Ahhh..thank you!! I'm going through the same process. I call it my "Get my life together" program. Its overwhelming...but just take one day at a time. You and I can both do it!!
Awesome information using wisdom, and ALWAYS A BENEFIT! I decided to sell my home furnished and turnkey, so I wanted to leave everything that was being left behind. I went to view a home that was furnished, and the cool part is that I loved the seller's taste, everything was in super great condition, and I moved out of state, so it was great for me....except that every time I asked, "Is this staying, or that staying?", the seller kept saying "Well, no, I'll be taking that with me...and I realized that in the end, there wasn't much being left! So, I decided, I wouldn't do that to anyone. What you see is what you get. However, if I wasn't going to sell furnished I would do the "AUDRA TOUCH!"... We love your ideas, and cherish you..take good care of yourself.
Very true very few sellers have an eye for design so this video should really help them. I laughed at the art wall bc it's so true when we look at homes for sale many have disastrous design sense and hang high, or use really small art on a mega wall or both...
Basic question for Audra. It costs a lot to move your stuff once your old home sells. Yet it also costs time to get rid of it. And then to replace the old stuff with new stuff at your new home is also expensive. And no one wants your old stuff. So my issue is the most practical way to remove the old and in with the new. Your opinion please!
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. What do you typically do when the house is vacant and completely empty? Staging companies can be quite expensive-for example, they often charge at least $3,500 for a basic setup in a 3 bed, 3 bath home.
Love all the hints and advice you give out. What are your thoughts on security screen doors? I absolutely hate them, so ugly and I feel make not only the property look bad, but the neighborhood look scary.
Not a big proponent of security screen doors. It kinda begs the question: Is this a safe neighborhood? I would prefer a security system with the sensors on the windows and doors if you're concerned about your safety (for looks anyway). I am not a security expert but the system we have in our house is not terribly expensive and serves the same purpose. Hope this helps.
Yes, but at least its not in the house cluttering the living areas. There is a little less expectation of having a perfectly organized garage. Buyers know you will be in the process of moving. Having a garage with a few items for storage is okay in my book.
We're currently trying to decide whether to sell or lease our house. Problem is, we've already started about a thousand projects that still need finished, so it's really discouraging because uh...we'd like to move yesterday. Also it's so big, we haven't even finished furnishing/decorating it in the many years we've owned it. What would you do with an 18-20 ft high living room wall (among a few other random areas) that's bare as can be? It's the only wall to put the tv on, so the tv looks ridiculous. As an artist, it makes me completely insane to look at because I just have no idea what to do with it. I dont even think we can paint it without scaffolding.
Hello Haley, well I haven't seen your property... However, I would rather have a bare wall than an over cluttered wall. Leasing a property doesn't require the same time and attention for staging as a home that is being prepared for sale. I am not sure who your photographer is, but if you have a photographer that can virtually stage your wall art and some other areas of your house, it may be a good compromise...you'll like the images better and you're not spending a lot on furniture and other decor items.
@@HomeFromFarAway We do have a projector! I've been using it outside against the fence, when I'm up all night gardening... it's been way too hot during the day to get anything done 😂
Audra's new book: "50 Shades of Beige, or How to Stage Your Home to Sell." :) Also, "Throw Pillows are named that, because you have to figure out where to throw them when you want to use the furniture!"
Laughing..."50 shades of beige". You're probably right. However, if you saw my home ,I don't have a lot of beige in it. For selling a home I do recommend neutral colors just because it appeals to more people. I am little/small...so I usually put a "throw Pillow" behind my back for support. I do hear ya on ineffectiveness of the throw pillow. Have a good one.
@@susananders3834 Oh no...I love beige...but like anything, if you do too much it can be overboard. I was laughing about the 50 shades of beige. Some of my favorite designer homes have all neutral colors in them. It truly is a calm, serene, feeling and definitely looks sophisticated. Most of the major items in my house are neutral...but I do like a little personality here and there. I usually keep everything neutral but add accessories that can give a little more personality (with some color sometimes). I still am a Neutral Lover! Happy New Year!!
