Speaking Up about Home Staging

CSP 3-day Home Staging Training Certification Course offered in St. Petersburg, FL April 10-12 by Melissa Marro

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:24:12 -0500

CSP™ 3 DAY HOME STAGING TRAINING

CHARLESTON, SC April 10-12, 2010

Join Melissa Marro,, 2009 RESA Professional Stager of the Year, CSP™ Instructor and founder of First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign as she shares her knowledge, experience and passion for home staging.

Start your year off by giving yourself the gift of a new career in the ever growing Home Staging Industry. This 3 day course provides the foundation for those wanting to start a Home Staging career or own a real estate property staging business. The proven CSP™ process teaches a blend of interior redesign techniques to market a house that is for sale, along with business, marketing and communication skills. Owning a business involves much more than talent; like pricing, contracts, communications, vital marketing components and much, much more. If you want the most comprehensive home staging training in the industry, thenThis Class Is For You!

who will benefit from taking the CSP™ program?

• Individuals that are interested in becoming a staging expert
• Decorators and Redesigners
• Real Estate Agents
• Organizers
• Those looking for a change in careers
• Individuals with a passion to learn and grow in the home staging field

Course Includes:

• 350 + page resource manual with class room instruction
• How to sell your services to different types of people
• Many pricing methods
• Staging industry statistics
• Performing Consultations
• Contracts, letters, proposals, quotes
• Other types of revenue streams
• 10 Simple steps to staging a room
• CSP designation
• The 6 F’s and much, much more

For more information about the CSP ™ training program, to register, or to visit Melissa’s website please follow the links below or call 1-888-782-4464.

Contact Information

melissa@stagingtraining.com

Links

CSP™ Training Dates and Registration

CSP™ Website

StagingAndRedesign.com Training website

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocet 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. She now operates as the CEO of First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign as well as an instructor for Certified Staging Professionals International Training Academy (CSPI) - the world's largest Staging Training Organization, and regularly speaks at the StagerList Expos 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 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

If you would like Marro's team to provide information on staging a property in the state of South Carolina, or the Greater Charleston Area, please visit www.WeStageSC.com, email marro.melissa@gmail.com or call 843.822.2622.

For more information on Marro's CSP Staging Training, please visit www.StagingAndRedesign.com, visit the CSP Calendar for dates or email marro.melissa@gmail.com. Below is a list of Marro's current CSP Certification class dates:

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Live Webinar March 24th, 10am - Marketing for Consistent & Explosive Growth

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:17:14 -0500

What separates top performers from those just getting by? Having staged over $120 million dollars in real estate since 2006, Melissa Marro knows how to get an agent's attention and keep business moving. In this live webinar you will learn the marketing techniques that Melissa Marro & First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign uses to achieve their high volume success.

This session has been presented at several of the Stagers List Expos and here is what audience members had to say about it:

"Hi Melissa. I didn't get a chance to meet you at the expo in NJ last week but I wanted to send you a quick email and let you know how much I enjoyed hearing you speak. I agree wholeheartedly with your way of doing business and marketing. As a new stager and a start up small business owner I look up to successful entrepreneurs in our industry like yourself and Bevin. Again, thank you for sharing your story and motivating me to work harder. Best of luck "

Amanda Alligood ,
Sunflower Creations
267.402.7782
www.sunflowercreationsonline.com
'Creating A Sunny First Impression'

"I've had the distinct pleasure of hearing Melissa speak on two separate occasions. She is the consummate professional not only in how well she speaks to an audience, but also in terms of her expertise and preparedness. I can't wait to have another opportunity to attend another of Melissa's presentations in the future as I know she will never disappoint."

Nancy Maurer
Whitehall Interiors
Sparta, NJ

When? Wednesday March 10th at 7pm and Wednesday March 24th at 10am
Cost $35

Here are some of the topics that will be covered:

* Creating a process
* Gathering information & what to do with it
* Marketing techniques
* How to make farming work for you
* Affiliate Programs
* Lunch & Learns

Finally - a program that teaches you exactly what steps you should be taking on a daily basis to increase your business....

CALL 888.STAGING to register for your class today!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Seabrook Island Stunner!! More MAGIC by Melissa MARRO of First Impressions.

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:44:47 -0600

Thanks Andrew for doing such amazing photographic work for us!

