We here at Home Staging Design Pros would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for a successful year by offering you this free on-line series on staging tips. We are very pleased to be a part of the Real Estate community in the Central Florida area and proud to say we have partnered with some of the areas most successful Realtors and providing all of our clients with unsurpassed service, on time, and within budget. Home Staging Design Pros is passionate when it comes to maximizing every home’s profit potential.

#1:
“Positioning”

The art of great marketing is in the ability to position your product in the mind of the buyer as a product that will fill their specific need and desires. This well-known marketing concept is very powerful when it comes to home staging. “Positioning” focuses on what you do to the mind of the buyer rather than what you do to the product. In other words, a home seller does not need to make expensive renovations and redecorations to have a profound influence on buyers. Small improvements can make a big impact for example: very thorough cleaning, removing unnecessary furniture, and de-cluttering.

Start the “Positioning” process by having the home owner take an active roll in the sale of their home. A wonderful source for information is right close by, take advantage of peoples opinions. Survey friends and family about the way your home looks and feels. Ask them to write down their comments to ease any discomfort involved in criticizing your home.

After all most home owners forced to sell in this market environment know that it won’t be easy. Put them to task to expedite the sale of their home. The days of simply putting a house on the market without any preparation and selling it in a few hours or days is long gone. These days the Realtor, home owners, and staging professionals have to work together to get a home from “For Sale” to “Sold”.

#2 :
Curb Appeal

Many times curb appeal is at the top of our list because it literally is the first impression. This first impression is all-important because it sets the tone for the way the buyer will view the rest of the house. The clock starts ticking at the curb and within fifteen seconds the buyer will develop an attitude toward your house, either positive or negative. Then the buyer will be looking to reinforce their positive or negative initial impression throughout the rest of the home tour. By making the first impression a positive one, the buyer will seek other positive aspects of the home to reinforce their initial impression.

A great exercise and to get the ball rolling is to standing in front of your home with critical “buyers eyes” and write down everything that comes to mind. It is always difficult for any home seller to see all the shortfalls of their own home yet it is critical in the success of the sale. To help you in this task ask trusted friends, neighbors, and family what they see when standing in front of your home. Ask them to be brutally honest, or invite them to write down their comments and put them in a hat to be pulled out only after everyone has commented. This way you might get better results and avoid making people feel uncomfortable about criticizing your home.

Finally, take detailed notes, prioritize the work to be done, and get started transforming your home’s first, and most important impression.

#3:

“Here Kitty Kitty”

Who doesn’t love the sound of a cat purring in your ear? So soft, so fluffy….so SMELLY! Well, not always, but cat odors can be a big problem for home sellers. As cat owners ourselves (or “captors” as most felines would put it) we know just how stinky kitty can be sometime. For a home seller this issue can mean the difference between a buyer that stays and looks and one that runs for the door. So check out our 10 tips to make your home kitty friendly to buyers.

