Erinn Phillips

Travel, Adoption, Life in Charleston

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April 15, 2013 by: sara

10 Tips for Home Staging

“You got the job. Can you start at our Richmond office in four weeks?”

These were the words that energized, scared and excited us all at the same time. When we realized that the big move from South Carolina to Richmond was actually happening, the second biggest thing we realized is that we have to sell our home.

Front_Closeup

I spent one and a half years making this house a home. And while that’s not long, it was sure hard to undo and let go. But I coped by making my job to sell the house. I posted a brief photo and description on social media one morning, had four showings that night and then had an offer by Wednesday morning. We’ve since accepted that offer, closed on the house and are happily living in Virginia.

So here’s my “not so professional” tips on how to do this yourself. I owe it all to styling and staging.

1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Young professionals were our audience. And in the South there is a rustic/chic vibe that’s goin’ strong. Colorful, natural elements and a touch of shine all are essential to this design. Luckily, I share this design aesthetic with my age group. Tweed, bulky pieces, or even the mod ’60s look that’s in right now would not have made the cut.

Foyer

2. DECLUTTER

There’s a lot that accumulates into a home whether you’ve been there one year or ten. Declutter. Pull out the trash bags, get ready to visit Goodwill and find a place like Plato’s Closet. We also packed about 20 boxes of extra linens, papers, sheets, seasonal clothes, dog toys, kitchen gadgets, crafts, tools, etc. and stored them far, far away (thanks Nana and Papa). Essentially, open every closet and drawer in your home, even on furniture you own and make it look like Martha Stewart organized it that morning.

Dining_II

3. DEPERSONALIZE

You look beautiful in your wedding picture and that college bikini bod is great, but take it down and also put it far, far away. When people see you in your home they don’t see themselves, they feel like guests. Go to Homegoods or Ikea, buy a picture of a city scape or animal and hang it on your wall.

Mstr_Bed_I

4. MAKE A UNIVERSAL HOME

That extra guest bed that is a man room/office or anything in between, make it more universal. Make sure that your potential buyers can see it as a bedroom. Show off the closet, bathroom and even put an Ikea futon in there so they can see someone can lounge or sleep there. Then sell the futon on Craigslist for the price you bought it for (true story).

Bed_Den_II

5. CURB APPEAL 

Take at least $500 and put it toward landscaping. It changes everything. You want your buyers to pull up and say OMG, WBL (oh my gosh, what a beautiful lawn).

Back

6. CLEAN

Duh. Makes sense, right? But first, hire a professional and have them do the deepest clean your house has ever received. I’m talking baseboards, oven and all. It’s worth the money, trust me. Then just maintain after that.

Bath_I

7. SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Yes seriously, sweat it. Dial soap is not okay. Towels handed down from Mom or brought from college are also not okay. Go to TJ Maxx, spend $50 on soap, lemon scented candles, new hand towels and fresh 2×3′ rugs.

Family

8. AMBIANCE

Set the mood. Ceiling lights aren’t flattering. Turn on floor and table lamps or invest in dimmers to turn it down a notch. Light a candle or two (don’t put one in every room, looks like you’re hiding a stinky). Open every blind or curtain to open up the house to light and your beautiful neighborhood. Put on jazz or bluegrass, but play it very very softly. Essentially, act like you’re having a dinner party.

Guest_Bed_I

9. STEP AWAY

If you’re selling the home by owner, open the door, say welcome, then leave the premises immediately. If they hate the color blue, they don’t want to say that in front of you when your living room walls are painted that color. Let them talk it out without you there. Less awkward for everyone, trust me.

Hall

10. PUT A REALTOR IN THE EQUATION 

I’m not saying you have to have one, but make sure your buyers do if you don’t. It’s worth the 3%. When paperwork, inspections, etc. start flinging your way you’re going to want some kind of guidance. Not so much a staging tip, but it helps!

Phew, okay, long post I know, but I hope this helps! I wish I could stage homes for a career, so if you have any questions or want advice, please let me know in the comments, it’s so much fun to me!

