In the competitive world of real estate, presentation is key. The decision to stage a home can make a significant impact on its selling potential, with statistics revealing impressive returns on investment (ROI) and accelerated sales timelines. Professional home staging isn’t just about making a space look pretty; it’s a strategic move that can yield substantial financial benefits for sellers.

Maximizing Returns: According to recent data, approximately 75% of sellers experience a ROI of 5% to 15% over the asking price when they opt for professional home staging. This means that investing in staging services can translate into thousands of dollars in additional profit. But what exactly is it about staged homes that attract higher offers?

Appealing to Buyers: Staged homes have a distinct advantage in the market. They not only look more attractive in listing photos and during property viewings but also create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Studies show that 96% of realtors believe home staging positively influences a buyer’s decision. When a space is professionally staged, it allows buyers to envision themselves living there, which can lead to quicker and more substantial offers.

Increasing Buyer Engagement: The impact of home staging goes beyond mere perception. A staggering 31% of buyers admit that staging a home increased their offer on a property. This statistic underscores the tangible effect that a well-staged home can have on buyer behavior and willingness to pay a premium price.

Accelerating Sales: One of the most compelling arguments for home staging is its ability to expedite the sales process. On average, staged homes sell 88% faster than their non-staged counterparts. Furthermore, they often fetch a higher price, typically selling for 20% more than homes that haven’t been professionally staged. These figures highlight the significant financial and logistical advantages of staging a property.

Overcoming Perception Challenges: An empty room can present a significant challenge when it comes to showcasing a property. Without furniture and decor, rooms may appear smaller and lack the warmth and character that can make a space feel like home. Additionally, potential buyers may struggle to visualize how their own furniture will fit into the space. As the saying goes, “people have no imaginations,” and this rings especially true in the context of real estate.

The Appraiser’s Perspective: While appraisers are trained to evaluate properties based on objective criteria, they are not immune to the influence of staging. While they may attempt to remain impartial, it’s almost impossible to completely disregard the impact of a well-staged home. Appraisers may take into account factors such as the overall presentation and perceived value of a property when determining its worth.

In conclusion, the benefits of professional home staging are clear and compelling. From maximizing ROI and attracting higher offers to reducing time on the market and enhancing buyer engagement, staging is a strategic investment that can significantly impact the success of a real estate transaction. In today’s competitive market, staging isn’t just an option; it’s a proven strategy for achieving optimal results.

As we usher in the new year, what better way to embrace a fresh start than by giving your living space a stylish makeover? In this blog post, we’ll explore easy and budget-friendly ways to change the aesthetic of your home for 2024. From trending paint colors to innovative furniture ideas, let’s dive into the latest trends that will help you create a space that feels both invigorating and on-point.

1. Color Trends for 2024: The color palette sets the tone for your living space. In 2024, we’re seeing a shift towards calming and grounding hues. Earthy tones like muted greens, soft terracottas, and warm neutrals are gaining popularity. These colors not only create a serene atmosphere but also offer versatility in pairing with various decor styles.
2. Furniture Refresh: Give your space an instant facelift by rearranging your furniture or investing in a few key pieces. Sustainable and multifunctional furniture items are in vogue for 2024. Consider repurposing or upcycling old furniture for a personalized touch. Adding a statement piece, like a unique coffee table or accent chair, can redefine the entire room.
3. Budget-Friendly Decor Accessories: Elevate your space with trendy and budget-friendly decor accessories. Velvet throw pillows, geometric rugs, and metallic accents are all the rage in 2024. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are great resources for finding unique and affordable pieces that can breathe new life into your home.
4. DIY Wall Art: Create a personalized gallery wall or DIY art to add character to your living space. Abstract and oversized artwork are trending in 2024, and you can easily create your own masterpieces using inexpensive materials. This not only adds a creative touch but also allows you to express your unique style.
5. Greenery and Biophilic Design: Integrate the beauty of nature into your home with indoor plants. Biophilic design, emphasizing a connection with nature, is a dominant trend for 2024. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants to add a touch of greenery and improve the overall ambiance.

