What should you put above a refrigerator when staging your home for sale?
Q. I have been in the process of staging my home, and I get that storing cereal boxes and other foods above your refrigerator can be considered unsightly and is a staging no-no. But when I remove everything from above the refrigerator, the kitchen looks very bare and the refrigerator seems too big for the space. Is there anything I could put up there (a plant or vases maybe?) that will spruce up the kitchen a bit? Links with photos would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Asked by Sarah - Wed Mar 18 04:31:59 2009 - Renting & Real Estate - 6 Answers - Comments

A. The answer from "I buy and sell houses" is correct. You don't want to draw attention to the refrigerator. Although they're useful, it's not what you want your potential buyers focusing on. You want them to focus on the best parts of your kitchen, whatever they may be. That's the key to staging, you have to highlight the best features and play down the worst. The refrigerator won't look bare to the people viewing your home as they haven't seen it any other way. You're used to having boxes up there so to you, it looks empty. It's just not what you're used to seeing so it seems obvious to you. To your potential buyers, it will just seem open and clean. A plant or some flowers would be better suited for your dining room table, or… [cont.]
Answered by Positively Pink - Wed Mar 18 08:47:20 2009

how much should my biz charge 4 home staging? I rent the furniture/ accessories for open houses.?
Q. I buy the furniture, pay storage, movers, my fee. The inventory costs between 5-6 thousand (full living room set, master bedroom set, dining set, possibly patio). No other staging services in my central Florida metro area that rent furniture.
Asked by aesthetic.designer - Thu Jul 13 09:51:10 2006 - Decorating & Remodeling - 1 Answers - Comments

A. What a rediculous question. Nobody can tell you that. If you want to have an indication take the yellow pages in your neigbourhood and try to get an offerte from other companies. They will not be very glad with you doing that if you do that under the pretense you want to hire them but instead you are setting up a business by your own. The normal way to calculate fees is: - what are your fixed expenses (per book-year) - what are your mutable expenses (so per assignment) - what is a fair profit margin in this business - what do other companies charge
Answered by veronica - Thu Jul 13 10:02:03 2006

Can anyone recommend a good course for home staging? I live in OZ?
Q.
Asked by Julie v - Mon Sep 24 05:31:53 2007 - Other - Home & Garden - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. this may sound strange, but I use pics in catalogues, for different rooms and decors, stage like they do to sell their furniture, But keep spacious. good luck
Answered by Joy L - Mon Sep 24 05:37:55 2007

Is anyone familiar with home staging? What is the best way to get educated in this field?
Q. I am interested in taking a course in home staging but don't know where to begin...help!
Asked by ashlu82 - Wed Jul 23 23:12:43 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments

A. interior decorating classes are offered at some universities. check it out.
Answered by MJ - Wed Jul 23 23:19:14 2008

What do I need to start my own Home Staging business?
Q. Are there necessary certifications and/or training? What else do I need to know about this business? Any books that can be recommended? Websites? Thank you!
Asked by mary p - Mon Jul 5 23:13:25 2010 - Small Business - 1 Answers - Comments

A. You need to know how to explain to people that their kids' art has to come off the fridge, and painting over the purple wall in the living room is well worth the money. Anyone can pack up people's stuff and clean off shelves and garages. Psychology and tact are the skills that are the hardest to master, especially when it comes to religious and/or ethnic themes and items. Negotiation skills will serve you well, and an understanding of different personality types, biases, and traditions. Connections with realtors will be almost mandatory. Work for free for 6-8 homes to get some experience and references if you do not already have a customer base that is easily reachable.
Answered by RetiredDebtFree - Mon Jul 5 23:21:16 2010

Have you gone through the Haverhill Home Staging course?
Q. I am interested in home staging as a career as I have a knack for interior decor. I was looking at the Haverhill Home Staging course. Has anyone been through this course? If so, have you had success? What was your experience? Do you recommend it? Note: PLEASE do not advertise other courses to get my credentials in home staging. I'm only asking about Haverhill right now.
Asked by Inali K - Thu Oct 23 19:38:45 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 1 Answers - 2 Comments

A. i have no idea what you're talking about, but i know we have the same names!
Answered by Inali - Sat Oct 25 18:21:54 2008

