"More Fun than shopping for shoes!" Almost...

I told my business partner, Sue, yesterday that "this is more fun than shopping for shoes.  I could spend all day here."  We were at the Dal tile showroom in north scottsdale looking for latest products for our remodel clients and finding some really great stuff.   Sue and I were like kids in a candy store!  

Escaping the hot Arizona day, we entered the cool, well layed out showroom where we shed our purses, sunglasses and drinks left over from lunch and just browsed.  It turned out to be a productive trip as well, finding many tile products for our color/presentation boards.  Thanks Dal tile and thanks Margaret, the helpful showroom receptionist, for putting up with our constant questions and requests!

Over and out.... Laura 

HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO 2010!

     We Kicked Off the New Year at the 2010 RESA Real Estate Staging Association INTERNATIONAL STAGING CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS!

Here we are pictured with Matthew Finlason of HGTV's The Stagers.  Nice guy and enjoyable to talk with!

And now...a more 'STAGED' photo:

     Of course the first thing we did when we got to our hotel room at the Treasure Island or TI as they call it now, was to Stage the room more to our liking!  Sue said the lamp wasn't going to work in that corner and moved it right away.  I adjusted the armchair more appropriately next to the window.  What can we say, it's what we do.

     The two and half day conference was very educational and informative.  We met a lot of great stagers from all around the world, including Canada and Australia.  We came together to discuss our industry and the growing popularity of STAGING!

Viva Las Vegas,

Laura 

Take a Look!

Just a quick look at a BATHROOM Laura did recently with fall colors and a touch of asian influence.  Style does not have to be expensive, anyone can bring their home to life with some simple changes that don't cost a lot.   Stay tune for our free tips on how to design on the cheap and make a big impact using color.  Talk soon, Sue 

Staging is one of the top recommendations in HomeGain's 2009 Top 12 Home Improvements Survey Results

Home gain just released a new nation wide survey in 2009 that highlights the top twelve improvements sellers can make to get them home ready to sell and acheive a strong ROI as a result. This is great information and more importantly lists home staging as one of the best investments behind cleaning and de-cluttering. Staging costs 300-400 with 82 % of realtors recommending it, delivers a 586% ROI, with an estimated 1700 dollar price increase. Sounds like a good investment to make to help set your home apart from the competition and get it noticed in today's market. To see the complete survey go to the Home Gain site and get going on getting your home ready to sell. Talk soon, Sue

Fountain Hills Business Showcase

The Property Promoters joined some 200 other venders at the Fountain Hills Community Center, Fountain Hills, AZ to showcase our business to local residents. The event was a big success and we made a lot of contacts and most importantly a lot of friends. Sue and I feel strongly about our roots in the community and want to continue to cultivate relationships and business here in Fountain Hills. However, we will travel as needed. (Waiting for that job call in Napa Valley)

Take care and be safe.

Laura

On The REO Tour

Last Saturday Sue and I were sponsors on the REO tour. The tour is put on by Sonoran Lifestyle Properties in Fountain Hills, AZ. I always wanted to go on tour with REO! I kept singing to myself; "And I can't stop this feeling anymore...I've forgotten what I started fighting for..." (REO Speedwagon music)

For those of you that aren't sure what REO stands for, it means Real Estate Owned or in other words, bank owned properties. Basically, there is no more mortgage loan and the bank now owns the property. The tour was designed to show investors and buyers what is available in REO's and to educate them on how to go about acquiring them. There were many important points made, for example; Make sure you select a realtor that is educated in dealing with bank owned properties and/or short sales. These agents know the ins and outs of dealing with the banks and can avoid delays or complications with closings. It's also important to understand that these properties are sold in 'as is' condition and there will not be a SPDS (Seller Property Disclosure Statement). Therefore, it is important to have the property inspected by a professional home inspector before purchasing. You should, however, be able to obtain a Clue Report or Loss History Statement from the bank as they are in contact with the insurance company covering the property. Be sure to consult a licensed real estate agent on any questions you might have when entering the REO market.
We highly recommend the tour, which starts off with a Continental breakfast, views seven to eight homes and concludes with a great lunch and chatting with the professionals about the properties.
"It's time to bring this ship into the shore...and throw away the oar...forever...." (REO Speedwagon music continues)
Check out http://www.sonoranlifestyle.com/ for upcoming tours.

Laura

Help for Home Sellers

Hi Everyone!

Sue and I have some exciting news to share. We both were recently interviewed for a 90-second video on a great home seller's site . (EnergizedSeller.com) Sue's video interview is currently running and mine will be close behind. We greatly support the site and the extensive information it provides to sellers. Please check the site out, we highly recommend for those of you planning to sell your home.

Take care and 'Happy Selling.'
Laura