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May/June Newsletter

May 16, 2009 by becky.

Friends, Family and Staging Fans,

Quick Announcement: Listen to the free staging teleseminar that took place recently. We hosted callers from all over the country. We answer questions like, “How do you stage a vacant home?”

1-219-509-8113. access code 127673

Agents, designers, and staging fans are invited to listen. Your regular long distance charges will apply.

Don’t miss the 80% off One-Day Staging Cram Course/Seminar on June 4th. Info under calendar updates.

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We have enjoyed one of the most beautiful spring seasons here in Jacksonville that I can remember. We’ve kept our doors open to cool intracoastal breezes longer than usual. Winter and fall are usually quite lovely in North Florida.

My husband and I frequently haul our bikes to quaint Atlantic Beach to keep in shape. Our training headquarters is 10 minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. The short drive to Amelia Island via the Mayport ferry and picturesque Talbot Island rivals anything you might see up the coast. North Florida including St. Augustine is home to numerous well-known writers and artists.

Over the winter, we hosted students from Michigan, Indiana, Maine, Ohio and New York. Many students continue to join us from south Florida, Atlanta and North Carolina.

We are celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the school by expanding in several areas.

We plan to have a mobile class ready soon. Our first regional classes will be in held South Florida and Atlanta and perhaps North Carolina. We have key people in each of these areas helping to coordinate the efforts. I’ll keep you posted.

Online seminars will be available soon also. We have started free teleconferences also. Watch your e-mails for times and dates. We must all keep informed about the ever-evolving staging phenomenon. HGTV has devoted most of their prime-time programing to Real Estate and staging related shows. Staging is getting more coverage that ever.

We’d like to hear from you. Let us know what you’d like see in the newsletter more often: staging success stories, motivational material, marketing strategies, more pictures, personal stories. Any comments about what you like or dislike will be welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have some cool things to report to reinforce your confidence in the value of real estate staging.

1. Our January class staged an agent’s personal residence in January. Before a sign went up and before the ink was dry on listing papers, it sold to the first person to take a look at it. Hooray!!

2. Mary Williams of Watson Realty uses our staging services more than anyone else. She was just congratulated as the best agent in her office and also for selling 10 million in 2008. She is in the top 10 best agents for her company, the largest in our area. Wow!!

3. Sandy Miller is another agent who stages a lot of her properties with Transformations. She sold over 5 million in 2008. Way to go!

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Call for special pricing on summer certification classes. 904-945-0093

Summer Calendar Updates:

One-Day Staging Seminar 80% Off -June 25th, Thursday

9:30AM till 3:45 @ Queens Harbour Yacht & CClub

Reg. Price $425. Now $75 *Money-Back Guarantee

Gourmet Lunch + Supplies, Color Chart & Speaker’s Notes

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June 5-day Certification Class: 15th-19th

July 3-day Certification Class: 14th - 16th

August 5-day Certification Class: 17th-21st

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Take a look at our new picture gallery page…

http://www.transform-us.com/picture_gallery.htm

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Favorite Resources

~These vendors can give you designer pricing on their products. I’ve had 5 years or more of good reports from clients about their work:

* Call Keith at the Carpet Man for flooring and next-day installation. 904-803-7825

* Call Chuck at Art Stones Marble and Granite for Countertops. 904-737-2922

* Call Alan at Christian Crafters International for your painting needs. 904-254-0518

We are not liable for the work, warranties or service performed by these companies. They are not employees of Transformations.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

More than 80% of home-buyers look online before deciding which properties to tour. First impressions still count….now more than ever.

Have you ever bought a magazine because of a beautiful cover page? Of course you have. We all start drawing conclusions after the first few seconds. Susan Boyle, Internet sensation and contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, showed the world that the we still judge a book by it’s cover. She also reminded us that beautiful things sometimes come in the most ordinary packages. I can still hear the song, I Dream the Dream, floating around in my head.

Two quick stories:

1. Transformations staged a million dollar house before the virtual tour and photos. Three good offers came in within 5 days… all from the Internet.

2. The team staged a modest home with unimpressive furniture. Nevertheless, the online pictures got the home a showing and an acceptable offer in 24 hours.

Conclusion: Be sure all your pictures are fantastic. Consider staging the virtual tour. Why put mediocre pictures online?? Really?

Which house would you buy?

Before

After

That’s all for now. Don’t forget to “Dream the Dream.” Till next time…

Happy Decorating,

Becky Harmon

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Wayne Gretsky

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April Newsletter

April 8, 2009 by becky.

I wanted to start off by thanking Jacksonville Magazine for inviting all the local Transformations Staging School grads to a premiere party held recently at the beautiful Bo Concepts home furnishings store at the St. Johns Towne Center. Those who attended the event enjoyed food catered by the Blue Bamboo Restaurant. Special faces in the crowd included magazine managing editor, Alison Trinidad and VIP Peter Schlunssen with Bo Concepts direct from Denmark via NYC. We may all be collaborating on a posh penthouse staging in the future. I’ll keep you posted.

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STAGING NEWS…

Agents 2-day NO-FRILLS Staging Designation

*75% off + Special Bonus to 1st 20 to respond.

*May 13th - 14th, 9:00AM - 4:00PM

*Queens Harbour Yacht and CClub

*Lunch, Manual, Supplies worth $160.

*$75. Staging Gift Cert. - Free to all

*Reg. Price $1200. *Now $300.

*Very Limited Space, RSVP 945-0093 or e-mail

*We have a new opportunity for Real Estate professionals only. The main purpose of the this new class is to learn how to professionally stage your client’s homes. It will add a new service to your list of specialties. Most of the “staging” we have seen by agents is more like de-cluttering, cleaning, painting and removing non-essential furniture and accessories. Those are important things, of course, but do not go far enough. This class will focus more time on learning how to create excitement and add the Wow-factor. The most effective principles gleaned from 19 years in residencial design have been condensed to make up the heart of the curriculum. No “fluff,” just the “nitty-gritty” of staging’s best kept secrets.

*This class will help you to get new listings. Home sellers are watching the HGTV staging shows. They want this service!

*Our stats tell us that a staged home will sell in half the time and get at least 10% more money. Your clients will love you.

*Transformations, receipient of the 2008 Best of Jacksonville award, is the only staging class in the USA taught by an ASID interior designer. Students have come from as far away as Los Angeles to attend.

*There will be a hands-on opportunity in a real home to learn by doing.

*Special Rates for out-of-town attendees at the Wingate Inn on Hodges Blvd. 904-421-7000, ask for Lee

*Transformations grads can take this class at a special rate to brush-up on skills. E-mail for details.

