Monday, July 16, 2007

Accepting Applications for Interior Redesign/Home Staging Workshop Near Beech Mountain, North Carolina!

Professional Training in the Arts of Interior Redesign and Home Staging
is Traveling to a City Near You!
Wouldn't you love to train in this gorgeous house? The owner has graciously volunteered the property for an interior redesign/home staging seminar! If you live out of state, you may even be given the opportunity to stay in this fabulous home and save the additional hotel expense involved with traveling!
View more photos at http://www.mtnhome4sale.com/
Three days is all that is needed to complete training and become a professional in the exciting alternative decorating world of Interior Redesign and Home Staging. Come join us as we travel the country to learn all about redesign and home staging! This fast paced workshop has students moving furniture and redesigning rooms the very first afternoon. It is an extremely hands-on training seminar which combines morning lecture with actual in home practice. This three day professional workshop includes a minimum of FIVE hands-on interior redesign/home staging projects. The before and after room photos are always a terrific addition to each members new portfolio. There is also actual client contact during the workshop, which enables students to participate in the always exciting room reveal. This contact is essential for a successful learning experience. Students are given the opportunity to observe client interaction and gain the experience and confidence needed to succeed.
Some of the topics covered are:
Professional Standards
How to Find Clients
Initial Client Contact
Gaining Credibility Quickly
Contracts vs. Proposals
Pricing Services
Follow Up and Referrals
Important Business Affiliations
'Sweet 16' Proven Marketing Strategies
Marketing Tips (70+ very affordable)
Wholesale...How and Where
Writing a Business Plan
Taxes and Insurance
In addition, the course includes:
Our illustrated 100 Plus Page Training Manual
Business Plan Sample
Tool Kit
Decorating Assistant Kit
Color Tools
Form Templates
Upon completion of the workshop, new members receive a framed designation certificate, and a FREE ONE YEAR POSTING on our national website. Ongoing assistance is also provided so new members will never feel alone. In addition, all members become eligible to join the Interior Design Society, gaining additional credibility for their new businesses. Please check availability as classes are strictly limited to six new members and fill quickly!
For more information please visit our national website at:http://www.allaboutredesign.com/
or call toll free 1-877-826-9719

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Interior Redesign & Home Staging ~ A Credible Business Choice

Have you have been considering Interior Redesign or Home Staging as a new career path or a business venture? There are several different facts you should discover when selecting a training course. You will want to invest your money wisely and choose the redesign training that best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
Since the alternative field of Interior Redesign is fast growing and projected to gain in recognition now is the time to get started! With the popularity of budget conscience interior decorating programs, redesign professionals are in demand.
Many training centers are beginning to pop up all over the Nation as this affordable decorating field is beginning to take off! Following are some important questions you should ask of each potential trainer. By following this simple guideline, you can be certain you are getting the best experience possible.
1. Ask the trainer what their credentials and experience are in the field.
2. Find out exactly what is involved during the training. Will you be involved with hand-on training and if so how many rooms?
3. If the training includes a manual, ask how many pages and what the font size is. Anything more than 12 pt. is usually not necessary.
4. Where will you be trained? Is it an actual classroom setting or held inside the instructor's home.
5. Will you have actual client contact? This is extremely important if you have never dealt with a client of your own.
6. What tools and or marketing materials are included with the training? Important to consider when estimating your start-up costs.
7. Will you receive a certificate of completion or is some type of certification offered? Find out if this is included in the training or an additional charge.
8. How accessible will the trainer be upon completion of the program. Will you be able to contact him/her with questions that may arise!
9. What will you gain by their affiliation? Important to discover if there are any annual fees or dues going forward.
10. Will you be listed on the website you most likely found the training at? If so, request all cost's involved.
A reputable instructor will gladly offer you all this information before you agree to anything. Be very skeptical of someone that you do not feel is being completely up-front and honest with you.
Finally, I recommend contacting at least one previous student to get a referral for the training program.
Julie
www.allaboutredesign.com

Monday, May 22, 2006

Home Staging ~ Dealing With Sensitvie Situations

What do you do if you are a real estate professional and you have just walked into a home you know can sell for more money with just a few simple changes?
Selling a home often takes the homeowner through several emotional stages. Leaving the place they have called home and love exactly the way it is can be difficult for many people. The last thing your client wants to hear is that their home isn't "good enough."
When making common sense -everyone should know- suggestions you often walk a fine line of being insulting or helpful. You don't want to risk a losing a potential new listing by trying to help your client face the facts.
This is where a home staging expert can help! Teaming-up with a knowledgeable professional will increase your bottom line and will help you obtain new listings.
When working with a staging pro, let them do the dirty work for you. Examples:
Make the beds everyday.
Remove the dated wallpaper.
Wash the windows and walls.
Do the dishes and clean daily.
Remove family photos...etc.
Neutralize and de-clutter.

