Guaranteed or Conventional?

Choosing between Spade and Archer's Guaranteed Home Staging® and Conventional Home Staging services depends on your financial preferences, risk tolerance, and specific staging needs. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Guaranteed Home Staging® (Pay-at-Close):

• Payment Structure: Requires a non-refundable deposit of $750 to secure your installation date, with the remaining balance due upon the successful sale of your home.

• Risk Alignment: Shifts the financial risk from you to Spade and Archer. If your home doesn't sell, you owe nothing beyond the initial deposit.

• Scope: Available exclusively for fully staged, vacant homes.

• Ideal For: Sellers who prefer to minimize upfront costs and align their interests with the staging company, ensuring both parties are motivated for a quick sale.

Conventional Home Staging (Pay-Up-Front):

• Payment Structure: Involves an initial payment covering the staging fee and the first month's rental. Subsequent monthly rental fees apply until the staging is removed, regardless of the sale status.

• Risk Assumption: You bear the financial risk, as payments continue irrespective of whether the home sells.

• Scope: Applicable for both fully and partially staged homes, accommodating various staging requirements.

• Ideal For: Sellers who are comfortable with upfront costs and may have occupied homes or specific rooms they wish to stage.

Making Your Decision:

• Financial Considerations: If you prefer to limit upfront expenses and share the financial risk, Guaranteed Home Staging® is a suitable choice. Conversely, if you're prepared to invest upfront and manage ongoing costs, Conventional Home Staging offers flexibility.

• Property Status: For vacant homes that would benefit from comprehensive staging, Guaranteed Home Staging® is ideal. If your home is occupied or requires partial staging, Conventional Home Staging is more appropriate.

• Risk Tolerance: Evaluate your comfort level with financial risk. Guaranteed Home Staging® reduces your risk by aligning Spade and Archer's incentives with yours, while Conventional Home Staging places the financial responsibility on you.

By assessing your financial preferences, the condition of your property, and your risk tolerance, you can select the staging service that best aligns with your goals. Spade and Archer's diverse offerings ensure that, regardless of your choice, your home will be presented in its best light to potential buyers.

Tariffs and Home Staging

How International Tariffs Impact the Real Estate Market—And Why Home Staging Matters More Than Ever

As we move into the busy listing season, a wave of international tariffs on goods produced outside the U.S. is beginning to reshape the real estate landscape. From construction materials to home furnishings, these increased costs have a direct impact on home sellers, buyers, and real estate professionals alike. While the effects of these tariffs ripple across the industry, they also highlight the importance of strategic, locally sourced home staging—an area where Spade and Archer has long been a leader.

Tariffs on imported goods mean higher costs for everything from furniture to flooring, paint, and even appliances. For homeowners looking to list their properties, this translates into pricier home improvements, delayed renovations, and budget constraints that make it more challenging to present a property in its best possible light. In cities like Seattle and Portland, where competition remains fierce, making a home stand out without dramatically increasing costs is more crucial than ever.

When the cost of full-scale renovations or major upgrades becomes prohibitive, home staging emerges as the most effective and economical way to increase perceived value. A well-staged home creates an emotional connection with buyers, helping them envision themselves living in the space. This leads to faster sales and stronger offers, even when sellers are operating under financial constraints due to increased material costs.

At Spade and Archer, we’ve always believed in the power of local sourcing. While many home staging companies rely on mass-produced furniture and decor imported from overseas, we have spent years developing strong relationships with local vendors and craftspeople. This means we are far less impacted by international tariffs and can continue providing beautifully staged homes at a predictable cost.

Our commitment to sourcing the vast majority of our goods locally also allows us to be more agile, avoiding the supply chain disruptions that other staging companies may face. Whether it’s custom furniture, artwork, or accessories, our deep-rooted connections in the Pacific Northwest ensure that our clients receive high-quality, stylish staging solutions without the uncertainty of fluctuating international costs.

As we head into the most active real estate months of the year, home sellers in Seattle and Portland need a reliable partner who can help them navigate an evolving market. With our commitment to locally sourced staging and our track record of transforming homes into highly desirable listings, Spade and Archer remains the go-to solution for real estate professionals and homeowners looking to maximize their sale potential.

