Home Staging in Portland Oregon Blog

Update Your Master Bathroom on a Budget ~ whether you're in Portland or anywhere else (Before & After photos)

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:11:08 -0400

Update Your Master Bathroom on a Budget ~ whether you're in Portland or anywhere else

Homeowners often wonder if they can update a master bathroom in a cost-effective way, finding solutions that will improve the look of the bathroom without breaking the bank. Here's a recent bathroom remodel our company did, finding ways to cut costs and still get the results we wanted.

Here's how the bathroom looked Before .. note the large unframed mirror, the 4" white tiles, older faucets, & boring beige-yellow walls

The look of this builder-original bathroom circa 2001 was BORING! What did we do?

First, we had a carpenter frame the large mirror; labor & materials = $100.

We replaced the 2 vanity faucets with Delta "Dryden" ones; cost = $135 x 2; replaced the tub faucet; cost = $245

Granite Transformations (many locations across the country) did a seamless overlay of granite Trend stone on the double vanity + the front & sides of the jacuzzi tub, directly over the tiles (no demolition), color Bianca Wintermute; labor + materials = $2180

Painted the walls (Devine Mocha + accent wall Devine Cocoa, wood trim Dove White); cost = $300

We found cost-effective solutions to update this bathroom to appeal to today's buyers who want their bathrooms to look like a stylish spa retreat.

Granite tiles or slab granite would both have been much more expensive since the tiles would have had to be removed; the Granite Transformation system lays stone directly over the existing tiles and backsplash, saving time and money (this job was completed in less than 4 hours). Here's a close-up ...

If you're planning to sell your home, or just refresh the one you're living in, contact your local home staging professional for advice on what cosmetic improvements will be cost-effective ~ you want to get the most bang for your buck!

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Room Solutions Staging offers help to homeowners, real estate professionals, builders, banks and investors in preparing homes for the market. Our home staging clients love our service and our staging statistics! Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultation reports, staging for both vacant and occupied homes, and interior redesign projects. For a complimentary home staging proposal, contact us @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Fabulous Multnomah Village Townhouse in Portland ~ RMLS # 10058304

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:10:42 -0400

Fabulous Multnomah Village Townhouse in Portland @ 7909 SW 31st Ave, Portland ~ RMLS #10058304

Beautiful, rare Multnomah Village end unit townhouse. Guest Suite w/separate entrance, kitchen, bedroom, Great room & full bath. The main townhouse features a 2-story Great room with 25' ceilings, corner windows, master suite dual vanity slab counters & jacuzzi tub and a sunny deck. Side-by-side 2 car oversized garage + add'l reserved parking space. Footsteps from Multnomah Village's trendy restaurants & charming shops. $459,900

MLS 10058304; 3 Bedrooms, 3 full Bathrooms; 2,380 sq ft. Other features include refinished hardwood floors, wool carpeting, designer colors, A/C, built-in vacuum, 2 decks + a landscaped paver patio in a small complex in the heart of Multnomah Village.

For more details on this unique home, contact John Duncan of Oregon First @ 503-803-9184.

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This occupied home was professionally staged by Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR; we assist homeowners and their agents in preparing homes for the market so that they appeal to the target buyer ~ and sell quickly! If you have a home or listing lingering on the market, contact us for a complimentary home staging proposal. Join our happy clients who have seen the powerful benefits of professional home staging in Portland Oregon!

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Never Pressure Wash A Wood Deck!

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:40:46 -0400

Here in the Northwest many homeowners have wood decks and find maintaining them challenging. Here's an excellent post from Jay Markanich, a home inspector in Virginia, who gives us excellent tips on how to properly take care of our decks. Remember, never use a pressure washer on a deck!

Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):

I tell my neighbors. I tell my clients. I tell everybody who will listen. NEVER pressure wash a deck! When the pressure-wash companies send their college kids to knock on my door to "wash" my deck, I tell them why they should not be doing that to decks! When I see their trucks*, they advertise cleaning decks, patios, siding, roofs - you name it! Don't do it!

