Peggy Johnson - Charlotte NC Home Stager

This was a great article from US News and I wanted to share.

10 Cheap Ways to Boost Your Home's Sales Price by Spring.

1. Retouch the front shell: If your property's exterior isn't appealing, no one will want to see your newly remodeled kitchen. So property sellers must first ensure that their home projects a cozy, inviting feeling. "The shell the outside front is probably the most important area for improvement, the area where you can make the biggest improvement with the smallest amount of cash," Touching up the paint on the front-entry portion of the house can be an inexpensive but effective way to make the entire property more inviting. "Really focus on that outside, external shell," You would be amazed by the amount of people that drive by a house and say, 'Ah, that's not for me.' And they can tell just by the way the upkeep and the outside looks."

2. Trim the greenery: Ensuring that the lawn, hedges, and flowers are well maintained helps make your home more alluring to prospective buyers as well. Property owners can hire professional landscapers or break out the lawn mower and get busy themselves. "Many people have landscaping that is overgrown and too heavy, and it is concealing a lot of the house, trim the trees, trim the hedges and add a little color to the flower beds.

3. Paint the interior: Putting a fresh coat of paint on the homes interior is a cost-effective way for sellers to make their home more appealing to buyers. But when choosing the color, homeowners should be conservative. "The caution is that your favorite color may not be the favorite color of the buyer." Instead, homeowners are best off using neutral colors. "Go with something that is a very light yellow or a light cream with a contrasting white, so it just looks very fresh and crisp. ... Having the paint in good condition is almost more important than the color."

4. Don't forget the floors: Improving the condition of a home's flooring is also a smart move for sellers and you don't need to refinish wood floors or install new carpets to make them more attractive. "If it's a hardwood floor, has the floor been buffed?" If you have carpets, have the carpets been cleaned?"

5. Make all major repairs: Because tighter lending standards demand higher down payments, today's home buyers won't have much cash left over for improvements once they've made their purchase. So it's imperative for sellers to make all major home repairs fixing the leaky roof, rebuilding the front stoop before they put the property on the market. "Repairs can't be ignored, because nobody has any extra money," to determine what needs to be done, property owners can scrutinize their homes themselves or bring in a home inspector to examine the property professionally. The home inspection piece is something that is a huge value, particularly if there is something that is a question.

6. Put appliances under warranty: To give buyers more confidence in a home's appliances, recommends that sellers put them under warranty. Sellers can buy home warranties which cover repair and replacement costs for many home appliances from several different firms. "Example If  you have a 40- or 50-year-old house, it is going to be harder for you to persuade a first-time home buyer with a limited amount of cash to buy it because they will say, 'Well, what happens if something breaks down? If you have a home warranty … that solves that problem."

7. Make energy-efficient home improvements: Increasing your home's energy efficiency is another good way to make your property more attractive to buyers. Many such improvements such as new windows or better insulation come with federal tax benefits. In addition, a growing awareness of human impact on the environment means homes that have these upgrades will stand out from other listings. "If you have some cruddy old windows that are leaky and just not energy efficient, you can put in new replacement windows and take advantage of the tax credit, it's not green washing. Those are really practical things that make your house more sellable." Many contractors will conduct a so-called energy audit free of charge to determine where efficiencies can be created "If your house is more energy efficient you use less energy, its better insulated it is going to be more desirable for a potential buyer."

8. New light fixtures: Replacing old or broken light fixtures with new ones can also be a low-cost way to add value. Installing a nice new light fixture in the foyer near the home's entrance can be a particular benefit, he said, because it can make a strong first impression on would-be buyers. Creating an inviting feeling in the interior entryway, in turn, helps get home shoppers more interested in checking out the rest of the property. You do not have to redo the house, but you can update those features so that somebody can walk in and say, you know what? The homeowners took care of this.

9. New stove in the kitchen: While some homeowners might think the only way to jazz up a dated kitchen is a full remodeling job, a much less costly alternative is buying a new stove. "If there is an updated stove in the kitchen, it is amazing how that draws people in, and people say, 'Wow, this kitchen is going to be great.’ While upscale homeowners may have to shell out for top-of-the-line appliances to maintain their kitchen's décor, others can budget well under $1,000 for the upgrade. You can get a really nice stove for $700 or $800, and you can basically have the look of a new kitchen that is going to be really enticing to someone and what you are really trying to do is differentiate your house from somebody else's.

Property owners in neighborhoods where most homes have granite countertops can consider making this upgrade as well. This project makes sense only for homeowners with extremely dated kitchens that are going to serve as a serious impediment to finding a buyer. A real estate agent with experience in the local market can help you determine whether or not the upgrade is essential, he says.

