belongings. Begin listing what furnishings would help to stage your property to maximize the home's potential. Download my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook</a>, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar, to learn everything you need to know.  <br /><br /><b>3. Look for Deals. </b>Shop thrift stores and estate sales to find steals on accessories. At the beginning of the year, many people go on organizing binges, discarding what doesn't work for them but might be perfect for staging <i>your</i> home.  At the same time, you can begin decluttering your own home of whatever doesn't do your home justice.<br /><br />Use January to kick-start your campaign to get your home sold. Listen to Bobby Darin. This could be the start of something <i>grand.  </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1nxzzBXVJzs?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></i></div>

How January Is Good To Home Stagers

My father-in-law had a tradition of opening wide the front door on New Year's Eve to welcome the new year. Are you ready for the adventu...

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Tips for Storing Stuff Off-Site.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pittsburgh-pa.findstoragefast.com/files/37690/gallery/images/ImageHandler-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://pittsburgh-pa.findstoragefast.com/files/37690/gallery/images/ImageHandler-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Have you ever rented a self-storage unit? I have. A few times. When we were selling a residence. It's kind of a hassle, but it sure helps your home look more like a model home.<br /><br />And I was always glad when it was time to actually start serious packing, because the job was already underway.    <br /><br />Getting the extra furniture, overflow from your closets, out-of-season belongings, and trinkets with too much personality to an off-site storage place is way-preferable to stacking them in the garage, or clustering them in the guestroom.  As with almost everything else, it helps to have a plan. Here's mine. <br /><br /><b>LIST</b> the items you plan to store.  Figure out how you'll pack them. <br /><ul><li>Boxes of uniform size are best for for books, clothes, kitchen items, linens, toys.</li><li>Plastic storage tubs with lids can be stacked for fragile items or for long term storage of off-season things.</li><li>Awkwardly-sized items like furniture, bikes, garden tools, and sports gear won’t stack but still take room. </li></ul><b>PRIORITIZE</b> boxed items you may have to access during storage, so they can be packed close to the front of the unit. <br /><br /><b>GET</b> your boxes from the paint store. They're free and they are all the same size -- four-gallon.  <br /><br /><b>PACK  </b> things like dishes and framed photographs between layers of sheets and towels that you're packing as well.<br /><br /><b>AVOID</b> storing items in containers that don't stack, if possible. Examples would be laundry baskets of toys, shopping bags of toiletries, or bundles of blankets. Boxed items stack straight so you'll fit more things into your space.  Nest together odd-shaped things when packing the unit.  <br /><br /><b>MARK</b> all boxes clearly to indicate contents. Be specific. Write "Stuffed armadillo, ping pong paddles, high school yearbook, beer mugs, tennis trophies," not "family room stuff." If strangers will be doing the moving for you, do not label boxes with valuables. Too tempting. They may disappear. Instead, number them and keep a master list for contents. Write on the sides, not the tops of boxes. Mark what is fragile because they should be stacked up high when stored and also when packed for moving.<b> </b><br /><br /><b>ESTIMATE</b> the size of the unit you'll need. Here are rough guidelines.  <br /><ul><li>  5' x 5'  unit holds a chest of drawers, a mattress set, and stacks of plastic tubs or boxes.  </li><li>  5' x 10' unit will hold furnishings of a mid-size bedroom, including a queen-size bed, dresser, TV, and a few storage boxes. If you have no furniture, calculate that it will accommodate 100 medium boxes. </li><li> 10' x 10' unit will hold the equivalent of the contents of an entire family room or two full bedrooms. </li><li> 10' x 15' unit will hold the contents of up to three bedrooms. Good for large items such as couches, tables and chairs. </li><li> 10' x 20' will hold the contents of a 5-bedroom house, including a refrigerator, washer/dryer, dining room table, chairs and large boxes. Since you're probably not storing appliances, you'll have that much more room for boxes and furniture. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infiniteselfstorage.com/images/gallery/store_photos/1613/slideshow/large-self-storage-units-ohio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://www.infiniteselfstorage.com/images/gallery/store_photos/1613/slideshow/large-self-storage-units-ohio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> </b><br /><b>PROTECT</b> your belongings. Don't take a chance on storing clothing, electronics, upholstered items, art work, musical instruments, or family heirlooms in a unit that is not climate controlled.<br /><br /><b>CHOOSE</b> a site that is convenient if you might be digging into your stored goods now and then. If you don't expect to need the stored  items, you can probably save money by being able to choose from facilities less conveniently located.<br /><br /><b>ASK</b> management if your unit will be available 24 hours a day. Is it clean and brightly lighted? Do you feel secure when coming and going? Is it easy to load and unload from your car?  <br /><br /><b>STACK</b> strong items on the bottom -- things like tables, plastic totes and chairs. Stack to the ceiling if possible to use all the space you're paying for. Leave a narrow pathway so you can easily find items later.<b> </b><br /><br /><b>CONSIDER</b> off-site storage for things like an RV, a boat, or vehicle not being used. It will improve your curb appeal. <br /><br />Every time I've used a self-storage site, I was able to stage my home more effectively, and make our moving day go more smoothly. I hope these tips do the same for you.

Tips for Storing Stuff Off-Site.

Have you ever rented a self-storage unit? I have. A few times. When we were selling a residence. It's kind of a hassle, but it sure help...

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I Hope Santa Likes Biscotti

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_5063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_5063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's sending out my best holiday greetings to family, friends and blog followers. Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy your holiday season, and have all your wishes come true in 2011!  </i></div>

I Hope Santa Likes Biscotti

Here's sending out my best holiday greetings to family, friends and blog followers. Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy your holiday s...

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