The older the deck, the worse the wood reacts to pressure washing. The big mistake is that companies and homeowners have a tendency to set the pressure way too high. But even at low pressures the deck can become damaged.

What does pressure washing do?

It removes loose material and leaves a gafillion dangerous splinters and gaps. Those gaps open up further letting in more damaging sun and water.

It removes the natural oils in the wood that are not replaced with sealants.

It causes wood to dry quickly causing cupping and warping.

It causes damage.

It loosens nails as the wood expands.

It can cause water to enter the house.

So what to do instead?

There are various, excellent, gentle cleansers out there. Be sure to select cleansers that do not have caustic lye or acid, or say not to use around children, pets or water features. A company called Dekswood makes an excellent cleanser that can be followed with sealants. And the so-called "oxygen" cleansers, with the active ingredient of sodium percarbonate, are great and don't damage the wood, the kids or pets, the house or the yard.

You MUST seal your deck after cleaning. The sun does more damage to your deck than rain and snow. BE SURE TO USE A SEALANT THAT HAS UV INHIBITORS IN ADDITION TO WATER PROTECTION. Read the label. It will tell you what the contents are. Water proofing alone is not enough.

My recommendation: Keep your deck gently cleaned and protected and it will last many decades. Not doing so makes it unsafe and age much faster.

* I once gave my spiel to a guy sitting in his company truck in a parking lot (with a smile on my face) and he told me he would NEVER pressure-wash his deck. He said he sees what damage it can do later!

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Dear Mr. Seller, I TRIED to Help You, but ...

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:57:56 -0400

Dear Mr. Seller,

You contacted my company 3 months ago and requested a staging proposal for your home. It's in a premier Portland neighborhood and you said you knew it needed some help before listing. You'd already bought another home and were packing up your things to move out in a few days.

When I arrived to view your home, it was surprising to see a huge pool table in your dining room! We laughed together about that and also the long heavy dark velvet drapes! Your home needed major cleaning and packing up of many small items. I knew we could help you!

We'd be able to work with most of your furniture that you'd be leaving behind, and we'd provide the necessary missing pieces as well as accessories, art, trees & plants, etc. as needed. We discussed that if we were going to work together, I'd give you a detailed list that would include which furniture pieces to leave behind as well as some easy cosmetic improvements that you could do yourself.

You told me that your listing agent did not believe in home staging. I was surprised to hear this, because I thought that your home was one of the better candidates for staging that I've seen this year, but I kept my opinion to myself. I told you that our company keeps track of our staging statistics, and we're proud of them. I knew we could help you!

Later that day I emailed you a very cost-effective proposal that included staging your home using your furniture and providing accessories and other items from our inventory. We'd stage your home to make it appealing to your target buyer. Our proposal also included quality digital photos for the online listing ... critical in today's challenging market. I knew we could help you!

Later, I was disappointed that you decided not to stage your home. Looking at the online listing, it was a shock to see the photos of your home! They're dark, out of focus, crooked, and don't even show the best features of your home. I won't show them here because that wouldn't be discreet, but I noticed the heavy velvet drapes are still there, and your furniture is not in the right position to showcase the space. The photos are about the worst I've ever seen. I knew we could have helped you!

After 6 weeks on the market I noticed that you took a $30,000 price reduction! After another 4 weeks, I saw that your price had now dropped $50,000! Hmmm ... your agent discouraged you from staging (even though you would have paid for it) but has no problem recommending that you drop your price by $50K?

Wow! Staging your home with a professional staging company would have cost a tiny fraction of your first price reduction -- but you decided to drop your price by $50,000 instead. How does that make sense from a financial viewpoint?

The sad thing is, today I drove by your home again on my way to staging one of your neighbor's homes, and saw the new sign addition now hanging from your "For Sale" sign ...

Mr. Seller ~ We really did try to help you! I wish we could have.

