Out with the Old- Ten Ways to Make Your House Beautiful in 2018

It’s a new year. Why not make a resolution to make your house beautiful! But how! Here are ten ways to make your house beautiful in 2018.

ten ways to make your house beautiful
ten ways to make your house beautiful

Make a Plan

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan. Many people just start buying things they like, hoping that it will all work together in the end. This usually does not work. A designer can help you come up with a great and affordable plan. It starts with understanding your own style, what you want and how your design will enhance how you live in your space.

Tell Your Own Story

It is easy to see pictures in a magazine or online of a room and think, “I want that”.  To have a beautiful house you love and will be unique, you need to tell your own story! Those pictures may serve as inspiration, but the items may not fit well in your space, fit your lifestyle, or work with things you own. Find things you love and are meaningful to you, give them a place of honor and build the design around them.

Buy what you Love

It is better to buy what you love, even if it is more expensive and it takes longer to get all the pieces you want than to rush to finish your design project with cheaper items. The things you love will make you happy over the long term. Try to find classic items that will stand the test of time, rather than something trendy. Trends fade quickly as will your interest in it.

Be Brave with Color

Color makes magic happen, affects the way you feel and is easy to change. Painting is an inexpensive way to make a dramatic difference. Get help from a color consultant or Interior Designer to determine the perfect colors for you that work with your finishes and furniture.

ten ways to make your house beautiful

Let there be light

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great.

Edit

We often collect so many things that nothing has a chance to shine. Get rid of the things you do not love.  Give the things you love a place of honor and enough uncluttered space around them so the eye is drawn to them and you can appreciate it. You can always put the other things away and change out the items you want to highlight for variety.

Be Patient

A great interior design perfectly suited to you happens in layers and takes time. Be patient.

Create a sanctuary for yourself

Your space should not only look good but feel good, give you a place to re-charge and feel like your favorite place in the world.

Services of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Change it up

Using more neutral colors for the walls and furnishings allows you to change the other colors in the room such as accent pillows, art and accessories as often as you like for variety.

Break the rules

If it looks good, feels good and you love it, do it!

 

Ready to make your home more beautiful? Call 907-362-0065 today.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design awards and credentials

 

 

 




My Life as a Home Stager

Ever wondered what life as a home stager is like?

How I Became a Home Stager

Many years ago I got a degree in Interior Design, and although I used it on some jobs and always loved it, my life took a different path and I became a wildlife biologist. Three years ago, I decided I wanted to start some type of creative business. Working for the government as a scientist was not exactly feeding my creative spirit!  One day when taking one of those fun quizzes on Facebook, called “What is your true profession”, the answer I received was “designer”.  I started playing the “what if” game in my head, wondering what my life would have been like if I had stuck with Interior Design as a career. And then I thought, why not now?  I decided it would be the focus of my new business, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

While researching how to start a design business, I came across information on home staging. I really knew nothing about it and the whole concept of decorating a house to sell sounded fascinating. I thought it would be a great aspect of a design business.

Home Staging Training

After researching various home staging courses, I decided to take Debra Gould’s Staging Diva course because it seemed to be the most focused on how to successfully run a home staging business, rather than just teaching how to decorate. And I am so glad I did!

The course was fantastic and I continue to stay connected with Debra and other stagers from the class through coaching and conference calls. Part of the journey I love is the wonderful generosity, community and friendships I developed with this group of amazing creative people. Some have taken me under their wing and served as mentors when I was just getting started, and others I continue to collaborate with, developing products, articles and brainstorming ideas to make our businesses better.

Life as a Home Stager

After starting Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, I found my life as a home stager is fun and rewarding, and it feeds my creative soul with the great benefit of helping others. I love walking through a house during a home staging consultation, and on the fly determining all the things that can transform the house, make it look beautiful, connect emotionally with buyers, and help my clients. It is like an improvisational home staging dance. I also love staging vacant homes, where I have a blank slate and can do whatever I want! I love working with occupied homes, where I can see the story of the home owner, and bring out the beauty that is there by bringing a fresh eye, highlighting the important things the house wants to show. When you listen, the house speaks to you and tells you what makes it special. I love it when I am done with the staging and the home seller says “Wow, I wish we had been living like this all along…maybe we shouldn’t sell”!

