MK Staging & Design: 2016

Showing posts with label 2016. Show all posts

Before and After

Who doesn't like a great before and after story?

We find ourselves watching Cinderella, the Biggest Loser or even Extreme Makeover, because we know there is huge potential and it gives us a vision for greater things. When my clients purchased this property it was less than a happy house. But they saw a beautiful happy family home and bought it anyway!

Together, we re-imagined the house from top to bottom!

They needed help with color and finish selections, and wanted an expert to support them as they made the house their own.

MK Staging and Design was there to help!

Now, a few years and quite a renovation later, they are leaving the area and this great house will soon be on the Market. We're sad to see them leave, but COMPLETELY delighted for the new and exciting season in their lives! This gorgeous Martin's Additions family home has been completed expanded including TWO laundry rooms, fully finished basement and my favorite of course, and amazing wine cellar. Seriously.
It's a chance to own a move in ready home, in a fantastic neighborhood with total walk ability and so much more. It won't actually be listed until later this month, but I guarantee it won't be available for long.

Wanna see pictures of the fabulous interiors? Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MKStagingandDesign/

then, reach out to our friend Erich Cabe of Compass (202) 320-6469 to schedule a tour.

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.
Call today!

301-657-9795

Monday Inspiration

Monday Inspiration

Today is a good day to look back in gratitude for all that we have and look forward in anticipation as we strive towards the future and all we will be.

Here's a little eye candy for the road.

Monday Inspiration

Sources

Monday Inspiration: Home of the Brave Land of the Free

Potterybarn.com

seagravetumber.com

Happy Independence Day!

Monday Inspiration

Good thought for a Monday.

7 Steps to follow before the first Open House.

ISTOCK/MKStaging

Congrats!

You're about to embark on a new adventure in life. But first, you need to sell your current house. Before you let a bunch of real-estate-hungry strangers into your closet, make sure you do these five crucial things that many sellers totally forget.

You’ll thank me when you get that over asking price all-cash offer. (Hey, a girl can dream!)

1. Hire a Home Inspector.

Particularly if you've lived in the property for 4 years or more. An inspector will be able to identify any hidden trouble areas that might scare off potential buyers and you'll be able to make repairs before Open Houses begin.
There's nothing worse than a contract falling out due to the home inspection.

2. Hire a Professional Stager.

Having a objective third party preview the house before potential buyers do is like having a dress rehearsal before the big show. This is particularly important if you plan on living in the property while it's listed because you are no longer objective about the spaces you see everyday.
A Professional Stager will be able to identify areas that could keep your house on the market longer than it needs to be if not addressed. He or she will be able to recommend fixes to curb appeal, furniture arrangements, over personalization and bring your property close to model home perfect.
3. Edit, Edit, Edit.
In other words, declutter, pare down, donate, organize. I can't stress this enough. The more you can get rid of the better: off season clothes, sports and exercise equipment, kitchen appliances, holiday decorations, musical instruments you're hoping that, buts let's face it, your kids are never going to play again.
I tell my clients to set the goal of being able to the floor (preferably in it's entirety) of every closet in the house. EVERY CLOSET. This will immediately make a house feel bigger. If you must, rent a storage unit temporarily.
4. Depersonalize.
How can potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space if they are staring into the framed faces of your adorable children, your wedding photos, college degrees, political or religious affiliations, latest family vacation, monogram painted above your bed or Bennie Baby collection anywhere within site? See #3 if you have any other questions.
Remember that you want potential buyers to connect with the space. The faster they connect, the higher the potential for them to make an offer even if they later find things they may want to change.
5. This includes anything pet - related.
So Jack, the turtle, Iguana, snake, hamster, rabbit, cat or even dog should be relocated offsite as much as possible. While some buyers won't mind him, others will be super grossed out by evidence of animals (and may even assume that the floors or carpeting has been damaged). Remove all pet food, toys and litter from sight, and take Jack on a little vacation for the duration.
This will also help the house stay cleaner and smell better all the time.
6. Wash the windows "I'm looking for a cave like house that gets very little light," said no one ever. ever. Make sure your windows are working for you by letting in as much natural light as possible.
Having them professionally cleaned just before pictures and the open house will make them appear newer and higher quality, too. (Even if they secretly predate the Reagan administration.)
7. Leave
This might seem obvious, but when it comes time for open houses and showings, GET OUT! Your realtor can do a much better job than you would showing potential buyers around. Remember, you selected your Agent because they are the professional, and you trust them to do their job.

Worse than having family pictures on the wall, potential buyers will be immediately put off if the current inhabitants are in "Their Home". So just go.
It may seem like a lot of work to get your property to sell, but when your house gets multiple offers the weekend of the first open house, it will have been well worth the time and effort.

ISTOCK/MKStaging

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.

Call today! 301-657-9795

Monday Inspiration

3 Easy Steps to an Organized Closet

Buyers are nosy.

They should be. They are about to make one, if not, THE biggest purchase of their lives. So they ARE going to look EVERYWHERE; in your closets and under the sink and in all sorts of place you've been shoving stuff in, in an attempt to keep a clean looking house. STOP!

