Study Shows Vacant Houses Are Slower To Sell

In a recent study and article by redfin.com the #6 reason to a slow sale of a house was to show it vacant. The study suggests keeping your homeowners there. It showed 9.5% of homes that were vacant would go through a price reduction, based on what a buyers thinking process was when buying a home. When they see it empty, they automatically assume the homeowner needs to get out fast, thus bidding low.

Marketing your Home to Sell- 7 Tactics By Redfin.com
http://www.redfin.com/scientist

To avoid this underbidding, home staging and the use of furniture can turn your lonely house into a "Buy Me" house.

Worldwide E- Staging-Home Staging For Your Home!

Have Your Home Staged From Anywhere In The World!



At Redesign Etc. We would like to introduce a new service that we have just added. E-Staging for Home Staging and Room Redesigns. This is a way for homeowners that don't have Interior Redesigners or Home stagers in their area, to get the professional creativity from one, via the Internet. This is a quick fix for homeowners getting ready to put their home on the market. Or, for the homeowner that just needs a new, or updated look. Since current trends are constantly changing. We get all of your information, and have a detailed questionnaire for you. You then take photos or videos (can be emailed or mailed) of rooms (from lots of different angles) to be done. We stay in touch, by phone or email, while you implement suggestions that we have for you. Redesign Etc. presents you with a new furniture arrangement, using existing furnishings, accessories, lamps, etc. This is like having your very own decorator for a fraction of the cost. Our E-Staging is not limited to any one area, but can be used anywhere in the world. Imagine the bragging rights, you'll have telling your friends, you had an interior redesigner from another state or even country decorate your new room, or whole house! Approximate Prices per room $150.00 (kitchen,bathroom), $250.00 on up for living areas. Prices per house (total of 4 rooms) $650.00 on up depending on size. Your satisfaction is our #1 priority. If for some reason you are not pleased we will work with you until you are. So take advantage of our E-Staging today! Start loving the space you live in!





Call or email Cindy at 281-748-2170 or email cindy@redesignetc.com or visit http://www.redesignetc.com/

What Is Full Service Staging?

Full Service Staging

For the Homeowner that doesn't want to mess around and have it done for them, Full Service Staging is the answer!
Full Service Staging is a two-step process beginning with a visit to your home to evaluate the work that is needed, take photos and provide a price quote for the project. Once hired, we will stage your home with a buyer’s eye in mind, enhancing the positive attributes of the property, creating that "wow" factor for a memorable first impression.
We prefer to save homeowners money and work with existing furniture and accessories as most homes have more than enough furnishings and accessories to be used during the staging process. However, on occasion we will suggest bringing in new accessories or furnishings to give the home a warmer, more inviting feel. We have an inventory of accessories and furnishings to pull from for a reasonable rental fee. Alternatively, I can provide a list of recommended décor items I feel need to be purchased to finalize the look. This decor will not only enhance the property you are trying to sell, but will also look great in your new home! If you don't have the time or desire to shop for these items, we will be happy to purchase them for you.
We also offer vacant home staging, where we will bring in furniture and accessories for a fee to give your empty house that "model home" look.
For more information call 281-748-2170 or email cindy@redesignetc.com or visit our website at http://www.redesignetc.com/

What Does A Staging Consultation Involve?

Staging Consultation (Property Assessment Report)

For the Do-it-Yourself Homeowner who would like to take on the responsibilities, time and efforts of staging their home, but don't have the eye or expertise to know where to start, a Staging Consultation is an excellent option.
With a Consultation, I will preview your home, take pictures, and give you on the spot suggestions to preparing your home for sale. You will also be provided with General Staging Tips, Organization Tips and Showing Instructions. This part of the Consultation usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the size and condition of the house. After the initial home review is completed, I will prepare a customized written report which includes specific room-by-room instructions for preparing your home for sale. This report will be delivered to you within 48 hours of the Initial Home Review.
Should you decide after reviewing the consultation report and all the information provided that you would like help implementing the suggestions on the report, I will be happy to recommend companies that provide the services you may need. Many homeowners prefer to save money and do most of the work themselves, then hire me to provide final staging services. If you’ve completed all the work on the report, it generally takes a day or two depending on the size and scope of house to complete the final staging.

Call or email Cindy at 281-748-2170 or cindy @redesignetc.com or visit our website at http://www.redesignetc.com/

Have A Vacant Home For Sale In Houston? We Have The Solution!