Via Andrew Mayon (Triad Real Estate Photography):

Hey Gang:

Here is part two of my three-part project with Melissa Marro. Again, just a textbook stage! The REALTOR hired a "professional" to do their photos, and here is a link to look at those photos in a new browser window:

http://www.charlestontrident.com/%28el4yw155pgsbqmnswhh4qy45%29/propertyDetails.aspx?mls=2828565&sitecode=9329

Now, here are mine, you decide:

So, there you have it, two of three projects complete. Next up, 1030 Crooked Oaks Lane...

Greensboro Photographer | Andrew Jay Mayon | Triad Real Estate Photography

Follow me on Facebook and become a Fan!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Melissa Marro & Andrew Mayon Complete A Magical Transformation! Home Staging + Professional Photography = Paradise

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:23:58 -0600

I love what Andrew did with my design work.... he certainly made sure it polished nicely!

Via Andrew Mayon (Triad Real Estate Photography):

Well, here it is! My first of three projects with Melissa Marro of First Impressions that were completed last weekend in Charleston, SC. It was a LOT of fun going to a new place, and working with such a talented person like Melissa whose expertise allows my photography to shine.

I know the homeowner was very happy with what Melissa did, and hopefully, my images will help push her investment property over the top with bookings. This property is located on Folly Beach, so if you are looking for an awesome beach rental, this one is it!

Well, there you have it, the perfect synergy of a talented stager and professional photography. We welcome your thoughts.

Greensboro Photographer | Andrew Jay Mayon | Triad Real Estate Photography

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

The first quarter is nearly over - how is your business doing?

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:13:03 -0600

Like good little business owners, we usually sit down and think out our business goals at the end of the year, or at the very beginning. Unfortunately, like New Years Resolutions, many get so busy just 'trying to get by' that they forget what their goals are, they forget what direction they are suppoesd to be heading and we just 'keep plugging along' certain that eventually 'if we work hard enough' we will get there (wherever that is)....

I'm here to remind you that in order to actually get there (wherever that is) you really do need to keep your goals and business plan in front of you.... Here are some basic questions to help keep you on track...

Do you have a written goal list? Are you using visual cues (photos, etc) to help inspire you?

Do you have a plan of attack? It's not enough just to know what you want, you have to figure out how you are going to get there! Knowing you want to go to New York is great, but if you live in Omaha, do you know how to get there before you get in the car? If not, you may end up in Dallas!

Have you compartmentalized your goals into smaller chunks? Looking at them as a whole can be overwhelming. If you've got a plan of attack you can break them into smaller goals which makes it far more doable. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!"

Have you created exciting rewards for yourself? For the women reading this, chances are if that is $$ then you better figure out a new reward. We rarely actualy work for the money, regardless of how much we need/want it. We will work for purses, shoes, perfume, vacations, jewelry, etc however.

Have you figured out what you'll have to give up to get there? Oh come on, you don't think you can get there without giving up something do you? We will all have to give up something - time, chocolate, shopping, dinners out, yoga - something.... are you willing to give up what you have to give up to get what you want? If not, then figure out a new goal because you probably won't achieve it!

Do you have a support system? For some this means that you need people around you who will help pick you up when you fall. For others that may mean someone you can run around yelling, "na na na na... Ha! I told you I could do it!" and proving them wrong. Depending on your personality type, one works better than the other for you. Having both is really great! (but maybe just do the dance in your head... My best motivation in this business has been my ex-boss - everytime I succeed I know she sees it and it annoys her to no end.... that pushes me harder and harder! sad, but true)

I'll ask again, How is your business doing?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Melissa Marro and Andrew Mayon team up to make this Folly Beach, SC Beach Penthouse show it's inner beauty

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:35:01 -0600

I've only personally gotten a sneak peak at the amazing work of Andrew Mayon's handiwork from the condo that I designed in Folly Beach. I wrote about the work and process in Waiting for Andrew Mayon to do his magic, now that I've done mine... Finishing in Folly Beach, SC. Last night, on Facebook, Andrew shared the sneak peek of this unit and I want to share it with you!

This is what the unit looked like when I first saw it. What my client wanted was a high end beach rental. This 3 bdrm, 3 bath unit rents for $1500 a week (a real steal) and had a budget of $20,000. Because the furniture was a tenants, that had to include everything in the unit.

Here is what the after photo looks like (thanks to the stunning photographic work of Andrew Mayon)

By the way, that's the ocean out those windows...

