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Before and After

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

P. Rachel Kauffman started her company, Staging Specialists LLC, after realizing that she needed a professional outlet for her creativity. As a lighting expert for several television stations, Kauffman has ample opportunity to flex her technical muscles, but she wanted to exercise the opposite side of her brain with the new venture.

"I have owned many investment properties and always staged them, so I decided to turn that expertise into a second, creative career," Kauffman said while pointing out the focal points of 211 Surrey Path Court, a Sherwood Forest home she recently completed. "Staged homes sell 30 percent more quickly than empty houses, and they sell for more money, so I knew there would be a market for this service."

Many new homes feature large, open spaces that can present challenges for potential buyers. Although flexible square footage is a strong selling point in today's market, an empty home can also seem overwhelming to visitors, and that factor can translate into a delayed sale.

"Only about 10 percent of the population can visualize how a space will look with furnishings," Kauffman said. "We take care of that by providing an a la carte service of sorts that allows builders to choose which areas they want furnished. Usually, we focus on the main living areas, but we can do upper levels and outdoor rooms as well if requested."

At 211 Surrey Path Court, the 4,000-square-foot home looks as if the homeowners will return any minute. The dining room is ready for an elegant dinner party, and the breakfast nook awaits after-school snackers and piles of homework. In the master suite, a tray for two has been set, and although it's a small part of the overall picture, the addition of this relaxing and tangible vignette definitely softens the surroundings.

Toothbrushes are on display in the master bathroom, along with fluffy towels and silvery candle holders. A few well-placed accessories complete the picture, and all that seems to separate future residents from a peaceful soak in the tub is a lack of water.

"Sometimes, you don't have to add a lot to make a room come alive," Kauffman said. "For example, in the living room, the fireplace is a great focal point, so I just added a few things to complement it. People can look at this room and immediately see that it would be a great place for a cozy home office or library."

In addition to the main-level master, 211 Surrey Path Court has a second bedroom with its own bath on the first floor, and there are three additional bedrooms upstairs. The basement includes a playroom and an exercise room, and there is a mix of formal and casual living space throughout the home.

"I drive by this house almost every day, and I always thought it was so beautiful," Kauffman said. "Now people can envision themselves living in the house without feeling overwhelmed by all the space."

Listed for $639,000, 211 Surrey Path Court will be open today from 2 to 4 p.m. To see the home, take Peace Haven Road to Mountain View; continue on Mountain View to a right turn on Surrey Path Trail; then take the second right to Surrey Path Court. For more information, call Sharon Giddens of Coldwell Banker Triad, Realtors at 336-748-5307.