Platinum Home Staging, Inc. ~ Serving Santa Barbara to Los Angeles & Malibu

Are You Going to Hire a Home Stager? Here Are Some Points to Consider

2010-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Something most Home Owners and Realtors may not be aware of, is that there is not an independent or national oversight organization such as NAR for Realtors, that certifies or licenses Home Stagers. There ARE member based organizations which enforce a strict Code of Ethics for its members and communities such as the Real Estate Staging Association. That being said, here are few questions that will help you to choose the RIGHT Home Stager for you.

1. Find a Stager with the most experience in actually Staging homes: There are many training, “certifying” and “accrediting” companies which, within just a few days, or a couple weeks, can turn anyone who takes their course into a “certified” or “accredited” home stager. Since there is not currently any government or oversight, ANYONE can “become a stager” almost overnight. Don’t hire just any home stager; Experience and professionalism trumps “certification”.

2. Do they have a valid business license and are they insured? If the Home Stager you are considering to hire is NOT insured you are putting yourself, your investment, your home (and/or your Client Home Owner) at SERIOUS RISK. Just think; what happens if:

* …your home stager or someone they hire throws out their back while moving a couch and they are not insured; YOU COULD BE LIABLE for their injuries
* …your home stager scratches your newly refinished wood floors while moving a chair and are not insured; YOU’RE OUT OF LUCK
* …if a potential Buyer trips over the edge of a curled up area rug and twists their ankle and your home stager is NOT insured; YOU COULD BE HELD LIABLE

We take the protection of you and your Clients VERY seriously because we are RESA-Pro professionals who have been Staging Homes for over 9 years. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is FULLY Insured with General Liability, Workers Compensation as well as Owned and Hired Auto Insurance.

3. Does the Stager have a printed portfolio or website with before and after photography? If they don’t have a current staging portfolio, they may have never done a staging job, or very few. If they have a website, you need to get past the first page. In other words; make sure that their portfolio contains photos that are of their own work. Not of stock photography purchased over the Internet, supplied by the “certifying” training course or shared before and after photos in a centralized web-site. Does their website have current information on recently staged properties or successes in today’s market and economy?

4. Do they offer a range of Staging options and styles, or is it “one-style-fits-all”. An experienced and professional Home Stager should have the resources to transition their staging to the style of the HOME and the market demographics in your area to target the Buyers in your area.

5. Ask for references, and then check those references. When did they work with the Stager? Were they pleased with the results? How soon did the property sell? Would they hire that stager again? And ask for more than just one professional reference: Home Owner, Realtor, Developer, etc

Once you have done your due diligence, you’ll be able to make the confident decision that you have chosen the right Home Stager. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been successfully Staging Homes in the Ventura and Los Angeles County areas for over 9 years and is the ONLY Interior Design Company in Southern CA that is endorsed by Pottery Barn. Call us today for your FREE Home Staging estimate. (805) 553~9952

Staged Last Week, Sold This Week: Home Staging Los Angeles

2010-07-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

That’s right. We barely had time to breath and even review our pictures of this home that my Company just staged last week, when we got the call, “We had several offers on the house and the one we opened escrow with looks like they want to close next week. Will that be a problem to de-Stage that quickly?” Needless to say we were thrilled, and of course our answer was , “No problem at all!”

This is the 4th house we have Staged for this Client and these smart Developers know that Home Staging WORKS to help them sell their properties faster.

Often times we may only be given a 2-3 day “notice” that a home is ready to be Staged, and since Platinum Home staging, Inc. turns over houses so quickly we are always happy to be able to give our Customers immediate service; efficiently and professionally.

So if you are located in the Ventura or Los Angeles County areas and would like to speak to a Professional Home Stager who has been successfully Staging Homes for over 9 years: call the ONLY Interior Design Company in Southern CA that is endorsed by Pottery Barn – Platinum Home Staging, Inc. 805.553.9952

5 Reasons You Should Stage Your Ventura County Home Under $500,000

2010-07-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

1) First-Time Buyers: The majority of the people looking to buy homes under $500,000 are First-Time Buyers. They are excited, they are scared, they want to make sure they get the MOST for their money because after all, it's a BIG investment and they want to make sure that they are making the right decision when buying their first house. Since the majority of the demographic coming to tour your home is going to be the First-Time Buyer your home needs to be marketed towards THEM. Staging your home to its fullest potential and highlighting selling points such as built ins, wood floors or a great garden view will help them remember YOUR home when they are visiting EVERY house in that market.

2) Size and Scale: Are there bedrooms in your house that contain two HUGE armoires, a dresser, two night stands and a Queen size bed? Typically homes that are listed under $500,000 have smaller bedrooms and rooms filled to the brim with large-scale furniture will actually make even a large room feel claustrophobic. Professional Home Stagers can help alleviate the congestion and bring the room back to its original size and scale. In Vacant properties, Professional Home Staging can actually make a very small room feel large and roomy. The ENTIRE square footage of the Santa Monica bungalow shown above is LESS than 700 square feet ~ You would never know it or feel it looking at this picture or entering this living area. (This Bungalow sold in 13 DAYS while 2 others just steps away have been on the market for months! - March 2010)

3) Awkward Floor Plans: Often times Developers of smaller homes or condos are trying to maximize every square foot possible for marketing, while flippers may often times remove existing walls to create a more "open" feel; both resulting in awkward floor plans. Small rooms, "bump outs", lofts or oddly placed windows may leave Buyers guessing and confused. Staging can help define the area in question, while high-lighting other great features of the space ultimately making it feel cohesive, not awkward.

4) First Impressions are EVERYTHING: The NAR (National Association of Realtors) announced in 2009 that over 87% of all Buyers shop for homes on the Internet and will literally "write-off" your home with a simple click of a mouse if it does not catch their eye in how the home is presented in those few on-line pictures. Make sure that first impression is a memorable one and that they will WANT to come see your home personally.

5) "The right price will bring your home interest; Staging it will bring offers." - Gary Keller, Keller Williams. All things be equal: price, location, square footage, number of rooms and bedrooms, etc the price will bring interest to your home; but Staging is what will bring in offers. When touring houses, Buyers make a snap decision within the first ten seconds upon entering your home. "Is it clean?", "Is it inviting?", "Is it maintained?" but most importantly, "Can I see myself living here?" That FIRST impression is what will make your house stand out among the homes that Buyers are touring. You may very well be helping to sell the house down the street by NOT Staging your home. (Home Staging featured in the above before and after pictures helped get this Agoura home SOLD in 11 DAYS! - April 2010)

If you are located in the Ventura County area and ready to sell your home or listing, contact Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for your free Home Staging estimate. (805) 553-9952

"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall; You Weren't That Pretty After All..."

2010-06-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

This photo could have been cropped down but I wanted to show the true SIZE and SCALEof this massive inset mirror. Yep, that's me with the flash standing all the way back at the front door. The previous owners installed this and the current owners have never liked it; yet never knew what to do with it. I know it's good Feng Shui to have a mirror facing the entrance or the front door, but this is over-kill.

Now these Home Owners are ready to SELL (they recently closed escrow on their next home) and called in Platinum Home Staging, Inc. to assist them in addressing all the "things" THEY as owners never liked in the home. They wanted to remove ALL negative vibes from this Simi Valley Woodranch home from ANY prospective buyers: so here is what we did.

Home Staging Presentation for Realtors

2010-06-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Home Staging Presentation for Realtors

View more presentations from Connie Tebyani.

