From using a programmable thermostat to deploying “light staging,” here are some things to consider when selling a vacant house.

Insuring a vacant home

Linda Zenker, an associate broker with Re/Max Choice in Fairfax, Va., says homeowners need to check their homeowners insurance policy to see if their coverage changes when they no longer live there.

“Both your insurance company and your lender need to know if you move out, particularly because they will want to know you have taken some precautions to protect the property from damage,” says Veronica Gonzales, an associate broker with Keller Williams Realty in Albuquerque, N.M.

Securing a Vacant Home

Gonzales suggests setting up a few lamps on timers to make a home look as if someone lives in it.

“You need someone to check on the home frequently to make sure the doors are locked and deliveries are picked up to protect the property from vandals,” says Gonzales. “You can even set an alarm as a deterrent, which works even if you don’t have it monitored because the sound will go off whenever a door or window is opened.”

CJ Wright, a Realtor with ERA Dan Jones and Assoc. in Jacksonville, Fla., recommends turning the slats of window blinds up so that passersby cannot see that the home is vacant, yet light filters in for visitors to the property.

Foiling vandals is important. “The first challenge here in Florida is to secure your air conditioner since people will steal the condenser or steal the copper from the inside of the unit,” Wright says. “You can either move it indoors or build a cage around the air conditioner to protect it.”

Maintaining a Vacant Home

Protecting your home is not only a matter of securing it against vandals, but also making sure the property isn’t damaged by frozen pipes or a leak. Property values can deteriorate, too, if you don’t keep the grass cut and the interior clean.

“Use a programmable thermostat to keep the house relatively cool in summer and warm enough in winter,” Zenker says. “Make sure you change the battery before you move out and change the batteries in the smoke detector. A beeping battery signals that the house has been neglected.”

Zenker adds: “You should occasionally run the water in the faucets, run the dishwasher and flush the toilets to make sure everything is working and to eliminate sour smells from unused systems.”

Staging a Vacant Home

Real estate experts have a few tricks to warm up an empty home.

Gonzales uses “light staging” such as placing shower curtain and towels in the bathrooms and kitchen; placing a bowl of fake fruit or a wine bottle with glasses on the kitchen counter; and setting a small table or plant on the balcony.

Wright sometimes puts a place setting or a cake pan with a box of mix on a breakfast bar to warm up a kitchen.

“I’ll sometimes leave a few books or toys in a small bedroom so that the kids can play while the parents look around,” says Wright. “I also put a wicker chair with a throw and a book in the family room or sitting room, or movies and a chair in the media room.”

Zenker says an area rug works well to define rooms, especially in a home with an open floor plan.

In many locations, organizations such as Showhomes  place temporary “home managers” in your home along with their furniture in order to give a home a lived-in look. The home managers maintain the home and are required to make it available to buyers and real estate agents at all times. Depending on the company and individual arrangements, hosting a short-term home manager  for the homeowner would require a small fee.

On the positive side, Zenker says a vacant home with just a few pieces of furniture can sometimes be more appealing than a cluttered home.

Lorelie and Coy Brown’s Showhomes Charleston also puts people in the vacant homes; people who move in until the house sells, keep things tidy, mow the lawn and pay the utility bills.

Showhomes is a national franchise built around the idea that occupied homes sell faster and for higher prices while reducing homeowners’ carrying costs and deterring vandalism. It’s a twist on the practice known as home staging.

Home staging involves making residential properties more attractive to potential buyers, typically by decorating vacant homes with furniture, art and other touches.

“You have to have everything from the hand towels in the bathroom to a full master bedroom,” said Coy Brown, standing in Showhomes’ small warehouse of furniture, lamps, rugs and accessories.

Living arrangement

Home managers are screened by the Browns, and on average may live in a home for five or six months. When the home is sold, Showhomes could move the managers to another home.

The home managers may be people relocating to the area who aren’t ready to buy, the Browns said, or people who need a temporary home while they are building one of their own. The homes are typically higher-end properties.

“Normally, it’s people who are in transition,” Coy Brown said.

The Browns of Isle of Palms decided to become franchisees in 2010 after Lorelie Brown’s mother learned about Showhomes while looking for a home in Florida.

“He still has the email I sent saying: We ought to look into this,” Lorelie Brown said, referring to her husband.

At the time, she was busy home-schooling the Browns’ three children and he was working in residential construction.

They did their research and decided to take the plunge and now have the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester market for Showhomes.

The home-staging aspect of the business allows Lorelie Brown to tap her training in design. She used to design day-care centers.

‘Learning curve’
The Browns have been running the business for 16 months now, primarily serving clients in Charleston County.

“There’s a big learning curve in teaching Realtors and homeowners about what we do,” Coy Brown said.

