Apostle Art Home Staging & Design Blog: Pennsylvania

As a professional Home Stager in the Poconos, I am faced with many different types of homes and properties to stage and prepare for this competitive real estate market. Each requires a unique approach based on the characteristics of the home and what can be done to maximize the appeal.

No matter what level of property we stage, every homeowner wants to minimize cost while getting the best possible result, impact and ROI for every dollar invested. Our recent Lakefront property was certainly no exception. The greatest selling feature of this home is NOT the HOME!!! Owning a private beach in this desirable Lake Naomi community is really the greatest selling feature of this particular property and needs to take center stage when marketing to potential buyers.

So What did we do?

We took tons of stunning photos of the lake...

(Check out more amazing shots in the video tour we created below!)

 Ok...But what about the house?

Even though the Lake is the star of this show, the house needs to have the best possible appeal as well in order to attract a buyer at this level. There were definitely some challenges to overcome here which is why a Professional Home Stager is worth their weight in gold!

Here is what we did...

Before staging, when you walked in the front door you were greeted by a very challenging layout. The log posts cut the living space right in the center of the room making it difficult to know how to arrange the furniture. This configuration was not working and confused buyers as soon as they walked in the door. 

We removed the 2 green recliners and relocated them into another room, pulled one of the sofas from that other space and arranged in with the existing love seat to make a more natural flow and comfortable seating arrangement. And, of course, we brought in lots of pops of color and accessories to infuse LIFE and energy into the space!!!

The space was not very warm and inviting and only 2 people could enjoy the view...

Now you can imagine comfortably entertaining friends where everyone has a view of the Lake.

Before, This Master bedroom was very "yellow" and very naked.

We painted a more pleasing neutral on the walls that will appeal to more buyers. We then took the Log bed that was cramped in another bedroom accessorized it beautifully making sure to tie in the color scheme of green and rust tones from the adjacent living room. Now, this Master with a view a graceful retreat.

This space was an addition designed to maximize the view but was certainly not maximizing function.

Now you can eat, relax and enjoy the view. The recliners from the living room were moved in here to add some soft seating and together with the table create an open floor plan that doesn't block or truncate the space like before. Notice we switched out the blue color for a soft sage green that was more natural feeling. We also continued the color story in here with accessories that add vibrancy and fun!

The owners at one time had a table in this space but it was cramped and stopped the flow....and watch your head on that floating light fixture!

Now, the space feels open but still affords some seating...we removed the fixture as there was plenty of overhead lighting for the space and our dining table is where it belongs.

This Loft area was a bit bare and unwelcoming before...

Now, it's a comfy place to hang. We were careful to again pull in the colors from below to create continuity throughout the home.

This was the bedroom that originally had the log bed as well as desk and other wicker furniture crammed in the other side of the room...

We brought in a smaller bed and was able to use the desk and put some of the other furniture pieces in other areas of the home. We actually used every piece of existing furniture they had somewhere in the home. We just re-purposed them in a way so that each area would feel spacious and uncluttered.

There were just too many colors and finishes going on here making it feel a bit dated and old fashioned.

 I love what paint can do for a bathroom. A soft, neutral on the wall, crisp white over the oak, new seat cover, some accessories and now this bathroom feels cohesive and fresh!

Now that's how you sell a house!!!

If you missed my first post and tour of the home you can watch it here...enjoy~ 

For more information on this property click here.

Owning a home with a view is wonderful...Owning a Lakefront on one of the most beautiful lakes in the Poconos ... a Dream Come True!

I often think as I walk out of my front door on a crisp clear night, what a privilege it is to own this section of sky. It's mine! The heavens in all their wonder, thousands of far away stars and constellations...my private view...a perspective unique to the very spot in which I stand and own...my little slice of Serenity.

We recently staged a home located on the Lake in the beautiful community of

 Lake Naomi, Pocono Pines, PA.

I couldn't help but be taken breathless at the incredible scenic beauty that I experienced in the short time I spent on this gorgeous property. This "Slice of Serenity " is for sale, ready for someone to claim as their own and enjoy the all the wonder this piece of earth has to offer.

I will share some more of the amazing photos I took in separate post but you can check out the tour I put together here...enjoy!

:) 

For more information on this property click here.

For Information on working with a professional Home Stager to enhance your property in the Poconos

visit our website at ApostleArt.com  

Looks like these fellows have been swayed by the fashion trend of the last few years!

Unlike, so many youth (and plumbers) out there, at least these guys don't have to walk and function with this fashion faux pas. Waddling like ducks, juggling all their possesions in one hand, keeping the other on their belt loop so their pants don't end up on the floor.

