Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Virtual Staging
Interesting read today in Realtor Magazine online...
I personally think virtual staging can be very effective marketing tool. In fact, I wish I had it as a tool when I sold new homes many years ago! Most buyers I worked with couldn't visual the potential of a home (which is why the model home plans always sold out first.) I also agree with the author of this article that Realtors must be careful when using it as a marketing tool so as not to look like your trying to deceive potential buyers. Here are some things that we always suggest if you use virtual staging...
1) Use before AND afters in your marketing efforts.
2) Use text on the virtually staged photo indicating it is virtually staged (eg "Imagine the possibilties..." or "Designer's rendering".)
3) Don't make structural changes or landscaping changes (or anything that would otherwise convey with the property if it were really there.)
4) Display the virtual staging photos on foam core poster board on an easel in the actual listing so that prospects can imagine the possibilities.
When we have used virtual staging, it has worked VERY well! I just think more Realtors and sellers need to understand it is a very effective marketing strategy, and an affordable alternative when the budget doesn't allow a full blown staging.
Need a listing virtually staged?
E-mail or call us today! info@theinterioritycomplex.com 512-289-7177
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Diplomacy is key!
I just happened across the website of a designer/stager today and saw something that I found a bit surprising. In her gallery of photos, she highlighted a photo of a kitchen redesign she completed for a home that was having trouble selling. In her verbiage, she said "The client was told by her real estate agent that she would need to install granite countertops and tile floor in order to sell quickly. We disagreed and made the above changes and the house sold within 3 weeks of the first Open House!"
I was shocked to see that this stager was openly advertising that she disagreed with her clients' Realtor. I'm not shocked that it happened, as on occassion a Realtor and stager might have a differing opinion on a staging strategy -- but to advertise that does no good for our industry, or her staging business.
Just for the record, if you're a Realtor reading this, a good stager's talent should go far beyond their design expertise and their real estate knowledge. Diplomacy and people skills are key. A key part of a real estate stagers job (or any vendor a Realtor recommends) is to help Realtors grow and strengthen their business. That doesn't always happen through the act of staging. It also happens through the facilitation of relationship and trust building between the seller, the Realtor and the stager. A happy seller/client = strong businesses, more referrals and a rewarding experience for all involved. I know that I hold each and every vendor we hire to the same standards as I would an employee we hire. We have mutual trust, respect and a common goal. The same holds ture for the Realtor/Stager relationship!
I was shocked to see that this stager was openly advertising that she disagreed with her clients' Realtor. I'm not shocked that it happened, as on occassion a Realtor and stager might have a differing opinion on a staging strategy -- but to advertise that does no good for our industry, or her staging business.
Just for the record, if you're a Realtor reading this, a good stager's talent should go far beyond their design expertise and their real estate knowledge. Diplomacy and people skills are key. A key part of a real estate stagers job (or any vendor a Realtor recommends) is to help Realtors grow and strengthen their business. That doesn't always happen through the act of staging. It also happens through the facilitation of relationship and trust building between the seller, the Realtor and the stager. A happy seller/client = strong businesses, more referrals and a rewarding experience for all involved. I know that I hold each and every vendor we hire to the same standards as I would an employee we hire. We have mutual trust, respect and a common goal. The same holds ture for the Realtor/Stager relationship!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wildfire Wall Coverings!
Just a fun collage of a recent design project we did for a client in which we used Vahallan Papers. A unique wallcovering (hand painted paper, actually) which creates a beautiful look!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Designer & Stager's Toolbox in Your InBox - June 2009
Click here to see the archive of our June Newsletter.
Fun and Smelly Stats
Did you know?
Consumers today are using scent to decorate, adding an individual touch that represents their personality and tastes. Companies are branding scent to create an emotional connection with the brand, evoking a mood or memory, so why shouldn't homesellers do the same?
Here are a few interesting scent-related facts...
The decorative fragrance market has surged in recent years, and will grow to an estimated $7.2 billion by 2010, according to Euromonitor.
According to Scent Technologies, LTD, the sense of smell is the most powerful human sense as it has a direct trigger to the brain invoking instant reaction.
According to the Sense of Smell Institute, a recent study indicated that pleasant odours do in fact increase lingering time in stores and museums, so of course, we would expect the same to hold true in a home!
According to our research at The Interiority Complex University, the most popular home scents among consumers are consistently:
Vanilla
Fresh Linen
Gingered Pumpkin/Pumpkin Spice
Lavender
Cinnamon/Apple Cinnamon
Please share these facts with your sellers the next time you're talking about the importance of "smell-appeal"!
If you want more stats, facts, favorite paint colors and decorating tips, visit the Staging Stats and Design Tips section of our website!
Consumers today are using scent to decorate, adding an individual touch that represents their personality and tastes. Companies are branding scent to create an emotional connection with the brand, evoking a mood or memory, so why shouldn't homesellers do the same?
Here are a few interesting scent-related facts...
The decorative fragrance market has surged in recent years, and will grow to an estimated $7.2 billion by 2010, according to Euromonitor.
According to Scent Technologies, LTD, the sense of smell is the most powerful human sense as it has a direct trigger to the brain invoking instant reaction.
According to the Sense of Smell Institute, a recent study indicated that pleasant odours do in fact increase lingering time in stores and museums, so of course, we would expect the same to hold true in a home!
According to our research at The Interiority Complex University, the most popular home scents among consumers are consistently:
Vanilla
Fresh Linen
Gingered Pumpkin/Pumpkin Spice
Lavender
Cinnamon/Apple Cinnamon
Please share these facts with your sellers the next time you're talking about the importance of "smell-appeal"!
If you want more stats, facts, favorite paint colors and decorating tips, visit the Staging Stats and Design Tips section of our website!
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