10. Freshen up the bathrooms: Getting rid of mildew stains on the bathroom caulking can boost a home's appeal as well. Such stains scream, these people haven't taken care of this house. It's going to be a money pit. Use a razor blade to remove the old caulk, and replace it with new, mildew-resistant caulk, and rather than remodeling the entire space, homeowners can reinvigorate a worn-down bathroom by replacing cracked sinks.

Providing professional Real Estate Home Staging Services in Charlotte NC, including Concord, Davidson, Belmont, Lake Norman, Statesville, Hickory, Winston Salem North Carolina and South Carolina.

Charlotte NC Home Stager - Improving the view of Real Estate

Redesign + More committed to being your valuable resource for successfully selling your listings.

The Benefits of Partnering with a Home Stager Charlotte NC -

▪   Detailed On-site Home Staging Consultation.

▪   Refrain from exchanging negative aspects about a client’s home.

▪   Economize less marketing time means less money spent on advertising and more
    money in your pocket.

▪   Marketing your staged listings builds integrity and offers a great advantage over the
    competition.

▪   Home Stagers will establish a Top Ten Action Report to include the Key Rooms and More.

▪   All Realtor Agents redeem a discounted fee for a 1 hour home staging - consultation.

▪   If you refer an Agent and the Agent secures in a date for a consultation Redesign + More will give you and your referred agent $50 off the next consultation.

▪   Redesign + More will increase the marketing exposure by featuring every staged home - on our website with links to the Realtors listing page.

▪   In today’s market we see more Realtors that appreciate and love to list an attractive beautiful - staged homes.            

Peggy Johnson and the team at Redesign + More is here to help you attract a range of buyers and more successful showings.

Charlotte NC Home Staging - to sell  in the cooler months

During the spring and summer days when we see sunny skies and plenty of colorful flowers it can make a home more appealing to sell. Sometimes thats not an option and we must sell and stage our home during the shorter days and darker evenings of autumn and winter. Here are a few tips for making your home staging warm and appealing to potential buyers.

Curb appeal staging - Even without leafy trees and bright flowers, your yard and landscape can attract buyers if treated right. Remember that bare spots become more obvious in winter, so do what you can to camouflage them by laying mulch down around shrubbery and in flower beds. No one likes a messy yard in any weather, so keep it neat by making sure the yard is raked, the grass is evenly mowed and gutters are kept free and clear. To be competitive and to add that extra value to your listing, you have to think outside the box. And that literally means staging the kind of curb appeal that helps your home stand out from the other five or more on the same street. 
 
Attracting visual interest - Normally most people bring in the patio furniture when colder weather arrives; leave it out to create more visual appeal for potential buyers. A chimney or any portable outdoor fire pit is a neat touch for an outdoor patio or deck. Keep in mind faded and peeling paint or warped siding is even more obvious in the winter, so take care of all exterior touchups before listing your house.
 
Keep the interior of the home cozy - Set the furnace or central heat high enough to make the house as warm and comfortable as possible. Fireplaces are a big draw for potential buyers, so keep them free of dirt and clutter and arrange the room to highlight this feature. Get creative with warm touches - drape a warm throw over the sofa, or consider baking cookies or simmering cinnamon and other winter spices on the stove before showings. Those small touches will exude warmth and make your home feel cozy and welcoming.
 
Bring in light and some greenery - Light is especially important during the short, darker days of winter. So it’s important to take full advantage of natural light. Bare trees allow your home to get more light on sunny days, so keep the blinds open. On drearier days, turn on all the lights to add brightness to each space. Green, leafy plants can also add warmth to the interior of your house and fresh flowers add a splash of color to any room.

Redesign + More offers Vacant and Occupied - Home Staging in Charlotte NC

Charlotte NC - Home Staging to Sell -  It is essential to know what improvements to make, be precise about what you can expect to gain, and have a clear understanding of what is happening in the neighborhood.

Do Your Home Staging to Sell Research -
Before you think about selling a home, compare the home you plan to home stage and sell with other homes in the area. If a comparable property sold for $500,000 with a renovated kitchen and new appliances, don’t think you can get the same $500,000 by repainting the kitchen cabinets and laying down new flooring.

When you investigate other homes, take note of what upgrades have been made. Are the kitchens and baths fully renovated, with granite countertops, stone tile, custom made cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, or are they more ordinary? Are there up to date or brand new hardwood floors throughout? Recessed lighting? Finished basement? Is the electrical and plumbing up to date and upgraded? 

