You may think that home staging is just cleaning, reducing clutter, fixing things, painting, and putting your house on the market.
Those things are all important and are all things you can do to help save money in preparing your house for sale.
You can also clean your yard, put things away, trim your trees and shrubs, and repair things. Get a fresh welcome mat for the door.
So why bother hiring a home stager when you can do all those things yourself?
There are a lot of decisions to be made that can make or cost you money. Do you have the confidence you know the right answers to the following questions?
What paint colors should you use for a higher sales price?
Who is your target market based on a variety of factors related to the real estate market?
How should your home look compared to others in a similar price range so you can outshine the competition?
What do buyers in a different age group than you really want and what will attract them to connect with your house?
What repairs and upgrades will give you a good return on your investment and which ones will just cost you the money you will never get back.
What things can you do to emotionally connect with buyers, without looking like you are trying to do that?
Will your furniture and current decor really work for staging and attracting buyers or do you just think so because you are not seeing things objectively?
Is your furniture perfectly arranged to highlight the space and best features of the house?
Can you get furniture, art, and more for staging if needed, without having to buy it? After all, you are moving. Who wants to buy more stuff.
Do you know good, reliable tradespeople to do the work needed for you in a timely manner for your home sale?
If your answer is no, it is really worth it for you to hire a professional home stager. They want to make sure you get the most for your home sale!
Sell Your House Faster and For More
Check out my online home staging services. For in-person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote. Click on the pictures to learn more.
Color Your Way to a Swift and Profitable Home Sale with These Top Paint Colors
How Much Can Paint Color Increase Your Home’s Sale Price?
The impact of paint color on a home’s sale price has been the topic of numerous studies and analyses, primarily conducted by real estate companies and platforms who have access to vast amounts of sale data. One of the most cited sources on this topic is Zillow, an online real estate marketplace. Zillow released an analysis in their “Zillow Paint Color Analysis” that looked at how certain paint colors in specific home areas impacted the sale price compared to homes with white walls.
Painting walls in fresh light, neutral colors help buyers picture themselves living in the space because they are neutral enough to go with most buyers furnishings and they make the space look larger. Zillow found some colors in specific rooms, particularly light blues, increased the sales price in homes, and a lack of color or certain colors decreased the sales price. Why? Color affects emotion and buyers buy because of emotion!
Neutral colors are generally gray or beige. Picking the right paint is really about making sure the neutral colors and whites work with your fixed finishes. “Greiges” are a mixture of gray and beige that are versatile and will work with a wide variety of floorings, countertops and other finishes. Greiges are great for living and family rooms and exterior colors.
This color data makes sense when you think about the fact that universally, blue is a favorite color worldwide, and that the easiest way for most people to match their existing belongings to a color without having to replaint is if it is a neutral color.
Here are some highlights from Zillow’s findings over the years:
Front Doors:
Homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sold for as much as $6,271 more than expected.
Living Rooms:
Homes with living rooms painted in light taupe saw an increase of approximately $2,793.
Kitchens:
Kitchens painted in light blue to soft gray-blue boosted the sale price by about $1,809.
However, homes with straw yellow or marigold kitchens reportedly sold for $820 less than expected.
Bedrooms:
Homes with light cerulean to cadet blue bedrooms saw an increase in sale price by about $1,856.
Bathrooms:
Bathrooms painted in powder blue to periwinkle had homes selling for $5,440 more than expected.
On the other hand, homes with white bathrooms sold for an average of $4,035 less than similar homes.
Dining Rooms:
Slate blue to pale gray blue dining rooms boosted the sale price by roughly $1,926.
Exteriors:
Homes painted in greige (gray + beige) on the exterior sold for $3,496 more than similar homes painted in a medium brown or with tan stucco.
These figures are averages and may vary depending on the local market, the overall condition of the house, and other factors. The numbers are also based on Zillow’s data and may not reflect the broader market as a whole.
Which Colors Are Best?
Several studies and real estate analyses have shown that certain paint colors can positively affect a home’s sale price. Here are some colors that have been recognized for their potential to boost home value, along with specific brands and color names where applicable.
Colors that become top sellers are often influenced by the annual “color of the year” selections made by major paint companies, as well as broader design and decor trends. I have added some additional choices similar to those recognized to boost home value based on top selling paint colors, color trends and personal experience.
