RE:VIEWS from RE:STYLE

Okay, That Was Meant to Get Attention...

But Baths, along with Kitchens, do sell houses! And meaningful transformations can be made by simply staging the baths so that they look inviting and spa-like. Here are some recent examples by RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign in Michigan:

Before, this bath looks dated, not to mention very pink! Below, the savvy seller agreed to tile over the floor (and get rid of those old-lady accent tiles), put in granite and add new knobs to the cabinets, paint the brass light fixture, plus paint the room a color that goes with the Master Bedroom:

Priced at over $500,000, this house received an offer over list in just 17 days! "Kathi, We have a signed contract for $1,000 more than list!!!!!!!  CASH.  The buyers have looked at 60 homes and wanted MINE."

Can't beat that--especially here in Michigan!

While that example was quite dramitic, here's one that was done using only the accessories to make the difference:

Most would say "Good enough", but we said, "Let's take this from good to great!" 

This house had an accepted offer just 2 weeks after it went on the market!

Here is a condo we staged recently in Ann Arbor:

See what just the right accessories (and talent) can do to transform this space:

Now a buyer can see how easily they can move in, without doing a lot of work!

Staging works! The goal is to make an emotional connection with the buyer so that even though your house may compare equally in all other aspects, including price, a buyer will choose yours!

RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $40 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com

They May Be Talking In Code...

Say you have a seller and you think their house looks just fine. Well, you know the contemporary style is going to be a challenge in this area (southwestern Michigan, in this case), but it's very clean and basically uncluttered. And, yeah those grayish purple walls and dark purple carpet could put off some buyers. Oh, and the acrylic posts in the stairway won't be everyone's taste...but let's list it and see what happens. 

The seller asks,"Is there anything that needs to be done? Is there something else I should be doing?'  You say, "No, can't think of a thing."

Two Weeks Later

Now, the clients are unhappy because there hasn't been any showings. And while price is usually the culprit in such scenarios, there may be other issues. Take the photos, which are the real "first showing". Does the house show well?

The Seller Makes The Call

Sellers watch HGTV. They know about staging. What they don't understand is why you didn't suggest it, especially with no showings. Well, they take matters into their own hands, and find a professional in their neighborhood (through a referral from a friend whose house was staged and SOLD!)

The staging company (in this case, RE:STYLE) comes out and does a consultation. The seller has invited the agents out, too, as a courtesy to them. The stager meets and greets, then proceeds to give a 2-hr. walkthrough consultation with many suggestions and recommendations , including at least the paint color or the carpet must change; both should. Working with the home owners, they move furniture and suggest important purchases. The fireplace is virtually being ignored in the current configuration, and is actually absent from the online photos (though you see it in the video tour).

The Realtors stay seated throughout. No comments.

Missed Opportunity--The Realtor Could Be The Hero!

Many Realtors understand the basics of staging; some have the training and the "eye" to do it themselves. But any Realtor can suggest a staging consultation, especially in a difficult house. Or, more importantly if they hear:

Cracking the Code

"Do I need to do anything else?"

"Is there anything you see that I should do?"

"What can we do other than lower the price?"

"Help!"

Why Do So Few Realtors Suggest Staging To their Sellers, Even When They are Actually Asking For It?

I have my theories. I'd love to hear from you! Also, any suggestions as to how to make it even easier for Realtors to refer stagers. I look forward to your comments!

RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating.www,RestyleStaging.com

Choose Your Realtor By Their Photos

No, not the pictures of themselves--of the houses they are selling! The Internet is where 85% of the buyers are searching. And they eliminate houses based on the photos. So really, the pictures of your house on the Internet are your FIRST SHOWING. Also, great photos make your house look as valuable as it really is.

Make sure your house makes its best possible first impression! When you interview an agent, along with all the other important questions:

-Ask them how their photos of their listings compare to other agents.

-Ask to see examples.

-What kind of camera do they use? (Phone cameras don't count!)

-Do they use a professional photographer?

-is the lighting good? And the exposures correct?

