Just Perfect! Home Staging, Redesign, Organization + More Wilmington NC

"Just A Thought"... Our New Blog

2010-03-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

We are making a leap and moving our blog to our website. We have been a little absent lately with regular updates, but you can expect for us to pick it up again at our new location for "Just a Thought" We look forward to continuing to keep you in the know about what we are doing, thinking and seeing. You can also look forward to lots of new enhancements throughout the year, including changes to our website, new programs we'll begin offering, a place where you can submit topics you would like for us to blog about or questions you'd like answered... and we have already launched our public newsletter earlier this year "Perfect! Ideas for Your Home."

We hope you will re-subscribe to our new blog! And please feel free to comment, and let us know what you want to hear about!! See you there!

Adding a New Dimension to Virtual Tours

2010-02-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

Just when it has become somewhat the "norm" to provide virtual tours of properties, something new and unique comes along to set your listing apart from the rest and keep you ahead of the curve. With thousands of properties for sale in the Wilmington area, it is more important than ever to stand out from the competition in buyers' initial online searches. Since there are so many properties to choose from, buyers are being forced to narrow down their options before they even leave their homes...online. We already know how important staging is to the visual presentation of a home for sale, now we have found a more impressive way to show off the work that's been done!
Just Perfect! is excited to announce its partnership with D.J. Professionals & Video to provide professional videography. The company has been in business since 1984 and has a large repertoire of highly satisfied clients. They use high definition cameras, professional lighting and expert editing to help the property show its best. After staging the home and getting it show-ready, professional videos will capture the attention of buyers online and have them excited to see more in person! The team at D.J. Professionals & Video offers three video packages to fit every home and need.

The Closer: This is their premium video and is unlike anything else you've ever seen. First, they highlight every interior and exterior feature of the property. On top of that, there is an informative voice-over giving specific facts and details about the property. This video goes beyond expectations and shows the surrounding community and area attractions. This is very helpful for out of town buyers to give them a complete feel of the home as well as the surrounding area. To top everything off, actors are brought in to show everything in action so potential buyers can truly "see" themselves living in the space!

The Grand Opening: This package offers every essential aspect to help the property show its best. The videographers come out to the property and again feature every aspect of the interior and exterior. They go beyond the property lines to give buyers a glimpse of the entire community and surrounding area. This will highlight any community amenities as well as proximity to schools, beaches, parks, and shopping. A professional voice-over completes the video, detailing the specifics of the property and useful contact information.

The Open House: While this is the basic package, it still packs a big punch and will get your property noticed. It includes high definition video of the entire house, both inside and out. The video is polished off with background music to help create a mood with potential buyers.

I'm New Here....A Little Bit About Me.

2010-02-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Ciao!
While I have worked part-time on projects with Just Perfect! over the past few years, I am the newest addition to their core team and I am so excited to be here. My name is Rebecca, so there are two of us now, which complicates things around the office but keeps us on our toes. I graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a business marketing major and psychology minor. I spent my final semester in Milan, Italy learning about the language, culture and international business and had a great time doing it. While I miss the pasta and pastries, it is good to be back in the good old U S of A!
I look forward to meeting all of you as I work on sales and marketing with Just Perfect! Together with the rest of the team, I hope to better familiarize the Wilmington community with staging and make Just Perfect! a household name for those buying and selling real estate. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions or just want to say hi. I would love to hear from you and I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Rebecca Pirone
Marketing & Sales Team
336.266.0247
rpirone@justperfecthomestaging.com

910.251.7711
www.justperfecthomestaging.com

"Bringing Your Home's Best Features Forward!"

What Happened in Vegas??

2010-02-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Team members from Just Perfect! Home Staging + More recently attended the 2010 RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) International Conference in Las Vegas. An exhausting trip out west due to unforgiving storms and airport delays proved to be well worth the effort. Jessica Pirone, owner and founder of Just Perfect!, received her first nomination for RESA's top award, RESA Professional Stager of the Year. Home stagers from all over the country came together for what will surely be the "go to" conference for the staging community. Two days of information packed lectures and workshops provided us with fresh, new ideas and inspiration for our 2010 staging and design plans. Guest lecturers included Matthew Finlason, host of HGTV's The Stagers and Bethany Souza, host of HGTV's Designed To Sell. No money was won at the slot machines or blackjack tables, but we certainly returned home richer in knowledge and motivation.

Home Expo Raffle WINNER....

2010-02-08T07:27:00.001-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of the Just Perfect! day of redesign giveaway....

SHANTHI SENTHE!

She will receive a free day of redesign services to help her with her recent move from Toronto. We would like to thank everyone else for entering and hope you enjoyed your day at Wilmington's 2010 Home Expo. Don't hesitate to call for any additional information about our services or to schedule your own day of redesign if you weren't the lucky winner. Congratulations again, Shanthi and we look forward to working with you.

Rebecca Pirone
Just Perfect!

332 Olde Point Loop Road

2010-01-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

HD Realty Showcase (Grand Opening Package) - 332 Olde Point Loop from Eric Thompson on Vimeo.

Wilmington Home Expo

2010-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you're planning on visiting Wilmington's Home EXPO at the Schwartz Center this weekend (Jan.16th-17th) be sure to stop by the Just Perfect! booth and add your name to our drawing to win FREE ReDesign services from Just Perfect!.

Whether you're selling your home or looking to update and create a new look in your existing home, Just Perfect! offers a variety of design services to help you accomplish your goals. Having trouble picking paint colors for your living room? Call us to schedule a 1 hour color consultation and you'll be headed to the paint store in no time with selections you're sure to love. Not quite sure how to arrange new furniture in your bedroom? Hire Just Perfect! to redesign the space and you'll be relaxing in your master bedroom retreat before you know it.

Check out our latest newsletter for more info on our ReDesign services and take our New Year, New Look quiz to see if ReDesign would be a great fit for you! We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Upcoming Agent Training Courses

2010-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

Start off 2010 right and get a head start on required Continuing Education credits. Just Perfect! is offering a new and exciting course, "Preserving Your Clients' Equity with Home Staging" that is both interesting and useful. By enrolling in this course, participants will learn valuable information on the following topics:

~ The impact staging has on buying decisions*

~ The Home staging evolution; what it was, what it is + why you

need to know*

~ Explore case studies and staging statistics and learn how to

integrate them into presentation packages*

~ Benefits for you, seller and the buyer to implement home

staging in the selling process*

~ Useful facts, trends and statistics*

~ Getting the seller involved in the staging process and how

the real estate professional and home staging consultant

keep the seller motivated throughout the process*

~ Cost vs. Value: Which projects bring the biggest return when

selling a property and where home staging fits into the return

on investment*

~ Curb appeal, color and room design principles; crucial stats

emphasize the importance*

~ + much, much more!

*Information from official CSPElite.com website

The courses are held on a bi-monthly basis at the office of Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS®. Private courses are also conveniently offered for Your Office, at Your Office.

Currently, three courses are scheduled for Wilmington and registration is open. The course dates are :

-Friday, January 29, 2010: Wilmington, NC - WRAR Office-

- Friday, March 26, 2010: Wilmington, NC - WRAR Office -

- Friday, May 21, 2010: Wilmington, NC - WRAR Office -

The courses start at 9:00am and last until 4:30pm. The cost of the class is $325 and participants will receive the Marketing Start-Up Kit, Course Manual, DVD's and Home Staging for Dummies Book, as well as 4 CE credits and a wealth of information.

**SPECIAL**

**Register by January 15, 2010 and receive $50 off the cost of the course. **

To register, call 910.251.7711 or click here

Holiday Decorating on A Dime - Part 5 Last Minute Decor

2009-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by and before you know it, we'll be shoving pounds of wrapping paper into the recycle bin and vowing to join a gym. This being the last installment in this series, I thought I'd share some quick, easy decorating ideas for those who either haven't started decorating or have run out of decorations and need additional holiday bling.

Edible Decor - One of the toughest challenges we face at the holidays is enjoying sweets and snacks in moderation. I always end up with a surplus of candy canes and hot cocoa kits and at some point those end up in my belly or the trash. What better way to avoid eating sweets than to decorate with them? Here are several creative ways to accomplish unique décor goals and prevent unwanted weight gain. Unpack your favorite stemware and fill it with sugar (white, colored. or brown), top with mini marshmallows and multi colored peppermint sticks or candy canes. Need a place to store candy or nuts when you’re not entertaining? Fill different sized mason jars with pistachios, walnuts, peppermints and the like and position them on a counter or window sill until needed. Wrap a red bow around them for added festivity.

Simple Decor - Have some leftover shirt boxes laying
around? Wrap the empty boxes in your favorite ribbon and bows and use them to decorate a mantel or bookshelf. Can't afford a stunning wreath but still want to show a little spirit? Buy plain green wreaths and randomly place them on a bookcase. I personally lean towards a more minimalist, modern style (less is truly more as far as I'm concerned) and the wrapped t-shirt boxes and plain wreaths are by far my favorite finds this year.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday with family and friends this holiday season! Relax, eat too much and look forward tor 2010 design tips and trends from your friends at Just Perfect! Cheers!

Perfectly at Home - Part 2 Walking the Walk

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like brainstorming a list of all the repairs and updates that your home will need before you can sell it to help you reconsider staying another five years. I walked around my house with a camera documenting areas that will need my attention. Some of the tasks such as painting walls and trim can wait until just before we get ready to put the house on the market. Other things such as repairing the hardwood floors and landscaping the backyard will require a time and money investment that we will need to budget for. Listed below in order of importance and priority are items around my house in need of repair or attention. They relate only to my home and likely wouldn't apply to other homes. The act of making a list, however, would apply to any homeowner. Every home will have it's own personalized list of major and minor repairs and it's a great idea to get an idea well in advance of what, how and when they will need to be made.

Replace planks of hardwood floor damaged by overzealous puppy

Install shoe mould at base of kitchen cabinets

Patch and repair wood trim chewed by anxious dog left alone for too long

Remove vinyl flooring damaged by toilet leak

Patch, sand and paint holes in garage wall

Remove paint spilled in garage

Install hardware on master bath cabinets

Remove wallpaper on master bath wall

Fill holes in backyard, landscape along fenceline

Hopefully my next installment will include progress on one of the projects listed above. Stay tuned.

Live Oak Model Home Makeover - Brunswick Forest

2009-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

More often than homeowners or real estate agents like to admit, homes can sit on the market, especially in a down market, for much longer than it is financially convenient. Any number of reasons can keep a home from selling. There could be a flood of homes on the market, it might have strange paint colors or odors that turn buyers off, an overinflated price tag or it could be something as simple as a failure to hire a successful staging company. :-)

Just Perfect! recently worked on the Live Oak model home (1002 Leesburg Drive) in the Parkside neighborhood at Brunswick Forest to give it a fresh new look and help renew interest in a house that is certain to become a much loved home. In addition to a fresh coat of paint by Jernigan Homes, Just Perfect! Home Staging has re-staged this beautiful model home with new furnishings and layouts that truly highlight it's best features. Stop by today to see this showcase listing! It won't last long!