He said one home they staged previously had been on the market for more than 18 months and then sold in 29 days. While such results aren’t typical, Showhomes says occupied, staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than other listings.

“When we stage a home, we hold an open house for agents, with a full lunch,” he said.

That way, listing agents get a fresh look at the newly occupied and decorated house.

In February, the Showhomes Home Staging organization recognized the Browns’ franchise with a “circle of excellence” award for customer service and a “best in staging design rising star” award for home staging, in competition with other franchises open less than 18 months.

“Once a home is foreclosed, banks want it off the books as soon as possible, but too often just the opposite happens,” said Matt Kelton, Showhomes COO. “So many distressed properties, especially the high-end houses, sit empty and deteriorate quickly. They don’t stand out and they attract low-ball offers that lower property values.”

Showhomes of Naperville is working with bankers and asset managers to help them preserve foreclosed listings, minimize costs, reduce insurance exposure and sell homes for higher prices. The service is attractive because Showhomes picks up utility bills, handles minor maintenance and takes care of cleaning. Best of all, banks don’t pay don’t pay monthly staging fees, making it an inexpensive staging option for banks handling foreclosed homes.

“We got our start 25 years ago helping banks stage foreclosed homes and today, our service is just as valuable,” said Kelton. “Nationally, banks can save millions by using Showhomes. It’s a no-brainer for any sized bank.”

Although the number of Chicago foreclosures is gradually decreasing, it continues to pose an issue in the housing market.  According to numbers released by the Illinois Foreclosure Listing Service, in December of 2011, the new foreclosure filings in Cook County increased by 14.32% while in the rest of Chicago land the number of new filings have dropped on average by 11%. In DuPage County, new foreclosure filings also saw increase of 9.86%.  In Chicago, the number of properties sold at foreclosure auctions in December have increased by 13.14%, a total of 3,048, compared to November of 2011 and by 81.00% compared to December 2010.

Nashville, Tennessee –

The nationally franchised company has become America’s largest home staging provider since it opened its doors in 1986, and it currently has a network of more than 70 franchise locations across the country.  Despite the tough real estate market, the company continues to add new, thriving locations by focusing on quality customer service and excellence in staging design.

“Showhomes has a unique business model that has shown consistent growth over the past 25 years,” says Matt Kelton, Chief Operating Officer of Showhomes.  “We have great momentum as a company, and demand for our services has been greater than ever.  We have franchise owners who have joined Showhomes over the last 3 years from a number of industries who have thrived, from real estate, to hospitality, to health care, to banking and more.”

Support for franchisees is something the Corporate team does not take lightly, as evidenced by the recent ranking as one of the Top 50 Franchise Companies by the prestigious Franchise Business Review, a national franchise market research firm that surveys thousands of franchise owners each year and evaluates the comprehensive findings to reveal overall franchisee satisfaction.   This is the fourth year in a row Showhomes has made the prominent list.

“We have the cutting edge tools to support franchises as they ramp up, and we are here to guide them along the way,” continued Kelton.  “Over the next 10 years we plan on aggressive growth nationwide as more and more people are looking to leave the uncertainty of corporate America and take advantage of our franchise model.”

The announcement also comes on the heels of another honor – a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list.  Showhomes ranked high in several categories, including best Home Based Franchises and Fastest Growing Franchises for the second year in a row.

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Stagers Association.  The company has been featured on such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money Magazine.

For more information on Showhomes Home Staging, visit www.showhomes.com or call (615) 292-0892.

Minneapolis, MN – The

Montgomery is doing a complete home staging for the recently renovated property, including all furnishings, artwork and décor.  The current project will be the second time HGTV has featured Montgomery’s interior décor work.  A home she designed and staged was featured recently on The DIY Network, a branch of HGTV featuring renovation projects of all kinds.  The show was seen by millions of households.  “Many people called me from around the country asking about the furnishings, artwork and accessories we used,” said Montgomery.

“Any good designer has to design with the class and style of the house in mind,” continues Montgomery.  “Inspiration comes from every single vacant space.  When I view a home, I take into consideration the placement of windows, doors, wall color, flooring, and the atmosphere of the home.  Presentation and attention to detail is everything in my world.”

Montgomery has been with Showhomes for close to nine years.   “Any house can benefit from beautifully designed spaces, whether it’s for sale, for rent or for living,” commented Montgomery.  “Anytime you stage or design well, that home benefits.  One of the mottos I live by is ‘Design, Inspire, Sell.’”

Showhomes Minneapolis, which has closed on over 65 homes a year for the past two years, was awarded for its success at the recent 2012 Showhomes Annual Conference.  The franchise won awards for being in the top five franchise locations for Most Move Ins, Fastest Sell Time, Fastest Average Fill Time and Most Homes Sold.  The location also won the coveted highest revenue award, and has been number one in revenue for four years in a row.