The last of the 'teasers' that Andrew has shared so far is the after photo for the master bedroom... Here is the before (after the tenant vacated)

It is an awkward narrow room. Rental regulations require a certain amount of furniture (dressers, TV, seating, etc). The homeowner and I agreed that this room needed a king bed to really work as a luxury unit.

Now I just can't wait for the rest of the photos!!!! Don't worry, I will be sharing!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Live Webinar, Wednesday March 10, 7pm with Melissa Marro - Marketing for Consistent & Explosive Growth

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:45:53 -0600

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Waiting for Andrew Mayon to do his magic, now that I've done mine... Finishing in Folly Beach, SC

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:28:47 -0600

So, you may have seen Andrew Mayon's blog CATFIGHT!!!!! Charleston (Melissa Marro) vs. Atlanta (Kathy Nielsen). While it was all in good clean fun there was a little truth behind it all... the part that both Kathy and I have been chomping at the bit to get Andrew to come create some magic in our areas. His real estate photography is some of the best I've seen.

Recently I had the good fortune (combined with some great referrals and model staging) landing a design project for an investment property/second home. The homeowners were more hands on than I'm used to, but this unit will be their second home along with being put on the weekly vacation rental circuit in Folly Beach, SC.

When the homeowner bought the unit it was rented to an individual. Their lease ran out in November and I was charged with the task of turning the unit into a high end rental beach condo (it was the penthouse of a beach front complex). Here is what it looked like when I walked into it for the first time....

With the renter leaving my project became a shell of a unit - completely vacant - not a single piece of anything to work with.... my budget was a meager $20,000 (3 bdrm, 2 bath).

After sitting with the homeowners and discussing what they wanted out of this unit, it became clear that mango wasn't really an option... We needed restful, beachy, tranquil and chic.

Starting with a base of "sedate grey" from Sherwin Williams, we began the transformation...

Shopping was next on the list....

After a couple of months of shopping and sending photos back and forth with the clients (they were VERY involved in this project), we had a completed unit. In order to maximize exposure, we felt it was important to have the best photos possible - along comes Andrew....

Now... I'm just waiting, waiting for the finished finished project... Sure, I know what the room looks like in person, but I want to see Andrew's magic!

Don't worry - you'll be one of the first that I share it with!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

AND THE WINNER IS ... ME!! ....CATFIGHT!!!!! Charleston (Melissa Marro) vs. Atlanta (Kathy Nielsen)

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:24 -0600

and the winner is.... ME! Andrew mentioned it on FB this morning so I feel perfectly OK in announcing that I won this little 'catfight'.... btw, I encourage everyone to go back and look at the comments in Andrews original blog....

Via Andrew Mayon (Triad Real Estate Photography):

Hey Gang:

For those of you who have been following my posts for the past year, you may have caught onto a little friendly "rivalry" between Melissa Marro and Kathy Nielsen regarding relocating me from Greensboro, NC to either Charleston, SC or Atlanta, GA, respectively. Well, while I have no plans to move from Greensboro to either spot (too South for me), the gauntlet has been thrown down!

I am very excited to announce that my photography services have been retained by ONE of these two amazing Home Stagers. I will be shooting three properties this weekend, and will be posting those images sometime next week. So stay tuned!!!!

If you care to guess who fired the first shot, please provide your guess here. Melissa and Kathy and Chrissie Sutherland (she already knows) are ineligible to vote (or post about this).

While I am extremely excited about this opportunity, I also look forward to the day where I can work with the other stager to capture her incredible work as well. It is always a joy to work with some talented and amazing home stagers like Chrissie, Kim Lee, Michelle Kurelich to name a few...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Charleston Home Stager sets a record - staging the same property 3 times (for the same client)!

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:46:37 -0600

Some of you may remember that about a year ago I wrote a blog called Deja vu?? What happens when two of us do the same house two years apart? Here are some excerpts from that blog:

Last week I received an email from a past client. Two years ago we staged a 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....

Well, recently this homeowner has called us again letting us know that the tenants will again be vacating and wants us to recreate this fantastic job. David has already been notified that it's up to him to wow our client again! I wonder what he'll create this time!

How often do you get to stage the same unit, for the same homeowner 3 times?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Live Webinar with Melissa Marro - Marketing for Consistent & Explosive Growth

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:08:27 -0600

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Why Are You Getting All Dressed Up and Not Taking a Shower?

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:16:10 -0600

Really fantastic advice Anthea!! All sellers should take notes!