Holiday's are Just Perfect! around here...

2009-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

From The Client's Perspective...

2009-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

My company helps individuals with all aspects of estate planning. As executor, I was responsible for selling a home for one of my client’s estates. My client had been ill for a number of years and had not been able to maintain her home as she would have liked.

Because of the neglected condition of the property, we were faced with two possibilities: putting the home on the market at a greatly reduced asking price or investing money into repairs and updates in an attempt to recoup the home’s true value.

Jessica Pirone of Just Perfect! Home Staging and More provided a professional consultation to help me make an informed decision on my client’s behalf. She had wonderful suggestions on how to update the house for a reasonable price. She provided an estimate and a written contract that provided both a time line and an outline of the changes she would make.

Jessica and her subcontractors did an incredible job; by the time they were finished that neglected 15-year-old home looked like new construction. They removed wallpaper, repainted rooms, changed carpet, added new landscaping to increase curb appeal, and transformed a home office into a third bedroom to boost the home’s total value. The entire project was completed in a month.

I put the home on the market in February 2008, at a time when the housing market had severely declined. Thanks to Jessica’s improvements and her expert staging, the home sold for the asking price just 33 days later. After the cost of staging and improvements with Just Perfect!, we netted a profit of $15,000 more than the house would have commanded in its original condition.

Just Perfect! completed the entire project within budget and on time, despite a short deadline. I highly recommend Jessica and her company as an outstanding professional and a worthwhile service.

—Judy Shaw, LTCA Legacy Planning

Citrus Cove's Islamorada - Vacant or Staged?

2009-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just Perfect! recently had the opportunity to stage the Islamorada model home in Citrus Cove, a cozy new community in the Monkey Junction area of Wilmington, NC. The plan features include 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the first floor, formal dining, kitchen, spacious living room and breakfast nook. A fully finished 2nd floor offers a large additional living space, full bath and 4th bedroom. Homes are priced from the low to mid-200's and square footage ranges from 1400sf-2500sf.

One of Just Perfect's most important tasks when staging a home is to give each space a purpose. The latest trend in home design is the open floor plan. It allows more spaces to be connected without the division of walls or barriers. While this trend is very attractive to homeowners, it can often present a challenge when deciding where to put their furniture. If a home is vacant, it can be very difficult for potential home buyers to see how the space could be setup. The same challenge can often apply to the FROG (finished room over garage). Take a look at the before and after photos of this formerly vacant home and decide for yourself whether staging helps define a space and ultimately sell a home.

Holiday Decorating On A Dime - Part 4 Create-A-Card

2009-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Every year I spend too much time trying to decide what type of Christmas card to send out. More often than not I’m left scrambling last minute because I can’t make up my mind. Should it be a photo card, an ultra modern statement from the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) or a one with a clever Dr Suess rhyme on the cover? I always want my cards to be unique and stand out in my recipients minds. Whether or not that actually occurs I don’t know, but I put forth the effort nonetheless. This year I stumbled across something completely different and affordable at the same time. Making your own cards might sound time consuming and intimidating but I’ve found some great examples that should ignite the creative bug in us all. Anyone with an arts & crafts stash or a scrapbooker enthusiast can put these cards together in a flash. They’re homemade (always a plus adding that personal touch) and they allow you to use up leftover ribbon, wrapping and scrapbook paper. You start by buying blank cards (often less expensive than themed ones) or make your own with a sturdy cardstock or construction paper. If you make your own be sure to size them to fit in a standard size envelope. Cut ribbon strands and paper into the shape of a tree or star, use a popsicle stick as your tree trunk, and circle stickers to make ornaments or wreaths. Throw a party and have friends come over to make their own cards or set up a table and put your kids to work. It’s a great excuse to get together or find some much needed family time around the holidays.

'Tis the Season

2009-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Just Perfect! recently decorated a house for the holidays while the owners were out of town for Thanksgiving. How great would it be to leave for an afternoon and come home to a beautifully decorated home and tree? We know the holidays can be a busy time and we'd love to help you scratch one thing off your to do list by giving your home a fresh, inspired look. Our team can use your existing decorations in new, creative ways to develop a refreshingly different Christmas look in your home. We can rearrange furnishings for optimum seating capacity or remove them completely if you need standing room space for a party. Our services include, but are not limited to window displays, tree trimming and decoration, fireplace displays, table settings furniture arrangement and infusion of holiday spirit! Call us today to ensure your holiday entertaining space is Just Perfect!

From The Client's Perspective... Dee Whittington, HomeOwner

2009-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Most people think of Just Perfect! Home Staging + More when they want to sell a home, but in my case, I used their Redesign service to help make my new condo feel more like home. My husband and I recently moved downtown to a furnished condominium. We love our new location and our new space, but it lacked the warmth and personality I wanted it to reflect. Unsure of how to achieve my end goal with the existing furnishings and a limited budget, I turned to Jessica Pirone of Just Perfect! for professional assistance.

Despite a small budget and a tight deadline (I wanted to finish in less than four days since I planned to entertain guests on Day 5!), Jessica was up for the challenge. I couldn’t believe how she knew just where to find exactly what I wanted. She helped me select a few key items that were both multi-functional and suited to the space; she even negotiated a better price on a great piece of furniture that would have otherwise broken my budget. That was something I wouldn’t have dared to do on my own!

Back at our condo, Jessica defined different areas (living, dining, etc.) in the open loft space while somehow making the room feel even larger than before; she has such a great eye! Had I tried to tackle this project on my own, I know I would have spent a lot more money and a lot more time, still ending up with results that wouldn’t have been nearly as pleasing to me.

Our guests were also impressed with our new condo and its sophisticated, metropolitan feel; they said it felt like being in New York City. They never would have guessed that we created such a professional look on a limited budget in just four days.

— Dee Whittington, Homeowner

Holiday Decorating on a Dime - Part 3 Table Centerpieces

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

To continue my quest for inexpensive, versatile holiday decor, we will move on to the table centerpiece. Some might find a centerpiece daunting. I know I certainly do when I head to the family gathering for turkey day to find something worthy of Martha Stewart's Top 10 Beautiful Centerpieces of All Time sitting on my husband's aunt's dining room table. But for the layman, those of us that can't fathom something that takes more than 15 minutes to throw together, I offer up the decorative bowl with ________ decor (insert pertinent holiday here). The goal here is to find a bowl, platter, or tray that, as I like to put it, "speaks" to you. Find something that you'll enjoy at your table year round and garnish it with fruit or candles or the like.

When a holiday comes calling, Thanksgiving for instance, empty the platter or bowl and fill it with squash, little pumpkins, and gourds or your favorite fall flower. At Christmas, fill the bowl with pinecones and holly or christmas ornament balls. Place a coordinating table runner or placemat under the piece for added flare. Beautiful centerpieces don't have to cost a lot of money or time. A little creativity goes a long way. Something as simple as a mirror with some scattered marbles and a flower vase or a variety of candles can be stunning. The key to putting together a great centerpiece is planning it out WELL before your guests arrive. Set up the table, photograph several different variations of what you're trying to do and decide on a favorite scheme. Save the photo somewhere that you can access it on party day so you remember all the details that made you love it to begin with.

From The Client's Perspective... Samm Jernigan, Jernigan Homes

2009-11-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

"As a professional homebuilder, I learned the hard way that furnishing model homes is time-consuming and costly. In addition buying all of the furniture for a model a home, we had to deal with transporting it, cataloguing it, packing it, storing it, and transporting it again.

Just Perfect! Home Staging + More solved all of those problems for us. Just Perfect! rents items to us from their inventory, so we don’t have to buy furnishings, worry about transportation and storage, or waste resources trying to track and catalog inventory. In addition, Jessica has a real talent for staging spaces to highlight the best features of a home. The furnishings and accessories she selects don’t compete with our construction, yet they are such a great enhancement, several clients have asked to buy our homes fully furnished, just like the model. (They can; Just Perfect! takes care of it.)

As a business owner, staging makes a lot of sense: it has simultaneously helped us to contain costs and increase profits. Most importantly, it allows me to concentrate on what I do best. I highly recommend the staging process, and Jessica Pirone of Just Perfect!, in particular."

— Samm Jernigan, Homebuilder

The "+ More" of Just Perfect! Home Staging + More

2009-11-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

Here at Just Perfect! our primary focus is staging homes (and businesses) to help them sell (or rent) fast + for top dollar. However, there is a reason for the "+ More" in our full name - "Just Perfect! Home Staging + More."

We offer a number of other services including:

Color Consultations (paint, flooring,...)

Redesign for your home or business (where we use what you have to create a new look for your home in a day)

Holiday Decorating (furniture placement and decorating for any holiday)

Project Coordination (For the projects you've been wanting to have done but haven't had time to do yourself or meet with contractors... we take it off your hands so the job gets done without you having to find the time.)

New Home Set-Up (moving to a new home? we can come set everything up for you so it looks great in the new space!)

Shopping Buddy (Don't know where to go to find what you want? We shop all the time and can cut your shopping time in half by taking you to the best spots to get what you're looking for and helping you find just the right piece, at the right price.)

+ More (still!)

Perfectly At Home - Part 1 Walking the Walk

2009-11-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

I sat in my living room one afternoon after I’d worked with Just Perfect for a while, looked around, and started to think about all the changes, improvements and updates we would have to make before putting our house on the market. We’re not interested in selling right now, but it occurred to me that a LOT of work would have to be put into to prepping our house for sale. That’s not to say I don’t like our home and its décor. I do. I love it actually. I designed and decorated every inch, so it stands to reason that I would think it’s fabulous. (Let me also say that while I totally love it, nothing is ever truly “done” in my mind. Every project is a work in progress and nothing is ever truly finished. Things can always be better. Time and money often get in the way of my masterpieces, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have big plans swimming around in my head.) Just like any first time homeowners, we were eager to finally have a place we could customize and upgrade to our liking. We (and by we, I mean I) painted every room with bold, cozy colors and found unique ways to display a lot of firefighter memorabilia. We really made it ours. It’s great for us, but I’d be a little naïve to think that because we love it and get lots of compliments on it, that any potential buyer who walked into it would not be intimidated by the brick red living room and stone colored kitchen.