-Are the photos in focus?

-Are they showing off the features?

-Are they using a wide-angle lens to capture all the space?

-Do they have an "eye"?

-How many photos do they typically post for each listing?

-Will they take outside photos, and photos that are relevant to your residential community? (Community pools, parks, etc.)

-Do they recommend having your house staged professionally prior to having photos taken?

-Do their photos evoke an emotional response in you?

Study Photos On The MLS (Check out Realtor.com)

You'll see what works, and what doesn't. And you'll be amazed at what you'll find:

-No photos posted

-One outside photo only

-Toilet seats up (ugh!)

-Underexposed shots, with windows "blown out"

-Photos that make you feel "tippy" (room is slanted strangely) or "unfocused" (blurry)

-Strange pictures of walls, hallways, doorways, etc.

Notice great shots:

-Unique angles (high, low)

-Photos where the outside is visible while the inside is perfectly exposed

Demand That Your "First Showing" Be The Best it Can Be!

Be sure and check your listing online once it is posted. Request that photos be retaken if they don't meet your standards. In fact, insist on it! 

When it comes to the MLS, a picture can be worth a thousand dollars...or more!!!

RE:STYLE is the leading home staging company in the Michigan counties of Livingston, Washtenaw, southern Genesee and western Oakland. RE:STYLE has staged over $35 million in SOLD! real estate. Call owner Kathi Presutti at 810-333-5240 for a home staging consultation, vacant house staging, or assistance with redesign or interior decorating. www,RestyleStaging.com

Here's An Example of What Many Realtors and Property Managers Have To Try To Sell/Rent--Empty Rooms

Don't these leave you feeling empty? Lonely? Cold? Not many buyers can actually judge how large a vacant room is--most believe it's a lot smaller!

BUT--If A Savvy Seller Or Realtor Is Involved, A Buyer Will See This...

And what a difference a professionally staged house will make! In this case, this house was staged to sell by RE:STYLE in Brighton, MI.

Why try to sell a house that's empty and unappealing, when you can sell one that's full of life and looks like somewhere a buyer would love to live???

Stage your house or listings to sell!

For more information about selling a house in Michigan, in the counties of Washtenaw, Livingston, western Oakland or southern Genesee, contact Kathi Presutti, owner of RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign at 810-333-5240.

Vacant Properties Don't Sell Nearly As Well As Those That Are Staged--Even Ones That Are Bank-Owned!

I received a call from a local Realtor who is familiar with RE:STYLE's staging. She had taken the unprecedented step to propose that her asset manager consider staging at least one of her condo listings. She also let me know about more condos in another area, and so I crafted an email designed to sell my staging services to both potential properties. Keeping in mind the amazingly low asking price, I trimmed my own bid, and got the job to stage 2 condos!

Here are some before and after photos of the condo I completed on Wednesday. My proposal was for "soft staging" using accessories only. But I went the extra mile and threw in some smaller pieces of furniture to create an even better first impression.

BEFORE: Bland and Boring!

AFTER: Much more inviting, and now it's actually worth it to post inside photos, which are so important to buyers!

This bank actually had these condos completed, so they are in brand new condition. Talk about savvy individuals!

And then, just to add some more appeal, here are some "environmental" photos that will make the MLS listing memorable and desirable:

If you have a bank-owned property, or any listing, and you'd like it to sell more quickly, give us a call at 810-333-5240!

RE:STYLE LLC

Our work is designed to sell!

RE:STYLE Loves A Parade!

3rd Annual Fund Raiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit,  this is put on by the Great Lakes Chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. What a great way to let the public experience the emotional appeal of a properly staged house. The Chapter established a website, and collected contributions from Realtors, Home Sellers and ASPs for each house listed. There was a criteria established for each staged property, and an ASP must be present at the Open House.

There are 4 houses in 3 counties participating in the Open House, and then 5 more available By Appointment Only.

Visit The Open House from 1PM to 3PM on Sunday, June 14th. Below are the 2 houses RE:STYLE has Open Open Open!

