Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Update On Recent Interior Redesign/Home Staging Students

I am updating today because I have just received great feedback from a couple of newly certified members that are doing extremely well with their new interior redesign and home staging business! Although we can make no guarantee that every individual will be successful, we will do our best to arm each and everyone with the knowledge, tools and support necessary to establish their own business. It has been an absolute pleasure to travel the country and meet such talented, creative individuals!

Donna in North Carolina:
Hi Julie, I just wanted to let you know that I just completed my first payed redesign! I helped a friend rearrange an extra bedroom into an area that she could also use as an office with a table for deep tissue massages. It turned out beautiful and she was very pleased. I could not have done this without the training that you provided in your workshop. I even felt prepared for the pre shopping portion of the redesign. Thank you so much for all you did for us last month!

Kate in Virginia:
Julie, I have to tell you that your workshop and training was wonderful! Worth every penny! I spent months researching other training programs and yours was the one I chose and I am so glad I did! Not only did I have a great time and meet new friends, but the instruction you provided was perfect for what I needed in order to establish my own business! In a matter of three months, I have been able to set up a wonderful business and have clients contacting me from near and far! Beautiful homes are truly my passion and I have you to thank for providing the training I needed in order to make an income doing what I truly love to do. I thank you even more for continuing to provide guidance and tips even after the class and helping me along the way! Julie, you rock!

We are continuously working toward helping our members succeed. We have added a monthly chat with voice, a separate chat group (to share ideas and help each other) and have recently begun planning our first annual conference. Check back for updates!


Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Hickory, NC Traveling Interior Redesign/Home Staging Workshop



We are happy to announce that the Hickory, North Carolina interior redesign/home staging workshop was a terrific success! We would also like to send a special thank you to Cheryl, the workshop coordinator. She did a fabulous job in coordinating the project homes and made the training one of our most spectacular ever!! Her website may be viewed at http://www.justheavenlydecor.com/
Not only did we learn all about interior redesign and home staging, but we also learned a little bit about interior painting. We were extremely fortunate to have another professional painter in the group and decided to go ahead and tackle the daunting task of painting a couple of rooms during the training. It was a great learning experience in that not only were we able to complete the color analysis, we actually dug in, rolled up our sleeves and rolled out the paint. It was a lot of work, very long days but extremely rewarding for all of us. The ladies involved were terrific and had no problem working harder than they ever thought they would. In case anyone is wondering, I did NOT share the painting experience with my insurance agent. I am certain that his head would have popped off once he realized that I was assuming the risk of four additional ladies, slinging paint brushes while climbing a rickety old wooden ladder! Oh well, what he doesn't know wont hurt him! The transformations were fabulous and the reveals were dynamite!
Thank you ladies for inviting me down to North Carolina to spend the week with you. It was an absolute pleasure working with each and every one!! I have to mention that the bbq was a real experience that I will NEVER forget. Thanks for the memory! LOL!

Check the website at http://www.allaboutredesign.com/ for updated information and new photos.
Comments from Becky (she traveled from Tennessee):
The Opportunity of a Lifetime!
The All About Redesign workshop was truly one of the best things I have ever done in my life and/or for myself. What a hands on learning experience! Everyday held an Interior Redesign task as it is seen on HGTV. I can’t even begin to touch on all that was taught, all that was learned and all that was shared! IT WAS TRULY AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFE TIME. The people that I met were as if I had known them all my life. What a wonderful group to have been blessed with! Kathy a professional painter, Donna a natural at interior redesign and Cheryl, thanks for being our sponsor and having such unbelievable accessories and for setting up the homes for each of the three days! (We even changed rooms by doing the painting)! Julie you are an amazing instructor! Thanks for your “All About Redesign Interior Decorating and Training Center!
For those of you that are interested in training, you will never find another as full of expertise as this one!!!
This is something I have wanted to do all my life and now I have the best hands on qualified certification anyone could ask for!!!
Thanks Julie and all of the girls!!! I’m looking forward to our conference!!
REBECCA B. OLTERMAN

Comments from Kathy (our professional painter):
Thank you so very much!! I don't know when I've had as much fun and worked so hard and loved every minute of it. It was a great pleasure to work with you and I soooooo appreciate all you did to put this workshop together. I got home just after midnight and was still so keyed up I couldn't sleep. I am really tired today but in a good way. I came away with great ideas, wonderful memories, new friends and worked with the best!! This was just the best and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I am so glad I chose your class, from all the others I could have chosen. I can't wait to see the other pics and can't wait to get started on my next project. I am looking at my own home in an entirely new light. I am just excited about the whole process. Again, I thank you and I will keep in touch. If you see the other girls today, please tell them how much I appreciate all that I learned from them and enjoyed every minute of trial and error all the way to victory. The rooms were just amazing and the faces of the clients at the reveals was just priceless. All About Redesign is Tops. Have a safe trip home and God bless you.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Home Staging/Redesign Workshop Scheduled in Hickory, North Carolina


