Pleeeze take this advice!

This is a brilliant drawing done by Erin Gates author of the popular blog Elements of Style.  Take a good look at what this sketch illustrates-WOW!  From cramped to expansive for the same size window!

NATURAL LIGHT SELLS HOMES.  So many times I walk into a listing and there are multiple layers of window coverings or dated cornices or balloons shades blocking out architecture and light. Let the sun in people!

Do

*Open or pull up shades, blinds or otherwise before a showing

*Take down dated treatments; Example: plastic roller shades that I currently have in my daughters room, and remove or replace with simple sheers from Target. 

*Allow your draperies to hit the floor. 



A Yes~Smith and Noble via Pinterest

A Yes~Smith and Noble via Pinterest

Need assistance in getting your home ready to sell?  My team and I can help!  Thoughtful and strategic staging advice from Michele Thrasher of Staging by Mon Brio and artistic photography of your home by Kathy Jaworski of Photography by K will put your home in the best light!

Don't hesitate to contact me with questions!  kfeeback@danberry.com

Best~
Kristie

"Light The Money"

My new favorite saying...!  I just heard it for the first time on Million Dollar Decorators and It really captures what I do!  As a Real Estate Agent, It's my job to highlight a property's BEST FEATURES (light the money)!  Sometimes, it takes some uncovering, some polishing, some replacing and a fresh perspective to make a home shine! 

                                                                    California Closets

Waterworks

                                                                            Country Living

Closets, Fixtures, Kitchens, Fireplaces, Moldings, plus Patio and Landscaping are some of the top tier items to highlight.  I know, what your saying, "Kristie, my house doesn't have features this elaborate".  The truth is, many homes don't, but it's my job to help create and  accentuate a homes best features and give the buyer what they are looking for.

Refining for 2011

Organizing for the New Year by Michele Thrasher

Every year we resolve to be Organized! Here are some tips of the trade to get you started:
Mantra: It didn’t get this way in an hour, so it will take a bit of time to conquer.
Time: Set aside a block of time that is equal to the task/area. If you have 15 minutes, the kitchen countertops might be a good place to use that time. If you have an entire Saturday, maybe the master bedroom closet or garage.

Tools of the Trade: 5 garbage bags or totes clearly labeled

1) TRASH

2) DONATE

3) KEEP in this space

4) MOVE to a more appropriate area

5) REPAIR ~ reserve this for items that you really will repair or sew that button on

6) for those who are having a difficult time purging ~ THINK ABOUT

Ready, Set, Purge/Edit/Organize!

• Empty the space you are organizing completely. Yes, that means unload the garage into the driveway or the closet onto the bed.

• Take a few more minutes to clean the area.

• Okay, now picking up each item SORT into one of the 5 or 6 totes. If you’re organizing your closet, save a step and re-hang the item immediately if it’s a definite KEEP.

• Be ruthless with yourself and give yourself to the count of 3 to make a decision.

The Next Steps

• Take the Trash to the can or recycling bin.

• Take the Donate tote to your car so it will leave the house.

• Keep items are neatly organized where they belong.

• Move items are put in the appropriate room/space.

• Repair items on front and center so they will be taken care of.

• And, the Think About tote is labeled and dated. If you don’t reach for the item in the next 6 months…it’s time to donate it.

Simple “Rules”

 If it doesn’t fit ~ don’t keep it.

 If you don’t like it ~ don’t keep it.

If you can’t remember why you even saved it ~ don’t keep it.

If it’s broken and you’ll NEVER fix it ~ don’t keep it.
Remember, getting Organized is a Project ~ Living Organized is a Process.

Need some assistance? Michele Thrasher of Staging by Mon Brio is also a Professional Organizer and would be happy to assist you!

http://www.containerstore.com/

Holiday Staging~Less is MORE

• Evergreen wreaths, pine cones, poinsettias and candles say winter rather than a specific holiday. This keeps your house as neutral as possible during the holiday season.


• Although the holidays have much religious significance; mangers, menorahs, etc are considered personal items that we would prefer not to be out during showings. You never know what might offend a potential buyer ~ even during the holidays.

• Be careful not to overwhelm architectural features such as a mantel with holiday décor. A simple evergreen garland with white lights will show off the fireplace and mantel very nicely. And, remember to put up the stockings at the last minute (Christmas Eve) and take them down before your next showing.

• Take a drive to enjoy the elaborate exterior holiday displays this year and leave yours for next year.