I just died laughing when I saw this driving home the other day...clever eh! Too good not to share!

Never know what you are going to see in the Lovely Pocono Mountains!!

Happy FALL!!

:)

I seem to be making a lot of fast friends these days. So many very special people keep popping into my life in droves it seems. I recently blogged about one in my Humble Pie series but there have been many more.

I have a business associate that I know through a local networking group. We were talking one day last year about our kids and it turns out he has a daughter who is 15, same age as my son and they are both very passionate about music. He owns a video production company and recording studio in Stroudsburg PA, Tera Productions,...very cool so he suggest we get the kids together. Well, life happens and finally a year later, last Saturday we go over to see his studio.

His house and studio were like a fairytale!  It turns out that he is an artist and a designer as well and his lower level where he works was transformed into a European street scene complete with columns and meticulously faux finished, antiqued walls...a man after my own heart!

We quickly discovered just how much we all had in common and really did become "fast friends"! His daughter, Francesca, absolutely blew us away with her talent. She was having her very first performance ever that night at an event at a local Pizzeria. I am so glad we took the time to come out and see this beautiful young lady perform as I know she has an extremely bright future ahead of her.

You Go Francesca..our new and very special fast friend!!  :)

(Just click on the video to play)

Staging takes you places!

I love the fact that being a professional Home Stager has allowed me to travel all over my region to places I didn't even know existed... all right in my own backyard!

 Over the Pocono Mountains, through the valleys, down private roads, behind gated communities...the spaces, places and properties I have seen and transformed over the past 5 years have been truly incredible.

My most recent staging though, took me somewhere I would have never imagined...a space where something magnificent took place...

...A place where Heaven met Earth in the most beautiful way.

This special place was not a million dollar mansion with magestical views but rather the humble gymnasium of my kid's Catholic school. Not pretty, not new, nothing fancy...but this staging of a different kind has been one of my most rewarding for sure.

A very special young man who has graced our school for the past year with his service was ordained over the weekend and choose to have his first Mass at our school which is quite an honor...the kids absolutely adore him!! Sooooo....operation transform the gym into a church was in effect. It was simple but served as a great backdrop for an incredible event which I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of.

Not something you experience every day...Take a minute and watch the video I put together of the Ordination at the Cathedral and then his First Mass. There are some really beautiful images....

 The anatomy of a low cost, High style Staging in the Poconos!

Staging Homes for Homeowners and Real Estate Investors in the Poconos doesn't necessarily need to be a "High End" affair...but it should be "High Style!" in order to get the best results.

Showing off a home by creating an environment that buyers will have an emotional connection to is the key to selling faster and for more money in this competitive real estate market.

At Apostle Art Home staging & Design, our mission is to help increase appeal without breaking our clients bank. We could certainly set up each property as if it were a model home but in our experience, most properties do not require that level of investment in order to get great results. Of course, price point does play a role. If you are selling in a higher price range, the furnishings you use to stage the home should always reflect the desired lifestyle of the potential buyer.

Selling a home is like selling any other product, you need to focus your marketing efforts with your end buyer in mind. Companies invest an incredible amount of money packaging and marketing their products because they know it works. Your Home is likelyto be the biggest "product" you will ever be selling so the packaging and marketing are essential.

The good news......a talented, resourceful, professional stager can help your home look like a million bucks without investing a million bucks!

This is a property we recently staged for a real estate Investor here in the Poconos that was listed for about $120 K.

Whether investor or homeowner, every dollar counts. So how did we transform this once lifeless, vacant space into a warm, inviting and desireable one for less?

Let's break it down...

Love seat (Bought second hand) ... $40

Slipcover ... $60

Accent Chair (most expensive piece) ...$150

Decorative accent pillows... $100

Area Rug ... $80

Wall Art... $25

2 Topiaries... $60

Table accessories ... $35

2 Lamps ... $40

Coffee Table ...$40

2 table cubes (Bought these second hand, originally orange, painted expresso)... $30

Total cost for furnishings...$660... That is a whole room for less than you would spend on one sofa!!!

Total value for the talent, experience and resources to pull it off...PRICELESS!!!

________________________

 The other "Good News" for sellers in the Poconos is that they do not have to spend hours and dollars shopping for or purchasing any of these items because we have invested in a full warehouse of furnishings in all styles shapes and colors to suit almost any home. Our affordable monthly rentals make Staging the best investment to package and market your property effectively.

So, when style counts and budget matters..

....hire a professional Stager who knows how to get the most bang for your buck!!! For it may often be true that you get what you pay for...BUT...sometimes you actually get MORE!!!

