Impact Home Staging Experts Pro TIps: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Simple Spring Outdoor Projects

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home’s exterior, especially if you’re gearing up to put it on the market. When potential buyers arrive, the first impression they get is of your home’s exterior, so it’s crucial to make it as appealing as possible. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple spring outdoor projects that can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Landscape Refresh

Begin by tidying up your lawn and garden beds. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, pull out any weeds, and lay down fresh mulch for a polished look. Consider adding colorful flowers or potted plants to brighten up the space and add a welcoming touch.

(And you still have those Christmas decorations up?)

Pressure Wash

Give your home’s exterior, driveway, and walkways a thorough pressure wash to remove dirt, grime, and mildew buildup. You can rent a power washer at any home improvements store, and this simple task can instantly make surfaces look cleaner and more inviting, boosting your home’s overall appeal.

(And since you have the pressure washer going, you might as well wash your car, too! All that winter salt isn’t going to wash itself off…)

Front Door Makeover:

Your front door is a focal point of your home’s exterior. Consider giving it a fresh coat of paint in a bold, inviting color that complements the style of your home. We love this door in Sherwin Williams’ Naval. Don’t forget to update hardware like the doorknob and mailbox for a cohesive look.

(And that door mat you’ve had for 20 years…maybe time for a new one?)

Outdoor Lighting

Enhance the curb appeal of your home by installing outdoor lighting. Add pathway lights along walkways, illuminate key features like trees or architectural details with spotlights, and consider adding stylish fixtures to your porch or entryway.

(This is a good time to make sure there are no tripping hazards on your walkways, or at least update your liability insurance.)

Update Hardware and Fixtures

Replace outdated or worn hardware such as door handles, house numbers, and light fixtures. Opt for modern, cohesive pieces that tie together the overall look of your home and add a touch of elegance. How gorgeous is this (affordable) vertical plaque from Amazon??

(Pro tip: We found that a thorough cleaning and polishing is almost as good as replacing hardware. Almost.)

Clean Windows and Gutters

Cleaning gutters can prevent dirty runoff onto siding and sidewalks. Sparkling clean windows can make a world of difference in your home’s appearance. Take the time to wash both the interior and exterior of your windows to let more natural light in and showcase your home’s interior.

(If you’re anything like us, you didn’t realize how dirty those windows were until you got them cleaned!)

Create Outdoor Living Spaces

Show potential buyers the potential for outdoor enjoyment by creating inviting outdoor living spaces. Add a cozy seating area with comfortable furniture, or set up a dining area for al fresco meals. This festively inviting space features affordable resin chairs from the home improvements store and some inexpensive throw pillows, all of which can go with you to your new home.

(And yes, we’re sorry that you might have to shovel snow off the patio to do this.)

Spruce Up the Garage:

Don’t overlook the garage when improving your home’s curb appeal. Paint the garage door to match the house, tidy up the surrounding area, and consider adding storage solutions to maximize space and organization. Here are some additional tips on garage organization from another post.

(We totally get how easy it is to just toss items in the garage. You never know what you’ll find when you start digging!

Add Decorative Accents

Finally, add some decorative accents to enhance the overall look of your home’s exterior. Consider hanging window boxes filled with flowers, placing a stylish welcome mat at the front door, or adding tasteful outdoor artwork or sculptures. (Remember, less is more on the sculpture thing.)

By tackling these simple spring outdoor projects, you can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Remember, the goal is to create an inviting and attractive exterior that entices visitors to step inside and explore all that your home has to offer. With a little time and effort, you can maximize your home’s potential and increase its desirability on the market. Happy Spring!!

April 3, 2024

Impact Home Staging Experts: Transforming Occupied Homes for Quick and Profitable Sale for over 20 years

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The adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” is true in many aspects of life, but it’s truly an imperative in real estate. And it’s the reason professional home staging is the key to a fast and profitable sale. Many people associate home staging with vacant properties, when in reality it is crucial when listing occupied homes.

Why? Because when prospective buyers step into a home, they’re not just assessing its physical attributes; they’re envisioning their future life within those walls. According to the National Association of REALTORS^© (NAR), 77 percent of buyers say it’s easier to visualize a staged property as a future home.

Setting the Stage for Success

Staging is not just about decluttering and rearranging furniture; it’s about creating an emotional connection between the buyer and the property. Occupied homes often come with personal belongings, unique and sometimes dated décor and individual tastes that may not align with the preferences of potential buyers. By depersonalizing, neutralizing, and strategically arranging the space, stagers create a setting that allows buyers to see themselves living in the home, making it easier to imagine their future there.

Maximizing Space and Highlighting Features

It’s important to remember that how you LIVE in a home is very different than how you SELL a home.

Spaciousness Sells
Occupied homes can sometimes feel cramped or cluttered, which can be a deterrent to potential buyers. Staging helps maximize space by rearranging furniture to create flow and highlight the home’s best features. Whether it’s showcasing a cozy reading nook, a spacious kitchen island, or a breathtaking view, staging draws attention to the elements that make the property stand out (and can also draw the eye away from any visual defects).