As we step into 2024, transforming your living space doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. By incorporating trending paint colors, experimenting with furniture, embracing budget-friendly decor, trying your hand at DIY projects, and introducing a bit of nature, you can create a home that resonates with the energy of the new year. Let the aesthetic changes in your living space reflect the positive transformations you seek in the coming year. Cheers to a stylish and budget-friendly 2024! 🎨🏡✨

Ah, the early days of spring. Is there anything like it? 

Flowers are blooming, and the sun is warming up. We are starting to see those signs of warmer weather on it’s way. 

Not only is it time for that Spring Clean around the house, but it’s time to spruce up those couches and mantle pieces with  fresh throw pillows, seasonal botanicals, candles and maybe a fresh coat of paint if you want to go all out. 

Lean into this season’s refresh by adding bright hues, organic textures, bold patterns and breathable fabrics. 

Here are some easy, simple changes to update your space. 

Bright Hues

Throw Pillows, Blankets, Mantle Pieces and centerpieces.

Organic Textures

Woven Baskets, Wood Furniture, House Plants and Seasonal Botanicals

Bold Patterns

Wallpaper, Art Work, Murals

Breathable Fabrics

Swap out bedding, bathroom linen and kitchen textiles.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and think outside the box. That’s what spring is all about!

The Most Important- Networking

Having a network in all areas of the field is crucial to maintaining and growing your home staging business. Realtors, Handymen, Movers, Carpenters, Furniture Vendors and Contractors are all professionals you should build a relationship with.

Building rapport with others in the business is going to keep the flow of business coming in. Not to mention word of mouth is the completely FREE and the best kind of marketing you can find. Busy businesses will keep contacting you for projects or they will give you budget friendly deals for their work. It’s a win win, when you build up that email list. 

Thorough Documentation

When touring a home, I always make sure to take thorough notes, pictures and videos, so I know exactly what I’m going to bring to the table. Pun absolutely intended. 

Take as many notes as you can. We’re talking measurements, home owner’s wants and needs, realtors specifications, every nook and cranny is photoed or video taped, any weak area to upgrade or re-design 

Not only does it help document your preliminary ideas, it also gives you a visual guide you can access at any time. If you’re stuck on a corner, you have a reference to return to. Avoid leaving it up to an unreliable memory. 

As Always, Time Management

Much like any other, time management is a big quality for running your own business, especially one that’s as busy as the real estate industry. This is where most of your business would be coming from, so it’s important to remember when your appointments are, clearly communicate how long they are going to take, and have a mapped out plan of your staging days. 

Make sure to give clients set days to stage and photograph the project. This way, it’s worth everyone’s time and every party involved is in the know. This will give the client time to book a photographer for their listing and plan an open house with your beautiful staging. It’s up to you whether you want to rent your furniture for a weekend or a couple weeks. Just make sure to monetize the furniture in a way that benefits you best.

Don’t Marry Your Work 

This is one for the artists in the room. Your plans could be stunning and your heart could be set on something you think is perfect. However… the client might hate it. 

Unfortunately, this type of work is subjective, and there are plenty of creative differences within the process. If you come along that picky client (as much as you want to stage the home the way you envision it) it’s much better to keep them happy. Again.. a good review by word of mouth is the best FREE marketing you can find. 

& My number one tip.. Continue to Learn

As a Home Stager your main goal is to sell the home. Quality staged rooms , gain quality buyers. It’s much easier to make the decision to buy a home when you can see the potential right in front of you. A career in Home Staging forces you to be multifaceted. Not only, is it important to know interior design trends, but it’s also crucial to know the ins and outs of real estate. Knowing the housing market, using architectural terminology, and knowing the trends in furniture, will help you sell yourself as an expert.

There is always something to be learned about your craft and about running your business. Read blogs and books published by your peers so that you fully understand the scope of the projects you land. 

My book, The Art of Home Staging, is my only e-book available with all of my expertise and knowledge in Staging. I’ve owned & operated my Staging & Design Business since 2010 & have worked on hundreds of homes. 

I created this book with home stagers, merchandisers and DIY-ers in mind, so they too can make a career out of staging homes on the market. 

The Art of Home Staging by Richelle D. Stannard is available on Amazon & Kindle. 

If you are a real estate agent, and interested in staging homes yourself, make sure you sign up for our newsletter. That way you don’t miss our next 3 Day Course: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing Your Product in Real Estate. My course benefits all agents new and seasoned. Here you will learn key terms and features of home design. 

