Archive for category: Blog

A Different Meaning Of The Word “Stage”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. While Pinktober is widely known across our nation, and the cause of this foundation is amazing…there is something we tend not to focus on, something very misunderstood (or not understood at all): Metastatic Breast Cancer.

While we are the number one Metro Detroit’s Home Staging Experts, this month we would like to shift our focus on something near and dear to our hearts here at Impact Home Staging Experts. In this article we will share facts about what metastatic breast cancer is, and how you can support research for this specific cancer.

stage /stāj/

Noun

1. a point, period, or step in a process or development.

Verb

1.style or furnish (a property for sale) in such a way as to enhance its attractiveness to potential buyers.

Stage 4 defined by cancer.net

1. This stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts of the body. It may be also called advanced or metastatic cancer.

2. staging is the process of determining the extent to which a cancer has developed by growing and spreading.

Stage 4 Breast Cancer AKA Metastatic Breast Cancer

When breast cancer spreads in the body to another area from where it started, doctors say the cancer has “metastasized.” If the cancer has spread to one area, they consider that a “metastasis,” or use the term “metastases” if the cancer has spread to more than one area. At this stage of the disease, it is referred to as metastatic breast cancer. Another name for metastatic breast cancer is stage 4 breast cancer if it has already spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis of the original cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer (Stage 4) has no limits and can spread to any part of the body. In most cases, this cancer spreads to the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. This is something often misunderstood, because even after cancer spreads, it is still named for the area where it began. For instance, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, doctors call it metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer. This is because the cancer started in breast cells, and metastatic cancer is always terminal.

Prevention and keeping your appointments is important!

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. Someone you know and love will get this awful disease, and therefore it is so important to get checked. Most commonly, metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed after a person has received treatment for an earlier stage (non-metastatic) breast cancer. This can happen at any time after someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, and it is so important to know just how quickly breast cancer advances. It has no mercy, and early prevention is the ultimate key in a long and healthy life.

“This does not need to happen.  Many metastasis researchers believe that metastatic breast cancer could become a chronic, rather than terminal, disease, if only there were more money to do the research necessary to develop effective treatments. As such, METAvivor has launched a nationwide effort to raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer, with a push to dedicate 30% of all breast cancer research funds toward the metastatic breast cancer that 30% of patients will ultimately face.”

https://www.metavivor.org/take-action/why-we-need-you/

How Can You Help?

There is an organization specifically dedicated to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research and Support. The METAvivor non-profit was established by a metastatic breast cancer patients who felt that there was not nearly enough research and support dedicated this type of cancer, and wanted to make a change. METAvivor is now widely recognized for raising and promoting awareness and funds solely for stage 4 breast cancer research. The organizations number one goal is to continue to move forward in anticipation of the day metastatic breast cancer is declared a survivable condition. Donations to METAvivior will fund MBC research and increase support programs for those living with MBC. To donate, please visit www.metavivior.org

The METAvivior Ribbon

The METAvivior ribbon consists of Pink, Green, and Teal.

The pink ribbon is well-known around the globe for the support of breast cancer and representation of the fight.  Although many stage 4 breast cancer patients feel that pink does not capture detrimental diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer might start in the breast, but its aggressive spread to vital body parts makes the disease terminal.

METAvivor has their own ribbon with colors of pink, green, and teal. a base ribbon of green and teal to represent metastasis.

  • Green and Teal: We were chosen to signify metastasis.
  • Green: Represents the triumpn of spring over winter and thus symbolizes Renewal, Hope, and Immortality.
  • Teal: Symbolizes Healing and Spirituality
  • The Pink Ribbon: Identifies the origin of the metastasis as breast cancer.

Many effective breast cancer treatments exist, but if the cancer metastasizes and spreads outside of the breast, there is no cure. Please join us in this critical effort and donate today, and please pass this article along to someone you know and love.

Home Staging With Kids

The idea of staging a home to sell might have you thinking that it is next to impossible when you are living with kids. You might ask yourself “How can I make a home look show ready with little ones or teenagers running around?” While it is more of a challenge, it is possible to make your home appeal to more buyers, even with kids in the home.

The key to staging is to make your home stand out to the largest pool of likely buyers as possible. While your home may be a dream for a family with kids, not everyone that is interested in your home will have kids. With keeping that important information top of mind, it’s crucial to stage your home with a large variety of buyers in mind, and that means simplifying your home as much as possible.

