Staging New Hampshire

Most of you have met my new grandson, Jack.  Sweet little Jack has been a bit of a handful for his parents... turns out he is colic.  Needless to say, sleep has been at a minimum for all concerned.  Mom and Dad are getting whatever rest they can...whenever and wherever possible.  My daughter-in-law sent me this picture and I just couldn't resist sharing it.

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.

The biggest bang for your buck, by far, is using paint to improve your home's appearance.  Paint will make a room cleaner, fresher, brighter, and more stylish.  It gives buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.  It makes your home more competitive with new construction. 

Paint can be used to help minimize negative features and to help showcase positive features.  It can be used to create a flow throughout the house and to create a lasting positive impression.

Many people have trouble choosing paint colors or are afraid of making the wrong choice.  Many times sellers choose colors that they personally like, without taking into consideration the need to be appealing to all potential buyers.  It is very important that the colors you choose are neutral, but not bland.  Most professional home stagers offer Color Consultations as one of their services, and it is a smart idea to seek the advice of a professional before purchasing your paint.

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

 Previous Tips:

Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures 

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff 

Tip #4  Define Space & Function

Tip #5  Maintenance Means Money

Tip #6  Don't Underestimate The Bathroom

Tip #7  Transform With Paint

In addition to the traditional use for paint, improving the general appearance of a room, I would like to share some other ways paint can be used to help make your home more appealing to buyers.

Prior to staging, this library lacked impact.  The built-in bookcases and fireplace were great features, but they were not being showcased.  Painting the walls with a rich, warm color made these features POP.

The opposite of the previous example...this den was dark and needed to be lightened.  A brighter room was achieved by painting the dark woodwork a lighter color.  Painting the shelves and the wall behind them the same color created a more custom "built-in" look.       

This laundry room is one of my favorite transformations and is featured on my website.  This was valuable real estate space that was not being properly marketed.  By painting the cabinets white like the appliances, a cleaner and more pleasant room to do household chores was created.

Walls and cabinets aren't the only places to use paint...

these worn steps were given new life by painting them a rich black.

Other cost effective ways to use paint to prepare your house for sale: 

Paint old furniture to give it new life

Update brass light fixtures and brass fireplace screens with black or bronze spray paint

Improve the appearance of mirrors

Update artwork by painting the frame

Use spray paint to revive patio furniture and flower pots

This concludes my seven-part series on The Secrets of Selling.  I hope you have found it useful and informative.  For more information on preparing your home for sale, visit my website ... or search online for a professional home stager in your area. 

Consulting with a professional home stager before you list your home

 is the most important "secret to selling" there is!

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.

One big mistake many sellers make is underestimating the importance of preparing their bathrooms for sale.  I recently did a staging consult for a seller who responded "it's the bathroom, it's supposed to have toothbrushes in it" when I told him to remove his toothbrush from the counter. 

There is no room in the house more personal than the bathroom, and it is the last place buyers want to be reminded that you live there.

As buyers, we know other people are living in the house and obviously use the bathrooms, but emotionally, we don't want to think about it.  It's like staying in a nice hotel...when we arrive the bathroom has been made to appear as though we are the first person to ever use it.  We know hundreds of people have been there before us, but right now...there are clean towels, brand new soaps, and a fresh roll of paper.  How would you feel if you found evidence of the past guests in the bathroom when you checked in?

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

 Previous Tips:

Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures 

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff 

Tip #4  Define Space & Function

Tip #5  Maintenance Means Money

 Tip #6  Don't Underestimate The Bathroom

When preparing your house for sale, the bathroom must be spotless. 

Clean every inch, including inside the drawers, cabinets, and closet. 

Organize and clean under the sink/vanity. 

Remove all toiletries and personal grooming products, including those in the tub/shower area. 

Replace your faded and worn towels with new ones. 

Create a spa-like atmosphere by grouping soaps, sponges and hand towels in an attractive container.

This bath was updated by adding accessories to compliment the dated torquoise sink and toilet.  New hardware and a fresh coat of paint for the vanity completed the transformation.

Even a very small, very dated bath can have an impressive transformation at very little expense...A few new accessories, a new light fixture, and fresh paint were added after removing the wallpaper.

New light fixtures and paint were not in the budget, but it didn't matter because  the new towels, rug, and accessories were all it took to help get this home sold.

Sometimes, it is just a matter of a little tweaking...replacing the hand towel with a longer one, lowering the picture, removing the candle from the wall, adding new bath towels and a plant, and removing the window scarf made this bath more impressive to buyers.