Unexpected Benefits of Becoming a Home Stager

And there were some totally unexpected benefits as well. I have another business, a bed and breakfast which I started in 2002.  Once I started learning how home staging is an amazing a marketing tool that connects with buyers, I wondered if I could apply the same concepts to my bed and breakfast. I did some experimenting and found that it at least doubled my bookings and income and helped me attract my ideal customers. It transformed my business. And, doing this added a specialty niche for my staging business to help others with vacation rental properties with home staging.

My life as a home stager- Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
My life as a home stager

From my home staging course, I learned or was inspired to learn all kinds of new things including designing my own word press websites, creating video for advertising, how to write a blog and create a newsletter, how to publish articles for magazines and do radio interviews. I also was inspired to continue my education and become a color expert and strategist, and add color consulting to my list of services. The home staging training opened so many doors to learning that helped me in numerous aspects of my life. And I think it is just the beginning!

It all gives me joy. And like any business, while there are times when business can be slow or clients can be difficult, it is all worth it and I am so happy this is what I am doing. If you are someone that has wondered about being a home stager, I say, GO FOR IT!

My life as a home stager
Mary Ann Benoit- President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

 

Staging Diva Home Staging Graduate
Staging Diva Home Staging Graduate

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design awards and credentials




How much does home staging cost and who pays for it?

How much does it cost is usually the first question I get from home sellers! A better question might be can home staging help me sell faster and for more! Think of home staging as an investment, rather than a cost.

Home Staging is an Investment. Which House Would You Rather Buy?

Before Home Staging
Preparing for Your Photo Shoot- Tips by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design - Home Staging Portfolio
After Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

That investment will depend on the size of your home, if it is vacant or occupied, if the stager will do everything or just a consultation, followed by you, the seller, doing the bulk of the work. It also depends on whether suitable furniture and accessories are present in the home or if items need to be rented.

Stagers charge a fee for a consultation and give an estimate (based on an hourly fee, or a flat fee) if additional time is needed. A monthly rental fee may apply for furniture and/or accessories.

On average, stagers charge $400-$600 for that initial “working” consultation and about $125/hour for their time after that. Furniture and accessory rental costs vary based on what is needed to properly showcase your home.

Just like a home seller shouldn’t pick a real estate agent based on the highest quoted sale price for your home, a stager should not be picked based on the lowest bid. In both cases, the agent and the stager may be quoting that price just to get the job. You get what you pay for. Quality counts.

Staging will always cost less than your first price reduction. An increased sales price of your home, faster closing, and reduced holding costs, will more than cover the staging investment and all with a whole lot less stress!

Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Who Pays for Home Staging?

Some popular options include:

  • the home seller pays all
  • the real estate agent pays for a consultation
  • the real estate agent reimburses the home seller at closing for an agreed amount (such as for the home staging consultation).
  • the real estate agent pays all or part of the staging

More and more Realtors are covering the cost of a consultation as part of their marketing plan, leaving any further investment up to the home seller. If you like to DIY, a home staging consultation may be all you need to properly prepare your home for sale.  Learn more about the costs of home staging and how it works in my blog article, Home staging- How it Works and What it Costs.

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Home_Staging_How_it_Works.mp4

Let’s Get Your Home Staged Today

Let’s get your home staged today. Start with a home staging consultation, either in person or online. From there, you can take the information and stage it yourself, or we can work together or I can do it all for you. Whether you will be living in the home while it is for sale or it will be a vacant property that needs everything, I can help.


Online Home staging consultation with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Wherever you are, learn everything you need to know to sell fast and high.

Some other services you may find helpful are a color consultation if your staging consultation highlights the need for re-painting the interior or exterior. Virtual staging is an option if in person staging will not work for your vacant property. And vacation rental staging can help you increase your income, bookings and attract your ideal customer.


Having problems picking the right color because you are stumped by so called “undertones”? Are the paint colors you have selected shifting blue, green or another color once they are on the wall? Not sure how to pick the right white? Wondering what paint colors will go with the countertops you have selected for your kitchen or bath remodel? Wondering if that countertop will go with your existing flooring or other fixed finishes? Not sure how to find the right paint colors to go with that rug, piece of art or furniture that you want to use in your design? I can take the guesswork out of all of these things by using color measurements. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Certified Color Strategist.


