Home Staging: The Best & The WORST | Open House | Design Time

[@nikkil764]

We were amazed how little cleaning people do before an open house. We cleaned and fixed every little thing before putting our house on the market. Some people don’t even wash the dirty dishes in the kitchen.

[@citticat2]

I would just pass these homes up. Not many people want to view a filthy house on line let alone in person.

[@natalieadams1469]

House A is similar to a house we considered buying! Not only filled with stuff, but sooooo many dolls in every room! Some neatly tucked into beds, some sitting in chairs, etc. creeped us out!

[@lorrainegoulart4602]

Love how honest you are...It is interesting when you go to an open house to see how people live. I went to an open house and in the bedroom ants were crawling on the dresser. When I sold my Mother's house the realtor suggested staging it. It looked so nice and sold for way above asking. Worth the investment.

[@Apsaramain]

Super excited about your new channel - you are so talented in many ways!!

[@saubery2707]

I've noticed that staged homes look great in photos and often sell quickly. I sometimes wish to live in a staged home they look so nice. This is 2022 and I watched your video from 3 years ago for the first time. I noticed house B has the current trendy colors of black, white and gray. The color theme in my house leans towards the browns or beige. I notice in the background of your own home that you have the same theme going....black, gray and white. Are you a little biased towards those colors as to what looks good? What if house B where staged, but with more beige colors and not black, white and gray, would you still like it? What if the kitchen cabinets doors are not white, gray or black would you advise a client to paint them?

[@jaxt7197]

House A is more common than one would think. There are a lot of people who have more money than taste. :D Awhile ago, I heard of a real estate office that had an "ozonator" air purifier that agent's could take to a smoker's house to use before any open houses. Apparently they are superb at removing smoke, animal, cooking/greasy, basically all bad odors in under an hour. I think I read that cigar bars use this type of purifier. I just subscribed - I think this is going to be a fun channel!

[@raisingforhim3186]

can you do a segment on your channel where people send you videos of their homes and you give suggestions over what you would change? and also I have another idea: rate/talk about celebrities homes!

[@DesignTime]

Great ideas!

[@MotorCityBurbs]

I love the suggestion of people sending video or pics of their home for advice! Also, it would be great to get insight on decorating/staging smaller homes!

[@MotorCityBurbs]

Ps. Total nerd here 🤓

[@zongbyrd]

Raising For Him great idea!!!

[@CB-oo9ht]

Very good idea!

[@nicolcacola]

The mattress against the wall was the icing on the cake. Just, wow.

[@sarahryan8052]

Loving this channel and hearing your ideas! You definitely know the importance of restraint in styling a home, and making it a calm, welcoming environment. Well done!

[@tinamartin1267]

So happy to be a part of this channel as it’s just starting out🤗 And hopefully, we’ll get to see some homes that you stage along the way. Can’t wait for more Design Time with Lou 😉😊❤️

[@DesignTime]

Thank you, Tina!!

[@tinamartin1267]

Design Time You’re so very welcome😁

[@cherylp7841]

Love your new channel! I love your taste and how you share it with us!!!

[@SmittenKitten.]

As for fragrance, what are your thoughts about candles, diffusers, oils warmers, etc.? Is it too much? Love this so much!!

[@DesignTime]

I like candles. Realtors often bake cookies right before an open house.

[@warmgulfwind]

I've heard of realtors baking bread rolls before showings too - the kind of dough that comes ready to bake in a tube.

[@slesseps]

SmittenKitten I was a Realtor. Scents are great, but keep it subtle. I’ve been in homes where they burnt incense and it was waaaay too much. Also, don’t leave candles burning- it’s not safe.

[@jessielu9734]

love your video style. clear, concise and informative

[@augustvukosovich4683]

House A actually scared me a little lol! There was some really creepy stuff in there. Even if I loved the house itself, and didn't care that they smoked, those freaking spooky dolls would give me nightmares at night that they were even in there!

