by Emily McGovern | Feb 13, 2021 | Tips & Advice
Staging is one of the many ways to increase the selling price of your home before you accept an offer. By skipping this crucial step, you may risk your home being on the market for longer than it needs to be, and you can potentially miss out on the added value staging brings to your home! Although important, this process doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. We interviewed Abigail Halal from KLH Home Staging, and she explains everything you’ll need to know about DIY staging your home – or reaching out for professional help.
Edited by Emily McGovern & Jenna Gagnon, Written by Abigail Halal
DIY Staging – The Do’s and Don’ts
Question: How do you decorate a space to avoid clutter, but still give it character? Do you have any tips on this?
Answer: There’s a thin line between staging and interior design… When in doubt, less is more. And remember: You’re trying to appeal to the masses.
My two big tips would be to 1) depersonalize and 2) declutter.
Depersonalize… Remove all personal art, decor and family photos. When a potential buyer enters the property, the idea is for them to envision themselves living in the space. If they encounter the seller’s personal photos, they actually begin to feel as though they are intruding on someone else’s space… Not the goal!
Clear all surfaces… The floor is also a surface!
However, you don’t want to leave a space feeling completely bare. Leave behind a minimal amount of “neutral items” such as candles, books, plants.
Question: Are there certain colors or styles (modern, farmhouse, etc.) that are more inviting, or more successful when enticing buyers?
Answer: While farmhouse is trending (and perhaps has had its moment) thanks to Joanna Gaines, it’s best to stay true to the style of the property when staging. (I honestly get annoyed when I see sliding barn closet doors in Cambridge [MA]… WHAT!? Do you also have rooftop chickens!?) It’s also important to consider the area as well as how you want to market the home. Is it a modern, city condo or a traditional, family home? You have to look at the whole picture…you can’t just plug in the “farmhouse look” because it’s trending! That would be too easy!
However, I find most stagers, including myself, tend to use a lot of mid-century modern furniture pieces because they work well with many styles (traditional, modern, farmhouse, etc.). Mid-century pieces also have longer legs that allow you to see the floor, giving the illusion of more space.
Question: How do you avoid overcrowding a space when staging a home? How do you know what size furniture/carpets/artwork is suitable for the space?
Answer: We simply measure! Regarding artwork, we can eyeball it… A larger wall simply calls for a larger piece and vice versa. You’d never want to hang a small piece of art on a large wall unless it’s paired with others so it visually takes up space.
Question: Do you decorate surfaces (coffee tables, desks, countertops), and if so, what are the most important items to include/what needs to be avoided?
Answer: Yes, we style surfaces but minimally. For example, on a desk, you’ll typically find a lamp, perhaps a book or a prop laptop and greenery. We tend to pair items in groups of three and of varying heights. This goes for coffee tables and kitchen countertops, as well! I’d say personal items are to be avoided. Put away the “World’s Best Dad” mug!
Professional Help – How do I know if I need it?
Question: How does a seller know when they need staging? How do they find the right staging artist for them?
Answer: I’d like to think all seller’s need staging to some degree…
If the seller plans to occupy the home when it’s listed, it’s important to have a fresh set of eyes walk the entire property to give tips and suggestions on how to show each space in its best light.
If the seller plans to move out prior to listing the home, then I suggest staging the property. We typically suggest staging the main living spaces (kitchen, living, dining) and master bedroom and bath. Even if the property is move-in ready, potential buyers typically have a hard time envisioning how to use the space. (“Where will I put my T.V.?” “Will my bed fit in here?”) It’s best to answer these questions for the buyer before they’re even asked!
Question: How does staging affect selling price?
Answer: Statistics tell us: For less than 1% of your home’s value, you can see up to a 10% increase in your selling price! Who doesn’t like the sound of that? It’s just that simple! Many believe that a property will sell without staging… And it’s probably true! But you’re leaving money on the table and most sellers don’t want to do that!
Question: Can you stage a home if it’s being occupied?
Answer: Yes! Occupied home stages always begin with a consultation.