REALTORS: Tips on How to Overcome Stage(r) Fright

2010-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I had a very frank phone call with a local Realtor Friend whom does a large volume in our area and we often "bounce" ideas off each other in regards to business, marketing, blogging, etc. Even though we speak frequently, I asked him point blank during the conversation, "Since you know all the benefits of my Industry (Home Staging) why is it that you've never used one?" His reply was simply, "...because some Home Owners get offended when you tell them their house looks like cr*p."

We both shared a good laugh but this was an "ah-HA!" moment for me. Here was a Realtor who BELIEVES that presenting a home properly is imperative, who KNOWS the benefits of Home Staging, who even WANTS to get all his listings staged, even if only to declutter - he just needed some help in the delivery.

To help him, and the rest of the Realtors who might be suffering from Stage-r Fright; here are some problem solving sollutions to ensure you are in the spotlight and on cue.

The Casting Call: Make them want you as their Leading "Actor" (Realtor) from the very first casting call (Interview). You've come with your marketing plan, your script if you will, and you're ready to knock their socks off with all the things that you will do to make their home a block-buster.

Called to Read: By letting them know up-front in the first meeting that Home Staging IS a service that you provide, they will ALREADY BE OPEN to the idea of a Stager coming into their home, and will actually expect it! By adding the services of a Professional Home Stager to your repartee you will stand out immediately as being up-to-date in marketing. You are immediately setting the Stage that your Home Stager will come in, spend time with them and walk them through their house with an unbiased view about how their home, in it's current state, will be perceived and viewed by potential Buyers.

The Call Back: They want YOU as their Leading Actor/Actress; you've landed the listing - er Lead Role - you're ready to hit your mark, but before you've memorized your lines, THIS is when you call your Home Stager and ask them to be your support when going into rehearsals.

Curtain Call: TELL your Stager about the project, TELL your Home Stager about the Audience (Home Owners) make them your PARTNER (or "bad guy") in the story line of what YOU need to have addressed. (e.g. too much clutter, pet odors, wall paper, lighting/upgrades, etc.) Let the Stager take the role of Supporting Actor on YOUR stage.

The Professional Home Stager will dance through the home with your Home Owners, singing a happy tune about what/where/how the home will be able to be presented in it's best possible "spot" light. Well, maybe not dance, but you get the idea. Going from room-to-room, Act 1, 2, 3 (and maybe 4 or 5) the Home Stager will allow you to still be the Staring role but support your every move. From a simple walk through to de-clutter and packing to completely furnishing an empty stage (home) the Experienced Stager will be able to talk with your Home Owner about:

•WHY their floral wall paper and country quilt should probably be adjusted and new bedding purchased.
•About WHY their zebra striped rug and cheetah sofa probably would not show well in the Internet marketing photography.
•About WHY it would be better that their collection of dolls from around the world would only be a major distraction for any young child who might be present with their parents while touring this lovely family home (and might get damaged/stolen in the process)

ENCORE! ENCORE!: OK, your Sellers might not literally shower you in rose petals - but what they will believe is that you are a STAR and your performance was Oscar Worthy. They will REFER YOU to all their family and friends, co-workers and neighbors.

The gist of this post is that by partnering with a Professional and Experienced Home Stager in your area you will be adding a vital key component to your Team and allows for the Stager to be able to correctly approach delicate subjects that maybe you are not comfortable in addressing directly yourself; without up-staging you.

If you are an Agent, Realtor or Broker in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas, call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. ~ We'll make sure your Seller's HOME is ready for it's "close up". If outside of Southern CA, check the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) website for qualified referrals in your area.

"Sellers Who Stage are Just Smarter", she said.

2010-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Recently my Company was called by a Home Owner who is thinking of placing her Santa Monica Townhome on the market for sale in the next few months and was inquiring as to the services we could provide for her. These Home Owners actually live out of State and the unit is currently a income rental property, so they needed to find a Home Staging Company that could handle everything for them since they were at such a distance.

I explained the process of how we can handle all repairs and upgrades such as painting, refinishing floors, lighting selections and installation as well as how Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is fully Insured and that we only work with reputable, also fully Insured, Contractors.

Further, we talked about the process of actually Staging the Home to sell and I very happily quipped, "94% our Staged Homes routinely are under contract within the first 6 weeks and many are within the first 2 weeks, if not days." and then she hit me.....

"Well, that sounds wonderful but I'd like to also think that the Sellers have something to do with those statistics... Sellers who Stage their homes are just SMARTER." She went on to say, "People who Stage their homes are READY TO SELL their homes and will price it right and present it properly."

Needless to say, a smile crossed my face from ear-to-ear: she was right.

If you're in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas and ready to to speak with a Professional Home Stager that is the ONLY Design Company in Southern CA endorsed by Pottery Barn; call us, we'll be happy to help you prepare your home and package it to appeal to the buyers in YOUR target market.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. (805) 553-9952

Home Staging and the Generic Can of Beer

2010-05-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

You're thirsty, you want something cold and you decide to hit the local store and grab yourself a drink. You turn the down the aisle and find a wall of seemingly hundreds of different choices from water to juice drinks to wine and beer, in this case, you opt for the beer.

But is this the first one you grab? Sure it's cheap, probably gets you the same results, but is it what you want to spend your money on?

So you look a little further, and actually take a step back and survey the entire isle. You suddenly feel overwhelmed by the vast array of choices offered up for your choosing. Everything from light to dark; inexpensive to over priced; brand new to classic; boring to bold. So you sit, and you ponder a while, "Do I spend the money and get what I REALLY want, or do I settle for just ‘any-old-beer' because it gets the same results?" Nope, you spend the money and get what you really want.

What you really want, is the one you remember. The one you saw on TV or on-line that implanted images of bright cheerful memories, warmth, comfort and nary a worry to be had. You reached for the one that left you feeling good about your purchase. Sure, the dingy, peeling white label of the generic can of beer would have given you the same results, but you reached for the one that was already cold and you knew would not take much effort to enjoy other than to open it up.

Marketing companies spend MILLIONS of dollars every year to convince you that their beer is the best beer. They spend MILLIONS of dollars, man hours and time on product development and placement. What colors will be most impactful and memorable to their target consumer and buyer.

We're talking about $2.00 bottles and cans of beer...

•Why then, would you not take this same marketing approach and passion when selling a HOUSE?
•Why then, you would think that buyers should simply "be able to look past" all the dirt, clutter and sofa in the dining room?
•Why then, would you think that YOUR house or listing would stand out or be memorable when buyers are turning down that aisle and are being overwhelmed by the hundreds of houses that are available to them in the same price range?
•Why then, would you NOT want to spend a few dollars and make sure that your home or listing IS the most memorable house on the market?

If you're in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas and ready to to speak with a Professional Home Stager that is the ONLY Design Company in SoCal endorsed by Pottery Barn; call us, we'll be happy to help you prepare your home and package it to appeal to the buyers in YOUR target market. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. (805) 553-9952

Lover of the Vine? Check our this Solid Mahogany Wood Wine Rack

2010-05-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you find something that you just "have-to-have" only to find that it has been discontinued, sold out or just no longer available. Personally, I don't drink (shocking I know) but many of my Interior Design clients are lovers of the vine, but cannot dedicate a large amount of square footage for a wine cellar. We needed something smaller, more compact that makes a statement and doesn't require major kitchen reconfigurations or stuffing wine racks into hallway closets.

