Staging is an investment, one that can pay off in a quicker sale for above asking price. I recently staged a gorgeous home in Lake Oswego. It is already pending, 15k over asking with multiple offers.

I’ve written before about my love of ranch homes, but one of the layout features you will often run into is a very open floor-plan. While these are wonderful for living in, sometimes an empty house can be even less inviting to a potential buyer when they have an open floor-plan. One reason is because it is difficult for people to gauge the size of an empty room. Another reason is that it is difficult in envisioning the functionality of the space.

A recent job from the end of the year is a great example of how staging helps with these issues. When empty, is was hard to tell how a living room and dining room space would fit. While there has definitely been a shift from buyers emphasizing separate formal dining rooms, buyers still want a warm dining space. In this case I used the back of the couch as a visual divide between living room and dining room.

I decided to do a bit of a personal post this week. As you guys (those of you who follow this blog) know, I have been in the process of selling my old home, moving in to my new home, and running my business. On top of all that, around the time I first listed my house, my dog, Kaya, was diagnosed with cancer. This has been an incredibly emotional struggle for both of us, but I am happy to report that she has been strong through all of this, and her treatments have been going really well (thank goodness).

I was very concerned about moving her into the new home, when there has recently been so much change in her life, but as of last week we are officially moved in. So, far she has been excited to explore, and seems to have a bit more energy. Kaya has always been the smarter of my two dogs, which means that she tends to get into a bit of trouble, but after how intense the last few weeks have been it makes me happy to see her being a bit mischievous.

Here’s a picture of my pretty girl, hanging out at our old home before we moved. And here is a link to a funny comic I found that gave me a lot of laughs about how difficult it can be moving with dogs: Dogs Don’t Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving.

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive : )

I recently staged a 4 bedroom home in Tigard, Oregon. Because there was so much open space I used the furniture to help create an obvious divide between room functions, but it was a well designed floor plan with a good natural flow from room to room. I used a mix of personal inventory, and the client’s furniture.

Quick update, some staging pics from a recent job that sold quick : )

Every day I’m involved in selling homes, not just in the staging process, but in helping my clients through the emotional process of getting their home ready for a sale.

Now I’m living through that process, and with a home I never expected to sell – my own (4027 SE 27th Ave). When I moved into this home I thought it was the home I was going to grow old in. I’ve been spending the last years doing a lot of high end remodeling -expanding the kitchen and the bathroom, and working to make the house feel like a cozy home. I am especially proud of all the work I put into the backyard, with its fire pit, sitting area, and hot tub. It’s a wonderful spot to entertain and a great place to relax after a long days work.

So, why am I selling? I found another home that I fell in love with, and it was too good of a deal to let it go. It is outside portland, in a more rural area, with a nice space for my dogs to run. (I’ll post some pics of it soon so you all can see). I decided to embrace the day, and make this big change, but I love this home and hope it goes to a someone who will love it as much as I do.

Here are some before and after pictures of the remodeling I’ve done:

 Check out the listing HERE

Update!

Here are some of the pictures of the staging on my home : )

To check out the listing click here, or set up a time to check it out in person : )

It’s true, I am selling my home. This has been a very intense, emotional and exciting process. Over the course of living here I have done a lot of remodeling and touch ups, ending with our fresh new kitchen (that turned out so nice I wish I could take it with me :p).

Staging is always an intense process; the artistic aspect mixed with the more logical research side of things (what the neighborhoods demographic is, what works for the market), but let me tell you staging your own home kicks things up a notch on personal pressure. But I’m ready to show the world, so come one come all; we’re having a Brokers Open.

When:                    Tuesday 7/24

Time:                     11am-1pm

Where:                  4027 SE 27th Portland Oregon 97202

There will be cupcakes and Bellinis to make the day even sweeter. So, come and stop by, even if it’s just to gawk at a home stagers home : )

I recently staged a lavish and sprawling historic estate at 3304 SE Biddle Rd. It was 7708 Sq. ft, with eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The downside to a luxury home like this is that when it’s shown empty it can be difficult for a potential buyer to keep all the rooms straight.

There were fireplaces in the Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room and Master Bedroom. Because of their similar layouts, and fireplaces as a focal point, in a quick walkthrough these rooms looked strikingly similar.

 By staging to emphasize the purpose of each room I was able to make them distinctive and memorable by grounding the room to its function. On top of that I worked to do some quick modernizing and neutralizing updates with the staging to help a buyer see the potential to make the home their own.

Here are some befores and afters:

Do you want your home to sell quickly?

Yes. Of course…but not at a loss of profit to you. The fact is, even when a home is priced exactly where it should be and for every penny it is worth, sometimes homes sit on the market overlooked by potential buyers. Staging helps you reach out to those buyers, highlighting the selling features of a home and showing why it’s worth the price tag.

This home was a blast, we did the painting, carpeting and staging. It sold in two days!

Click for more pics.