Selling a Lifestyle
September 15, 2008 by Elaine Manes · Leave a Comment
When you put your home on the market, you are selling more than the physical structure. Think of it as selling a lifestyle. This is why preparing your home is so important. As buyers walk through your home, they are trying to imagine themselves living there. A savvy seller will help them along the way! [...]
The Big Black Box
September 3, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 6 Comments
Let’s face it, we love our television sets. In my staging career, this has been proven to me numerous times. I come into a home to make recommendations to make it show better, and clients seem so willing to add or remove whatever I suggest. Except the TV, that is. And, whatever they sit on to [...]
Don’t Confuse Buyers!
August 18, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 4 Comments
How we choose to live in our homes is our business…right? WRONG! If you are selling your home, you may have to make some lifestyle adjustments. For instance, that pool table you have in your living room might make sense to you, but, to a buyer, it can just be confusing. If you have a [...]
Your Home is BIGGER Than You Think!
July 31, 2008 by Elaine Manes · Leave a Comment
There is still a lot of warm weather ahead in most parts of the country. If you are selling your home, don’t forget the “extra” living space you have. Of course, I’m referring to your deck or patio. There are almost as many design magazines focusing on outdoor spaces, as there are for interiors. If [...]
Terms That Can SELL YOUR HOME!!!
July 15, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 2 Comments
I am asked quite often “What is the difference between decorating and staging?” I thought I would provide you with a quick explanation, and some definitions of other terms we use in staging. Decorating is furnishing and accessorizing a space, with the taste and lifestyle of the homeowners in mind. Staging is decorating, also, but in [...]
Selling? What to Do with Fido!!!
July 7, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 9 Comments
The majority of homeowners today have dogs, and as a professional home stager, I get asked all the time if this is a problem when selling a home. The answer is yes. Most sellers crate their dogs for showings, but this may not be the ideal solution. If the dog is barking the entire time [...]
Decorating to sell? Less is MORE!!!
June 30, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 3 Comments
Decorating your home to fit your lifestyle, and decorating your home to sell are VERY different! You may have displays of treasured collections, items you have picked up on your travels, or family memorabilia. There are two reasons to pack it all away when you put your home on the market. The first is that [...]
Interior Paint: The New Neutrals!
June 17, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 8 Comments
photo credit: sego If you are planning on selling your home, you might want to consider repainting the interior. Painting is one of the best ways to dramatically change the space, at a relatively low cost. But, the days of painting every room white are gone. An all-white house can easily be forgotten, since there [...]
Q’s & A’s on Home Staging!
June 3, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 2 Comments
What exactly does a staging company do? A staging company will analyze the home, determine what changes are needed to make it show the best it can, and implement the changes. The work can quite often be completed in one day. It is not always necessary to bring more items into the home. In most [...]
First Impression is Key!!!
May 23, 2008 by Elaine Manes · Leave a Comment
Preparing your home to sell can certainly be a daunting task, and most sellers don’t know where to start. I suggest you start where your buyers will start, with a first impression. It’s difficult to be objective about your own home, but there are some tricks you can try. Jump in your car, and drive [...]