Archive for category: Blog

Impact Home Staging Experts on How To Spruce Up Your Décor for Fall!

As summer wanes and we head into the crisp, cooler weather of fall, it’s the perfect time to give your home a touch of autumn magic. Especially if you’re listing your home for sale, now’s the time to create a Fall vibe that any potential buyer would love. Our staging professionals share some fun and easy ideas to help you bring that cozy, seasonal vibe indoors.

Let’s Talk Colors!
No need for a home make-over…just add some fall hues. Think deep reds, burnt oranges, warm yellows and rustic browns. Swap out your usual throw pillows, blankets, curtains, or even a piece of wall art for something that has an autumnal vibe. These colors will instantly give your place that comfy, fall feel. And guess what? These warm, inviting tones can make potential buyers feel right at home and, even if you’re not listing your home for sale, your family will enjoy the fall touches as the days grow shorter.

Bring A Bit Of The Outdoors In
Fall centerpieces are easy to create and so affordable! Grab a bunch of gourds, pumpkins, pinecones, and colorful leaves. Arrange them in a cool bowl or on a tray and add some candles or fairy lights for that extra cozy glow. Display your masterpiece on a dining table, coffee table, or wherever you want to make a statement. This easy project not only adds charm to your home but also gives potential buyers a taste of the warm, welcoming atmosphere they can expect.

Think Textures and Textiles

Swap out those summery fabrics for warm and fuzzy materials like flannel, wool, and faux fur. Dress up your sofa with throws and toss pillows in autumn colors. Not only will they look inviting, but they’ll also keep you snug on those chilly evenings. Our stagers know that cozy textiles can make your home feel more inviting and make buyers more likely to linger and imagine themselves living there.





Set a Fall Table

Take your dining experience up a notch with autumn-themed table settings. Grab some rustic tableware, linen napkins in fall colors, and seasonal table décor. This attention to detail can make your home feel inviting and appealing to potential buyers.





Cozy Aromas

When we close up our homes against the autumn chill, indoor odors can become more noticeable. A deep cleaning is a great place to start.  A scented candle (we like cinnamon, apple, pumpkin spice, or woodsy aromas) add a subtle scent. And a bowl of pretty, autumnal potpourri adds both visual and olfactory delight. Our stagers caution home sellers to be judicious about adding too much scent as it could lead potential buyers to think you are covering up some unpleasant odors. Less is more!

Bringing autumn vibes into your home is all about embracing the season’s natural beauty and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. You don’t have to go overboard – just throw in some warm colors, cozy fabrics, and a dash of nature-inspired decor. And the best part? These tips work even when you’re staging your home for sale. By making your home feel cozy and welcoming, you can help potential buyers see it as their future dream home. Get creative, and let your home become a cozy haven for this wonderful season, whether you’re staying or selling! And if you’re thinking about selling, let us help!

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Home Staging Newsletter: How Far Does It Go in a Real Estate Transaction?

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Newsletter-August-2023-Issue-1-4-1Download

Click link above for a downloadable PDF of this newsletter to learn about the strong connection between home staging and appraisals. Studies have shown that staged homes typically appraise for more money than un-staged homes. This is because staging makes a home more appealing to buyers and helps them see its potential. If you are thinking of selling your home, it is important to stage it properly. This will help you get the highest possible appraisal and sell your home faster. Share this downloadable PDF to friends, family, and clients.

Feel free to share on your socials!

Impact Home Staging Experts Takes a Deep Dive into Pool Trends for 2023

At Impact Home Staging Experts, we stay abreast of the trends in home design. And since it’s the dog days of summer, we’re going to dive into the latest trends in swimming pools! Adding a swimming pool is the ultimate form of “home improvement”! From genius smart pools to nature-loving eco-designs that make squirrels want to party, we’ll explore the (sometimes wacky) trends that await you this year.  

Smart Pools: Imagine controlling your pool with a touch of a button! 

Smart pools in 2023 let you change the water temperature from your hammock and adjust pH levels from your poolside taco feast. But beware, with great power comes great responsibility. One wrong click, and you might find yourself in the midst of a rubber duck invasion! 