3204 Lakewood Shores Drive, Howell 48843

$274,900

Rhonda Parks—Keller Williams/ 734-634-5277

North Shore Community 4 bed, ranch home with great open floor plan for entertaining, custom designed fireplace, oak cabinets, finished lower level w/daylight windows. Association offers park with beach, gazebo & walking trails to enjoy your time at home.

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5947 Parent Drive, Brighton 48114

$179,900

Bobby Bidwell—RE/MAX Platinum/  810-714-4726

Well-maintained, move-in condition ranch home with lake access on all sports Fonda Lake. Lots of privacy on quiet cul-de-sac. Bring your lake toys and get ready for fun on the water this summer!

 Hopefully we'll get a great turnout--and maybe even some offers!

By Adding New Partner

BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN, March 30, 2009—Livingston County Accredited Staging Professional, Kathi Presutti, owner of RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign, a leading home staging company, announces that Cari Pilon has joined the firm as a Home Staging and Redesign Consultant.

Formerly of Smart Stagers, Inc., Pilon has been a home staging and redesign expert since 2004. “Cari brings years of experience and a great portfolio of work,” says Presutti. “Her specialties include both vacant and occupied staging, as well as interior redesign and color consultations. She will be an excellent addition to the RE:STYLE team.”

The partnership results in a unique company possessing strengths in both Home Staging and Interior Design. “Together, Kathi and I can offer more service, experience, and creativity for home owners, Realtors, custom home builders and commercial clients,” says Pilon, who has also trained individuals to become home stagers.

“Home staging is the best way to sell a house fast, and savvy Realtors understand this,” says Presutti. “Cari is well known in the Brighton area, and together, we will create an even stronger presence in Livingston, Washtenaw, and western Oakland counties.”

About RE:STYLE LLC

Home staging company RE:STYLE LLC is located in Brighton, Michigan, and helps homeowners & realtors sell homes more quickly and more profitably by staging a house for sale using proven staging methods to ensure that listings appeal to a broad range of buyers. For more information, please contact RE:STYLE at 810.333.5240 or visit http://www.restylestaging.com

Fun "Before and After Staging" Video Shows Why Home Sellers Should Stage Their Homes To Sell With RE:STYLE!

Enjoy!

And if you need to have your house staged, give us a call at 810-333-5240!

Cold Day, Hot Turnout!

Nearly 50 art lovers braved a cold Michigan afternoon to come out to 6020 Wyndam Lane and admire the work of 4 local artists, and the staging work of RE:STYLE. Oh yes, they were also taking in all the great features of this gorgeous house!

And The Winner Is...

Another big draw was the chance to win an 8-day, 7-night stay in the winner's choice of resort condominiums from all over the world! The lucky winner is from Brighton!

Buy the Art, Buy the House, or Buy Both!

If you'd like a chance to purchase any of the art, here's who to contact:

Featured Artists:

Anne Marie Buckman

810-225-9005

AMBuckman.com

Linda Dunn

810-229-0835

Kim Isaac

810-523-4729

Kally Walcott

810-220-3253

Or, to buy the house:

6020 Wyndam Lane (Pine Creek)

Brighton 48116

MLS# 28165241

$449,900

Sheryl McIntyre, Coldwell Banker Schweitzer 810-623-3733 (810-229-4016—HOME OFFICE)

From Lived In, To Vacant, To Staged!

RE:STYLE staged this house to appeal to the target--a young professional couple or perhaps a single man or woman. Because winters are long and gray in Michigan, we used bright colors to liven up the look and create a very happy atmosphere! We also made the bay window serve as a functional window seat for more appeal.

We carried the color scheme throughout the house, including the kitchen and breakfast nook. Doesn't it look cheerful?

We even kept the warm colors going in the bath! And now, here are a few more "after" photos of this great house! It's just $199,000, by the way!

If you are selling a house in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, contact RE:STYLE Home Staging and Redesign for a consultation or hands-on staging of a lived-in or vacant house. Our work is designed to sell!