Front Doors
Navy Blue or Dark Gray: Houses with doors painted shades of navy blue to dark gray reportedly sold for a higher price. Here are top selling navy blue and dark gray colors that are popular and could be good choices. Example: “Hale Navy” from Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy”Benjamin Moore “Kendall Charcoal”Sherwin Williams “Naval”Sherwin Williams “Iron Ore”Sherwin Williams “Caviar”Behr “Starless Night”
The color trends for door colors in 2023 featured a lot of black and natural wood tones. Trends for 2024, you will see pops of color as well as traditional black and wood. Personally, I think the front door is a great place to add a pop of color and make your home more memorable to buyers. It is something they can easily change if they like.
AI generated image of home with front door painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy” paint color.
Living Rooms:
Light Beige, Pale Taupe, or Oatmeal: Neutral colors in the living room can be appealing. Example: “Accessible Beige” or “Repose Gray” from Sherwin-Williams.
Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige”Sherwin Williams “Repose Gray”Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter”Benjamin Moore “Muslin”Sherwin Williams “Alpaca”Behr “Wheat Bread”
I have used Accessible Beige many times for home staging and found it to be a great color that works with a variety of fixed finishes and flooring.
I used Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” in the living room as part or a home staging project.
Kitchens
Light Blue to Soft Gray-Blue: These colors in kitchens reportedly increase home value. Example: “Smoke” or “Pale Oak” from Benjamin Moore.
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Benjamin Moore “Smoke”Behr Light “French Gray”Benjamin Moore IcebrrgBenjamin Moore Woodlawn BlueSherwin Williams RainSherwin Williams Sea SaltAI generated image of a kitchen that uses Benjamin Moore’s “Smoke” paint color.
Bedrooms
Light Cerulean to Cadet Blue: These are reported to increase selling prices when used in bedrooms. Example: “Breath of Fresh Air” from Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore Breathe of Fresh AirBenjamin Moore Palladian BlueBenjamin Moore Wedgewood GraySherwin Williams RainwashedSherwin Williams Sleepy BlueSherwin Williams “Meditative”AI generated bedroom in Bohemian style that uses Benjamin Moore’s Wedgewood Gray paint color.
Bathrooms
Powder Blue to Periwinkle: Homes with bathrooms this color reportedly fetched a higher selling price. Example: “Bit of Sugar” from Behr or “Atmospheric” from Sherwin-Williams.
Behr “Bit of Sugar”Sherwin Williams “Atmospheric”Benjamin Moore “Quiet Moments”Benjamin Moore “Woodlawn Blue”Sherwin Williams “Watery”Sherwin Williams “Silver Mist”
Dining Rooms
Slate Blue to Pale Gray Blue: They can reportedly increase the sale price. Example: “Palladian Blue” from Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore “Palladian Blue”Benjamin Moore “Yorktowne Green”Behr “Seagull Gray”Benjamin Moore “Smoke”Sherwin-Williams “Silver Strand”Sherwin-Williams “Slate Tile”An AI generated image of a global style bathroom that uses Sherwin Williams “Atmospheric” paint color. A global style dining room using Sherwin-Williams “Slate Tile” paint color. Edesign and Heart of India energy art by Northern Lights home Staging and Design.AI generated image of a global style dining room using Sherwin-Williams “Slate Tile paint color.
Exterior Colors
Greige (Mix of Gray and Beige): Homes painted this color often sell for more. Example: “Perfect Greige” from Sherwin-Williams.
Light Gray: This can boost the selling price. Example: “Gray Screen” from Sherwin-Williams.
Sherwin Williams “Gray Screen”Benjamin Moore: “Gray Owl”Benjamin Moore: “Classic Gray”Sherwin-Williams: “Repose Gray”Sherwin-Williams: “Agreeable Gray”Behr: “Seagull Gray”Office using Sherwin Williams “Gray Screen” paint color.Edesign and Butterfly Medicine energy art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Putting it All Together
You might be wondering if you can simply choose your favorite colors from the recommended list and expect a higher selling price. The answer is not quite that straightforward. These recommendations serve as guidelines, but your entire color palette must work cohesively, starting from the exterior of your home and flowing seamlessly to the interior. Both exterior and interior colors should align with and complement fixed finishes that you don’t plan to change much, such as your roofing material, stonework, interior countertops, fireplaces, and flooring. It’s like solving a puzzle where each piece must fit together to create the whole picture.