• Christmas trees are big. Visually speaking, you can think of them as another piece of furniture. When decorating a tree, try to use white lights with only one or two colors of decorations. Save the children's ornaments and other personal items for the new home.

• If at all possible, try to use a small, narrow tree or a table top tree so the room isn't overpowered by a huge tree.

• Be sure to keep wrapped gifts out of sight during showings and opens.

• Think about the quantity of gifts that will remain in your house after the holidays and where you’re going to keep them to maintain a clutter-free atmosphere.

• Be careful not to leave decorations up after the New Year.

Michele Thrasher, ASP
Staging by MON BRIO
419.350.5654

Great advice Michele! Thank You!

The Reality of Selling Your Home

Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House~Michelle Thrasher Staging by Mon Brio

Your Realtor tells you, every TV show about real estate tells you – Real Life Doesn’t Sell Your House. The way we live in our homes and the way we show to sell our houses are two entirely different experiences!

Steps to preparing your house for sale should include:

• Making all necessary condition repairs that you are aware of.
• De-cluttering every room; including closets, cabinetry, garage, basement.
• Cleaning every room thoroughly; including wash windows and having carpeting cleaned.
• De-personalizing every room; remove family photos, diplomas, etc.

These steps should be taken prior to having a Realtor visit so they can see your house in what you believe to be show ready condition/presentation. A savvy Realtor will then have a Professional Stager visit your home to give you advice on how to complete re-packaging or merchandising your home into a house for sale; a product ready for market.

Contrary to what is seen on TV, a Professional Stager will give you tips of the trade that are pertinent to your house, your potential buyer, your price point. It is individualized advice that comes from years of experience and education. It will not be a derogatory experience or one that necessarily will cost you thousands of dollars. Many times, a Stager will ask you to move furniture for better flow of the room(s). Although you live with the couch facing one way, for selling purposes it might be better another.

Yes, you might have to make some changes to the way you live (and living show ready is not easy), but if you truly want to Sell your House ~ it’s worth it!

Michele Thrasher, ASP

Accredited Staging Professional
Staging by MON BRIO
www.stagingbymonbrio.com

Thank You Michele! As sellers, we can easily be blinded by our own "stuff". A second set of professional eyes can make a remarkable difference in, most likely, the largest investment of your life!

Michele, I am hoping you will continue to Guest Post in 2011.
Stay tuned for Michele's advice on getting your home ready for the HOLIDAYS!

Tips from a Professional Stager

I am really excited to bring you some expert advice on home staging!  I have asked Michele Thrasher of Staging by MON BRIO to do the occasional post and share with all of us her vast knowledge and experience on how to prepare your home for market.
Michele Thrasher of Staging by MON BRIO is an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) who has Staged 100's of houses. Additionally, she is an involved member of International Assoc. of House Staging Professionals (IAHSP).

Staging by MON BRIO’s dynamic business approach has earned a reputation as NW Ohio’s and SE Michigan’s Premier Staging Authority. Passion for excellence in the industry and a unique perspective on the craft has joined together a network of skilled individuals that broaden the company's scope of work. Our team is the best of the best!

 Staging is a MUST in a Down Market!
Staging is about creating a dream home for buyers. It goes beyond just cleaning, de-personalizing and
de-cluttering. It's about engaging the minds of your buyers to envision themselves in the house. Staging will transform your home into a House For Sale, a product ready for market, ready to Be Sold! Professional Staging from Staging by MON BRIO works within your budget and timeline to make that happen!

Staging is About "Engaging the Minds of Buyers to Dream"

• Where buyers’ can imagine their lives in the home

• Where buyers can imagine their own things in your space

• Where they can see themselves relaxing and letting go of the day

• Where they can see themselves cooking for their families

• Where their dreams come to life

Benefits of Staging Your House for Sale

• Staged houses can sell faster

• Staged houses can get higher offers

• Staged houses look better in the MLS pictures, getting more potential buyers to visit the house (remember 80%+ of all potential buyers view photos on-line before deciding to see in-person)

• Staged houses have a competitive edge over competing properties

• Professionally Staged houses sell 80% faster than their non-staged competition, as the non-staged homes in-effect sell the Staged houses!

Decorating vs. Staging

• Decorating turns a house into a home

• Staging transforms your home into a House for Sale!

• The way we live and the way we Show & Sell are two different experiences!

You’re not selling your home, you’re selling a house!

By Michele Thrasher, ASP
Staging by MON BRIO
419.350.5654