Neutral Décor For Broader Appeal

Personalized décor, bold color choices, or niche or kitschy themes may appeal to the current occupants but can alienate potential buyers. Staging aims to neutralize the space, creating an environment that appeals to a broader audience. Neutral tones, tasteful accessories, and minimalist styling allow buyers to envision their personal design preferences while still appreciating the home’s potential. Replacing any dated furnishings and décor with more “of the moment” choices elevates and freshens the look and feel while allowing the homeowner to continue to occupy the home during showing.

This home had great bones but the bold colors could be polarizing to potential buyers. Because the homeowners were occupying the house during listing, painting wasn’t an option. We chose, instead, to create a more cohesive look by bringing the teal colors into accessories and provide neutral colors where possible. (photo)

Enhanced Online Listings to Attract More Buyers

In today’s digital age, the majority of homebuyers begin their search online. Professionally staged photos can significantly affect how a property is perceived online. Eye-catching images of a staged, inviting home can attract more views and generate greater interest among potential buyers. Furthermore, staged homes tend to photograph better, resulting in higher-quality images that showcase the property in its best light.

Quicker Sales and Increased Profitability

One of the most significant advantages of staging occupied homes is the potential for quicker sales and increased profitability. According to Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), professionally staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged properties. Additionally, the Home Staging Resource Association (HSRA) states that staged homes sell for an average of 6% more than non-staged homes. That means the cost of staging is likely LESS than your first price reduction.

Setting the Stage for a Fast, Profitable Sale

Staging occupied homes is not just about making cosmetic changes; it’s about transforming the space to appeal to a broad audience and create an emotional connection with potential buyers.

By depersonalizing, decluttering, and strategically arranging the home, sellers can significantly enhance its marketability and increase the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale. In today’s competitive real estate market, staging is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for sellers looking to stand out and achieve optimal results.

Listing your home? Before you call an agent…call us!

March 29, 2024

Designing Women Set the Stage for Success: Celebrating International Women’s Month

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As International Women’s Month draws to a close, we’d be remiss in not honoring our founder, Darla Rowley, who has been a leader and an inspiration for our entire team.

Impact is a women-owned-and-operated professional home staging and interior design company that Ms. Rowley founded 20 years ago with a single pick-up truck and a small storage unit. She has grown Impact Home Staging Experts into Michigan’s largest and most established home staging company, with a staff of 12, three warehouses filled with furnishings and décor, and a fleet of 5 trucks. But these aren’t the only aspects of the business that have driven our success.

Darla says, “We approach home staging as both an art and a science, using design and market data to create a staging strategy that sells your property for the highest possible price, for the best terms, and in the shortest amount of time. Our success rate speaks for itself, but you can also view the reviews from our clients who have reaped the benefits of our work. Nothing makes me more proud than reading these reviews, and knowing that my fantastic team is making that magic happen!”

Darla began her career at Kmart Corporation where she traveled to stores around the country as a merchandising professional. Staging is the art of “merchandising” a home for a quick and profitable sale. Combined with her skill in interior design, it was a logical extension of her talents to bring her merchandising expertise to the sale of a home.

Leader and Mentor

We asked our staff to tell us a little about what makes Darla successful and how she has helped them grow and flourish in their fields.

Tina Stratton, Business Development Manager, comments that “Darla is very goal driven and it has made me more goal driven.” Stager Erin Maher appreciates the way Darla “brings unique talent and strengths to the table that creates an impact on not only the women but also the men in the company.

Darla has had some significant health challenges over the last few years, and stager Lynne Baum says, “Despite all that is going on, her ability to establish and maintain her business, and keep our team motivated, continues to inspire me.”

Lead Stager Joan Martin adds “I find it so inspiring and impressive that she built this business on her own and it has become the largest staging company in Michigan. Michelle Malik, another stager, adds that “Darla serves as a role model for future generations, showing that success is not limited to gender but by the strength of one’s will and the depth of one’s dreams.”

Darla’s success has been driven by a dream and a lot of hard work. Interior Design Assistant Christy Michalec notes “From the back of a pickup truck and Darla alone–to full warehouses of beautiful furnishing and accessories, an amazing crew and a full fleet–Darla has managed to grow her business into the number one Staging company in Michigan.”

Ms. Rowley also strongly believes in giving back to the community.

“Having a positive impact on the community around us is something that everyone at Impact Home Staging feels strongly about. We are honored and proud to have been able to contribute to worthy and accountable Metro Detroit area charities, says Darla.

For over 10 years, the Impact team has we have eagerly accepted the opportunity to sponsor families in need who are transitioning from homelessness working with Humble Design. We’ve donated more than 50 brand new bunk beds and sofas, in addition to other needed items, says Ms. Martin. “Several times a year our team devotes their day to helping create an ideal home for a transitioning family. It’s a labor of love for all of us and something we look forward to each year. “

For the last several years Impact Home Staging has participated with Habitat for Humanity – Oakland through both the Home Builders Association and Women Build.

This combination of an incredible work ethic, a commitment to the community and Darla’s ability to build and nurture both her team and her dreams is what has built Impact into the top staging company in Michigan.

