Terrylynn's Blog

Connie is a young single woman in our area who went to high school with one of my daughters.  She graduated from college and has been working and saving money for 15 years toward buying her first home.  

This is Connie’s testimonial and I show it because it makes me feel good that I was able to assist her in realizing her dream but also to illustrate that whether you think you can or not, you are right. 

“Thank you TERRYLYNN!  Because of you I am getting the nice, fixed up duet home with garage rather than the fixer or a condo!!!  You encouraged me to go for what I wanted, your negotiation skills, hard work and patience were invaluable during this process.  And my Welcome Home website was just wonderful for all my friends and family to see my new home.”

Buyers - the message is that it has not been easier in years, yes many years, to buy a home.  The interest rates and prices here in Contra Costa County, California are at 1970’s prices~!!!  This means with 2008 income you can buy 1970 prices and the interest rates are better than they were then as well.  Your payments are lower because the prices are lower and the interest rates are lower which gives you another reduction in payment.

Every $100,000 in mortgage is $649 at a 6 ¾ interest rate before taxes and insurance. 

Recently a buyer wanted to buy a home $250,000 or less. That was a condo only two years ago.  Today there are 53 properties to choose from!!!  At the risk of sounding cliché’  These prices will not last, this combination of circumstances will not last, if you can buy for about what you pay in rent, why wouldn’t you?  Real estate continues to be a great investment for your retirement hedge, and wealth building. 

To find out more about our market here in contra Costa County, California, give me a call.  Terrylynn-n-Team, 31 years experience in local real estate.  Enough experience to serve you well,  anticipate the pitfalls, and years of negotiation experience to get you the best “deal” possible. 

Say that 10 times real fast!!!

This is not a discussion about whether to faux or not to faux... Our opinions on that topic have appeared in many other blog posts, however after viewing these contest entries some of you might reconsider.  Without further ado this is  ...dah, dah, dot dah dah...

Announcing the results of the StagersLIST faux food contest and winner of $100 of StagersLIST faux food from our website.  (That's a lot of faux...)

The photos down the side are thumbnails, if you'd like to see the full photos in the room settings for perspective, please visit  www.StagersLISTContests.com and view the whole layout.  

There were 16 entries ...as you can see they were all amazing and tastefully done for the settings they were used in.  We loved collecting them all and only CHRIS knew who they belonged to and we didn't let her vote.  (Actually it's been a long 6 weeks having her mouth taped shut so she's happy it's over too.)

The winner is: Mary DeBella of Northwest Staging and ReDesign! Congratulations, Mary!  Here is the winning photo:

Kathi Presutti was a very close second with this photo:

Honorable mention goes to Lachelle Johnson, Amy Powers, Michelle Kaspari... and the others were close behind.  We really did have a hard time voting, the entries were so well done. Thank you so much, all who participated!  Thanks also to our charter partners for taking the time to vote.

Congratulations Mary, now it's time for you to go shopping at StagersLIST.com and pick out your $100 worth of free faux! 

Terrylynn Fisher

GUESS WHO?  Terrylynn Fisher and Fernando Rosado, AR's very own.  We want to thank Google for the mention...seriously folks, have you checked in with Google lately, never  know what brilliant thing you wrote that has been noticed and mentioned.  Of course our articles are brilliant, right Fernando?  But it IS worth putting yourself on and checking now and then to see what pops up.  You never know where and when you might be mentioned.

So friends, just read these blog posts and then go to http://www.google.com/alerts and sign up.  Google sends you regular updates on things written with your search words.  It's that easy.  Here is what popped up on us today, two posts we had written this week of connection to real estate staging association.  SO, there you go.

Google Blogs Alert for: real estate staging association,

The Times They Are A Changin'
By Terrylynn Fisher StagersLIST.com Buy Stage...(Terrylynn Fisher StagersLIST.com Buy Stage...)
Another step forward for the home staging industry has been the creation of a member run trade association RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), which is non-denominational and addresses industry issues and challenges. ...
Terrylynn - Realtor who believes... - http://activerain.com/blogs/terrylynn

Home Stager in West Palm Beach Fernando from Eclectic Home Staging ...
By Fernando Rosado ASP, president IAHSP PBC...(Fernando Rosado ASP, president IAHSP PBC...)
HOME STAGING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. Fernando Rosado,Accredited Staging Professional. President International Association of Home Staging Professionals, Palm Beach County Chapter. CEO & Founder of ECLECTIC HOME STAGING OF THE PALM BEACHES ...
- http://activerain.com/blogs/fernandor561

 TERRYLYNN FISHER, DIABLO REALTY, WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA - REAL ESTATE BROKER AND STAGING CONSULTANT, REALTOR WHO BELIEVES IN STAGING ALL HER LISTINGS WITH PROFESSIONAL HOME STAGERS.   925 876-0966 AND Terrylynn@StagersLIST.com

What has caused the change, well really more of a healthy evolution, of the staging industry?  Eight years ago there were two main training offerings giving staging training and redesign, today there are about 25.  They are springing up all over North America with many trainers stagers/redesigners we all know and respect.   The training companies each offer a different take on the industry and fill in gaps in training.  It is a given that you must be creative.   Many people attracted to staging are creative and have not fully developed their business training.  There are those that got their training through their business backgrounds, have creative talent and just jumped right in.