Via Anthea Click - Nashville Area Home Stager (Fresh Perspectives):

As a stager I end up in a lot of homes. On any given day I can find myself in a cute cottage or a multi-million dollar mansion. One thing that is common among every single home I walk into, no matter the size, location, or price is the need to be clean when your house is on the market.

You would never go buy a nice dress, find the perfect shoes and jewelry, have your hair and nails done and forget to take a shower, would you? Then why hire a Realtor, pay for a stager, rent furniture when necessary, leave the lights on for showings and not clean the house?

Putting your house on the market without giving it a good deep cleaning is like going to the prom without taking a shower.

So, let's talk about some of the common areas home owners miss when they put their home up for sale:

1.Windows - Good clean windows let the sunshine in and open up a house. Dirty fingerprints, smudges from dog noses and kids stickers can block the outdoors from coming in and also make the house feel small. Give those windows a good cleaning inside and out and don't forget to clean the sills.

2. Cabinet Doors - Years of cooking in the kitchen can leave cabinet doors with layers of dirt and grime. Wipe them down with a good cleaning agent, including the handles. Bathroom cabinets can accumulate the dirt too. Years of opening and closing along with toothpaste spills can be hard on the doors.

3. Baseboards - It's amazing the kind of impression good clean baseboards can leave with a buyer. It's one of those things a buyer won't notice if it is done, but they will notice it if it is not done.

4. Return Air Vents - This is an area that collects a ton of dirt (especially in the Middle Tennessee area). Wipe down the vent and go ahead and change the filter while you are at it - unless you are one of those homeowners who changes their filters every month. ;) When a buyer sees a dirty return air vent they wonder if the hvac system is in good shape. Don't plant a negative seed in the back of their mind!

5. Light Fixtures - Yep, get up on that ladder and clean out that dead bug collection you've had for years. While you are up there you can change the light bulbs too. Buyers like light and bright not dark and dirty.

6. Door Handles - Especially if you have little ones, door handles and the area around them can mysteriously collect the sticky from jelly, candy, and who knows what else the little hands get into. Cute when it is your kid - not so cute when it is someone else's.

7. Showers/Tubs - Keep the science experiment at school and remove all the mold and grime that is growing in the shower and tub. Bathrooms are considered money rooms and can make or break a sale. Don't lose a buyer because your bathroom can be mistaken for a science lab.

8. Tile Grout - Here is another opportunity to dazzle a potential buyer. When tile grout looks old and dingy it makes the bathroom seem dirty and cheap. To clean grout mix 1 part baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Grab an old toothbrush and scrub away. In no time your grout will sparkle like a new set of pearly whites.

9. Kitchen Appliances - Yes, buyers will look inside your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. Toss out old food, wipe down the doors, and don't forget the top of the fridge. Years of melted cheese pizza on the bottom of the oven can send shivers down a buyer's back. You may not have the most updated appliances, but super clean will go a long way.

10. Exterior - Many times houses with siding can grow fungus in areas that don't get much sun throughout the day. Rent a power washer and remove all signs of it. Mold is a dirty word in real estate and will run buyers off faster than a speeding bullet no matter what type or if it is harmless.

Taking care of the little things (like taking a shower) can make all the difference in the world. If you want to have a good time at the prom or entice the buyer to write an offer on your home a good, deep cleaning is a must.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anthea Click is the President of Fresh Perspectives Property Merchandising Services specializing in staging vacant homes, model homes and owner occupied redesign in the Middle Tennessee area including:Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Fairview, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and Lebanon. She is also a certified CSP Elite instructor, educating agents on how to incorporate staging into their business. For information on staging your home for sale contact us at 615-465-8086 or visit our website www.fresh-perspectives.com.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

"If Your Pictures Aren't Good Enough, You're Not Close Enough" - Robert Capa

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:55:37 -0600

I LOVE this! How does it apply to staging? I'm always "preaching" that we should be taking photos of our stuff too... sure, shots of the room for the agents and MLS, but really artistically beautiful photos of our accessories, the things that create the emotions in the space.

Agents and sellers alike always seem to want to know "what we are putting in the house' and this one way to help show off our majic!

Via Debi Boucher - "Realtor Showcase" Real Estate Slideshows/ Photographer (Memories DVDs - Realtor Showcase Slideshows):

"If Your Pictures Aren't Good Enough, You're Not Close Enough" - Robert Capa

Robert Capa was a legendary wartime photojournalist born Andre Friedmann, in Hungary in 1913. His assignments took him all over the war torn world in the years between the 1930's and the 1950's. He lost his life, ironically, in Vietnam in 1954 after stepping on a land mine. There is such a thing as "too close", I guess...