1. On days that you know your home is going to be shown consider taking kitty for a car ride. Cats become well accustomed to being in the car and most actually will enjoy the ride. (Note: Do NOT leave your pet in the car unattended. Especially during warm to hot days. Cats can overheat and suffer brain damage or death if left in the car. Dogs too!)
2. If possible on show day’s move the litter box to an out of the way area, or better yet, out of the home.
3. Take up any wet food. Besides being unappetizing to look at it stinks to high heaven!
4. Keep litter boxes scooped as often as possible and replace every couple of weeks with fresh litter. Your cat, and potential buyers, will thank you.
5. Have you noticed that your cat produces an unimaginable amount of hair? We thought so. Keep it swept up. We know, it’s a never ending cycle but our job is to help you sell your home. Tufts of hair on the floor make buyer’s think “dirty house” and that is the last impression they need.
6. Kitty go outside the litter box? If this is a new problem you should take them to the vet. Cats can get crystals in their urine, which can be deadly if left untreated.
7. Help is on the way! Behold the “Stink finder”! This tool is a great way to spot just what kitty has been up to. Also known as a black light you can purchase one at your local pet supply store. Simply turn off the lights and walk around the walls of each room. If kitty has made a mess it will show up in the light. Also, move over every inch of carpet. (Keep blinds closed so your neighbors won’t think you’ve gone crazy as you crawl around on your hands and knees in the dark holding a black light.)
8. If you find an area that is suspicious you will need to confirm with the good old fashion smell test. (For those of you not familiar with the unmistakable smell of cat urine, it can best be described as somewhere between ammonia and the worst smell imaginable. Consider yourself warned.)
9. After your blood pressure has returned to normal it’s time to tackle the problem. Luckily today there are a number of good products on the market. First, pull up the carpet and seal the concrete to eliminate the smell. (Kilz is a good product) Cat urine does not lose its odor so it’s imperative that you seal off the smell from the source. Next, either have the carpet professionally cleaned or purchase an enzyme type cleaner from the store. If kitty has gone on the walls or baseboards repeat the first step above using Kilz and then repaint the wall. (Aren’t cats fun?!)
10. Lastly, keep your home as clean as possible. Pet dander is a real problem for some people so our advice is clean, clean, clean, plus replace your air filter often. A buyer having a sneezing attack upon walking in your front door is more than likely not going to be a buyer clamoring to purchase your home.

Well we hope that you found this to be informative and entertaining. Please take time to read part two of Home Staging Design Pros tips.

See us on CNN next week

Well, we finally have our air dates and times for the piece CNN did on our home staging business.

The times are:
Monday May 11th 6-6:30am
Wednesday May 13th 6:30-7:00am
Thursday May 14th 9-9:30am

To be aired on the “Morning Express with Robin Meade” on HLN.

There will also be an achieved link on their site in case you want to view the story later or send it to someone else. Just simply go to www.HSDPros.com and scroll down and click play.
Thanks again for all of your support and please visit our new web site to see our affordable and effective staging services.

Brad Fletcher, co-owner
Home Staging Design Pros LLC
Phone: (407) 690-2388
Fax: (866) 373-4586
Web: www.hsdpros.com
424 E Central Blvd #196
Orlando, FL 32801

Spring 2009 newsletter:

We want to thank everyone for their support. We’ve seen first hand how staging has helped our clients realize their goals, whether it be for selling or for redesign. We hope everyone has a happy spring and please be sure to stop by our new and improved website ( http://hsdpros.com/ ). We always welcome any feedback or comments.

• Our upcoming feature story on CNN
• HSD Pros new website
• It’s still a tough market
• Bundled services…perfect for occupied homes
• See why using an Interior redesigner is a smart move
• This months featured artist: Brandy Renee
• Our favorite places: Lambs Eat Ivy Salon

To read the full story click on this link http://www.homestagingdesignorlando.com/Newsyoucanuse.html.

OUR UPCOMING FEATURE STORY ON CNN:
We’ve recently had the pleasure of being filmed for a story on CNN. Check our website in the next couple of weeks for dates and times. You won’t want to miss it.

Link to more on website

http://www.homestagingdesignorlando.com/2nd_quarter_2009_newsletter.html

www.HSDPros.com new website.
Please take a minute to check out our new and improved website. We always appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

IT’S STILL A TOUGH MARKET:
The good news: According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association there were twice as many homes under contract in March of 2009…..
Click to read on. ( http://www.homestagingdesignorlando.com/Newsyoucanuse.html )

Our mission:
To provide you with the most effective and affordable visual marketing solutions for your home or your business.

Why us?
Our experience, professionalism and philosophy are what set us apart. Not to mention our affordable pricing. Our certified home stagers and redesigners are knowledgeable, personable and there for you every step of the way.

Link to Testimonials:
www.homestagingdesignorlando.com/Testimonials.

Home Staging Design Pros
424 E Central Blvd # 196
Orlando Florida 32801
United States

Toll Free: (866)-650-1724

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What is Home Staging?

Home Stagers provide services which assist home-owners and real estate agents alike, in the preparation of homes for open houses, private showings, and universal sale.