When executed correctly, your color choices can be extraordinary, enhancing the overall appeal of your home. However, if the colors clash or feel disjointed, even if you can’t pinpoint the issue, potential buyers may sense that something isn’t quite right. The most effective strategy is to enlist the expertise of a certified color strategist who can curate a harmonious color palette based on your fixed finishes. By following these guidelines and working with a professional, you can increase your chances of selling your home faster and at a higher price.
Now that you understand more about color, why not let me help you get your colors right with a science based color consultation? Let’s get you the most possible on your home sale.
Increase your Vacation Rental Income and Bookings with Home Staging
Did you know that you can increase your vacation rental income and bookings with home staging?
Home staging highlights the positive and downplays the negative aspects of homes for sale. A professional stager creates a look and atmosphere that buyers make an emotional connection with and they want to buy through decorating and market research. It’s the emotional connection that cinches the deal. Sellers then market their properties to attract buyers online with great photos of their beautifully staged home.
The same principles work with vacation rental properties such as Bed and Breakfasts, and other rental units.
“Whether you have investments in multiple apartment buildings, a few vacation properties or a single apartment in your basement, you can’t afford to have vacancies” says internationally recognized home stager Debra Gould, the Staging Diva.
“As a landlord, have you considered hiring a professional home stager to enhance the appeal of your rental units? If you have a property to rent, you should make a call to an expert home stager as soon as a tenant vacates the premises” says Gould in her article “Home Staging Boosts Demand for Rental Properties”.
After deciding who your ideal customer is, Home Staging can update the look of your rental to reflect your brand, appeal to your ideal customer and justify the price you want to charge.
Staging helps you get great photos for your online advertising that attract your ideal guests, increase your rental price and get more bookings.
I staged this property that had been a rental unit for the owner to sell. After listing it, they realized they could make more money by keeping it as a rental and used the staging and great photos to increase their income and bookings instead. After listing it on Airbnb and other sites, it created a buzz and generated more interest than other neighboring properties in the same area, increasing their rental price, income and bookings from what it had previously brought in as a rental unit before staging.
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Increase Your Vacation Rental Income And Bookings Today
I can help you make it happen. Start with a Vacation Rental consultation.
At one time investors flocked to real estate, anticipating guaranteed and speedy returns. If you were one of the people who purchased rental properties to create the “passive income stream” that most get-rich-quick gurus recommend, you’ve probably become more nervous about that investment, especially if you’re relying on rental income to offset your mortgage costs.
Whether you have investments in multiple apartment buildings, a few vacation properties or a single apartment in your basement, you can’t afford to have vacancies.
As a landlord, have you considered hiring a professional home stager to enhance the appeal of your rental units? If you have a property to rent, you should make a call to an expert home stager as soon as a tenant vacates the premises.
A vacant room looks sad to anyone, including prospective tenants. If you’ve never hired a home stager before, you’d be surprised at the difference staging can make in the length of time a unit remains vacant.
“I was called to stage an apartment in someone’s home that normally brought in $1,000 per month,” says expert home stager, Debra Gould, founder of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. “It had been sitting vacant for four months with no interest before the owner called me,” she adds. “After the apartment was staged, the next three people who looked at it wanted to rent it! The landlord went from having no interest in four months to having her choice of three tenants within a week of having it staged.”
Vacant BedroomBedroom After Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
In another scenario, if you own a home and have decided to rent it out, you should not leave it empty. Have it staged as you would before listing it for sale. Prospective tenants will fall in love with a tastefully decorated home much more quickly than a vacant one, even if it’s only for a short-term rental arrangement. You’ll also increase the perceived value of the rental and may attract a higher-quality tenant.
If you are planning to rent it furnished, the staging can be even more important when the prospective tenant discovers they can move right in.
Another area where home staging can make a huge difference is in the vacation rental market. If you’re advertising your vacation home online, does it look inviting enough to entice prospects to make a reservation? Having your properties staged–even just for the attractive photos that will appear on your online listing–will be a worthwhile investment.
Bed and Breakfast before staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and DesignBed and Breakfast after staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The bottom line is that home staging isn’t just for the more typical “home going to market” scenario. You can make money from the services of a home stager, no matter what role you play in the real estate market!
Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is president of Six Elements and creator of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program with over 4,000 students worldwide. Gould is the author of four home staging guides and offers a Directory of Home Stagers to help homeowners and real estate agents locate home stagers who will decorate homes to sell quickly and for top dollar. To learn more, visit www.stagingdivadirectoryofhomestagers.com
Northern Lights Home Staging and Design is your local go to service for home staging or for an online consultation, nationwide.
Get Your Free Report
Updated for 2023. Studies show some colors in specific rooms, increased the sales price in homes. Why? Color affects emotion and buyers buy on emotion! This report gives you six specific color recommendations per room to help sell your house for more based on study results, top paint sales and professional experience. Mary Ann Benoit is a certified color expert and color strategist and professional home stager. Download now. Price: $4.99.
One thing I love about Alaska home staging is that it is a win-win proposal for all involved.
Staging is a Win-Win for Home Sellers
For home sellers, a modest investment in home staging can be transformative. It not only elevates your property’s aesthetic appeal but also gives you a competitive edge in the market. The result? A quicker sale at a potentially higher price. Think of it as turning your house into the market’s standout star. Plus, you can typically deduct your home stager’s fees as advertising expenses during the sale, further enhancing your return on investment. Opting for staging could save you more than what you might concede in an initial price drop. It’s a strategic move for a clear WIN!
Home Staging is a Win-Win for Home Buyers
If you are a home buyer, home staging helps you see the real potential for the property. It helps you look past the clutter, crazy wall colors and the other person’s stuff, and see how you could live there, how your furniture and belongings could fit in the space.
Home Staging is a Win-Win for Realtors
As a realtor, impeccable listing photos can be your competitive edge. With professional staging, your properties will shine during showings and open houses, potentially accelerating sales and, consequently, your commission rate. Not only that, a home stager can handle those challenging conversations with sellers about decluttering, addressing odors, and making necessary repairs. This lets you focus on your primary skill: selling homes. Typically, the seller covers the staging costs, so it’s an advantage without the added expense. By enhancing the home’s appeal, you’re helping potential buyers visualize its value effortlessly. It’s a strategic advantage that leads to a win-win situation!
Home Staging is a Win-Win for Landlords
If you are a landlord, home staging can boost the demand for your rental property by making it look great! This will provide great photos to generate interest in your rental so you rent your place faster and for a higher rental price while attracting your ideal renters! You will make back your investment in no time with a higher rental price and make more money in the future. WIN!
Home Staging is a Win-Win for Vacation Rental Owners
Home Staging is a Win-Win for House- Flippers and Real Estate Investors
Is your business buying and selling real estate? Buying homes and fixing them up for re-sale? Home staging helps your buyers visualize a home they can see themselves living in by furnishing and decorating it so you can sell quickly. After all that hard work and investment, get your money back now and get the most for your investment.
Home Staging is a Win-Win for Home Stagers
If you are a home stager, you can feed your creative passion, help people make more money on their houses, help them sell fast when they may be going through trying times like divorce, job changes, parents dying or many of the stressful reasons people sell. You get to make money doing what you love and when the house sells, everyone is happy! WIN!
It is often hard to find situations that are win-win for all involved. This is a no-brainer. Everyone gets what they want. What are you waiting for? Why not try one of my online home staging services or call me for local, in- person staging services.
Home Staging Service
Are you ready for a win? It all starts with a consultation. Call today.907-362-0065.
Make More on Your Home Sale with the Right Paint Colors
Updated for 2023. Studies show some colors in specific rooms, increased the sales price in homes. Why? Color affects emotion and buyers buy on emotion! This report gives you six specific color recommendations per room to help sell your house for more based on study results, top paint sales and professional experience. Mary Ann Benoit is a certified color expert and color strategist and professional home stager. Download now. Price: $4.99.
Market Research- The Key to Successful Home Staging
Market research is the first thing you should do before developing a plan for staging your house if you want to make top dollar on your home sale. I know, market research sounds boring. Why should you care?
Here’s why:
Understanding the Target Audience: Market research will help you understand who the potential buyers are in your area. Knowing your audience means you can stage your home in a way that appeals directly to their preferences and needs.
Pricing Insights: Through research, you can ascertain the average selling prices for homes in your area, ensuring you don’t undervalue or overprice your property.
Identify Trends: Market research can reveal current home design trends that buyers are gravitating towards. By staging your home in line with these trends, you increase its appeal.