This was one of those items that for YEARS we fruitlessly tried to find for a number of clients, until now. One of our favorite vendors recently ansered our prayers with this solid mahogany wood wine rack.
Imagine a wall of wine against your dining room wall instead of a basic mirror, or leaning in a corner of a den or office. This solid mahogany wine rack is 64' tall x 15" wide, holds 24 bottles of your favorite wine and can be shipped anywhere in the continental United States. If you would like this statement piece, contact Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for current pricing, special offers or bulk order discounts.

5 Reasons to Stage Your Ventura County Home under $500,000

2010-04-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Something we often hear from Sellers, Realtors, Developers and "Flippers" is that it's not worth the small investment to Stage Homes under $500,000 in the Southern CA area. Here are five reasons why it IS a smart investment and ultimately why ALL homes can benefit from Professional Home Staging:

1) First-Time Buyers: The majority of the people looking to buy homes under $500,000 are First-Time Buyers. They are excited, they are scared, they want to make sure they get the MOST for their money because after all, it's a BIG investment and they want to make sure that they are making the right decision when buying their first house. Since the majority of the demographic coming to tour your home is going to be the First-Time Buyer your home needs to be marketed towards THEM. Staging your home to its fullest potential and highlighting selling points such as built ins, wood floors or a great garden view will help them remember YOUR home when they are visiting EVERY house in that market.

2) Size and Scale: Are there bedrooms in your house that contain two HUGE armoires, a dresser, two night stands and a Queen size bed? Typically homes that are listed under $500,000 have smaller bedrooms and rooms filled to the brim with large-scale furniture will actually make a large room feel claustrophobic. Professional Home Stagers can help alleviate the congestion and bring the room back to its original size and scale. In Vacant properties, Professional Home Staging can actually make a very small room feel large and roomy. The ENTIRE square footage of the bungalow shown above is LESS than 700 square feet ~ You would never know it or feel it looking at this picture or entering this living area.

3) Awkward Floor Plans: Often times Developers of smaller homes or condos are trying to maximize every square foot possible for marketing, while flippers may often times remove existing walls to create a more "open" feel; both resulting in awkward floor plans. Small rooms, "bump outs", lofts or oddly placed windows may leave Buyers guessing and confused. Staging can help define the area in question, while high-lighting other great features of the space ultimately making it feel cohesive, not awkward.

4) First Impressions are EVERYTHING: The NAR (National Association of Realtors) announced in 2009 that over 87% of all Buyers shop for homes on the Internet and will literally "write-off" your home with a simple click of a mouse if it does not catch their eye in how the home is presented in those few on-line pictures. Make sure that first impression is a memorable one and that they will WANT to come see your home personally.

5) "The right price will bring your home interest; Staging it will bring offers." - Gary Keller, Keller Williams. All things be equal: price, location, square footage, number of rooms and bedrooms, etc the price will bring interest to your home; but Staging is what will bring in offers. When touring houses, Buyers make a snap decision within the first ten seconds upon entering your home. "Is it clean?", "Is it inviting?", "Is it maintained?" but most importantly, "Can I see myself living here?" That FIRST impression is what will make your house stand out among the homes that Buyers are touring. You may very well be helping to sell the house down the street by NOT Staging your home.

If you are located in the Los Angeles or Ventura County areas and ready to sell your home or listing, contact Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for your free Home Staging estimate. (805) 553-9952

Just a very small sampling from Platinum Home Staging

2010-03-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Conejo Network

::: Don't Make our Buyers Hit a Brick Wall :::

2010-03-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Often times when opening the front door to a home or condo there is typically an "entry" area. The area that welcomes Potential Buyers with maybe a small table, artwork, plant, etc. and leads them to the next room or area of the home. This "entry" may also be the "Landing Spot" for the Realtor's marketing brochures or other Realtors to leave their cards. While other homes might have wide open spaces, grand stair cases and vaulted ceiling; there is still usually a small table or the like as described. This was not the case on this home...

This is what Potential Buyers and Realtors saw IMMEDIATELY as they entered this beautiful ranch home: a cold, white, painted brick wall. It is actually the side of a double sided fireplace that splits the massive living space nearly in half. However, as one enters this home there were no walls to place a small table, standard eight foot ceilings and a smaller round table would have just stopped you at the door: not very welcoming. We couldn't exactly ignore this big white elephant in the room either. The solution:

My Company embraced it and made it as if it were meant-to-be. The brick wall became our "welcome pad" - our entry if you will. With a large color washed painting, textural elements and a touch of sparkle, we added a serving tray with a bright purple orchid to contrast and bring the eye to where the Realtor can now place their marketing brochures. Buyers will no longer hit a brick wall, when they enter their new home! ;)

A Quick Home Staging Infomercial

2010-02-28T07:33:00.001-08:00

Sampling of Recent Home Staging Successes!

2010-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. today for your FREE Home Staging estimate

(805) 553~9952

http://www.PlatinumHomeStaging.com

5 Tips to Sell Your Home in Today's Market: ABC's Today Show

2010-02-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Gary Keller of Keller Willams was on the Today Show on February 26, 2010. One of the Nations largest Reatlor and Brokerage firms, hear what he has to say about Home Staging, Pricing your home right and selling in today's Real Estate Market.

So Many Home Stagers; So Many Questions

2010-02-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Something most Home Owners and Realtors may not be aware of, is that currently there is not an independent or national oversight organization such as NAR for Realtors, that certifies or licenses Home Stagers, and no government oversight or licensing in most areas. There ARE member based organizations which enforce a strict Code of Ethics for its members and communities such as the Real Estate Staging Association. That being said, here are few questions that will help you to choose the RIGHT Home Stager for you.

1. Find a Stager with the most experience in actually Staging homes: There are many training, “certifying” and “accrediting” companies which, within just a few days, or a couple weeks, can turn anyone who takes their course into a “certified” or “accredited” home stager. Since there is not currently any government oversight, ANYONE can “become a stager” almost overnight. Don’t hire “just any” home stager; Experience and professionalism trumps “certification”.

2. Does the Stager have a printed portfolio or website with before and after photography? If they don’t have a current staging portfolio, they may have never done a staging job, or very few.

3. If they have a website, you need to get past the first page.
In other words; make sure that their portfolio contains photos that are of their own work. The first page may be filled with amazing photos of excellent Interior Design or architecture, so you need to ensure that you "get past" the first page and go to either the Portfolio or Gallery page to ensure that what is being presented is not stock photography purchased over the Internet, supplied by the “certifying” training course or “shared” before and after photos in a centralized web-site. Does their website have current information on recently staged properties or successes in today’s market and economy?

With so many people entering the Home Staging Industry, it's important to be educated about who you entrust your most valuable asset. For more tips and questions to ask your Home Stager; click here.

Sellers: Be Wary of the "HGTV Effect"

2010-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying I love HGTV for the very fact alone that it has helped educate the public masses about the power of preparing and presenting a home when it’s on the market sale; otherwise known as Home Staging. (My disclaimer)
However, a word to Seller’s to be wary of getting caught up in what has lovingly been dubbed “The HGTV Effect“. similar to the “CSI Effect” of Judicial Juries believing that DNA samples can be resolved and fingerprints matched within a few minutes. The HGTV Effect is the misconception that an entire house can be upgraded, Staged and transformed for $2,000. While these shows do an excellent job of showing what can be done, it also does not show what has not been OR what goes into GETTING all these things done.

