Finding inspiration and connections

In October I attended my first conference with the International Association of Staging Professionals held in Charlotte. The Staging industry has becoming a vital marketing component for Real Estate. It takes more than just watching a TV show to become a stager. Look for professionalism and accreditation.

“Our 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO was a HUGE success! Not only did we have the largest number of attendees to date, we also had the hottest duo in the Home Staging/Design world – The Scott Brothers! They charmed and educated our attendees and added such great celebrity star power to our event! All attendees earned their Luxury Home Staging (IAHSP-LHS) Designation as well as learned valuable information and insights from top-notch speakers.”

– Jennie Norris, Chairwoman, IAHSP International

Curb Appeal is an Outside Job

When preparing a house for sale, the exterior is as important as the interior. A well-maintained property and house has curb appeal.

“Are there certain colors that sell homes better than others? I have a carriage house with a red barn. – Future seller from Harriman

Updating Over the Years Will Help When Selling your Home

There are two types of homeowners: those that buy a house and live in it without updating and those that do. Overtime, things break down and need repair and replacement. Most people stay on top of the breakdowns. While you are not paying attention, your house is getting dated.

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The Evolution of Formal Rooms to Open Concept

Deep into the process of downsizing my home of 29 years has me accessing how it has evolved. The living room was never used because of the family room. The formal dining room, used maybe twice a year, was cramped which lead to switching the rooms for a more comfortable experience. Read more

The everlasting patina of the Country Living Fair

The 3-day Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck is filled with antiques, vintage, rustic and handmade items where the pages of Country Living Magazine come to life. The fair is held the first weekend in June.

A stager preps her house for sale

As I sit here wondering what to write about, I think of change and how so many fear change. The one thing that is constant is change. I’ve worked with a few clients over the years that have a hard time with change. One client, during a staging consultation, had an issue with moving a chair away from the fireplace. “It has always been there”, they said. I explained how it was blocking the view to the fireplace and how we are selling the house and its beautiful architectural feature is hidden behind a chair upon entry into the space and in photos. The chair stayed put and the house lingered on the market for a very long period of time. The energy was blocked.

Chalk paint or not?

Admittedly, I’m less of a ‘do it yourselfer’ and more of a ‘find a pro to do it’. If a client has a question concerning paint, I turn to Corinne Courtney of Nailed It! Hardware in Washingtonville. The store also runs classes on chalk painting and crafts. I took a chalk paint class with Corinne. The hardest part was selecting a color as she can turn any paint color into chalk paint. The rest was easy.

Living in an authentic home

The authentic home is your own home that reflects your personality and lifestyle. It not only functions, but also looks and feels good. If there is a room that is not being used, try to figure out why. If no one uses the family room because it feels uncomfortable, that’s not an authentic room.

Simple changes can transform a space. It’s all in the details. The right color, whether a new paint color on the wall or new accent pieces, can refresh a space. Sometimes all that is need is editing, de-cluttering, rearranging furniture and a few new decorative accessories, your home can be an authentic home.

Staging the occupied home

The way you live in a home is not the way to sell the house. Every house can benefit from staging before it hits the market. Life happens and things get messy daily.

Thoughts of spring flowers and greenery

The weather may not allow us to easily think it is spring, but we are close. Back to back Nor’easters have been a struggle to deal with, as winter tightens it grip. Spring begins March 20. My dreams are filled of spring flowers and golf.