I’m getting off track a little, so back to my original agenda. It occurred to me that even though we aren’t thinking about selling, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start a list of projects I know will need to be done when that time comes. I think a lot of homeowners feel overwhelmed when they realize how much work is needed to get the house “ready” for market. I think they also probably throw their hands up in the air and decide lowering the price is more convenient that doing the mountain of work. I can certainly understand that. Given my profession, however, and the need I feel to “walk the walk”, I have decided to make a list of to-do’s and slowly but surely get this house in great shape so when we do decide to sell, we can hit the ground running and really get the most out of our investment. And ultimately that’s what a home is. An investment. We attach sentimentality to our homes and will always associate them with great memories and times in our lives, but when it comes time to sell, those feelings must be put in a scrapbook or photo box and shelved until the deed is done. Once you decide to sell your home, you can no longer think of it as your home. It’s a product. A commodity. A means to an end so you can move into that next stage of your life. It’s time to make your home look like a model home. A home that sells quickly and for top dollar is a home that’s warm and inviting, universally appealing and most importantly move-in ready.

I thought to myself, what better way to really “sell” the concepts behind staging than to invite readers along for, at least what could be, their side of the process. See the before’s and after’s of a real person’s home, laugh at the struggles and frustrations, gasp at the expense of replacing a few planks of hardwood floor that her dog chewed during the puppy stage. I’m not a super handy person. I don’t have years of expertise in home improvements. I’m actually more of a teller, than a do-er. I tell my husband what I want and he does it. Or he looks at me like I ate a crazy sandwich for lunch and says we’ll hire someone else to do it. I don’t flip houses for a living, have an inside track to the best contractors or a hookup at the local hardware store. I’m a first time homeowner getting her home ready for sale and I’d like to invite you to join me on this journey. If nothing else, it should be entertaining.

Holiday Decorating on a Dime - Part 2 Candles

2009-10-30T08:00:00.002-07:00

Most homes have candles somewhere, whether it be on a coffee table, entry table, counter or dining room table. A great way to show your holiday spirit, whichever holiday it may be, is to buy some great neutral pillar candle holders in keeping with your decorative style and change out the candles based on the month or holiday du jour. October is the month for creepy ghouls and ghosts. If you're not into hanging cobwebs on your porch and skeletons on the front door (or even if you are!), what better way to show a little spirit than some decorative Halloween pillar candles. They can range in price from $6-$25 and unless they're burned 'round the clock for the entire month of October, there will be plenty of candle left over to re-use next year. Another option if you're not interested in burning candles, is a battery operated flameless candle. They're safer than a traditional candle and often times hard to distinguish from a traditional wax candle. Happy hunting!

If you're interested in spending a little more and doing a little less work decorating, Just Perfect Home Staging + More offers holiday decorating services. Contact us today for schedules and rates! Stay tuned for other affordable ways to decorate on a budget!

PLEASE SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS!!!

2009-10-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

Please Nominate Jessica Pirone for RESA (Real Estate Staging Association)

PROFESSIONAL STAGER OF THE YEAR!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION.

Must Be Submitted By November 3!!!!! Don't Wait!

Thanks So Much for Your Support!

Let us Make Your Home Just Perfect! for Holiday Entertaining this Year!!

2009-10-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE OR ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER FLYER!!!

The Biggest Real Estate Mistake

2009-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

I came across an interesting article on HGTV's website. Make note of the #1 Biggest Real Estate Mistake. It beat out hiring the wrong agent and setting the price too high!

"1. Failing to Showcase Your Home and Making Small Cosmetic Changes

When you are selling your house, you have to really look at it objectively and think about it from the viewpoint of the house hunter. Make minor enhancements to the house and maybe hire a professional stager to come and arrange your furniture. Staging is about decorating your house for the buyers' taste, not yours. A great place to start is with the front of the home and the main entryway. Home staging is designed to increase the potential selling price and reduce the amount of time the house stays on the market."

To see the entire article go to

http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/25-biggest-real-estate-mistakes/index.html

Holiday Decorating on a Dime - Part 1 Carving a Pumpkin

2009-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Decorating for the holidays can be expensive. Halloween, Thanksgiving, religious holidays and New Year's Eve will be here before you know it. The cost of changing out the table centerpiece and other decorative items for each holiday can certainly add up fast. In the spirit of the recession and the need to save a little dough, I'm on the hunt to find versatile, affordable decorative items that can be modified per holiday and in some cases, even used throughout the rest of the year.

The first and possibly messiest decorative accessory is the carved pumpkin at Halloween. A decent sized pumpkin (basketball size or larger) typically costs between $3-7. Tools to carve the pumpkin can range in simplicity from a common kitchen knife to elaborate tools kits sold specifically for carving pumpkins. Carving kit prices can start at $5 and go up. Plan on committing at least 30-45 min. to carve an "easy" pumpkin. More complicated, detailed images can take several hours to carve. A neat way to decorate the drive or front porch would be to carve several pumpkins, varying in size and shape (great way to get the kids involved!) and place them all together in a corner of your porch or at the edge of the drive.

A pumpkin carving party can be a great excuse for family, friends and neighbors to get together before the holiday season starts. Friends come prepared with their own pumpkins and carving ideas (or they brainstorm a carving idea with everyone else when they get to the party), stencils and tools if they have their own to use. The host typically provides snacks or dinner, drinks, musical entertainment and a mess ready location to gut the pumpkins. Brew up some apple cider and toast pumpkins seeds with salt or cinnamon & sugar for some festive treats! A bowl of candy corn won't go unnoticed either!

We'd Like To Introduce...

2009-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just Perfect Home Staging + More is pleased to welcome Rebecca Mickler, a Just Perfect employee, to the company blog. Rebecca has been working with Just Perfect Home Staging + More for a little over a year and is happy to be part of such a successful team. She will be contributing her thoughts on a bi-weekly basis and entertaining the masses as she does so. (She's also writing this introduction :-))

Here's Rebecca's Bio

Rebecca is originally from Carrollton, TX a suburb of Dallas, TX. She considers herself a GRIT (Girl Raised in Texas) and despite her husband's best efforts, will not succumb to his desire to add the "S" that would include her in GRITS (Girls Raised in The South). She is not Southern, she is Texan and proud of it!

Rebecca is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design. She spent some time in Europe during the college years that broadened her horizons and reaffirmed her interest and desire to work in the world of design. After college, she moved to Washington, DC for an internship with an architectural/engineering firm in Georgetown. A few years later, a move to Wilmington, NC took her to a small architecture firm where she spent 5 years learning the in's and out's of practicing architecture. Her resume over the years has expanded to include graphic design, 3-D modeling, interior design, ability to kill all house plants regardless of their "hardiness" and a knack for general computer stuff.

We would like to welcome Rebecca again to the Just Perfect blog and look forward to her brilliant contributions. Gig 'em!

New Course Offered To Agents!

2009-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

IF LINKS BELOW DO NOT WORK, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING!!!

TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE

FOR MORE COURSE DATES: CLICK HERE

FOR MORE INFO ON YOUR INSTRUCTOR: CLICK HERE

3552 Iris Street

2009-09-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

3552 Iris Street is a fantastic home built by Jernigan Homes. It has a beautiful, large, front and back yard, 4 bed - 3.5 bath... and extras like a large bonus room over the 2 car garage, and a study with beautiful french doors. Built in Tyndall, off Beasley Road, the neighborhood is quiet and safe. It's a great area where you can feel comfortable raising a family. The house will ensure you won't feel crowded, as it has ample living spaces throughout.
You'll notice lots of natural light throughout the house with many windows to brighten your days.
Attention to details like columns, crown moulding, and wainscoting can be found throughout the house.

The master suite has a sitting area with a large bay window.

Great for entertaining the family and friends, the large kitchen has plenty of counter space, an island and a bar where people can gather as you cook, and the open layout allows you to be part of conversations in the in-formal dining area and living room.

You also have a back deck and beautiful back yard to enjoy in the beautiful Wilmington weather!

Check it out at 3552 Iris Street... It really is a superb listing. For more information, contact Sandy Monroe, Coldwell Banker -SeaCoast Realty. 910-232-2801

My Trip to Italy

2009-08-27T15:52:00.001-07:00

My trip to Italy, so far has been one amazing day after another. I feel like I have been here forever, and realized it has not even been a week... I love that, because usually trips go by and you feel like you just got there. In the short time we have been here, we have seen some incredible sites, learned a new perspective on history, and have enjoyed a lot of amazing food. It is such a beautiful country. I had forgotten a little, too, how much I enjoy being around different cultures. I really miss it, and am envious of my sister that gets to stay here through December.

We arrived on Saturday, after a fiasco of flights... we finally got to Milano. Our bags unfortunately, did not, and we did not receive them until Monday. We walked and walked and our first time on the metro here, we came up the escalator and out of the darkness into a square right in the middle of the city... what an amazing first impression! We couldn't have picked a better station to stop at, and of course it was by accident. We went to the Duomo, went up on the rooftop for amazing views, the Monet Exhibit, many caffe's, the university my sister is going to, the fortress/castle... then we hopped on an early train to Roma.

Rome, is where we have been for the past 3 days. It is nothing like Milan... This, is where the history is... this is what I think of when I think Italy. Everywhere you turn, there are the most amazing sculptures, historic relics, architecture, basillica's, monuments, galleries, piazzas, fountains... it is never ending. You could spend your entire life here I think and still see something new each day. They are still finding ruins and have archaeological digs/sites that are right in the middle of everyday life. Of course, none of it is everyday life to us, as tourists, but I could imagine myself here. I wish I could let Just Perfect! run itself for a year while I stayed here. (Of course I would miss home and my family and friends too much, and don't know what I'd do without work. haha) I sometimes think staging is still not well known to everyone in Wilmington and other areas, but imagine explaining what I do to someone here, with them understanding little English. It happened once, when my mom accidentally brought it up not thinking about how to explain. It was quite interesting... ended up with "something in real estate" haha.

I don't have much access to internet here, and this may be the last time for a while. It is very expensive where we've found it, except we lucked out with our hotel here in Rome providing it gratuito ?(free). If you would like to follow our travels... you can see the photos in my galleries. www.gallery.me.com/just.j You can click on public galleries of Milan, Roma, and soon Venice and Verona once we go there.

I hope you enjoy, and will be back in Wilmington before you know it!

Ciao!

Off to my roots....