Virtual Staging Service. Vacant homes leaving your buyers cold? Staging too expensive? Try virtual staging for a fraction of the cost. I drop-in furniture, art, and accessories into your well-lit vacant room photo so buyers can visualize this home as their own!"


Get Your Free Report

The right paint colors can help you sell for more. The wrong colors can decrease your sales price.  Get this report, normally valued at $5 for free when you sign up to receive monthly color, design and staging tips.

Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

What's Your Global Design Style? Take this fun quiz to find out. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design #globalstyle #designstyle #interiordesign #onlinedesign #stylequiz #interiordesignquiz #interiorstylequiz

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How Much Does Home Staging Cost and Who Pays for It?
How Much Does Home Staging Cost and Who Pays for It?
How Much Does Home Staging Cost and Who Pays for It?
How Much Does Home Staging Cost and Who Pays for It?

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Gift Cards

Give a home staging gift card.

Staging Diva Home Staging Store

Staging Savvy Quiz: Do You Have the Eye of a Home Stager?

Free 10 Tips Course to Become a Home Stager

Download my Brochure

Interior Design, Color and Home Staging Services. Brochure of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design




What is the Value of Home Staging? FAQs for Realtors

Can home staging help me sell my listing faster and for more money?

Various reports publish statistics on the benefits and value of home staging. A 2017 report by the National Association of Realtors states that at least 50% of Realtors think staging increases the dollar amount buyers will offer to pay by between 1 and 10%. Also, homes that are staged first before listing spend 90% less time on the market. See the summary of some of the 2017 findings from the National Association of Realtors.

 

What should I tell a client that wants to list first and stage later if their home does not sell?

The same thing you tell a client who wants to “test” the market with an unrealistic listing price, to inevitably reduce the price later. The longer a home is on the market, the less desirable it is. Just like food, a listing becomes stale in a very short time. You can also add that the Real Estate Staging Association Home Staging National Statistics Report found that homes that were staged first before listing, rather than after listing, spent 90% less time on the market. See the article, the “Big Bang Theory of Home Staging”.

 

The value of home staging
2017 Home Staging Dtatistics

Why should I invest in home staging in a seller’s market?

Home staging works in every type of market. Even in a seller’s market, there will always be listings that do not sell quickly. Staged homes generate more interest on the web and in person, by creating move-in ready homes that feel fresh, spacious, and up-to-date. All these conditions lead to higher offers, potential bidding wars, and greater profits for you and your clients.

 

Can home staging get me more listings?

YES! Would you like to tip the scales in your favor when competing for a listing? Want to know what top producing real estate agents do? Offer your sellers an affordable home staging consultation. Position yourself as a forward thinking agent that:

  • Gives extra value.
  • Goes the extra mile.
  • Is a savvy marketer.
  • Is known for having the best listings.

 

What should I look for when selecting a home stager?

Even though there is no legal licensing or training requirement to become a home stager, do your homework and look for a professional with training, experience, and good reviews.

An accomplished stager will have both training and proven natural talent to get you great results. See the article on tips to hiring a great stager.

For more information on the value, time, cost  and process of home staging, get your free report,  FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging.

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FAQs for Realtors on Home Staging

Resources

An Inconvenient Truth about Selling your Home.

Answers to questions commonly asked by real estate agents considering
Home Staging for their clients

Helpful Tips on Finding a Great Home Stager

Home Staging Consultation: Should Realtors Attend?

Home Staging Proof: Solid Science Proves Staged Homes Sell Faster.

National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Staging

National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging

Consumers Guide to Real Estate Staging

Six Tips to Maximize Your Home Staging Consultation Dollar

Summary of 2017 Home Staging Statistics

What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation.

Who Pays for Home Staging

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

 

Get your Free Report

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_5534.mp4

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design awards and credentials

 




What is the Cheapest Way to Successfully Stage Your House? Get a Home Staging Consultation

How Much Does it Cost?