Consistency is key.

All and all, consistency in each of these areas will keep you on the right track to becoming a successful home stager. And most importantly, an expert in your field. 

If you have more questions or want to connect, drop me an email. I’d love to chat! 

Feeling unmotivated to finish, or maybe even get started on your plans for a Home Improvement project? It’s easy to come across road blocks, or just simply become overwhelmed in this process. Especially if you are DIYing the whole thing. What could be fun treasure hunt for some, can easily become a burden of a half-way done project for others.

Fear not! We have 3 streamlined steps to keep you moving through such a large process. Regardless if you are Doing It Yourself or looking to hire.

So grab your patience and your dedication, and let’s get to work!

Step 1: Declutter

This is the first and most important step. It’s 2023. Holding on to items for the purpose of ” I might need it later” is extremely outdated, and, to be honest, bad for environment.

Start organizing, donating or repurposing items room by room. For those with a busy schedule, save the big rooms for the weekend or when you have a lot of time to spend sorting. Chip away at the smaller areas like closets and bathrooms first, while you have a few moments during the week.

A good rule of thumb is to donate, sell or recycle (if you can) what hasn’t been used in a year. You likely won’t need it, and it will serve a better purpose for someone who does. Rather than wasting away in hidden boxes. Sentimental items? Of course, keep them. But if there isn’t an emotional attachment or it isn’t functional, get rid of it.

There are so many fulfilling ways to donate or sell your items that you may have a hard time tossing. Look up your local women’s shelter or veteran’s stores and give back to a part of the community in need. If you have items that are high end or valuable and you just can’t bare to give it away, consider a local consignment shop. That way you collect a return and help a small business at the same time.

For items that wont be leaving your home, consider looking into organization bins and storage boxes. There are a plethora of options from high to low end, to fit your needs. Some of our favorites are from Amazon, Target, The Container Store, IKEA and Big Lots.

Overall you will feel so much better in a clean, organized space and that will help you continue your journey to a Re-designed home. (And at a great pace too!)

Step 2: Source your Materials and Items

Have an idea of what you want, and stick to it. Create “Mood Boards” or documents with picture references, examples and pricing of items you want, so that you know exactly what you need and what track you are on. Place to board or binder, in an area where you can see it and reference back to it when needed. Avoid going off the rails as much as possible, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Keeping yourself organized at this point of the process is a huge help, when it comes to planning your re-design.

Some of our favorite stores to reference and purchase from are Richelle’s Furniture LA, Wayfair, Home Depot, Floor & Decor, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn.

Here is an example of a Mood Boards/ Design Concept that we can help you create or you can put together yourself.

STEP 3: Hire Professionals

By this point, you might be burnt out, and ready to walk away. The amount of options that are available can be overwhelming and exhausting by the time you get it all sorted out. This would be a great time to hire professionals to assist you in major renovations, and an interior designer that can help you space plan. Hiring a professional will truly make your home, your very own sanctuary. 

LA Home Staging and Design is an all inclusive company that offers a fully customizable menu of Re-Design and E-Design Services. We have qualified vendors for home improvements, so that you don’t have to spend hours pricing multiple companies. We also offer stunning design concepts, space planning, ordering and installation of home decor, to help you achieve the home you’ve always wanted. 

We want the experience of Re-Designing your home to be easy and enjoyable. Let us do the grunt work, while you reap the joy of a fresh new space.

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In honor of the big weekend, here are some of our favorite Holiday Decorated homes.

All month we’ve been decking the halls and lighting up the yule logs. It feels like the season has come and gone so quickly!

In more recent years, we’ve seen so many lovely traditional and non-traditional decor surrounding the holidays. We love the diversity and emergence of ALL Holiday’s being represented. There is no shortage for Holiday Decorating Ideas, no matter how you celebrate! So whether you love traditional colors, or decorate your tree with gorgeous flowers, here are some of our favorite Holiday decorating ideas for the 2022 Season.

Neutral & Natural

Sparkle, Sparkle, Sparkle

It’s A Wonderful World of Color

Mid Century Nostalgia

A Blue Blue Hanukkah

A New Take on Mishumaa Saba – Kwanza