Dining_IV

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Comments

  1. 1

    AvatarKimberly Kerl says

    April 15, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    What beautiful photos. Who was your photographer? Nice post!

    Reply

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Instagram

  • What is it about a Christmas pageant that just warms a Mamas heart?! 🎄 #SullyLou knew every word to all the songs (English, French, and Spanish!), sang them enthusiastically, remembered the moves, and just beamed with joy from the stage. I’m so proud of her 😭. How is she becoming such a big girl so fast?! Speaking of big, she was the only girl on the back pew because she’s so tall. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I love you my Sully girl. I am so so so incredibly proud of you my mooks.
  • Run like the wind bullseye! Not the most IG worthy picture, although that is Kensington Palace in the background, hey Kate! 👋🏻 But I'm doing it y'all. Registered for the @cooperriverbridgerun which is arguably Charleston's biggest race of the year. Have I ever run a 10k? Nope. Have I ever run a 5k? Yes, and it was six years ago. 🤣Watch me work... 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️
  • Throwback to one of the most Christmas-y places in London! Tonight we enjoyed our own little slice of Christmas with the Mount Pleasant parade (see Stories!) 🎄🎅 ☃️ We may not be spending our December abroad or in Hawaii this year, but gosh it sure does feel good to be home sweet home in Charleston!
  • Do you go to THERAPY? Why is that word so scary? 🚨 Why do we feel shame in saying we go? 👉🏻 Tonight in my Stories a bunch of strangers across the internet grouped together to share therapists they recommend in cities across the US and even in London. I feel like knowing who to go to is one of the hardest first steps, hopefully, we've helped you with that. 💗 👇🏻 Feel free to comment below, if you're comfortable, with any other therapist recommendations you'd like to share or tell us about your therapy experience!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ok so why the photo of me in the Sahara Desert for a 5am camel ride sunrise? 🐪 Well, soon after this photo was taken, I walked into a therapist's office in London. Why? Secondary infertility. I wrote about this on the blog (link in profile), but I felt so, so broken y'all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
All the travel we were doing was reminding me of all the joy, joy, joy down in my heart 😉 and I realized how this feeling of brokenness was dragging me down. And I didn't want it to turn into something bad. So off I went. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Over a year later and I've found my gal here in Charleston and I still go every month. 👍🏻 Even though I don't feel broken any longer. In fact, I feel optimistic and hopeful for our future adopted child. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 It's just good to talk it out y'all. To talk out everything occupying your brain space and keeping you up at night here or there. Not only that, but therapists have TOOLS. They're so equipped to teach you #allthethings you never even knew you needed to know!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As we go into the holidays 🎄 which admit it you guys, we put so much pressure and tie so much meaning to.... I want you to consider therapy. A lot of insurance providers will help you cover the cost. It doesn't hurt to book an appointment and see if it's for you. And you might have to shop around for the right fit, but you'll find it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At the end of the day, I believe that if we're all more mentally stable humans, we'll all contribute to a better, kinder world. 🌎
