The Psychology of Staging

As everyone knows, this is a challenging time to sell a house. If your home's been on the market for awhile and hasn't sold yet, it may be time to do one of two things: lower your price or improve your home's appearance. If you're really serious about selling, you may need to do both.

For the right price adjustment, consult your listing agent. (S)he knows your market and can objectively price your home to sell, based on realistic comparables. For a fresh assessment of your home's showing potential, consult a stager. Unlike an interior decorator who creates a personalized design reflecting the homeowner's taste, a stager creates a contemporary model home look that will appeal to the largest number of potential buyers.

Staging can also have the effect of psychologically separating you from your home, which can be a good thing. Let me explain. Once you've made the decision to sell your home, it's helpful to view it as a product to be marketed, rather than a reflection of you and your family. This means de-personalizing, de-cluttering and neutralizing the house to meet the expectations of today's buyers, regardless of your personal preferences. When effectively staged, buyers will be better able to imagine themselves living in your house. And in the process, you'll become less attached to your home, making it easier for you to let it go.

For assistance with staging your home, contact Patty at www.pattyclearsclutter.com or 630-205-6677

Re-design: Fun & Affordable

Are you ready to give your home a new look on the cheap? Re-design is the answer. It's about using what you already have to create a new look you'll love. It can also mean re-defining your room's purpose to suit your specific situation. Either way it's fun and easier than you may think.

Chances are, you already have everything you'll need. "Shop at home" by going through the attic, garage and basement in search of hidden treasures. Whether it's an old family portrait or that fabric you meant to make curtains with, gather only what you love. Then, use it in new and interesting ways by creating wall art or pillow covers, for example.

Another fun re-design project is to change your furniture layout. Who says it has to be the way it's always been? Try creating new seating arrangements, perhaps more conducive to conversation. Or, swap out furniture from different rooms to create more space or seating. Edit excess furniture to create better flow. Change your accessories seasonally.

Don't be afraid to re-purpose your rooms in order to accomodate your lifestyle. Why not turn the empty dining room into the kids' playroom or the attached garage into a gym?  Sometimes life events cause us to re-invent our space, like when grandma moves in or the kids move out. Whatever the reason, re-design according to your own reality.

For help with your next re-design project, contact Patty at http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/ or 630-205-6677.

A Simple Philosophy

In the late 1800's, William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement, declared, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." His philosophy was a backlash against the ostentatious Victorian homes of the day. Today, after years of unbridled consumerism, it seems like the appropriate time to revisit Morris' directive.

So, as you tackle that cramped closet or bulging basement, ask yourself the modern day version of Morris' statement: "Do I love, love, love it?" quickly followed by "Do I really need it?" If your answer to either of those questions is no, let it go. For most, this is no easy task. We get attached to our things. However, by letting go of the stuff that no longer serves us, we open up our space and our lives for the experiences, the people and the opportunities that really matter.

For hands-on help with de-cluttering and re-organizing your home or office, contact Patty at: http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/ or 630-205-6677.

Just do(nate) it!

If you've got unwanted stuff that is still usable, consider donating it. You'll be doing a good deed and receiving a tax deduction while you're at it. Here's a list of worthy organizations and the donations that they accept:


DressForSuccess.org - Women's work-appropriate suits, dresses and accessories

DonateMyDress.org - Prom dresses and formal wear

BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org - Wedding dresses, veils and slips

CareerGear.org - Men's work-appropriate clothing

WorldComputerExchange.org - Laptops and desktop computers

Earth911.com - Computers, TVs, cell phones and empty ink cartridges

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - ncadv.org - Cell phones for abused women

GamesforHeroes.com - Handheld electronics for US soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan

GetWellGamers.org - Video game systems for children's hospitals

National FurnitureBank.org - Furniture for victims of storms and earthquakes

Pets911.com - Blankets and towels for animal shelters

Patagonia.com - Recycle your worn out fleece clothing

Soles4Souls.org - Gently used footwear for people in need

ProjectNightNight.org - Gently used children's books for homeless kids

KidFlicks.org - DVD's for children's hospitals and pediatric wards

ILoveSchools.com - Fulfill teacher's wish lists

SportsGift.org - Any type of sports equipment accepted

RecycledRunners.com - Lists local organizations that benefit from used sneakers

St. Vincent DePaul Society - DuPage County donation service line: 630-231-4658

SharingConnections.org - DuPage County furniture pick up and charity distribution service

Restoration 708-876-8413 - Chicago area not-for-profit furniture pick up crew

National Children's Cancer Society - www.nccstruck.com - Schedule pick up of usable household items



For more help with decluttering and donating, contact Patty at 630-205-6677.

The Best Neutrals

When preparing your house for sale, almost everyone agrees... paint will give you the best bang for your buck. And when staging, a neutral backdrop is the way to go. Even the popular "Pottery Barn" colors don't appeal to everyone. In this market, smart home sellers have embraced the idea of neutralizing walls in order to appeal to the largest pool of potential buyers. Why?

It's a savvy marketing move to provide a clean contemporary backdrop for buyers who are looking to do nothing more than move in and unpack. So for the price of paint (choose one color and buy in larger quantities to save money) you can instantly update the look of your home and increase your chances of selling it faster and for more money.

But which neutrals work best? The following is a list of the fail-proof Benjamin Moore creams and beiges that will warm up your walls, never offend and go with just about everything.


Pittsfield Buff
Shaker Beige
Monroe Bisque
Philadelphia Cream
Powell Buff
Bradstreet Beige
Camouflage


For more help with paint color selection, call Patty at 630-205-6677 or visit PattyClearsClutter.com

De-cluttering for Fall

Fall has arrived. The leaves are turning and there's a nip in the air. But before you fill the porch with pumpkins or set-up a spooky Halloween scene, give your outside a once-over. Here are three quick & easy de-cluttering tips for Fall.

• Walk your property and pick up garbage.Take a bag or a bucket and wear gloves if you need to. You'll be surprised at what you find. Old newspapers, candy wrappers, chew toys, and maybe even something of value. Regardless, it's good exercise and can't help but improve the appearance of your yard.

• Remove all items associated with Summer. This can include a range of things from inflatible pools to tiki torches. After you've put your garden to bed and given the grass it's last trim, clean and store summer lawn tools and accessories. Cover or store outdoor furniture. Sweep your porch or patio and hose down your deck.

• Now take a good look at your home's exterior. Are any repairs imminent? Determine which outdoor projects need to be undertaken to improve the functionality and appearance of your home. Make sure that everything is in good working order before Winter arrives.

When you de-clutter your exterior in the Fall, you'll get fresh air and exercise while adding value to your home, all without spending a dime. Visit http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/  or call 630-205-6677 for more information and a personal consultation.