While these words are said by some to have been attributed to his girlfriend, rather than himself, they are known and repeated by photographers everywhere.

Whether you are shooting a war ravaged refugee, or a flower, the premise is the same. Getting in close can make all the difference between a nice photograph, and a terrific one. Don't depend entirely on a zoom lens, either. Move your feet. Inspect your subject from varying angles, above or below, from side to side.

Take your time composing the shot. A centered focal point is not always the most interesting.

Have you ever laid down on your belly in a public place to get a shot? We're talking REALLY public, here. I took this shot of the daisies at Sea World on my belly. My mother was mortified.

And it's a little bit harder to get back up than it used to be...hope no one was watching.

When you are shooting macros and close ups, it's a good idea to use manual focus to get the sharpest, clearest images possible, then use your photo editing program to sharpen it more for web or print.

DBoucher Photography

Nature and Wildlife Photography Notecards

Real Estate Showcase Slideshows

Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow as a listing tool. Post it on your own website - Realtor Showcase Members can upload it to Realtor.com - Post it on your blog to showcase your listings.

"Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow and Web Presentations, more captivating than a virtual tour!

Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

CSP Home Staging Business Awards are NOW OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:49:07 -0600

It is that time of year again!! ...The CSP Staging Business Awards!

Do you know a CSP staging company who deserves recognition?
Is your company the best candidate for one of the 10 categories open for nominations?

Nominate a successful professional in your industry...or nominate your own business... Nominations are being accepted today!!
Deadline for submission is March 30^th, 2010...

The judges will look for a great business model, initiative, determination and resilience.

Company Nominations & Applications:

Companies may apply for one or more award categories.
Nominations may be made by owners, or with permission employees, clients and or service providers.
Must be a CSP^TM Member in Good Standing.

Be succinct in your submission however include:

A business definition, company structure, competitive, growth and financial strategies and at least two external references. (not family)
Financial and marketing information is an important and quantifiable indicator of success for our judges, and is required for all award categories. All the information submitted is confidential. Our judges are bound by a strict confidentiality agreement.

Final determination of the number of categories of awards to be presented will be decided by the independent panel of judges based on the quality of nominations received.

The deadline for all submissions is MARCH 30th, 2010

To Download a Nomination form Click Here...

Categories:

1. CSP^TM Real Estate Staging Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Year;

Recognizing individual CSP^TM entrepreneurs for achievements during the eligibility period recipient will be an individual who has maintained management excellence over a sustained period of time. The business must have been founded more than two years and the founder, must still be active in the management of the business. Recipient earns his/her primary income from the business, is responsible for its day-to-day management, and is a model of entrepreneurship. Show a minimum 30% increase, or higher in sales and profits, for each of the past two years. Recipient will demonstrate clear vision, plan for success, and what they have learned from overcoming obstacles and mistakes.

2. CSP^TM Most Promising - Rising Star Award:

Awarded to CSP^TM who can support outstanding accomplishments in the past and present and has the vision and plans to lead their company to success in the near future. The recipient has a comprehensive business plan, and is ready for the next-stage of growth.
Criteria: Nominees must be in continued leadership of a registered business for no less than 6 months, with a month over month sales and profit increase.

3. CSP^TM Green Bud Business Award of the Year:

The Green Bud Award is intended to recognize a person or business that has made an effort to significantly improve and protect our environment by implementing green practices. The recipient will also demonstrate how it impacts other local businesses to alter their practices to ensure the sustainability of both our environment and economy.

4. CSP^TM Mentor of the Year:

Recognizing the individual who provided the best support and guidance to other CSP^TMs in business during the eligibility period.

5. CSP^TM Best Overall Company of the Year:

Recognizing business owner for their accomplishments during the eligibility period. The recipient will have applied practical, innovative and market-oriented approach to his or her business. Then through innovation, strategic thinking and smart execution, built a successful company with a track record of growth and profitability. This pre-eminent entrepreneur is positioned well for the future and can demonstrate

the drive, managerial acumen and leadership traits which have guided the business success. Demonstrates high standards and best practices.