I was so looking forward to today knowing it was going to be warmer than it has been for weeks here in the Poconos. While the cold and snow is great for the skiers... we had 2 properties to de-stage so the milder temperatures were a much welcome and anticipated blessing.

So, still rubbing the sand out of my eyes and stumbling to the sliding door on my upper deck, I peeled back the curtain to be greeted by the day and this was my

 "Good Morning"...

Pinks and purples in full array...All I could think was that this was God's Valentine...His way of saying "I LOVE YOU!"

What better way to start the day?

LOVE, SWEET, LOVE!!!

There is nothing more Sacred...

...or more beautiful...

...Than LOVE!

 Happy Valentine's Day...and Thank You God!!

( The Pocono Mountains, PA is an incredibly, inspiring and beautiful place to live and enjoy. Why not plan a visit? )

Winter hurts!!! I mean literally. I was going to open the door to my van yesterday which was encased in ice and as I grabbed the handle ...without my gloves on....and felt a sharp jab to my forefinger. Ouch! It actually drew blood! That is some nasty ice...but I have to say....it was extremely beautiful to look at...from the inside looking out anyway. I did venture out though...camera in hand...I just couldn't help myself.

Now with the forcast calling for temperatures BELOW ZERO this week, Vegas couldn't come at a better time! We have been hammered with snow and ice all week and now arctic temperatures...

Goodbye TUNDRA...SUNSHINE HERE I COME!!!

This is my driveway that was so perfectly shoveled before we got dumped on 2 more times this week!!

Now it is frozen until who knows when...May probably!!!

This last one sums it up nicely!!!

We got a bit of the white stuff yesterday...about 6-8 inches. It was the light and fluffy kind...not great for snowballs but perfect for shoveling...especially when your driveway is over 70 feet long like mine!!!

So my husband sets out, shovel in hand...he is on a mission. I come out to help...I am on a mission too...

...to take photos of the deer tracks on the lawn! Just kidding...I took the photos AFTER I helped shovel...LOL!!

So he starts blasting through, throwing snow here, throwing it there, he wants to get out!

What do I do?

I methodically choose a starting point, develop a plan of action and proceed to remove the white stuff in a highly organized fashion. Line by line, row by row, making sure it is cleared right up to the rocks that line the driveway forming a wall on either side. I go back, retrace my steps, making sure the surface is level and clean and even everywhere.

My husband...he's been gone an hour already!

Staging runs through my veins...I cant switch it off... it resides in the very fiber of my being!

...and not a snowflake out of place!

Last night I had to sing for the Confirmation mass as I do every year with my choir at St. Luke's Church in Stroudsburg, PA. I love participating in this ceremony as I get to watch and pray for this group of young adults who proclaim their commitment to their faith. It is always a grand affair, Bishop and priest from all over the area. Knights of Columbus with their swords and feather plumed hats, Full brass band and us singing like a choir of angels in the background.

The Bishop addresses the students and asks these questions...

How will you be different after you are confirmed tonight? What will change in your life?

After sharing with them many thoughts, he concludes with this true story...

One Sunday, in a church in Colombia, where guerrilla terrorist were ramped and regularly attacking and killing Christians, a congregation met to celebrate Holy mass. In the middle of the ceremony, the church doors fling open and a man enters with a machine gun under his arm. He marches up to the altar, grabs the priest and escorts him outside to be executed. After hearing the gunshots, the terrified congregation waited in silence and shock.

The doors open again and the man with the gun goes to the front of the church and shouts..."If any of you believe as that man, come forward now!" No one dared move a muscle. Then a man stood up and approached..."I believe"...He too was escorted outside to be executed. More shots fired and the terrorist returns. He asked the question again...One man stands up and then a woman. They exit as well to the sound of machine gun rounds.

The man enters one more time...and fearing what would happen...no one else stood up.

So the man says..."Get out of here all of you!"

They exit the Church to find the Priest, two men and the woman standing outside, unharmed. He points and says to the four..." Go back in where you belong." To the congregation standing outside he says...

"Don't ever go ever go back in that Church unless you have faith to stand up for what you believe in!"

+++

This is my favorite meditation piece we sang after communion last night...like Heaven meeting Earth. ( This is not our choir but I found the closest version I could on YouTube...Enjoy!)

"O Sacrum Convivium"

Blessings...

~Val

 "PRAYING in the Rain"

( I just started the group "Praying in the Rain"...Don't be surprised if you see me praying for everything from now on...and why not??... come join us and make this day, a day you pray!!)