If you're preparing to list your home, don’t let rising costs hold you back. Partner with Spade and Archer for staging that not only enhances your home’s value but also gives you a strategic advantage in an ever-changing market. Let’s make this listing season your most successful one yet.

Maltese Falcon Scavenger Hunt at Metropolist Vendor Fair

Founder, Justin Riordan as Detetive Sam Spade

The rain didn’t fall that Tuesday at the Metropolist vendor fair, but the mystery sure did. The Spade and Archer team didn’t just set up a booth—they built a world. A slice of 1941, straight out of The Maltese Falcon, where the scent of intrigue hung thick in the air, and sharp-eyed sleuths prowled for clues.

The office of Sam Spade—furnished down to the last dusty file and dented desk lamp—wasn’t just a set; it was a portal. And behind that desk sat a hard-nosed private eye with a pencil-thin tie and a sharper wit—none other than Justin Riordan, playing the part of Spade himself. The look was complete, right down to the ever-present Lucky Strike dangling from his lips. More than a few gumshoes chuckled and asked if they could snag a cigarette of their own. It was all in the details, and the details made this game a knockout.

Sam Spade with Christina Castillo of Ensemble

But this wasn’t just any game—it was a high-stakes scavenger hunt. To crack the case, participants had to track down four key items: an evidence bag, a magnifying glass, a pencil, and a top-secret notepad. The city was crawling with suspects—err, vendors—but only the sharpest detectives pieced it all together.

The reward? A chance to post a snapshot with Sam Spade himself and claim a special prize—a 20% discount on any full conventional home staging installation in 2025.

Winner, Jennifer Suemnicht with Compass and Sam Spade himself.

When the smoke cleared, two gumshoes stood above the rest: Christina Castillo of Ensemble and Jennifer Suemnicht with Compass. They cracked the case, played it smooth, and walked away winners. But the real prize? The buzz, the fun, the break from the ordinary in a sea of vendor booths.

The verdict? A roaring success. Spade and Archer didn’t just show up; they stole the scene. And if this is any indication of the future, well, let’s just say the game’s still afoot.

GET YOUR INSTANT HOME STAGING PRICIE NOW

What Is Bid Shopping and Why Is It Unethical?

In the world of real estate, whether you’re renovating a property, building a new home, or simply looking for a vendor to complete a project, the bidding process plays a crucial role. But there’s a darker side to this process that many may not be aware of: bid shopping. This practice has been flagged as unethical by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and other professional organizations, and for good reason. In this blog post, we’ll break down what bid shopping is, why it’s problematic, and how you can avoid engaging in or falling victim to it.

What Is Bid Shopping?

Bid shopping occurs when a client, general contractor, or project manager solicits bids from contractors or vendors, not to select the most qualified or fairly priced option, but to use the bids to negotiate lower prices from others. For example, after receiving an initial bid, a project manager might share that bid with competing contractors in an effort to secure a cheaper price. While this might seem like a savvy business tactic on the surface, it’s considered highly unethical in the real estate and construction industries.

Bid shopping can manifest in several ways:

1. Pre-Contract Negotiation: Sharing one contractor’s bid with others to pressure them into lowering their price before a contract is signed.

2. Post-Award Shopping: After a contractor has been awarded the project, the client continues to shop around to find someone who will do the work for less, potentially leading to the awarded contractor being replaced.

3. Scope Shopping: Using bids to extract additional concessions from vendors or subcontractors, often by claiming that their scope of work is less valuable than initially stated.

Why Is Bid Shopping Considered Unethical?

The National Association of Realtors and other professional organizations in the real estate and construction industries take a firm stance against bid shopping for several key reasons:

1. Erosion of Trust: Bid shopping undermines the trust between clients, contractors, and vendors. Transparency and good faith negotiations are the foundation of any successful project. When bid shopping occurs, contractors may feel exploited and less willing to work collaboratively.

2. Unfair Competition: It creates an uneven playing field. Contractors invest significant time and resources into preparing accurate bids. When those bids are used to undercut their pricing, it devalues their work and discourages them from participating in future projects.

3. Compromised Quality: The lowest bid isn’t always the best bid. Bid shopping often prioritizes cost savings over quality, leading to corners being cut and subpar work. This can result in higher long-term costs due to rework or repairs.