2009-08-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

My sister, who is studying in Milan this fall, is giving my family an opportunity/excuse to visit our heritage. I have always wanted to go to Italy. A, because it is such a beautiful, cultured country, but also, because that's where my Dad's family is from. I was supposed to go several years ago, but plans had to change. I am very fortunate and excited to have this opportunity come up again. I am so excited!!! I have talked to so many people that have given great advice from experience on places to go, things to see and do and how to do it. I must say I am going into this with it as a surprise... my sister and parents planned the whole trip and I am excited to be going along for the ride :)

I just found out our flight time tomorrow if that tells you anything as to my knowledge of plans. When so many things are going on, it is hard to get excited ahead of time because I don't even realize it is so close. I think I realized it yesterday and was thrilled. Then today was crazy tying things up with Just Perfect!, Chloe, and everything in Wilmington, then bringing my car down to Greensboro to have some work done... now, after packing, getting the final emails sent out, and newsletters scheduled...I am getting anxious! I am hoping now that I'll be able to sleep (this is often a problem when the next day holds an exciting event) as we have an early morning and a long day of traveling ahead.

We will be landing in Milan, where Rebecca will be living. After spending a few days there, we will take the train to Rome...then Venice, Verona, and ending up back in Milan. Ahhh.... the food, the art, the architecture... I really cannot even imagine the experiences we are about to encounter. I know that the books do not do it justice. The photos of my parents previous trip were beautiful, but I am sure not able to be compared to the actual experience. I can't wait and will of course, take lots and lots of photos and will share when I return.

If you need to speak with us at Just Perfect, you can email and call our main numbers and will be directed to the contact information of our Interior Specialist, Rebecca Mickler.

I will try to twitter/facebook when I can, so follow me if you want to keep up! Twitter: Just_Perfect; facebook fan page: Just Perfect!

I'll see you back here in a couple weeks!

Staging Sells!! 2 Palmetto Creek Town Homes Sold Since Staged in June

2009-08-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

SOLD x2! This townhome had been decorated for a while, but we were called in to STAGE it in June. We used furnishings that were already there, and edited a lot out... rearranging everything to turn focus on to the home's unique attributes. Exact stats to come soon, but the important thing to know is that it wasn't selling. After we staged it, it CLOSED within 60 days... After we un-staged that house, we staged an identical reverse floor plan June 30 that had been sitting vacant, and it is now under contract (as of Sat. August 8).

Here are a few of the BEFORE photos... notice how you tend to notice the "stuff" more than the layout and features of the house? Compare to photos above.

My Experience With One Tree Hill-Part 2

2009-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

So... you probably heard me make mention last month that we were going to be "As Seen On TV" haha in a sense, and were getting a fabulous opportunity to work with the Set Designer at One Tree Hill. It was an amazing, exciting, and very challenging and different project, so I thought I'd share.

The voicemail I couldn't get over in Part 1 was from Matt S., the Set Designer, for One Tree Hill. He said they were thinking about shooting at the Busby (my client) house, but didn't know if that would work out and they were looking at other locations. They loved the way we staged that house though, and it was just perfect for the character and set they were looking at a location for. He asked if I could meet with him to discuss staging that set for them once they choose a location. SERIOUSLY!!! hahaha SO EXCITING! So if you have ever worked in the film industry, you would probably think no big deal, but for me.... BIG DEAL! I never dreamed I would do something like that!

We met the following Tuesday, and he told me they thought they had another location but contracts hadn't been signed yet, could we stage the set by the next Monday. Well, it was interesting because to go on site, all their contracts had to be signed, and I was going out of town on Wednesday afternoon for training workshops down in Charleston and would be gone through the weekend. So we were talking no planning time and we'd have to have everything moved in Tuesday at the latest because photo shoots were Wednesday and filming began on Thursday! CRAziness! but of course I said SURE... That's great! So when I left for Charleston, a location still hadn't been set... finally on Friday, I got a call that a location was secured in Topsail Beach. Rebecca M, our interior specialist, met them to get a feel for the place so she could start pulling inventory. I later got a call that the filming had been pushed back a week, which was a big relief for us.s

We had several things in inventory, but had to purchase others... we had discussed a look, and then some other things were discussed with Rebecca while I was out of town, so we regrouped...We were told not to bring artwork because they have to get copyright approval or something since it's being filmed... and we couldn't bring mirrors, because of reflection. They said they would provide all the towels, bedding etc. because it had to be used by the actors and constantly changed. It's amazing the things that you have to think about, which while logical, seemed kinda foreign to me since I wasn't used to working in the industry. It was challenging in a good way. Matt needed to create a vision that he knew a lot more about then I did, and so he needed to see the options. I tried to narrow down and then had the warehouse pull the piece to shoot a photo over to him. Things changed constantly it felt like. Plus it was hectic anyway because we were working on several other homes that had already been on the schedule for another client. In the end, I guess I got a dose of my own medicine. My sister, who worked with me said that it's sometimes hard for her because I have an idea of how something should look in my head (like Matt did) but often don't get it out completely and clearly to those helping out. I just see it. And, I know I change my mind a lot too. All in all, it was a lot of fun though shopping for the set and adding to our inventory (and can't say i didn't secretly really enjoy telling the vendors I work with a lot what I was working on/with! of course they all had worked with them too, but still!)

The day of the staging, we got out there at 12:00 so we could go ahead and get the accessories and stuff unpacked and photographed before the movers got their around 1:00/2:00. We met several people working there, and they were all so nice. 1:00 rolled around and the crew started heading out for lunch, so we decided to go out as well. The movers were running late from a previous job. Then we get a call they went the wrong way and couldn't find us... everyone at the house is pacing. I'm standing outside biting my nails. This had to be finished that day because filming began in the morning. Whether they were or not, I felt like everyone was waiting on us. The movers finally get there and we moved like crazy to bust it out, getting everything put together and set up. It was again, a new position for me, because Matt basically knew how he wanted everything, so my team and I just assisted him in getting it into place. I'm not used to being the assistant, but that's always a good role to play. It's great to watch another person's vision take shape. As we were moving the sofa around in the living room, I realized

the built in book shelves that were there before lunch, had disappeared! It's amazing what they do for their sets! 7:00 approached quickly and everyone was ready to get out because they had to run around and get back to Wilmington to film at Mayfaire at midnight, unbelievable-they're non-stop! I was trying to hurry though for them, so I didn't get the best photos. Also, it's going to look so much different on tv because all of the bedding etc. will be added. I will share what I have as soon as I get permission though (coming soon! hopefully). In the end, it all came together and Matt said "Everyone loved the set! It really looks great."

Having the opportunity to work with the film industry and One Tree Hill was exciting, challenging, and I learned a lot... like:

- deadlines are constantly changing

- ideas are constantly changing

- everyone involved performs very much at a moment's notice

- they move furniture around with pulley systems outside of the building- crazy and fabulous time saver!

- it is amazing what they do to a location to turn it into what they need - in this house, it looks like they sheetrocked and painted over the built-in bookshelves while we were at lunch!

- the team that works to get things ready is awesome

- there are many things you have to take into consideration because of the cameras and the fact it will be on tv

- need approval from artist for artwork

- can't use mirrors because of reflection

- can't use glass tables because of reflection

- things to be smaller than you may normally think because cameramen need to be able to move around the scene

- i thought i worked around the clock...these guys work around the clock!

- + More!

I am so grateful for this opportunity, and perhaps we will have the chance to work with them again in the future. It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed working with Matt and his team. I am excited to watch, as the season premiers SEPTEMBER 14 8/7c. (We may be planning a party for it, so stay tuned!)

My Experience With One Tree Hill-Part 1

2009-07-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

I used to watch ONE TREE HILL religously for about the first 3 years it was on. I missed a season while I was in Australia (very bummed about them not showing it there - and it was before HULU) but never got back into it when I got back to the states. I love being in the middle of it here in Wilmington though and getting a glimpse of the exteriors of some of the places they film at, watching all the trucks and people bustling around. Of course, I always try to act cool, like it's no big deal...happens every day. I was like that when I lived in Charleston too and filming was going on. I have an upclose picture of Natalie Portman, but tried to walk by pretending I didn't notice her. haha. Seconds after I do this, I sometimes wonder if I could've still been somewhat nonchalant, but still show excitement to see them... anyway, another story which I have mixed feelings about.

Back to this story. So I did a staging consultation on Wrightsville Beach for a client and they told me filming for OTH may start taking place on the next block. Their agent is one we've worked with before, and she informed me it was Jim Busby's house that I staged on Southridge. Gorgeous house! I was really excited for the exposure they would get, of course I had no idea what it really meant when OTH chooses a location.

A few days later, the phone rang with an unknown number. I was in the middle of an important conversation with someone in the car, so I didn't answer. I picked up the voicemail, and I think I started shaking with excitement...my sister was with me, and thank goodness she was driving. She kept asking what it was and all I could say was "oh my gosh...oh my gosh... is this for real? hahah you've got to be kidding...oh my gosh!" I think I went on like this for about 5 minutes. Everytime I started to tell her what the voice mail was about, I would start laughing in amazement, and there may have been watery eyes. Rebecca started freaking out too a little in anticipation, especially when I sputtered a few words out... Check back to find out who called and why in Part 2

Another Just Perfect-ly Staged Home is SOLD!!! (1 month)

2009-07-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

THE MASONBORO, a Compass Pointe Home on Masonboro Pointe is the second home we staged in the development. We chose the colors and enjoyed watching construction go up the past few months and at the end of June, we added our 'perfect touch' to it. It was a lot of fun. I love the floorplan and the outdoor living spaces. Leisure Homes is likely to be famous for their outdoor spaces, just as Logan Homes is, that come standard for many of their floor plans and have these amazing sliding glass doors that seem normal when closed, but create a completely new environment when you open all 3 panels up to create airy combination of indoor/outdoor living. I love staging each and every home we do, but for some reason, this one was something special for me. I was inspired by photos my mom brought me from our friends house on 'The Cape'...they'd recently taken a trip. Anyway, the cool serenity of coastal living inspired me. Just Perfect was in between loosing a couple team members and getting new ones, so my mom (awesome as she is!) came up to help after Father's Day, and my sister and Rebecca, our fabulous design associate, and a few others here and there, pulled it out... I loved it, but here's the proof:

I found out today July 30 that this home, which we staged June 28 has already SOLD!!! It will be a leaseback and will remain as a model for the next couple years, so come check it out if you're interested in building a custom home. It's a great floorplan, and while I'm partial to this development, of course you can build it where you'd like! :)

Enjoy the pictures, and REMEMBER STAGING HELPS SELL HOUSES IN A BIG WAY!!!

8175 Compass Pointe East Wynd - Compass Pointe

2009-07-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

So the long awaited development of Compass Pointe, in Brunswick County NC is well under way. It is amazing how quickly and smoothly things are moving along. Every week I go out, there is new progress, and new homesites sold. The "Valencia" below, is the first model we completed here. You will see many more to come.

The built in's and storage is awesome!

Beautiful floors and cabinetry...

HUGE master suite!!!

w/tray ceiling and porch access.

ahh, and the bathroom. walk in shower w/ 2 shower heads and seat...