A naked bathroom is never as appealing to buyers as a nicely dressed one.

Stay tuned for Tip #7  

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.

The visual appearance of a home prompts potential buyers more than any other factor.  Once they step inside, buyers decide within the first ten seconds whether they want to buy your home.  They should be greeted with a spotless, move-in ready home, which gives the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.

Clean or freshly painted walls, spotless or new carpeting are a must.  Hardwood floors must be in excellent condition.  Floor tile should be a light neutral color, with clean grout lines. 

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

 Previous Tips:

Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures 

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff 

Tip #4  Define Space & Function

Tip #5  Maintenance Means Money

Your house is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it.  The more a buyer believes the house has been well maintained, the more valuable they perceive it to be.  If you want buyers to believe the house has been well maintained, then you have to go above and beyond basic cleaning.  You have to create the impression that the most meticulous of clean freaks is living in the house.  Clean areas most sellers don't clean, like the inside of the refrigerator and oven.  Organize all the cabinets, closets, and vanities and clean under the kitchen sink.  Organize all the kitchen drawers.  If you really want to blow them away, organize and clean the basement and garage.

Contrary to popular belief...allowances are a bad idea.  Buyers don't want an allowance to have the carpet replaced or the roof fixed.  They want to move in, they don't want to make improvements.  A worn carpet or old roof just tells buyers that you haven't maintained the house.  It makes them then wonder what else hasn't been properly cared for.

I've used this picture as an example many times before...it really speaks for itself:

This kitchen floor was in poor shape and the radiator was rusty and missing parts.  Fresh paint on the walls, a new floor, and a new radiator cover made from wood transformed this kitchen from neglected to impressive and added tremendous value to the home.

Removal of the clock and shelf left large holes in this bedroom wall.  The seller didn't have the matching paint to make the repairs.  They did have paint that matched the hall, so we used that and created an accent wall.  This saved the sellers the cost, time, and labor of having to repaint the whole room, while giving the room a fresh, clean look.

Stay tuned for Tip #6

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.

Did you know that only 10% of buyers can actually visualize a room any other way than how you show it to them.  It is very important, when preparing a house for sale, to clearly define the space and function of each room. 

Don't expect potential buyers to try and figure out how to better arrange the furniture because your furniture is not working in the room.

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

Previous Tips:

Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures 

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff 

Tip #4  Define Space & Function

Buyers looking at this room on the MLS have no idea what room it is.  It seems to be a home office for a clock collector.  The dated window treatments and carpet aren't making it any more appealing. 

The solution:  The desk was closed, the clocks were removed, and furniture was rearranged.  The only items purchased were the new window treatments. 

The sellers of this house were using the dining room as a playroom, and they expected buyers to see past the toys.  Buyers don't "see past" clutter...they walk past clutter, right out the door to the next house on their list. 

The solution:  The toys were removed and the dining set was brought up from the basement where it was being stored.  Fresh paint and a new light fixture were the final touches.

This condo was listed vacant, with only one photo of the kitchen posted on the MLS.  It was impossible to see the size of the room from the photo.  In person, the room appeared very small and it was very difficult for buyers to visualize making use of the space.  A big issue was that there are no cabinets in this kitchen.

The solution:  A table and chairs was brought in with a few basic accessories.   Appliances were upgraded to stainless. 

To address the "no cabinets" issue, small appliances, dishes, and cookware were placed in one closet and food items (cereal, canned goods) were placed in the other.  (Closets on either side of mantel) 

Two pictures replaced the original picture on the MLS to better represent the room. 

Stay tuned for Tip #5

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling. 

I understand that dealing with years of accumulation can be overwhelming for you.  But, think about how overwhelming it is for potential buyers to have to look past all your stuff.  You at least have a sentimental attachment to the stuff.  If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family.

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

Previous Tips:

Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures 

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff

It is more commonly known as decluttering.  Supposedly, sellers know they have to "declutter" and yet, the evidence says otherwise.  The mistake most sellers make is in determining what constitutes clutter.  They either don't remove enough or they remove too much, leaving the house cold and vacant.

For best results, hire a professional home stager to tell you what needs to go.

If you intend to prepare your house for sale without professional help, here are some suggestions on reducing some of your clutter.  Remember...you have to deal with this stuff when you move anyways, and if you deal with it sooner instead of later...it can help you sell the house. 

CLOSETS  Pre-packing all off-season clothing, shoes, and accessories will make the closets appear larger.