An eye for detail and aesthetic such as Montgomery’s is important to the Showhomes business model.  “I’m sold on Showhomes,” says Montgomery.  “We’ve grown year after year, in both good and bad economies.   A well designed space is always an advantage to the homeowners we serve.”

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Association, and has been a top-ranked franchise by the Franchise Business Review. The company has been featured in such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money Magazine to name a few.

For more information on Showhomes Home Staging, visit www.showhomes.com or call (615) 292-0892.

Nashville, Tennessee – For the fourth year in a row, Showhomes Home Staging is ranked as one of the Top 50 Franchise Companies by the prestigious Franchise Business Review, a national franchise market research firm that surveys thousands of franchise owners per year and evaluates the comprehensive findings to reveal overall franchisee satisfaction.

“It is not surprising that Showhomes ranked again as a Top 50 Franchise,” says Lorelie Brown, franchise owner of Showhomes Charleston.  “The opportunity provided through Showhomes is not only a unique and distinctive service, but it also offers flexibility for franchisees to meet the needs of their individual markets, as well as in their personal lives.”

Those franchisees surveyed for the findings answered questions regarding training and support, the overall franchise system, the franchisor relationship, financial opportunity, and much more.  The survey is now the largest survey of franchise satisfaction in existence.

Franchisee satisfaction is something the Corporate team does not take lightly. “Showhomes is dedicated to giving its associates the support they need to thrive,” says Matt Kelton, Chief Operating Officer of Showhomes. “A strong training and education structure is one of the most vital elements of the Showhomes Advantage. “

The ranking comes on the heels of another honor – a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list.  Showhomes ranked high in several categories, including best Home Based Franchises and Low Cost Franchises for the second year in a row.

“Showhomes is solidly supportive” continued Lorelie Brown.  “The entire network feels like one big family.  We knew that these aspects were critical for franchisee success and satisfaction, and we consider ourselves privileged to be part of the growing Showhomes story.”

Since opening in 1986, Showhomes has become America’s largest homes staging provider and currently has a network of more than 70 franchise locations nationwide.  Despite the tough housing market, the company continues to add new, successful locations by focusing on quality customer service and staging design.  Having surpassed its franchise expansion goals for the past two years, Showhomes is experiencing continued growth in 2012 with its many successful franchisees.

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Association.  The company has been featured on such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money Magazine.

For more information on Showhomes Home Staging, visit www.showhomes.com or call (615) 292-0892.

SHOWHOMES FOX VALLEY WINS 2012 FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

February  17, 2012

Batavia, IL – Showhomes Fox Valley was awarded the top honor of Franchise of the Year at the 2012 Annual Conference in Orlando this month.  The award recognizes the franchisee that has consistently run a sound business with operational excellence and participation, quality dealings with customers, and helped to promote the overall vision of Showhomes with consistency throughout the year.

“It feels amazing for Fox Valley to have won this award – we were all very surprised,” says Carolyn Leard, General Manager of the franchise.  “Over the past three years, we’ve had steady growth at a pace that has allowed us to learn something new with each home, each homeowner, and each realtor we’ve worked with.  If we had a struggle, we learned from our mistakes and moved forward.  We’re very fortunate to have a team where everyone has a specific talent, but we all pitch in to help each other as well.”

The highly prestigious award was presented by Bert Lyles, Showhomes CEO.  “Fox Valley has been an exemplary Showhomes franchise, delivering extremely high quality services to clients,” says Lyles.  “Mike and Janine Callahan and their team are extremely hard working and dedicated to providing a superior customer experience.  Their hard work has paid off handsomely with growth in the business over the past year. “

The Fox Valley team recognizes the efforts of Showhomes Corporate as essential to the success of the business as a whole and each franchise.  “Franchises get so much support from corporate headquarters and other franchisees, “continued Leard.  “Everyone shares their tools for success to help others, and rejoices in the success of other franchises.”

Mike Callahan opened Showhomes Fox Valley in January of 2009 and looks forward to continued growth and expansion of areas served, building relationships with Realtors and homeowners.

Fox Valley also took home a President’s Club Award, a Fastest Average Sell Time Award, and a Revenue Award.

Showhomes is a nationally franchised company based in Nashville, TN., with more than 70 franchises across the country.  They provide real estate business opportunities to people in all walks of life through the unique business model of staging vacant houses and training live-in Home Managers to stage and maintain the homes while they are on the market, helping them to sell faster.

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Association, and has been a top-ranked franchise by the Franchise Business Review. The company has been featured in such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money Magazine to name a few.

For more information on Showhomes Home Staging, visit www.showhomes.com or call (615) 292-0892.

Orlando, FL –

The three day conference included a trade show, franchisee panel discussions, presentations on growth strategies by industry experts, and plenty of opportunities to make connections.