Stay Competitive: By understanding what other sellers are offering, you can ensure your home has a unique selling proposition that differentiates it from other properties on the market.
Minimize Time on Market: Homes that are staged in line with buyer preferences tend to sell faster, reducing the amount of time your property stays on the market.
Optimal Use of Resources: Instead of randomly buying or renting furniture and decor for staging, market research helps you invest wisely in enhancements that are most likely to yield a return on investment.
Anticipate Buyer Concerns: Research might reveal common concerns or objections from homebuyers in your region, allowing you to address these proactively through your staging and marketing efforts.
Increase Return on Investment: Homes that are staged effectively, considering the preferences of the target market, often fetch higher offers from potential buyers. Market research can show you what type of finishes and amenities similar houses have.
Professional Perception: Demonstrating that you’ve conducted thorough market research and staged your home accordingly can instill confidence in potential buyers, positioning you as a thoughtful and professional seller.
Tailored Marketing Strategies: Once you’ve gathered insights from your research, you can tailor your marketing strategies to highlight the features that matter most to potential buyers in your area.
In essence, market research ensures that the effort and resources you put into staging your home align with what potential buyers are looking for, thereby enhancing the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale.
What is Your Price Range
Look at the range of prices. If you want to be on the top end of the range, your home needs to look as good and better than the other homes in that part of the range to stand out. That is where home staging can really help you outshine the competition.
Who is Your Target Market
To pinpoint your target market, consider the nearby businesses and educational institutions. Local businesses might appeal to employees or those drawn to their services, while proximity to schools can attract families with young children. Nearby medical facilities could be a magnet for healthcare professionals or even for those prioritizing health and convenience, like the elderly. Consider: Is your home perfect for retirees looking to downsize? Or is it more suited for first-time homeowners or millennials? The aesthetic preferences of these groups will differ significantly. Remember, the décor and color palette that resonates with one demographic might not strike a chord with another, influencing your staging decisions accordingly.
What Investments will give you a Good Return
Another reason to do market research is to look at what type of amenities similar homes have such as countertops and flooring. So, for example, if you are going to be updating your countertops before selling, and everyone in the area has granite countertops, it probably won’t be a good idea to update with Formica, or to invest in granite if everyone else has Formica. In the first case your home will not look as nice as the competition, and in the second, your house will look nicer but will not likely get back the return on the investment you made with your sale price.
How to do Market Research
Hire a Professional Stager: Consider investing in a professional home stager right from the start. They typically conduct their own market research and possess a keen understanding of what appeals to buyers in your specific locale.
Understand the Demographics: Analyze the typical buyer profile for your area, focusing on age, family size, income levels, and professions to determine whom you’re staging for.
Analyze Local Real Estate Listings: Browse local real estate platforms to gauge how similar homes are staged. Look for dominant styles, colors, and arrangements.
Visit Open Houses: Gain firsthand insights by attending local open houses. Observe successful layout and decoration strategies.
Seek Feedback: Engage with friends, neighbors, or colleagues who’ve recently purchased homes. Their preferences can provide staging direction.
Consult Real Estate Agents: Tap into the expertise of real estate professionals to gain insights on market trends and effective staging methods.
Survey Potential Buyers: Conducting informal surveys or discussions can help delve deeper into the needs and desires of potential buyers.
Check Online Forums and Groups: Online platforms like Reddit or local Facebook groups offer genuine insights from local homebuyers.
Consider Local Amenities: Research nearby institutions like schools or hospitals, and consider the types of families or individuals they might attract.
Study Interior Design Trends: Keep abreast of current design trends to ensure your staging feels modern and inviting.
Analyze Previous Feedback: Reflect on any feedback if your home has been previously evaluated or listed. Such insights can guide refinements in staging.
Executing market research before staging ensures your home resonates with a broad spectrum of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a swift and profitable sale.
Ready to Sell?
A professional home stager will do market research on your home before staging, and consult with your Realtor if you have one on the expected target market. They are experts at decorating to make an emotional connection with your target buyers. Get started with a home staging consultation today.
Home Staging Consultation Online. Call for a custom quote for an in person consultation.
Interested in become a home stager? Try the Staging Diva Home Staging Training. This is what I did and highly recommend it!
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Beyond Aesthetics: How Stunning Designs Boost Your Rental Income
Do You Think Just Having a Pretty Face Won’t Cut It?