  • One thing I never got tired of during 14 weeks of guests visiting us in London (and most all of them staying with us in our 500 sq ft flat with 1 bathroom 😬)... was the afternoon tea!!! ☕️ Gah I just loved it. All my fancy tea party dreams from my childhood got to come true over and over! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Don’t miss it when you visit the UK! 🇬🇧 This was one of my favorites and top recommendations, The Park Room at @grosvenorhouselondon. Check on @opentable for the special reservation where a glass of bubbly 🥂 is included with your tea! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PS: Hit that little bookmark to save this post for later so you remember where to go when visiting London! 💂🏼‍♂️
  • Entrepreneur-ing and mom-ing like a boss this week y'all. I'll explain more soon. 😉 Have you gotten your ticket yet to my business @pinckneypalm's Master Your Social? 🎟 Seriously, get on it, I think I'm only going to sell 5️⃣ more seats and then close the program. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you're not in the know, MYS is my 6-week online social media coaching program, No, this is NOT an e-course or webinar. 🙅🏼‍♀️ This is me actually live teaching you a new topic each week, giving you the steps and resources to implement what we talk about, and then holding you accountable. Not to mention, throwing some epic online dance parties 💃🏼💃🏼 and having you join in community with other entrepreneurs. We start January 21st... wouldn't it be awesome to go into 2020 with a social media strategy and knowledge of all the tips and tricks?!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So GO!!! Get your ticket via the link in my profile right now @erinn.phillips or at pinckneypalm.com/shop. 🌴 I seriously do a happy dance when I see your purchase come through. THANK YOU for supporting my small business!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Also, friends, we made up a cute gift card if you want to receive Master Your Social for Christmas 🎁 or if you want to gift it to someone else! 👉🏻 DM me with any questions on Master Your Social!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Photo: @anerisphotos
Dress: @cabanalife
  • Snapped in my element. Hunting for gems in the flea markets abroad. 🌏 The first deals I looked for on Cyber Monday? Flight deals! Go search @skyscanner, I even found NYC to London for less than $300 a person. Considering we have a baby on the way and no earthly idea when that baby gets here I didn't hit purchase but dang I wanted to. Y'all do it for me! ✈️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Psst... there may or may be a small batch of goodies coming to @theshopabroad just in time for you to snag Christmas gifts that are one of a kind (this time from German Christmas markets) 🇩🇪🎄🎁
  • December in Charleston means sandals and iced tea. ❄️ Ryan and I realized this past weekend that between his work travel and mine, plus family trips, we’ll cover 2 countries outside of the US and 3 states in addition to holiday travel throughout South Carolina in the month of December. 😬 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Weirdly, I’m not stressed about it. I’m just so excited to share with y’all what some of this travel is for (not a baby unfortunately, yet!) and to see so many good friends and family! 🎉
  • Happy Thanksgiving from The Phillips Family! Here’s our little Instagram vs. reality for ya. 🤪 I hope you all have a day filled with gratitude, love, and full bellies, surrounded by the people you love most. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ten years ago on this holiday my father-in-law passed away, so it’s always one that is hard but also one where we get to remember Bob. I only spent time with him a handful of times but the way he has shaped his children and how much he means to Ryan is something I cherish. Gosh am I grateful that we were chosen to witness his greatness for the short time God lent him to us on this earth. 💗 I’m sending prayers to those of you who may also be dealing with hard things on Thanksgiving. You are loved and thought of today, friend. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🦃