We are coming up on back to school here in Metro Detroit and that means the kids will have sports, concerts, and school projects, on top of their toys! So, we thought it was imperative to offer some home staging tips that will keep your home from turning off potential buyers.

Home Staging Tips for Families with Kids

Minimizing your kids’ items.
The most significant step to staging a home with kids is to minimize the clutter that accumulates and obvious indications of children. This means proper storage of their toys is necessary. You can easily accomplish this with containers that can slide under the bed or hide away in the closet, preferably in a neutral and solid color (best to blend in). However, our advice is to take it a step further and par down what is in the house.

If buyers open a closet door and it’s filled to the brim, that will give them the impression that the home doesn’t have adequate storage and could potentially turn into a buyer’s objection.

Set some time aside to have your kids pick out their favorite toys and keep these items accessible by putting in pretty baskets or bins in the home, and then store the rest in a garage or tuck neatly away in the basement. The same goes for seasonal clothes and shoes – remove as much as possible and keep only what the kids will need while the house is on the market. If buyers open a closet door and it’s filled to the brim, that will give them the impression that the home doesn’t have adequate storage and could potentially turn into a buyer’s objection.

Baskets for storing toys, keeping everything neat and tidy

This will require a little extra work before you start moving, but it will have a huge effect on the impression buyers will get from your home. Bonus: You may get rid of things that are no longer serving your family and is a great chance to donate to charity. Humble Design Detroit is one of our favorite charities! Check them out at: Humble Design

This blue hue on the walls is neutral enough and the clutter is kept to a minimum, while still allowing the kid to have their own space.

Neutralizing your kids’ bedrooms and play areas. While the lovable and sweet décor in your kids’ rooms may be appealing to your family and other homeowners who have kids in the same age group and gender, chances are there are going to be a lot of buyers who will use those rooms differently. Keeping the walls pink or Minion themed wallpaper will leave many buyers feeling like there is a lot of work to tackle before they can actually move in and call the place home. They will be likely to pass, keep their eyes open for a more move-in ready property down the street. Paint the walls in a neutral color and switch out any specific decorative items, such as special switch plates, themed curtains, or wallpaper border. This doesn’t mean their furniture needs to be replaced, but a fresh coat of paint will do wonders!

Free up one of the bedrooms.
Now this may be the most difficult task, but if your kids currently have two separate rooms, if possible, consider having them share a space while the home is up for sale. You can then stage the extra bedroom as a home office or guest bedroom to appeal to a wider range of buyers and show the possibilities of the space.

The same can be true for a space that is currently being used as a play area or playroom. While this would probably be appealing to a buyer with kids that would use this space, you risk drastically cutting your pool of buyers if you are choosing to only cater to them. It would be best to pack up the playroom and put the contents in storage and stage that extra space as a multi-functional family space that could be used for all ages.

Multi-functional area staged by Impact Home Staging Experts

Take down family photographs and kids’ artwork.
During the school year, it is going to be hard, but also necessary to put away family photos, kids’ artwork, and school accomplishments hung on the refrigerator. But it is always a must during the staging process, as seeing photos of the family that currently lives there are distracting. A big goal is to depersonalize during home staging. Also, take down any mismatched magnets, calendars, or other personalized items. We suggest dedicating a drawer in the kitchen for these personal items, so they can easily be tucked away for showings, without getting rid of those items permanently.

Clean up and repair any marks or damages left behind.
Any crayon marks on the walls, stains from spilled beverages and markers, or other comparable damages should be taken care of before your first showing. Buyers want to feel confident that the home has been taken care of and maintained. Don’t make this mistake and overlook it, because unfortunately, a home with children will more than likely have buyers wondering what wear and tear the property has experienced. So, don’t give them any opportunity to point out their buyer objections when it can be easily fixed with a magic eraser and a quick paint touch up!  You want these potential buyers to walk in and fall in love, so do not give them the chance to think yours is in anything other than tip-top shape.

For tips on how to use Magic Erasers, check out https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/how-to/walls/scuff-marks-are-off-the-wall. We use these at our warehouse all the time, we swear by them!