Energy Efficiency: Pools that make the sun jealous and make you feel good about yourself.

In the age of environmental consciousness, energy-efficient pools are all the rage. Picture pumps that sip electricity, LED lights that turn your pool into a disco on water, and solar heating systems that harness the sun’s power.  

Eco-Friendly Designs: Say goodbye to cookie-cutter pools and hello to nature-inspired designs.! 

Picture pools with organic shapes, sustainable materials, and even spaces for wildlife to join the pool party (ewww, duck poop!). Dive into a pool that feels like a hidden lagoon, all while reducing your environmental footprint. It’s like swimming with Mother Nature’s seal of approval! 

Vanishing Edge and Infinity Pools: Pools that create the illusion of water extending into infinity.

But be careful, your brain might struggle to distinguish where the pool ends and the sky begins. 

Wellness and Health Features:

Why settle for an ordinary pool when you can have a wellness retreat? In 2023, pools come equipped with underwater treadmills, resistance currents, and hydrotherapy jets. You can get fit, relax, and feel like a star of “Baywatch” all in one! (Red bathing suit optional.)

Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Materials:

Pools that let you be lazy and still have a sparkling oasis, perfect for synchronized swimming with your inflatable dolphin squad! In 2023, sustainable and low-maintenance materials are all the rage. Picture recycled glass, natural stone, and composite decking that require minimal upkeep. Now you can spend less time scrubbing and more time perfecting your backstroke.

While we can’t help you install a pool, we can help you get your home ready for a quick, profitable sale. And our design team can help you make the home you live in a showplace (even without a pool).

How can we help? http://www.impacthomestagingexperts.com

For a more in-depth (and slightly more serious) look at trends in pools, check out this article.  
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/swimming-pool-trends/#scrollto_1_pool_finishes_that_change_the_color_of_water_section 

May is Gardening Month!

Ok, well, officially National Gardening Month is April, but whoever came up with that idea clearly didn’t live in Michigan. So we’ve decided on May instead!

You might not know that May is also National Melanoma Awareness Month, so let’s talk about protecting our skin while we’re pruning, digging and planting! 

Working in the yard or garden is truly enjoyable, but it can also expose you to insects, toxic plants, allergens and most importantly, potential damage from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are some tips to help protect the largest organ in your body (your skin) while making that garden into an oasis you’ll enjoy well into the fall!

  1. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. This will protect your skin from the sun as well as providing protection from insects, poison ivy, nettles and other irritating plants. Don’t forget gloves!! The backs of hands are a frequent place for skin cancer to develop.

2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. We love this one because it’s lightweight, hand-washable and comes in some cool colors!

3. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours; more often if you’re sweating.  Tina Stratton, our Relationship Manager, swears by this dermatologist-recommended product, and we can attest that her skin looks AMAZING!!

4. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, scratches, blisters and irritants.

5. Remove and wash gardening clothing immediately and check your clothing and skin for ticks.  Remember that oils from poison ivy can be transferred from clothing onto skin hours after contact with the plant. (Note: if you get poison ivy, check with your doctor; many people are now allergic and have severe reactions.)

6. Remove and wash gardening clothing immediately and check your clothing and skin for ticks.  Remember that oils from poison ivy can be transferred from clothing onto skin hours after contact with the plant. (Note: if you get poison ivy, check with your doctor; many people are now allergic and have severe reactions.)

And if you haven’t already, please see your dermatologist for a full body skin exam. It could save your life.  https://melanoma.org/

Curb Appeal

Spring is a time of renewal, and after a long winter, our thoughts always turn to refreshing our homes’ exteriors. Whether you’re preparing for sale or just want a fresh look and feel for the home you love, don’t forget about the outdoor environment. 