Have to agree. How to sell a house is NOT how you live in the house! I have toured many properties where I've thought OMG, how can these people show a house that looks like this? Undoubtedly, they loved it, but it was appalling to me!
I know, I see the same thing on a regular basis. Every one lives differently....but I highly recommend decluttering and cleaning any property before putting it on MLS. Thanks for your comment.
TY Andra for this enlightening information. What is your take on selling a small 525 square feet house - squeaky clean, freshly painted (very neutral white) - with nothing in it ? Is staging essential 🤔?
Hello there! I don't know where you. live...but I would look around and see what other sellers are doing with their properties. The market is a bit sluggish right now (not as many buyers out there). I am always a fan of staging because it shows the house in its best light. If there are other 525 sq. ft homes selling quickly in the area with no staging, then perhaps don't make the investment. However, if homes are sitting on the market and not moving rapidly, you may consider staging. I would do the research in your market...really drill down.
Well, I have had some clients put their parrot out in the backyard for showings...or in the garage if you have one. If you can't get around it, you can do anything about it. I would just make sure the house is tidy and the cage is clean:)
What’s going on with the home light company. Called them like 4 times leaving messages for them to call me back to get info. Over the course of a week. No one ever called me back
Wow! Terrific video! Thank you for sharing! I usually enjoy reading the other viewers comments. But some of the ones on here were, well...I guess I'd say that they weren't paying attention. They're upset and offended because you said take down your flags. You told us why and quite honestly it's common sense! It doesn't make them any less American to take down the flag and I can honestly say that I have yet to someone who says, " I bought my house solely because they had the flag flying in the front yard!" Anyway, I really did enjoy your video and the information you provided.
I pay for staging on all my properties up to a certain dollar amount. Really depends on the scope of the project and the price of the home. Most agents don't cover staging but I would ask them anyway. Some agent offer to pay staging costs through escrow...meaning you pay for the staging and then the agent will pay you through escrow once the property closes. You could always propose that. Some agents won't pay for it at all. Always good to interview several agents...asking if they'd stage your property as part of their commission fee. They may squirm...but who cares. This is a business after all.
For a video that’s all about staging (ie visuals), more and longer shots of your examples would be appreciated. I’m guessing this was 80 percent ‘talking hard’ and only 20 percent illustration. I think those ratios should be reversed.
Sorry about that! It was a rough day recording this video...the audio wouldn't connect (hence the reason I am wearing the audio mic). Its been a long journey getting my lighting and audio to work...thanks for the feedback. I will continue to improve. Have a good one.
I really enjoyed this. Pragmatic advice to actually get the job done. Not sure what all the flag cultists are upset about, most of the world thinks loud nationalism is creepy and kinda lowbrow. random flags are definitely not something that will appeal to sane people who just want to look at a house
Thanks Kim...As you know, I am just trying to be helpful. Had no idea the taking the flags down recommendation would warrant such an outcry. Oh well, I think what nerve I am striking is people think I am asking them to turn on their country by taking their American flags down. This is not what I am suggesting. Put your flags up after the photo shoot for all I care. Its just a tip to help make your house shine in its best light. Take it or leave it:). By the way, I have an American Flag flying outside my house. Just saying.
@@AudraLambert It's just staging tips! This is not to make a statement on flag clutists. Good grief! I agree with your tip to take down any flag and will share it with my former Marine husband who proudly has his Marine and U.S. flag in front of the house. They will definitely come down for staging and when we move, they will proudly be back up again. They are right in front of our front window and it's just not a great look for "staging purposes" or for photos. I actually would have never thought of taking them down until you mentioned it so thank you! BTW... love your tips! I am staging my own home for sale and these tips really do make it possible to do myself. My place does look barren so I know I am on the right track. LOL
@@nutritioncoachjo Thanks you so much for understanding my point. I love that your husband is a proud Marine. Really appreciate his service...and you:)
I am not concerned about offending anyone. Just giving you recommendations on how to show your house in the best light. Trying to take photos and videos with a flag on the property (ANY FLAG) is difficult to capture. You don't have to take my advice. Just trying to help.