A consult is $250 and includes a walkthrough of your entire home with the seller and/or realtor. The seller will then receive a detailed home staging report with our recommendations, broken down by room.
Along with the report, we’ll also send a quote for staging services if we feel the seller will benefit from an accessory rental. Sometimes a property just needs some additional art or lighting, or just one room requires staging. For example, there could be a spare bedroom that’s been used as a storage or “catch-all” space… But it’s best if that room is shown as a bedroom. We can return and stage that space as bedroom.
Question: Your client is working on a limited budget, what spaces take priority when staging a home if they can’t afford the whole house? Are there any “make it or break it” spaces of a home?
Answer: We always recommend staging the main living areas (kitchen, living, dining) and the master bedroom and master bath (if applicable). Statistically, these spaces are the priority as reported by the buyer… where they spend the majority of their time and lay their head to rest! These are also the spaces we’d recommend updating and painting prior to staging if the budget allows!
We’d like to thank Abigail for sharing her best tips with us! If you’d like to check out her work or contact her for inquires, you can find her contact information below.
Abigail Halal
Project Manager, Home Stager
KLH Home Staging
KLHHomeStaging.com
Abigail@klhhomestaging.com
617-519-9133
Instagram: @stagedbyabigail
by Emily McGovern | Nov 11, 2020 | Tips & Advice
Have you been stressed out with design choices in your home? In theory, interior design is one of the most exciting endeavors of renovations, but oftentimes, it becomes the most nerve-racking. We asked our highly-rated interior designer Melanie Murphy, who is sharing her top secrets about making your dream home a reality (stress-free…phew)!
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Melanie shared her ideas of what to avoid and consider when redesigning a home while leaving creativity aspects up to the homeowner. Here’s what she has to say about the focal points of your home-
The Living Room
- Avoid: Sterile looking decor comes off as uninviting. For example, although wood blinds are desirable in theory, they add a sense of institutionalism that takes away from the cozy feel of a living space.
- Consider: Incorporate custom fabrics instead of filling your living space with trinkets or unnecessary decor. Custom fabrics give your home a sense of individuality without the clutter, and these fabrics could include rugs, pillows, or window treatments.
The Bedroom
- Avoid: Stray away from placing accent walls on busy surfaces. Your accent wall should be on a solid surface, with minimal obstructions.
- Consider: Create balance among your space by mirroring your decor elements. For example, lamps, night stands, and accent chairs should all be purchased in pairs. This suggests a sense of cohesiveness, and makes your room feel more complete. This same idea of balance can be used in other spaces in your home.
The Bathroom
- Avoid: Don’t follow trends, as most can change within a few years. Instead, attempt to create a timeless design for the most longevity.
- Consider: All white, tranquil bathrooms will give you a sense of longevity and peacefulness. Try to create a space that resembles a spa. If you would like to include color, try to incorporate colorful fabrics or decor. This could mean window treatments, shower curtains, or plants. Black framed photos with white backdrops are the most favorable decor for white bathrooms.
The Kitchen
- Avoid: For functionality, avoid placing your dishwasher arbitrarily. Place your dishwasher next to your sink to avoid frustration in the future.
- Consider: Be creative with your backsplash! Include some sense of individuality or personality into your design. For example, moroccan tiles or colorful and detailed designs create a captivating atmosphere without breaking the bank.
A Cohesive Space = Happy Homeowner
To create a cohesive space, buy furniture that is all within 5 inches of one another. For example, your couch shouldn’t be 15 inches taller than your accent chairs. Avoid gray walls as well! Once a popular color, greige has become another trend that adds a sterile feel to your home. If you’d like to incorporate gray, try neutral walls with small doses of gray in your decor items. In the kitchen, for example, white walls with gray countertops is a timeless look that is popular by demand.
According to Melanie, the most requested design is minimalism. To achieve this, keep your decor to a minimum, and embrace adding your creativity in artwork or fabrics. Artwork is one of the best ways to add individualism and color to a space, while keeping clutter to a minimum. For smaller rooms, add mirrors to give the illusion of bigger spaces. To create a statement, opt for black fixtures around your home. Items like door handles, faucets, and shower heads make for bold features that coordinate well with their surroundings.