KITCHEN  Pre-packing all dishes, cookware, and glassware that isn't used daily will make the cabinets appear more spacious.

COLLECTIONS  Having your collections on display is distracting.  Pre-pack them so buyers are looking at the house, not your memorabilia. 

PHOTOGRAPHS  Your goal is to make the house warm, inviting and appealing without any evidence of who actually lives there. 

RELIGIOUS & POLITICAL ITEMS  We want all buyers to feel welcome and at home here. 

This study was so cluttered with the sellers photographs and collectables, buyers couldn't appreciate the details of the room.                                                                                            

This living room obviously belongs to someone...a family is living here and their "stuff" is everywhere.  Once the evidence of the family is removed, you can appreciate the room and it's features.

This dining hutch was cluttered with too much glassware.  The glassware was prepacked and plates were used for a cleaner and more dramatic look.

Stay tuned for Tip #4

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling. 

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.

If you missed it, Tip #1 was Update Lighting Fixtures

Tip #2  Identify Red Flags

Do you know what a "red flag" is? 

A signal of danger or a problem can be referred to as a red flag.  In real estate, a red flag is something that gives potential buyers the impression that there is an existing problem, was a problem in the past, or could be a problem in the future.

I find red flags in most of the houses that I stage.

It is very important that you go on a "search and destroy" mission throughout your entire house and identify your red flags. 

What are you looking for?  Here are three examples:

1.  Evidence of Past Damage

The most common red flag I see is water stains on ceilings or walls.  Usually when I ask what the source of the stain is, I'm told "the roof was leaking, but it's fixed now."  That's great that the problem is fixed now...that doesn't mean, however, that you don't need to paint the stained ceiling.  It's really a simple choice:

•  Leave the stain - be prepared to have the leaky roof become an issue, fixed or not.
•  Paint the wall or ceiling - no issue.

One more point:  Some sellers try to save money or time by painting only the stained area instead of the whole ceiling or wall.  If it is obvious that a repair was made, it's really no different than having the stain still there.  

2.  Storage and Space Issues

Do you have added curio cabinets in your kitchen to make up for a lack of cabinets or an over-the-toilet storage unit in the bath because there is no vanity?  Do you have a coat tree in the foyer because there is no coat closet?

These items tell buyers that there isn't enough storage or space to begin with.  Remove them!

Adding the extra counter and 2 chairs to the end of this kitchen island only makes the kitchen appear to be smaller.  It sends a message to buyers that there isn't enough workspace in the kitchen and more had to be added.

The sellers had a dresser in this bath because there was no medicine cabinet or vanity for storage.  The dresser guarantees that buyers will be aware of the storage problem.

3.  Furniture Placement Issues

Is your furniture positioned to give the impression there is a placement issue?

The way the nightstands were placed in these two bedrooms guaranteed a red flag would go up to potential buyers.  If you remove the nightstands, you remove the giant arrow in the room pointing out the problem.

These are just three examples of red flags you should be looking for.  Other things to look for include evidence of marital or medical problems, light switches to nowhere, protruding wiring, evidence of pets, and lack of light, to name a few.

No house is perfect.  You know better than anybody else what the negative features are within your house.  Maybe they are the reason you are moving.   Do you want to highlight those issues for buyers or do you want to highlight all the positive features of the house? 

Stay tuned for Tip #3

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.  Secrets to selling your house?  Can there be any secrets left?  It seems with all the home staging information out there and so many home staging shows popular on HGTV, all the secrets must be told by now. 

And yet...take a look through your local MLS and see the pictures that people are using to represent their "product for sale."   Home staging is still a fairly new concept in New Hampshire and most other parts of the country, and it is obvious that the secrets are not all out of the bag just yet.

 Over the course of the next two weeks, I will be sharing some of the things I believe to be very important when preparing your house for sale, things that most sellers don't think of.   Every other day, I will post a new "secret" strategy that you can use to make your house more appealing to buyers. 

Tip #1  Update Light Fixtures

Probably my favorite improvement...updating the light fixtures.  My experience has been that most sellers never even consider the impact that their light fixtures can make.  Many Realtors are surprised when I suggest replacing the fixtures.  It's one of those subtle, subconscious messages the house sends to buyers.  Dated, cheap, or worn fixtures devalue the house.

This is an area where a little money spent can make a huge difference and add tremendous perceived value to the home.  You can add thousands of dollars of value by only spending a few hundred dollars.

This bedroom ceiling fixture was updated for $17 - Ceiling fan purchased at Home Depot on clearance.

For under $50 this kitchen light was replaced and it instantly increased the home's perceived value.