Usually the first question I get when a home owner or realtor calls about home staging is “How much does it cost?”

To get the best possible results from home staging, it is worth spending the money to hire a professional home stager with experience and great reviews. See my interview on Helpful Tips for Finding a Great Home Stager to learn what to look for.

Benefits of Home Staging

The benefits include getting the highest possible price for your home in the price range of similar houses, and selling fast so you save money by reducing owner expenses while on the market and losses from price reductions. Home staging always costs less than your first price reduction.

The Cost of Taking Shortcuts

Taking shortcuts such as hiring untrained stagers or realtors to stage your home because it is cheaper, listing first and staging later if it does not sell, using “Lite” or “Vignette” staging of minimal rooms or areas, or not staging at all will cost you more money in a lower final sales price or losses from price reductions as your home is on the market longer.

A better question might be, “How much does it cost not to professionally stage my home?” The higher initial investment will pay off and put more money in your pocket in the end.

What if You Can’t Invest in Home Staging?

Sometimes, however, a home seller is unable to make the full investment in home staging. What is the cheapest way to get results that can pay off in a higher sales price when the budget is tight? Here is my advice if you are going to be living in the home while it is on the market.

Get a home staging consultation with a professional stager, follow their advice, do the staging yourself, and have them do a final check-up before taking photos.

Every home, no matter how big or small, regardless of the price range or condition can benefit from a professional consultation.

Before Home Staging by Northern LIghts Home Staging and Design
Before Home Staging.
After home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design
After Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.-This Office/Catch all room turned into a bonus room or part of a Mother in Law Suite to help increase value.

What is involved in a professional home staging consultation?

The home stager will come to your house and walk through the interior and exterior. They will give you expert objective advice on:

    • How buyers will see your home and what changes you can make to get the highest final sales price. It is impossible for home sellers to see their own home objectively as a buyer seeing it for the first time will see it.
    • The most cost effective ways to market your property to your target buyer.
    • What things to repair, paint, update, remove, add, keep and re-arrange to highlight the best features of the home and downplay the flaws.
    • Paint and décor colors that appeal to buyers.
    • Working with the décor you have to highlight the homes features and will give you recommendations for purchases if needed for bedding, art, accessories, furniture rentals, etc.
    •  Prioritizing the most important things to do if time or budget constraints exist.
    • Improving your curb appeal.
    • Trusted resources such as contractors, painters, and cleaners etc. to use.
    • How to live in your staged home and keep things looking great while it is on the market.

Most consultations last about 2 hours and cost an average of $300 providing a huge amount of value in just a few hours. Your home stager can come back for a check-up after you have done the work to do final adjustments before photos for an hourly fee. The check-up can add great value to make sure your furniture is properly arranged to highlight space, your bookshelves and accessories are styled to look great, your bedding is arranged perfectly, art is hung correctly and all the little things that will make the photos look wonderful and have buyers loving your house are done.

What if your house is Vacant?

A consultation can still provide great value in prioritizing the things to do to get the most bang for your buck. And it will be important….since there will be no furniture etc. to look at, buyers will be focusing on the flaws which will be more obvious. You are better off investing in a consultation or full staging than trying to do ”vignette” or “Lite staging”. These silly staging tricks where a couple rooms have minimal furniture or have small areas staged in an otherwise empty house look weird and distracting. Better to not waste money on that and leave it empty. During the home staging consultation, the stager can tell you what the most important things are you can do to get the best return on your investment with the money you have available to spend.

A great home stager will make all the difference in a successful home sale for you. Pick their brains! They want to help you!

Ready for your Home Staging Consultation?

Start with a home staging consultation, either in person or online. From there, you can take the information and stage it yourself, or we can work together or I can do it all for you. Whether you will be living in the home while it is for sale or it will be a vacant property that needs everything, I can help.

Online Home staging consultation with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Wherever you are, learn everything you need to know to sell fast and high.

Some other services you may find helpful are a color consultation if your staging consultation highlights the need for re-painting the interior or exterior. Virtual staging is an option if in person staging will not work for your vacant property. And vacation rental staging can help you increase your income, bookings and attract your ideal customer.