Conclusion
If you’re still stressed about designing your home, consider hiring an interior designer. Prices can be very affordable, depending on what you ask of your designer. By choosing a professional for help, you may save yourself time and energy when designing your home. Professionals also have access to furniture and design stores not normally available to others, which allows you to further customize your space. To choose your interior designer, do your research! Check out portfolios and social media online, and consult with different designers to find how they can best help you.
Designing your home doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Find inspiration through websites like Pinterest, and make your home your own!
Contact Melanie through the domii app or take a look at https://www.melaniemurphyinteriors.com/
Blog Authors Emily McGovern, Jenna Gagnon, and Allyson Melo.
by Margo Bowie | Oct 6, 2020 | Tips & Advice
In a hot real estate market, buyers often have to fight their way into their dream home.
Given the speed of the market, finding a home inspector who isn’t booked for multiple weeks may be difficult. Some home contracts may state that you have only a set amount of time for an inspection to be completed – or you may have to waive your home inspection. If your realtor is unable to help you find an inspector in a pinch, you might wonder is it ever okay to waive your home inspection?
Depending on the age and condition of the home, this may be more or less risky for you – the home buyer.
The Risks of Waiving Your Home Inspection
The purpose of home inspections to be aware of any major issues within the home you are looking to purchase. Your home is an investment and likely the most expensive purchase you’ve ever made. A home inspector can help you identify any costly repairs that may change your mind or the amount you’re willing to spend.
You spend a couple of hundred dollars for a certain peace of mind that could save you tens of thousands of dollars. Many pricey home repairs may not be something that you can see without a home inspector – mold, water damage, HVAC damage – etc… all that can be pricey after you’ve already invested in your home.
Many realtors don’t think it’s appropriate to advise a buyer to waive their inspection without explaining the risks. A waived inspection may be perceived as a better offer increasing the chances of acceptance, however, if you find out that the home has a huge defect upon move-in, this is hardly a win for any party as it puts your realtor/broker at risk, and depending on the state you’re in, the seller may be on the hook for costly repairs that weren’t disclosed. This is hardly an ideal situation for any party.
How to Avoid Waiving a Home Inspection
There are other strategies aside from just waiving your home inspection. Obvious options are offering a higher purchase price and/or a larger deposit. You could also offer an inspection contingency or a mortgage contingency. However, your realtor may have other suggestions such as a faster closing, larger deposit, that may be less risky for you as a buyer.
by Emily McGovern | Mar 28, 2020 | Tips & Advice
You finally purchased your new home with a real estate professional that you found on Domii. Here at Domii we are excited for you and can’t wait to see the before and after photos you post – be sure to tag @domii. One of the best parts of finding, buying, and moving into your dream home is the fun of starting with something fresh and new.
Pro-Tip 1: If you have the budget hire a professional cleaning company to do a complete deep-clean before you move in – Consider it!
Hiring a professional cleaning company can be a great investment in your new home. Letting a professional cleaning service shoulder some of the burden of cleaning your new home can expedite the move-in process and let you focus on the logistics of your move-in. Many companies can complete a home in one day. That can be important in deals with tight timelines.
Pro-Tip 2: If you don’t have the budget for a professional deep-clean don’t fret!
With some elbow-grease and great tunes you can accomplish the same goal (a clean house!) and spend some time learning about your new dream home. Follow these simple steps to a beautiful clean home!
Pro-Tip 3: Start with the biggest gathering spot in any home – the kitchen.
Focus on the kitchen as a whole and work top to bottom. Take the time to wipe down the ceiling and clean up any yucky spots now. Next go cabinet by cabinet. Wipe down the interior and exterior paying attention to those handles and nooks in the back. Then comes your countertops. Lastly, the floors. Work from one side to the other and when you finish stand back and admire your hard work!
Pro-Tip 4: Be sure to buy the correct cleaning products for each surface type in your home. Some products may cause damage to certain surfaces and that is no way to start off life in your new home!