There are people who see hanging out an American flag as a Republican thing and are turned off by it. I'm not endorsing this attitude. But as a home seller I don't want to risk bring politics into the equation.
I understand to depersonalize but when you talk about taking courses off or a tour of book from your mantle and they're not there to you know check out my pictures or my religious artifacts they're going to buy the house keep it clean I think is all you need keep it clean the personalized to a point don't have junk all over the place it's a two-way street man we have to live there pictures and statues they don't look bad you got to have your common sense use your common sense and and depersonalize it in your mind and most people they don't hire people like you to stage a house they just clean it up nice and it's good enough that's good enough a clean freshly painted house
Not suggesting that you denounce America's freedoms and the lives who fought for it. Quite the contrary. I am suggesting taking down any type of flags for the photo shoot. Its very hard to photograph. You want your house to stay as neutral as possible on line. If you want to put it back up...great. I do have a framed American Flag which I cherish hanging in my kitchen as a reminder of my freedoms and countless lives that fought for it. We are very fortunate to live in USA.
Okay...just saying if you photograph your house with the flag, it may not look great. You can always put it back if you to...wouldn't keep it up for photo shoot day. Do as you please.
A lot of people do sell their house by themselves with out an agent. I still think decluttering. cleaning, and prepping a home for sale is still the top thing you can do to get top dollar for your house. Thanks for watching!!
I have my American Flag up and waving...won't take mine down either. However, I would at a minimum take it down for photos. Its very difficult to photograph a flag. Just saying. If I were sellng my house I would take down every kind of flag. Just my opinion.
I've been enjoying your videos. I'm not selling my house, but I need to Declutter, my entire life… And my mind! Love your energy.
Ahhh..thank you!! I'm going through the same process. I call it my "Get my life together" program. Its overwhelming...but just take one day at a time. You and I can both do it!!
Excellent presentation - Thank you. Your tips also would aptly apply to a Vacation Rental.
Thanks Tammy...good to know. Appreciate your comment.
Thank you, this helps.
Awesome information using wisdom, and ALWAYS A BENEFIT! I decided to sell my home furnished and turnkey, so I wanted to leave everything that was being left behind. I went to view a home that was furnished, and the cool part is that I loved the seller's taste, everything was in super great condition, and I moved out of state, so it was great for me....except that every time I asked, "Is this staying, or that staying?", the seller kept saying "Well, no, I'll be taking that with me...and I realized that in the end, there wasn't much being left! So, I decided, I wouldn't do that to anyone. What you see is what you get. However, if I wasn't going to sell furnished I would do the "AUDRA TOUCH!"... We love your ideas, and cherish you..take good care of yourself.
Flo, you did a great job staging your property. Well done, my friend.
Very helpful video - I’ll be listing sometime soon and understand that simplicity is what we are aiming for. I love my comfy clutter! Thank you!
Laughing, I love my comfy clutter too!! You're going to do great!!
Your a life saver. I learned so much from your video and it makes sense. Fingers crossed on my staging journey and our sale of our Home. Thank you
You're going to do great!!!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great video.
Glad it was helpful! So happy I could help!!
I am so glad you got some value. Happy to assist!!
Love you Audra, you make so much sense
Very true very few sellers have an eye for design so this video should really help them. I laughed at the art wall bc it's so true when we look at homes for sale many have disastrous design sense and hang high, or use really small art on a mega wall or both...
Thanks Eve...you are right! I see it all the time:)
Thank you for sharing! This is awesome information!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Love the advice!
So glad you got some value..happy to have helped.