Having problems picking the right color because you are stumped by so called “undertones”? Are the paint colors you have selected shifting blue, green or another color once they are on the wall? Not sure how to pick the right white? Wondering what paint colors will go with the countertops you have selected for your kitchen or bath remodel? Wondering if that countertop will go with your existing flooring or other fixed finishes? Not sure how to find the right paint colors to go with that rug, piece of art or furniture that you want to use in your design? I can take the guesswork out of all of these things by using color measurements. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Certified Color Strategist.Virtual Staging Service. Vacant homes leaving your buyers cold? Staging too expensive? Try virtual staging for a fraction of the cost. I drop-in furniture, art, and accessories into your well-lit vacant room photo so buyers can visualize this home as their own!

Get Your Free Report

The right paint colors can help you sell for more. The wrong colors can decrease your sales price.  Get this report, normally valued at $5 for free when you sign up to receive monthly color, design and staging tips.

Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

What's Your Global Design Style? Take this fun quiz to find out. Northern Lights Home Staging and Design #globalstyle #designstyle #interiordesign #onlinedesign #stylequiz #interiordesignquiz #interiorstylequiz

 
Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Gift Cards

Give a home staging gift card.

Staging Diva Home Staging Store

Free 10 Tips Course to Become a Home Stager

Download my Brochure

Interior Design, Color and Home Staging Services. Brochure of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Pin These

What is the Cheapest Way t Stage YOur HOuse? Get a Home Staging Consultation
What is the Cheapest Way t Stage YOur HOuse? Get a Home Staging Consultation




Empire Radio Now with Mary Ann Benoit

Empire Radio Now Interview with Mary Ann Benoit

I got a call from Empire Radio Now in New York to do a live interview on their online radio station for the “Professionals Roundtable”.  Exciting!! Here is a transcript of the broadcast, I hope you enjoy it.  You can hear the broadcast here.

Empire Radio Now Interview with Mary Ann Benoit
Mary Ann Benoit is the President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design at northernlightsstaging.com.

Please give a description of your company and the products/services you offer.

Company: Northern Lights Home Staging and Design provides Home StagingInterior Design and Social Media Advertising for homes and vacation rental properties. We serve south-central Alaska but also do virtual consultations nation-wide.

We offer:

  • Home Staging for homes and vacation rentals-Decorating for sale homes to appeal to buyers and help sellers sell their house faster and for more. I also offer this for vacation rental properties to help owners attract their ideal clients and increase their bookings and income.
  • Interior Design and Redesign-Whether you are starting fresh in a new home or working with what you already have, I love helping the average home owner make their space something special that they love and works with their lifestyle.
  • Color Consulting for Interior Design as well as home staging projects. Whether it is paint, furniture or finishes, I can help you pull it all together.
  • Social Media Advertising- Once I have staged a for sale home or vacation rental, I help advertise the property by creating Facebook pages, video and ads to get the word out on what makes the property special.

Tell us about your background of your business and yourself.

My Background

  • Many years ago I received a BA in Interior Design in Washington DC. While I did some design work and enjoyed it, I was young and wanted to travel and explore the world and other options.
  • I worked a variety of jobs as a fire fighter and fire lookout for many years in Arizona. Then I took another path and followed my love of animals, and got a second degree in wildlife biology.
  • In 2001, I came to Alaska to work as a Wildlife Biologist.
  • In 2002, I also started a bed and breakfast, Arctic Paradise B&B.
  • I have always been an artist and create Jewelry, stained glass and do performing arts such as dance and music.

Business Background

  • I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design 3 years ago.
  • I took the name Northern Lights because I want to inspire that feeling of awe and sense of magic that people experience when they see northern lights in my Interior Design.

What inspired you to pursue your profession?

Childhood love of design

  • I always loved the idea of transforming a space and making it beautiful. I dreamed of designing and building my own house even as a kid and used to endlessly sketch my dream house.
  • Over the years even though I was working in another field, I still loved Interior Design and indulged my passion for it in my own home and for friends and family.

A Facebook Quiz- “What is your true profession”, changed everything. The answer was “Designer”.