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Be sure to check out the new Photo Gallery page on the main website. If you have surfed the staging sites, you won’t see many great photos of room make-overs. This page illustrates the dramatic difference professional design skills can make when transforming a room.

http://www.transform-us.com/picture_gallery.htm

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REDESIGN INSPIRATION…

“My house sings,” Oprah once said of her California residence. She could hardly contain her joy at finding and expressing her personal style. She has recently been the delighted recipient of a professional redesign.

Your house is not just a house. It’s a living. breathing thing. It’s your inner sanctum.

Whether you just need a little rearranging or an extreme make-over, home transformation can effect people in mysterious ways. ”I stay home a lot more now.” remarked a client after the redesign of her beach cottage. ”No restaurant, club or theater can compete with my ‘new’ home. It embraces me. It’s a sonnet. It’s a poem. It’s me.”

Well said! I’ll let that be the last word.

Happy Decorating.

Becky Harmon

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February/March ‘09

February 5, 2009 by becky.

Staging News

Hello Staging Fans,

Before you fly off to another site, check out the pictures (below) from the January class. Now that this “tech-challenged ‘blonde’” has figured out how to upload pictures, you will see more interesting newsletters. It’s a very visual business. Like they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Pictures also illustrate the difference between professional and ametuer staging.

Everyone’s talking about staging these days. There are numerous shows on HGTV and other channels in prime time featuring the staging process. Segments on this topic have been broadcast and aired on virtually every network, radio station and talk show, including Oprah, in the vast soup of lifestyle and home improvement programming. People are fascinated. Why?

There are three simple reasons:

1. People are intrigued by the makeover process. We all love to see the ugly duckling become the beautiful swan. Some say they are addicted to these redesign and staging TV shows.

2. It works!! The national statistics tell us that staging will result in selling the home in half the time. It can also save the homeowner up to 10% of the cost of the home. WOW!! Amazing!

3. It is truly the evolution of a whole new industry.

People sometimes disagree about number three. Some agents say they have been staging for years, even decades. But what they are doing is helping to declutter and streamline. That is part of the process - an important part - but that is not all there is to professional staging.

Let’s hear from a successful agent, Brad Kirk of Watson Realty, who decided to sell his personal residence. He did everything an agent should do to prepare a house for sale. He cleaned out closets, organized, decluttered and got the yard and house in pristine condition. Then he called in a professional stager.

“Before putting our home on the market, I decided to call a stager to get advice on what was needed to make our home more presentable,” Kirk said. “We made the changes, added a few accessories they thought we needed, and within 10 days had accepted a contract.” The stager picked out the perfect wall color and gave advice on carpet and tile upgrades. She then moved furniture to open up the seating arrangement and add visual space. Some art was repositioned and accessories added to reflect the coastal boating community’s theme.

Here is an easy way to explain the difference: Amateur stagers and agents “pull the weeds.” Professional stagers do that and also “plant the flowers.” They add the “Wow-Factor.” There’s a big difference! When you need a stager, be sure to call someone who is certified by a company who offers “hands-on” training.

Speaking of the “Wow Factor,” take a look at 2 pictures from our January class. This house needed streamlining and the furniture, including piano, needed repositioning. The color theme from the dining room was repeated in this living room. A note to our local alumni: I’ll let you all know when the next open house is scheduled.

As we have said before, the website photos and virtual tour need to be spectacular and must show off the best features of the house. We know that 80% of the homebuying public looks online before deciding which homes to see in person. Why take pictures if they are not fabulous?? Why not stage the virtual tour and/or photo session? Call for pricing. 904-945-0093

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January Class ‘09 ~ Staged to Sell *Living Room

*Dining Room of the same house

See More… http://www.transform-us.com/picture_gallery.htm

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Here is an audio testimonial from one of the November ‘08 Class Students, Mary Habres, who finished her second certification in January…

one more…Connie Crosby, Allied ASID of Constance Crosby Interiors in Pensacola, Florida…

Another note to our local stagers, designers and especially real estate agents:

Keith Harmon, my son, who is one of the managers at the Carpet man, has decided to offer a small set of the best selling and most popular carpet samples to each interior designer, decorator and R.E. office that contacts him. Call him and he’ll have it delivered to your office ASAP. 904-803-7825

If you remember from previous newsletters, they get the product straight from the manufacturer so they are also wholesalers. They actually sell to other carpet stores.

For instance, buying directly from the manufacturer allows them to sell a popular Shaw Stainmaster plush nylon that Home Depot sells for 3.99 a sq. ft. for only 1.69 a sq. ft. installed.

They now have a Phillips Hwy. location in addition to the Blanding/Wells Rd. location. It’s north of the Avenues, next to Steak ‘n Shake. Call today. 803-7825

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* The March Staging and Redesign Certification Class is the 16th - the 20th. I have space available. A special price is available for designers.

*A marketing/staging class is coming soon. We’ll have several guest speakers from different arenas. (More updates are coming soon.)

Thoughts From the Heart

~Women seem to frequently put their wants and needs on the back burner and sacrifice their dreams for a more convenient time. We seem to tolerate disorganization and sometimes chaos in our life to meet the demands of work and family. Take a minute today and do something for yourself that will cause you to move toward that goal of excellence in every area of your domain.

~Your home is an extension of your heart. It represents your personal statement to the world and to yourself. When we fill our lives with things that uplift us, we become a product of that environment. Having an organized and beautiful home is about honoring the very important person who lives there…YOU.

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Wayne Gretzky

See the website for more details…www.transform-us.com.

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December Newsletter ‘08

December 15, 2008 by becky.

Friends and Family, Dec. ’08

In these uncertain times, there is comfort in remembering and celebrating the traditions of Christmas. This special season gives us an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for simple things, such as family, faith and home.

It seems more important than ever for us to know that God “speaks” to us today. So I feel compelled to share with you a new chapter in the strange and wonderful Rainbow Story that began in April of ‘07. Many of you may remember the beginning of this story from last year:

My cute, tender-hearted and glamorous 83 year old mother, Eileen, went ”home” to heaven on Friday 4-27-07 after a very brief illness. Mom was known as the “go-to” person for prayer in our family. At the funeral, many people came to the front of the chapel and shared stories of answered prayer, some quite remarkable.

Mom’s favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 91. She recited this prayer of protection for her family every day. Her favorite verse was Psalm 91:11. “He will give His angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways.” That same verse was on a picture right outside the ICU door at Florida Hospital. Psalm 91 was the preselected reading in Mom’s church at the regular Sunday service 4-29-07, two days before the funeral. The number 91 has appeared in various places throughout the year. Coincidence? I think not!