At Redesign Etc, we know what it takes to get a house sold. With many years of marketing, merchandising, real estate investing and interior decorating experience we take your house from "for sale" to "sold". Redesign Etc., is a true full-service home staging company, offering a complete line of furniture, accessories and hands-on staging to merchandise a "vacant home" giving it that "model home look" that appeals to the widest variety of people. We offer the most up-to-date furniture and accessories available for the most current look. In a 2006 National Association Of Realtors article, it stated that 81% of buyers use the internet to search for a home, and that number is growing daily. Many home buyers will pass on a vacant property because it's photos portray a cold, empty feeling house that lacks warmth and curb appeal. A home that has been staged gives the buyer a sense of how the space can be defined and utilized. So before taking a price reduction of several thousand dollars, and paying recurring fees on your "vacant home" let us give you our customized personal hands-on plan!
Redesign Etc., also works within all budgets, and size of homes, has flexible hours, and takes credit cards. We proudly service Houston to Galveston and all areas in between.
Also visit our website at www.redesignetc.com or email cindy@redesignetc.com

Benefits To Home Staging & Repairs & ROI

Your return on home improvement investments


Lighten and brighten
Improvement-$86-110
Typical Cost-$768-935
Increase in Sales Price-769%
Agents who recommend-84%

Clean & de-clutter
Improvement-$305-339
Typical Cost-$2,093-2,378
Increase in Sales Price-594%
Agents who recommend-91%

Fix plumbing, electrical
Improvement-$338-381
Typical Cost-$922-1,208
Increase in Sales Price-196%
Agents who recommend-63%


Landscape & trim
Improvement-$432-506
Typical Cost-$1,594-1,839
Increase in Sales Price-266%
Agents who recommend-72%

Staging
Improvement-$212-1,089
Typical Cost-$2,275-2,841
Increase in Sales Price-169%
Agents who recommend-76%

Kitchen/bath upgrades
Improvement-$1,546-2,120
Typical Cost-$3,823-4,885
Increase in Sales Price-138%
Agents who recommend-83%

Repair flooring
Improvement-$1,531-1,714
Typical Cost-$2,267-2,589
Increase in Sales Price-50%
Agents who recommend-62%

Paint exterior walls
Improvement-$2,188-2,381
Typical Cost-$2,907-3,233
Increase in Sales Price-34%
Agents who recommend-57%

Replace carpeting
Improvement-$2,602-2,765
Typical Cost-$3,585-3,900
Increase in Sales Price-39%
Agents who recommend-65%

Based on a 2003 HomeGain Survey of 2,000 real estate agents nationwide found that moderately priced home improvements, ranging from $80-2,800, made in preparation for sale actually yield the highest returns when a house is sold. Increases for 2006 are anticipated to be even higher.

Home Staging Statistics

A staged house sells for more money:
U.S. Housing and Urban Development reports that a
staged house sells, on average, 17% higher than an
unstaged house.

Statistics suggest staged houses sell at an average of
6.32% over what they are listed for. Non staged homes
only average 1.6% over the listed price.

A staged house sells faster:

The New York Village Voice reported that the average
number of days on the market for a staged house was
13.9 versus 30.9 days for an unstaged house.

The cost of staging is very reasonable:

2003 HomeGain survey of 2,000 real estate agents
nationwide found that moderately priced home
improvements, ranging from $80 - $2,800, made in
preparation for sale actually yielded the highest returns
when a house is sold.

Did you know:

Only 10% of home buyers can actually visualize the
potential of a home.

A recent study by the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry found that a $700 paint job results in
a 200% recovery of the cost upon resale of the home.
(National Post, Mar. 11/04)

Houston Home Staging Blog 4

Houston Area Home Builders Save Money On Your Model Homes!

New home building is at an all time high, which means more competition for the home builder. As all builders know showing a vacant home vs. a model home is like night and day. Only 10% of home buyers can visualize their furnishings in a vacant home. The whole concept of a model home is to attract potential customers, that will say "Wow, I love this house, it's just what I want".
Purchasing a home involves a myriad of emotions in buyers, and is usually the biggest financial investment they will ever make. So being able to showcase your vacant home with that model home appeal is key to selling future homes.
So how can you turn your vacant property into a model home without the huge price tag?
By using a concept that is still new to many. Savvy builders have already been using this new practice, with unbelievable results. It is called Home Staging.

Benefits to using Redesign Etc. for home staging your models:

Equipped to fully furnish a model home with beautiful furniture, accessories, linens, and everything you need for that "WOW" factor for a fraction of the cost.
Rental program for furniture.
Rental program for accessories.
No pressure to buy expensive furniture, or anything else.
No overhead to carry.
No furniture to sell at undervalued pricing.
Don't have to worry about recouping the huge decorating budget if contents had been purchased.
When model sells, everything is taken out, and you're not left to the hassles of what to do with all the furniture.
The most cost effective, practical way to showcase your models, with stunning results.
Work within all budgets.
Do a few key rooms, or the whole house, you decide.

At Redesign Etc. we know what appeals to the widest variety of buyers, because we are in the business of staging homes to get sold for top dollar!

We would be happy to give you a complimentary consultation, visit your property, and explain how the process works.

Please feel free to email cindy@redesignetc.com

Visit our website http://www.redesignetc.com/

Or call 281-748-2170 for more information.