Many home improvement stores can offer recommendations as to what to buy and how to clean your new home. Be sure to ask questions and don’t be afraid to follow-up. Sometimes new products will hit the market and it doesn’t hurt to check in from time to time.
Pro-Tip 5: Clean by room type not by location. Meaning clean all the bathrooms at once, vacuum all the floors at once, or sweep all the floors at the same time, etc.
By using the same supplies, you will find shortcuts and become more efficient as you work through the process. By organizing your room types, rather than working from one end of your home to another you will accomplish the job faster.
Pro-Tip 6: Start with the largest bathroom and finish with the smallest.
Clean the bathrooms methodically from back to front. Don’t forget to finish any glass surfaces with a glass cleaner to remove any leftover film that will instantly make your bathroom look dirty. End with the floors, again making sure to use the recommended cleaning products for each surface type. Starting with the largest bathroom and finishing with the smallest will make the job feel less overwhelming and easier to finish.
Pro-Tip 7: Follow that same principal with the bedrooms and work from the largest to the smallest.
Pro-Tip 8: Don’t forget about the windows!
Clean windows will make any home feel bright, light, and airy. A clean home is a happy home. Domii is thrilled to have been a part of your new home buying experience and we look forward to the photos. Congratulations on finding your way home with Domii.
by Emily McGovern | Mar 8, 2020 | Tips & Advice
Deciding to become a first-time homebuyer is an exciting opportunity to plant your roots and build a life. However, there can be a few things that will make the process easier, more straight-forward, and fun.
Here a few TIPS:
#1 – Attend multiple open houses
#2 – Write down “Must Have” and “Definitely Don’t Want” Lists
#3 – Watch out for Hidden Costs
#4 – Decide how much House you can afford
#5 – Explore your options for financing
# 6 – Pull and review your credit report
#7 – Research the Neighborhood
#8 – Plan for the Future
#9 – Have Fun
Tip 1:Attend multiple open houses to build a Pro/Con list – Sometimes walking through a property will quickly help you to find out what you love and what you don’t. Take the opportunity early in the process to do you own “in-the-field” research. There is nothing like first hand experience to help solidify what is important to you.
Tip 2: Write down a “Must Have” and “Definitely Don’t Want” list but remember to BE FLEXIBLE – paint color and floors can be easily changed – watch out for the big-ticket items (like appliances and electrical issues). Be sure to budget!
Tip 3: Watch out for those HIDDEN Costs like closing costs, inspections, and commissions. Those costs can add up quickly and end up leaving a first-time homebuyer with more debt than they were expecting right out of the gate.
Tip 4: Decide how much house you can afford – sit down and write out your monthly budget and decide BEFORE you start looking how much you can afford. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a potential home and discovering that it is outside of your price range. Be sure to give your real estate professional this information so they can bring you to the best properties that are the best price for you. Domii can help you find trusted real-estate professionals today!
Tip 5: Explore your options for financing as there are lots of options for loans. Be sure to find a loan officer who will work with you to find a loan that works FOR YOU!
Tip 6: Pull your credit report and review it line-by-line to ensure accuracy. Be prepared to contest anything that might be misreported.
Tip 7: Research the neighborhood you are looking at purchasing in and do your due diligence. Drive by at different times of day to see what the traffic patterns are like, review the crime statistics, research the schools (even if you don’t/aren’t going to have children) as schools can affect resale value, and don’t stop until you feel comfortable.
Tip 8: Plan for the FUTURE. Be sure to buy the home for TOMORROW and not for today. Things can change very quickly, and you don’t want to end up in a property that is too small or too big – look for homes that you can see yourself in for the next decade. Look forward to what that home will become FOR YOU!
Tip 9: HAVE FUN! This process can be stressful and overwhelming. Remember even when it feels like you will never find your home that you have a real estate professional ON YOUR SIDE helping to find your dream home. Enjoy the ride and make sure to tag #domii when you buy your first home. Domii can help you find your perfect home today!