4. Damage to Industry Standards: Ethical bidding practices ensure that the real estate and construction industries operate fairly. Bid shopping erodes these standards, creating a race to the bottom where price trumps professionalism and expertise.

5. Risk to Relationships: Real estate is a relationship-driven industry. Engaging in bid shopping can burn bridges with reputable contractors and vendors, making it harder to find quality partners for future projects.

What Can You Do to Avoid Bid Shopping?

If you’re a real estate professional or homeowner involved in hiring contractors or vendors, it’s essential to maintain ethical practices. Here are some tips:

• Be Transparent: Clearly communicate your expectations and budget upfront. Transparency fosters trust and ensures you receive bids aligned with your needs.

• Respect Confidentiality: Treat each bid as confidential information. Avoid sharing one contractor’s pricing with another.

• Focus on Value, Not Just Price: Evaluate bids based on the quality of work, experience, and reputation of the contractor—not just the lowest number.

• Build Long-Term Relationships: Work with trusted contractors and vendors who align with your values and commitment to ethical practices.

• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with industry standards and ethical guidelines, such as those outlined by the National Association of Realtors.

Conclusion

While bid shopping might seem like a clever way to save money, it comes with significant ethical and professional risks. By respecting the bidding process and fostering a culture of trust and fairness, real estate professionals can ensure better outcomes for their projects and maintain the integrity of the industry. As the National Association of Realtors emphasizes, ethical practices aren’t just good for business—they’re essential for building lasting, trustworthy relationships in a competitive market.

Staging for Tiny Spaces: Making Every Square Foot Count

When it comes to selling a small home or apartment, the key is to make every square foot shine. Buyers need to see the full potential of the space, and effective home staging can help achieve this. Here’s how to maximize functionality and charm in even the tiniest of spaces.

1. Prioritize Multipurpose Furniture

In a small home, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Consider investing in items like a sofa bed, a coffee table with hidden storage, or a dining table that can double as a workspace. Highlighting these features during staging shows buyers how versatile the space can be.

2. Declutter, Then Declutter Again

Minimalism is a small home’s best friend. Start by removing excess items to create a clean, airy feel. Store personal belongings, unnecessary furniture, and any bulky decor off-site. A streamlined space appears larger and more inviting to potential buyers.

3. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick for making small spaces look bigger. Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light or hang smaller mirrors in narrow hallways to add depth. The illusion of extra space can be a game-changer.

4. Embrace Vertical Space

Tiny homes often lack horizontal square footage, but they can have plenty of vertical potential. Use tall bookshelves, hanging plants, and wall-mounted storage to draw the eye upward. This not only optimizes storage but also creates the perception of a larger room.

5. Choose a Light and Neutral Color Palette

Light colors make spaces feel open and airy. Use soft whites, pale grays, or beige tones on walls, furniture, and decor to visually expand the space. Add small pops of color through accessories like throw pillows or artwork to keep the space lively.

6. Define Each Area Clearly

In an open-concept or studio layout, it’s crucial to create distinct zones for sleeping, eating, working, and relaxing. Use rugs, furniture placement, or decorative screens to define these areas while maintaining an overall cohesive look.

7. Leverage Natural Light

Dark spaces feel cramped, so maximize natural light whenever possible. Use sheer curtains, keep window sills clear, and position mirrors or shiny surfaces to reflect light throughout the space. If natural light is limited, opt for bright, warm lighting fixtures.

8. Add Personality Without Overloading

Even small spaces can benefit from a touch of personality. Use a curated selection of decor items, such as a stylish vase, a small gallery wall, or a neatly arranged bookshelf, to make the home feel welcoming. Be careful not to overwhelm the space with too much detail.

9. Highlight Storage Solutions

Storage is often a concern for buyers of small homes. Show off clever storage ideas, such as under-bed drawers, built-in shelves, or kitchen organizers. Make sure closets and cabinets are neatly arranged to demonstrate their full capacity.

10. Stage Outdoor Areas

If the home has a balcony, patio, or small yard, don’t neglect it. Create a cozy outdoor space with compact furniture, potted plants, and ambient lighting. An inviting outdoor area can make the entire property feel more spacious.

By following these tips, you can transform a small home into a big opportunity for buyers. With thoughtful staging, even the tiniest of spaces can feel functional, stylish, and irresistible.