I had enjoyed many of your videos .
Thank you !
Glad you like them! Really appreciate your comment!!
Thanks a lot for your honest info. From Calgary, Canada. Bravo.
You are so very welcome Calgary, Canada!! Thanks for watching.
Very good advice, thank you.
Glad it was helpful! So glad you got some value!!
Excellent advice 👌 thank you so much
I have oversized furniture! Ughh....makes my place look smaller!!! What do you recommend? My custom armour in living room cathedral ceiling....big
I have a wall of family photos going up the stairs, if i took them down there would be a wall of hooks, i think the photos would look better
You can easily patch them
replace photos with a b&w collage of nature shots perhaps, architecture, travel shots, doorways, something impersonal.
Good hints!
Glad I could help!! Best of luck to you.
Basic question for Audra. It costs a lot to move your stuff once your old home sells. Yet it also costs time to get rid of it. And then to replace the old stuff with new stuff at your new home is also expensive. And no one wants your old stuff. So my issue is the most practical way to remove the old and in with the new. Your opinion please!
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. What do you typically do when the house is vacant and completely empty? Staging companies can be quite expensive-for example, they often charge at least $3,500 for a basic setup in a 3 bed, 3 bath home.
Love all the hints and advice you give out. What are your thoughts on security screen doors? I absolutely hate them, so ugly and I feel make not only the property look bad, but the neighborhood look scary.
Not a big proponent of security screen doors. It kinda begs the question: Is this a safe neighborhood? I would prefer a security system with the sensors on the windows and doors if you're concerned about your safety (for looks anyway). I am not a security expert but the system we have in our house is not terribly expensive and serves the same purpose. Hope this helps.
How do you live day to day in a staged house?
Tricks/Tips
shoes off when you come home, baskets for storage that can be put in cupboards easily and minimize things you have out :)
@@AudraLambert Thank you Mrs. Lambert.
When they view the garage they’ll see the chair and boxes of excess stuff ?
Yes, but at least its not in the house cluttering the living areas. There is a little less expectation of having a perfectly organized garage. Buyers know you will be in the process of moving. Having a garage with a few items for storage is okay in my book.
We're currently trying to decide whether to sell or lease our house. Problem is, we've already started about a thousand projects that still need finished, so it's really discouraging because uh...we'd like to move yesterday. Also it's so big, we haven't even finished furnishing/decorating it in the many years we've owned it. What would you do with an 18-20 ft high living room wall (among a few other random areas) that's bare as can be? It's the only wall to put the tv on, so the tv looks ridiculous. As an artist, it makes me completely insane to look at because I just have no idea what to do with it. I dont even think we can paint it without scaffolding.
Hello Haley, well I haven't seen your property... However, I would rather have a bare wall than an over cluttered wall. Leasing a property doesn't require the same time and attention for staging as a home that is being prepared for sale. I am not sure who your photographer is, but if you have a photographer that can virtually stage your wall art and some other areas of your house, it may be a good compromise...you'll like the images better and you're not spending a lot on furniture and other decor items.
You could always use a projector instead of a TV. A huge white wall would make for an epic movie night!
@@HomeFromFarAway We do have a projector! I've been using it outside against the fence, when I'm up all night gardening... it's been way too hot during the day to get anything done 😂
This is so us! We start a project and then another one pops up!
Living the same issues in a fixer-upper that has unfinished work. But you can paint tall/high areas with painter's extension poles.
What if I am selling a rental? Will it be ok to have an empty house?
Yes, but I would make sure its very clean:)
Real Estat agents must be the hardest working people . Dealing with people, Laws, finances . personalities. They earn every dollar.
Thank you...the good ones are worth their weight in gold!!!
Yess....big ego's and all about their profits.....chose carefully
Audra's new book: "50 Shades of Beige, or How to Stage Your Home to Sell." :)
Also, "Throw Pillows are named that, because you have to figure out where to throw them when you want to use the furniture!"