@erinn.phillips on Instagram

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Instagram

  • What is it about a Christmas pageant that just warms a Mamas heart?! 🎄 #SullyLou knew every word to all the songs (English, French, and Spanish!), sang them enthusiastically, remembered the moves, and just beamed with joy from the stage. I’m so proud of her 😭. How is she becoming such a big girl so fast?! Speaking of big, she was the only girl on the back pew because she’s so tall. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I love you my Sully girl. I am so so so incredibly proud of you my mooks.
  • Run like the wind bullseye! Not the most IG worthy picture, although that is Kensington Palace in the background, hey Kate! 👋🏻 But I'm doing it y'all. Registered for the @cooperriverbridgerun which is arguably Charleston's biggest race of the year. Have I ever run a 10k? Nope. Have I ever run a 5k? Yes, and it was six years ago. 🤣Watch me work... 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️
  • Throwback to one of the most Christmas-y places in London! Tonight we enjoyed our own little slice of Christmas with the Mount Pleasant parade (see Stories!) 🎄🎅 ☃️ We may not be spending our December abroad or in Hawaii this year, but gosh it sure does feel good to be home sweet home in Charleston!
  • Do you go to THERAPY? Why is that word so scary? 🚨 Why do we feel shame in saying we go? 👉🏻 Tonight in my Stories a bunch of strangers across the internet grouped together to share therapists they recommend in cities across the US and even in London. I feel like knowing who to go to is one of the hardest first steps, hopefully, we've helped you with that. 💗 👇🏻 Feel free to comment below, if you're comfortable, with any other therapist recommendations you'd like to share or tell us about your therapy experience!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ok so why the photo of me in the Sahara Desert for a 5am camel ride sunrise? 🐪 Well, soon after this photo was taken, I walked into a therapist's office in London. Why? Secondary infertility. I wrote about this on the blog (link in profile), but I felt so, so broken y'all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
All the travel we were doing was reminding me of all the joy, joy, joy down in my heart 😉 and I realized how this feeling of brokenness was dragging me down. And I didn't want it to turn into something bad. So off I went. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Over a year later and I've found my gal here in Charleston and I still go every month. 👍🏻 Even though I don't feel broken any longer. In fact, I feel optimistic and hopeful for our future adopted child. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 It's just good to talk it out y'all. To talk out everything occupying your brain space and keeping you up at night here or there. Not only that, but therapists have TOOLS. They're so equipped to teach you #allthethings you never even knew you needed to know!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As we go into the holidays 🎄 which admit it you guys, we put so much pressure and tie so much meaning to.... I want you to consider therapy. A lot of insurance providers will help you cover the cost. It doesn't hurt to book an appointment and see if it's for you. And you might have to shop around for the right fit, but you'll find it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At the end of the day, I believe that if we're all more mentally stable humans, we'll all contribute to a better, kinder world. 🌎
  • One thing I never got tired of during 14 weeks of guests visiting us in London (and most all of them staying with us in our 500 sq ft flat with 1 bathroom 😬)... was the afternoon tea!!! ☕️ Gah I just loved it. All my fancy tea party dreams from my childhood got to come true over and over! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Don’t miss it when you visit the UK! 🇬🇧 This was one of my favorites and top recommendations, The Park Room at @grosvenorhouselondon. Check on @opentable for the special reservation where a glass of bubbly 🥂 is included with your tea! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PS: Hit that little bookmark to save this post for later so you remember where to go when visiting London! 💂🏼‍♂️
  • Entrepreneur-ing and mom-ing like a boss this week y'all. I'll explain more soon. 😉 Have you gotten your ticket yet to my business @pinckneypalm's Master Your Social? 🎟 Seriously, get on it, I think I'm only going to sell 5️⃣ more seats and then close the program. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you're not in the know, MYS is my 6-week online social media coaching program, No, this is NOT an e-course or webinar. 🙅🏼‍♀️ This is me actually live teaching you a new topic each week, giving you the steps and resources to implement what we talk about, and then holding you accountable. Not to mention, throwing some epic online dance parties 💃🏼💃🏼 and having you join in community with other entrepreneurs. We start January 21st... wouldn't it be awesome to go into 2020 with a social media strategy and knowledge of all the tips and tricks?!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
So GO!!! Get your ticket via the link in my profile right now @erinn.phillips or at pinckneypalm.com/shop. 🌴 I seriously do a happy dance when I see your purchase come through. THANK YOU for supporting my small business!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Also, friends, we made up a cute gift card if you want to receive Master Your Social for Christmas 🎁 or if you want to gift it to someone else! 👉🏻 DM me with any questions on Master Your Social!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Photo: @anerisphotos
Dress: @cabanalife
  • Snapped in my element. Hunting for gems in the flea markets abroad. 🌏 The first deals I looked for on Cyber Monday? Flight deals! Go search @skyscanner, I even found NYC to London for less than $300 a person. Considering we have a baby on the way and no earthly idea when that baby gets here I didn't hit purchase but dang I wanted to. Y'all do it for me! ✈️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Psst... there may or may be a small batch of goodies coming to @theshopabroad just in time for you to snag Christmas gifts that are one of a kind (this time from German Christmas markets) 🇩🇪🎄🎁
  • December in Charleston means sandals and iced tea. ❄️ Ryan and I realized this past weekend that between his work travel and mine, plus family trips, we’ll cover 2 countries outside of the US and 3 states in addition to holiday travel throughout South Carolina in the month of December. 😬 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Weirdly, I’m not stressed about it. I’m just so excited to share with y’all what some of this travel is for (not a baby unfortunately, yet!) and to see so many good friends and family! 🎉

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