6. CSP^TM Trailblazer Company of the Year:

Recognizing business that demonstrated extraordinary growth in sales during the eligibility period from the year. The recipient will have shown exemplary management excellence over a sustained period of time, making him/her a trailblazer.

7. CSP^TM Business Turnaround of the Year:

Recognizing business that demonstrated a financial or other operational turnaround during the eligibility period from the year prior. This entrepreneur has successfully overcome obstacles and capitalized on opportunities to deliver 10% or more growth year over year for more than three years. Through expanded management, empowered employees, and demonstrated excellence, she has created a flexible and responsive business that is able to adapt to changing market environments and exploit opportunities for continued growth.

8. CSP^TM Community Involvement Program of the Year:

Recognizing best practices in community involvement and corporate social responsibility activities during the eligibility period.

9. CSP^TM Marketing Campaign of the Year:

Recognizing excellence in marketing by a CSP^TM during the eligibility period.

10. Blog of the Year:

Recognizing excellence in individual or company blogs. There is no eligibility period requirement for this category.

Last years winners....click here

The CSP 2010 Staging Business Awards is sponsored by the CSP International Training Academy. www.cspiacademy.com, To receive a Free Information Package on home staging training in any province of Canada, and any citiy in the United States visit www.csptraining.com or in Australia visit www.acsp.com.au.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL

Photo Editing For Home Stagers - a live webinar with Jackson West

Melissa Marro www.StagingAndRedesign.com www.WeStageSC.com (First Impressions) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:27:14 -0600

If you think you need help with your photographs and portfolio, check this out... with Jackson West teaching it, I'm sure you will not be let down!

Via Jackson West (Reveal Estate Home Staging - Vancouver):

There's no questioning that home staging is a visual industry. Savvy stagers realize that appealing portfolio photos are fundamental in generating and increasing business. Potential clients want to see exactly what lifestyle image a home stager is capable of creating for their property.

As more people enter the field of home staging it is crucial that your portfolio photos are professional in appearance and stand out from the competition.

Learn how to improve the quality of images on your website and in your portfolio with simple and effective photo editing techniques. There is no need to spend the time or money on costly image editing software. Attend a photo editing webinar created and hosted by Jackson West specifically for home stagers.

During this live and interactive webinar you will learn ...

- Tips for taking better interior photos.

- Why you should avoid using a flash indoors.

- Cropping and resizing photos.

- How to straighten and sharpen images.

- Photo temperature and exposure.

- Watermarking and framing your photos.

- How to create vignette shots and collages.

Stagers that have already taken part in this webinar are saying ...

" I enjoyed the photo class very much. Jackson is a great instructor. I look forward to the next webinar he puts on." - Candace C.

" It was FANTASTIC. I learned a lot. I am just finishing my first vacant that I am filling with rental furniture so I am anxious to have some fabulous after pictures." - Karen B.

" Great webinar! I know you'd touched on some of this is our August CSP class, but I didn't grasp all of it, so this was very helpful." - Sally W.

" I thoroughly enjoyed the session and learned invaluable information. Thank you Jackson for an excellent presentation. I hope there are more such webinars in the future." - Sandra R.

" Thank you very much for teaching these useful techniques. You did great! " - Valerie W.

" I attended your webinar this evening and want to thank you for the excellent content of your seminar. Your demonstrations and tips were very, very helpful " - Nancy M.

" Excellent webinar, I will be reworking my portfolio. Thanks for the tips and tricks, talk to you soon! " - Yvonne L.

" Hi Jackson...that was fabulous. That was the first time I did a webinar and I enjoyed it. Can't wait to start editing my pics! " - Linda S.

The investment for this webinar is only $25.00 CDN.

To register please email our student advisor Liz McSorley.

Upcoming Photo Editing Webinars:

Saturday, March 6, 2010 @ 4:00 pm EST
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 @ 4:00 pm EST
Tuesday. April 13, 2010 @ 4:00 pm EST

Jackson West is the owner of Reveal Estate Home Staging and is an instructor for
Certified Staging Professionals™

He is also featured on a television series for the W Network. His interior redesign work can be seen in the book "Home Staging For Dummies" as
well as multiple editions of the "Staging Standard" magazine.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com

April 10-12 Charleston, SC

May 4-6 Covington, KY

May 18-20 Charlotte, NC

June 22-24 St. Petersburg, FL

June 26-28 Marietta, GA

July 5-7 Memphis, TN

July 10-12 Charleston, SC

August 2-4 Washington DC

August 24-26 Chicago, IL