Real Estate & Home Staging FYI: November 2009

ECO IS EASY

Do you want to make your home a healthier, more eco-friendly space? Saving resources and protecting the environment is easier than you think. The most difficult part is getting started, but once you go green, it's simple to stay environmentally aware. Our list of common problems and solutions will help you get on your way. 

PROBLEM:

"How can we conserve more water as a family? I'd love to cut down our water bill."

SOLUTION:

The bathroom is one of the biggest water-wasters in the home, so start your conservation efforts here. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily and make sure your toilet tank isn't leaking. (To find out if your toilet is leaking, place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak). Take shorter showers and replace you showerhead with a low-flow version. Lastly, don't run the water while washing your face, shaving or brushing your teeth. 

PROBLEM:

"How can we light our home in a more environmentally friendly way?"

SOLUTION:

Compact fluorescent bulbs are an easy way to replace high-watt incandescent lights. They use less energy and have a longer lifespan. Dimmers and timers are another way to control the amount of lighting energy you use. And always ensure your outdoor security lights are on a motion-detector setting so they're not on all night.  

PROBLEM:

"How can I encourage my family to use the recycling bin more often?"

SOLUTION:

Getting your family to recycle doesn't have to be hassle. Place a list on the fridge of what can and cannot be recycled. Set your recycling bin next to your garbage can, keeping all waste containers in the same area. You can also color-code your recycling boxes so everyone knows where each type of recyclable material should go. And don't forget to place small recycling bins in other waste-generating rooms in the house like the office or laundry room.

PROBLEM:

"I plan to re-do my floor in the next few months. Are there any eco-friendly choices I can make when it comes to flooring?"

SOLUTION:

Attractive and reasonably priced, bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly and durable alternative to traditional hardwood. Since it is a grass, bamboo is harvested for commercial use every three to five years only, making it a sustainable, renewable resource.

Once you start going green around the house, you'll see how small changes can really add up. Check out our Eco Options section for more ideas and environmentally friendly products that make a difference.

Contact Pearle Staging & Design for all your Home Staging and Interior Redesign needs. 

www.pearlestaginganddesign.com

877-721-9987

Don't miss out on these great benefits!  Parner with a Professional Home Stager Today!

1. You Make More Money - Home staging is not rocket science but pure economics.  When you improve upon a product, you increase the demand and thus raise the price.  Several statistics consistently show that staging has an impact on price and demand.  In a poll by Maritz Research, over 1/3 of buyers were willing to pay more money for a home that was move-in ready.  In another Royal LePage House Staging Poll (conducted by Maritz Research) revealed that 36% of potential buyers said that they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with updated décor. A higher sales price should result in higher commissions
2. Satisfied Clients - In a NAR 2008 Profile of Sellers it was reported that more than 25% of Sellers listed their MOST IMPORTANT EXPECTATION of their real estate agent was selling the home WITHIN a specific time frame.  In today's market, that's not an easy task among the many homes available UNLESS your listings stand out with staging.  A faster sale for the best price will have clients singing your praises!  In a referral-based industry, satisfied clients mean more listings and the reward of a job well done.  The cost of staging is MUCH less than the first price reduction; so don't disappoint your clients with that sad alternative.
3. Increased Listing Inventory - Satisfied clients talk and considering that 41% of sellers find their agents through referrals, you can expect more listings when partnering with a Professional Home Stager.  Partnering with Pearle Staging & Design gives you a HUGE competitive advantage over the competition!  Buyers recognize a home that has been beautifully prepared to sell and will want the same for their own home!

Contact Pearle Staging & Design for all your Home Staging and Interior Redesign needs.

Superior Service, Superior Solutions, Unmistakably Pearle

www.pearlestaginganddesign.com

877-721-9987

Benefits Part 2

1. Value Far Outweighs the Cost! - We have Realtor Partner Packages ranging from a simple Staging Consultation to a complete Home Staging project, which result in a more desirable home and a greater return on the seller's investment and a faster sale.
   We are trained to engage the home seller in the staging process and educate them on disassociating themselves and viewing their home objectively.  Your sellers will be incredibly motivated and willing to do what's necessary to outshine the competition and prepare their home to sell. 
2. Greatly Improves Your Outside Marketing Campaign - The money you spend on marketing the home will be much more effective when you have photos of beautifully staged rooms (with updated accessories) versus photos of un-Staged, poorly decorated, unappealing rooms.  With over 84% (according to NAR) of home buyers searching the Internet FIRST, it's critical for your home marketing photos to be outstanding and therefore have a much greater positive impact and influence on home buyers.
3. Gives You Industry Status - According to NAR, Realtors are more likely to take their clients to homes that have been Professionally Staged versus homes that haven't been Professionally Staged.  When you have a reputation for listing "move-in ready" homes marketed specifically to buyers, you'll establish a reputation for having quality listings, and consequently agents will naturally want to show properties in your listing inventory.
4. Your Listings Sell Faster - Buyers have MANY home choices in today's market, so what home do you think they will make an offer on, a staged or un-staged home in the same price range?  Home Staging specifically transforms each room to maximize its appeal to buyers, which results in offers.  Statistically, Professionally Staged homes sell 50% faster than homes that have not been Professionally Staged.  Buyers want a home that is "turnkey" ready and Home Staging provides that for them.

Contact Pearle Staging & Design for all your home staging and interior design needs. 

www.pearlestaginganddesign.com

877-721-9987

Benefits to partnering with a Professional Home Stager

1. Gives You More Control - That's right.  Here's a common scenario for you, the seller may desire a certain dollar amount for the home but you know that unless some changes are made, the seller won't get it.  By incorporating the first step in the home staging process, a Staging Consultation, you are controlling more of the outcome of the sale.    
2. Gives You Credibility and Differentiation- When you bring in "experts" who do this for a living it adds to your own credibility.  Would you seem credible if you also appraised and inspected the homes that you sold?  No, it waters down your expertise because people know you can't be an expert in everything!  When you're focused on your own field of interest and outsource to professionals it gives you added credibility in what you're good at - selling homes!
3. Protects Your Relationship and Listing -You have to have a strong client relationship that gets you through the entire escrow process.  Home staging is a form of constructive criticism that sometimes addresses sensitive, personal issues like smell and cleanliness.  Your clients EXPECT a professional stager to instruct them on these issues.
4. Gives You Home Seller "Buy-In" - In the NAR 2007 Profile of Sellers, over half of home sellers undertook a home improvement or remodeling project before selling the home.  According to a Maritz Research Poll, 79% of home sellers are willing to spend up to $5,000 to get their house ready to sell.  During the staging process with Pearle Staging & Design they will understand the difference staging can make in their home, have a list of necessary purchases to make to complete each room, and have a list of important cosmetic improvements (paint, electrical, etc.) they will want to quickly do in order to maximize their return on investment if they so choose.

Contact Pearle Staging & Design for all your home staging and interior redesign needs.

Superior Service, Superior Solutions, Unmistakably Pearle

www.pearlestaginganddesign.com

877-721-9987