In reality, many stagers take more than one training program in order to fill in the gaps in training or take advanced training and propel their business to another level of success.  Some of them keep that a secret, others embrace it as Realtors do.  Realtors have known for years that they must continue to get education to fill in their gaps and advance themselves in training and expertise in order to  keep up with changes in their marketplace and maintain a cutting edge real estate practice.  It is a good thing that the staging industry is realizing that they are not hobbyists, but need to have a high level of business proficiency to have a viable and profitable business.  Along with that realization that you must become a business owner is the realization that education, specialties and the support of trade organizations and affiliations in industry related groups makes sense.

Another step forward for the home staging industry has been the creation of a member run trade association RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), which is non-denominational and addresses industry issues and challenges.  RESA is designed to be a self-governing body that sets industry standards and subscribes to a code of ethics, much like the real estate model. The stagers/redesigners themselves determine their direction and values of the association and how that will be put out to the public for their judgment of the industry.  The issues of the future are being discussed now and will be developed into the long term planning for issues that impact the industry as well as products and services. The grassroots efforts of the staging professionals of today are setting those new standards. 

And don't forget those Staging Expos coming soon to a City near you.  http://activerain.com/blogsview/649490/EXPO-First-Annual-NorthWest

Congratulations to RESA for being chosen to spearhead the upcoming Stage it Forward Round Table discussions.  Last year was a success, and this year should be even better!

What an exciting time to be in this industry.  I am proud to be among you.  A raving fan and SOLD on Staging Realtor.

Don't miss it!!! It's True - All Stagers Welcome!! Annual Pacific Northwest Staging Expo!

Presented by:


StagersLIST.com and MasterCraft Furniture PRESENT the
First Annual Northwest Home Staging Expo
September 13, 2008

Who is invited? EVERY stager, redesigner, decorator, regardless of training or designation.

Join other industry professionals for the opportunity to hear Christine Rae, Staging Expert/Trainer and Author of Home Staging For Dummies present
Trends in Your Marketplace

In addition, Kym Hough, Experienced Staging Professional, will present
Marketing Your Business Daily

Terrylynn Fisher, 31 Year Realtor Professional will present
How to Become a Collaborator With Your Realtor

Mary DeBella, Home Staging Professional, will present
Inventory and Warehouse Management

Furniture Factory Tour

AND MUCH MORE!

WHERE: MasterCraft Furniture
10075 SW Commerce Circle, Wilsonville, OR 97070
  (10 minutes south of Portland)
1-800-677-SOFA

WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 2pm-6pm
Industry Suppliers will have booths available for great Resourcing of product



Once you register you will be entered into the Expo Raffle, a $1,000 Value!
For more information, call Local Event Coordinator Mary DeBella of
Northwest Staging & ReDesign at (503) 657-3295
or email Events@StagersLIST.com

Some reviews of our presentation:

Stick with the "trends" of the business. Love hearing about what a difference staging makes in "all " markets, (good economy or bad). The topics you spoke to were great. Keep the same format. Great door prizes (even if I didn't win one)!!! - Cynthia

Thank you so much for inviting me. The Expo was a success. You should be proud. As a former Fashion Merchandise Director for several renowned Retail Department Stores, and now launching a new Staging business, I was especially impressed by the Trend Reports as this was an important part of my job as Fashion Director. Most business owners do not understand that in order to be successful, and remain on top of the food chain, keeping abreast of current trends is a must and in all areas, not just Home. Trends crossover from many different areas: Lifestyle, Fashion, Politics, Auto Industry, Colors, Fabrics etc. We must keep in mind that our clients, (Homeowners, Realtors, Developers, Vendors as well as Buyers), are all influenced by what's going on the the world. Stay Tuned In People... It was a great event, can't wait until the next one!!! - Felicia

Sponsors Include:
RESA
True Decor
Staged By Design
People's Furniture Rental
Mead Smith Attorneys at Law
Devine Paint
Next Stage Furniture
Blessima Decor
Real Deals

Cha Cha - the rhythm is just right and you glide back and forth with your recommendations, they "get it" and you move right into the turn together.  AHHH success.

Hip Hop - they are all over the place but they get it and want to HELP you make it happen... as long as they focus and listen to your recommendations you've got it made as they'll be helpful and quick.

Waltz - Slow to understand and slow to react, but when they get it, they'll glide through the process with you and appreciate the work you did with them to get them there.  You may need to keep reminding them why they are doing this again.  In the end, they'll be elated that you got them half packed up and ready to go.

Polka - OK a lot of hip hop qualities and a bit of the Waltz too... so once you convince them to come along, they'll jump right in and get to work.

Credit to Maureen Bray for these two - "Terrylynn ~ Cute post.  As long as we don't include the Hustle (undercutting pricing) or the Limbo (how LOW can you go?) we'll be happy. "

Credit to Ronelle Schroeder Hill for the do-si-do when the Realtor and partner with the client.  GOOD one.

A mismatch or misstep on any of these and you'll be moving on to the next client.  Just like in life, we hit it off right away or we don't.  Sometimes I think we try to Waltz with a Hip Hop and Cha Cha with a Polka.  No wonder it doesn't work.  The thing is you just need to know the dance the clients are doing and dance with them, it makes the work so much easier.