On Friday afternoon, the day of her passing, as many friends and family were telling wonderful “Eileen” stories in my sister Mary Ann’s kitchen, I looked up toward heaven and said, “Mom, are you hearing this? Isn’t this amazing?” At that exact moment, a family friend who lives across the lake called and told us all to run out side. There, before our eyes, was the most glorious rainbow. As long as I can remember, a rainbow has been Mom’s sign from God that “Everything is gonna be alright.” We all had goosebumps and grins as we stood there in the brief sun shower.

Since then, rainbows have been turning up everywhere.

*There was a rainbow on the TV as we turned it off the night before the funeral.

*Mary Ann’s personal assistant’s daily inspirational message on her computer for May 1st, the day of the funeral, included a large picture of a rainbow.

*My 6 year-old grandson, who knew nothing about the story (and usually draws rockets and robots), drew a picture for me of, you guessed it—a rainbow.

*The following Friday, May 4th, my husband Chips ran inside as he arrived home from work and asked me to quickly turn on the radio. We listened to the most delightful rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. We went out and bought the CD and played it non-stop for days.

*A few days later, I was looking for a Mother’s Day card to send to my Dad, sister’s and brother. To my surprise, Hallmark offered a musical card with a rainbow picture on the front. When I opened it, the song inside the card was none other than the one that we had been listening to non-stop. I had a goosebump experience in the store. Coincidence? I think not!

* On Mom’s Birthday, May 25th, some of the family was at the beach for Memorial week-end. A beautiful rainbow appeared in the morning over the ocean.

* June 1st, at a concert, rainbow flags waved over us right above where we were seated in a packed auditorium.

Many more rainbows have appeared over the course of time, usually on or around our birthdays. For instance, in January of ‘08, while we were in St. Augustine to celebrate Janice’s birthday, we walked out of a store, and there it was, her rainbow peeking out from behind a cloud. We had just been talking about the rainbow story.

The best chapter, so far, of this wonderful story happened to Mary Ann last December ‘07. At that time in her life, everything that meant “home” to her had been somewhat disrupted: Her law firm was going through a difficult and emotional transition and she was facing the teardown and remodel of her beautiful waterfront home that held so many memories. Many other things were unsettled and most of all, this would be her first Christmas without Mom.

In the midst of all the chaos, Mary and Pat decided to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary, which was 10 days before Christmas, with a getaway trip to California wine country. They had some Marriott vacation points that were about to expire.

I need to back up a bit and tell you that when Mary was a little girl, Mom would occasionally give her an early Christmas present if she was upset about something. She was the youngest of the girls. So, in the beginning of December, we told her to expect an early Christmas present from Mom. Of course, we didn’t have any idea what that might be.

Back to Napa Valley— On the last day of the trip, the actual Anniversary, after visiting the last winery, Pat decided to take a different route back to the hotel. After turning the car around and heading up the hill, there in all it’s glory, was a magnificent rainbow in the blue sky. There was no rain anywhere that they could see. Pat said, “I’ve got goosebumps.” They snapped a picture before the rainbow faded. (see picture at the top of page) Mary was crying when she called from her cell phone to say that her present from Mom had arrived. She was beginning to feel that “everything was gonna be alright,” which is the rainbow message. But that is not the end of the story.

They decided to make one additional stop before leaving the area and chose the winery where the rainbow had appeared. The first thing they saw as they entered the building’s lobby/gift area was a limited edition print of a gorgeous rainbow over Napa Valley. Major goosebumps this time. Needless to say, they bought the picture. Coincidence? Certainly not! But that is STILL not the end of the story.

The day after Christmas, we were all standing around in Mary’s kitchen talking about the 2 California rainbows, so she brought in the picture for us to see. I looked at the limited edition number at the bottom of the picture (which no one else had noticed) and I was momentarily speechless. It was number 91 (out of 100 prints). Psalm 91, remember, was Mom’s favorite scripture passage. Tears and more goosebumps. We felt like we had been sprinkled all over with pixie dust.

Think about it—God had to line things up perfectly. In California, if Pat had not turned around, they would have missed the first rainbow. If they had not stopped one more time, they would have missed the second rainbow, the picture in the winery. If just one more or one less person had purchased a picture before they got there, the limited edition number would not be significant. Out of 100 pictures that were printed, what are the chances that they would get number 91? One in 100! What are the chances that the 91st rainbow picture would be on display in this particular winery moments after a rainless rainbow appeared in the sky directly above. One in a million, maybe. I can almost hear Mom talking to God now—”And can you make all this happen on their anniversary?”

I can’t explain how all of this has made the loss of Mom less painful and the reality of God more tangible—but it has. I can’t explain why God chose to reach down from the top of the universe, wrap His arms around us and give us a present wrapped in a rainbow—but He did.

My wish for you this Christmas is that your heart is filled with hope and childlike faith to believe in a God who speaks to us, who takes care of us and gives us rainbows and pixie dust.

Merry Christmas,

Becky and Chips

Mom, I hope you don’t mind that we shared the Rainbow Story with our dearest friends and loved ones. Now, it’s their Christmas present also, in a way. So now, whenever they see a rainbow, they will know it’s a gift God and a sign from Him that “everything is gonna be alright.”

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November Newsletter

November 6, 2008 by becky.

TWO NEW EVENTS COMING SOON—

*We have a new opportunity for Real Estate professionals and designers only. The main purpose of the this new class is to learn how to professionally stage your client’s homes. It will add a new service to your list of specialties. Most of the “staging” we have seen by agents is more like de-cluttering, cleaning and removing non-essential furniture and accessories. Those are important things, of course, but do not go far enough. We focus more time on learning how to create excitement and add the Wow-factor in a personality-starved home. We also teach you “How to Stage an Empty Home.”

What: No Frills 2-Day Staging Designation Class

When: Feb. 25th & 26th, Wed. & Thurs. 9:00AM till 4:00PM

Where: Oueens Harbour Yacht and CClub

Details: ASID Designer Teaches Staging Secrets

Manual and Supplies Included

75% off for the first 20 students

E-mail for details

Ask for the Free Report on Empty-Home Staging

Becky@beckyharmon.com

ALSO—

A Staging Camp for Alumni and registered future students is planned for late January. The purpose of the event is primarily to share ideas and brush-up on techniques and learn new skills. It will be Fri. evening, Jan. 31st through lunch Sat. Feb. 1st, 2009. We need to re-energize and support one another.

We will feature new segments on Empty-Home Staging, how to set up a website and marketing success stories. We will have a guest speaker from Toastmasters.