We're gearing up for another Home Staging/Interior Redesign workshop and are headed to Hickory, North Carolina, September 12-14! The workshop coordinator is in place, and there are still four spots available.
The training workshop is very hands-on and extremely fast paced. You will be rearranging and redesigning rooms the very first afternoon. If you have ever dreamed of starting your own business, have a natural decorating talent or just looking for a professional group to join... This is it!
Interior redesign and home staging are sweeping the nation and are fast becoming highly regarded interior decorating alternatives. In addition to learning the principles and concepts of this industry, we will instruct you in every aspect of business start-up, pricing services and conducting consultations.
Not only will you walk away knowing all about redesign and staging, you will also walk away with great new friends! The AARC supports new members with a one page listing on the national website, monthly group chats in addition to our online network group. You will never feel alone as you start and grow your new business!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Richmond, Virginia Interior Redesign/Home Staging Workshop a Complete Success!


I just returned from Richmond, Virginia where we had quite a successful interior redesign/home staging workshop. Lori, the workshop coordinator did an outstanding job in locating our project homes. In fact, thanks to Lori's careful planning, we completed a total of ELEVEN room transformations! Everyone worked very hard but had a lot of fun in the process. The final day was the the most rewarding for me personally because we were invited into the home of a single father with two sons. Everyone knows how typical bachelors live so you can imagine the challenge. Our new ladies were up to the task and did an outstanding job! The reveal was my all time personal favorite, so far. It rivaled anything I have seen on HGTV and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. I am talking tears of joy... It was simply amazing and I am so glad to have been part of it.
The ladies were the greatest! It was truly an honor to work with them and any client would be fortunate to have one of these women decorate/redecorate their home. They are each professional, creative and very talented individuals. I do highly recommend each and every one.
Lori, the workshop coordinator is located near Richmond, Virginia and will be working in the surrounding areas. Her business name is Arrange to Show and her website will be available soon.
Kate is based out of Stafford, Virginia and will be welcoming clients soon in that area. Her website is http://www.simplybeautifulspaces.com/
Cheryl will be working from Hickory, North Carolina. Currently you may contact her through her other business at http://www.heavenlyvacationcabins.com/
If you are in need of home staging, interior redesign, redecorating services or just need a little decorating advice, please contact one of our professionals. They will show you just how easy and affordable working with them can be!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Accepting Applications for Interior Redesign/Home Staging Workshop Near Beech Mountain, North Carolina!


Professional Training in the Arts of Interior Redesign and Home Staging is Traveling to a City Near You!
Wouldn't you love to train in this gorgeous house? The owner has graciously volunteered the property for an interior redesign/home staging seminar! If you live out of state, you may even be given the opportunity to stay in this fabulous home and save the additional hotel expense involved with traveling!
View more photos at http://www.mtnhome4sale.com/
Three days is all that is needed to complete training and become a professional in the exciting alternative decorating world of Interior Redesign and Home Staging. Come join us as we travel the country to learn all about redesign and home staging! This fast paced workshop has students moving furniture and redesigning rooms the very first afternoon. It is an extremely hands-on training seminar which combines morning lecture with actual in home practice.
This three day professional workshop includes a minimum of FIVE hands-on interior redesign/home staging projects. The before and after room photos are always a terrific addition to each members new portfolio. There is also actual client contact during the workshop, which enables students to participate in the always exciting room reveal. This contact is essential for a successful learning experience. Students are given the opportunity to observe client interaction and gain the experience and confidence needed to succeed.
Some of the topics covered are:
Professional Standards
How to Find Clients
Initial Client Contact
Gaining Credibility Quickly
Contracts vs. Proposals
Pricing Services
Follow Up and Referrals
Important Business Affiliations
'Sweet 16' Proven Marketing Strategies
Marketing Tips (70+ very affordable)
Wholesale...How and Where
Writing a Business Plan
Taxes and insurance
In addition, the course includes:
Our illustrated 100 Plus Page Training Manual
Business Plan Sample
Tool Kit
Decorating Assistant Kit
Color Tools
Form Templates Upon completion of the workshop, new members receive a framed designation certificate, and a FREE ONE YEAR POSTING on our national website. Ongoing assistance is also provided so new members will never feel alone. In addition, all members become eligible to join the Interior Design Society, gaining additional credibility for their new businesses.
Please check availability as classes are strictly limited to six new members and fill quickly!