Not only will the blame be squarely on the home stager if the property doesn't sell in two minutes, but you will remain the real estate professional they have hired.

Remember that you will want to work with a staging professional you get along with. They will be your second-string, so to speak. You want to work with only someone that will compliment you and reaffirm your clients choice to work with you!

Consider paying for the staging service yourself. You can offer this service as a signing gift and deduct it from your taxes. Either way, it is a win-win for the busy real estate agent. You will never have to worry about dealing with a sensitive situation again.

Author~ Julie Rieman
Instructor ~ All About Redesign Decorating Center
www.allaboutredesign.com
www.allaboutwalls.net

Home Staging ~ Room by Room Tips to Sell Your Home

Many home buyers will search online before contacting anyone. When trying to attract a potential buyer you want your home to stand out in this tightening market.
The only thing worse than NO picture is having a BAD picture listed. Remember... you never have a second chance to make a first impression and a picture is worth a thousand words?
Keep this in mind when having your home or listing photographed for the MLS and before posting it online.
Tips to remember before and during the photo shoot.
Curb appeal. This is often the first photo a potential buyer will view. If the home was listed during the winter months and not sold, update the picture to reflect the current season. If a buyer sees snow in the landscape, they immediately know the listing is old and wonder why.
The Kitchen. This is an extremely important room to everyone. For the photos sake...remove the magnets and children's artwork from the refrigerator! Also, hide the trash bin from sight. Nobody wants to look at the garbage, it is not attractive and leads to the conclusion that the space is small.
The Bedrooms. No matter the number of bedrooms in your property, you may want to consider neutralizing each one. A fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable solution. Change that pink or blue child's room to a boring tan or taupe. It will immediately attract a larger audience of buyers. If you have wallpaper-remove it quick!
The Bath. Try to create a spa-like environment. This can be accomplished by placing towels with matching candles on the counter tops. Use a neutral palette and match the shower curtain. Remove all hygiene products!
Living and Family Rooms. First it is important to remove any unnecessary furniture and personal collections to make the space appear as large as possible. Hide all VHS tapes, DVD movies and audio accessories. Potential buyers do not care about your extensive collections. They want to visualize their own possessions in these rooms.
Laundry Room. For God's sake...hide the dirty laundry! Not only is this a reflection of your housekeeping skills but buyers will be turned-off to your home. Nobody wants to look at your dirty underwear. You do NOT want to leave that visual in a buyers mind!

Home staging is all about setting the "stage" for your property to put it in it's best light. Whether you are an agent or home seller, following the room by room tips will help you accomplish just that!
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Instructor ~ The All About Redesign Decorating Center
www.allaboutredesign.com
www.allaboutwalls.net

Home Staging and Interior Redesign Classes~Ten Questions to Ask The Instructor

Interior Redesign and Home Staging Classes ~
Ten Facts You Should Know
When searching online for a interior redesign training and home staging classes, there are several centers to choose from. Which interior redesign/home staging training class, workshop or online course will be the right fit for you?
Following is a list of questions you should ask yourself and the prospective instructor to be certain you are making the best and most cost effective decision.
1. First and foremost, consider the credentials of the training instructor. What are their decorating experience and affiliations?
2. Ask if the redesign/staging training manual is actually written text or full of filler paper for you to take notes. Ask the font size too.
3. Find out if you will become eligible to join other professional affiliations or if this is forbidden.
4. Ask for a list of specific tools and decorating supplies the training workshop will provide.
5. Find out if there are any additional charges for a website posting.
6. Ask if there are any annual fees or charges to join the affiliation you are considering paying thousands of dollars to for your redesign training.
7. Ask if you will receive a certificate or certification upon successfully completing your home staging or interior redesign training. This information should be freely offered up-front...not after you have already committed.
8. Ask if there is any testing involved and if so, is it included in the course or a added on additional fee.
9. Factor into the tuition cost any additional travel and hotel requirements.
10. Ask if the redesign teacher will consider traveling to your town. Many will for a certain minimum number of students. This could save you lots of money!
Once you have done your research and had all these questions answered you will be able to make an informed and educated decision.
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Instructor~ The All About Redesign Center
http://www.allaboutredesign.com/