Houston...Reasons to Get Your Home Staged

~Staged homes show better than similar ones your competing against.
~Houses for sale are at an all time high, you've got to have the edge.
~Only 10% of buyers can imagine their own things in a home.
~Create inviting spaces with broad appeal to a wide range of buyers.
~Staged homes usually sale for 50% faster than non-staged homes.
~Staged homes on average sell for 7-10% over list price.
~Staged homes have been bought without ever seeing the property in person, from only viewing photos on internet.
~Agents show staged homes more, because they are ready to sell.
~Staging is far less than your 1st price reduction.
~Creates a positive first impression and makes property memorable in the eyes of the home buyer.
~Inspectors know that if a home looks great it must be well maintained.
~If your home has been on the market for a while, having it staged creates, a whole new buzz about your home, and Realtors will bring buyers, as it will be a fresh listing.
~Living in your home and selling your home are two different things.
~Increase the value of your property.
~A buyer forms and opinion within the first 10 seconds.
~Cost and Time Effective.
~The older your listing, the less you'll get offered, buyers will negotiate.
~Leaving your house vacant, already has the home buyer negotiating the price down, thinking you need to move the property quickly.
~Clutter lowers the value of your home in the buyers eye.
~No one ever complains about a house having too much light, too much space or too much storage, or being too relaxing.
~Staging is best done before listing, so you get a higher listing price, and great after photos for your listing pictures on the internet.
~ Home buying is based on emotions, the potential buyer must fall in love with your home, and nothing will stop them from having it.
~ For most people, a home is one of the largest financial investments made. Wouldn't you do anything you could to maximize the return on your investment?
~Staging is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Exactly What is Home Staging...It's definition!

Home staging is the act of grooming a home to make it more attractive to potential buyers and to raise the value of the home, and has been around since the 1970s. By presenting potential buyers with a fully furnished home instead of empty rooms, sellers and agents are able to sell homes faster and for more money. The outside of the home should also be manicured; since it is the first thing potential buyers see when they pull up.
Home staging may be defined as preparing your house to be as visually and aesthetically pleasing as possible. First impressions are huge in real estate, and staging a home is designed to do just that, make an incredible first impression! The ultimate goal of staging is to place the home in the best showcase condition, so that it sells at the highest possible price in the shortest possible time. You also want your home to appeal to the widest possible range of people that could be viewing your home, and you want potential buyers to visualize the lifestyle they could have if they buy your home. We we will turn your house in to a very appealing "must have" property, that buyers will see not just as a house, but a beautiful home!
One of the more successful concepts in staging is that "Less is More"! Successful staging does not require a lot of furniture. There's something wrong if a buyer is looking at the furniture and not the house. A well-staged home will give it the appearance of being larger than it may actually be, and it's always good to remind yourself that every square foot you free up is prime real estate! Another motto is "Appearance is Everything"! By having your home professionally staged, you transform your house into a "hot property" by making it more visually appealing. Most prospective buyers make a decision within ten seconds of walking through your front door, and the ultimate goal is having them walk in and say "I can see myself living in this house!"

Subprime lenders getting crushed

March 13, 07 cnnmoney.com cites the following:
Subprime lenders are already getting crushed -the impact rising mortgage delinquencies will have on home prices overall is still an open question. At a minimum, it means financing is drying up financing is or those with less-than-perfect credit and that spells fewer home buyers. And foreclosed properties will add supply to a housing market that already has too much.
. "[National] inventory is 20 percent higher than last year, vacancy rates have soared and prices are down about 3 percent," I don't see how prices don't fall another 5, 6 or 7 percent."
The tightening of credit could take as many as one million buyers out of the market, says Baker, citing Bear Stearns research. "Even if you cut that in half, say to 400,000 or 500,000, that's huge."
http://redesignetc.blogspot.com/

About the Owner

"First and foremost, I absolutely love what I do. Secondly, I'm a native Texan, or should that be first? I left Texas for a while, but I came back as soon as I could".

Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc, Inc., a full service Home Staging and Interior Redesign firm serving the Houston and Galveston area of Texas. Holding a degree in Psychology and Marketing, and having extensive knowlege in the Houston Real Estate Market, her experience has spanned from working for international corporations in marketing, sales, promotions, visual display and merchandising to professional sports marketing and celebrity autograph signings and appearances.
The sports marketing company provided sports memorabilia for all the major tv home shopping channels, as well as several major sales catalogs. She's had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most famous athletes in the world, traveling city to city with them.
After being on the road for over 300+ days a year, and flying over 2 million miles, she was able to stay at some of the finest luxury hotels and see some of the most beautiful celebrity homes in the country. These five star resorts were home away form home for many celebrities during their playing season.
What does this have to do with staging you may ask?
Accumulating life experiences and a wealth of decorating ideas to draw upon, that can never be taken away...priceless!

She's also had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, which has afforded her the ability to visually see, hear and feel the pulse of the culturally diverse areas in the world.

With all this said, included in her many years of real estate investing, there are so many elements, that she has been able to incorporate into home staging from her experiences in travel.
She states that from castles to cathedrals, each area has had a distinct decorating style of it's own. I love the European architecture, the rugged coastlines with stucco homes dangling on sides of cliffs, to Tuscan villas perched atop a hill in the middle of a vineyard.
All of this combined with the love of enhancing homes, has been a wonderful palette from me to work from. The transformation of rooms, after home staging is what its all about. To turn a room that was blah, into "wow" is not only amazing to do, but a task I love to tackle. I'm very passionate about what I do and want my work to reflect that.

"Home Staging is still in it's infancy in this area, and I am committed to educating consumers and real estate agents about everything home staging has to offer"