Clean the house regularly.
Before any home goes on the market, it’s important to do a very deep-clean ahead of time. It might be worth it to invest in a professional cleaning service to do a deep and thorough cleaning, so you can focus on maintaining it daily without taking too much time. Even the smell of the home is crucial these days when you are trying to attractive the perfect buyer. Each day, wipe the surfaces down, mop and vacuum the floors, and clean up any clutter, schoolwork, toys, that may have accumulated. A chore chart will help the whole family participate (and this can go in the drawer in the kitchen, too!) It’s a lot of work, but it will pay off in the end when buyers are impressed with your home and the offers start pouring in, over asking and quickly!

Always remember: a professionally staged home stands out as well maintained, move in ready, and cared for!

Be sure to follow these tips and more for staging your home with kids. This will allow the largest pool of buyers to be interested in your home and will keep your property top of mind. Always remember: a professionally staged home stands out as well maintained, move in ready, and cared for! If you are in the Southeast Michigan region, for more personalized advice to help sell your home for a more profitable sale, please feel free to contact us, as we are your go-to resource Home Staging Experts!

STAGING IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER!

As the spring real estate season comes to a close and summer is in full swing, the 2022 summer and fall housing market predictions are coming in! Will the market stay hot, or will it cool down? All signs are leaning towards a cool down. Real estate will continue to transition from a sellers’ market and start to favor more buyers as we work our way through mid- to later 2022. We will begin to see a slight increase in the number of homes that hit the market.

Here are some things to look out for, and how staging ties into the sale of your home now more than ever!

  • PRICING. DON’T BE GREEDY. More sellers appear to be reducing their list price. This could be a good indicator that sellers have started pricing way too high and need to get their expectations back into perspective. Be sure to follow the advice of your real estate agent on the current market trends and pricing. When using professional staging, according to NAR 52% of agents see a sales price increase of 1%-20%.
  • BE REAL ABOUT MARKET. Homes are selling fast, but they are not selling as fast now. That means homes are sitting on the market much longer. The condition of the home matters. Buyers will notice flaws and become pickier. When you stage, you can show the home in its best light and minimize buyer objections.
  • BYE-BYE BIDDING WARS. Gone will be the days where you will find endless multiple over asking offers. Instead of taking that price reduction, home staging is your key to a better offer. Staging makes the home appear to be more well maintained, cared for, and move in ready
  • IT’S NOT THAT BAD. Putting the property on the market as is won’t cut it going forward. This is a buyer’s world, and sellers need to be more creative and proactive in order to get the offer they desire. Preparing your property with staging will allow your listing to show better in pictures and at your showings. Marketing the home properly is necessary and using the crutch “its not that bad” isn’t going to do anything but hurt you at the closing table.
Home staging expert team

While most of the world is holding tight to their wallets in preparation for a recession and battling ever-climbing inflation…professional home staging is a cost-effective investment. It is frustrating to hear “staging is too expensive” when it in fact is value added, and there is always a return on the investment. Without a doubt the real estate market is shifting, and it is going to be a key tool this summer to get the offers you are looking for. The cost of staging is always less than a price reduction.

If you are not sure and are curious on the investment staging will be on your property, we always offer free quotes at Impact Home Staging Experts. Please call us at 248-591-4290 to get your free quote today and get on our calendar.

Simple Curb Appeal to Stand Out

Spring is in full swing in Southeast Michigan and it’s a popular time for buyers to shop for homes. This is time for your listing to shine and make that great first impression on potential buyers. Think about it…typically the first picture on a MLS listing is the exterior of the home, so your curb appeal alone needs to create that “wow” factor. For the best chances of selling your home for the most profitable sale, follow these curb appeal tips.

Clean & Fresh Landscaping

To really set your home apart from the exterior, landscaping works wonders. The landscaping should highlight your homes best features. So, make sure no vegetation, branches, or debris is hiding your home. After our long Michigan Winter, I know I am not alone when I say it’s a mess out there! Be sure to keep trees and bushes well-trimmed. Your lawn should be freshly mowed and trimmed up. A patchy lawn could turn off potential buyers, so taking a weekend to do some maintenance will be worth the effort.

Potted plants by the front door are an excellent way to add color, especially during the spring months. Consider putting potted plants around the outdoor patio areas as well. This will show the potential of enjoying the warm weather in a well-cared for space.

Clean and Simple. Not over-done, and did not break the bank!

All in the Details

When selling your home in a hot sellers-market, every small detail can work together to make your home stand out and look its absolute best. When we talk about curb appeal, it doesn’t just stop at the landscaping. Consider replacing your house numbers if they have seen better days. Same goes for the mailbox. If it looks like it has been through seasons of torture, think about springing for a new mailbox. Making sure your mailbox is in great condition is often an overlooked detail, that could hurt you in the end.