Special rates are available at the Wingate Inn, 904-421-7000. Ask for Lee. Don’t wait to long to make reservations. The camp is $75. and includes three meals. Make your reservations via e-mail. I can’t wait to see you. More details will follow soon.

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Redesigners and HGTV addicts:

You will be inspired by this story which was originally published in the Veranda, a special publication of the Florida Times-Union.

“We shape our dwellings, and afterward, our dwellings shape us.” Winston Churchill

Makeover–to change someone or something; to give them a different appearance or a new use. Cambridge Dictionary

The world today is totally enchanted with the makeover concept. Entire industries have been born to satiate that obsession. The HGTV network covers every conceivable aspect of interior and exterior redesign. Magazines and how-to books continue to pour forth as the never-ending demand for inspiration escalates. What is all the excitement about? Is a make-over really worth it? Let’s ask Marjorie Sutton of St. Augustine as we tour her recently transformed home…It’s the kind of space that makes you feel as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Maybe that’s because of the mesmerizing view of the Atlantic Ocean which draws you in as soon as you open the weathered front door. Or perhaps it’s the spa blue color that flows like water around the two story great room. Your eyes travel from a nautical chart framed in drift wood over the rustic fireplace to the sea grass rugs to the glass cylinders filled with starfish. Whatever the reason, there’s an indefinable quality that makes you want to take a deep breath and let all the stress evaporate. But it wasn’t always this way…Marjorie knew she needed help. In her travels, she had collected all kinds of unrelated things. “I left room in my suitcase for those irresistible baubles,” she explained. “If I liked something, it came home with me.” Problem was, of course, that the house became somewhat of a museum, verging on claustrophobic. Her style was best described as-in her own words-“schizophrenic”…too many colors, no discernable theme.

She was a candidate for a makeover and she was the first to admit it. “Look at my stack of decorating magazines.” she lamented. “I found myself wandering aimlessly through pretty furniture stores.”

Sometimes the dizzying array of choices only makes it more confusing. She was mired in the quicksand of indecision. She finally enlisted the help of a designer who inspired a truly magical place.

The first step in a typical make-over is to determine what level of change is needed:

1) Tweaking-rearranging existing accessories and furniture. This is sometimes called “redesign”.

2) Gently Restyling- includes wall color changes with new art and some new accessories. Most make-overs fall into this category

3) Bulldozing- complete remodel, as in new flooring, countertops, cabinetry, etc.

A color scheme is chosen for walls and accents. A great fabric or a piece of art can be the inspiration. You’ll need a primary color and a complimentary accent color.

Next, the clutter is addressed. Let’s face it! Everyone loves to plant flowers, but no one wants to pull the weeds. Sometimes one must learn to toss with abandon. It can be liberating.

Then the room arrangement is analyzed for balance and symmetry. Traffic patterns are considered. Ease of conversation is always a primary goal.

The homeowners personality should be considered when selecting a theme. Some popular choices: Ralph Lauren/ English library or Ernest Hemingway/ Out of Africa.

Jean Leone of Ponte Vedre chose a Tuscan, wine-country theme for her recent redesign…wrought iron, warm colors, rich rugs on natural stone floors. Her husband’s Italian heritage inspired that direction. A rich pumpkin color accented with sage green was splashed around the living areas. I can almost hear the theme from Godfather in the background.

The costs are varied but still average around $75. to $100. an hour—slightly more if an assistant is needed. Some redesigners may ask for a retainer before starting a major project. A brief complimentary consultation is a non-threatening way to get the facts.

The results can be life transforming. Oprah Winfrey once said of her California residence, “My house sings.” She could barely contain her joy in finding and expressing her unique style.

Your house is not just a house. It is a living, breathing thing. It reflects your soul…your inner sanctum.

So whether you need a little rearranging or an extreme make-over, the experience can enrich your life in mysterious ways. “ I stay home a lot more now,” confessed Marjorie.

“No restaurant, club or theater can compete with my home. It embraces me. It’s a sonnet. It’s a poem. It‘s me.”

Winston Churchill was right. “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards, our dwellings shape us.”

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This article can be used for republication as long as the author is credited:

Written by Becky Harmon

Transformations Staging and Redesign School

www.transform-us.com

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September/October Newsletter

September 9, 2008 by becky.

*We were delighted in August to get the unique distinction of the “Best of Jacksonville” 2008 Award in the Staging School category for excellence in marketing and service to our community, etc. The award certificate is on the “Class” page at the bottom on the website.http://www.transform-us.com/class.htm
This link tells you what it means. https://www.uslba.net/P8JCPX3C \

*Recent documentation tells us that the selling cost per sq. ft. differences in staged homes vs. non-staged homes is a whopping 10% to 20% more. These are statistics from Transformations classes and students. Amazing!!

*In our August class, we hosted students from as far away as Las Vegas and Bangor, Maine and Melbourne, Florida. Our regular class had to be postponed a week because of Hurricane Faye, so I appreciate the flexibility of these students who had to change travel plans. Thanks to you all including our local students.

*Our October 5-day Class has a date change. 10/13/ - 10/17. It will be our last 5-day class of the year.*
*Be sure to note our addition of a Money-Back Guarantee mentioned on the website “class” page.—*Our new Frequently Asked Questions page is a hit—  http://www.transform-us.com/faq.htm
  ALERT to agents everywhere— One very successful agent who took the staging certification class last year, offers a guarantee to her clients. “I’ll sell your house in 35 days or you don’t have to pay me.” How does she do it? She asks her clients to agree to a list of things. Staging is at the top of the list, of course. This agent is reaping the benefits of staging certification training. She has a full-time assistant and an occasional additional part-time helper. We’ll be sharing her roadmap to success in our next One-day Staging Seminar in Queens Harbour on November 12th. The day is jam-packed with the latest staging tips and information. I still have some openings left in that seminar. 9:30am to 3:45pmContinental BreakfastGourmet Lunch w/ Dessert Paint Color ChartGraph Paper Note TabletSpeaker Notes
The One-Day Seminar Topics
            1. Furniture Arranging
            2. Before/After Pictures
            3. Choosing and Understanding Color
            4. Accessory Placement
            5. Staging Tips Often Overlooked by Agents
            6. How to Stage an Empty Home
        This $500. class is $250 for the general public. We offer a special price to agents and designers of $125. If you have a group of two or more, e-mail for special pricing. Right now we have a BOGO special. Yes!! Two for the price of one. becky@beckyharmon.com If you are considering the 3-day or 5-day certification class, the one-day seminar is a good way to check it out. The investment will be rebated back to you if you sign up for either of the extended classes. Sign up now online. http://www.transform-us.com/Pay_seminar.html