This foyer light fixture was replaced for $54 and added tremendous impact to the entrance.

Home staging is more than decorating and it's more than just decluttering.  it's a whole series of things that add up to strategic marketing.  Updating your light fixtures is one of those things that will add perceived value to the product you are selling and make a far greater impression on buyers.

Another thing to remember:  Be consistent throughout your house with the finish and style of lighting fixtures you choose.  Consistency makes for a better flow and adds to the "perception of greater value" you are looking to achieve.

Stay Tuned for Tip #2 

If you need new flooring, call my Dover New Hampshire flooring specialist, TJ Sprague, for a free consult. Whether you are preparing your house for sale or improving your home for your own comfort, new flooring will make a dramatic difference. 

TJ Sprague is the President of Floor Coverings International, and he takes customer satisfaction very seriously.  Their pledge is to exceed customer expectations.  They are located in Dover, New Hampshire and they service customers from the Seacoast area all the way to Wolfboro.

TJ is a third generation flooring specialist.  His grandfather, Herbert Sprague, opened Sprague Floor Covering in 1946.  TJ's dad, Ted Sprague, has been running the business since the eighties and bought Floor Coverings International this past January to better service his customers.  

Ted handles the commercial side of the business, while TJ handles the residential. 

With so many flooring companies and home improvement stores to choose from, it can be confusing and difficult to find a company you can trust. 

I have personally referred many of my clients, including my son, to TJ and have yet to be disappointed in his service.  TJ goes above and beyond to make sure his customers are treated with respect and are satisfied with the final product. 

Floor Coverings International's  in-home design consultations are complimentary and installations come with a lifetime install warranty.  In most cases they will even move the furniture and appliances out of the room for you.  TJ and his design specialists are familiar with all types of flooring and they will help you decide which product is the best choice for you.  Yes, they do have eco-friendly choices available.

Floor Coverings International offers a very special service...something I really find helpful to my clients.  They use InspireNet, a computer graphic software that enables their customer to see photos of their actual room with different flooring choices.  You can view an example of this awesome service on their website.  Just click on the different floor samples and watch the floor change.  Imagine how much easier it can be to decide between carpet and wood if you can see pictures of the room both ways.

Floor Coverings International

97 New Rochester Road 

    Dover  NH     

603-742-3869 

Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts is my favorite farm.   We found the farm about nine years ago, by accident, and we have been picking our own fruit there ever since. 

We started out by making regular weekend trips in the Fall to pick apples, and then we discovered that we could pick our own peaches in the Summer.  Now we pick the sweetest, juiciest peaches starting in August.  A couple of weeks ago we picked our own blueberries. 

All of the fruit at Cider Hill Farm is amazing, and we have never been disappointed. 

For more information on when fruit is ready for picking...see the crop schedule.

The award winning apple cider, at Cider Hill Farm, is not only delicious... it is healthy, made with 100% cold pressed apple juice from tree picked apples. The cider is never heated, pasteurized, UV treated or chemically preserved or altered.  

The most addictive item at the farm is their homemade apple cider donuts.  The smell of the donuts is intoxicating as it greets you at the door and almost impossible to resist.  They are made daily in the store and are usually still warm...absolutely fabulous!

Cider Hill Farm is a family business, with three generations of the Cook family dedicated to making their farm a place for other families to enjoy and visit.  Glenn and Karen Cook, along with their two sons and Glenn's dad, Ed, all work together to grow and offer their customers the best quality food possible.

Children love watching the donuts get made, feeding the goats, riding the hayrides, choosing a pumpkin or two, eating the donuts and drinking the cider. 

 Children are fascinated by the live bee observatory, where they can watch the bees in action. 

 Bonus:  Walking through the orchards and picking apples is a healthy way to spend quality time with the kids and a great way to tire them out!

The Cider Hill Farm store is housed in a beautifully restored 150-year old dairy barn.  All their produce is available in the store, along with honey from their own bee hives, and their wonderful cider.  They bake their own pies, breads and pastries.  And the donuts...don't forget the donuts!  Also stocked is Amesbury tapped maple syrup, and lots of crafts and gift items created by local artisans.

To quote the Cook family:

"Supporting your local farms is a vital way for you to save open space in your community, and preserve a lifestyle which is the backbone of this country. Your support also ensures that future generations of farm families will desire to follow in their parents footsteps to continue working the land in this very satisfying and meaningful way of life."   

 Cider Hill Farm   45 Fern Avenue   Amesbury  MA    

978-388-5525