Many say that beauty is only skin deep, but in the rental business, a stunning first impression is invaluable. An attractive property lures customers in, setting the stage for a deeper connection. While maintaining them requires more than just aesthetics, it’s that initial allure that opens the door to potential success
What is a Pretty Face?
What do I mean by a ‘pretty face’? It’s your presentation – the outward appearance of your product, the energy it radiates, and the emotional connection it establishes with your customers. It’s the factor that determines whether they’ll get to know, like, and trust you and embrace what you’re offering. Simply put, it can’t just be good; it needs to be nothing short of amazing.”
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
It needs to provide a sense of expansion….giving the person something better than they have now so their life will feel better in your space.
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
You can do that with home staging, decorating, Interior Design. It really all is the same thing, it is just the focus of who you are trying to please and how you do it that is different.
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Unlocking Wealth: The Potential of Real Estate Investments
Many people believe that investing in real estate can yield a significant return on their investment. Some choose to renovate their properties and sell them for a substantial profit. In these situations, home staging serves as the ‘pretty face’ that creates a sense of improved living, connecting with buyers and ensuring a swift and lucrative sale
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Some buy real estate with the intent of making money off short or long-term rentals. In this case, the key to success is not to have vacancies but to fully book your rentals as much as possible.
If you are renting apartments or houses that are unfurnished, photos of vacant spaces are not your friend. People do not emotionally connect to empty rooms. Home staging can be a great way to show the possibilities, how the rental can actually look and be used, and the wonderful life you will have if you only rent this place! Great photos of a beautifully staged rental are a wonderful marketing tool.
Maximizing Rental Profits: The Role of Home Staging in Real Estate Investments”
If you’re offering furnished rentals, it’s wise to collaborate with a professional stager or designer for decor selection and setup. A tastefully curated rental not only commands a higher price but also attracts more tenants and the right tenants for you.
For those venturing into short-term vacation rentals or running a Bed & Breakfast, a well-staged or designed space is essential. It’s the first impression online leading to bookings, and it ensures guests have a pleasant experience during their stay. Engage a professional to enhance aesthetics, produce captivating marketing images, attract your ideal guests, and guarantee their satisfaction throughout their visit.
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
The Key to Making Money on Rentals
The secret to rental success, be it short or long-term, lies in presenting your property at its finest through captivating marketing photos. Attracting a steady stream of customers, thereby eliminating vacancies, is paramount. Moreover, ensuring the happiness of your customers, leading to glowing reviews, is essential.
Let the charm of your property be your key to profitability.
Let that pretty face make you lots of money.
Vacation Rental Edesign and Energy Art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
Ready to Update Your Rental for More Profits?
Ready to pivot and elevate your business? Think about where you might stand a year from now without taking decisive action.
Leverage my vacation rental design, home staging or Interior Design expertise to maximize your rental returns. With hands-on experience owning a Bed & Breakfast, I specialize in refining vacation rentals, enhancing their appeal, and increasing profitability.
Benefit from my Edesign Services, producing stunning visuals like the ones showcased in this blog, spotlighting the potential of your vacant rental spaces.
Maximize Your Home’s Value: Why Online Professional Staging Beats DIY Every Time
Considering selling your home and tempted to handle the staging on your own to save money? While it’s possible, consulting a professional stager could significantly boost your final sale price. Expert insights can make all the difference.
Online home staging consultations open doors to collaborating with top-notch stagers, regardless of your location or the absence of local experts. Experience the magic of expert advice, no matter where you are.
Benefits of an Online Home Staging Consultation.
An online home staging consultation, as opposed to an in-person consultation, offers several distinct advantages:
Convenience: Clients can easily schedule sessions at times that work best for them, without needing to coordinate for a physical meeting.
Safety: Especially in situations where health concerns (like pandemics) are prevalent, online consultations reduce risks associated with personal interactions.
Accessibility: Clients from any geographic location can access top-notch professionals, not just those located nearby.
Cost-Effective: Often, online consultations can be less expensive as there are no travel expenses or time associated with commuting.
Flexibility: It’s easier to reschedule or adjust appointment times without the hassle of considering commute or travel disruptions.
Documentation: Virtual consultations can be recorded (with permission), allowing homeowners to review advice and instructions as needed.
Immediate Implementation: Clients can start making recommended changes right after the consultation.
Eco-friendly: Reduces carbon footprint as there’s no need for vehicular transportation.