Improving the curb appeal of your home can not only make it more attractive but also increase its value. In fact, when a home is on the market, it’s common for the potential buyer to wait at the front door for an agent to open the lockbox…plenty of time for them to notice every little flaw: cobwebs, peeling paint, aging light fixtures. In this case, the book will definitely be judged by the cover! That first impression can make the difference between a sale and a quick sale, and can definitely affect the value of the offer

Here are some tips from our staging pros to help you enhance the exterior appearance and appeal of your home.

Start with a clean slate: Power wash your driveway, walkways, and the exterior of your home to remove dirt and grime. Rake away accumulated leaves and debris from planted areas and remove any dead plants from pots and planters. Now’s a great time to fill those empty pots and gardens with hardy pansies and potted tulips from your local greenhouse. (photo of flower pots)

Dress up your evening curb appeal with lighting. Solar lights are inexpensive and easy to pop into the ground wherever you need some light. Highlight plantings and line walkways for a warm, welcoming look. Solar spots can highlight your front door or other features without a big investment in time or money. Make sure porch light bulbs are bright enough for safety

Make your front door a focal point. A fresh coat of paint (or even a change of color) can make a big difference in your home’s appearance. Get creative! Choose a bold color that complements your home’s exterior. Accessorize it with a gorgeous seasonal wreath or spray.

Shine up the hardware, or better yet, consider replacing and updating the handles, door knocker and kickplate. New house numbers are another inexpensive upgrade. And don’t forget the mailbox! A coat of paint or replacement of a worn, outdated box is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your exterior aesthetic. Nothing says “welcome” like a beautiful rug or mat at the entrance to your home.

These are just a few ways you can make your home stand out. Remember, the exterior of your home is the first thing people see, so it’s important to make a good impression. If you’re thinking of listing your home—or just want to give it a little face-lift–our expert stagers can help choose the right lighting and colors to boost your curb appeal. Give us a call, we’d love to help! 

A Fresh Take on Wallpaper

Wallpaper has made a huge come-back in the last few years! You can get big bang for your buck with wallpaper without committing to an entire room of it. For 2023 we’re seeing a trend toward using paper in fun, new ways. Small accents, single walls and even book cases are great ways to showcase a beautiful paper and add interest to your home.

We love what this pretty floral print adds to an otherwise staid shelving unit. And this gorgeous dining room with three papered panels is classic and sophisticated. Even just small touches of paper can have big impact.

We love what this pretty floral print adds to an otherwise staid shelving unit. And this gorgeous dining room with three papered panels is classic and sophisticated. Even just small touches of paper can have big impact.

Another trend we’re loving is papers with a natural motif. Designs inspired by nature, such as floral or botanical prints, are timeless and work with so many styles of decor. Earthy colors like green and brown, as well as muted shades of pink and blue, are also on trend.

We love this serene, leafy print from Spoonflower. Best of all, it’s removable!

Geometric prints and patterns, such as hexagons, triangles, and stripes, are another popular trend in wallpaper. These designs can add a modern touch to a space, especially when used on accent walls. We love this soft pink and gold design from Graham & Brown. It brings together two trends–geometrics and metallics–and would be gorgeous in a powder room or dressing area.

Grass cloth is back! Popular in the 80s, it brings a beautiful textural and natural element to any room and works surprisingly well with all styles of decor. Although it’s well-suited for large areas we really love it as an accent wall in this modern room.

Large scale prints, and even murals, are having a moment. With the availability of decal type papers, these can be a fun solution for rooms where a little drama or whimsy would be welcome. This rose garden wall is gorgeous for a boudoir or a child’s room, and if you get tired of it, you can easily peel it off and change it up whenever you like. How fun is that?

Whatever you choose and however you use it, remember that wallpaper can be polarizing. And if it’s glued down, it’s very difficult, time consuming and expensive to remove. For this reason, we’d recommend not opting for permanent paper if you’re thinking about selling your home. If you have older, outdated paper on your walls, consider removing it or painting over it before listing your home.

Need help finding the right paper or getting your home ready for listing? Our team of designers and stagers can help!