  • I considered the path not taken and wondered what life would have been like if I had taken my first path.
  • Then I decided I can just do it now! Why not? It did not have to be one or the other.
  • In researching how to start an Interior Design firm, I discovered home staging which seemed really fun. I took a home staging training program and then started my Home Staging/Design business.

What advice do you have for people considering starting their own business? 

Just do it. Follow your passion. It is never too late to start. Starting a business is easy; it just takes time and hard work to make it successful. Dont give up. Your turning point could be tomorrow!

Where do you see yourself in the near future?

I plan to highlight some new exciting additions to my business including:

  • Vacation Rental Staging– I realized by experimenting on myself and my Bed and Breakfast, that home staging and design can have a dramatic impact on increasing bookings and income and attracting ideal clients. I have started offering consultations and social media advertising for vacation rental property owners.
  • Color Consulting– I have always loved color and the magic it brings to a space. Recently, I went through training and became a certified color expert. I look forward to helping home sellers and home owners pick paint colors as well as use color to pull their design projects together.
  • I will also be promoting my services for nation-wide virtual consultations for staging, design, and color. So wherever you are, I would love to help you. Just visit my website, give me a call or send me an email and let’s get going on your project!

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design




Will Younger Buyers Love Your For-Sale Home?

Will younger buyers love your for-sale home?

The majority of staging projects that I do are for older sellers and the target market is younger buyers. The sellers are retiring and moving to a new location. Many have lived in their home for many years, which were often built in the 1970’s-1980’s. Based on the price they are selling these older homes for and location near schools, the target buyer is often a young family buying their first or second house. The styles that appeal to these two groups are usually quite different!

To appeal to a younger buyers, home staging can really help give a fresh modern feel that younger buyers are looking for. For more examples of how home staging can help attract younger buyers, see my article “Home Staging Helps Seniors Move on to Their Next Adventure”.

Here is an example of a  home staging project that shows how home staging can appeal to younger buyers.

This house had been on the market for about a month with little interest. The home seller decided it should be staged, although the realtor had not suggested it. Once staged, they got new professional photos and the interest and showings increased by at least three times the amount they had before. Everyone loved the way the house looked! They had an offer within 2 months and were able to move on quickly to their new location. This house would have sold more quickly had they staged it initially before listing and would have saved them money on photos.

Ready to Sell Fast and For More?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. Click on the pictures to learn more. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

Online Home Staging Consultation
Virtual Staging Service. Vacant homes leaving your buyers cold? Staging too expensive? Try virtual staging for a fraction of the cost. I drop-in furniture, art, and accessories into your well-lit vacant room photo so buyers can visualize this home as their own!"
Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

 

Staging Savvy Quiz: Do You Have the Eye of a Home Stager?

Free 10 Tips Course to Become a Home StagerPin These

Will Younger Buyers Love Your For Sale HomeWill Younger Buyers Love Your For Sale HomeWill Younger Buyers Love Your For Sale Home Will Younger Buyers Love Your For Sale Home




Alaska Home Magazine “Ask the Expert”- Staging for a Quick Sale

Staging for a Quick Sale

I was  asked by Alaska Home Magazine to write an article for their “Ask the Expert” column on Staging for a Quick Sale. Here are some of the key questions and answers from my article which I hope helps you with your home sale!

 

Staging for a quick sale

Q: We are planning to put our home on the market and are hoping for a quick sell. What are your top staging tips for appealing to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers?

Congratulations on being proactive and considering how to best invest your time and money to assure a fast sale and, of course, the highest sales price!

First, get an “objective” idea of how buyers may view your house. We all have problem areas that we no longer “see” because we live with them every day. Also, consider who your likely “buyer” is and what they want. A consultation with a home stager and advice from your realtor can help you determine and appeal to your “target market.”

In addition, doing the following things will help attract the greatest number of buyers:

Make it spotless.

Paint neutral colors to make everything look fresh and new. Neutral colors will go with most buyers’ belongings.

What is Home Staging

Declutter so you only have about half the items that you normally live with. Cluttered rooms or too much furniture will make your space look smaller than it is.

Remove personal photos for your own security and to help buyers visualize their family living there.

Repair needed items. Most buyers want a property that is move-in ready.