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Decorate With Light...Set the Stage for Your Home

Lights can not only change the feel of your space but you can use it to highlight and accent your treasures! There are three different and distinct lighting functions available to you.
1. General Lighting
2. Task Lighting
3. Accent Lighting
General lighting is often times the light on the ceiling in the center of the room. Such as a Chandelier, Ceiling Fans, Recessed Cans or a Overhead Globe. This type rarely offers enough light to satisfy our everyday needs. General lighting is just that. General. This is usually not the only source in a typical room. Task lighting is used for a specific task and in work areas where more light is required. The task might be putting a puzzle together or reading a book. A lamp placed next to a chair would be considered a task light. So are the under-cabinet lights that have become so popular. Accent lighting can make a tremendous impact on the feel of your space. This type of lighting is commonly used to highlight a important piece of art or brighten a dark corner. Accent lights are the most fun to work with because you can accomplish a spectacular change for very little money. Accent lighting can dramatically improve the “feel” of the room.Track lights are a great example of task and accent lighting. The bulbs may be strategically positioned to light a work area and highlight a beautiful art piece At The Same Time!
Tip- To brighten a dark corner consider purchasing a small pot light. These little wonders can be hidden behind tables and shine a beautiful glow up to the ceiling! Very inexpensive and can be purchased at most discount and hardware stores.
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Home Staging Instructor
www.allaboutredesign.com

Stage Your Home by Appealing to The Senses

The following is a list of suggestions meant to appeal to the five senses and set your open house apart from others!
Out of sight, out of mind! Hide away anything you would not see in a “model” home. This is especially true regarding trash! Remember to empty all trash bins and remove them from sight. Keep in mind that potential buyers look at everything! A clean property equates a well maintained property that will get offers!
Never underestimate the sense of smell. It is important that your property passes the “smell test”. This may be accomplished by using many of the various room fresheners available today. We recommend a long lasting product and prefer the plug-in style. Consider placing one in each room. Place in an inconspicuous area that is not easily noticed by potential buyers.
Do you hear what I hear? This is especially important in creating an atmosphere of peacefulness. You do not want potential buyers to hear the furnace turn on or listen to outdoor traffic. Consider playing music that will not offend most people. Rock and Roll is dead as far as your open house goes! We suggest playing soft background music that contains no lyric.
Potential buyers will be touching surfaces in your property. Not intentionally, but because they have to! Be certain that all banisters, handrails, doorknobs and faucets are squeaky clean. You do not want people to “feel” that your home is anything but squeaky clean!
We like to suggest leaving a decorative treat filled dish out for potential buyers. You can fill it with various individually wrapped candies. Everyone loves chocolate and it makes a hospitable statement about you and your home!
Thanks for reading!
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Instructor ~ The All About Redesign Center
www.allaboutredesign.com

Monday, May 23, 2005

Inexpensive and Simple Tips to "Staging Your Home

First you must emotionally detach yourself from your home. With any luck it will not be yours for very long! What you are living in is about to become just another piece of real estate available for sale. That being said, take inventory of your necessary possessions and begin packing away everything that you can live without.

Strive to create the most neutral environment possible. This will attract men and women alike. Prospective buyers will more easily visualize their own furnishings in the property if it is not cluttered with your belongings. Remove excess furniture and instantly have a larger room! This is especially important for small spaces. If you have a sofa, love seat and chair consider removing one piece. Many rooms have just two upholstered pieces and look beautiful. The same rules apply to the bedroom. If you have access to a baby crib why not turn the smallest bedroom into a nursery? Add only a rocking chair and the space will appear enormous!

Wallpaper is typically a huge turnoff to home buyers. Everyone has different taste in decor and leaving paper on the walls will limit your buying audience. All they see is work as they will become responsible for removing it. Consider taking the paper down yourself or hire the job done.
The small investment now will become a huge payoff later. Color plays an important role in the home buying market. Stay away from bright colors when selling. That neon yellow bedroom MUST go! The hot trends today are the darker creams and taupes. A fresh coat of paint will go a long way in freshening your walls and buyers will feel your property is move-in ready!

Clear the counter tops of all small appliances but replace with living plants and a couple of strong scented candles. The benefit is twofold. The counter tops appear more spacious and the scented candles (I recommend apple pie or cookie dough) leave a nice aroma in the room.

These are general tips that apply to every home. You may want to contact a Staging professional to address your specific needs. Remember a small investment now could tremendously increase your property value!
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Training Instructor ~ The All About Redesign Center
www.allaboutredesign.com