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For help making sure your home shines for potential buyers, contact Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR to learn more about our home staging services. We work with Homeowners, Banks, Realtors, and Investors to prepare homes to SELL. Give us a call at 503-246-1800 for more information. To see Before & After photos of both our Vacant and Occupied properties, view our updated Portland OR home staging photo gallery.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Colonial Heights Bungalow @ 2114 SE Lincoln, Portland OR ~ $494,900

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:46:28 -0400

Highly desirable Colonial Heights neighborhood in SE Portland OR with private back patio for outdoor entertainment. Charming 1924 bungalow with updated kitchen and bathrooms and central A/C. Finished basement for media or play room. Location is everything! Walk to nearby boutiques and coffee shops along Hawthorne and Division. Perfect space for a family OR the ultimate entertainment home for professionals.

RMLS# 10056150

2900 sq ft; 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms

For more information, call the listing broker Donni Phommany @ Portland Realty Associates 971-344-9356.

~ Photos provided by Room Solutions Staging ~

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This home was professionally staged by Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR. We help homeowners, real estate professionals, banks, investors and builders prepare homes so that they sell quickly. Our satisfied clients appreciate our menu of home staging services including cost-effective verbal consultations and staging for both occupied and vacant properties. For a free staging proposal for your Portland metro property, contact us @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Tips for Selling Success: Eliminate bold colors & Show the Room's Purpose (Before & Afters)

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:31:05 -0400

Tips for Selling Success: Eliminate Bold Colors & Show the Room's Original Purpose (Before & Afters)

This updated home in Portland Oregon's trendy Beaumont Village neighborhood needed more neutral paint colors as well as the original function of each room clearly shown to potential buyers. Although this staging budget was very limited, the end result is a much more buyer-friendly home that shows as spacious and move-in ready.

When selling your home, stage the dining room to allow buyers to imagine entertaining here ...

Living rooms should have the furniture in an open, welcoming configuration that highlights the space ...

When selling, kitchens need to look spacious -- put that clutter out of sight ...

The Master bedroom should look like a calm, peaceful retreat (not an office) ...

When selling, bold colors from the last century should be neutralized ...

For more home staging tips, contact your local home staging professional ~ you'll be amazed how a few cost-effective changes can make a big difference in how potential buyers view your home.

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Room Solutions Staging offers help to Portland-area homeowners, real estate professionals, builders, banks and investors in preparing homes for the market. Our home staging clients love our service and our staging statistics! Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultation reports, staging for both vacant and occupied homes, and interior redesign projects. For a free home staging proposal, contact us @ 503-246-1800.

~ Room Solutions offers interior photos as part of our home staging services ~

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Stunning Contemporary Remodel in Portland's Hayhurst Neighborhood ~ $499,500

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:30:43 -0400

Stunning Contemporary remodel with 3,500 sq ft on two floors; 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Enjoy the features of a new home in the established Hayhurst neighborhood near Gabriel Park. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a fabulous new gourmet kitchen with granite island and S/S appliances. This home has wood floors and new carpeting along with two fireplaces, AC, and an oversize 2-car garage. RMLS# 10054917

For more information on this home, call Portland Metro Realtors @ 503-516-2648.

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Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Classic 1927 Craftsman Bungalow in Portland's Alameda Neighborhood ~ $575,000

Mon, 17 May 2010 10:46:41 -0400

Classic 1927 Craftsman Bungalow in Portland's Alameda Neighborhood

Fantastic bungalow in Alameda/Beaumont area. Gourmet kitchen w/ slab granite, s/s appliances plus adorable built-in eating nook. Original built-ins in living and dining rooms. Master suite, refinished hardwood floors. Tons of vintage character in this charming home on a wide street close to fantastic Beaumont restaurants and shops. A must see!

This three-level home also has central air conditioning and a fully fenced and landscaped back yard. 5 Bedrooms + 2 Baths in 2,745 square feet. MLS #: 10040829

For more information on this move-in ready home, contact the listing agent Mary Konyn of R. Collin & Associates @ 503-997-1349.