Don’t leave it vacant. Buyers will focus on the flaws since they have nothing else to look at! When buyers make an emotional connection and can see themselves living there, the house will sell. It is hard for buyers to visualize how their belongings will fit, or to make that emotional connection with a vacant property.

Upgrade outdated lighting or old carpeting.

Home staging Tip- update outdated lighting

 

 

Your stager or realtor can advise you on which upgrades will provide a good return on your investment in the final sales price.

Home staging Tip- update old carpeting

Clean and maintain your yard and make the front door area look welcoming. Great curb appeal will assure buyers make it inside to see your beautiful house.

Get professional photos! Most buyers shop online and will decide about viewing your house in a few seconds. Great photos are critical.

Finally, when showing your house, make sure all lights are on, curtains are open, toilet seats are closed, and personal items are out of view in the bathrooms – and remove all evidence of pets. Best of luck on a fast sale!

Staging for a Quick Sale- Mary Ann Benoit is the President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design at northernlightsstaging.com.
Mary Ann Benoit is the President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design at northernlightsstaging.com.

 

Ready to Sell Fast and For More?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. Click on the pictures to learn more. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

Online Home Staging Consultation
Virtual Staging Service. Vacant homes leaving your buyers cold? Staging too expensive? Try virtual staging for a fraction of the cost. I drop-in furniture, art, and accessories into your well-lit vacant room photo so buyers can visualize this home as their own!"
Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

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Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

 

Staging Savvy Quiz: Do You Have the Eye of a Home Stager?

Free 10 Tips Course to Become a Home Stager

 




The Power of Color in Home Staging

Color is a very personal thing.

We all have our favorite colors and ones we really don’t like. The colors we surround ourselves with, whether in our homes or the clothes we wear affect our mood and be stimulating, relaxing, inspiring or agitating. Because color can have a strong emotional effect on people, it is important to consider how it will affect buyers when you put your home on the market.

The Power of Color in Home Staging

While you can indulge your love of certain colors when living in the home, those colors may turn off buyers or may not work with their furnishings and accessories. If so, they may not make an emotional connection with your house, which is what inspires an offer!

For those few buyers that can visualize what the home might look like with different colors, they will consider it an added expense and a hassle to have to paint a color to their liking. Buyers like properties that are move -ready!

The Power of Color in Home Staging

Stagers often recommend more neutral colors to appeal to more buyers. But, there is still a balancing act, to make sure the for sale property is not boring! You want buyers to remember your property and feel a connection!

Here is an example of a recent staging project where colors were very important. The property owner had rented it out for years, and renters had all indulged their own love of color along the way. Painting a more neutral palette while adding warmth and color with furniture and accessories brought in an offer the first week on the market.

The power of color in home staging can make the difference between a quick sale for more and a property that sits on the market without offers.

To learn more, get my free report on my “Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale”. Sign up here to get a copy.

Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get an Online Color or Home Staging Consultation Today

Try my online color or home staging consultation today. They are $500 each online but you can do both together for $750 and save $250.  Call today for a quote for in person consultations.

Learn more.

$500- Up to 2 hours

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Online Home Staging Consultation
Why work with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

Prices subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today

 info@northernlightsstaging.com

 


 

Click on the picture to find out more about the best training class on color available, the Four Pillars of Color!.

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The Power of Color in Home Staging

     

 

 




Free Home Staging Workshop-Sell Your House in any Market Fast and For More with Home Staging

Join us for a free home staging workshop on March 12, 5:45-6:45 pm at 12*100 Cpffee and Communitas in Anchorage located at 12100 Old Seward Highway.

Thinking of selling your house? Stop by for coffee and learn how to sell quickly and for top dollar in any market with home staging. Potentially increase your selling price up to 20% and sell 79% faster.  Learn what you can do yourself, and how a home stager can help you. Learn how and why home staging works and how to find a great home stager. Find out about the process and what it costs.

Your home is probably your greatest investment. Home selling is a stressful process. Make sure you get the most for your home and learn the tools to sell fast, reduce stress and costs.

 

Sell Your House in Any Market Fast and for More- Free Workshop by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get Your Free Ticket

Free Home Staging Workshop with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design