"floridian" architectural features are evident throughout

+ love the vanity + all the mirrors!!!

2 guest bedrooms with ample closet space

guest bath with separate vanity areas that each connect to joint shower/toilet room

media room with beautiful ceilings

and stamped concrete tile floors outside for fabulous outdoor entertaining

and grilling... enjoying gorgeous landscaping! (i'd be out here all the time!)

Come and see for yourself! It's the first house on the left when you enter the development (don't forget to stop by sales center across the street first)

330 Lord Drive. "Natures Walk"

2009-07-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

Natures Walk is a quiet neighborhood right off of Middle Sound Loop Road. Homes are surrounded by trees and nature, each home built is the quality craftsmanship of Jernigan Homes.

Definitely worth visiting if you are looking to buy... 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Agent is one of our Preferred Agents, Sandy Monroe with SeaCoast Realty. VIRTUAL TOUR HERE.

This is also the home that I mentioned in a previous blog that one the Silver Award for the 2009 Parade of Homes!

In Search of New Team Members

2009-07-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VIEW OF FLYER!!!

CSP ELITE Instructor

2009-06-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

This week, I went to Charleston for some training to become a CSP Elite Instructor for the Elite Training for Agents. I am really excited about the program, and the benefits it will bring to agents! It is going to answer all of your questions about what staging is TODAY, how and why it is important for you and your clients, how to TALK to your Clients about staging, what to look for, what to expect, and more. It is an information packed day long course that we are working on getting you Continuing Education credits for. I am going to try and hold off launching the course until we find out if we can get you CE credit, so that the early birds don't miss out. Just get ready!!! It's going to be awesome, and you certainly WILL NOT WANT TO MISS IT IF YOU ARE A RE AGENT!!! It will come with a binder to share with your clients during your listing presentations, cds for you to share with sellers and your colleagues, a free copy of "Staging for Dummies" and a manual for you. Once you take the course, you can audit for free, anytime in the future (some exceptions apply). I am so thrilled this is being offered now, and think you will find it is the answer you have been looking for when wondering about staging. It goes much more in depth than any lunch and learn or office presentation. It truly provides you the tools you need to understand and work with a professional stager and it takes the guess work out of introducing the service to your clients.

Learn more by visiting: www.cspelite.com

Recent Happenings of Just Perfect!

2009-06-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

So my weekly blogging goals have not been met recently because of some recent happenings within Just Perfect! I think we are back on track though and look forward to posting regularly again. I did want to catch you up on our happenings though, as it is a really exciting time for us and we want to share it with you! Over the past month...

We began working with Logan Homes, and are creating models in the developments of Compass Pointe (pictured left), Palmetto Creek, St. James, Wedgewood, and Waterford. This contract has kept us super busy this past month as we have worked hard to get all of their current models and inventory in order to move forward efficiently. We are excited to be a part of these projects and will keep you posted with events they have and the progression of the new development in Compass Pointe... it is really coming along!

We have had many staging consultations lately, which is encouraging to see sellers interested and committed to doing everything they can to prepare their home for sale and have it show in it's best possible condition from the get-go.

I mentioned a while back we were launching a regional chapter for the Real Estate Staging Association. That is finally coming together as we've been working hard to make the Kick Off Meeting happen next week!

One of our team members, Michelle McMahon, who worked part time with us recently got a fabulous new job with a fabric company. She was awesome to work with, and they are lucky to have her on their team now.

My sister, Rebecca Pirone, has been working with Just Perfect! since the concept. She has been an unbelievable support system, has had amazing ideas, and has been the biggest help. I can't say enough about how incredible she is and I am grateful that I had the opportunity for her to work with me. Her last day (for now:) ) was last week, as she is going to be moving to Milan to study abroad for several months. We have bounced around the idea of her coming back next year, but I guess that all depends on how things pan out for her in the meantime. It would be awesome if she could!

I was asked to be a CSP Elite trainer for this region, and will be trained as an instructor for a new class that will teach RE agents how to really talk about staging effectively and introduce it to their clients so that they truly understand the benefits and value. I am really excited about this and we are working on getting CE credits for NC agents that take this class. I go to Charleston later this week to be trained.

Our client, Jernigan Homes, had a house in Nature's Walk in the Parade of Homes (pictured left). We staged it for them of course, which was fun! We were really excited for them to win SILVER AWARD and GOLD GREEN AWARD.

Our client's house in THE CAPE just recently went under contract after being staged and on the market for less than 80 days! We're excited about it closing in a couple of weeks!

RESA KICK OFF EVENT

2009-05-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Staging Association's Wilmington Chapter (serving southeastern NC) has scheduled it's Kick Off Event!!! If you are a REALTOR, home stager, or someone in a related industry, we'd love for you to join us and find out more about the organization, the opportunities that the local chapter will present, and more.

Date: June 16, 2009

Time: 6:00 - 8:30

Place: earthBound Salon & Day Spa

4833 Carolina Beach Rd

Wilmington, NC

Thanks to earthBound and FussBudget Promotions for being 2 sponsors... we are currently looking for a couple more if you are interested!

Look forward to seeing you!!!

IRIS STATE AMBASSADOR

2009-05-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Jessica Pirone is the new NC State Ambassador for IRIS (Interior Redesign Industry Specialists). Monthly conference calls will be held for all state members to participate in and share so that we can create unity among our state's IRIS members and brainstorm ideas for promoting Redesign Month coming up later this year as well as other ideas to give back and more. Bringing the national "Cocktails and Conversation" for IRIS members a little closer to home... be sure to join in for the first call in June. An email will be sent to all state members with call # date and time!

New Brunswick Magazine

2009-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest Summer issue of New Brunswick Magazine! It just started hitting the shelves this week and Just Perfect!'s President, Jessica Pirone contributed an article on the importance of having the right mindset when selling your home and how home staging can help! If you would like to see articles or blogs written about other subjects or to answer questions you have relating to home staging, redesign, or organization... please comment here! (Click on # Comments)

$8,000 Tax Credit for New Home Buyers

2009-05-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

So for a couple months we've been hearing about the $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers. Everyone's telling you to buy a house, but there are stipulations that go with it such as you have to qualify as a 'new home buyer' cannot have owned a home in the past 3 years. There is an income maximum too, if you have income of over $75,000 individually, you cannot receive the whole credit but may receive partial, depending on your situation.

Anyway, my point is that there has been a lot said about the tax credit. I know everyone has been excited about it, but many people do not fully understand it. Without understanding, many people may not take advantage of it. A friend of mine, Sherri Ingle with Intracoastal Realty, sent me a link to this new website that I would like to share with you. It helps educate our area on the details in an easy to understand manner. www.GetYour8000.com was created by a group of builders and Realtors in the Cape Fear region to make this tax credit crystal clear and encourage everyone living in our area to take advantage of it. It is super helpful and answers pretty much all the questions you can think of.

I encourage you to take a look, and see if you or anyone you know fits the criteria. If you do, you have until the end of 2009 to close on a house...the stimulus expires on 12/31/09. It's a great time to buy with this incentive, plus so many homes to choose from... and if you're looking at new construction, many area builders have been offering their own incentives as well!

106 Tillington Court

2009-05-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is another home in Wedgewood at Lanvale, built by Logan Homes and listed by Sandra Britt of Century 21 Sweyer. The property details and agent contact information are provided at the end of the tour. These are great for young families and professionals!!

Enjoy!

Parade of Homes 2009

2009-04-29T06:50:00.002-07:00

What a fantastic weekend the Parade of Homes kicked off with! There are so many fantastic houses throughout Wilmington and Leland. I spent Sunday touring the majority of what can be found on this side of the bridge. If you are looking to buy or just love the opportunity to see beautiful homes, I recommend you spend part of your upcoming weekend on the tour! While visiting, be sure to check out Nature's Walk - we staged the model for Jernigan Homes. Hope you have fun!!!

Relay for Life Benefit Concert

2009-04-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

Relay for life was last weekend in New Hanover County and Whiteville. A friend Russell Smith, with Equity Mortgage, raises money and performs in a benefit concert where several men dress up and sing as women. It's a hilarious and fun event and I had the opportunity of attending this year. For an incredible cause, these guys raised around $12,000...many of them, including Russell, over $3,000 individually. I went down with another friend, and we started to worry on the drive that we weren't going to make it in time. Fingers were crossed that they were behind schedule a little. We finally got there, got lucky with a parking spot, and ran to the stage beside the track. There were so many people there - it was awesome! We caught the tale end of another performer and then they announced that PINK (Russell) would be on next as the last performer. Talk about timing! It was so great! 'She' had a manager, back up dancers/singers, a costume change (sort of), special effects/smoke, and raving fans!!! Of course, with all that, PINK had to win Best Performance! I wish I could remember all the names of the other contestants, that alone was funny, and I'm sure they all put on a great show (hate we missed them). Check out PINKs performance for yourself in the video below!

Palmetto Creek Garden Home (Opaca #41)

2009-04-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Palmetto Creek is a lovely community near Southport. Any resident you talk to will rave to you about how much they enjoy living there. It's quiet, practically in Southport, not far from Wilmington, has a pool, clubhouse, nature, and it's the "best deal in Southport, guaranteed!"

Great floor plans available, including this home below. Contact information can be found at the end of the tour.

101 Tillington Court is Now Staged in Wedgewood!

2009-04-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Wedgewood is a nice neighborhood in Leland, NC with a community pool and playground. Logan Homes is a builder in the community and has homes available under $200,000. Enjoy the tour below!

Compass Pointe

2009-04-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard of Compass Pointe, it is definitely something you need to check out! A rather amazing new development that is set about 10 minutes across the bridge down 74/76. They had their Swing into Spring event over the weekend, and I don't think they could have asked for better weather. I had been to their sales center downtown (108 Market St) several times and was impressed with the plans...amenities galore. They have separate lanes for golf carts throughout as well as wide sidewalks. I love this - it was always one of my favorite things about Bald Head - carts replacing cars... it would be awesome to see that be the primary transportation within the development. They also have a walking trail around the perimeter, which you are starting to see more now and I am a big fan of!

While I had been to the sales center and thought it was going to be a fantastic community, last weekend's event is the first time I actually saw the property. Wow. The land itself, is absolutely gorgeous. There are creeks throughout, the grass is green as can be, beautifully landscaped already, and water features in place. The gated entrance is up and a few bridges along the way... The weather of course just made it even better. Seriously though, you need to at least go look at this development. I wanted to move there just being out there this weekend. The landscape is not flat either like you see around Wilmington typically. Rolling hills that like I remember running through as a kid. They have a manmade beach too, which is kinda cool. A lot of people felt the same way I did this weekend, as I believe there were over 40 tours given! Several lots were already sold, and even more went over the weekend. There was a lucky winner on day two that won the putt off and earned himself a FREE HOMESITE! It was a great location within the development too. I believe he was local, which is awesome!