Comfort: Being in the comfort of one’s own home can make the consultation less intimidating and more relaxed for some clients.
Efficiency: Digital tools can be employed during the consultation, like screen sharing, which can help in showing visuals, designs, or examples instantly.
However, it’s worth noting that while online consultations offer many benefits, in-person consultations can provide a tactile and immediate understanding of space, which might be preferred by some clients or specific projects.
Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Benefits of Doing a Home Staging Consultation with a Professional versus Self Staging
Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Opting for an online consultation with a professional stager, as opposed to self-staging based on personal preferences, has multiple advantages:
Expert Insight: Professional stagers have the training and experience to identify a home’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring the best features are highlighted.
Objective View: Homeowners may be emotionally attached to their property and its decor. A professional provides an unbiased perspective, focusing on broad buyer appeal rather than personal tastes.
Cost-Effective: While there’s an upfront fee, investing in a professional consultation can lead to a higher sale price, often compensating for the initial outlay and reducing potential lost profits from price reductions.
Current Market Trends: Stagers are updated on the latest home design and buyer trends, ensuring the home appeals to the contemporary buyer’s preferences.
Space Optimization: A professional can suggest layouts and designs that make rooms appear larger and more functional, maximizing the potential of every space.
Resource Recommendations: Professional stagers often have a list of trusted vendors, from furniture rental companies to painters, which can be invaluable for homeowners.
Efficiency: Based on their experience, professional stagers can quickly identify solutions, saving homeowners time and effort.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Without professional guidance, homeowners might over-personalize or clutter spaces. Stagers help prevent such pitfalls.
Enhanced Online Appeal: In the digital age, property listings often start online. Stagers know how to create spaces that photograph well, increasing online interest.
Psychological Impact: Stagers understand the psychology of buyers and create spaces that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and potential.
Flexibility & Convenience: Online consultations can be scheduled at the homeowner’s convenience and provide actionable advice without the need for in-person visits.
Value Proposition: A well-staged home differentiates itself in the market, especially in areas with many similar property listings.
Boosts Confidence: Having the endorsement of a professional can boost a seller’s confidence in their property’s presentation during showings and open houses.
While self-staging might seem like a cost-saving approach, the expertise and insights of a professional stager, even in an online format, can yield a swifter sale and often a better return on investment.
Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
Ready to get a better sales price on your home?
Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.
Build Your Home Selling Team Part 3- Find a Great Real Estate Photographer
In a previous article, I discussed the importance of assembling a dedicated home selling team to ensure a successful sale. Key players include a professional home stager and a dedicated realtor who truly prioritizes your interests. Today, we’ll delve into identifying another pivotal player: a skilled real estate photographer.
Securing top-tier real estate photos can significantly enhance your listing and give you a competitive edge. If your realtor reaches for their phone to snap listing photos, it’s time to advocate for a professional touch.
Here are insights from one of Anchorage’s premier real estate photographers, Dave M. Davis of DMD Real Estate Photography, to guide your selection process.
4 Tips for Finding the Right Real Estate Photographer- Dave Davis
Why are high-quality real estate photos so important? They are the first part of a listing that a potential buyer sees and also the part of the listing that people spend the most time on – 60% on average.
But the most important reason may be that you have about two seconds to capture a home buyer’s attention. A great photo is much better at accomplishing this than a simple written description.
With that in mind, here are 4 tips for finding a real estate photographer:
Choose a photographer who has real estate experience.
There are many professional photographers out there, but you want someone who has specific real estate experience. Photographing a home requires a different set of skills than photographing a person or a landscape, for instance.
A good real estate photographer knows how to highlight the most appealing parts of your home: recent renovations, a cozy atmosphere, and so on. Look for photographers who highlight their real estate experience or actually use the title of “Real Estate Photographer.”
Ask for a photographer’s portfolio.
Reviewing a photographer’s past work and clients is the best way to see if they are a good fit for the job. A photographer’s portfolio will give insights into the types of homes they specialize in, what aspects they like to highlight, and the quality of the photos they take. Do you like the images? How do they make you feel about the home they showcase?
Call the photographer’s references.
References will give insight into the photographer’s process and can give your personal thoughts on what it was like to work with them. Was the photographer reliable? Was he or she able to turn around the images quickly?
Look for a photographer who can showcase a home with more than just photos.
Huh? Isn’t shooting photos what a real estate photographer does? Of course. But some of them do a whole lot more.
