Kathy Strader's (kathystrader) Blog

How Much Will it Cost For You to Stage My House? Everyone has the same question.  How Much Will it Cost for You to Stage My House?   Agents want to know the costs because they know that when they recommend home staging to their clients, they will ask.  Of course sellers want to know, it’s a fair ...

 “We Don’t Usually Stage in This Area, But Whatever…”          Not so long ago, I received a call from a local REALTOR®.  It turned out that he had been referred to me by another Agent that I had done some work for.  I had staged a property for the referring Agent’s listing a few months ago and t...

I’m Sorry I Bothered You (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)   As part of my marketing effort, I like to visit open houses.  Since 95% of my business comes from Real Estate Agent referrals, this is a great way to meet Agents.  Visiting open houses also gives me an opportu...

 Is There a Place For the Pooch in MLS photos?  (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)           I was recently searching for some MLS photos of animals included in photos.  I planned to use these photos as examples of what not to do when listing your house for sale.  Wouldn...

No Cookie Cutter Home Staging Used Here (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area) Before you work with a Home Stager take a look at her pictures.  According to Cindy Lee Bergersen of Hamptons.com, 84% of buyers go on-line to shop for houses before deciding to see them in person...

I Didn’t Get the Job (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)            Today is the one year anniversary of the day Memorial Staged Homes received a DBA.  I remember being so excited.  To be given the opportunity to Stage full time and own my own business had been my dream f...

D-I-Y Home Staging (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)         You would think that since my business is Home Staging that I would not encourage anyone to do the work on their own, but hey, why not?  If you have the time, the talent, materials and muscle, go for it, but i...

  Put Your Valuables Away (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)        Before you open your home to buyers, take a look around.  Ask yourself, “What do I have that other people may be tempted to take?”  Is your laptop computer locked away?  How about your jewelry and prescr...

Five Days, It’s All I Ask (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area.)          Home Staging often requires a unique balance of skill, creativity, time management and juggling to keep several balls in the air at once.   If done correctly, Home Staging looks easy and stress free, ...

  Space Bags (Home Staging in Houston, Katy, TX and the Surrounding Area)           Three years ago when the Yetti and I got married and combined houses, we knew everything wouldn’t fit.  Over time we’ve tucked away items in every nook and cranny and we’ve also given truck loads away to Goodwill....