I forgot my camera when I was out there, but will definitely shoot some photos to post next time I am there. I also found out I am going to have the opportunity to stage a gorgeous home out there too! So I am excited. In the meantime, check them out at www.compasspointenc.com. My good friend Angela Batchelor is their Realtor Liason and has great information for agents at www.pointesouthnc.blogspot.com

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I love holidays! All holidays! I grew up with holidays and family being a really big deal and am so grateful for that. I always have something to look forward to at least 5 times a year. I moved to Wilmington to be closer to my family, and always get as excited about going home to my parents farm for the weekend as I do for vacations or weekend trips. We always have a full house for each holiday, which can be stressful sometimes, but I'd never want it any other way! My sister and her boyfriend come home with me and sometimes my grandmother comes over early (she spent the night on Friday because of the potential storms). My cousin comes home from UNCC and the entire family on my mom's side comes over for Easter Sunday. All the "big kids" (me included) still dye easter eggs the night before and then stuff and hide eggs on Sunday before lunch. There's lots of hiding places being on a farm, so we usually limit it to between the house and the barn. We typically hide about 100 eggs for my younger cousins (ranging in ages from 3 to 11). Then they get their baskets or grocery bags ready and are off... the 10 dogs follow them around sniffing things out, and the parents end up joining in the hunt as well. All the while we're cracking up and loving every minute of it. We inevitably loose eggs. Even the "hiders" cannot find them or remember where they all are. 3 and 6 months later sometimes, the dogs usually show up with them. We have a big lunch with turkey and all the fixin's... my aunt is bringing desert this year. My cousin Alexis, who is in middle school this year, is missing her first Easter with the family because she is going to Williamsburg with a friend. It makes me sad, it's the first holiday in 11 years that she has not been with us. She is so much fun and is growing up so fast! So we'll miss her this year. With my mom or my uncle saying the prayer before we eat, I am so grateful for the love and family that surround me and for the joy and thanks and togetherness that holidays bring. We are so blessed. I wish you a Happy Easter!

Not Quite the Perfect Trip.

2009-04-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

So if you saw my Twitter and Facebook updates last weekend, you heard about my car dilemma. I was driving down I40 W and had a blowout, I was able to pull over, and got out to look at what happened. It was more than I could have ever imagined! It was quite a shock for me. It's amazing what a tire can do!

It looked like my tire shredded like a tractor trailer's (and reminence of my tire, wheel well and bumper were spread across the road 20 ft back) It got towed back to Wilmington and it was interesting getting around last week as busy as I was. Luckily my sister was here and I was able to share a car with her. I just heard back from the insurance company and my car went from being perfectly fine to having over $4,500 worth of damage. I am waiting for them to determine whether the suspension is messed up too... if it is, my "Just Perfect!" CRV will be considered totaled, so you may be seeing me in something new in the near future. We'll see. Anyway, glad there wasn't a lot of traffic and all worked out! I'll keep you posted.

A New Approach on My Blog...

2009-04-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

So, I have been thinking lately about my blog and I think in an earlier post I mentioned that one of my goals this year is to post more regularly. I have researched "blogging" and read lots from locals. I have decided to write one post each week that is business related, and then throughout the week, I will just write about whatever I am thinking about, involved in, heard about, excited about, want to know more about, places I think you should know about, and things/places I love. I just thought I would go ahead and set the tone for my blog now, so you know what to expect. You will see a broader spectrum, but can always count on something related to home staging, redesign, organization, Just Perfect! etc. regularly as well!!!

Stay tuned... let's have fun!

10 Cost Effective Ways to Add Instant Change

2009-03-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

For the house you live in...

Want a new look in your space but don't want to break the bank? There are many affordable changes you can make to satisfy that craving for something different!

1. PAINT!

It's amazing what adding or changing color can do. Light/dark colors can make a room look larger/smaller, an accent wall can bring attention to a feature you want to show off or create interest, you can emphasize furniture or architectural features with wall color, painting the ceiling can add drama, you can trick the eyes and alter a room's proportion with color, and you can even effect your mood by the color you choose! How cool is color - there's so much you can do with paint!!! (depending on size room - could cost UNDER $50)

2. THROW PILLOWS

Change the accent and feel of a room by switching out or adding throw pillows to the couch or bed. (UNDER $75)

3. ACCESSORIES + LIGHTING

You don't have to spend a fortune here, but switching things up a little can completely change things. You can find great accessories and lighting that look a lot more expensive than they are at places like HomeGoods and Target. Or, even better, just move around what you already have. Think of something that you love that may be hidden, and bring it front and center. Try to use accessories in the same color family in 3 different areas of a room. (Same with lighting) If you choose to purchase new things, set a budget, and see how much you can fit into it! (FREE or UNDER $75-100)

4. PLACE SETTINGS

I change my dining room table regularly to keep the look fun and fresh. I have a few different place settings that I've collected and I alternate between them (about $75-$100 per complete table setting). Sometimes I just use a centerpiece, which again changes the look. I don't go buy new centerpieces and place settings all the time, but I will pull things from other rooms or things I've put away. Go to the beach and pick up seashells... they make great pieces on the table (on napkins, in a vase/bowl, be creative!)... same goes for lots of stuff you can just find. It's spring... flowers are in bloom! Use this to your advantage and you can have ever changing accessories! (UNDER $75-100)

5. REARRANGE FURNITURE

This is always fun! Now that there are "Furniture Sliders" for both hardwoods and carpet (my favorite are from Bed, Bath & Beyond), you move things around solo! Create a new flow focus. (FREE or UNDER $25 for Furniture Sliders)

6. ADD LIFE

Go to your local nursery or Lowes/Home Depot and pick up some indoor plants or tree. If you're like me, and the thought of having to try and keep something alive scares

you, be sure to look at the light and water requirements. I have killed a lot of plants, but always enjoy them while I have them, and have managed to keep one tree for 5 years now and through 4 or 5 moves. Indoor plants can help add life to a room which is a nice change if you don't currently have one! (UNDER $40 - 100)

7. CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Many of us live in clutter... we don't necessarily think of it of clutter. It's our stuff that we love or use, or just like to have out and around. One way to completely change the look is to remove all the clutter! It's rather amazing. There are some things that I need, or do not want to get rid of, but to get a new look, I can put them all in one place and out of sight, which completely changes the look and focus of a room, allowing specific pieces to be highlighted. Sometimes it's hard, but try it... what you can't get rid of, just hide somewhere for a while. (FREE)

8. MAKE ART

So you don't have to be an artist to create cool artwork for your walls. Here are a few ways: Frame your photographs, using frames of the same shape or color, you can group photos together to create a cohesive wall hanging. Want something besides personal photos, go to the bookstore and purchase a high quality magazine that have amazing black and whites or really cool color photos... cut your favorite pages / photos out, and put them in a frame that includes a matte. You can take this to a different scale using designer wrapping paper (Occassions...Just Write in the Cotton Exchange has fab sheets wrapping paper) Another fun thing I love is to take a funky fun fabric and wrap it over a canvas (or corkboard in your office for a super cool bulletin board). You can put two or three together for a fun focal point over your couch, bed, etc. Have fun with it! (UNDER $45-75)

9. SENSIBLE SCENTS

An invigorating, relaxing, intriguing scent can really add instant change to the mood and feeling of a room! My favorite are candles and oil diffusers from PIER 1. Of course you can get great scented candles and oil diffusers just about anywhere, but I am partial to these because they can infiltrate the entire room without being overpowering, plus the prices are good. You can also use potpourri, but be careful not to put too much out, as this source of lovely scents can tend to quickly overpower. Just a hint or a trace of your favorite scent is all you need to spice up a room! Consider making them into a candlescape or putting the oil and reeds into a pretty budvase rather than the jar it comes in. (UNDER $10)

10. REDESIGN

A service that can completely transform a room using what you already own. An awesome way to get a new look for less, while holding on to and using the things you already own and love! After talking to a professional in the field about what you like and don't like about a room, what you would love to see and feel when you're in the room ,etc. you can enjoy your day and return to a fresh transformation of your space! Pulling from things you have throughout the house, professional redesigner's add a creative perspective to show off your space and your "things" in a new light! (UNDER $500)

Why Buyers Prefer Staged Homes

2009-03-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

When speaking with sellers, I always talk to them about how staging their house will benefit them... the truth is, it also benefits buyers, which is why sellers are able to close the house more quickly and for higher offers.

How is it mutually beneficial? Staging ensures buyers that a lot of the work has already been done for them. When a home is staged, repairs and updates are typically recommended and carried out. This means less work for the buyer, and presents them with a home they can move in as-is without being frustrated. Below is an example of a recent home we just worked with. When we first met with the clients, it had a good floor plan, but the homeowner would have alot of work ahead of them to get it where they want it, and many buyers would not be able to see past what it was currently (a home full of wood trim and paneling that was dated). It is amazing what some paint, major cleaning, a few updates, and staging can do! Plus, notes on the home inspection were addressed and taken care of as well.

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After

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Feel Free to Comment... We always like to hear what you think! :)

Congratulations Mary + Howard!

2009-03-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that came by to see us at the Home Expo and those that attended our last weekend!

Our winners of the Room Redesign are Mary + Howard Congleton of Wilmington, NC!

If you would like more information on how you can get a new look in a day, using your own things... let us know! Or visit our website www.justperfectredesign.com.

We'll keep you posted and show you photos once we perform the redesign for the Congleton's.

797 Jackey's Creek Lane

2009-03-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Our latest project we completed is a fabulous Craftsman style home in the Jackey's Creek development of Leland. The home is only a couple years old, and looks like new. There are fabulous details throughout the house as well as a great lot to sit on at 1.32 acres. Even adding to the location, it just happens to back up against a natural wooded area that is protected and will never be built on - talk about guaranteed privacy! It's so nice! Check out the virtual tour! Be sure to contact Caroline Dugas of Prudential Laney Real Estate if you would like more information or a showing. You will find her contact information at the end of the tour! Happy house hunting!

Home Staging Seminar

2009-03-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Interested in staging your home? Putting your house on the market and want to do everything you can to help it sell fast? Tired of watching your house sit on the market with no offers?

Come see what home staging is all about. Learn what it is, why it works, and how it can help you and your home! Plus, you'll receive a few tips along the way that you can do when you go home to boost your home's appeal to buyers! (Special guest from Down Under Landscaping and Irrigation to give ideas about Curb Appeal, which is part of staging)

Just Perfect! is giving a Seminar on Home Staging during the HOME EXPO this weekend.
WHEN: Saturday, March 14
TIME: 3:00
WHERE: HBA Home Expo at the Schwartz Center
COST: Admission to Home Expo

Click Here for a full schedule of Seminar's given during the Home Expo!

