Interview with Laura Sampson, "Green" Home Stager
Jill Asher
August 24, 2009
By the time I was 18, I lived in 6 different homes. My parents continually bought homes that needed to be remodeled, fixed up and then sold. Hence, I am a house junkie, slowly remodeling and refurbishing our 1925 bungalow home in Northern California.
I am also the co-founder of Silicon Valley Moms Blog http://www.svmoms.com
By the time I was 18, I lived in 6 different homes. My parents continually bought... More
"Going Green" is all the rage! It is hard to open up the magazines or newspapers today without hearing about green technology, recycling, reusing and saving our planet. It seems that we are all learning and trying to do our part to make this world healthier. And now, this has moved into the psyche of home design.
At Houzz, we had the pleasure of meeting Home Stager, Laura Sampson of Clermont, Florida. What caught our attention about Laura is that she is not a typical home stager. Laura is a "GREEN STAGER".
Our first reaction: A GREEN Stager? What is a GREEN STAGER and is anyone really seeking out this type of designer when they want to sell or decorate their home? You would be surprised at what we learned.
At Houzz, we had the pleasure of meeting Home Stager, Laura Sampson of Clermont, Florida. What caught our attention about Laura is that she is not a typical home stager. Laura is a "GREEN STAGER".
Our first reaction: A GREEN Stager? What is a GREEN STAGER and is anyone really seeking out this type of designer when they want to sell or decorate their home? You would be surprised at what we learned.
What exactly is a “Green Stager”?
A “green” stager is a Home Stager who has made a commitment to assist a homeowner & real estate agent as well as the home buyer and the environment. In addition to traditional staging advice, green stagers offer education & guidance to the seller by developing ways to effectively “green” market their home.
A “green” stager is a Home Stager who has made a commitment to assist a homeowner & real estate agent as well as the home buyer and the environment. In addition to traditional staging advice, green stagers offer education & guidance to the seller by developing ways to effectively “green” market their home.
Should the homeowner need to make home improvements when selling, the recommended change would be toward sustainable choices.
Why would someone want to hire a “green stager”?
In May of 2008, National Assoc. of Realtors (NAR) reported that 9 out of 10 Realtors® say that their clients are looking for green features when purchasing a new home. Buyers know that a home with green features will save them money in the future. 60% of consumers in one survey said that they were willing to pay more than the asking price!
In May of 2008, National Assoc. of Realtors (NAR) reported that 9 out of 10 Realtors® say that their clients are looking for green features when purchasing a new home. Buyers know that a home with green features will save them money in the future. 60% of consumers in one survey said that they were willing to pay more than the asking price!
Typically, during a written staging consultation, a “green” stager will assess the current property both for staging opportunities & green features & practices. We will then provide a written action plan incorporating ways to repair or upgrade toward green. We are knowledgeable regarding conservation of resources, water efficiencies and recycling.
The seller will not only benefit from the quicker sale of the home, they will be able to incorporate “green” sustainable practices in their new home. The buyer benefits because they have been set up for sustainable success by the former owners.
The environment benefits, which benefits everyone.
The environment benefits, which benefits everyone.
Elizabeth A. Marusin
The certification requires a classroom test and an independent study. The designation is known as Live Green, Live Smart Building Sciences Certified Professional (LGLS CP) and the training is coordinated through Certified Staging Professionals (CSP). This course is open to anyone interested in learning about green building practices.
Are there specific fixture and appliances that I should update when trying to sell my home? Why is this important?
Every property is unique and unfortunately there isn’t a blanket answer. If you are in need of new appliances, consider purchasing Energy Star® appliances. These appliances have been rated to indicate that they consume less energy, and water, therefore saving you $$$.
Every property is unique and unfortunately there isn’t a blanket answer. If you are in need of new appliances, consider purchasing Energy Star® appliances. These appliances have been rated to indicate that they consume less energy, and water, therefore saving you $$$.
For example: replacing an 8yr old refrigerator with a new Energy Star® refrigerator will reduce your energy consumption by 40%.
Exchanging a 15yr old dishwasher for an Energy Star® rated dishwasher can reduce energy costs by $30 per year. Purchase a few updated Energy Star® appliances & receive tax credits.
Lately it is easy to get caught up in “green washing” because some corporations seem to be jumping on the bandwagon and only use “green” as a buzzword. Before making a purchase consider researching a product through an independent 3rd party. I recommend greenseal or Consumer Reports.
Will this be a good return on my investment (ROI)?
Absolutely! Current stats show residential green updates on average have a ROI of $8 for every $1 invested. For commercial properties, Energy Star properties are selling on average of $61 per sq ft more than peers and LEED buildings for $171 more per sq ft.
A return can be more than just monetary.
“Green construction is a project built to a standard higher than building codes, they last longer, are cheaper to operate, sell for a premium, use fewer resources & have a lower impact on the environment.” Mike Holcomb, Alliance for Sustainability
Absolutely! Current stats show residential green updates on average have a ROI of $8 for every $1 invested. For commercial properties, Energy Star properties are selling on average of $61 per sq ft more than peers and LEED buildings for $171 more per sq ft.
A return can be more than just monetary.
“Green construction is a project built to a standard higher than building codes, they last longer, are cheaper to operate, sell for a premium, use fewer resources & have a lower impact on the environment.” Mike Holcomb, Alliance for Sustainability
What about plants and landscaping? Should I consider putting in water resistant plants?
Yes, water is a limited commodity. Only 2.5% of the earth’s water is potable, so conserving water is of great importance. In the landscape it is important to recognize the proper plant for the proper location. Perennial native plants will thrive and require minimal water. Many are quite beautiful and will enable you to keep that curb appeal. Find ways to reduce the amount of lawn space. Lawns are the greatest users of drinking water. If you haven’t done so yet, transition to organic fertilizers & food, your plants will love you for it.