As technology improves, new kinds of media give potential home buyers exciting ways to explore your home. Ask potential photographers to see a full range of their services, and look for someone who also shoots videos, provides floor plans, creates virtual tours, and more. Even if you do not use all of these services, having them available shows that a photographer is innovative and always looking to improve their craft.
So what can you do with all those great photos?
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few great ideas.
1. Put them on the MLS on your real estate listing. 2. Create a website for your home sale. 2. Use them for social media marketing by creating a Facebook page for your home sale. 4. Create a virtual tour or video highlighting key elements of your home. 5. Create great flyers.
Make Your House Stand Out from the Crowd Online
On one project where I served as the home stager, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Dave Davis, our chosen photographer for the property.
Once the home staging was finalized, Dave captured the essence of the property through professional photos, which were then featured on the MLS listing.
DMD Real Estate Photography further enhanced our marketing strategy by developing a dedicated website and a captivating virtual tour for potential buyers.
To maximize our online presence, I crafted a Facebook page for the property. This page showcased engaging photos, detailed descriptions, and integrated links to DMD’s photo gallery, property website, and virtual tour. Targeted Facebook ads were also deployed to reach the right audience.
To elevate the property’s appeal, I produced a video highlighting the home’s exterior and its picturesque gardens. This was shared on both the Facebook page and YouTube, generating buzz and intrigue amongst potential buyers.
The realtor further amplified our efforts by developing a dedicated website for the home sale and crafting eye-catching flyers, both of which were seamlessly integrated with our Facebook promotions.
This cohesive marketing approach not only spread the word but also piqued buyers’ interest. Central to this success was the power of quality photography, enticing potential buyers to experience the property firsthand.
Professional photo by DMD Real Estate Photography and Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Professional photo by DMD Real Estate Photography and Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.Professional photo by DMD Real Estate Photography and Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
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Inspiration- What gets you going! Why I am a Home Stager and Designer.
Reflecting on my 2016 musings about inspiration, I revisited them in 2020 and now again in 2024. This recurring introspection reveals the evolution of both myself and my business. It’s vital to periodically assess if our current direction aligns with our evolving selves.
What sparks your enthusiasm each day? What drives the essence of who you are? What ignited my passion for establishing a home staging and design venture, and why does it hold significance?
Many term this as one’s “brand”. What makes you the go-to choice over competitors? Likely, it’s that ineffable quality that motivates you, resonating with others, fostering connection and trust. While most discuss their exceptional products or services, the true differentiator is personal. What sets you apart?
For me, it’s not just beauty that captivates me, but also the underlying energy of everything I observe. It’s what you feel and how it transforms you.
Nature, with its myriad of colors, patterns, light, and textures, still feeds my definition of beauty. Undoubtedly, nature is the ultimate designer, offering magic at every glance!
During my alternate career spanning nearly 25 years as a wildlife biologist, I’ve minutely observed nature, from grand landscapes to microscopic details. This keen observation translates to my designs—whether envisioning a room inspired by a vibrant bird’s colors or imagining a fabric pattern based on a microscopic plant structure. Every natural element, from a glacial lake’s hue to a rising full moon’s light, propels my creativity. And now, I delve deeper into understanding the energetic messages of the natural world and how they can enhance your space and ultimately, you.
Crow Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
This awe of nature, especially from witnessing the northern lights, inspired my business’s name—Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. It embodies the wonder I aim for clients to feel upon seeing their transformed space.
Butterfly Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
With each project, once I perceive a home’s potential, it occupies my thoughts until the vision materializes.
Over time, my core inspirations have remained constant, yet layers of depth and meaning keep expanding my vision and guiding my business’s trajectory. Nature’s allure steered me towards Biophilia and global style based designs, fostering a connection between interiors and the natural world.
Global Style- Moroccan Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.Global Style- Mexican Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
My color fascination led to my certification as a color strategist, harmonizing both the art and science of colors. Notably, I’ve delved deeper into creating energy art which has become the foundation of my design and the unique Aligned Design philosophy which guides me. I’ve also ventured into creating home décor lines inspired by my energy art on platforms like Pixels.com, Society 6, Le Galeriste, and Contrado.
I eagerly anticipate the innovations the upcoming decade holds.
So, what fuels your life and business aspirations?
Me, with some of my energy art, “The Shiny Ones” in the background.
