Client Testimonials. . .

My sellers and I were absolutely thrilled with the results after Michele Hess of Simply Staged completed her magic on a home in a Boone County subdivision.  The home went under contract 7 Days after being staged.  The sellers said, "It was Michele and the staging that sold our house.  We saw our home in a whole different way and we loved what we saw."  Michele was very good about keeping me informed after she first met with them and told me what they discussed, what the sellers agreed to do, and the time table to have it done.  It all moved very quickly with amazing results.  Thank you Michele!    
-Marilyn Osterberg, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors
Before we put our home of 22 yrs on market in April of 2011, my husband and I thought we had done everything that needed to be done to have it show well.  We had replaced carpeting, taken down wallpaper, painted rooms to neutral colors, decluttered and updated some light fixtures.  In early August, I started to become discouraged.  Although we had lots of showings and quite a bit of interest, we had not yet had an offer to purchase.  I was discussing this with a friend and she suggested that I call Michele.  I said that I had thought we had already done "what needed to be done" and this friend said that she thought the same as well until Michele came in to her house.  So I called Michele.  At the initial consultation, she gave us lots of ideas for finishing touches and even told me where to purchase items at very reasonable prices.  After we completed the items suggested, Michele staged the house with rental accessories on a Friday and we had an offer to purchase the following Monday at 95% of our asking price.  I would certainly recommend Michele to stage any home prior to sale. 
-Peg W., Rockford Home Seller


We would like to thank and totally endorse Michele Hess of Simply Staged Inc.  As we began the process of preparing to put our home on the market, I asked Michele to help with everything from paint colors to furniture placement and adding art and accessories.  I was amazed at what a keen eye Michele has and how placement of furniture can make such a difference.  Our home was transformed by the changes and looked fresh and updated.  Renting art and accessories from Simply Staged was a great option for us.  Everyone that saw the staging was extremely positive in their comments.  I can say with confidence Michele's staging was a large part of our home selling the FIRST DAY it was on the market.  If you are thinking of possibly staging your home, I would highly recommend Michele Hess and Simply Staged.  -Vic and Gayle, Home Sellers, Byron


Diana and I would like to thank you again for the work you did preparing our home for sale.  Our neighborhood had quite a few similar houses on the market, including foreclosures, which were really dragging prices down.  We had nearly given up on being able to sell our house in this market when we started working with a new Realtor and she recommended your services.  Your first consultation was a whirlwind of activity, and after you left we were skeptical of the changes that needed to be made.  I was still uncertain that the house would sell, and if we went ahead with some of the changes, such as painting, and the house did not sell we would have been stuck with them.  We discussed this over lunch, and decided that now was the time - we headed out, bought paint, and got to work.  After giving everything a thorough cleaning, fresh coat of paint, and some packing the hard work was over.  We appreciate how you were able to come back on short notice with rental artwork and decorations.  With some additional changes to the furniture layout, things were really starting to look good!  I suppose the buyers agreed.  We listed that same day and had three showings the next day.  Two of those showings made offers, and both offers were ABOVE our asking price.  We sold our home in one day and I believe you deserve most of the credit for this.  The house looked amazing, and everybody who saw the before and after was in awe.  Our Realtor said that in her opinion, the staging made us an extra $5K on the sale price.  Our friends are all amazed when we tell them how quickly our homes sold.  I couldn't have asked for a better situation.  You've turned a skeptic into a believer, and I can't recommend your services enough.  -Dan Browder, Home Seller, Rockford


We highly recommend Simply Staged, Inc. (Michele Hess) to all home owners selling their property.  She has a keen sense of style that enhances and projects a tasteful and appealing image of your home.  She provides the perfect finish that invites buyers to imagine themselves in that environment.  Extremely proficient, fast and effective - Michele gets the job done.  Within our FIRST showing we got an offer!  Results such as these speak for themselves. -Liz & Ward, Homesellers, Rockford


I found Simply Staged on the Internet and gave Michele a call.  She was friendly and helpful and I called her out for a consultation.  She went through the home and gave me fantastic ideas for how to update it and make it attractive to potential buyers.  She gave me advice and then helped me figure out how to prioritze what I could and couldn't do based on my budget.  She has a great sense of current trends, buyer mindset, style and is very easy to work with.  It was the best money I spent in the entire "getting ready to sell" process.  I hired her to stage the home as well.  She brought in art and accessories that made our home look up to date and attractive.  I've had many friends go through as well, and everyone is so impressed with how nice it looks.  I recommend her highly.  She is very professional and will do everything she can to work with your schedule.  She went above and beyond to get my house staged before her vacation on very short notice.  Her charges are fair, her guidance valuable, and the house is much more marketable.  It went under contract to the first person through it in only 8 DAYS!  -Susan, Home Seller, Stillman Valley


We want to thank you so much for all of your help!  We are so thankful our Realtor recommended you and truly believe it was because of your suggestions and help that we had  a contract in 18 days.  Our neighborhood has about 8 houses for sale, and most of them have been on the market at least 6 months, and prices keep dropping.  You came in, were very clear on what needed to be done, and very understanding of our budget and time.  We implemented every one of your suggestions our budget allowed and being able to rent accessories made all the difference.  I have told all my friends and family what a difference it makes, and STRONGLY ENCOURAGE anyone trying to sell their home in this depressed market to utilize your expertise.  THANK YOU!  -Eric and Erica Schau, Home Sellers, Rockford


want to thank you for staging our home.  Your work was impeccable.  Your professionalism and "take charge" work ethic was inspiring.  I have received many compliments on the colors chosen, the furniture placement and spaciousness of the home.  Your ability to see and have the foresight of the many possibilities was truly inspiring.  The hardest person to convince to have our home staged was my husband.  When he came home he was so shocked to see what a difference it made.  Now he says to everyone, "Our professional stager could see possibilities that he could never have imagined."  Thanks again Michele!  
-Mary, Home Seller, Kirkland