Enhance Exterior Home Landscaping -
Remove dying trees, bushes and flowers. Always trim overgrown areas. Replace dead grass with fresh sod. Plant evergreens, wreaths and potted urns in the winter months, and colorful blooms in spring and summer. Try using wood chips like chocolate or cedar-scented brands or gravel to economically cover large challenging areas this will enhance the homes exterior.

Exterior Home Curb Appeal -
Repair flaking paint and dry-damaged windowsills and shutters. Paint the front and back doors as well as garage doors, and if needed, replace them. Repair or replace broken or non-working eaves troughs. Fix and replace any aging or broken fencing. Consider adding exterior lighting to enhance curb appeal.

Update the Kitchen & Bathrooms -
These are lasting focal points for potential buyers, keep in mind that you must find a balance between being cost-conscious and looking like you took the cheap avenue. Kitchens can cost between $15,000- $80,000, bathrooms can range between $6,000-$30,000. Check and compare to see what materials they use. If most of the homes in the neighborhood highlight granite countertops and brand new appliances, then you should do the same if you expect a similar price tag.

Upgrade / Replace Flooring -
Check and compare in your neighborhood before you decide on what flooring you should choose. If all the homes in the area have new hardwood, don’t lay down laminate, unless you want to sell your home at a lesser value.

You can bring down costs by choosing synthetic opposed to natural stone tile, and sanding and re-staining hardwood instead of replacing it.  You can save by having your carpet company bind large leftovers for bedrooms instead of installing wall-to-wall carpet.  Do this only if the floor is hardwood and in good condition.

Apply Paint when Home Staging -
Paint more then the walls, paint everything the ceilings, closets, baseboards and interior doors. It will make the home feel clean, fresh and brand new. Note choose neutral paint colors.

Replace Old Switch Plates -
Nothing ages a homes property more than old, dated and discolored switch plates. Hire an electrician or do it yourself if you have the skills. Dimmer switches in dining rooms, kitchens and living rooms add an inexpensive touch.

Install Crown Moldings -
Adding crown molding is a nonstructural change that can recreate an interior. Stay away from poor quality versions from hardware chains that you can install yourself; they may save you money, but will look cheap. Choose a crown molding of significant size that matches the style of the house, and make sure there are no visible seams once installed. It’s a good idea if you redo crown moldings; look at adding new baseboards as well.

Bring Lighting Up to Date -
Install Pot lights they offer a clean, uncluttered look and create good lighting in a space.  They can run around $100 and up, this is a high return on investment. When home staging to sell think about adding new chandeliers in the foyer, dining room and kitchen. Hardware chain stores will often have knock off versions of designer fixtures that you can purchase for a fraction of the cost.

Upgrade Electrical and Plumbing - If you can afford it, the cost is well worth it.
Make certain that the changes you make bring your property up to a comparable level to the competing properties in your neighborhood. Charlotte NC Home Staging to Sell.

Redesign + More is Real Estate Staging in Charlotte NC

Our home staging team had a wonderful opportunity to partner with a local Real Estate agent and home owner that were in need of home staging on a budget. Redesign + More had to create a house that would appeal to the general public - buyers. The homeowner had no furnishings so we had to bring in 3 rooms of rental furniture and a variety of accessories. Our real estate staging has helped reduce the reason buyers shouldn't buy the house to hearing why they should buy the house.

Front Entrance Before and After Real Estate Staging Charlotte NC

Before and After front entrance into foyer Redesign + More Home Staging Team Charlotte

Before and After Dining Room Home Staging

Living room Before and After Real Estate Staging

Kitchen Before and After Staging

Master Bedroom Before and After Home Staging

Master Bathroom Before and After Staging to Sell NC

Real Estate Staging 

Create a fabulous First Impression for a perspective buyer by staging your home!

"Home Staging" is the skill of professionally preparing your home for the real-estate market. This is accomplished by depersonalizing rooms, removing clutter, organizing, rearranging furniture and accessories to identify your homes architectural features.

 Our front curb to backyard staging consultation will provide you with a detailed report of things to do for interior and exterior that impacts the homes marketability. We can assist you with the report of things to do or refer you to our approved contractors, painters etc.

 We offer a range of staging services: Occupied Home Staging, Vacant Home Staging and Staging Consultation (Do-it-yourself guide)

 The National Association of Realtors reports that, on average, a home staged sells more than twice as quickly as a non-staged home (13.9 days vs. 31 days.) In addition, staged homes sell for 6.9%-10% more than their non-staged counterparts.