Laughing..."50 shades of beige". You're probably right. However, if you saw my home ,I don't have a lot of beige in it. For selling a home I do recommend neutral colors just because it appeals to more people. I am little/small...so I usually put a "throw Pillow" behind my back for support. I do hear ya on ineffectiveness of the throw pillow. Have a good one.
Actually, my favorite color is really beige. It is so calm and undemanding. It took me a moment to realize you were joking. Sigh. 😂
@@susananders3834 Oh no...I love beige...but like anything, if you do too much it can be overboard. I was laughing about the 50 shades of beige. Some of my favorite designer homes have all neutral colors in them. It truly is a calm, serene, feeling and definitely looks sophisticated. Most of the major items in my house are neutral...but I do like a little personality here and there. I usually keep everything neutral but add accessories that can give a little more personality (with some color sometimes). I still am a Neutral Lover! Happy New Year!!
@@AudraLambert Thank you, Audra. Happy New Year to you, too, and to everyone who watches your videos!
@@susananders3834 Thanks Susan!! ❤
Have to agree. How to sell a house is NOT how you live in the house! I have toured many properties where I've thought OMG, how can these people show a house that looks like this? Undoubtedly, they loved it, but it was appalling to me!
I know, I see the same thing on a regular basis. Every one lives differently....but I highly recommend decluttering and cleaning any property before putting it on MLS. Thanks for your comment.
TY Andra for this enlightening information.
What is your take on selling a small 525 square feet house - squeaky clean, freshly painted (very neutral white) - with nothing in it ?
Is staging essential 🤔?
Hello there! I don't know where you. live...but I would look around and see what other sellers are doing with their properties. The market is a bit sluggish right now (not as many buyers out there). I am always a fan of staging because it shows the house in its best light. If there are other 525 sq. ft homes selling quickly in the area with no staging, then perhaps don't make the investment. However, if homes are sitting on the market and not moving rapidly, you may consider staging. I would do the research in your market...really drill down.
got it,,, 3
I have 2 macaws and 1 large parrot that takes up the whole living room. What would I do to remove my birds and large cages from the home for showing.
Well, I have had some clients put their parrot out in the backyard for showings...or in the garage if you have one. If you can't get around it, you can do anything about it. I would just make sure the house is tidy and the cage is clean:)
What’s going on with the home light company. Called them like 4 times leaving messages for them to call me back to get info. Over the course of a week. No one ever called me back
That's lame! Call my guy: Jake Vogel 650-781-4497
Wow! Terrific video! Thank you for sharing!
I usually enjoy reading the other viewers comments. But some of the ones on here were, well...I guess I'd say that they weren't paying attention.
They're upset and offended because you said take down your flags. You told us why and quite honestly it's common sense!
It doesn't make them any less American to take down the flag and I can honestly say that I have yet to someone who says, " I bought my house solely because they had the flag flying in the front yard!"
Anyway, I really did enjoy your video and the information you provided.
Thank you! Just trying to help:) Appreciate your support.
Honestly, flags creep the rest of the planet out. it looks like a cult😅
Who pays for staging?
I pay for staging on all my properties up to a certain dollar amount. Really depends on the scope of the project and the price of the home. Most agents don't cover staging but I would ask them anyway. Some agent offer to pay staging costs through escrow...meaning you pay for the staging and then the agent will pay you through escrow once the property closes. You could always propose that. Some agents won't pay for it at all. Always good to interview several agents...asking if they'd stage your property as part of their commission fee. They may squirm...but who cares. This is a business after all.
For a video that’s all about staging (ie visuals), more and longer shots of your examples would be appreciated. I’m guessing this was 80 percent ‘talking hard’ and only 20 percent illustration. I think those ratios should be reversed.
Good feedback...will do
I love your videos. Concerning distraction, your broach was reflecting light. Very distracting!