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~ Interior photos by Room Solutions Staging ~

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Beautiful Beaumont Village @ 4608 NE Beech, Portland OR 97213 ~ $395,000

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:30:13 -0400

Spacious contemporary-style home on a corner lot in the heart of Portland's Beaumont village neighborhood. Newly painted 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths with a modern kitchen and light-filled living/dining rooms with skylights and a brick fireplace. Upper level is a 600+ SF master suite with jacuzzi tub. Backyard has private patio, raised garden beds, and water feature. Walk to Beaumont school, shops, and restaurants!

2,272 sq ft total ~ RMLS 10027479.

For more information on this lovely home contact Milan Cole of JMA Properties @ 503-953-3416

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Room Solutions Staging offers help to homeowners, real estate professionals, builders, banks and investors in preparing homes for the market. Our home staging clients love our service and our staging statistics! Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultation reports, staging for both vacant and occupied homes, and interior redesign projects. For a free home staging pricing proposal, contact us @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~

Great new construction in Beaverton's Palmquist Park ~ $319,000

Sun, 23 May 2010 05:55:40 -0400

38 NW 171st Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006

MLS# 10040061

Great new construction in great Beaverton location. Distressed floors on main with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Lots of windows to let in natural light. Den on main floor. Vaulted master suite with soaking tub and dual tile vanity. Big open kitchen with island, pantry & nook/dining area. Large level fenced back yard. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths with 2,159 sq ft.

Listing Broker: John DeCosta ~ Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere; 503-336-7354

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~ Photos by Room Solutions Staging ~

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~

This Realtor Became a Staging Supporter when HER Home was Staged ~ and SOLD for full price!

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:33:14 -0400

This Realtor Became a Staging Supporter when HER Home was Staged ~ and SOLD for full price!

We all know that sometimes, the only way to really BELIEVE in something is to "see it for yourself."

Our Portland-based home staging company has worked with many award-winning Realtors over the past few years. One of them contacted me last year and asked me to provide a home staging consultation at her own home; she was planning to list her home in 2010 and wanted to know exactly what type of information our staging consultation service provided, so that she could feel comfortable referring her seller clients to me. I was delighted to be asked to help this wonderful Realtor with advice for updating her own home prior to putting it on the market, and we spent a couple of hours walking through each room and also discussing "curb appeal" and some landscaping ideas.

This savvy Realtor knew that it would take time to complete the updates we discussed so she methodically began getting bids for the work (and enlisting her husband's help as well) and worked from her "To Do" list that we developed during the home staging consultation process. As with all my clients, follow-up emails went back and forth as she sought more information on materials, paint colors, furniture placement, accessorizing, etc. I couldn't wait to see the final results ... and was SO proud of my Realtor client when I saw how she'd taken my suggestions; and once the work was done, staged her home herself using the tips I'd given her.

Here's a few "Before & After" photos to show what a great job our Realtor client did transforming her home for selling. In each bathroom the cabinets, hardware, and light fixtures were replaced, granite counters added, and the mirrors were framed. Those changes really helped to bring this 1970's home into the 21st century ...

One of our tips to sellers is to remove pet beds and toys, since buyers might not find them appealing ...

We also advised making the bedroom a peaceful retreat by adding art & accessories ...

This lovely home went on the market and SOLD for FULL PRICE in less than 2 months! The new owners moved in last week, and my Realtor client and her husband found their next "dream" home ... making this another home staging success story.

So, if you have to "see it to believe it" then take a look at our home staging statistics for homes we've helped sellers stage in the Portland Metro area. Home staging consultations start at just $150 and are such a cost-effective tool to help homeowners prepare their homes themselves. We'll be happy to help you sell YOUR home quickly too!