Chances are you’re familiar with the term or concept of home staging. What most people don’t know is why using a home stager is so important, especially when it comes to the sale of their home.

Let’s face facts; the real estate market is not what it once was, especially here in the Central Florida region as well as many other hard hit areas around the nation.

With thousands upon thousands of homes on the market it is imperative that a home seller make sure that their home stand out above the rest. For most people seeing their home through a “buyer’s eyes” is pretty difficult. To make matters worse, research shows that a whopping 90% of potential buyer’s can’t visualize themselves living in the home they are touring. If they can’t see themselves in it, they won’t buy it.

It’s that simple. What home staging professionals do is turn your home into a place that will shine in a potential buyer’s eyes. Home staging helps buyers see a seller’s old home as their very own new home.  Stagers give home sellers the tools to make their homes a showplace that buyer’s will fall in love with, desire and ultimately buy.

As a home seller ask yourself the following questions:

Has your home been on the market with little or no interest?

Have you reduced the price of your house, only to see it still sit on the market?

When you drive through your neighborhood do you see “For sale” signs everywhere?

You want to make your home look its best and stand out in a crowd but aren’t sure how to go about it?

Do you see some things in your house that you love but aren’t sure how to display them to maximize their appeal?

Do you love your house but feel that the furniture just doesn’t fit or your house doesn’t “flow” well?

Is the potential of selling your home 50% faster and for 6-10% more worth a small investment in home staging? (Staging a home cost less then the home’s first price reduction.)

Do any of these apply to you? If so, then maybe it’s time to consult with a Home Staging Design Professional.

FAQ’s

1. Why should I use a Home Staging Design Professional instead of interior design company? Home staging professionals strive to bring a home’s best features forward by drawing the buyer’s eye to the positive attributes of the home. Staging also depersonalize a home so a buyer is not distracted by the seller’s personal photos, memorabilia and private collections.

Home stagers use a network of professionals whose expertise will help sellers attain their goals. Home staging design professionals are passionate about pleasing their clients and will use their talents to make sure that not only the home seller is happy but the realtor is happy as well but most importantly the home, once staged, speaks to the buying public, pulling on heart stings and resonates in the memory of every person that tours the home.

2. Do home staging professionals work together with Realtor? Absolutely!  Stagers will stay in contact with your Realtor to see how the home is showing post-staging and will come back and make any changes that are deemed necessary in order to maximize the home’s appeal. Buyer’s feedback is most important but responding to the feedback is paramount.

3. Is home staging worth the cost if I am trying to sell my home? Consider all the money that you’ve put into your home. Now that you’re selling its imperative that you give yourself an edge over the thousands of other homes on the market. For a relatively small investment you can potentially reap huge rewards. Often 6-10% more than a home that has not been professionally staged!

4. I’m not selling my home but want it to look its best. Why shouldn’t I just use an interior designer? Interior designers charge upwards of $250/hour plus a 20% markup on furniture which makes using their services out of reach for most homeowners. What home staging professionals do is use your existing furniture and accessories to make your home model beautiful. Home stagers can show you a way to see your belongings in a new light as well as help you pick out accessories and colors to maximize the “wow” factor and ramp up the pizazz. All at a cost significantly less than what you would pay otherwise.

5. What can I expect during the consultation? When a Home stager arrives the first time to meet in a home they will do a walk though of the home. Then come up with a plan to stage it so that it has mass appeal, good flow, well lit, warm and inviting.

6. Are home staging professionals going to criticize my decorating style? Please let me assure you that a true staging professional will never criticize anyone’s sense of style. Your home is a reflection of your personal taste and everyone is different. What stagers do is help to make your home look its best, flow well and appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

Essentially the home staging professional is visiting a home to help. It’s that simple. Most home stagers offer free initial consultations presenting loads of free information as they tour a home, so a seller has nothing to fear and nothing to lose, it really is a win-win situation. So if you are selling a home, call your Realtor, call your stager and schedule a meeting with them together at a time of your convenience. You will be happy you did!