I am looking to start a home staging business. Any ideas for business names?
Q. I am planning on starting up a home staging business. I have been trying to figure a good, catchy name. So far I am leaning towards "Profitable Design." Any feedback?
Asked by Beth - Sat Aug 1 18:25:06 2009 - Small Business - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Home stage pros Complete staging winning stagers start to finish staging MM (monumental) design effective design advantageous designers vila staging & design
Answered by DeeZee - Sun Aug 2 00:29:57 2009

Is home staging a good career move in this real estate climate?
Q.
Asked by Special C - Tue Jan 27 19:19:42 2009 - Other - Home & Garden - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Maybe yes, maybe no. Yes because those that need to sell will want to get every penny they can out of their house, considering it just lost about 1/3 it's value last year. No because many people are just hanging on to their existing house instead of buying up. You could market yourself for the "sales staging" and for the "re-decorate with what you have" options. Many folks want to change, and if you can do re-do's with the homeowner's existing belongings, that's a whole new market for your skills.
Answered by carolathome2099 - Tue Jan 27 19:33:14 2009

What can I charge for my Home Staging Business?
Q. Should I charge per room, per hour or just per job. What is a reasonable charge - I want to make it affordable but still make a living
Asked by suze - Thu Mar 20 11:31:20 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Since some houses may be larger than other and you may be staging more rooms in some houses than others, I think you'd be better charging per hour of your time spent staging! Figure an average of how many hours it takes you to stage the living rooms, kitchen and dining room in an average size house and come up with an affordable price for the staging as a whole then divide that price by # of hours spent. That would be a good starting point for an hourly rate.
Answered by Twisted Fairy - Thu Mar 20 11:48:12 2008

Is there a course I can take in Home Staging?
Q. Staging is getting a house ready when it goes on the market.
Asked by elizabeth - Wed Aug 18 11:48:30 2010 - Renting & Real Estate - Answers - Comments

A. maybe, you'll have to look around your community, I'm sure you can find a real estate agent who will give you some tips, and there are so many tips online. Theres everything from baking cookies to putting up family pictures to painting your walls white to decluttering your home. Just google 'house staging tips'
Answered by Pooh Bear - Wed Aug 18 21:45:11 2010

Does home staging happen in the Netherlands as well?
Q. I know home staging is a very common thing in the US, to sell your home faster basically but I was wondering whether people know of something like this in the Netherlands (especially Friesland) as well.
Asked by Miranda Bl mers - Sat Jun 6 04:23:59 2009 - Other - Home & Garden - 2 Answers - Comments

A. idk
Answered by - Sat Jun 6 07:20:14 2009

how to start a home staging business?
Q. my mom is an amazing decorator, she cleans homes for a living and works her but off! i would rather see her doing what she loved, which is decorating. Any idea would help. Thanks
Asked by jonnyshocko - Fri Jun 30 12:45:58 2006 - Financial Services - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in. I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box. Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. Research, research, research this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant: * Start Your Own Interior Design… [cont.]
Answered by TM Express - Sat Jul 1 11:24:29 2006

Does anyone know anything about home staging?
Q. I am desperate for details on home staging... anything anyone knows will help. thanks!
Asked by threepitsandapig - Sat Jan 10 20:34:17 2009 - Decorating & Remodeling - 8 Answers - Comments

A. home staging is a coined term that you can actually get sued over believe it or not, so when marketing your home, never use that term, use newly showcased instead. I showcase homes because the fee to get the license to be a stager is too nominal for what it's worth in these times. The big thing is to de clutter the home and to rid of/hide any photos, personal affects and toys of all things, kids toys are big turn offs. if you have a child's room set up to look like it, you should immediately work at getting that room to look like a spare room or office, or a room for an older teen in the sense that kids rooms really throw people off. all wall paintings should be hung at eye level. big mistake that is made that really makes a room look off.… [cont.]
Answered by Melissa L - Sat Jan 10 22:37:38 2009

What is the avergae cost for home staging in San Antonio, Tx?
Q. What is the basic cost for home staging? Will they suggest repainting, if so who pays? Will they provide accessories or furniture?
Asked by Kimberly - Fri Jun 29 14:12:19 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 1 Answers - Comments

