And… Another Important Aspect About Hiring a Stager 

Another important aspect about hiring a stager is to maximize your home’s investment. Many people are using these professionals more now than ever. These professionals give an objective point of view, often leading to a higher bid. This is highly because they (The buyers) are seeing the property for what it’s really worth. Staging builds value in a home. Learn the other reasons staging is important with our interview of favorite designer, Jenny Ruhland from Homespun Staging and Design. 

Who is Jenny from HomeSpun Staging and Design?

Jenny Ruhland is many things, including a character with integrity. But one thing certain: When it comes time to sell, she is someone helping you get the most out of your home.  Both her and husband Austin partnered up to start their business Homespun Staging and Design after years of being in construction. Austin being the creative mind and Jenny the practical, they began their careers as real estate investors. One remarkably interesting part of Jenny’s story; early on she went through the challenge of getting her real estate license. Her goal to understand the laws, regulations, and rules was something that would make her more successful. Having her license gives her an edge in the business as she’s 10-steps ahead of the design-build market. 

“Know Your Market” ~ Jenny Ruhland of Homespun Staging and Design

Mrs. Ruhland shares great insight to the market and why staging is important to any homeowner looking to get the most money from their investment. Staging helps neutralize a house, allowing the next homeowners to fantasize about living there.  Pictures of your newborn, wedding or last year’s trip to the mountains can take away from that experience. By hiring a stager or designer who knows the market, you will inevitably have better results. But there’s more to it than hiding your pictures.

Homeowners Need to Take Mental Ownership to Close Deals

Many stagers will explain to you the importance of putting away your personal-belongings, but Jenny says it perfectly “They are taking mental ownership, which drives up offers and closes deals.” 

Experienced Stagers Consult You on The Right Changes to Each Room

Experienced stagers walk into a home and see what you need to hide and what can stay visible. Another interesting point she makes is placing the right pieces of furniture or leaving just the right décor to keep a room from looking like a college dorm. Believe it or not, this can be a reality. While you do not put everything in storage, a stager gives an unbiased consultation on what to keep and what to discard, including your paper products! 

Can Toilet Paper and Pot-pourri Turn Off Buyers?  

“Yes, paper products and things like air fresheners or pot-pourri can turn a client off.” Ruhland comments, “A buyer will look elsewhere if they think you’re hiding something.” While your Glade Plug-Ins may be a pleasant smell to you, the buyers are often skeptical and immediately think you are masking up something like carpet damage from a pet or even mold.  Because of her laser sharp ability to depict what a potential prospect sees, smells etc., she’s offering constructive advice. 

Stagers and Realtors® Give Unbiased Views of a Property

“People can be naturally negative. It’s how we’re conditioned in today’s world.”  We can agree with social media impeding our judgement, when buyers go to an open house or tour a property, they have immediate skepticism.  Ruhland suggests stagers recommending an unbiased view of a property helps a Realtor® sell or homeowners get more than listing price. While that may not always happen, the chances of building value of the home are greater when you take away all the ‘Extraneous fluff.’ 

We Want the Buyers to Focus on More Important Aspects of a Home

“We want the buyers to focus on more important aspects such as trim, fixtures and the home’s dimension.” When a potential buyer does a walk through, they are taking mental notes, imagining what it will be like to throw a party in the kitchen and how the Christmas tree will look in front of the picture window. Also, staying up with trends can help the homeowner make a commitment faster. While the previous owners may love their 90s kitchen, Jenny may tell them how to modernize and make the property more desirable.

Jenny Tells What’s Trending in Home Decor for 2021

“Current trends continue to lean toward white kitchens.  Clients are asking for a darker and different color for the island, contrasting the rest of the cabinetry. For palette, darks, tans and taupes are coming back again. Mixing metals with hardware are very popular where you might see burnished bronze and black breaking up the neutral colors. Even light/white oak is being introduced into the designing. We’re also finding more wallpaper in the magazines making a big splash.”

Wallpaper Just Made a Come Back!

A trend that seems to be a big request is wallpaper. Ruhland seems to get excited about the possibilities when talking about this renaissance decoration making the latest statement with interior designers. Even with an accent wall, this material can make a statement. While finding fresh ways to introduce wallpaper is wonderful, it might be the only thing a home needs to bring it current. Some folks assume a stager or designer is going to change every room in the house. But that is rarely the case? 

Making the Biggest Impact on Potential Buyers

“A stager can view a room and make important decisions where action is needed. These changes make the biggest impact on the buyer.” While there is cost associated with staging a property, someone with the knowledge, experience and integrity will give you the facts of which rooms are more vital for sales. Which ultimately will help save money. In turn, the buyer is more apt to offering their perceived price. 

“The average home buyer spends 20-minutes when touring a home. We want them to feel comfortable. By not seeing the remnants of the current homeowners, they will stay longer, and drive sales upward.” 

For budgeting, Jenny says, “If you’re going to have a budget, be open with it.” Many buyers spend an average amount of time (20-minutes) at a showing. However, photos are vital to shoppers. Some real estate agents and sellers hire staging for the open house. While that is great, the reality is people are shopping online. One huge reason to have a professional stager is to market your home prior to the photo session. Cleanliness sells homes and those images need to be professional. While they (The buyers) may only do 1-walk-through, they WILL look at the photos of a property multiple times. Not to mention, many buyers are purchasing homes site unseen to avoid bidding wars. She recommends using a stager for your property photo shoot is the key to selling faster and for more. 

Ruhland Describes the Other Strategic Partners Who Benefit from Staging

Other businesses that use Jenny and Austin are new construction and model homes, property managers, contractors and Airbnb properties. Often, short-term rentals hire stagers to enable them a good value and rating for their guests. When asked who needs staging, Ruhland’s answer “Everybody!” 

3-Areas to Focus on When Selecting a Stager or Designer 

While the list of needs continues, we posed the next question: “If someone were to select a designer, what should they look for?” Her reply, “There are 3-areas you should focus on when contracting a stager, View their portfolio or previous work. Do not go off price and know your market.” 

Understanding the Market in Northern Colorado

Understanding the market is key with many of our mountain properties and homes in Northern Colorado. Buyers want homes near outdoor recreation, houses with a view and properties near excellent schools. However, with the diversity of buyers today, you want to know as much as possible about the area and what the customers are looking forward to when buying.  In addition, knowing what is trending with buyers is key to closing more sales. 

Jenny Helps Build Relationships Between Buyers and Sellers

While knowing the market is important, having a resource like Jenny is an actual value to home sellers and real estate agents. Creating a “Buying Environment” not only helps the home sell faster, it sells for more when homeowners take mental ownership. That comes before escrow can begin. With all that said, you can see why we enjoy having Jenny Ruhland as part of the John Feeney Sales Team. She is a wealth of information, and her impeccable style drives relationships between buyers and sellers every time. 

If you would like to learn more about Homespun with Jenny and Austin, visit their website, www.HomespunStagingandDesign.com

You can also see Jenny’s portfolio by visiting Houzz. 

Looking for some answers selling your Loveland or NOCO home, dial John (970) 231-4172