“It’s nice to get to connect with other franchise owners, and to look forward to growth,” says Jeff Ross, Franchise owner of the Little Rock and Memphis locations. “We can all help each other.”

The corporate team also presented awards to successful franchise owners, such as President’s Club Awards, Ambassador Awards and the Rising Star award.  The prestigious Franchise of the Year Award was presented to the Fox Valley location and owner Michael and Janine Callahan.

“Showhomes is a company dedicated to providing its associates with the support they need to succeed,” says Matt Kelton, Chief Operating Officer of Showhomes. “A strong training and education structure is one of the most vital elements of the Showhomes Advantage.  Like other national real estate organizations, our Annual Conference is considered ongoing education for both new and veteran franchisees.  If you talk to any top performing franchisee they will tell you that some of their best ideas, best relationships, and most fun they have experienced at Showhomes have been at Conference.”

The conference celebrated the record year Showhomes had in 2011, when the company reported a year-to-date sales increase of 14%, and six out of the last seven years of double-digit growth, making it one of the best franchise opportunities available. Showhomes now has 72 locations in 24 states and is quickly expanding their coast to coast reach.

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Association, and has been a top-ranked franchise by the Franchise Business Review. The company has been featured in such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money magazine to name a few.

For more information on Showhomes Home Staging, visit www.showhomes.com or call (615) 292-0892.

“We are thrilled that Showhomes Home Staging has made this prestigious list for a second year in a row,” says Matt Kelton, Chief Operation Officer of Showhomes Franchise Corporation. “Our unique business model has been delivering values to customers around the country for over 25 years. To be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine is an honor that we don’t take lightly. Our franchisees are the key element in helping Showhomes experience 25% average growth per year over the last seven years.”

Showhomes ranked 45th for the second year in a row in the Low-Cost Franchises category, which shows the top franchises that can be started for an investment of under $50,000.

In the 2012 Homebased Franchises category, Showhomes ranked 75th. This category ranks the top franchise opportunities that can be run within the home, a valuable option that plays in to the low-cost benefit of the Showhomes business model.

The unique Showhomes business model focuses on staging vacant houses and training live-in Home Managers to stage and maintain the homes while they are on the market, helping them to sell faster while also providing a business opportunity during these slow economic times.

Showhomes is a member of the International Franchise Association and the Real Estate Staging  Association, and has been a top-ranked franchise by the Franchise Business Review. The company has been featured in such media outlets as: CNN, Oprah, HGTV, Travel Channel, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Money magazine to name a few.

In recent years, especially since the housing market tumble, home staging has become the secret to selling a home. Only it’s not really a secret anymore.

According to Matt Kelton, COO of Showhomes Home Staging, the entire mindset of home selling has shifted, and investing in home staging to help sell a home has become mainstream.

“I don’t know why a homeowner would choose not to stage a home,” says Kelton. “It is a sure way to shorten the sales time and often increases the sales price. It’s the best investment you can make.”

Showhomes was in the home staging arena before it was a household word. On the cutting edge of the industry with its unique twist on traditional home staging,  Showhomes uses live-in Home Managers to occupy, stage and care for vacant houses while they are on the market for sale.

In a recent Showhomes Realtor survey, 96 percent of real estate professionals said fully staged homes sell for higher prices than vacant houses. Another survey by the Real Estate Staging Association recently found that staged homes spent 78 percent less time on the market than the time they spent before staging.

Here are Showhomes Home Staging top 10 tips that work for any home:

• Start with curb appeal. Potential buyers will drive right by your house if they don’t like what they see. Remove yard toys, bikes or other clutter. Keep the yard mowed and trimmed, re-mulch beds and add flowers for some color.

• All buyers pass through the front door – clean and repaint the door if needed, place a healthy plant and new doormat to give it some life.

• Pack up everything but the basics. Small decorative items distract from a room and can make a room appear cluttered. Use larger decorative items and fewer pictures.

• Cold and shiny floors can be quickly warmed up with tasteful rugs.

• Soften the light in a room. Overhead light can make a room appear harsh and unwelcoming. Soft light from table and floor lamps will warm up an otherwise cold-feeling room.

• Re-think your wallpaper. Unless the wallpaper is new and neutral, it will likely detract from the way a room feels. Neutral colors are best to repaint with.

• Clean out garages and closets. Most buyers search for larger homes and need more space. Crowded garages and closets send a ‘this house is too small’ message.

• Less is more in the kitchen. Use a newer coffee pot, a few cookbooks and some colored accent towels to make it appear spacious.

• Depersonalize rooms. Pack away family photos, ethnic and religious art. For most buyers, it is easier to visualize a room without distracting personal items.

• Invest in staging and a live-in Home Manager to occupy the home. Occupied and staged homes require less of an up front investment from a homeowner and often outsell vacant houses.