Yes, water is a limited commodity. Only 2.5% of the earth’s water is potable, so conserving water is of great importance. In the landscape it is important to recognize the proper plant for the proper location. Perennial native plants will thrive and require minimal water. Many are quite beautiful and will enable you to keep that curb appeal. Find ways to reduce the amount of lawn space. Lawns are the greatest users of drinking water. If you haven’t done so yet, transition to organic fertilizers & food, your plants will love you for it.
Is hiring a “green stager” more expensive than a “home stager”?
All Home Stagers are independent contractors and establish their own rate structure. I believe green guidance is a value added service and a necessary part of my written consultations.
All Home Stagers are independent contractors and establish their own rate structure. I believe green guidance is a value added service and a necessary part of my written consultations.
Are there any tips or DIY suggestions that you can offer our readers for bringing more “green” in the home?
Quickest bang for you buck: Change out the light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs; Change shower heads to have a water flow of no more than 2 gallons per minute; Eliminate chemically scented products; Change flusher on toilet to low-flow or two way flusher handles; Install a programmable thermostat.
Quickest bang for you buck: Change out the light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs; Change shower heads to have a water flow of no more than 2 gallons per minute; Eliminate chemically scented products; Change flusher on toilet to low-flow or two way flusher handles; Install a programmable thermostat.
Being green also means being mindful of how we dispose of any product. If at all possible, donate first, recycle second, discard only as a last resort.
Why did you become a home stager?
It is the best way I know how to help people by incorporating my love of the arts & service. Each staging is a mini-project with its own unique opportunities. Plus you get to see the rewards and smiles very quickly because “Staging works!”
It is the best way I know how to help people by incorporating my love of the arts & service. Each staging is a mini-project with its own unique opportunities. Plus you get to see the rewards and smiles very quickly because “Staging works!”
What inspired you to become a “green stager”?
For me turning “green” started in the garden. When my husband & I moved into our first home 12 years ago we wanted that beautiful lawn and curb appeal, just like everyone else.
For me turning “green” started in the garden. When my husband & I moved into our first home 12 years ago we wanted that beautiful lawn and curb appeal, just like everyone else.
We began using traditional chemically laced weed killers & plant food. We planted the plants that we wanted and they never survived. We weren’t paying any attention to the ecosystem and the residual effects of the chemicals.
One day we sprayed weed killer in a large planting bed and a small bunny ran out. Later that day we saw a small bunny dead in our yard. We decided then to become a friend to our own eco-system.
I signed up for a course from the National Wildlife Federation and became a Certified Habitat Steward. I learned about importance using native plants & eradicating exotic invasive plants, not using chemicals and attracting the wildlife we want. Our little 1/3 acre property is now a Certified Wildlife Habitat and is thriving.
What is your favorite type of architecture and design?
Ok. I’m fickle. I love numerous architectural styles. When I was younger, I wanted the fluffiest, cushiest things around me now as I get older I lean toward clean sleek lines. While I have always loved the philosophy of the Arts & Crafts movement, lately what has intrigued me is Post Modernism. Post Modernism has beautiful lines and very well defined spaces, similar to the methodologies of Home Staging.
Ok. I’m fickle. I love numerous architectural styles. When I was younger, I wanted the fluffiest, cushiest things around me now as I get older I lean toward clean sleek lines. While I have always loved the philosophy of the Arts & Crafts movement, lately what has intrigued me is Post Modernism. Post Modernism has beautiful lines and very well defined spaces, similar to the methodologies of Home Staging.
Laura Sampson is a Home Stager and owner of Brownstone Arts and Design http://www.BrownstoneArtsandDesign.com and also hosts a blog on Activerain (members only) called HAPPY HOME STAGER http://activerain.com/blogs/happyhomestager
Laura can also be found on the houzz community at https://www.houzz.com/pro/happyhomestager/happy-home-stager-llc and on twitter: http://twitter.com/HappyHomeStager
We invite you to share YOUR "GREEN" tips in the comment section below!
Laura can also be found on the houzz community at https://www.houzz.com/pro/happyhomestager/happy-home-stager-llc and on twitter: http://twitter.com/HappyHomeStager
We invite you to share YOUR "GREEN" tips in the comment section below!
KA Builders is a dedicated and innovative remodeling company based in the heart of your city. With our years of... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Because every home deserves an amazing kitchen: A beautiful, welcoming and functional space that’s designed for... Read More
Related Stories
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Working With Pros
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Accessibility and a Relaxing Vibe
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm uses universal design principles when expanding a family bath
Full Story
Housekeeping
How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
Try these tips, tricks and tools to wash your windows so they’re crystal clear
Full Story
Entryways
The 10 Most Popular Entries and Mudrooms So Far in 2024
Get ideas for storage setups, color schemes and special details from the most-saved entry photos so far this year
Full Story
Kitchen Design
30 Bold and Beautiful Range Backsplashes
Get ideas for eye-catching tile and stone backsplashes inside stove alcoves and behind cooktops
Full Story
Porches
Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
Landscape Design
Before and After: 4 Landscapes That Bring Resort Style Home
Stunning fire pits, luxurious pools, elegant entertaining zones and other relaxing spots give these yards vacation vibes
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Home Offices So Far in 2024
By Julie Sheer
Get inspired by these stylish workspaces where designers pair comfort with practicality
Full Story
We have recently brought most of our "household items" to Goodwill - or tried to sell at a Garage Sale first.... and then only when they are not usable, do we discard.....