Case in point: One show might show three rooms that have been transformed and at the end of the show a breakdown might be presented as something like, “Paint was $295.00, Flooring was $630.00 while lighting was $75.00 and draperies and new bedding were only $45.00….” You get the point. What is NOT shown in these totals are the cost of moving trucks, equipment and tool rentals, carpentry fees, and labor. Think about how much TIME is spent shopping and researching all those “great finds” as well as the labor to design, paint, install, cut, haul, etc… This doesn’t even touch other needs that Stagers in the REAL WORLD must cover such as insurance requirements, additional labor, movers, gas, etc…. Now, I’m not saying that a home can’t be Staged for $2,000. What I am saying is; be realistic and educated about what Professional Home Staging really entails. If $2,000+ still is not within your budget, many Home Stagers may even offer options for smaller budgets or Consultations for the Do-It-Yourself Home Owner.

It is also the misconception that ALL of this work can be completed in a 30 minute time-frame. OK, not 30 minutes, but you get the point. Upgrades and repairs will take up to several weeks to complete depending on the amount needed for your home to compete for top-dollar in your market. Also consider your timeline: some Home Staging Company’s will complete installations within just one day, other’s might take 2-3 depending on the amount of work and the square footage to be Staged. Some Companies might require a 1-2 week period to schedule an installation, while others might be able to fit you in “this week.”
Research and interview several Home Staging Companies that service your area and as always take into consideration that you may very well “get what you pay for”. You might even consider reading this post to know what to look for when hiring a Professional Home Stager. However, once your homework is done, be confident in knowing that you’ve made the right decision about the Home Staging Company you have selected and the exceptional outcome it will produce.

Start the Process of Packing Sooner than Later « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

Start the Process of Packing Sooner than Later « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

There is a psychology behind selling your home, especially if you have been there for a long period of time. Suddenly you begin to realize that you can’t keep 50 boxes of files in the spare bedroom, that your prescription and vitamin collection probably shouldn’t be aired out like dirty laundry for all to see, or that you don’t realize that your home smells of wet dog. As a Seller you become “used to” these things because your eye sees it everyday; it almost becomes a comfort. Something that, as a Seller one needs to realize is, that you are going to need to go through this process sooner or later. (Click on the link for more)

Home Staging and the Generic Can of Beer « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

Is Home Staging Worth It?

2010-01-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

Real Estate Blog - Remember This House?

2010-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Real Estate Blog - Remember This House? Yep, this was the house that had us Singing the Blues in December 2009. Yep - It's SOLD! This home is already in escrow! Under contract in just 9 short days! Congratulations to Kelly Pesis of White House Properties and the KOR Group Development Co. for pricing it right and recognizing the power of Professional Home Staging!

Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

This project located in Agoura, CA started out quite some time ago. You see, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has known and worked with this Client before: we STAGED his house for sale alomst 18 months ago. He was inspired what what we had done and when his new residence was ready, he called our Professionals in to transform his house into a HOME. Click here for more: Platinum Home Staging's Blog

Featured in the Ventura County Star! « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Featured in the Ventura County Star! « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

How Social Media has effected the way we work, market, network, link in and ultimately benefit from the Sign Of The Times.

Buyer Beware: the "FREE" Home Stager

2010-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Be aware and fully informed before hiring "just any" Home Stager.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

If Your Home or Listing has been on the Market for “Too Long”, It’s Time to Mix Things Up a Bit! « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

If Your Home or Listing has been on the Market for “Too Long”, It’s Time to Mix Things Up a Bit! « Platinum Home Staging's Blog

Platinum Home Staging's Blog

2010-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Platinum Home Staging's Blog

Want Home Staging Results? We've GOT Results!

2009-10-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

http://www.platinumhomestaging.com

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is now the exclusive Interior Design Company for Pottery Barn!

2009-07-20T15:59:00.001-07:00

Pottery Barn & PHS, Inc. have joined forces!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is now the exclusive

Interior Design Company for Pottery Barn, a Williams & Sanoma Company.

Serving the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. will now assist all Pottery Barn clients and customers with all of their Interior Decor needs and dilemmas.

Not sure what paint color to choose?
Unsure if the couch you want, will fit in your space?
What about bedding and towels or placement of accessories and artwork?

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. will give you a FREE one room, in home consultation to answer all of your questions or concerns. WHY WAIT? Call the Pottery Barn in Thousand Oaks, CA for more information and to schedule your Design Consultation!

Pottery Barn
THE OAKS Mall
568 W HILLCREST DRIVE
THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360
(805) 373-6501

Tell them Connie from Platinum Home Staging sent you!

Revamp Your Pillows for ZERO Dollars ?!

2009-07-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

We all have them. Piles of pillows that are either old, stained, faded or we bought "because they were such a great price" yet never to be used. You know what I'm talking about. Don't deny it.

But here is an "A-HA!" moment I wanted to share.

For ZERO $$$, I practiced what I preach and used my good ol' fashion elbow greese (and a sewing machine) to revamp all of my pillows rather than toss them, buy new slip covers or even to donate them only to then have to go BUY even more pillows.

Recently while at my local Upholstery Vendor, I asked if he had any scraps. You know; the left over yardage of fabrics that are from the end of the bolt when doing large projects - his eyes lit up and he directed me to a HUGE shelving unit filled with scraps.

"You can have them!" he exclaimed - then it was ME who lit up and my brain started working wonders.

A few days later and after a few hours of sewing: I have an entirely new inventory of pillows.

A few tips to get the biggest bang for your buck:

1) Make the pillows reversible with different, but complimentary, fabrics on each side.

2) Plan out what sizes you have in your current pillow inventory and see which fabrics you can get the most out of.

There was even enough of some fabrics to make an entire Twin bed set! =D

Happy Sewing...I mean Staging!

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Serving Ventura County and Greater Los Angeles Areas:Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Are You Helping Sell the House Down the Street?

2009-05-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Your listing started off well. You held opened houses, there were even a few people who came by and saw the house - but no offers yet... You advertised, held a few more open houses, maybe even dropped the asking price; but there is little interest. Right now you are probably asking yourself, "Why aren't people coming to view the house?" OR you're trying to convince yourself that it's, "Just the market...."

Here are a few things to consider:
1) If your home had lots of activity to begin with, you're price may have been right - but if there are no offers, then they didn't like what they saw and moved onto the next house.

2) Even at the right price, how is the home viewed via the internet? The NAR released that OVER 87% of Home Buyers today, "shop" the internet and narrow down their list of "must see" homes simply by how the home is presented on the Internet.

3) The more pictures the better, the most appealing pictures always win out for the "must see" list.

For example: Which would you prefer? These two homes are in the same high end area, comparable number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. The first home is actualy priced LOWER than the second home by almost $50,000! Yet the second home was professionally Staged by Platinum Home Staging, Inc. and SOLD just 3 weeks from the date of listing for full price!

SOLD in 3 weeks!

If you were a buyer, which would YOU prefer? Which home, when all things being comparable, would YOU want to "go see" in person?