It is imperative to pay focused attention to your entryway and front door. Make sure the area is free of debris, cobwebs, and dirt. You may want to consider adding fresh paint to your front door. Also, a great tip would be to update the hardware on your door. For a warm and welcoming touch, you may want to find a elegant wreath to hang on the door.  One thing that I truly pay attention to whenever I go to someone’s home is the welcome mat. A new welcome mat will also leave a great first impression and will create a clean entry for a small price. I suggest a classic design for the rug.  

Nighttime Curb Appeal

Although most showings for an open house are during the day, keep in mind that your home’s curb appeal at night can be just as important. Potential buyers will also be curious to know what the home looks like at night, and chances are if they are interested, they have already done a drive by during the evening. Lighting is important. Look at your porch lights, do they need some love? Or do they need to be replaced to create an updated look? The right lighting will also help your home appear safe. To make your home stand out, check out some solar powered lights and place along sidewalks, landscaping, and your driveway.

Curb Appeal is just one way to make your home irresistible to buyers! We offer our Occupied Home Staging Consultation, and if you are struggling on where to start, our stagers are the experts in Metro-Detroit. This is something we can go over during our visit, and help get your home market ready!

Quick and Easy Stager Expert Tips for Sellers

,

In this quick and easy guide, we will offer you 3 tips for the modern-day seller. With these easy-to-follow tips, you will be more than prepared for our Professional Impact Home Staging Experts to come in and do the “heavy lifting”, and your home will be ready to hit the market full sprint ahead, while standing out in this CrAzY seller’s market!

So… what is a seller’s market? According to http://www.redfin.com/definition/sellers-market A seller’s market is one in which there are more buyers than homes for sale. Since supply is less than demand, homes are higher priced and more attractive to sellers in the market. What does this mean for you as a seller in Southeast Michigan? The ball is in your court, so let us help you make your home more marketable for a slam dunk! Leaving money on the table during your time to shine is a big mistake, and we are here as your resource to make sure that does not happen.

The ball is in your court, so let us help you make your home more marketable for a slam dunk! Leaving money on the table during your time to shine is a big mistake, and we are here as your resource to make sure that does not happen.

Before you list your home for sale on the market, it is important to depersonalize your space. While the way we live in our home day-to-day is absolutely perfect for our day-to-day living, when it comes to the way we market the home for sale, it’s a whole new ballgame and completely different. Although, it is not as easy as it sounds for the homeowner that has become accustomed to the smells, layout, and look of their home. Thankfully, we have some tips we want to share with you to help depersonalize your home.

1. Give your Décor a Face Lift

Home Staging and Decorating are complete opposite. Most homeowners choose décor for their home that speaks to them on a personal level. Décor reflects personal taste. As it should, because our home is our domain, our safe space, our retreat. Although, when it comes time to appeal and attract the largest pool of potential buyers, removing that personal touch from the home is important, we call this “depersonalizing.” As soon as you list your home for sale, it is now a product that is just that… for sale.

When we come into an occupied home during our consultation, we will never turn our noses up at your current decor. But we will always explain the reason why certain styles, art, or décor should be removed to attract the perfect buyer. Pro tip: be sure to remove any overly religious, political, or otherwise offensive décor from each room before showing off the property. Our goal as the experts in home staging is to maximize the value of your home to achieve the most profitable sale.

Our goal as the Michigan Experts in Home Staging is to maximize the value of your home to achieve the most profitable sale.

This photo showcases our Premier Package, Impact Home Staging Experts in White Lake, Michigan

2. Update and Fresh Color Palette

Not only should your décor allow many neutral palette options for buyers to work from, but so should your full home color scheme. That said, before listing your home on the market, check out the current color trends and updating with a fresh coat of paint. Pro tip: Check out this BEAUTIFUL green-hued color of the year from Sherwin Williams, Evergreen Fog http://www.sherwin-williams.com/color-of-the-year-2022. If you’re unfamiliar with neutral colors, they mainly fall in the range of beige, grey, black, and white. Although, as we stated above for Color of the Year for 2022… greens and blues can contribute a neutral feel as well. Adding pops of color with accessories and soft goods will add a “wow” factor!  The objective of a neutral color palette is that it offers the perfect opportunity to create a blank canvas while still being chic, updated, and stylish.