Expert Spring Cleaning Tips from Michigan’s Top Home Stagers

Spring is prime home-buying season, so if you’re thinking about listing now is a great time to start getting your house clean and shiny for showing. And even if you’re not planning to list your home, a clean house just FEELS better! Our stagers share some of their best tips for making spring cleaning fast and effective.

Make a list


Prioritize the rooms and the tasks in each. It’ll help you plan your time and give you a sense of what supplies and equipment you might need to purchase before you get started. Here’s a list to get you started.


https://people.com/home/spring-cleaning-checklist/

Clear the deck

Clutter makes a home look smaller, so removing some décor items from fireplace mantles, walls and counters will make your home look more spacious (and easier to clean). If you’re getting ready to list,tuck away any small appliances taking up space in the kitchen and consider limiting the number of family photos you display. You want buyers want to imagine themselves in your home.

Take it from the top: Walls and Ceilings

A microfiber duster with an extendable wand will reach cobwebs on ceilings and hanging light fixtures. After dusting, start at the top of the wall use a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth to gently wipe walls. Then use another microfiber cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner (we like Method brand for its clean scent) to clean switch plates and outlet covers.

Windows, Curtains and Blinds

If your drapes are dusty and dingy, now’s the time to take them down to wash or dry clean. Worn or outdated drapes should be replaced, or just leave them off for a cleaner, more modern look. We love this groovy tool for dusting blinds. Clean the inside of windows and sills before rehanging drapes. If you need the outside windows washed book a professional cleaning now, before they get too busy!

Carpets and Floors

Have carpets professionally cleaned. Pro cleaning means better removal of stains and faster drying, as well as effective odor remediation if smokers or pets are present in the home.
For hard floors, remove and vacuum area rugs or have them professionally cleaned. If they’re not overly soiled you can do it yourself with one of these handy Bissel Crosswave wet/dry vacuums. It does a great job on area rugs and hard floors. Consider replacing the under-rug pads if they are worn or harboring odors.
https://www.bissell.com/steam-and-hard-floor-cleaners/wet-dry-vacuums/crosswave

Floor Care

To give a quick, just-cleaned shine to wood or laminate floors, we LOVE this product. It’s super easy to use and has a light, clean almond scent. We use it as a quick touch-up before a showing and in our own homes when we’re expecting guests. Shiny floors and a clean scent…what could be better? Method Squirt & Mop https://tinyurl.com/scented-floor-cleaner

Squeaky Clean Bathrooms

Remove any unnecessary clutter on bathroom surfaces and be sure to spend extra time shining faucets, fixtures, mirrors and shower glass. Wash or replace bathroom rugs and don’t forget the windows and blinds!

What’s that smell?

Household odors are not uncommon and even the cleanest home can have a less-than-pleasant smell. But we tend to become immune to smells that we’re around every day, so it’s a good idea to have a friend give your home the sniff test. There are many ways to eliminate odors, such as ozone machines, professional cleaning of carpets, drapes and upholstery, for example.

Be careful when adding scent to your home. Strong air fresheners might create suspicion among potential buyers. We prefer natural citrus and lavender scents to heavier fragrances. And who doesn’t like the smell of freshly baked cookies?

Happy Spring!

These are just a few ways to get your home ready for spring…or for a quick sale. Remember, staging is always cheaper than your first price reduction. We can help!

Impact Home Staging Experts: The Value of Occupied Home Staging

Winter in Metro Detroit is a great time to put your home on the market! Occupied Home Staging can help you get your best offer faster. Here’s how it works!

When you here the term “home staging” you might naturally think about a vacant home being staged. That’s where we bring furniture, decor and accessories to an empty house and create the vision of a beautiful home. But vacant staging isn’t the only staging service we provide. Occupied Home Staging is another top-rated, necessary service offered by Impact Home Staging Experts.

A recent Franklin, Michigan home staged by Lynne Baum

As the name suggests, occupied home staging is a service that’s provided when the homeowner is still occupying the property. With occupied home staging, Impact has the option to use the homeowner’s furniture to arrange the home before listing it for sale. Here’s how it works.