Sorry about that! It was a rough day recording this video...the audio wouldn't connect (hence the reason I am wearing the audio mic). Its been a long journey getting my lighting and audio to work...thanks for the feedback. I will continue to improve. Have a good one.
A Week!?!? It takes longer than that lol
I really enjoyed this. Pragmatic advice to actually get the job done.
Not sure what all the flag cultists are upset about, most of the world thinks loud nationalism is creepy and kinda lowbrow. random flags are definitely not something that will appeal to sane people who just want to look at a house
Thanks Kim...As you know, I am just trying to be helpful. Had no idea the taking the flags down recommendation would warrant such an outcry. Oh well, I think what nerve I am striking is people think I am asking them to turn on their country by taking their American flags down. This is not what I am suggesting. Put your flags up after the photo shoot for all I care. Its just a tip to help make your house shine in its best light. Take it or leave it:). By the way, I have an American Flag flying outside my house. Just saying.
@@AudraLambert It's just staging tips! This is not to make a statement on flag clutists. Good grief! I agree with your tip to take down any flag and will share it with my former Marine husband who proudly has his Marine and U.S. flag in front of the house. They will definitely come down for staging and when we move, they will proudly be back up again. They are right in front of our front window and it's just not a great look for "staging purposes" or for photos. I actually would have never thought of taking them down until you mentioned it so thank you!
BTW... love your tips! I am staging my own home for sale and these tips really do make it possible to do myself. My place does look barren so I know I am on the right track. LOL
@@nutritioncoachjo Thanks you so much for understanding my point. I love that your husband is a proud Marine. Really appreciate his service...and you:)
So, flying the flag upside down is not recommended? 😂😂
LOL, probably not :)
@@AudraLambert just kidding!
having an American flag shouldn't offend anyone who dwells on American soil.
You aren't wrong;).
yeah, that's wrong
She said one's objective is to SELL their house, NOT make a statement. No politics or religion necessary.
I am not concerned about offending anyone. Just giving you recommendations on how to show your house in the best light. Trying to take photos and videos with a flag on the property (ANY FLAG) is difficult to capture. You don't have to take my advice. Just trying to help.
There are people who see hanging out an American flag as a Republican thing and are turned off by it. I'm not endorsing this attitude. But as a home seller I don't want to risk bring politics into the equation.
I understand to depersonalize but when you talk about taking courses off or a tour of book from your mantle and they're not there to you know check out my pictures or my religious artifacts they're going to buy the house keep it clean I think is all you need keep it clean the personalized to a point don't have junk all over the place it's a two-way street man we have to live there pictures and statues they don't look bad you got to have your common sense use your common sense and and depersonalize it in your mind and most people they don't hire people like you to stage a house they just clean it up nice and it's good enough that's good enough a clean freshly painted house
Keep the flag-remember that others sacrificed so we have the freedoms we have today.
Not suggesting that you denounce America's freedoms and the lives who fought for it. Quite the contrary. I am suggesting taking down any type of flags for the photo shoot. Its very hard to photograph. You want your house to stay as neutral as possible on line. If you want to put it back up...great. I do have a framed American Flag which I cherish hanging in my kitchen as a reminder of my freedoms and countless lives that fought for it. We are very fortunate to live in USA.
Take my flag down??😮 the flag stays!! Dork!
nationalist cultists are creepy and this one is aggro. gross
Okay...just saying if you photograph your house with the flag, it may not look great. You can always put it back if you to...wouldn't keep it up for photo shoot day. Do as you please.
We're selling your house not you... Out it goes
A lot of people do sell their house by themselves with out an agent. I still think decluttering. cleaning, and prepping a home for sale is still the top thing you can do to get top dollar for your house. Thanks for watching!!
Take down the American flag!. No
I have my American Flag up and waving...won't take mine down either. However, I would at a minimum take it down for photos. Its very difficult to photograph a flag. Just saying. If I were sellng my house I would take down every kind of flag. Just my opinion.
nationalist cultusts are so dim