If you are unable to attend the one-day staging seminar (perhaps you are out-of-town or just busy), the seminar can come to you. We have a professionally produced one hour DVD of the class with all the demos for $125. It includes all the “Before and After” photos and the popular segment called Staging Tips (even your agent doesn’t know about). We include a list with our favorite, frequently-used paint colors. It will be sent out within 2 days. You can order it by e-mailing becky@beckyharmon.com. Also Available to ship now—
*A 5-minute DVD of an actual Transformations staging/redesign produced by Creation Studios. It can be used by professionals to do presentations. The before and after shots are spectacular. With this DVD, you can illustrate the benefits of this service to your clients. $35. plus Shipping and Handling
http://www.transform-us.com/products.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I I sincerely hope that all of you in different parts of the country came through all the weather disturbances this year. There were fires out west, floods along the Mississippi and hurricanes in our neck of the woods. As we cleaned the storm debris out of our yard from Faye, I couldn’t help but think of several friends going through storms of their own— various types of difficulties and life changes. Something Forest Gump said in the closing moments of the movie comes to mind. He’s talking to his beloved Jenny as he stands over her gravesite.“Was Mama right or Lt. Dan?” he asked. “Do we each have a destiny or do we just float, like a feather on a breeze? I think it’s both—both things happening at the same time.”

What is destiny, after all? How do we find it? How do we hold on to it? We have our course somewhat set. Then something comes along to interrupt our plans and signal that it’s time to slowdown and maybe take a detour. That “feather on a breeze” suggests that unexpected change will delay or divert our destiny.In the movie, Forrest became a millionaire when a hurricane hit the Gulf Coast and the Bubba Gump was the only shrimp boat that was not destroyed. A storm brought about the fulfillment of his destiny. For my friends, change is painful and disruptive. But sometimes it can slow us down long enough for us to reevaluate our direction. We may then have the courage to correct our course and choose the path that leads to our true destiny.

I’ve had friends who held onto jobs they disliked in companies that were going nowhere. One of them once said of her workplace, “I felt like I was polishing brass on the Titanic.” A mother eagle teaches her babies to fly by making the nest uncomfortable. Is your nest uncomfortable?? What are you going to do about it?

Well, I’m glad we’ve had this little talk. I get carried away sometimes. I never meant to probe the meaning of life with the gospel according to Forest Gump. But I get excited and I still believe in miracles. I get to see people finally fulfilling their dreams. Yes, even in a bad economy, anything is possible.

And it may be true that, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Nevertheless, in my opinion, life is still 90% delicious, full of opportunity, wonder and magic. So now, if you will join me in donning some rose colored glasses, click your heels three times and wish with me upon a star—maybe, just maybe you’ll listen to your heart, leap out of that nest and fly.

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July ‘08 Newsletter

July 1, 2008 by becky.

OK OK!! I’ve been asked to consider shortening my newsletter. When your own family, who loves you, fails to read all the way through the last article, you know it’s too long. So, here’s the new Readers Digest version of the latest at Transformations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ALERT to agents everywhere—
One very successful agent who took the staging certification class last year, offers a guarantee to her clients.
“I’ll sell your house in 35 days or you don’t have to pay me.”
How does she do it? She asks her clients to agree to a list of things. Staging is at the top of the list, of course. This agent is reaping the benefits of staging certification training. She has a full-time assistant and an occasional additional part-time helper.

We’ll be sharing her identity and her roadmap to success in our next One-day Staging Seminar in Queens Harbour on July 30th. The day is jam-packed with the latest staging tips and information. I still have some openings left in that seminar.

Dining Room Overlooks the Yacht Harbour
9:30am to 3:45pm
Continental Breakfast
Gourmet Lunch w/ Dessert
Paint Color Chart
Graph Paper Note Tablet
Speaker Notes

The One-Day Seminar Topics
1. Furniture Arranging
2. Before/After Pictures
3. Choosing and Understanding Color
4. Accessory Placement
5. Staging Tips Often Overlooked by Agents
6. How to Stage an Empty Home

This $500. class is $250 for the general public. We offer a special price to agents and designers of $125. If you have a group of two or more, e-mail for special pricing.
becky@beckyharmon.com

If you are considering the 3-day or 5-day certification class, the one-day seminar is a good way to check it out. The investment will be rebated back to you if you sign up for either of the extended classes. Sign up now online. www.transform-us.com and go to the “Class” page and click on “Class Payment Options”.

If you’d like to come but have scheduling conflicts or you are in another city—check out our new One-Day Staging Seminar on DVD. See details below the testimonial.

“I had a great time and I learned several key things that will help me personally and professionally. You are a great teacher who obviously enjoys her job. Your enthusiasm is contagious!”
Best Regards,
Patti Namey, Watson Realty, Broker Associate

~The One-Day Staging Class DVD is available NOW.

Also Available to ship now—
*A 5-minute DVD of an actual Transformations staging/redesign produced by Creation Studios. It can be used by professionals to do presentations. The before and after shots are spectacular. With this DVD, you can illustrate the benefits of this service to your clients. $35. plus Shipping and Handling Go to the website www.transform-us.com then go to the “Class” page and click on “Online Class/DVD”.

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Money-Back Guarantee

My agent friend who offers the quarantee has inspired me to offer a money-back guarantee on all my future classes. If you don’t feel that the content and presentation meets your expectations, your money will be refunded (minus my expenses).

Details will be on the website within the next week.

After rereading the evaluations from 2 years worth of staging and redesign class members from all over the country, I am confident we are consistently exceeding expectations. So, the quarantee will alleviate any concerns new attendees may have about the quality and value of the program.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Who Moved My Cheese?

A few months ago, I attended a “Who Moved My Cheese” Conference in Orlando. If you remember, the book was an allegory about dealing with change. I was there mainly for moral support for my two sisters who, I thought, really needed this message. Surprise, Surprise!! I needed to hear the message as much as they did.

I am in a field—real estate—that is rapidly changing as we go through this market slowdown. We must all be willing to change or adjust our strategy as needed or get runover by those who ARE willing to learn new things. Remember the definition of insanity: You keep doing the same things over and over and expect a different outcome.

I commend my students who have invested their time and resources to learn about home staging. They are doing well. I am proud of them all.

The staging industry has exploded on the scene everywhere across the country—especially in larger cities. We just saw a $700,000. house that was staged by Transformations, sell and close in 6 weeks. This past April/May the selling price per sq. ft. averaged 20% more on homes staged by our graduates.

We are so pleased that home staging is making it’s mark in America. The HGTV channel now features all real estate/staging shows in their primetime slots during the week. We are working hard to let the homeselling public know about the benefits of this emerging industry. Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your day read this newsletter to learn more.

