Last week I received an email from a past client. Two years ago we staged her downtown Charleston loft and in less than a month it went under contract. The deal was supposed to be a lease to own, but apparently things didn't go exactly as planned with the economy and banking being what they are. Recently the tenants moved out and the home was ready to go back on the market. The email was on Thusday of last week and the new open house was scheduled for Thursday of this week.... with no time to spare and my calendar being completely full, I turned the staging job over to one of our experienced team members, David Moon.
I had no doubt that he would do an amazing job - he always does! I was curious how it would differ from what I did 2 years ago. Leaving him completely on his own to do what he does best, I waited until today when I could see the completed project. So.... how did they compare?
(Mine) (David's)
Now, I confess I think he did do a better job on this unit than I did way back when.... in my defense, we certainly have a broader selection of inventory than I did.... anyway, that's my excuse and I'm sticking too it.... lol!
I am curious what the homeowner will say having seen both....
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If you would like to be taught by CSP's Executive Director, Melissa Marro, see her class dates below and call 1-888-STAGING to reserve your seat. To learn more about becoming a Certified Staging Professional, visit www.csptraining.com.
- July 8 -9 CSP Elite Instructor Training - St. Catharines, ON
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- October 20-22 CSP Certification Course - Baton Rouge, LA
- November 10-12 CSP Certification Course - Tampa, FL
- December 1-3 CSP Certification Course - Jackson, MS
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First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign is a nationally award winning company owned and operated in Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston, SC. We provide high quality staging for both occupied and vacant homes in the greater surrounding areas and beyond! For more information please visit, www.WeStageSC.com. If you are interested in learning about making Home Staging your profession, please visit, www.StagingAndRedesign.com for more information.
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. Selling her successful home staging company in January 2012, Marro is now a full time speaker and instructor for Staging And Resign and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.619.1593 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
What an interesting, and fun, situation! I think they both look nice, though. : )
I'm going to assume the one on the left was the one 2 years ago and the one on the right is the now?
I think they both look great. Very different aesthetics because of two different paint palettes. With the more neutral paint, yours feels cleaner and more contemporary, however, David's feels richer and warmer and perhaps more inviting. I do prefer the previous paint colour which makes the home look newer and works with your staging. I also personally love your choice of coffee table, though I believe David's is more appropriate for the new colour and the market. Clean and Contemporary VS Rich and Warm.
Hey you did a good job with the inventory you has at the time -- and that is what counts !
Thanks Chris!
Donna - yes, you are correct. I added subtitles... thanks for pointing out that it wasn't obvious!
Matthew - I think the lighting (time of day mostly) is throwing the colors off a bit - they actually were not painted - everything is the same color. I completely agree that his is more warm and inviting. Four years of accumulating inventory makes a big difference! When I staged mine two years ago, this was all I had to work with and in all honesty almost everything bought for this home was brand new!
Bob & Carolin - yes, we did the best we could with the budget and inventory we had. The home also did go under contract within one month - which was the end goal! Now we get to compare timelines... lol!
I would say that if it went under contract under a month after you staged it, then that is all that really matters! You both did a great job, just taking a different perspective. And the fact that the same seller called you back again means that she was pleased with the results. Best of luck on the second sale!
What a great referral. I think he did a great job. Isn't it amazing how our style changes based on what we have and the trends in the area market in a matter of 2 years?
Melissa > They both have great things about them. Yours shows off the features of the unit in a clean contemporary light. His has a warm cozy feel. They will both speak to buyers. Kudos to you both.
Here's another view of the condo's living room from then and now. I certainly can't take all the credit for "my" version - Melissa and Bevin are the ones who've built up such a great staging inventory for First Impressions over the past couple of years.
(I will take credit for the Saul Steinberg poster above the fireplace!)
first - great new photo of you - why haven't I seen this one?
second - I was looking for this same angle, but unfortunately it was on my external, which is at the office - I'm so glad you shared it!
times and staging styles change over the years, as did the inventory available... you did an awesome job though!
I think you should share the shots you took that show how fabulous the whole house is - in another before and after blog!
Both are very nice staging projects. Congratulations Melissa and David!
This is such a unique situation...I'm glad we got to see the photos from both. Wonderful job! I suspected it was light causing the difference in color...it is amazing how much of a difference it can make. You have built up a beautiful inventory, David was lucky to have it to work with.
Melissa,
What a fabulous job you both did! It is interesting to see how the industry (along with buyers expectations) have changed in such a short amount of time. I'm curious, was the price you charged this time around in the same ballpark as you charged before?
Both of the stagings look great, with David's being slightly fuller, I guess due to the amount of inventory now available. It is a great space that looks like you both had fun doing....kind of like a tv show, showing different takes on the same space!
What a great space and you both did a fabulous job. Isn't it cool to see how your business and inventory have evolved. It gives me hope! Thanks for sharing this great situation with us!
HI Melissa, I am drawn to David's. Must be the overall warmer tone of the room 2 years later. I recently assisted a CSP class by providing a home for the students to stage.
I found it very interesting to see how the students used my props, accessories and artwork. I learned new ways of presenting my inventory. The students saw uses for my things that I probably would never have tried. Just goes to show, you live and learn every day.
Aloha Melissa,
Great new plants! The orientation of this room is little strange the fireplace seems to be almost an after thought. Love the art over the fireplace!
Peace,