DIY Melt Proof Outdoor Candle Props for Staging

This is such a clever idea, especially for 100+ degree summer days since almost anything decorative will melt outside.  Perfect for staging an outdoor space to get the look of candles.  It's hard to find items that will take our Texas heat with intense sun and humidity when staging patios, this will be an excellent prop to use.

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Tips On Clutter Clearing Before Staging Your Home

Tips On Clutter Clearing Before Staging Your Home

Decorate with Intention: Clutter Clearing 101

Getting organized is something of a passion of mine. Yes, I consider cleaning out my junk drawer a leisure activity — I love labels and have been known to put my books in rainbow order, so make fun if you must! But over the years I have honed a simple routine for paring down and creating order in the home, and I want to share these 10 tips with you today.

Before we dig in, it is important to understand what we are up against. What is clutter exactly? Excess stuff, right? Well sure, but more than that, clutter is a sign of procrastination. It is the bicycle you've been meaning to have repaired, the books that need to be returned to the library, the hideous vase from Aunt Mildred you can't bear to throw out, and the heaping piles of paperwork that need sorting. I think this is why we find it so hard to declutter. It requires a lot of decision making, some that you may have been putting off for years — no easy task. Let's begin by setting an intention to fearlessly face the decisions that need to be made. You can do it!

by French Larkspur

by French Larkspur

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1. Get motivated. Clutter clearing can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so now is the time to gear up and fuel your motivation. Tear out images from magazines, or create an ideabook on Houzz that you can refer back to when inspiration flags.

If you enjoy keeping a journal, here are a few questions you might like to ponder over a mug of hot tea before getting started:

• How would clearing the clutter from my home make life easier?
• What will be the most challenging area to work on?

• In three words, how would you like your home to feel when this is done?

• My intention for this project is: _____

by Chloe Warner

by Chloe Warner

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2. Pick the low-hanging fruit first. Get started on the right foot by making a quick sweep of your whole house, pulling out the obvious clutter. This includes items going to the trash or recycling, things you have been meaning to return to other people, and other things you know you want to be rid of.

This step is meant to be easy and lightning fast. Put on upbeat music, grab a few bags or bins, and set a timer for 15 minutes. I am always amazed at how much better my home feels after a short clutter-busting spree!

by Artistic Designs for Living,...

by Artistic Designs for Living,...

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3. Pretend a camera crew is coming over. This is a fun little mental trick to play: Imagine that your favorite home design magazine is sending a full camera crew over to photograph your house for the cover story. What would you hide? How would you change your furniture arrangements or displays? Once you have made a room "camera ready," consider making some of the changes permanent.

by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and...

by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and...

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4. Repeat after me: less is more! If you find yourself using "But I might need this one day... !" as an excuse, this step is for you. Be honest. Do you really need two dozen ratty old towels, or will four nice fluffy ones for your family and two extras for guests do? When you winnow down to what is truly needed, loved, and used, you will begin to find cupboards and shelves opening up and daily tasks becoming a little easier.

by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and...

by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and...

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5. Separate emotional clutter from the gems. I am not going to tell you to get rid of Grandma's wedding dress or those bins full of your child's artwork. The point here is to be intentional about what you are saving and why. Items that you want to be able to pass down to your children should be stored properly to avoid damage, while other mementos could be put on display where you can appreciate them on a daily basis.

On the other hand, beware of memorabilia that carries negative emotions, like photos of exes, gifts you feel guilty for hating, and diaries from really low points in your life. Out they go! There, doesn't that feel good?

by Nirmada Interior...

by Nirmada Interior...

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6. Curate your collections. Collections can be wonderfully creative additions to your home, but they have a tendency to get out of hand and lose their impact. The solution is twofold: curate with purpose, and create intentional displays. By narrowing down the focus of your collection — white ironstone, say, or plates featuring birds — you can create a more interesting and cohesive collection.

Then, find one location where you can fit all of the pieces in one display for maximum impact. Still have too much? Try selling a few pieces on eBay or locally.

by Nicole Hollis

by Nicole Hollis

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7. Make your bedroom a sanctuary. As the least public room in the house, it is all too easy to let the bedroom become neglected. Piles of dirty laundry on the floor, unread magazines spilling out of the bedside tables, dust bunnies, shopping bags, children's toys, you name it, it ends up here. Which is a shame, because having a tranquil bedroom can promote restful sleep and help reduce the stress of busy days — something we all can use, right?

The good news is, while other rooms may be difficult to pare down because they must perform so many functions, the bedroom is pretty simple. All you really need are the essentials: nice bedding, lighting, a hamper, alarm clock, and perhaps a scented candle or small vase of flowers. I'm going to take my own advice this weekend and spruce up my bedroom!

by Van Wicklen Design

by Van Wicklen Design

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8. Give frequently used items pride of place. As you move through each room, think about which tools you reach for most often and try to put these items within easy reach. Place your favorite long-handled wooden spoons in a crock on your counter top and a pot of fresh herbs in a sunny window near the stove. I am constantly surprised at the beauty in useful objects, artfully displayed.     

by MuseInteriors

by MuseInteriors

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9. Involve the whole family. Sigh. Not so easy, I know, but so important! Encourage children to fill a box with old toys and clothes to bring to a children's charity. If it seems difficult, try timing the big giveaway before a birthday or major holiday when new toys will be rolling in. Once you have purged your home, set up new systems in key areas used by all. Baskets and hooks in the entryway or mud room and bins at the foot of the stairs would be great places to start.