Yes, things have changed. We are all at various levels of acceptance. I believe most of us are in the process of finding our “cheese.” Happy Hunting!!

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May Newsletter ‘08

April 30, 2008 by becky.

Staging is truely amazing. Homes that get professional staging continue to get sold quickly. One recent sale was an empty home that was staged with just accessories. After sitting on the market 7 months without one offer, the homeowner hired another agent who believes in staging. Accessories, art and greenery went in and agents everywhere were happy to show such a charming house to their clients. The increased activity brought an acceptable offer to homeowners who were competing with the neighborhood builder’s discounted new homes. The first offer came within days and the second offer, the one that was accepted, came not long after that. Several of the other sold houses are described in the article that was started in the March blog…WEBSITE PHOTOS. You will find it compelling.

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~The May certification class is filled. There are a few openings still in the June 5-day class. June 16th - 20th. You can now pay your deposit online. The “Payment Options” link is on the “class” page. www.transform-us.com.

~Our next One-day Staging Seminar will be Wednesday, May 21st at the Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club. The time is 9:30am to 3:30pm. The seminar will include a continental breakfast and a fabulous lunch. We cover some of the topics from the certification class.
1. Furniture Arranging
2. Before/After Pictures
3. Choosing and Understanding Color
4. Accessory Placement
5. Staging Tips Often Overlooked by Agents
6. How to Stage an Empty Home

Also included: Speaker’s notes, a Benjamin Moore chart of the most popular colors and a graph paper note and sketch pad.

This $500. class is $250 for the general public. We offer a special price to agents and designers of $125. If you have a group of two or more, e-mail for special pricing.
becky@beckyharmon.com

If you are considering the certification class, the one-day seminar is a good way to check it out. The investment will be rebated back to you if you sign up for the extended class. Sign up now online. www.transform-us.com and go to the “Class” page and click on “Class Payment Options”.

~If you’d like to come but have scheduling conflicts or you are in another city—check out our new One-Day Staging Seminar on DVD. See details below the testimonials…

Here are some reviews from the most recent seminar attendees—

“We’re always told that if we attend a training seminar of any kind and learn just one thing, it was well worth it. However, in your class, I learned a whole new wealth of information that I will be able to incorporate into my daily real estate business and my personal life as well.
The day went by so fast. I enjoyed everything in and about the staging class. Obviously IT WORKS!
Thanks Again !”
Pat Conrad,
Watson Realty Corp.

~The One-Day Staging Class DVD is available NOW.

Also Available to ship now—
*A DVD of an actual Transformations staging/redesign produced by Creation Studios. It can be used by professionals to do presentations. The before and after shots are spectacular. With this DVD, you can illustrate the benefits of this service to your clients. $35. plus Shipping and Handling Go to the website www.transform-us.com then go to the “Class” page and click on “Online Class/DVD”.

WEBSITE PHOTOS (This article will appear soon in the Florida Times-Union)

WEB PRESENCE + HOME STAGING = A LIGHTNING FAST SALE

Announcement to Homesellers:If you are unhappy with the number of times your home is getting shown, I have good news and bad news—

*The good news - More than 80% of the home-buying public looks at listings online before making an appointment to actually see a house.

*The bad news - More than 80% of the home-buying public looks at listings online before making an appointment to actually see a house.

It is good news if you have great photos and bad news if you don’t. If your home is not model-ready, you are not going to get great photos.

Home staging, a growing trend in real estate, will ensure that your home looks like a professionally designed model home. Listen to these stories—

*Transformations Staging and Redesign staged a $900,000. house in a popular gated neighborhood - before the scheduled virtual tour was filmed and the Web site photos were taken. A tall palm pointed to the cedar-lined ceiling and the marine-blue color scheme was repeated throughout the house. A coastal theme seemed appropriate for this Ponte Vedra home. Becky Harmon of Transformations describes the result, “The homeowner had three offers within FIVE days of putting pictures and the virtual tour online - two for full price. One man drove all night from another state to see it. A fourth offer was in the works.” *Sandy Miller of Watson Realty tells another Web photo success story: “I put the house in the MLS on Monday. They received an offer Tuesday after just one showing and on the market less than 24 hours! The house looked so cute and I honestly believe that it would not have gotten the offer if it had not been staged! The fact that the sellers got the showing (from the pics online) and an offer within hours of the viewing is AMAZING.”

Make sure your photos are totally fabulous before showing them to world. Why not stage your photo session or virtual tour?

Video tours, a popular real estate marketing trend, are giving home sellers an alternative to the traditional virtual tour. A video tour is more like actually being there according to Tami Keener of Queens Harbour Real Estate. “Video tours give buyers a more realistic picture of the house. You don’t get the feeling that you are looking through thick eyeglasses.”

The reasons for adding video tours to your marketing plans are compelling. Agents and home sellers everywhere take notice: According to video streaming firm Real Network— people stay at Web sites that use video 78 percent longer. A professional Web presence is critical today. It will compliment traditional methods of property marketing.

Alan Kelley of First Beach Productions says, “We help clients with every stage of the video production process: shooting, editing, script writing, graphics and narration. That includes distribution on DVD, the internet or TV. We offer agents a variety of options. Our least expensive tour is $165. which has no narration. The type of tour we do for Queen’s Harbour Real Estate runs $350. which includes narration, a DVD and an online compatible version.

Grant and Lori Tarbox in Queens Harbour closed recently on their nearly 3,400. sq.ft. home after 7 weeks on the market. The average time for homes in this price range to be on the market is more like 7 months. That is about 75% faster.

“I am a big proponent of staging and Web site presence,” remarked Tarbox. “In this highly-competitive market, you need every advantage.”

Queens Harbour Real Estate hired Transformations to stage the Tarbox house before the photos and video tour. A caramel wall color was chosen for most of the house. Lots of art and accessories were removed and the remaining ones were repositioned. All accents except the ones that supported the color scheme came out and plants went in. To see the video tour of this house, go to http://www.firstbeachproductions.com/1525hpd.html. You can also e-mail becky@beckyharmon.com and it will be sent to you.

It’s time for home sellers and agents everywhere to realize what an indispensable value professional staging and a good Web site presence can be to the selling process. What potential buyers might be surfing the Web right at this moment, hoping a picture or video tour is going to whisper to them: “Here I am. Buy me?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alan Kelly of First Beach Productions has more than two decades of experience producing TV stories including more than a dozen writing and producing stories for some of the nation’s top network affiliates. He can be reached at www.firstbeachproductions.com or alan@firstbeachproductions.com.

