MaryBeth Strait's (mbstager) Blog

Thank you for all the praise for my e-book.  HOME STAGING MADE EASY.  I am continuing to get the word out, and hope you help me to do the same.  There is no substitution for a consultation... however, in these tighter economic times, I wanted a simple checklist-based approach to staging that was ...

Brand new E-book, available now... HOME STAGING MADE EASY, ONLY $19.95 http://marybethstrait.com/store/shopping-cart/

  Dated cabinets   If you have the dark wood that was popular during the 1970s, the best option is to paint the wood an off-white or white, depending on the style of your house.  This will immediately make your bathroom feel bigger and more current.  I like Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. Then ad...

Is there 3 ft of walking space along the natural pathways of the room?    Walk through your house with another person who doesn’t live with you.  Talk with them as you walk through.  Notice if you hit any furniture or have to watch where you are going as you move from room to room.   Most buyers ...

The ideal flooring choices are hard wood or pergo for the main living areas such as the living room, dining room, and hallways.  Travertine tile is also popular in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.  Buyers typically like carpet in the bedrooms and family room if the target market is a family with...

Kid’s rooms These rooms need to be as neutral as possible while still targeting your ideal buyer. This means that a family will want to see how a crib, twin or full bed would fit into the room.  However, they don’t need to know the names and ages of your children, where they go to school and ever...

I know this sounds obvious.   However, I have been surprised to walk into a house expecting to see furniture and décor that works with the style of the house only to see the complete opposite.  It is like the house has a split personality and it is definitely confusing to the buyer. I was asked t...

Entry Way This area should feel spacious and inviting: Remove Key racks All items on the coat rack Wall paper Loud, bright or a taste specific paint color(neutral colors are best) Dated, cracked or worn tiles.  Either hide them with a rug or consider replacing them with updated tile or wood. Prov...

Here in Southern California, we do not truly have a down-season in weather, which also means we do not experience as drastic of a downshift in sales.  Every realty office is different, but this business can thrive in slow seasons if the appropriate changes are made.  This attitude is also true of...

Stay tuned for new home staging e-book, soon to be released, for more details! www.marybethstrait.com Master Bedroom:  Guidelines for this room: The mood in this room should feel relaxing, romantic and restful.  Make the bed the focal point in the room if possible Organized closets Light and brig...