Nothing says "this house has no storage" or "I ignore maintenance issues I can't see" more than messy cabinets and overstuffed closets.

Cat hanging out on clean linens.. EWW

Really?

Here are three steps to keep once of the easiest closets, the linen closet, tidy at all times. Hint: this works whether you are selling or living in your property.

EDIT bed and bath linens down to two sets the number of beds or people in the house: one in use and one alternate. Donate or demote all the others to pet use or cleaning rags. This is particularly important if any of them are more than 5 years old - You know you have some! If you are the average home owner you have way more towels sheet sets than you could use in a year and not wash. This will immediately free up valuable space.
FOLD remaining linens uniformly so that they stack neatly and all in the same direction. Think bedding and bath store shelves. Stay tuned for a towel and sheet-folding tutorial that is so SUPER EASY you can teach the kids to do it. In fact you should!
STORE personal care and other essential products in matching market baskets. I like these Threshold brand from Target. Limit the contents of each basket to only what can fit without overflowing it. At our house we have 5 baskets: Mini me, Me, First Aid, Sick Basket and Travel Size. The insides of the baskets do not need to be organized, but each bask should only contain relevant NON-expired and personal products. Putting a label or tag on each allows for easy identification.

I prefer hidden storage, and think straight sided containers maximizes space better than clear stacking totes. But use what works best for you.

That's it! Easy Peasy (did I really just say that?)

By giving just a little extra time and attention to something as seemingly insignificant as a linen closet, potential buyers have one more indication that you've probably also taken stellar care of all those really important, unseen aspects of the property.

No need to be Martha Stewart or Mommy Dearest, to get and stay organized in all your closets and cabinets. Don't forget to check back for an an easy and not at all painful towel and sheet-folding tutorial.

And just so you know that it will work even in the tiniest linen closet, this is mine .

taken by my iPhone

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.
Call today!

301-657-9795

Staging Doesn't Work

REALLY?

When I was asked to preview this property in the

Tulip Hill Neighborhood of Maryland,

it had been on the market for 192 days...

After recommending some small fixes,

we staged the property in a colorful Mid-Century Style favored among buyers

in this neighborhood with this style of architecture.

Professional pictures were taken

10days after staging, an offer was received and accepted.

This property is under contract.

Still think Staging doesn't work?

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.
Call today!

301-657-9795

The only guide you need to prep your property for spring selling

A few small changes can totally transform your home for the spring selling season. Beyond edit, organize and and clean, clean clean, these 5 fresh updates are sure to attract buyers.

Exterior

Get your yard in shape as quickly as possible. Clear winter yard debris, and get frost-resistant plants (either planted or in pots) that won't be affected if a late cold spell hits to, add color and friendliness. Consider investing in a landscaper to to keep lawn and flower bed in pristine condition for showings. Don't forget to have windows professionally cleaned inside and out and add an over sized welcome mat at the front and back doors.

via southernliving.com

Touch up and Repair

Give your home's interior and exterior details some TLC. Touch up trim, polish cabinetry, repair or replace inoperable hardware and secure handrails. Also, add shine to light fixtures with a through cleaning and installation of brand new bulbs.

via google.com

Windows

Switching drapes is one of the easiest ways to give your home a major update. Take down heavy curtains and replace with sheer, flowing styles to let in all that spring sunlight.

via homebunch.com

Beds
Who doesn't love deep cozy bedding when the weather outside is frigid? But once it starts to warm up, a light neutral colored quilt or duvet is all you need.

source unkown

Scents

Scents have a great effect on people so it's important to infuse them into the decor. Choose fragrances that evoke fresh and clean feelings such as aromatherapy diffuser or beach scented candles.

via yankeecandle.com

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.
Call today!

301-657-9795

Is your house Spring Ready?

The countdown to spring is on. Phil was right thankfully, and around the Metro DC area, temps are already warming up! Hopefully if you are planning on selling this spring, you've already started to prep, by freshening up and clearing out. but in lieu of the usual craigslist or online selling apps (think Krrb or Wallapop) why not consign the higher value items.

There are plenty of good quality consignment shops in the DC area, but while on a recent trip to New York (love) I stumbled across the most glorious consignment shop!

Decor NYC is nestled so well in Chelsea, you might actually miss it! From traditional to mid century, understated to over the top- its a cornucopia of beautiful pieces at a fraction of what they would have been originally.

These are just a few of the beautiful things I was tempted to take home with me.

NEW DWELLSTUDIO MALLORY CHAIR IN ROBERT ALLEN'S CASABLANCA CITRINE FABRIC

CASSINA LC1 SLING COWHIDE CHAIR

IVORY GENUINE SHAGREEN CONSOLE AND MACASSAR EBONY BASE

I'll post again on real staging prep for spring soon, but in the mean time, browse their beautiful website or treat yourself to a trip New York and tell the delightful Marisa Palmisano I sent you!

Are you planning on listing your home for sale this year?

Let MK Staging and Design help you Sell with Style.
Call today!

301-657-9795

Decor nyc

159 West 25th Street

New York, NY 10001

decornyc.com | 212.488.4977