[@RoxanneLavender]

I love this so much, seriously. This is very much my kind of thing. I love looking at houses.

[@karencrawford5491]

I live in England abd have a very old character cotrage which I have lived in for 46 years. Modern decor would look out of place in a cottage like mine. I get the decluttering and cleaning bit, but grey colours would just be depressing and are no longer trending. I had white in my kitchen but it looked cold and stark especially on snowy days. My furniture is in keeping with the character of my cottage and like I said it does not lend itself to modern styles. I shall, paint it a warm white or a neutral green clean it thouroughly, Declutter, new carpets and a couple of chimney pots should do it interior wise. I do need to replace the windows which will cost dearly but elevate the living conditions considerably and tidy the garden. Should I replace the windows?

[@DesignTime]

Short answer, yes. You will likely end up paying for new windows one way or another, whether it's in preparation for selling or when a buyer asks for a purchase credit to replace the windows. I think before would be more advantageous since it would become a great selling point and improve the overall look of your home.

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

I don’t have a lot of stuff out. Nearly everything is stored in the garage until we move in a couple of weeks. But I’m learning that I need to remove our hug red floral ikea sofas and find something neutral and more fitting for the living room ( I have a husband battling everything so it’s a struggle) also that I will never have this level of esthetic staged in my 1900s Victorian but wish I knew how to make it happen. Because wow, gorgeous. (No not the stinky creepy home)

[@josepaolotolosa]

Wow you are hilarious.. you actually had me LOL at your reaction for picture 2 lol.

[@andreasjohansson2339]

Great video Lou! I am really looking forward to this channel. I really like tips and tricks to make a beautiful home.

[@NoonSkyWings]

Hi Lo! I'd love it if you talked about house staging, it's very new to me, we don't have this were I live. When we rented our house it was a disaster, layers of dust, we had to pay about 1K$ for cleaning service to clean it before we moved to it.

[@kristineo6600]

I said it many, many times while watching your videos on Skip to My Lou (between laughing my ass off and shrieking, "I know, right?!"). Now I'm saying it again here! I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOU!!

[@DesignTime]

Kristine O Me too!

[@johndi1962]

Quite the difference but it workout be next to impossible to empty a loved in house to how house B looksed. Thie video does give an idea in what general direction to go.

[@aimee2234]

Congratulations on this super, new, fabulous channel. I wish you all my best, Lou! xoxo

[@DesignTime]

Thanks, Aimee!

[@lala_bee]

One of the projects that I had to do for a real estate class was to visit at least three open houses in the area and do a write up on each one to determine its appeal and sellability ( yeah, I made up a word.). We ended up checking out a few homes in the harbor, and it was a lot of fun. Some homes were staged, some were completely empty, and others had the occupants personal stuff, like house #1. But, if I see dolls, *shudders* I'm out if there.

[@hjk7824]

Also hire a professional to take photos of your home to post online! The number of crazy blurry photos we saw on listings was insane! Love the new channel 😍

[@ABCEasyas--]

That was an awesome house! As for the first one, their realtor needed to tell them to de-personalize and minimize the decor.

[@cases3394]

Great content already! I love home stuff so really excited about your new channel.

[@evelyntobias8081]

Whoever took the pictures of the nicer house is a pro. I also had pictures like that when I sold my house. I semi-staged my house and I am in no way a pro but I sold my house to the 1st person who came to look at it.

[@allisonramey3830]

I’m so excited for this channel!

[@candi187]

I am cracking tf up, i love your videos

[@pamw8102]

Oh gosh, house A is a realtor’s nightmare and house B is a realtor’s dream!! Great new channel!

[@lisetteperdomo4643]

Yeah, but a dream for a buyer, you can do wonders with house A, if you get it for the right price on the "right" "location" for that's all that really matters, " Location", Location", Location" , at least here in Sunny South Florida 🌞. That house will sell overnight if is a good deal, no body cares about other people's decor or clutter, the buyer isn't keeping it.