People want to work WITH Impact and people want to work FOR Impact. That is the best testament we can imagine!

March 28, 2024

WHO HAD A CICADA INVASION ON THEIR 2024 BINGO CARD?

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Survival Tips from Impact Home Staging!!

Ah, what a delightful treat awaits us this spring, folks! Prepare your eardrums for a symphony of cicadas, because apparently, it’s party time for these winged creatures. And ain’t no party like a Detroit party, right?

An Event of Biblical Proportion!

Yes, you heard it right. Not one, but two broods of periodical cicadas are gearing up to grace Michigan with their presence in what’s being dubbed as a “rare synchronized event” that hasn’t happened since our great-great-great-grandparents were probably complaining about it in 1803. It’s positively biblical! The emergence should take place in early May. After all, nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like an invasion of large flying insects

Now, if you’re not particularly thrilled about hosting an insect rave in your backyard, fear not! Here are some actual tips for homeowners who prefer their peace and quiet:

Noise-canceling Headphones
Invest in a good pair. You’ll thank us later when you’re sipping your morning coffee in peace while the cicadas throw their raucous party outside. (They’ll also come in handy when your neighbor is blowing leaves at 8 am.)

Seal Up Your Home
Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed to keep these uninvited guests from turning up in your living room and logging into your Netflix account. Close your fireplace flue and doors and look for bad seals in windows. Sealing these will pay dividends once the weather turns cool, as well.

Reduce Habitat
Trim back any overgrown vegetation that might attract cicadas. Unlike your 5-year-old, they’re not picky eaters and will happily feast on your precious plants if given the chance.

Embrace the Chaos
Alright, maybe not an actual tip, but hey, sometimes you just gotta roll with it. Embrace the temporary disruption of nature’s party and take solace in the fact that it’s only once every 17 years. Hey, it could be worse. At least it’s not locusts.

Oh…did we mention the cicada killers?

Click here to learn more about this fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime natural event! (If it makes you feel any better, the emergence will be fairly light in the Detroit area. We feel sorry for our friends in Ohio.)

March 22, 2024

Why Vacant Home Staging Is Essential

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March 15, 2024

Home Staging: Your Key to a Faster and More Profitable Sale

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March 15, 2024

Embrace the Luck of the Irish: Bring the Beauty of Green into Your Home Décor

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As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to infuse your home with the vibrant and refreshing color of green. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish at heart, green is a versatile hue that can bring a sense of calm, balance, and rejuvenation to any space. From subtle accents to bold statements, here are some creative ways to incorporate the color green into your home décor.

Accent Walls

Painting an accent wall in a green shade can instantly transform a room’s look and feel. Whether you opt for a soft sage green or a bold emerald hue, an accent wall can serve as a focal point and add depth to your space.

Go subtle with a soft sage green or dramatic, with a saturated deep emerald, in this case, a “no commitment” peel and stick wallpaper from Wayfair! This deep green is a perfect backdrop for neutral furnishings and décor, and it allows the color to stand out without overwhelming the room.

Natural Elements

Introducing green through natural elements like plants is perhaps the easiest and most effective way to add a touch of green to your home. Not only do plants bring a pop of color, but they also purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.

Consider adding a variety of indoor plants such as ferns, succulents, or leafy palms to different rooms in your home to bring the outdoors in. (But first, see our recent blog about how not to murder your house plants!)

Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Incorporating green through textiles and soft furnishings is another easy way to infuse color into your home décor. Consider swapping out throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs in shades of green to add warmth and texture to your living spaces.

Mixing different shades and patterns of green textiles can create visual interest and elevate the overall design of your home. We love the touch of whimsy afforded by these adorable throw pillows, and this almost-neutral green would play well with so many other colors!

Artwork and Accessories

Artwork and decorative accessories offer endless opportunities to incorporate green into your home decor. Whether it’s a vibrant green painting, a decorative vase filled with greenery, or a set of emerald green candles, these accents can add personality and charm to any room. Look for pieces that complement your existing color scheme and reflect your personal style.

Kitchen and Dining Room Accents

In the kitchen and dining area, green can be introduced through dinnerware, glassware, and small appliances.

How perfect is the green of this kitchen island? It definitely pops with the room’s white cabinets but would work equally well with most shades of wood. Pulling the color through with accessories ties it all together beautifully!

Photo credit: Franceso Lagnese

Upholstered Furniture

For those who are bold and adventurous, incorporating green furniture can make a striking statement in any room. Whether it’s a green velvet sofa, a set of green dining chairs, or a painted green dresser, green furniture adds personality and drama to your home décor.

Balance bold furniture pieces with neutral walls and accessories to create a cohesive and visually appealing space. This set of cheerful moss green chairs has classic lines and is super affordable. A lovely way to add some green to your décor!

Get Your Green On!

Incorporating shades of green into your home decor is not only a stylish choice but also a nod to the beauty of nature and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you prefer subtle accents or bold statements, there are countless ways to infuse your home with the luck and vitality of this vibrant hue. So go ahead, embrace the green, and watch as your home comes to life with renewed energy and vitality. Happy decorating, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

March 12, 2024