Illuminate

Dreary skies of grey have the ability to invade; sometimes our mood...sometimes our choices...but let's hope never in our home! If a home is dark, you can feel it. As I was welcomed into our clients' homes this winter, I often found myself reaching for the light switch, hoping to brighten each room. Having a sense of claustrophobia in a home is never a selling point! When someone walks into a well lighted home, it can bring a sense of cheer. A mood can be altered easily, and since people do buy out of emotion, let's lighten up!

A simple remedy is to make sure all your windows are clean, allowing as much natural lighting through as the climate allows. Is there a large shrub blocking the picture window? Cut it back! Check all the light fixtures and lamps for burned out light bulbs and always place in the highest wattage bulb allowable.
A little extra light in a dim corner can make all the difference in how a room is reflected to your potential buyers. As long as there are Oregon Winters and until the days grow longer, invest a little time and money to brighten each room.
Cheers!

New

A new year with new plans! Perhaps a new home with new spaces to put old things. As you look with new eyes at your soon-to-be-listed home, consider what others will see. A home 'shopper' will be looking in your cabinets and closets, hoping to find ample space to house their cherished possessions. A closet that is packed full tells the potential buyer there is not enough storage. A cabinet that is overflowing with too many toiletries or a kitchen pantry filled to the brim sends a red flag warning of a lack of storage. It is best to tackle these areas by boxing up what isn't needed or used on a daily basis. Leaving some empty shelves and removing items from the closet floor will give the impression that there is more than enough storage room! Hey, you are going to have to pack it up anyway, right?!

Cold

December frigid temperatures~icy laced trees topped with plops of thick snow~bright night sky reflecting the silver tones! All of these winter feelings make you smile.... but then shiver! What looks inviting can be misleading as you walk through the cold. The same is true in a home! Often times a listing looks wonderful, but the interior temperature sends the interested client rushing through a house due to the low temperature. The decision to keep the thermostat low in order to save money can play against the homeowner. A warm house is an inviting house! We suggest when showing your listing, make sure the home's interior is cozy enough, setting the thermostat at a minimum of 58-60 degrees. The extra money you spend, could be money back in your pocket in the long run!

Waiting

It seems, doesn't it, there is much waiting? We wait in lines, we wait in traffic, we wait for phone calls. When we think of the housing market, it seems home owners are waiting also; for the right buyer, for a better offer, the Holiday season to be over before listing. Most are just waiting for the market to change.
Yet in the meantime, there are a few things you could be doing. If you are thinking of listing your home in the New Year, take advantage of this time to get focused. It is also a great time to do some research to achieve an updated look for your lighting. As stagers we often suggest looking up! What impression is your entry light or dining light projecting? For a reasonable price and a little on-line shopping, the simple change can be significant. Does your bathroom have those Hollywood "Diva" lights? Or is your dining light flashing back to the 80's? Then it is time for a change! For a small amount of money, your investment will make a positive impact!

Photos

As the season approaches to deck our halls, is important to envision how your photos will appear after the new year. Consider making a great first impression. Most potential buyers will take time to do online shopping, & these photos are the first impression you are sending. If a Christmas tree or other seasonal decorations are part of your home's profile, there is a possibility those photos will instantly 'date' the home's listing, so Room Service Home Staging suggests you eliminate any distractions, including those holiday decorations. Your home's charm and personality should be the first thing noticed. Make sure the pictures others see are clearly showing the unique qualities your house offers, not your style. You are not selling your personal decorating style, but the space itself.

Refining

Welcome to our blog!
Our goal is to give our clients an easy way to keep up with what is new in staging and what is relevant to assisting a homeowner in getting their home sold.
At Room Service Home Staging, our focus is to assist the homeowner as they refine their home's value. The main goal of any seller is to have their home sell quickly and for the highest price possible for the current market.
Once the hard decision has been made to list a home, and after chosing a Realtor, the next step is to hire a professional that can walk along and help guide the client as they journey through a seemingly endless 'to-do' list.
Most homeowners are so comfortable living in their home, it is at times difficult to see their home as others might see it. That is where Room Service Home Staging will help you keep your focus on prioritizing with your realtor, always keeping in mind your budget and time!
We understand the stress that comes with moving and are careful to handle our clients with gentle suggestions.
We welcome you to our blog!