Step One: The Consultation

To begin the process, one of our home stagers will offer an in-person (or virtual) consultation to establish the best strategy to get a profitable sale. During the 60-to-90-minute consultation our stager will tour the home alongside the seller, either in-person or virtually, with an eye toward highlighting the home’s best features and providing insights on cost-effective solutions to help the property stand out.

The stager will take notes and photographs during this meeting and will follow up with a written report including any aesthetic changes, furniture layout, and helpful tips to declutter and depersonalize. In some instances, we will also discuss curb appeal, because you only get one chance to make a first impression at the front door.

Impact Home Staging Experts Consultation

Step Two: Preparation and Staging

The way we live in a home is not how we sell a home! This consultation will provide opportunities for sellers to prepare and maintain the home while it’s on the market. But sometimes, sellers may need some extra support to complete certain tasks.

With Occupied home staging we always look to use the existing furniture first. Sometimes that means rearranging or removing furnishings. We are also able to to bring in supplemental furniture, art and accessories, and décor. Our stagers may move or remove décor items or replace them with updated pieces from our extensive inventory. We’ll suggest that you pack away personal items like family photos and collectibles in order to depersonalize the space and allow potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. The goal is to make your home appeal to the largest pool of potential homeowners.

Along with occupied home staging, we always recommend a professional cleaning company to make sure an odors are eliminated and your home sparkles and looks well cared for.

Home staging is not about making your home pretty, it is a proven marketing tool. Whether you’re interested in just doing our $250 consultation, market ready refresh, or bringing in supplemental pieces, Impact Home Staging Experts is the most experienced staging company in Michigan, and we are ready to help you! Call us today at 248-591-4290.

November is Home Staging Awareness Month

November is Home Staging Awareness Month, this is a month where the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), NAR, professional home stagers, real estate agents and other industry professionals raise awareness about the benefits of working with a home stager.

Home staging is the preparation and presentation of a home to make it look its best and appear move-in-ready to the largest pool of potential buyers. Along with professional real estate photos, it is one of the best ways to market the property for sale. Staging is not decorating, it’s proven and applied market research on what makes your house feel like a buyer’s dream home.

NAR Home Staging Profile 2021

Typically, when we use the term “staging” it refers to furnishing a home. However, decluttering, and other minor improvements are usually prep work and part of the gig too. Depersonalizing a space is key. Staging transforms plain painted box-rooms into realistic and inspiring home environments. Most importantly, specifics used by a professional home stager will show a home isn’t just a collection of empty rooms, it’s a comforting and warm lifestyle waiting to happen.

Impact Home Staging Experts, Ann Arbor, showcasing a welcoming seating area

Home staging benefits both buyers and sellers (and of course, the agent as well). It helps potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home, as well as overlook flaws. For sellers, staged homes sell faster, better terms, and for more money. Staging a property has a remarkable impact on a buyer’s choice to see a property in person, which would ultimately lead to a great offer. Also, it is key to letting your sellers know that you work with a company that has a well-known track record. Impact Home Staging Experts has been practicing this art and science since 2004, and we are dedicated to getting it right every time.

Professional staging is your secret weapon, and one you should always rely on. We want to be real estate agent’s go-to. Our goal is to elevate not only the value of the property but elevate the agent’s value and brand. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 82% of buyers’ agents report that professional staging helps clients visualize a home as their own. 99% of millennials start their home search online, so it’s more critical than ever that sellers make a positive and lasting impression.

Why choose Impact?!

When you decide to sell your home, the stress of preparing it for sale can be overwhelming and chaotic. As proven by NAR statistics, the right furniture lay outs, windows, and art can increase the sales price of the home – but how do you choose? How do you see the home you’ve live in any different? One of the crazy truths of the real estate is that furniture lay outs and color pallets do make a difference. But you will already have enough on your plate, you shouldn’t have to guess at what that difference will be.

That’s where we come in, and are happy to help. We have an amazing and dedicated team of stagers, logistics, and customer service. Our quotes are always free, and we look forward to working with you!

Contact

Impact Home Staging Experts

(248) 591-4290

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