[@mariad7915]

I sat here saying, "Wow, Wow, Wow", after each picture. I showed my 17yo son and his first response was was also, then a few other comments finishing with, "Why?". :-/ Now as I continue to watch, two and half minutes into the video, I just keep saying, "Oh!" House B is just beautifully done. It is more along the lines of my personal minimalistic/modern style, but I think one could easily see adding his own personal touch and style too.

[@SmittenKitten.]

Lou, I hate to be this person, but... That age-reversal magic you're doing is too good. People are starting to notice!! You've always been gorgeous, but now you're pushing it. Give the rest of us some of that potion!

[@DesignTime]

hahah! it's the lighting!

[@jacmcw]

@@DesignTime , Yeah, whatever. But, seriously you look AMAZING in this *light*.

[@brieb777]

SmittenKitten I completely agree. I’ve been watching Lou for a while now, and I’ve noticed too. She’s so humble tho 🙄

[@evelyntobias8081]

I was thinking the same thing. I thought I was the only one. I think she is also using contour makeup??? Whatever you are doing, you look fabulous!

[@karmad4491]

Sorry to disagree- but dated hairstyle, too much eye makeup, too much cleavage. Distracting.

[@evepaludan7713]

I love your new channel and this video was excellent.

[@audrahollis5364]

If someone doesn't respect potential buyers enough to clean, edit, and remove ODORS, ..well, enough said

[@lisamclawrence2583]

You don’t know it,but you are extremely funny. Great video too. I laughed all the way through. Very informative though. I was happy that there was definitely a contrast. Thanks for sharing.

[@rachaelt3294]

I have soooooooo much stuff! Throwing away, donating, and selling it all. We have lived here for 13 years. Two kids later we have tons.. lol so much work to do!!

[@CB-oo9ht]

Loved that comment..."must i go on"! So true!

[@jkfort]

Congrats on a fabulous first video on this channel! I love houses probably more than I love makeup, which is saying something. So excited to see what else you do here. And that first house? I'm pretty sure it's haunted.

[@audnbob1]

OMG, only a minute into your video and I felt EXACTLY the same way :( AHHHHHH!

[@diannashuster5594]

House B was phenomenal! House A, well, there are no words.

[@PaiviProject]

Hello. Wow what a giant difference !! House B was so gorgeous and house B....was just stuff everywhere 😂

[@ash4391]

I am loving this new channel Lou! 😍😍

[@Mad_Rian]

I love nerds! And I'm a nerd too! I really enjoyed this video and I'm looking forward to see what else ya got. 😉

[@CocoandtheMuse]

Hey skip to my Lou! I just found your new channel on accident!! I just jumped over to a girl who just subscribed to our channel and they had only subscribed to two people, guess? Yep you and I!! I have been watching and subscribed to your other channel for quite a long time. I love your videos! You always make me laugh. It’s funny because I have three channels. I have this one and then I have one on design. Not the same as yours because I am a fresco/mural artist as well as owning an aesthetics studio with my daughter. Obvious ADHD! Oh yeah and that’s my third channel LOL. So nice to see you here! Great video. By the way my name is Tiffany Brooks nice to meet you fellow nerd!!!

[@Nancy-md7qr]

I love your new channel!❤

[@jahn5621]

I am a realtor in SF bay area. Your Design Time is my favorite. Can you do staging in my area of business. Or can you refer me someone who can help staging?

[@cathyblundon9944]

This is great but changing that first house to see what we "should" be doing would be lovely as well. Very interesting channel! :)

[@kelsiekibler9418]

Love this video!

[@rhemmie2825]

Loved the video!! Can't wait to see more. Was that a mattress standing up in the room in house A??!?! When my ex and I were house hunting I viewed a house worse than house A. All pink floral wallpaper and dolls, dolls everywhere. Sitting in chairs, on the floors, on chair rails, on bookshelves and cabinets. It was creepy.

