Suzette Kraus is so much more than a licensed real estate salesperson. She applies her Compass Concierge service to go above and beyond what most agents provide. She is a perfectionist with a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor. (skhomesteam.com or compass.com)
Liz Pensiero is a stager (LizPensieroStaging.com) and a go-to for adding the most value to maximize your home’s assets, within your budget!
The respect and friendship between these two powerhouse personalities is what drives success for their clients. We asked them to share their insights and secrets.
What is the best way to communicate an idea for effective collaboration?
LIZ: Visuals! Home Staging is the art of using design to market a property effectively. There is no better way to communicate the effectiveness of transformative design than through visuals in print, social media and website.
What is the first thing you notice when you enter a home?
SUZETTE: Before I enter a home I always notice the exterior entrance - how well it's maintained. And once I'm inside, the first thing I notice is the light, and how the home makes me feel.
What’s your current favorite fix/cheat for little or no expense that adds Wow!
SUZETTE: Wallpaper. Yes, that's right. It's back in style. Wallpaper in the dining room, powder room, even on one wall in a bedroom or living room can make a big difference.
LIZ: Green! Green quite literally brings any room to life. Whether adding a simple pop of color with pillows or a throw blanket or a ficus or fiddle leaf tree, will make the room come alive. A trio of succulents on a coffee table or a centerpiece made of natural wood and boxwood orbs will add a sense of contemporary feel to the room.
Where should one invest the most in home design?
SUZETTE: Fresh paint and hardwood flooring. If you're finishing a basement, do not put in wall-to-wall carpeting. Add vinyl plank flooring which is inexpensive, hardy and waterproof.
LIZ: Spend time and budget dollars on surfaces that will still stay current down the road. It is easier to change paint colors, swap out light fixtures and remove furniture than it is to change kitchen backsplashes and countertops. High-quality and timeless surfaces in kitchens and baths wear and show well for sale purposes.
How often should one refresh?
SUZETTE: Every 10 years should be fine. Paint maybe every 5-7 years, depending on wear and tear.
LIZ: There is no greater return on investment than a can of paint! Paint is one of the most transformative and cost-effective ways to update a home, especially when preparing to sell. Taste-specific colors should be swapped for a light, more neutral color palette.
How do you determine what will stand the test of time?
SUZETTE: Having been in the business for over 20 years, what always appeals is "white and classic". I know that white kitchens with white subway tile backsplash will always appeal.
LIZ: Spend time and budget dollars on surfaces that will still stay current down the road. It is easier to change paint colors, swap out light fixtures and remove furniture than it is to change kitchen backsplashes and countertops.
What should people know about you?
LIZ: A quality home stager knows their market so they can be a reliable partner. Understanding inventory capacities, neighborhoods, traffic patterns, school districts and the top players makes a home stager that much more valuable to their clients. Each home requires different attentions, and it is my job to make sure each home is given my full attention in the right way. Stamford is home. My family was born and raised in Stamford and I understand it to its core. I have seen the growth and development, been through the school systems and I understand the dynamics from Shippan to North Stamford. I design aspirational homes where people say, "I could live here". My finished projects feel like home and not a staged listing. If you can't tell the listing is staged, then I've done my job! Many buyers often end up buying the staging furniture upon closing. I find that to be the highest of compliments!
What makes you different from others in the field?
SUZETTE: I work tirelessly for my clients and go above and beyond. After 20+ years in the business, I've been through all market conditions and able to help guide my clients to success. I'm well respected and well-reputed, which has helped me get the deal done for buyer clients in a multiple bid situation. For buyers, especially first-time buyers, I make sure they understand the process, educate and guide them and do my due diligence which includes a comparative market analysis, or CMA, so that when the time comes to make an offer, they are armed with information and confidence. For sellers, aside from providing a CMA for their home, I provide an action list and timeline which always includes staging, and offer our Compass Concierge service to enable them to position their home for success.