For more information please visit our national website at:
http://www.allaboutredesign.com/
or call toll free 1-877-826-9719

Interior Redesign/Home Staging Workshop Headed for Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Come join us in Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 22-24, 2007 to learn all about redesign and home staging!

This fast paced workshop has students moving furniture and redesigning rooms the very first afternoon. It is an extremely hands-on training seminar which combines morning lecture with actual in home practice.

This three day professional workshop includes a minimum of FIVE hands-on interior redesign/home staging projects.
The before and after room photos are always a terrific addition to each members new portfolio. There is also actual client contact during the workshop, which enables students to participate in the always exciting room reveal. This contact is essential for a successful learning experience. Students are given the opportunity to observe client interaction and gain the experience and confidence needed to succeed.
Some of the topics covered are:
Professional standards, how to find clients, initial client contact, gaining credibility quickly, contracts vs. proposals, pricing services, follow up and referrals, important business affiliations, 'sweet 16' proven marketing strategies, marketing tips (70+ very affordable), wholesale...how and where, writing a business plan, taxes and insurance.
In addition, the course includes:
Our illustrated 100 plus page training manual, business plan sample, tool kit, Decorating Assistant Kit, color tools, and form templates.Upon completion of the workshop, new members receive a framed designation certificate, and a FREE ONE YEAR POSTING on our national website. Ongoing assistance is also provided so new members will never feel alone.In addition, all members become eligible to join the Interior Design Society, gaining additional credibility for their new businesses.Please check availability as classes are strictly limited to six new members and fill quickly.
For more information please visit our website at: http://www.allaboutredesign.com/
Or call toll free: 1-877-826-9719
The All About Redesign Center
Twin Cities, Minnesota

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Interior Redesign & Home Staging ~ Traveling Trainer Program!

Professional training for the arts of Interior Redesign and Home Staging has hit the road! With as few as three students you may host a training workshop in your town saving you hundreds of dollars in traveling and hotel expenses!

The decorating fields of Interior Redesign and Home staging are fast gaining recognition as credible and lucrative business choices! The All About Redesign Decorating Center has noticed an increased demand for training from all over the Nation. With this in mind, they have decided to provide yet another hands-on training opportunity. With the announcement of the Traveling Trainer Program they immediately had requests to hit the road! By providing students the option of training in their own towns, the AARC has enabled many aspiring decorating professionals the chance to learn their program… Without the additional travel expense of flying to their location in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

“Now is the perfect time to become involved in these creative decorating arts and start your own business.” Says Julie Rieman, the founder of All About Walls and the Redesign Center. “The exciting fields of Interior Redesign and Home Staging are sweeping the Nation. The demand for Interior Redesign and Home Staging professionals is fast increasing as many busy homeowners are seeking affordable decorating solutions. Most projects can be completed in one afternoon... For less than the cost of replacing a sofa!” She goes on to state “It is my passion to assist other people in changing and improving their lives. Having been a single mother, I know how difficult it can be to sometimes even pay the bills. I have created an affordable and professional training program that does just that. Now that my children are raised I can travel more easily than many of my students so I thought, why not?”

The All About Redesign Center currently has training classes scheduled for St. Louis, Missouri – October, 2006 and Lake Havusu City, Arizona – January, 2007. Workshops require a minimum of three students with a maximum of six for optimal hands-on learning. Included in the workshop is a 100 plus page illustrated training manual, and all the decorating tools and supplies a professional decorator needs. The training program also provides important business start-up and marketing tips to ensure each student’s success. Upon completion of the training program each student will become eligible to join another nationally recognized decorating organization, thus gaining instant credibility! Compare other Interior Redesign and Home Staging Programs and you will see why the All About Redesign Center is sweeping the nation! With requests coming in daily, expect to see the training workshop coming to a town near you!
~ Julie
www.allaboutredesign.com

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Interior Redesign & Home Staging ~ The Smart Business Choice

Have you have been considering Interior Redesign or Home Staging as a new career path or a business venture? There are several different facts you should discover when selecting a training course. You will want to invest your money wisely and choose the redesign training that best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
Since the alternative field of Interior Redesign is fast growing and projected to gain in recognition now is the time to get started! With the popularity of budget conscience interior decorating programs, redesign professionals are in demand.
Many training centers are beginning to pop up all over the Nation as this affordable decorating field is beginning to take off! Following are some important questions you should ask of each potential trainer. By following this simple guideline, you can be certain you are getting the best experience possible.
1. Ask the trainer what their credentials and experience are in the field.

2. Find out exactly what is involved during the training. Will you be involved with hand-on training and if so how many rooms?