A.
Answered by ja s - Tue Jul 3 11:22:30 2007

How do you find a designer to help you with staging your home for sale.?
Q. This home is in not near any large cities, and even though there are three listed in the phone book, all are out of business. The realtor could not tell me, and there are only two agents on the lake.
Asked by FOOD FIGHT! - Sun Jan 13 20:41:30 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments

A. If there are interior design programs available through any local technical colleges near you, it may be possible for you to offer your home to them as a project house at a more than usual reduced end cost to you for the service. If they aren't in need of any "project houses" it may be worth your while to inquire about any recent grad's who might be in need of a cash job and some real world experience, also technical colleges oftentimes will have an online bulletin board or something where you could post an ad.
Answered by co2van - Sun Jan 13 20:57:51 2008

What happens to items used in "home staging?"?
Q. I am just curious: when sellers or realities stage a home with towels, plants, nick-nacks...et c., what happens to those things when the house is sold? Do they belong to the seller or does the buyer actually take them back for other staging purposes? Just curious...thank s!
Asked by Last But Not Least - Wed Aug 25 13:46:08 2010 - Renting & Real Estate - 2 Answers - Comments

A. they belong to whoever provided them. if the seller hired a staging company, the staging company owns them probably - buyer certainly does not get them - you should be moving into an empty house unless you bought a house including furniture, etc ( I did that 2 yrs ago) - there wasn't anything "staged" though
Answered by Zarg222 - Wed Aug 25 14:36:00 2010

Does any one know if you can claim Home Staging as an expense on your income tax ?
Q. What about if you are a Real Estate Agent and you are paying for a Home Staging for a Client as an added service?
Asked by Lydia - Tue Feb 3 00:27:19 2009 - Canada - 3 Answers - Comments

A. If done for a client, it becomes just another business expense, just like ads in the paper or other selling costs. If it is for yourself, you could claim it as a selling expense (just like the agent's commission), but this only becomes an issue if it involves a taxable sale. If it's your personal residence, there is not tax so no way to deduct it.
Answered by Quizzard - Tue Feb 3 13:10:30 2009

what is the difference between home staging and interior design?
Q.
Asked by trout06 - Wed Jul 22 20:48:16 2009 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - Comments

A. About 4 years of schooling.
Answered by pissy_old_lady - Wed Jul 22 22:59:40 2009

Buiness name suggestions needed for new home staging buiness. Something short and catchy, any ideas?
Q. My partner has been on a home staging course and wants to take it up as a career, a similar thing to the Ann Maurice - House Doctor (Ch4) , we have tried several, mostly containing the word (stage or staging), also looking for accompanying web address etc, any help or suggestions would be fantastic! Many thanks. Rob :)
Asked by Rob J - Tue Apr 17 13:10:14 2007 - Small Business - 2 Answers - Comments

A. The best business names are the "Ronseal" type, i.e. does what it says on the tin. My business name is almost like that "Flat Pack Amigos" i.e. we are the friends of flat pack funriture (Flat Pack Friends would have sounded really cheesey!) I doubt anyone knows what "home staging" actually means or whether it rings any bells, so it might be better to include some synonyms? Presentation or Preparation might be useful. "Home Sale Preparation Ltd" might work really well. This has the added advantage with respect to search engine optimisation in that the name might be what someone searhcing for you would type into Google and help you get a top listing. or "The House Sale Display Experts Ltd"
Answered by Teddoh - Wed Apr 18 03:10:34 2007

Any tips on home staging?
Q.
Asked by melygoni - Sun May 27 03:07:34 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments

A. Something I've learned in getting my house ready to sell: people say they want to picture their things in your house, neutral colors make every one happy, etc. But there's something else going on, something that buyers will never ever admit, but it's true. When people look at a house, they want to see the life that they think they want to live. People buy a house based upon the life that they idealize, not the one they actually live. So your job is to give them that ideal. Make the rooms look big, make the kitchen look beautiful and uncluttered, make it smell nice, make it look nice. Make it look like they could move in and live a wonderful, TV-perfect world in your house. My last house sold in a couple of days. I'm about to move again, so… [cont.]
Answered by shovelbum_mud_lover - Mon May 28 23:00:57 2007