Thank you a hundred times over!!!  Who would have thought 2 offers at full asking price, but sold for $5,000 over asking price in seven days.  Your ideas were great and we learned so much from you.  You have such talent and an eye for design.  One of the best things working with you was you listened to our ideas and made them work with yours when possible.  You were so patient with us and understood it's difficult to put some of the personal items away for a time.  It was work to get everything together, but so worth it.  Would we do it again?  Yes, because you made a stressful time much easier and really enjoyable.  Thanks again for all the talent you shared with us.  We love the finished look and it goes without saying, so did a lot of people!
-Russell & Karen, Home Sellers, Rockford


My goal as a listing agent is to consult sellers on the market, proper pricing, and staging.  I refer them to Michele Hess, Simply Staged Inc.  They worked side by side to implement the changes and followed up on her "to do" list. They were so impressed with her.  When I went back to list the home. . .I was blown away.  We listed $5,000 more than we planned, due to the beautiful staging and condition. We received an offer and accepted it in 10 days!  I have a client for life. . .and so does Michele!  Thank you for your wonderful vision Michele!
-Rebecca Adams, Listing Specialist, Keller Williams Realty


I would like to thank you for your assistance in the staging of my home for sale.  The presentation was exactly what was needed to show off the personality of the home.  I would strongly encourage that anyone with a current listing or future listing contract for your talent and services.  The investment in the presentation of your home is as vital as the real estate agent you choose to market your property.  The investment will pay for itself with a faster, more profitable sale.  -Dana Smith, Home Seller, Rockford


Michele is one of the most energetic & hardworking people that I have met. I have used her on numerous spec houses/condos and even on my own home. I can't count the compliments I received on these homes regarding the decor. She has an unbelievable ability to walk into any room & visualize almost immediately what needs to be changed in order to showcase the home for sale. Her enthusiasm, creativity & positive attitude seem to almost energize you when she explains her plans for staging! You can truly tell that she loves what she is doing. Michele goes out of her way to make sure every detail is finished by the deadline. She is not only an amazing home stager, she is an amazing person who I am glad I have had the opportunity to know & work with. I would highly recommend Michele Hess with Simply Staged to any Realtor or homeowner and would be happy to talk to anyone who has more questions regarding my experience with her. You will be pleased at the "magic" she can perform on a home. -Becky Adams, Remax Professional Advantage & Sean Adams Custom Carpentry, Inc.


When we contacted Michele to do our 2007 Rockford Parade Home we weren't sure what to expect, but we were amazed by all she was able to accomplish.  She is truly a talented, hard working individual.  Needless to say, she will be doing our 2008 Rockford Parade Home as well. -Brad Zimmerman, Zimmerman Home Builders


Michele is a joy to work with, she really has an eye for staging a home!  A true professional.
-Betty Griffin, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors


Michele came into our home to stage one maybe two rooms, but with her keen decorating ideas, we did six or seven rooms.  All in about two days!!  She worked with the furniture I had, we only purchased items to hang on the walls and accessories.  We were extremely pleased with the outcome.  Michele's efficient working style and great personality made her a pleasure to work with.  She went way beyond her call of duty "staging" to help me in other ways.  Just an initial meeting with Michele and you will know; she knows how to turn a room from ordinary to tastefully elegant by "simply" moving furniture and adding accessories. -Jean, Homeowner, Belvidere


Simply Staged Inc. is one of the best services I can offer my listings.  Michele has an eye and talent for making a home look its best, and in this market that is so very important.  The feedback from my sellers is very positive about Michele's services. -Debbie Carlson, Coldwell Banker Premier


Thank you so much for the changes you made to the house on Distillery.  The place looks great and the sellers are very pleased as well.  I will definitely use you again! -Keith Kelly, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors


I am very happy with the changes you made at my listing.  The home owner is happy as well.  We both agreed you brought a lot of value and believe the home will receive a higher offer since you worked your magic.  I can hardly believe it is the same home.  Your service was terrific and you are very professional.  I will keep you in mind for my future listings. -Rick Anders, RE/MAX Property Source


I have referred Simply Staged Inc. and its' owner Michele Hess to my real estate clients as they try to make their homes the most competitive in a very challenging marketplace. Her staging service is top-notch as she offers a full range of staging services from furniture rental, accessorizing, re-purposing to consultations . She is such a dynamo with tons of energy and professionalism. The bottom line is that her services make houses sell faster and for more money...who could ask for more?!” - Kelly Wolf, Coldwell Banker Premier


My husband and I would like to thank Michele Hess from Simply Staged for helping us "put together" our home for sale.  We started out with a nice interior, but when Michele was finished staging we ended up with an updated and stylish house.  We of course love all our personal items, but when Michele explained that prospective buyers want to visualize themselves in the home we understood why we should remove our personal items and clutter.  One of the great things about Michele coming to stage your house is that you get to live in the "new look" until the house is sold.  Thanks Michele! -Dallas & Amy, Home Sellers, Leaf River, IL


In addition to being the most professional and talented stager that I have ever worked with, Michele is a forward-thinking entrepreneaur who has applied and mastered social networking concepts to help others.  By stepping outside of her comfort zone to teach, she has become an expert in marketing, social media and presentations.  I heartily recommend Michele for her proven staging skills, cutting-edge social media abilities and for her willingness to help others.  -Robert Drummer, Team Leader, Keller Williams Realty