3. If the training includes a manual, ask how many pages and what the font size is. Anything more than 12 pt. is usually not necessary.

4. Where will you be trained? Is it an actual classroom setting or held inside the instructor's home.

5. Will you have actual client contact? This is extremely important if you have never dealt with a client of your own.

6. What tools and or marketing materials are included with the training? Important to consider when estimating your start-up costs.

7. Will you receive a certificate of completion or is some type of certification offered? Find out if this is included in the training or an additional charge.

8. How accessible will the trainer be upon completion of the program. Will you be able to contact him/her with questions that may arise!

9. What will you gain by their affiliation? Important to discover if there are any annual fees or dues going forward.

10. Will you be listed on the website you most likely found the training at? If so, request all cost's involved.

A reputable instructor will gladly offer you all this information before you agree to anything. Be very skeptical of someone that you do not feel is being completely up-front and honest with you.
Finally, I recommend contacting at least one previous student to get a referral for the training program.
~ Julie
www.allaboutredesign.com

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Home Staging - Dealing With Sensitvie Situations

What do you do if you are a real estate professional and you have just walked into a home you know can sell for more money with just a few simple changes?

Selling a home often takes the homeowner through several emotional stages. Leaving the place they have called home and love exactly the way it is can be difficult for many people. The last thing your client wants to hear is that their home isn't "good enough."

When making common sense -everyone should know- suggestions you often walk a fine line of being insulting or helpful. You don't want to risk a losing a potential new listing by trying to help your client face the facts. This is where a home staging expert can help! Teaming-up with a knowledgeable professional will increase your bottom line and will help you obtain new listings.
When working with a staging pro, let them do the dirty work for you.

Examples:
Make the beds everyday.
Remove the dated wallpaper.
Wash the windows and walls.Do the dishes and clean daily.
Remove family photos...etc.
Neutralize and de-clutter.

Not only will the blame be squarely on the home stager if the property doesn't sell in two minutes, but you will remain the real estate professional they have hired.
Remember that you will want to work with a staging professional you get along with. They will be your second-string, so to speak. You want to work with only someone that will compliment you and reaffirm your clients choice to work with you!

Consider paying for the staging service yourself. You can offer this service as a signing gift and deduct it from your taxes. Either way, it is a win-win for the busy real estate agent. You will never have to worry about dealing with a sensitive situation again!

Julie Rieman is an accomplished instructor in the arts faux painting and interior redesign. She offers two and four day classroom or online interior redesign training. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can invite Julie into your home for a personalized consultation.
For more information about any of her decorating services and training opportunities please visit: http://www.allaboutredesign.com and http://www.allaboutwalls.net

Home Staging: Room by Room Tips to Sell Your Home

Many home buyers will search online before contacting anyone. When trying to attract a potential buyer you want your home to stand out in this tightening market.
The only thing worse than NO picture is having a BAD picture listed. Remember... you never have a second chance to make a first impression and a picture is worth a thousand words?
Keep this in mind when having your home or listing photographed for the MLS and before posting it online.

Tips to remember before and during the photo shoot.

Curb appeal. This is often the first photo a potential buyer will view. If the home was listed during the winter months and not sold, update the picture to reflect the current season. If a buyer sees snow in the landscape, they immediately know the listing is old and wonder why.

The Kitchen. This is an extremely important room to everyone. For the photos sake...remove the magnets and children's artwork from the refrigerator! Also, hide the trash bin from sight. Nobody wants to look at the garbage, it is not attractive and leads to the conclusion that the space is small.

The Bedrooms. No matter the number of bedrooms in your property, you may want to consider neutralizing each one. A fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable solution. Change that pink or blue child's room to a boring tan or taupe. It will immediately attract a larger audience of buyers. If you have wallpaper-remove it quick!

The Bath. Try to create a spa-like environment. This can be accomplished by placing towels with matching candles on the counter tops. Use a neutral palette and match the shower curtain. Remove all hygiene products!

Living and Family Rooms. First it is important to remove any unnecessary furniture and personal collections to make the space appear as large as possible. Hide all VHS tapes, DVD movies and audio accessories. Potential buyers do not care about your extensive collections. They want to visualize their own possessions in these rooms.

Laundry Room. For God's sake...hide the dirty laundry! Not only is this a reflection of your housekeeping skills but buyers will be turned-off to your home. Nobody wants to look at your dirty underwear. You do NOT want to leave that visual in a buyers mind!

Home staging is all about setting the "stage" for your property to put it in it's best light. Whether you are an agent or home seller, following the room by room tips will help you accomplish just that!
Author ~ Julie Rieman
Instructor ~ All ABout Redesign Decorating Center
www.allaboutredesign.com