FROM THE HEART

I attended a “Who Moved My Cheese” conference in March. I thought it might help my two sisters who joined me at the day-long event.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! I got a much needed ”wake-up call” in some areas of my life. Each speaker challenged us to periodically reevaluate where we are and adjust to changing conditions. I suppose we all need to take time out to let others inspire and motivate us.

As a trainer in the staging/redesign industry, I work with many individuals who have reassessed their career path and made changes. Home-based businesses make sense right now in the light of the gas crises. All real estate professionals should be realigning their goals and marketing plans to be on the cutting edge of today’s changing landscape.

Sit down with a pad of paper a make a short list of goals in each of these areas:

*Career *Relationships *Health *Dreams

Put a deadline on each catagory. And the most important thing—

I encourage you all to get an accountability partner and meet regularly. If your dreams don’t sufficiently motivate you, guilt and pressure from a friend/co-worker will. This strategy works, I promise you.

I wish you all success.

Till next time—

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Wayne Gretzky

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March Newsletter

March 15, 2008 by becky.

~I know many of you glance through the first section, Staging News, and never make it to stories at the end of the newsletter. We’re all busy. So, before you do that, let me give a short intro to those important articles. Don’t miss them…

Announcement to Home-sellers:
~If you are unhappy with the number of times your home is getting shown, I have good news and bad news—(Continue reading in the Website Photos, Etc. article below.)

~I feel like I’ve been sprinkled all over by my fairy godmother. Last month, you may remember, we spoke of a “charity staging” for a family in need because of serious health issues. You won’t believe what happened— (To read more, drop down to the “From the Heart” section at the bottom of the newsletter.)

~The February one-day staging seminar, that we hold at Queens Harbour every 8 weeks, consisted of a combination of designers and agents. One of the agents, Joan Burnett, surprised me with a great report—

“Becky—Thanks so much for your time and info. The seminar was very helpful. In fact, I had a vacant home with outdated Kelly green carpeting and nothing else. The day after your course, I went to Wal-Mart, spent approx. $80. on a few bright towels, rugs, candles and freshener. I Then I went home and used two of my dining chairs, some silk plants, a table, wine glasses and a bottle of Chianti, a nice salad bowl and a couple of cook books and staged this home. I now have an accepted contract with a very good offer!!! Thanks again, it was enjoyable and profitable!
P.S. Becky, I forgot to tell you the home had been on the market 7 months with NO offers.” Joan Burnett, Watson Realty

WOW!!!
Thanks, Joan, for the testimonial. This must have happened within a week or so because that class just ended February 27th.

I love to hear success stories. There are just too many to publish them all.

~The March and May certification classes are filled. There are a few openings still in the April 3-day class. The schedule is on the website on the “Class” page. You can now pay your deposit online. The “Payment Options” link is on the class page. www.transform-us.com.

~Our next One-day Staging Seminar will be Wednesday, May 7th at the Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club. The time is 9:30am to 3:45pm. The seminar will include a continental breakfast and a fabulous lunch. We cover some of the topics from the certification class.
1. Furniture Arranging
2. Before/After Pictures
3. Choosing and Understanding Color
4. Accessory Placement
5. Staging Tips Often Overlooked by Agents
6. How to Stage an Empty Home

Also included: Speaker’s notes, a Benjamin Moore chart of the most popular colors and a graph paper note and sketch pad.

This $500. class is $250 for the general public. We offer a special price to agents and designers of $125. If you have a group of three or more, e-mail for special pricing.
becky@beckyharmon.com

If you’d like to come but have scheduling conflicts or you are in another city—check out our new One-Day Staging Seminar on DVD. See details below the testimonials.

Here are some reviews from the most recent seminar attendees—

~The One-Day Staging Class DVD is available NOW.

WEBSITE PHOTOS:

Announcement to Homesellers:

If you are unhappy with the number of times your home is getting shown, I have good news and bad news—

*The good news - More than 80% of the home-buying public looks at listings online before making an appointment to actually see a house.

*The bad news - More than 80% of the home-buying public looks at listings online before making an appointment to actually see a house.

Of course, what I mean is that it’s good news if you have great photos and bad news if you don’t. If your home is not model-ready, you are not going to get great photos.

Listen to this story—

Transformations staged a $900,000. house in a popular gated neighborhood - before the scheduled virtual tour and website photos. The house looked amazing!! The agent had three offers within FIVE days of putting pictures and the virtual tour online - two for full price. One man drove all night from Virginia to see it. A fourth offer was in the works.

All of these people were from out-of-town and had already decided on the neighborhood.

I am just waiting for home-sellers and agents everywhere to realize what an indispensable value professional staging can be to the selling process.

What potiential buyer might be surfing through listings right at this moment, hoping a picture or virtual tour is going to whisper to them: “Here I am. Buy me.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you’d like to see an excellent example of good photos, go to www.queensharbouryachtandcountryclub.com/realestate. and go to this listing MLS415418. Transformations staged the house recently before the photographer was called in. What you don’t see is the previous bright yellow walls in the living room and dark red walls in the kitchen. Lots of art and accessories were removed and the remaining ones were repositioned. Neutral pillows replaced hot pink ones. All accent colors except cobalt blue, salmon and yellow came out and plants went in. Check it out.

I recommend that you look at www.firstbeachproductions.com to see a great example of a “video tour”. It seems to be replacing the old concept of a “virtual tour” and offers a better perception of reality.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FROM THE HEART

I feel like I’ve been sprinkled all over by my fairy godmother. Last month, you may remember, we spoke of a “charity staging” for family in need because of serious health issues. You won’t believe what happened—

To begin, I’d like to repeat the opening paragraph from last month in case you missed it:

“I witnessed a beautifull collaboration of several generous class alums in January. I sent out an “all points bulletin” requesting volunteers to aid a family in need. I was conducting my regular class which was followed by a visit from out-of-town family (so I was unavailable) when I received the e-mail. This family desperately needed staging but could not afford it. The couple is expecting a baby they know has Down Syndrome. The father has endured three brain surgeries and they had very little furniture left in the house. Under the direction of Coral Lanier and with the help of Libby Conner, Pam Belcher and Sandy Miller a “miracle” was performed in that little house. Many of the former students offered to help and some donated items for them, including Deborah Broughton. The homeowners were quite moved by the effort this group of amazing individuals made on their behalf—and so was I.”