[@randiparis]

You simply hilarious!,.. subscribed 😁👠

[@kristypickett5897]

Love your dry, sarcastic humor. Witty, beautiful, and most importantly, design savvy 👍

[@ladydiaspora807]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣lawd she said "I almost put the cat in my purse" I'm dying laughing

[@sherrythomas3028]

Hi Lou I'm from your other channel... I would of gone back to the other house with a bigger purse and taken the cat lol.. that poor kitty!

[@DesignTime]

I know!

[@daiseegray9110]

STUFF! LOL! Agreed what can be said STUFF! 🌸

[@shelliematter2503]

I dont even know why but you look different and super fantastic in this video. You're freaking GORGOUS and I love the work you have done. Its amazing, the turn around are magical

[@jeanneschmidt491]

I just found you on KZbin and I am so thrilled! I love the info you impart, but more than that, I love your attitude. Keep it real. I am now going to binge watch your other videos!

[@arthurpoublan5604]

could you do a video of the salary and lifestyle of a stager

[@robynmarie9982]

Great first video! I look for houses everyday just to get design ideas. I can't wait to see a house that you've staged. Is staging expensive? Would it be better to stage (if you can afford it) or leave empty? Love you, Design Time Lou! ❤ #1 DT Louzer

[@DesignTime]

Hi Robyn! It's best to always stage, whether the home is vacant or occupied. People are looking to buy a house, not a home. Is staging expensive? It's more expensive not to. Staged homes, on average, sell for 20% more $$ and about 80% faster than unstaged homes!

[@sashakay3]

Well done Lou!!!!

[@maggiestineman6980]

Thx Lou💜 I'm a nerd too!! Lol....

[@DesignTime]

Nerds rule.

[@mybestideas1]

I can't believe you don't have more subscribers.

[@helenascribe210]

It wouldn't take much to show these homes better. A good declutter, cleaning and paint job goes a long way. By presenting their homes like the way the are currently, they are leaving money on the table.

[@francinepuskarich5755]

Oh wow.....great video

[@Marite011]

For house one, Did you have an opportunity to give your business card and offer your services ?

[@doylejodi7502]

Yes! I HATE any offensive odours and smoke/pet smells are a huge turn off! (And I have a dog and 3 cats ;)

[@andicantu6490]

What I notice is beige, gray, pops of blue, some plants, some fruits in bowls and lots of mirrors. The flipper of the second house will probably buy the first house and transform it too.

[@xmissxvictoriax]

Yay! You sort of picked my name suggestion. Lol. One of my suggestions was “Lou’s Design Time” but “Design Time” with Lou is perfect. Congrats on the new channel! I can’t wait to see what else is in store. :)

[@DesignTime]

Thanks, Victoria!

[@HeleenBuckle]

We bought a house six months ago, after looking for a year and a half. Two things that turn me off completely - 1) The smell of cigarette smoke (and that shit gets into the walls like poltergeists, you basically have to repaint everything if you buy a "smoked" house) and 2) AN OPEN TOILET. I don't care how fantastic your house is, if you walk in and the open maw of a latrine stares you in the eye all the fantasticness goes down the drain.

[@lindaweidner5124]

No window coverings in the bedroom?

[@michelleeggers6871]

Good info and you're funny!

[@tracytracyWM]

Maybe the person/company who flipped the second place will make an under listing price offer on the the first. Foreclosure seems like such a devastating thing to go through. That said, people can become nose blind and blind to clutter when they’ve lived with it for so long. I’d bet they thought their place looked pretty tidy.

[@emilydavidson3168]

Thanks!

[@fromthemustardseed]

i just subscribed because of the "design time" pun "what time is it? design time!" love that.

[@DesignTime]

😉

[@Angie-ci1lp]

You’re so kind😂

[@DeborahKathleen1]

You had me at wanting to steal the cat--now I'm your biggest fan ♡♡♡

[@lainy2800]

My husband and I looked at a home that reeked of cigarette smoke. Despite having driven 4 hours to get there, I didn't move beyond the entry way. There was no point. I didn't want to own that house.