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Room Solutions Staging offers help to homeowners, real estate professionals, builders, banks and investors in preparing homes for the market. Our home staging clients love our service and our staging statistics! Our home staging services in the Portland OR metro area include consultation reports, staging for both vacant and occupied homes, and interior redesign projects. For a free home staging pricing proposal, contact us @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Custom Dream Home in Portland OR ~ $649,900

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:37:16 -0400

This gorgeous custom home near Portland's Forest Heights neighborhood is an entertainer's dream! Dramatic two-story great room with soaring windows overlooks a peaceful setting filled with trees. Gourmet chef's kitchen with professional s/s appliances and slab granite along with beautiful sapele wood cabinets.

For more info contact John Duncan ~ Oregon First @ 503-803-9184

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This home was professionally staged by Room Solutions Staging in Portland Oregon. We help sellers and their agents prepare vacant and occupied homes to make them irresistible to buyers. For a menu of our staging services or a free home staging proposal just give us a call @ 503-246-1800. Our staging techniques help to sell your home or listing faster! To see Before & After photos of both our Vacant and Occupied properties, view our updated Portland OR home staging photo gallery.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~

Charbonneau Condo benefits from a Home Staging Consultation

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:19:56 -0500

Outstanding Charbonneau condo in Wilsonville with views of pond and water feature. This homeowner had a home staging consultation to help them prepare their home for the market.

Great room has vaulted ceilings and delightful corner fireplace; both bedrooms have private spacious balconies. Enjoy the convenient community amenities!

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This home was staged by the homeowner with tips provided by Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR @ 503-246-1800. We offer a variety of home staging services to homeowners, Realtors, builders, and investors. Properties that we've staged this past year have an average Days on Market of just 28 days (compared to the Portland metro average of 144!) View our updated Portland OR home staging photo gallery to see Before & After photos of both our vacant and occupied properties.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

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Beautiful NW Contemporary @ 7119 SW Virginia Pl., Portland OR ~ Staged & SOLD

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:38:05 -0500

This Portland Oregon contemporary home in the John's Landing neighborhood has architectural flair and wonderful use of natural elements .... 2,229 sq ft with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It was staged after being on the market for many months, and SOLD soon after!

For more details contact listing broker Gina Maloney ~ 503-504-0404

This custom home sits in a quiet enclave within walking distance of the Willamette River and has a view of Mt. Hood.

The kitchen boasts custom slab granite and Bosch appliances; beautiful hardwood floors on the upper level. Lots of natural light and 2 decks along with a private terrace off the master bedroom suite enhances this home.

~ Interior photos by Room Solutions Staging ~

This home was professionally staged by Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR. We work with sellers, real estate professionals, banks, builders & investors to prepare homes for the market so that they sell quickly! Our varied menu of home staging services is tailored to fit your budget and your time frame. Read what our clients have to say about our service and our experience, then call us for a free home staging proposal @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~

Dramatic Contemporary Style and Privacy in Lake Oswego OR ~ Staged & SOLD

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:37:59 -0500

This stunning contemporary style home is located in the sought-after Country Commons neighborhood in Lake Oswego OR

815 Country Commons Lane, Lake Oswego OR 97034

It was staged and SOLD soon after!

Features: Light & bright open living room with vaulted ceilings, dramatic fireplace and window walls overlooking the tranquil wooded setting on a 30,000 sq ft lot! Large main floor master suite with deck to level lawn; manicured landscaping. Freshly painted interior and new carpeting.

For more info on this lovely home contact listing broker Mary Jo Avery, Re/Max Equity Group @ 503-799-3839

(Photos by Room Solutions Staging)

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This home was professionally staged by Room Solutions Staging in Portland OR. We work with sellers, real estate agents, banks, builders & investors to prepare homes for the market so that they sell quickly! Our varied menu of home staging services is tailored to fit your budget and your time frame. Read what our clients have to say about our service and our experience, then call us for a free home staging proposal @ 503-246-1800.

Staging That Sells Portland Homes!

Room Solutions Staging was selected to do the design work for multiple episodes of HGTV's popular show "My First Place"

~ content may not be reproduced without permission ~