A minimalist office with floating wood shelves and Sherwin-Williams 2022 color of the year, Evergreen Fog painted walls.

3. Simplify Your Layout

The simplest approach will always be the most successful when it comes to the flow of your home. If a room is too busy with belongings and design choices, it can be tough for buyers to imagine and lay out their own vision on top of the property. Pro tip: Shelving units do not need to be crammed with things and stuff. Less is more. This will allow the potential buyer to visualize the possibilities of storage, and their own special pieces to display. Finding simple ways to organize a living area can be hard for homeowners; however, having a professional home stager by your side can help you find the right approach.

Also, you want to allow enough room for the potential buyers to walk through, without making it confusing to navigate. Leave plenty of space in high traffic areas, and it is helpful to not shove furniture up to the walls. Some negative space is necessary, making the room feel more spacious and airier.

Easy to follow floor plan in Oakland Township

Reading these helpful depersonalizing and market-ready tips for home sellers will allow you to conquer a major learning curve early on in your sale. Even with professionals by your side, having an understanding of depersonalization can make the whole staging process much more straightforward. If you’re ready to begin updating your property for the highest return possible, and you are in Southeast Michigan, Impact Home Staging Experts are your number one resource, and we are always happy to help. http://ImpactHomeStagingExperts.com

Impact Makes an Impact for the Better

,

Women Build of Oakland County and Impact Home Staging Experts work together in Southfield, 2021!

Women Build Meeting at Re/Max Defined + Impact Home Staging, Oakland Township

We are proud and honored to be able to give back and make an IMPACT in our Oakland County Community! We participate and contribute to many organizations who are a vital lifeline for our neighbors and friends. With that being said, our favorite charities include Humble Design, Oakland Furniture Bank, and Habitat for Humanity. But we are most involved with the Women Build Team of Oakland County. Let us tell you, the job ain’t easy, there is a lot of dirt…but it is our favorite kind of dirt!

“And let us tell you, the job ain’t easy, there is a lot of dirt…but it is our favorite kind of dirt!”

– Tina Stratton, Relationship Manager of Impact Home Staging Experts

Women Build is part of Habitat for Humanity and is a nonprofit organization. So what do they do? Their mission is to help families build and improve places to call home. Habitat for Humanity believes affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. In light of their mission, the new homeowners take educational courses on home ownership, take out a mortgage, and put in many hours of sweat equity to help build their own homes side by side with volunteers. Furthermore, Habitat homeowners develop the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for a better future.

Are you interested in getting involved?

If you are interested in learning how you can serve your community, please check out Women Build – Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County (habitatoakland.org)

Southfield Home, 2021
Impact Home Staging Experts and Southfield Day of Service
Southfield Home, 2021

Throughout 2021 Impact has had the opportunity to volunteer and help with this amazing team on this home. This is a great house in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood in Southfield. We helped by putting in windows, tearing down gutters, and installing a new roof! Because of great leadership we even learned how to use a circular saw and picked up new skills we never knew we had all along.

Project Completion

As a result, after completion in December, this home was built to be ready for new memories and a proud new owner. Our team consisted of some Impact Home Staging team members alongside 2 amazing realtors from Keller Williams Paint Creek and Coldwell Banker Weir Manual. But we could not have made it through the day without the core of regular volunteers who are always part of these projects. The core volunteers educated us on the tools we were using to ensure a safe work zone. Safety is their top priority.

We are proud to say that as of December 2021 the home is now complete, and the new owner finally has the keys to her very own home. Her son is most excited about having his own back yard to play in! We were so inspired at the dedication ceremony, and this has truly touched our hearts knowing that we participated in helping a family achieve their dream of home ownership.

Johnna Struck, with Changing Places Moving

So, we hope this article motivates you to give back. And we encourage anyone wanting to participate in future projects to contact Johnna Struck (Johnna@cpmoving.com) with Changing Places moving in Waterford, or anyone at Habitat for Humanity to learn more. Don’t forget you can also you can also support habitat through the Habitat resale stores in your local community.

To learn more about Impact Home Staging Experts, please follow us on Facebook, or visit us at http://www.ImpactHomeStagingExperts.com

Local Service Area Page: Impact Home Staging Experts in Troy, Michigan

Read more

Contact

Impact Home Staging Experts

(248) 591-4290

brands
payments
best of
payments
HSRA-2018-Award
HSRA-2017-Award
payments