How Realtors and Homeowners are Stimulating Their Own Economy

We are all in agreement about how trying times are right now. In lieu of that, let’s propose our very own stimulus package. Together, we can stimulate your economy and the economy of your homeowners. I can show you how.

Read the following home staging facts and see what homeowners, homebuilders and Realtors are saying about how home staging has stimulated their economy.

The average increase in selling price for a staged home versus a nonstaged home is 6.9%.

"Thank you for the help you gave us in staging the house. It was a big help and we had many comments from people who came through on what a difference there was with how our house presented itself vs others." As a result, our home sold at a higher price per square foot than other comparable homes in our area AND for thousands over the appraised value ."

Homeowner
Mandeville, LA

The average time on the market is 11 days for staged homes versus 62 days for unstaged homes.

"I have requested Amie's expertise for two listings (so far) and have been extremely pleased with the jobs she has done. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable and creative, her people-skills are exemplary and she goes 'the extra mile.' One of my clients is quite elderly and working with her, at times, was 'challenging.' Amie's tact and patience achieved the desired results. My client is absolutely delighted that her home sold after being on the market only two days! I will definitely be calling Amie in the future!"

Wendy Klamm, Realtor
Van Eaton & Romero
Lafayette, LA

Homes listed without staging took 163.7 days to sell. Homes listed and then staged took 13.7 days to sell and homes that were staged first, then listed, took 8.9 days on the market.

"My home was on the market for several months and I was not getting any offers. The subdivision was still building new homes and the buyers were coming in and buying the new homes. My house was only a year old. Amie did a wonderful job staging my home and in no time I got a contract and sold my house. I liked the fact that I did not have to buy anything. Amie used the things I already had in my house and made it picture perfect. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is trying to sell their home."

Mona McGee, Homeowner
Lafayette, LA

A National Association of Realtors survey found that the longer a home stays on the market, the further below list price it drops. Homes that sold in the first 4 weeks averaged 1 percent more than the list price; 4 to 12 weeks on the market, the sales price averaged 5 percent less than the list price; 13 to 24 weeks on the market the sales price averaged 6.4 percent less than the list price and 24 weeks on the market the sales price averaged more than 10 percent less than the list price.

"Staging does add a much needed value to the newly constructed house. It not only enhances the construction but also allows the prospective buyers to visualize the house as a 'home.' Staging adds color and texture to the house. It makes the buyer have a warm and inviting feeling. I have staged the last three homes that we have built and I think that is the reason I have sold our houses so quickly. With each house, we had an Open House on a Sunday and had a signed contract by Monday evening. You just can’t beat that! I would recommend staging to anyone trying to sell a house. Staging works!"

Pam Weaver
W Construction
Lafayette, LA

"I highly recommend the use of Amie and her knowledge to all who want to sell their house. After she worked her wonders, the responses were overwhelming. She economically transformed my single mans domain into a show piece, and I could not have done it without her. Amie can come decorate any house I will ever own. She was a total joy to work with." (UPDATE: Because of Amie's hard work, my house sold the first month it was on the market. ")

Stan Bugara, CEO
Subsea Solutions

Statistics show staged homes sell for 3 to 10% more on average than homes that are not staged. They also sell faster thereby equating to less marketing costs for the agent.

"Amie was outstanding! We were able to sell our home in 3 short weeks thanks to her advice and staging techniques. She was very professional and easy to work with. She knows what people are looking for when it comes to the interior of a home down to the smallest detail. We couldn't have done it without her."

Andrea Mueller
Homeowner
Mandeville, LA

It is not uncommon for a staged home to sell between the 1st and 3rd pre-approved buyer who looks at it.

"I used Amie for my listing in The Reserve Subdivision in Mandeville. This property had been vacant and on the market with another agent for around 15 months when I took it over. The sellers were very open minded and took my advice on some updates and to stage the house. It took 45 days for the first real buyer to see the property. That buyer bought it! Thanks Amie."

Carol Miramon, Realtor
Real Estate Resource Group
Covington, LA

These selling successes can and should be yours. Together, let's create our own stimulus package!

Practical Tips for Decluttering

As with all of my newsletters, I attempt to provide some practical tips. The tips below are practcal tips for DECLUTTERING:

1. Cupboards

Go through all you kitchen cupboards, one at a time of course. You will be amazed what can be thrown out because you really are not using it and it is not needed in your kitchen. What about your spice cabinet. Odds are, there are spices that are outdated. If you have duplicates consolidate.

2. Bedroom Closets

We have all heard organizers talk about this area. All professional organizers say the rule is -- if you haven’t worn it in a year get rid of it. This is a good general guideline to follow. You will be amazed at the clothing, purses and shoes you can get rid of. You will also be amazed how big your closets look after this chore is complete.

3. Bookcases

Are your bookcases jammed with all manner of publications -- books, magazines, photo albums and knick nacks? Look over your bookcases. The three (3) pile system is especially helpful here. Make a pile to keep, a pile to toss and a pile to donate. Generally speaking, if you want to keep paper back books, they need to be packed away – otherwise put them in the toss or donate pile. The rule here is 50% or more of the items on bookcases need to be removed using the 3-part system.

4. Childrens' Rooms

This can be a major undertaking if you don’t set some guidelines in advance. Toss or donate any clothing that does not fit or should be gotten rid of for any other reason. Toss or donate any toys the children have outgrown or are no longer interested it. This can be a rewarding process. It always feel good to donate to those children who are less fortunate. Purchase clear organizational containers for easy access to the items that remain. 

5. Bathrooms

This is an area that can be very cluttered if we are not careful. Go through all of your towels.  Which ones are frayed and no longer serving their purpose. Repurpose them into cleaning rags or toss them. Go through all of the products that are not being used or almost empty or are past their prime. Throw them away.

6. Linen Closet

This is an area that always needs attention. Homebuyers are looking for adequate storage. Towels, sheets, curtains, etc, are also things that need to be sorted and gotten rid of.  A helpful organizational tip is to store fitted and flat sheets in the pillow case that matches the set. This creates more room in the closet and saves time when you are changing linens on your bed. 

7. Under Your Bed

There are many clear organizational bins that are made for under the bed -- some of them even have rollers on them for easy in and out access. This is a perfect place to store off season clothing removed from your closet. This give the added benefit of visually increasing the size of your closet which is always a plus.

Amie Featured in Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine

Amie was featured in the February edition of Acadiana Lifestyle magazine in an article on the principles of home staging (page A17).

The feature outlined Amie's well-known principles which include: Become a Seller, Not a Dweller, Appeal to the Masses, Maximize Strong Points, and several others.