By NOT Staging your home or listing, you may very well be helping sell the listing down the street. Call us today for your FREE Home Staging Estimate! (805) 553~9952
Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Be Informed Before Hiring "just any" Home Stager

2009-05-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Visit our extensive portfolio at http://www.PlatinumHomeStaging.com/Portfolio and call us today for your FREE Home Staging estimate. (805) 553-9952

Home Staging for Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Malibu

Need that "WOW" factor under a tight budget? Call a Professional Home Stager

2009-05-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

This Home Owner wanted her home to have that "WOW" factor for a Fundraiser she was hosting in her home. She didn't need to completely redecorate, she just needed it done FAST and under a TIGHT budget ~ She called in the Professionals of Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Even if your not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home?
Call us today, (805) 553~9952

Serving Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, and everything in between.

Fully licensed & Insured

Featured Designer on AvaLiving.com

2009-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I ended last week off on a great note, but what an honor and surprise to start this week off by being notified that I was chosen as a Featured Designer at the Internationally Acclaimed, AvaLiving.com I am humbled to be selected out of such a dynamic and talented group of Designers, THANK YOU AvaLiving!

Trust Your Most Valuable Asset to a Professional Home Stager

2009-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Home Staging doesn't have to be a Budget Buster

2009-03-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

When preparing your home for sale, hiring a Professional Home Stager may seem daunting, intimidating and may give off the impression of being "expensive" - but it doesn't have to be. A Professional Home Stager will ease your worries, calm your fears and most offer a wide range of service options that can easily fit into most budgets. One cost effective option for Home Owners is a Re-Design. Using your own furnishings and the addition of well selected and placed accessories, your home can be transformed in as little as 1 day.

Don't trust your most valuable asset to a "hobby" Home Stager, call in the established Professionals with experience and a proven results in today's market.

Visit our extensive portfolio at www.PlatinumHomeStaging.com/Portfolio and call us today for your FREE Home Staging estimate. (805) 553-9952

Los Angeles ~ Ventura ~ Santa Barbara Home Stager

2009-03-13T13:39:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

2009-03-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever walked into a home and had something hit you as just off, not right or just didn't fit in with the rest of the home? All of us have, and this home was no exception. I was called in on a Home Staging in Santa Barbara, CA which had been almost totally renovated. New floors, new skim coat and paint, new recessed lighting - then I saw "it". "It" was brass, and crystal, dull and dusty. "It" was already the replacement of what was previously there because the family had run out of money to finish the home before it went on the market. I even offered to REPLACE "It" out of my own money. "It" just wasn't working with the rest of the house... But "It" was a non-negotiable item, it had to stay...

So I EMBRACED "It", and I must say it was one the more difficult Home Staging jobs trying to plan décor around a 20 year old crystal and brass chandelier to make it work. But I think we did a FINE job. Adding a little glitz and glamour, it now looks right at "home".

We added the great beveled mirror to add some drama and brighten the room, added crystal decanters and glasses to the buffet table, and brought that attention into the Living room with glass ball table lamps and candlesticks.

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

Home Staging Leads Buyers...

2009-03-12T19:09:00.001-07:00

Upon entering this house as a Buyer looking for a home, where would you go from here? Human nature would say, "To the left, that's where the living spaces are." However in this home the floor plan is flipped. Guest bedrooms are on the 1st floor, the Kitchen, Living spaces and Master bedroom are actually located on the 2nd floor.

Following their instincts, Buyers and Realtors when looking for a huge kitchen and living room would immediately turn left to three empty bedrooms, and were a bit befuddled. Once Buyers and Realtors DID go up the stairs this is the area they would be "welcomed" by. Would you be interested in this home? Nobody else was.... So for seven months this house that is located just steps away from Ventura Beach sat on the market with little interest.

So after taking the home off of the market for a short period, partnered with a new Realtor and a grand marketing plan, the new Realtor suggested that the home should be Staged. She had worked with us on a prior property just a few blocks away, which sold in 3 weeks - so she was confident in the results Staging would be able to present.

Now after Staging, if you were a Buyer entering this home, THIS is what you be presented with. The eye is brought to the right where the entry table and marketing materials are located and spotlighted. The plants and artwork immediately bring your eye to LEAD you up the stairs, to be presented with THIS grand living space. Yes, Home Staging DOES lead the Buyer, but only in possative ways and to the right places and focal points when presenting your home for sale.
PLATINUM HOME STAGING, INC.

Platinum Home Staging, Inc is your Professional Home Stager serving the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas. From Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and everything in between, call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. today for your FREE Home Staging Bid! (805) 553-9952

Think of it as a $100,000 Home Selling Stimulus Package!

2009-02-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Based on statistics of my company, we have injected OVER $100,000 into the economy and we didn't need the President, Senate or the House of Representatives to do it! How? Simple mathematics and smart partnerships.

Despite the fact that there is over a 10 month inventory of homes for sale in Southern California, our smart partnerships with Realtors, Home Owners and Developers, our homes are still selling within an average of 8 weeks (although some in just days) So for example purposes, today I'm going to use an average of 3 months.

Assisting a Developer get his remodeled, multi-million dollar home SOLD in 5 days, saved him over $20,000 in carrying costs.

A Home Owner first started with a Consultation, then decided to have us oversee the entire project of updating him home to be ready for sale. SOLD within 3 weeks for full price, saved him OVER $13,000 in carrying costs.

A Realtor enlisted our services on two of her listings for a TOTAL OUT OF POCKET COST OF JUST $300. One home went into multiple offers and closed escrow for $20,000 OVER ASKING PRICE, and saving the Home Owner $5,000 in carrying costs! The second home opened escrow in just 10 days for full price saved the home owner over $7,000 in carrying costs. The Realtor also told me she saved almost $3,000 between the two listing in adverting and marketing because the homes sold so quickly. For a total revenue injection of over $ 35,000 for the bargain basement price of $300!!!

Another Realtor enlisted our services on a vacant condo. The exact same floor plan was also for sale 2 doors down and also vacant (same asking price) After Staging the condo it SOLD in 1 month, while the vacant condo is STILL on the market to this day! This saved the Home Owner over $6,000 if it were to still be on the market today as the other unit is.

Another Home Owner did a Consultation on his multi-million dollar home for the bargain price of $550, and opened escrow in 6 weeks, saving him over $30,000 in carrying costs of the property had it been on the market for just 3 more months.

Consider it a Home Selling Stimulus Package courtesy of Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Call us today to receive YOUR portion of our stimulus package! (805) 553-9952

Platinum Home Staging - The Proof is in the Pudding!

2009-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

What did these Home Sellers and Realtors do in 2008 to get results like these?

They hired Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

Greenbush Lane, Moorpark
Vacant home is Staged and opens escrow in 7 weeks!

Wiscasset Drive, West Hills
Sold for within 97% of asking price after Staging!
(Closed escrow March 5, 2008)

Arroyo Del Mar, Camarillo
Vacant home is one the market for 7 months, Staged and opens escrow in 10 days!

Saint Thomas, Oak Park
Received 5 offers and closed escrow for $ 20,000 over asking price!
(Closed escrow June 24, 2008)

Effingham Drive, Los Feliz
Vacant remodel, Staged and opened escrow in less than 1 week!
(Closed escrow July 31, 2008)

Wellworth Ave, Westwood
Owner Occupied home is Staged and opens escrow in 22 days!
(Closed escrow August 21, 2008)

Saint Croix, Oak Park
Staging Consultation helps get it sold in 2 weeks!

Seahorse Lane, Ventura
Owner Occupied opens escrow in 3 weeks after Staging!
(Closed escrow Sept. 9, 2008)

Bright Glen Court, Westlake Village
Vacant condo gets Staged and opens escrow in 6 weeks!
(closed escrow December 8, 2008)

Serving the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas

Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

today for all your Home Staging, Re-Deisgn and Interior Design needs.