This, my dear friends, was the e-mail I recieved from Sandy Miller, the listing agent a few weeks ago—

“This email may be premature but I have to share!!
The folks that were helped by your fellow students with the infamous “charity staging” finally got the house 100% ready for the sign in the yard and the pictures to be taken.
*I put the house in the MLS this Monday. They received an offer yesterday, Tuesday after just one showing and on the market less than 24 hours!*
The house looked so cute and I honestly believe that it would not had gotten the offer if it had not been staged.
We have not gotten the ink dry and are still working out minor details with the offer but I feel we are almost there. The fact the Sellers got the showing (perhaps from the pics online) and an offer within hours of the viewing is AMAZING!!
There are so many homes for sale of similar sf and style as theirs and those are 3 bedrooms, this is a 2 bedroom!!
Again I am a believer!
Thank you.”
Sandy Miller, USN (Ret)
Watson Realty Corp.

What can I add to that testimony? Thanks again to the Transformation class grads - I call them Staging Angels - who frequently make themselves available to help someone in need. Oprah would be proud.

I wish you all a happy St. Patty’s Day. Keep on believing. We’re on the right track.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next month, I will report on the “Who Moved My Cheese” Conference I attended in Orlando.
Real Estate Agents of America—
Are you ready for change??
~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There’s No Place like Home”. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Till next time…

Becky Harmon
Transformations

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February ‘08 Newsletter

February 7, 2008 by becky.

This just in…
We at Transformations are gearing up for a new emphasis on empty-home staging to meet the current home-selling challenge. A high-end vacant house that had been on the market for six months with no offers was staged in January with accessories, plants and art. The new items in the house were leased for a nominal amount, in this case $150. monthly. This house was competing with new bargain-priced builder spec homes. Even still, an offer was presented in less than two weeks.

This solution to the empty house problem is much less expensive than leasing furniture AND accessories which can be $1000. to $3000. monthly. The cost of planning and set-up can also be in the thousands.

Jacksonville agents…WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!! Accessory staging is a great solution!! Your homeseller will love you for suggesting it.

Our next one-day Staging Seminar will address this issue and our Certification Class will go into further detail. I will be showing a room by room video presentation of this house.

One-Day Staging Seminar
     When: February 27th, Wednesday
     Where: Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club, Jacksonville
     Time: 9:30am till 3:45pm
     Includes:  1. Continental Breakfast and Lunch
                       2. Speaker’s Notes
                       3. Color Chart and Note Pad
     Presentations:
                       1. Power Point Staging Tips
                       2. Paint Color Demo
                       3. Accessory Placement
                       4. Empty Home Staging (new)
Cost: This $500. class is 50% off for the general public or $250.
It is $125. for agents or designers.

This amount will be rebated back if you choose to take the Certification Class.

The next Staging Certification Class is February 19th - 21st. A last minute cancelation has opened two slots. E-mail a request for details and cost. becky@beckyharmon.com

*********************************************************************

Media Coverage—

*The Florida Times-Union is featuring an article on staging Saturday, February 9th in the Home section. I was interviewed by Angela Bauer. Some of the certification class pictures will be included. Don’t miss it.

*I also had the privilege of being interviewed by Warren Miller of Water’s Edge Magazine. The article, titled Remodeling To Stay or Sell, ran in January’s issue. He referred to me as the “doyenne of staging on the First Coast.” Yes, I had to grab a dictionary. I was pleased that they featured a full-page color shot of one of my client’s homes.

*I am submiting photos of a St. Augustine historic house that Ann Gobler, of Redesign and More, and I staged last week. I am submiting the pictures to Water’s Edge, Southern Living and/or Coastal Living. The results were amazing!

The house was built in the 1890’s and was originally owned by the Colee family of the St. Augustine Transfer Co. They owned the horse and buggy company that worked with Henry Flagler. It will be in the next tour of homes on March 1st. We will have it on a video tour soon. Even with the challenges of staging an older home, Ann and I left feeling exhilerated. The owner was jumping up and down and hugging us as we walked out. This is a great business!!

Staging is continually gaining more acceptance in the community. I mentioned several years ago that it would eventually be a total revolution in the real estate industry. The paradigm shift is coming. For more info on this, read the October ‘07 Blog. If you are an agent, you’ll want to sit down first.

*******************************************************************

I witnessed a beautifull collaboration of several generous class alums in January. I sent out an “all points bulletin” requesting volunteers to aid a family in need. I was conducting my regular class (so I was unavailable) when I received the e-mail about a family that desperately needed staging but could not afford it. The couple is expecting a baby they know is Down Syndrome. The father has endured three brain surgeries and they had very little furniture left in the house. Under the direction of Coral Lanier and with the help of Libby Conner, Pam Belcher and Sandy Miller a “miracle” was performed in that little house. Many of the students offered to help and some donated items for them to use, including Deborah Broughton. The homeowners were quite moved by the effort this group of amazing individuals made on their behalf.

The comments from several of the participants:

Dear Sandy and fellow stagers,

This was truly a wonderful experience and I too was awed at the ease in which the couple let us transform their home. In this time of uncertainty for this family it was good to see my fellow stagers roll up their sleeves to help someone in need. I appreciate the opportunity to lend a hand and certainly hope for a quick sale. I will keep the sale of their house and the baby’s health in my prayers.

Becky, I echo the comments Libby, Coral, and

Sandy have all made regarding the staging experience. There were a lot of references of things you taught in your class. The combination of knowledge, experience, and creativity demonstrated Saturday afternoon was really evident as the rooms took shape. You would have been proud. I enjoyed working with this great team and will be happy to help if another opportunity like this is presented.

Pam Belcher

Stage Right Designs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am extremely grateful as the listing agent to have such a generous and wonderful circle of professionals and
new found friends!

Thank you,

Sandy Miller

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Coral and ladies,

I think we did a very nice job with this sweet couple, and my heart goes out to them and the challenges, yet blessings, the new baby will bring. With Coral’s direction, the final results were nothing short of amazing. It was a pleasure working with you. Please keep us up to date with what is happening with this family. As always, Becky is our inspiration and if she knew how many times today we invoked her name, she would laugh…

Again, thank you for allowing me to participate.

Libby Conner

(the directionally challenged one!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Sandy:It was a pleasure working with such a great couple. I enjoyed their humor and the ease in which they worked with all the suggestions. It was definitely a team effort, which is the most fun, not to mention the extra help it brings. It was wonderful establishing new relationships with fellow stagers also. THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING – Deborah, Libby, Pam and Sandy. Coral Lanier

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Thank you again, Ladies, for touching our hearts. If anyone out there wishes to hire a stager or agent, call one of these wonderful gals.

Coral Lanier 629-0839

Pam Belcher 657-9166

Libby Conner 803-1572

Deborah Broughton 261-8467

Sandy Miller, Watson agent and stager 221-7525~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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