Builders are Catching On

2009-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful day in Burlington, MA and I am thoroughly enjoying my time at the Live South Show. It is an expo that travels across the country to educate people on the fabulous developments we have in the south and gives them an opportunity to learn about each area before taking a trip down to see for themselves. That being said, I have met a few builders/developers here, and had spoken to several back in Wilmington over the past few weeks as well.

The concept of the "Model Home" caught on years ago, and has made a big difference in the world of development and real estate. It really started the technique of adding life, creating warmth and inviting a connection with the home. In the past, most model homes have been decorated by interior designers and decorators. They are always beautiful. However, often times you'll walk in and fall in love with the decor sometimes rather than the house. The decor may not appeal to everyone, but those it does are really taken with it. I have heard people sometimes call back to ask where the furniture is from, and how they can get it, but have no interest in the house and continuing to move forward with that. This raises some issues, and some questions. Also, when these models are photographed, you may think they were for a furniture store if you saw the photo out of context, because again, the decor is what fills the picture and takes your attention.

Home staging, while really catching on in real estate, is something I have recently seen more and more builders really start to seek, understand and utilize. They are realizing they can still achieve the warm inviting atmosphere while keeping focus on the house and it's unique details. It also tends to be more affordable, as they are not having to purchase a lot of expensive furniture and decor outright and upfront. Staging is proving to be flexible for them, as they are able to change the look of each of their homes when they move their model, rather than be limited to the furniture they purchased for the original home (it often may not be the right size or style for the next.) This is really exciting to see the transformation start to take place in this arena, and encourage any realtor/builder/developer to ask questions and learn more.

There is a entire spectrum of possibilities that can work in the favor or the builder/developer that they may not be accustomed to...it's just a matter of keeping an open mind, being willing to change what you're used to always doing, and finding what works for you! Staging could be your answer!

National Staging Association Establishes Local Chapter!

2009-02-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the fabulous weather we had over the weekend, especially yesterday! So there is some exciting news to share...
Up until now the home staging industry has been pretty scattered. It is a legitimate industry, no doubt, but it is not a regulated industry. Some stagers do it as a hobby, some as a business...some have had training, and some have not. There have not been set standards, which has made things a little difficult for the industry to establish the credibility it deserves.

The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) has set out to change that. They have established a code of ethics, standards to follow, educational opportunities, and more. They have created national statistics to show the results of staging, and they are working toward becoming the organization that turns Home Staging into a regulated industry. In the future, it is likely that this organization RESA, will be for Staging Companies what the NAR is for Real Estate Agents. It is likely to have different levels of membership, with active members being required to fulfill continuing education requirements. This is really exciting and a huge step for our industry!

Just Perfect! has been a member of RESA since 2008. As a company, it is our goal over the next 10 years, to make Home Staging a regular practice in Wilmington NC and surrounding areas. It offers so much value, to both sellers and buyers, that we strive for it to become standard - when you sell your house, you stage it first! To further our efforts, Jessica Pirone, owner of Just Perfect! has founded a local Wilmington Chapter for RESA and will be serving as President for 2009.

More information is to come, but we will be having general membership meetings once a month (starting in APRIL - date, time and location TBA) and a Networking Event with a Guest Speaker for Real Estate Agents, Industry Associates, and Home Stagers in the area to meet and mingle. Details will be announced later in the month. Spread the word! And for more information, contact us at info@justperfecthomestaging.com

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - A FREE DAY OF STAGING!

2009-02-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun meeting all of you at the Realtor Recharge yesterday held at the Blockade Runner.

We had 80 Agents register for our drawing, so you will all receive your Gift Certificate for "The Perfect Beginning" in the mail next week. This is service is great for your client with an occupied listing! CLICK HERE to see everything this service includes.

Now... I know you have been dying to know who won the GRAND PRIZE!
"Staged to Perfection", a FREE DAY of our FULL SERVICE STAGING!

And the winner is....
SUSIE LOFTIS from INTRACOASTAL REALTY!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!

If you have any questions or are curious to know more about our company and our services, please feel free to give us a call. We would love to sit down with you individually and get to know you better!

Thanks again for your attendance! Hope you are now motivated and pumped for 2009!

The Trend of Renting While Selling

2009-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I spent my my weekend looking for a new rental property, as I am planning on moving next month. I have noticed through potential clients or agents that I have worked with that many people have had their home on the market for some time and are starting to decide to rent it while they are trying to sell it to bring in income. As I was house hunting for rentals myself, I was rather astounded by the number of homes that are in this type of situation.

While I completely understand the desire to bring in monthly income, and the stress of carrying costs that a vacant home can put on you, I do not advise this tactic! If you really want to sell your house, this is not the way to go. You hear about staging and de-personalizing and creating warmth and emphasizing space... showing rooms as their normal function, keeping things sparkly clean, eliminating odors, and doing everything you can to give your home "model-home" qualities. These techniques are not just for fun... there are specific reasons for them and they are proven to make your home more attractive to buyers.

When you rent your house, you are throwing all of that down the drain. You cannot control what your renters do, what their furniture looks like, their style is, how tidy they are, how they use the space, or what condition they turn your house into. You do not have any control over the condition the house is in when it has a showing... Do you see where I'm going with this?

You may think it doesn't matter, buyers will understand it is rented, and will be able to see beyond the renter's belongings and the state the property is in. Maybe this could happen, but 9 out of 10 times, that is not going to be the case. If you believe you have to rent it because of the "economy" and the "current market" in real estate... that is understandable. I would recommend going all the way with your decision though and rent it. Take it off the market. Then when you are ready to put it back on the market, you should stop renting it, fix it up, and properly prepare it for sale so it is show ready, 24/7!

Want to do something to help keep your home from just sitting there as an alternative to renting while selling? Try making changes that will make your house MORE marketable and will help it sell faster. Do your research, talk to a home stager in your area, talk to your agent... once you make some changes, then stir up some interest. Do something new, tell everyone to come back and take a second look and see the difference you have made. I hope this helps... please feel free to share comments or ask questions!

Virtual Tours of Staged Homes

2009-01-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

Good morning! If you are not familiar with our company, we offer vacant and occupied home staging to help increase the marketability of properties for sale. As a courtesy to our clients, we provide Virtual Tours ($150+ value) Free, with all full service staging contracts. We give them to agents to use on MLS and in their marketing and also list them on our website to help drive traffic to the properties we work with. I wanted to post a few of them here so that you can see some fabulous homes available in the Wilmington area.

Here is one, and there will be more to come. Thanks for watching!

Making Blogging Easier

2009-01-16T06:43:00.001-08:00

So, I am still relatively new to this blogging world, but since it is a goal for this year to blog regularly, I am determined to become efficient at it. Bob The Teacher specializes in internet social marketing, so on my list is to read his blogs and other things he has written and recommends reading. I have also been researching to find ways to make it easier and quicker for me to blog. I came across applications that allow me to post my tweets from the dashboard of my mac, and that has helped a lot. I use twitterific on my phone and twitahead on my computer lets me schedule tweets that i know i'll be doing later and won't have access for. That has been a neat feature to use!

This morning, I found a bunch of applications that let you write your blogs from your desktop without having to go through the process of pulling up the internet, then your blog, then signing in, etc. There were some really cool ones that came with trials and then I came across Ecto. I was able to download it for free, though there seems to be a version you can purchase as well. You can add media, trackbacks, links, etc. for it too, which is cool. It's a basic setup, nothing fancy and pretty like some of the others, but it works, and it's free, so that's all that matters right? I will let you know what I think about it once I've used it a few times. If you have a mac, try it yourself at the link above... or if you have any other suggestions of things that you use to make blogging easier, I'd greatly appreciate you sharing with me!

Thanks for reading!

New Year's Resolutions: A List of Starts

2009-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

2009 is already 3 weeks in... I can't believe it! I jumped in full swing and ready to go and have been adding to my list of New Year's Business Resolutions or New Things to Start for 2009... Here are my top 10:

1. Get a clue and start Blogging! and becoming more educated and involved in social networking.

2. Regularly meet with my "core group". A group of individuals I want to do business with.

3. Launch our "Preferred Agent Program" to encourage regular use of staging among Realtors.

4. Test + Measure our Marketing and Sales Techniques.

5. Print materials and market our other services besides home staging.

6. Have company shirts made for me and my associates.

7. Create an element of surprise for my clients..

8. Surround myself with positive, motivated, confident people!

9. Double sales for each quarter.

10. Set time boundaries, and stop working completely by 7:00 as often as possible.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T09:50:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a nice break and a very Happy New Year! We are looking forward to an exciting 2009, so stay posted and up to date with us. If your Resolution for 2009 is to Sell Your Home, Get Organized, or give your home an easy Makeover... We're you're answer to making sure it gets accomplished this year!

Saying Goodbye to Valued Partnership

2008-12-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks go to Three Hounds Gallery for working with us on several homes. They have a great inventory of artwork and are wonderful to work with. I got sad news a couple weeks ago that they are shutting their doors, so please offer your support, if you haven't had a chance, go see what they have to offer and take advantage of the opportunity before it's gone!

Check out PRIVATE SHOWING!

2008-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

An awesome new magazine is premiering this month - just went on shelves today! Private Showing, all about interiors... it gives an inside look at homes and lifestyles here in Wilmington. The first issue is featuring Mayor Saffo's house. You can pick them up at your closest Port City Java, and for a complete list of locations click on the title of this blog.

Another reason to be excited... Jessica Pirone, with Just Perfect! is a columnist and will be writing columns for each issue giving fabulous information you can use when selling your house and revamping your home-style. This issue focuses on those of you trying to sell your house while still living in it. We will post a link later, once you've had a chance to check out the magazine. (Don't want to give it all away right here!) ; )

Door Prize Winners

2008-11-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of the agents that came the open house last week that Jamie Hughes and I hosted!
The winners of the $50 gift certificates to Mayfaire were AJ Alex, Century 21 and Shannon Lee, SeaCoast Realty

Wine + Cheese Open House Tomorrow!

2008-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Agents, Come to our Wine + Cheese event tomorrow, Wednesday October 29, 2008 !
Time: 4 - 7pm
Location: 1826 Cross Staff Place in Landfall

Open House and a chance to view a listing we just staged.
Hosted by Just Perfect, and Jamie Hughes, Century 21

If you went to the Realtor Luncheon Jamie held about a month ago, you definitely need to take another look - you'll be shocked at the transformation!