(805) 553-9952

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.

2009-01-16T21:17:00.001-08:00

Visit our extensive Home Staging portfolio of Owner Occupied homes, Vacant Homes, New Construction, Re-Designs and Re-Models. From paint colors to place settings, Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is your complete Home Staging and Interior Design Company. Call us today to begin your home's transformation.

(805) 553-9952

The Difference in hiring a Home Stager or a "stager"

2009-01-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. was called in on a very larger property for a Home Staging Consultation. This bachelor has what every bachelor has in his dining room - a POOL TABLE, of course! Well, his Broker suggested using a Home Stager to get his home up to par, since the exact same floor plan across the street was also for sale. (Thumbs up to him!)

After talking with this home owner several times, we're 99% ready to move forward and I suggest this beautiful, handmade dining room set which seats 8. Everything in the home is Casa de Mexico, handmade, rich woods, terracotta tiles, etc. The dining room is 15' wide by 17' long, so this was my suggestion for a small monthly rental fee. Keep in mind, this is the ONLY piece of furniture we have to bring in for him, so this would be his ONLY furniture expense.

So flies in the Broker to save the day! His Broker has "a warehouse of furniture that he uses for staging that we can use for FREE!" - "Great!" I replied, "We can use what he has" - we do this every day; incorporate other pieces into the plan, besides it's only 1 room of the entire 6,000+ square feet of house - right?

Here's the kicker - THIS is the set that the Broker IS CURRENTLY USING in a house right down the street, which he is offering for us to use for free! How generous of him! Thankfully the Home Owner agreed that this set was a bit "weak" to use as the formal dining set.

That is why people hire experienced, Professional Home Stagers to STAGE homes, not just put furniture in a house....

Plainum Home Staging, Inc. is your experienced and professional Home Staging Company serving the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas. Call us today for your FREE Home Staging Bid at (805) 553-9952

Home Staging is not just for "Selling" Homes

2009-01-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

The term "selling" a home is actually quite broad and varied. Think about it - "Selling" a home is not just for selling homes. If you are a Property Manager, or have a second income rental or vacation property, you are also "selling" your home, or rather it's services, every day.

These homes are not "for sale", yet they are essentially "selling" themselves; their service of a location for a relaxing vacation or quiet weekend, a family reunion, a weekend by the beach, or a ski trip in the mountains. Keeping in mind that over 98% of all potential clients or customers will view and decide on your rental or vacation property purely by how it is presented via the internet. How the property is presented through it's photographs IS the first impression.

For a very minimal investment, a Professional Home Stager can help Re-design your property using what you already have or for small additional cost, bring in accessory items, artwork, even furniture. Platinum Home Staging, Inc. will even take new, high resolution digital photos of the property once it has been Staged for use via internet marketing and print ads. Additional services such as Virtual Tours and embedded HTML codes are also available.

Using the same approach of "selling" your Rental and Lease properties can pay for itself within days as many home owners in today's economy are looking to lease homes verses apartments.

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Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. today (805) 53-9952 for your FREE Home Staging Bid. Serving the greater Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Home Staging for Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara

This Realtor in La Canada, CA Gets IT!!!

2009-01-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

With some recent Agents saying that what I do as my chosen profession categorized as being "out" for 2009, I wanted to post a link to a Realtor Blog in La Cananda, CA that gets it!

Phyllis Harb of Dickens Podley Realtors
Her Los Angeles Real Estate Blog hits the nail on the head and I invite everyone to take a read and realize that this is coming from an Realty Industry Professional, not a Home Stager, and please leave a comment on her blog.
No wonder this Glendale home took 241 days and three price reductions to sell!

Home Staging is a viable marketing, selling and listing tool that Realtors should, and need to, embrace. The NAR recently released that over 87% of Buyers are "shopping" the internet first. Realtors everywhere are commenting on how advertising a property in local newspapers is a thing of the past and a waste of money. That being said, how the property is portrayed via the internet IS the homes FIRST IMPRESSION!
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Subscribe to my Blog
Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

Your Professional Home Stager for Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, West Hills, Northridge, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Wood Ranch, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara

"My home has been on the market for months. Now what?!"

2008-12-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

Before we answer this question, we need to address a few more scenarios about why your home hasn't sold.

The first and foremost being: Are you listed with a Real Estate Agent? Or are you trying to go it FSBO? If the later is your situation, you really need to suck it up and start interviewing Professional Agents in your area (not your cousin's-best friend's-sister who is a Realtor located 45 miles away) The money you were trying to save by not paying the commission has already been lost in delaying the sale of your home and carrying costs. Bite the bullet! List with a Professional Realtor who knows your area, neighborhood, your target demographics and can market your home far better than you can and are.

The second part of this goes hand-in-hand with the first: Your asking price. Communitcate with your Realtor, this is WHAT THEY DO. A Realtor will either a) Give you a reality check and adjust your price accordingly, or b) be able to market the home to the right demographics.

Lastly, take a HARD look at your home and ask yourself, "What can I do to make it better?" If you answered your own question with, "...nothing, my home is beautiful..." Then it's time to call in the additional services of a Professional Home Stager.

In today's market, your home needs to be the the utmost, BEST condition, as it is likely to be competing with hundreds of other homes for the same price! "Location, Location, Location" is not the selling mantra in today's market. "Location, Price, Condition" is what is going to sell your home. Obviously, if your home has been on the market for months, it needs something you're not willing, ready or able to do. For very little investment, most Professional Home Stagers offer a consultation service.

From curb appeal, de-cluttering to paint colors, flooring or misc. upgrades and repairs: a paid Consultation will give you the road map to ensure your home will show at its very best every day. If the 7-10 page typed report seems a bit over-whelming, ask the Stager to give you a bid to have them perform part or all of the suggested items. It's a great place to start, and you have nothing to lose....except maybe another mortgage payment.
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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

WARNING: BAD MLS Photos!

2008-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

AGENTS - WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!!!!?????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Here are just a few local MLS pictures that EVERY REALTOR and BUYER is seeing of YOUR LISTING!!!! Whether they are local buyers or relocating from across the country or from the other side of the world ~ isn't the Internet a wonderful thing?!?!?!
Have you forgotten that over 85% of Buyers look to the Internet to "shop" for homes? Have you forgotten that first impressions mean everything?
PLEASE, Call us - we can help!!!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc.
www.PlatinumHomeStaging.com
(805) 553-9952

These photos were not the "worst-of-the-worst", but were within the first few listings of selected areas as posted on Realtor.com. Since it is inevitable that we will offend someone with this post, anyone who believes that this is offensive should take this apology to apply to them personally. Sorry, We're only trying to help!

My $.02 Regarding Home Staging "Courses"

2008-12-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

That's RIGHT! I'm on my soap box and I have HAD IT!

Being a Home Stager in an unregulated industry is HARD enough...

Trying to educated Home Owners, Realtors and the general Public about my industry is HARD enough...

But I AM here to educate EVERYONE that in the Home Staging Industry, EXPERIENCE and PROFESSIONALISM will trump ANY alphabet-shalphabet string of "certifications" or "accredidation" letters behind my name any day!!!

GO AHEAD - LET ME HAVE IT!!! But before you do... You have to know why I am on my soap box today, and those of you whom may have gone through one of the VERY few courses which have been around for years, should also be mad as he**!