Published February 11, 2012

for Houzz by Laura Gaskill 

by Aristea Rizakos

by Aristea Rizakos

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10. Maintain your space. Think about instituting a "One In, One Out" policy in your household. By letting something go each time you bring in something new, you can easily stay on top of the clutter in your home before it reaches epic proportions. For instance, if you purchase a new pair of sneakers, toss out an old pair; when you buy a new book, choose one you've read to donate to your local library.

Similar to caring for a garden, doing a little each day or week will help your home flourish.

Return On Home Staging Investments

2007 Home Gain Survey Based On Over 2,000 Real Estate Agents Nationwide:

Improvement-Professionally Staging A Home
Typical Cost -$403-$584
Increase In Sales Price -$1,938-2,431
Avg. Return - 343%
Agents Who Recommend -91%

http://www.redesignetc.com

To see completed survey on other home improvements click link below

http://www.homegain.com/media-center/statistics-market-analysis

Home Staging Accentuates Your Homes Features!

After Home Staging

This Home Sold In 30 Days!

Using what the home seller had, we created a warm, cozy inviting room that a home buyer could imagine living here. Focus was taken off of the mismanaged space and on the features of the house. That is what home staging does!

Visit www.redesignetc.com Houston's Home Staging & Redesign Specialist Staging Your Home To Sell!

Kid Clutter To Super Simplistic

Kids had taken over the Game Room and had made it their craft room. After taking the table, clutter and other pieces out, it was turned into a very simplistic, minimalist room. I was able to use the benches as a much needed coffee table. Redesigned using the homeowners furniture.

This property was staged and sold under 30 days.

Visit http://www.redesignetc.com/ Houston's Home Staging & Redesign Specialist staging your home to sell.

From Frat House To Defined Spaces

This was a family/formal dining room that was being used for a family room/pool hall. Moving out the pool table and furniture the couple had since college and bringing in rental furniture and accessories gave this room a more appealing look. An added value of a dining room, on a very tight budget.

Visit http://www.redesignetc.com/ Houston's Home Staging & Redesign Specialist staging your house to sell.

Subtle Changes Make A Room Usable

Formal Living made into a Study. Small changes using the homeowners furniture and one rental chair, make a much more usable room. This room served no purpose before, now buyers could visualize a functional room.

House was staged and sold under 30 days.

Visit http://www.redesignetc.com/ Houston's Home Staging & Redesign Specialist staging houses to sell.

How Home Staging Can Help You

Whether you're selling or buying a home, newlyweds, empty nester's, combining households, or just tired of the "same old look," Redesign Etc. can help. Specializing in Vacant and Occupied Real Estate Home Staging, Interior Redesign for Living, and Color & Paint Consultations, just to name a few. We strive to enhance the appearance and curb appeal of homes for owners, and prospective buyers, while working within the clients budget. The design team will use tricks of the trade to achieve the "WOW" factor that model homes have! These services, as seen on HGTV shows like Freestyle, and Designed to Sell are an effective and inexpensive way to create a new look. Using your existing furnishings, or with a little help from our furniture and accessory rental program, your home can be transformed in days not months. Housing market experts tell us that staged homes sell an average of 50% faster and for 6-10% more. Home stagers provide a high value, low cost service designed to sell your home quickly and for the highest value. Our goal is to assist you with any decorating dilemmas you may have, inside or out.

The 3 Biggest Problems People Have With Their Own Homes:
1) The Placement of Furniture
2) The Scale of Furniture
3) The Combination of Colors

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

The most frequently asked question is "How much does home staging cost"? That is the biggest misconception of staging. It is extremely affordable! Of course the price depends largely on the size and scope of the project. However, the cost is often a few hundred dollars for a full staging package compared to $1000's. So, before you list your home, or take that first price reduction, of several thousand dollars, give us a try. You will be amazed at the results. Redesign Etc. offers a Home Staging Consultation which includes paint/color and curb appeal.We will meet with you to understand your space inside and out. With your permission, I will take digital photos and prepare a written Consultation Property Assessment Report. This Report details all aspects of interior and exterior needs that you can do in order to get top dollar for the property. It will focus on what to pack up in each space, and offer recommendations such as paint, repairs, and de-cluttering. We will also provide a flat-rate Staging Bid Proposal, should you decide to have your property staged. We provide a full range of home staging services, and can do as little or as much you want within your budget. Our home stagers help showcase your homes hidden potential and get your house in "show ready" condition and we explain how to keep it that way. The team of Redesign Etc. can create a home that buyers can visualize themselves living in, or create a home you'll love living in!

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.

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/

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.

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.

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!"