Investors Club, Vendor Expo

2008-09-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Investor's Club Vendor Expo last Thursday! It was great to meet everyone and hope you enjoyed the night. Congratulations to Reggie Neal on winning the Lowe's gift certificate we gave away!

We're Published!

2008-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

If you are a member of the WCFHBA, be sure to check out the August Issue of the Tool Box to read our article, "It's not Just a Model Home!"

New Partnerships

2008-07-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Just Perfect! has now partnered with Three Hounds Gallery, on S. Front Street, who will be providing artwork by Sean Best, Katherine Webb, Dick Roberts, + more in our high-end staged homes! Their work is fabulous and we are so excited to be working with them!

Sawgrass, on N. Front Street, is also a new partner, and an awesome store!!! Check them out sometime when you're downtown. They have the greatest accessories and accent pieces... perfect place to find a unique gift for someone. Plus, the owners Val + John are amazing and John is an artist that sells some of his work in the store.

Crescent Moon in the Cotton Exchange downtown is also a new alliance... They have the coolest glass artwork... much of which you can use everyday. Turn a fanpool or a finial for your lamp into a work of art just by adding a fine piece from them. They represent many local artists as well and are actually starting a Glass Community right here in Wilmington!

Port City Social Club

2008-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

There is a new group in town that allows the community to gather for a fabulous time while supporting local charities. Port City Social Club, a subsidiary of Cape Fear Volunteer Center, will be hosting 1 to 2 events per month that will sponsor a different charity at each.

The first event is coming up Saturday, May 17 at Antony's Carribbean Grille! Join us for lots of fun with a steele drum band, great drink specials, lots of people to meet, raffles you'll definately want to win, and a cause to care for.

Just Perfect's Jessica Pirone is a volunteer for Port City Social Club... feel free to contact for more information on the event or how you can volunteer!

Women's Golf Tournament

2008-05-05T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is having it's 2nd Annual Women's Golf Tournament Monday, May 12.

Be sure to come out and have a great time, supporting your local chamber and enter in the raffle to win one of many great prizes including a Certificate for a Complimentary 1 hr. Consultation from Just Perfect! Call for more details: 910.251.7711

Women's Golf Tournament

2008-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Wilmington Business Journal

2008-03-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest Wilmington Business Journal to find an article on Just Perfect! in the Entreprenuers Section. (Hopefully we'll be able to provide a link to it online soon)

Staging In The News: Raleigh

2008-03-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Front Page of the Home Section in the NEWS & OBSERVER, Raleigh

All The Home's A Stage by Samantha Thompson Smith

“Potential homebuyers typically will take just 15 seconds to decide if they want to buy your home. So if they're looking at your wedding pictures on the wall instead of the cherry built-in bookcases, you might have already lost them. Worse still, perhaps they're distracted -- even turned off -- by the ultramodern décor, the lingering scent of smoke or the antlers hanging in the den. In 15 seconds, they're too busy judging you, the homeowner, to notice the stone fireplace, the screened porch or the gourmet kitchen. In today's highly competitive real estate market, homeowners can't afford to make those kinds of mistakes. That's why more real estate agents and some homeowners lately are turning to professional home stagers to set a home apart....”

Focus On The Coast

2008-03-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pick up the March Issue of Focus On the Coast to see Just Perfect! Home Staging + More featured in the Coastal Buzz section!

“Think HGTV's Decorating Cents or Designed To Sell - Right here in Wilmington! ...Jessica Pirone .. launched Just Perfect! Home Staging + More, a residential staging and interior redesign consulting service for occupied and vacant homes, based in Wilmington. In redesign, Just Perfect! transforms a space using what the client already owns to give their home a new look in one day. Through residential staging, Just Perfect works closely with Real Estate Agents [builders], and homeowners. Just Perfect! services offered also include personal shopping, pint consultation, organization, vacation rental services, and holiday decorating.” COASTAL BUZZ by KRISTI SINGER

Holiday Decorating

2007-11-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Tis the season! Just Perfect! is here to make the decorating as easy as a phone call this year. We will use what you have or shop for new decor and make your house ready for all your holiday parties and festivities. Fancy or fun, simple or elaborate, we'll bring out the spirit in your home. If you are having a party or event, we also can quickly transform your home with a redesign to suit the occasion. (**Check out our website to the right for more details!)

Call us now before the month slips by. Also, join us at Modern Baking Company at 801 N. 4th Street, Unit 501 during the Candlelight Tour Dec. 1 from 4-8pm and Dec. 2 from 2-6pm. to sample a taste of what we can offer this holiday season.

Jessica

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS!

2007-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Special Events You Don't Want To Miss:

NOVEMBER:

Wine Tasting at Modern Baking Co.
NOV. 16 6-9pm
801 N.4th St.

Candlelight Tour
Saturday DEC. 1, 4-8pm
Sunday DEC 2, 2-6pm
(Modern Baking Co. 801 N 4th St. Unit 501)

Something to Think About

2007-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Many people find themselves wanting a little organization in their life. However, it is hard to organize because of the sheer volume of "stuff" we have. We live in a time and place where we are beckoned to buy the shirt that doesn't really look great on us because it's on sale, and the new gadget for the kitchen that will make things easier, but we never cook anyway, so it will just sit there never used. We are so easily lured into buying things that just fill our house and our lives with clutter... do we really need it? really? Probably not.

With all of the stuff we have, we become very attached. It may be hidden, and we may have forgotten about it for years, but if someone happens to bring it to our attention, and suggest we get rid of it, heaven help us! We love that thing, and there's usually a story... and we've often "been wondering where that was".

We need to look at what is in our lives and determine, honestly, whether it is benefiting us right now and leading us toward the life we desire, or whether it is in the way, taking up space, and holding us back.

If we are honest about this, most of the things we have are really just in the way and taking up space. It is time we Let Go! It's going to be hard, but in the end, your life will be much lighter, you'll feel more content, and everything you have will help you acheive your dreams. In the end, you will also inevitably, be able to organize your life, your things, and in general you will have more control.

Just something to think about. Changing the way you look at your "stuff", could change your life.

My Open Letter To Realtors

2007-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have been in the real estate business for over 27 years and have seen a lot of marketing ideas come and go but one I adamantly endorse is that of home staging. We place a lock box on our listings, place full color brochures, beautiful signs, ads in the newspaper and magazines and every website known to man. We have open houses and can't wait for qualified buyers to come through.

What most of us don't realize is the house is screaming at us "What have you done for me"?! The problem with sellers telling us they can arrange their own home is that they look at their own home through their own set of sunglasses. By this I mean they believe they know how their home looks its best and "everyone just better accept it".

The problem with that is what Mr. & Mrs. Smith may think is attractive is not necessarily what "The Masses" think is attractive. There is something powerful about the feel that a home can convey and what that feel is...good or bad.

Think about it. Why are you drawn to a certain restaurant, theatre or department store every time? You probably don't realize it but part of the reason you are drawn to these places is because of "How you feel when you are there". There is something about that store or restaurant that keeps you coming back. My youngest daughter and I had this conversation not long ago. I didn't realize it but I am always drawn to a certain Outback Restaurant in our town and feel best in that certain restaurant than any other restaurant.

Ask yourself: With all the homes on the market in many parts of the country "What is going to set your listings apart from all the others"? All the other Realtors have the signs and same marketing as you do but what message does your listed home send when buyers pull up to the front door and when they walk in the front door?

Many Realtors feel awkward about telling a seller their home needs to be staged. Would you want your heart surgeon to leave out valuable information because he or she was afraid to tell you? We owe it to our sellers to be honest with them and tell them what their home needs to set it apart from every other home in the neighborhood. You and I are not qualified to give them that information. Only a professional stager can do that. Once you get the reputation for having beautifully staged and well priced listings you will be known for it. Realtors will want to show your listings and will consider it a privilege.

So set yourself apart from every Realtor in the country. Connect with a great home stager that you respect and trust. When you meet with your sellers don't just endorse your home stager and hand them some printed information but promote him or her as you would anyone else on your team. A few hundred dollars spent now will not only improve the reputation of your listings and set them apart but you will be known as a true full service professional that people will feel honored to work with.

George A. Tallabas III

Associate Broker, GRI

CCIM Candidate

RE/MAX Advantage

5680 E. Franklin Rd. Ste 100

Nampa, ID. 83687
208-466-0002/office
george@tallabas.com
http://www.searchidahohomes.com/

"You've Seen It on TV...Now It's 'Just Perfect!' and Available In Wilmington!

2007-08-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

WILMINGTON, NC – August 1, 2007
Home Staging is an industry that is sweeping the nation as it helps homeowners, realtors and builders sell their homes 3-5 times faster and for a 6-9% higher offer!!!*
HGTV, BRAVO, and TLC have numerous shows that highlight home staging and the many benefits it can offer to a house being put on the market. Some of these shows include Flip This House, Design To Sell, Curb Appeal, and more. Home Staging has also been mentioned on the news and in real estate publishings by companies like Century 21, and Realtor Magazine.

What is home staging? Simply stated, it is a marketing technique that sets a house up to have the look and feel of a model home, no matter what the price or the age. The purpose of home staging is to highlight the features of the house. For an owner-occupied house, staging includes re-arranging and taking out furniture, minimizing personal items and clutter, and making the house immaculately clean! In vacant houses, furniture and accessories are brought in to show the use of space and make the house inviting. Staging also includes making minor updates such as painting, adding light, etc.

Staging allows potential buyers to see the unique and appealing features of the house itself, rather than be focused on things in the house and the fact that it is currently someone else’s. It’s an excellent service to take advantage of and benefits everyone involved: buyers, sellers, realtors, builders…

Selling your house can be exciting, but it often becomes time consuming, frustrating, and costly. There are many changes that anyone can make to improve the way their house appeals to potential buyers, but now it’s easy to put all that work and responsibility on someone else so that the process is a lot easier and more enjoyable for you… Now sellers can focus their attention on their future move! Buyers are also benefiting because now they can easily see what a house can be like… the “potential” is eliminated in a sense and becomes the reality. Home staging allows buyers to feel like they can move-in tomorrow, as-is.

Just Perfect! Home Staging + More has just launched in Wilmington and is making it even easier to get what you want from your house. The company offers full staging services for occupied and vacant houses, as well as redesign, consultations, organization, personal home shopping + more.

Be sure to talk to your realtor or call Just Perfect! at 910.251.7711 to learn more about the many advantages staging can offer you! Also, visit us on the web at www.justperfecthomestaging.com.

You’ve seen it on TV, now it’s local and just a phone call away!

(*Based on 2005 Home Gain Survey)

Welcome to Just Perfect!

2007-08-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I'm Jessica, the owner of Just Perfect! Home Staging.
Check back to read more blogs about the home staging industry and what's
going on in Wilmington!