I can't count on my fingers and toes just how many NEW and so-called home staging "training" companies have suddenly jumped on the bandwagon advertising themselves as offering that they can turn anyone into "certified", "accredited" or "exclusively trained" home stagers. Promising "a minimum of $75 per hour with little to NO inventory required" that can turn you into a bona-fied home stager "...in as little as 2 days..." and can cost anywhere from $500 - $2,799 and this is one I came across just this evening that sent me over the edge and prompted this post.

Home Staging Certification
$149
(INSERT PAYPALL BUTTON HERE)
And even advertises "Take 1 test and get 2 Certificates!

One for YOU, one for YOUR PARTNER!!!"

I actually called one of the more recent "certifying home staging courses" that just opened in my own back yard and asked her what her credentials were and asked if she had a website other than her own training course where I could see some of her most recent works..... She had none.

Another one I did a little back-up research on and found that they had NOT STAGED A SINGLE HOME IN OVER 8 MONTHS before opening this so called "training course with the ‘exceedingly successful' home stager _______________".

It is HARD ENOUGH to do what we do, to educate those who ALREADY know about our industry - imagine trying to explain to the other 90% of Home Owners and Realtors who don't know about our industry, that basically anyone can pick-up "any" certificate from "anyone" who calls themselves an "instructor"...These fly-by-night, pop-ups have now completely invalidated any course you have taken in the past and may stand behind. Since "anyone" can seemingly hand out these pieces of paper, your alphabet means nothing in the sea of Home Staging today....

So, why the heck not: Who wants to come get the "Exclusively Trained by the Certified Platinum Home Staging Accedidation Course"? Please email your contact information and payment to..... ( I am just kidding - but that is just how easy it has become )
I'm off the soapbox now....who's next?

Things you need to know before hiring "any" Home Stager

2008-12-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

Get informed before hiring "just any" home stager.

Currently there is not an independent or national oversight organization such as NAR for Realtors, that certifies or licenses home stagers, and no government oversight or licensing in most areas. There ARE member based organizations which enforce a strict Code of Ethics for its members and communities such as theReal Estate Staging Organization.

As in any industry, do your homework!

These are some tips to consider when selecting the right Home Stager:

1. Do they have a valid business license? Self explanatory

2. Are they insured? Stagers are in essence “independent contractors”, if the Stager is not insured, then the homeowner, property owner or Realtor, may be liable for any damages or injuries that may occur as a result of the staging.

3. Find a Stager with the most experience in actually Staging homes: There are many training, “certifying” and “accrediting” companies which, within just a few days, or a couple weeks, can turn anyone who takes their course into a “certified” or “accredited” home stager. Since there is not currently any government or oversight, ANYONE can “become a stager” almost overnight. Don't hire "just any" home stager; Experience and professionalism trumps "certification".

4. Does the Stager have a printed portfolio or website with before and after photography? If they don't have a current staging portfolio, they may have never done a staging job, or very few. How are they going to assist you in marketing your listing if they cannot market themselves?

5. More importantly, make sure that their portfolio contains photos that are of their own work. Not of stock photography supplied by the “certifying” training course or “shared” before and after photos in a centralized web-site. Does their website have current information on recently staged properties or successes intoday’s market and economy?

6. Do they offer a range of Staging options and Styles, or is it “one-style-fits-all”. Again, they are packaging and marketing your Listing. Stagers should be able to transition their staging to the style of the HOME and the market demographics in your area.

7. Ask for references, and then check those references. When did they work with the Stager? Were they pleased with the results? How soon did the property sell? Would they hire that stager again? And ask for more than just one professional reference: Home Owner, Realtor, Developer, etc.

8. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
The bitter taste of a poor job, lasts longer than the sweet taste of the low bid.

2008-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

Wellworth Ave, Westwood

Owner Occupied home is Staged and opens escrow within 1 week!

Wiscasset Drive, West Hills

Sold for within 97% of asking price after Staging

Saint Thomas, Oak Park

Received 5 offers and closed escrow for $ 20,000 over asking price within 45 days of Staging!

Arroyo Del Mar, Camarillo

Vacant for over 7 months, Staged with PHS, Inc. and currently in Escrow in just 10 days!

Effingham, Los Feliz

Vacant remodel, Staged and opened escrow in less than 1 week!

These are not tales of lore from a Real Estate market in the past, where Sellers can only dream of full price offers and being able to sell their homes within the first weeks on the market. These are happening in today's volatile Real Estate market -

Just in the months of June and July 2008 alone!

What do they all have in common?

They all embraced the marketing tool of a Professional Home Stager.

Where a "price is king" mentality is running rampant in today's current Real Estate marketplace, there are some key things that home owners can utilize before they consider a price reduction. Yes, the home does need to be priced right to be competitive with comparable homes in their geographical areas. However, considering that some areas literally are competing with hundreds upon hundreds of homes in the same price range - Seller's and Realtors need to understand that there are ways to make their home stand out amongst the sea of properties that potential buyers will be looking at.

Today's market-place mantra is no longer,

"Location, Location, Location"

It is now,

"Location, Price, Condition"

What is Home Staging? Using another analogy; When you sell a car, the first thing you do is wash it, clean it inside and out, take pictures in bright sunlight and make sure everything is working under the hood. Why not then take the same approach when selling your most valuable asset; your home? The cost in comparison is usually less than a fraction of a % of your homes sale price, and will ALWAYS cost less than a price reduction.

Room-by-room, in doors and out, a Professional Home Stager will give you a thorough understanding of what a Buyer will see through their eyes as they tour your home or condo. Many times home owners can't "see" the clutter or realize the smells which will be left imprinted on the minds of potential buyers. A Professional Home Stager will alleviate the negatives which distract the buyer, and showcase your home - not all your personal belongings. Stagers will also make sense out of awkward floor plans, ensure better traffic flow and bring the buyers eye to great details of the home such as a terrific view, built-ins or crown molding.
Why Should Every Home Owner & Realtor Consider the Services of a Professional Home Stager?Simply because over 87% of today's potential buyers "shop" the internet for homes before they request a personal viewing of the property. If your home does not translate well via pictures on the internet, home owners will "write off" every property that does not appeal to them visually in that very first impression.

Here are some examples:

In this home, the first MLS photo shows how this home was represented via the internet two years ago when it was still considered to be a Seller's Market -

yet they received no offers.
The room looks huge and cavernous, and although there is a fireplace, it gets dwarfed by the overall size of the room.

The second picture was Staged by Platinum Home Staging, Inc. using all of the Home Owners own furniture, then adding a few accessories.

By bringing the room into scale with furniture and accenting the fireplace; the second picture brought a potential buyer, within the first few DAYS of being listed, from over 45 miles away to see the home and who ultimately made an offer.

(This home was Staged by PHS, Inc. on July 22, 2008 and opened escrow 22 days later)

Staging is not only for the million dollar listings, in fact it is the homes under $750,000 that would benefit the most from the services of a Professional Home Stager. Staging does not have to be expensive either. Seller's who are on a tight budget can benefit from a Staging Consultation, where for about the same price as it would cost to detail your car, a reputable Stager can present a room-by-room, indoors and out report of everything needed to prepare your home for sale. Repairs, cleaning, upgrades, furniture editing and placement, even paint colors and curb appeal suggestions : A Professional Home Stager will be able to give several different options that will fit each home owner's budget and get them the biggest "bang for their buck", without wasting valuable time.

