Ann Maurice Explains Homestaging

1) How did you start your career in homestaging?

After I left selling realestate and began studying interior design it was a natural transition.

 
Where is your focus now you are an expert in your field?

In training others in the business of home staging

2) What are the benefits to the customer

Faster sale at higher price

3) Realistically how much should people spend on doing their home up before it goes on the market?

No real formula for this, it depends on size and initial condition of home.  can vary from almost nothing to thousands.

4) What is your favourite style?

I’m personally a very eclectic person, but when working with others i try to first respect the style of the home itself and enhance it.

5) Do you admire anyone else’s work in the industry

Clodah

6) What was your Inspiration or where did this come from?

Mostly from foreign travel and nature

7) What has been your biggest challenge in your career?

Balancing life in three countries

8) What has been your biggest achievement?

Launching the house doctor network and giving others the opportunity to succeed

9) Who would you like to meet if you could meet anyone in the world and why?

 
Prince Charles...I’d love to have our network work with him in some charitable fashion to revamp homes for those who can’t afford it themselves.

10) Hot tip for the summer for those buying or revamping a new home don’t be afraid to use colur, but don’t go overboard.

 
SUMMER… BREATH NEW LIFE INTO YOUR HOME

If you’re wanting to make some changes in your home… create something new and different…a bit more exciting, but aren’t confident that you can pull it off on your own, then think about hiring a ’Home Stager’.
 
When I first introduced the concept of ’Home Staging’ in Britain, it was a foreign idea that I brought with me from my exotic homeland, San Francisco, California.  Now it has become a household word.  In fact, it has become so popular across Britain that I have launched the House Doctor™ Network of trained Home Staging Consultants who work throughout the UK, Europe and soon, the US. Click here for further information. 

But what exactly is "’Home Staging’? Originally, Home Staging started out a marketing technique for the Real Estate industry… a method of presenting a home in its best light in order to appeal to the broadest audience base and ultimately result in a quick sale at the highest possible price.  However, as most things do, the ’Home Staging’ profession of today has expanded and evolved.  It now offers many more varied services to the client… everything from moving in and resettling, event staging, holiday decorating, de-cluttering and organising and one-day re-design… just to mention a few.

Some of these services might sound a lot like what an Interior Designer does, and yes, there is a lot of crossover between the two professions, but there is also a distinct difference.  I know, because I’ve been doing both for many years.  Many people are often willing to stretch financially to create an environment that they feel reflects their tastes and meets their long term needs.  This is understandable and for them it makes perfect sense to hire a professionally trained Interior Designer.  However, if you are looking for a little inspiration, a new look or a quick fix without breaking the bank, then using a Home Stager might be just the ticket. 

First of all, whereas Interior Designers’ fees are usually quite steep (which can be somewhat intimidating to the average homeowner), Home Stagers charge considerably less for their services. Also, in a staging project, whether the home is for sale or not, the object is to spend as little money as possible to get the best result…the most ’bang for your buck’, I always say.   Interior Designers tend to shop for the highest quality furniture and furnishings to achieve their desired look…often created from scratch.  Home Stagers have been trained to see what possibilities already exist within a client’s home without ’throwing the baby out with the bath water’.   When doing a Home Staging project I try to use a lot of what the client already owns, arranged differently and spend money only on those essentials that will make or break the finished product. I shop sales, discount stores and markets to find bargains and save money.  I always reserve the last bit of cash for things like well-chosen accessories, fresh flowers, cheery plants, fluffy new towels, colourful cushions, scrumptious scents…all those little touches that cost almost nothing, but give the impression of freshness and careful attention to detail. 

An interior design project normally spans a much longer period of time.  It can be months even years until the client is able to see the finished product.  A Home Stager is trained to do things rapidly and efficiently…time is money for both the client and professional stager…maximum impact in the minimum time frame, which is a real boon for those of us who prefer less disruption in our homes. 

So whether you’re moving house, or just looking for a change in your home…a breath of fresh air this spring, why not call in a Home Stager?  You’ll save both time and money and your home will feel refreshed and rejuvenated, just like the season.   

If you would like a personal consultation and advice on how to prepare your property for sale or create an exciting yet affordable new interior design scheme for your home, Contact Christina Georgalla who trained under the celebrity House Doctor Ann Maurice. Call or email today to find out how we can help you on 07950401722 or christina@lovett-interiors.co.uk

 © Ann Maurice Ltd