[@Justhere4myfmly]

When I viewed the house I bought, it had marijuana hang drying in the bedroom and biker logos painted on the walls and garage door. But it was priced 60 k below assessed price and lakefront property. My realtor tried to talk me out of it.

[@DesignTime]

Vickster R 😲

[@Division1xerox]

The girl coming to our newly listed home can talk smack all she wants she probably doesn’t live in as big or as nice as a house as ours anyways regardless of any clutter. That being said I’m slowly trying to pack up personal stuff and trying to declutter as best as I can. My bf kind of sprung her coming to the house at 2pm tomorrow and I haven’t had a chance to get as much done as I would of liked. But as usual some men just can’t understand how much works goes into cleaning the home cause they never do it they just assume some magical cleaning fairly comes in the house in the middle of the night lol

[@julietait4644]

House A, horror movie set... House B, selling a great lifestyle.

[@evelynullman8360]

You have a great sense of humor- love this video!

[@77Tadams]

I think you must be in a city, maybe in CA? Most of the people I know are like the first house. They don’t understand what a house can be. They have a ton of clutter and just stuff. No style, just stuff.

[@darniataylor7749]

House A looked like someone's great great great relatives house that you're forced to visit. It's so packed with "stuff" you can't see the details of the house. I'm not a professional, but it hurt my eyes.

[@evelynsaungikar9449]

The sofa behind you doesn’t look level, and it’s driving me crazy!

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

haha

[@minarosered6699]

I have a blouse like that and I have to constantly pull it up.

[@GScott-jc1lv]

OMG! I might have a little staging girl crush on you. Great work, thank you.

[@lodiedodiee]

I don't like house staging...I can't see all the nook and crannies. I want to see whats under those rugs and behind the furniture

[@bonnielemmon8493]

What a great channel you have started. I'm anxious to see what you post next. Loved house B, but there are no words for A except YUCk 🤢

[@evaharvey1094]

✨"Design Time by Lou"✨

[@s.c.7362]

Okay! I counted 13 or 14 - I forget which - staging mistakes at 1:17. Truly AWFUL! I didn't bother to stay long enough to count decorating mistakes, beyond those that applied to staging.

[@jimjam7764]

"Karate Chopped" cushions?

[@janieroy3222]

Holy sheets for house one. House two …. Took my breath away in not a good way.

[@heleng3995]

"Stuff" x 1000! 😬🤪😂

[@s.c.7362]

Wait. I have paused the video at 1:17. Someone called that PROFESSIONAL staging?!? You can't even call that decorating, let alone correct staging. Just for fun, I'm going to keep it paused and go back up and count the decorating and staging errors, since the two overlap in some ways (I am a certified decorator, trained stager, and trained "UWYH" decorator, trained by Lauri Ward from/in NYC, but haven't worked as any). I'll brb!

[@Philandos]

Oh my God, that second home is a nightmare, it looks like something straight out of My Weird Addiction.

[@Irene-gq4jr]

I'm looking to sell my home so my fiancé and I can join forces at his then move on together. We're keen to be together but in no big hurry. It's good to know what's important to buyers, who can be fickle and put off by superficial crap. If they are dumb enough then hell mend them for paying top dollar for the 'perfect' home that they'll probably remodel anyway.

[@MrRevil3]

NO COMPARISON! House B is virtually brand new. House A was old and tired. Old busted vs New hotness.

[@moua0067]

To be honest, I think its really rude for you to secretly video the interior of people's home without their permission just so you can have content for your channel. It's rude and in poor taste. If you want to film their homes- ask them straight up in advance for permission. UGH.

[@gourmetandfaith2359]

I had to just say you are stunning! Like I'm in love with your cheek bones and jawline. Weird comment I know lol. Sorry

[@fraulein_farah]

All those dolls must be possessed 👻