If the Consultation Report seems too overwhelming for the Home Owner to do themselves, Professional Home Stagers can do all the work for an agreed upon fee, as well as be able to extend great rates from storage and moving companies, cleaning services, upgrades and repairs.
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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. has been recognized and grown into a tremendous success built on customer service, integrity and best of all, customer referrals. Specializing in Home Staging, Interior Decorating and Model Home Interiors. Serving the greater Los Angeles & Ventura County areas. A home's first impression is the most important one. A home should be inviting and memorable; to stand out among the hundreds of homes that Buyer's may be looking at. Selling a home, is in fact, selling a product. Market the product, "package" it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. After all, ...How you live in your home, and how you sell your home, are two completely different things. Call us today at (805) 553-9952

Getting the look for less - Home Staging, Bedding 101

2008-12-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

How many times have you walked into a room and seen all signs of life sucked out of it? Bedrooms more specifically...

How many times have you walked into a home and seen the "master suite bed" look like this? "Clean & White" in this instance is usually portrayed as lack-luster or forgotten about.

Remember, most people spend over 33% of their lifetime IN THEIR BED! Why not make it the MOST welcoming, MOST luxurious, SHOW STOPPING stop in the house? Even if you're not selling your home, updating the look and feel of your bed can only benefit all parties "involved" - pardon the pun.

Here is a way to get a VERY expensive look, on a variety of budgets.

Option #1 - Only available through the Trade, WHOLESALE on this set is approx. $850 (Retail would be about $ 2,250, not including the sheets or down fillers.

Option #2 - Custom made by Designer using local vendors and bolt ends at DRASTICALLY reduced cost; however it IS custom and made to order. Approx cost $450.00, sheet set approx. $80.00 (Total: $530.00)

Option #3 - Duvet cover and sham set bought at local retailer about $70.00, sheet set approx. $45.00, various toss pillows approx $65.00 (Total: $180.00)

A great way to update ANY bed when Staging a home for sale: is to simply buy a great, reversible duvet and sham set in an eye popping color, or a new sheet set in a contrasting color to your current bedding. Pull the covers back and stack the pillows - viola!

If you're in a high end home and can afford the very best in fabrics, by ALL means, treat yourself! However, living lavishly doesn't have to come at an exorbitant cost. If you see something you like on-line or in a high end store, take a picture of it (aren't cell phones great!) Then look for alternate options that will work within your budget. Remember, keep your receipts, you can always return it if you don't like it. (Unused of course ;-D)

********************************************************************************* Platinum Home Staging, Inc. does Staging, and SO much more! Even if you're not selling your house, why not make it look like a model home? Call Platinum Home Staging, Inc. for an Interior Design Consultation at (805) 553-9952 Our Staging and Interior Designs are Platinum!

If Listing a Home this (or any) Holiday Season - Please Read!

2008-12-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

This blog is for Realtors, Sellers & Stagers alike regarding the photography that might be taken this season to sell your listing or home.

Home Owners: Although you might be tempted to trek out the HUGE holiday tree and all the trimmings please keep in mind a few things before you go overboard on the trimmings. Your house, while on the market for sale, is no longer your home - it is a product for sale. While you should still live in your home, be aware of what you put out first and what might be included in your listing photography. Keep in mind as well that whatever you unpack to decorate with now, will only add to what needs to be packed up to move later should your home sell quickly.
Sure, a beautiful picture of the holiday tree in your living room might make your home feel warm and inviting - but what about in April if your home hasn't sold? Even a wreath on the front door can tell Buyers looking at your internet photos that your home has been on the market for a long time (too long)

Realtors: Take these same thoughts into consideration when taking photographs of your listings before placing them on the MLS, or discuss this with your professional photographer ahead of time. If your Seller is planning a big tree trimming party, maybe the photographs can be taken before the event so that every picture doesn't scream "I've been on the market since December" when Buyers are looking at the listings in June. Or at the very least, make a mental note that if a home has not opened escrow by say Valentine's Day, that you update and CHANGE the listing photography on ALL your marketing.

The same goes for Mother Nature; in areas where snow is inevitable to taking curb shots of the home, make a note that at the first thaw you get updated pictures of the outside of the home. And you if you're in an area that just got dumped on in the past month WITH snow, do you want all of your listing photos to be showing bright Spring flowers???? The reverse holds in this case, if buyers are looking at your internet photos NOW (when there has been a foot of snow on the ground for the past month), those great curb appeal shots taken in the summer are now screaming "been on the market for months!".

Stagers: Yes, we are visual beings by nature and many are now offering holiday decorating services. Again, think ahead. If the home remotely has a chance of being put on the market in the next 6 weeks, cautiously advise your home owners about the amount that might be used in decorating and not going overboard. I once Staged a house just before the holidays in an "autumn theme" (pears, pumpkins, fall colors, etc) only to have the LREA bring in a full X-mas tree to make it look "more festive"..... in a highly demographically Jewish community.

Our job as Stagers is to ensure the home is marketable to the general population, and always remember those all important before and after shots. You don't want all your after shots to be holiday themed to show prospective clients "this is what I can do!" when it's the 4th of July.

I'm NOT a scrooge, I LOVE the holidays - but as professionals we need to think and plan ahead.

PLATINUM HOME STAGING, INC.
Home Staging the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

2008 - Home Staging Year in Review

2008-12-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

I must admit that considering the current economy, when it comes to selling a home or property; Home Staging will deffinetly give you your biggest bang for marketing dollar.

Whether it's a simple Home Staging Consultation, where we give you a typed 7-10 page report of what needs to be done by you to prepare your home, or fully utilize our services in Owner Occupied Re-Designs, Vacant or Model Home Stagings; HOME STAGING WORKS!!!
HOMES ARE SELLING!!! Buyer's ARE buying IF your home or listing is the BEST on the market at the RIGHT PRICE. For so little money, which such HUGE results, we wanted to share with the world our Home Staging results in our little "2008 - Home Staging Review"

January 2008 - Vacant home home opens Escrow in just 7 weeks after Staging!
February 2008 - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Stages celebrity homes as well!
March 2008- West Hills, CA home sells in less than 10 weeks AND - PHS, Inc. is featured in the LA Times!
April 2008- PHS, Inc. Stages $20M home on Kauai, HawaiiAnd a Home Staging Consultation in Oak Park, CA helps get it SOLD IN JUST 10 DAYS!!!
May 2008- Home in Oak Park gets the PHS, Inc. touch and sells in record time!
June 2008- Ventura home on the marina sells in less than 3 weeks!And a Home Staging Consultation in Agoura Hills, CA leads to 5 OFFERS and $20,000 over asking!
July 2008- Los Feliz home sells in ONLY 5 DAYS after Staging with Platinum Home Staging, Inc.!
August 2008- Giving Back to the Community: Platinum Home Staging, Inc. Facilitates, Organizes & Decorates a home for Foster Kids in Los Angeles, CA.
September 2008- Westwood, CA home SELLS in 22 days AND PHS, Inc. is featured in the Ventura County Star!!!
October 2008 - Platinum Home Staging, Inc. adds Interior Design to it's Resume!
November 2008 - Condo in Westlake Village, CA sells in 30 days after Staging!
December 2008 - A Pacific Palisades town home gets transformed and 3 offers!

Platinum Home Staging, Inc. is looking forward to a bright 2009 and beyond

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Platinum Home Staging, Inc. 2008 All Rights Reserved