Browsing Category

HOME STAGING

HOME STAGING, STORAGE + ORGANIZING

Stage (and Sell) My Cluttered House!

stage-and-sell-my-cluttered-house

Owning a home is a lot of work and selling a home is even more work!  Without even noticing we start to accumulate more stuff than we even realize. Some stuff in closets, in the spare bedrooms and in the garage or shed, before you know it you have quickly filled your home to the brim and now it’s bursting with all kinds of things!
Unfortunately, all of this stuff can really get in the way when you decide to sell your house.

Buyers want and need to see the full potential of your house to picture themselves in it, but that can be difficult to do when it is covered up in your things – no matter how important they may be to you.
This is a situation home stagers see all the time. You do not have to suffer from a hoarding condition to have a cluttered home. A surprising number of people need help tackling the clutter so they can sell their property.

Selling a cluttered home is hard due to the fact that many people do not have the necessary vision to see beyond it. Appearance is critical in real estate sales. Luckily, there are solutions, things you can do now to make your home look its best and sell more reliably.

15 Quick De-cluttering and presentation tips

 

  1. Minimize the amount of furniture in each room to make your home appear larger.
  2. Make sure all high traffic areas are kept clear.
  3. Move things like exercise equipment that don’t belong in a family or living room.
  4. All closets should be thinned out.
  5. Everything but the bare bone essentials should be removed from kitchen and bath counters.
  6. Get rid of old unsightly plants.
  7. Put away excess nick knacks, family and pet photos.
  8. Get rid of old magazines and newspapers that are just lying around.
  9. Clean up bookcases of clutter and arrange books neatly.
  10. Organize wires coming from televisions and computers around the home so they don’t look unsightly.
  11. Clear out excess shoes that may be lying around in your foyer or mudroom.
  12. Always put away dirty laundry and make the beds.
  13. If you have a deck clear it of any non-essentials
  14. Don’t forget your garage! Remove anything that is no longer necessary to have.
  15. Remember to De-clutter your yard as well. Remove any junk you have accumulated.

 

 

This is a great start to properly presenting your home and although this can seem very overwhelming. Start small, you will feel great and it will motivate you to move on down the list.  While these are some things to consider when sprucing up a cluttered home, let’s talk about the big stuff!

 

Have a lot of stuff? Rent A Storage Space!

One of the best tips to sell a cluttered home is to rent a storage space. This may be the most straightforward solution out there.  If your home is cluttered, consider a storage unit rental as a very small investment that could yield a considerable increase in your sale price.

Rent a unit that is plenty big enough to store all of your non-essentials. You can keep the couch and the television, but your collection of comic books or elephant figurines may be better off in storage until your house is sold. The idea is to create space for buyers to envision themselves living in your home, so anything you can remove to allow for that, is probably a good idea.

Storage units are usually inexpensive, charge month-to-month and typically offer climate-controlled options. Go for a storage provider that emphasizes security, because your things are worth protecting. Any good storage space will make security part of its operating procedures, so it should be easy to find a provider that is serious about it.

Can’t afford a storage unit? Try asking friends, family or neighbours if they could store some of your items….

 

Get Rid of Your Clutter

While storing things you want to keep is an important part of how to sell a cluttered home, you also want to get rid of things you don’t intend to keep. Preparing a home for sale is the perfect opportunity to discard unwanted items. There are many of us who have a problem disposing of things that we don’t use on a weekly or even a monthly basis.
Often times many of the items we end of holding onto have some kind of sentimental value. Psychologically it makes it harder for us to get rid of these things. The first step of course is to overcome that fear of saying good bye to something you have held onto. There are also some folks that hoard even what would be considered by most people to be “junk”.

If you have items in your home that will not be coming with you and you need to get rid of them one of the best solutions is a company like Junk Squad or 1-800- Got Junk. These companies will come out to your home and haul away any of your unwanted clutter. Big or small it doesn’t matter. These companies will take just about anything. Pricing will be dependent on what you are getting rid of. The cost will be impacted by the size and weight of what you are getting removed.

Another great way of getting rid of things you no longer need or want is to give them away to charity. Old clothes, coats and shoes are the perfect thing to give to a charity. Not only will you be putting a smile on the face of someone who really needs it, your home will look better in the process. Some folks also like to have a yard sale as well to get rid of excess clutter. As the saying goes one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

 

 

Get A Professional Cleaning

Depending on your personality, this may be a difficult move to make – even if it is a small thing. Some people take pride in keeping a clean house, and many have spent years working to ensure that their homes are spotless.
However, unless you happen to run your own cleaning service, you will probably benefit from the skills of a professional.

While a professional cleaning really doesn’t necessarily get rid of clutter it can dramatically change a home’s final appearance after you have tackled the heavy lifting and removed the bigger items from your home.

Some cleaning companies specialize in prepping houses for sale, and can do an amazingly in-depth cleaning job in a short amount of time. Once you have removed as much of the clutter as you can, bringing in a cleaner is the next best step to get your home ready for sale. From carpet cleaning to dusting the mini blinds, they can whip your home into shape – making it stand out to buyers through pictures and in person.

 

Presentation

Now that the house is clean and de-cluttered, it’s time to work on the presentation.  You want the home to look its best in photos and for showings.  Even if you don’t have tons of updates that buyers are looking for doesn’t mean that you can’t feature other aspects of the home like floor plan. Lighting, fireplace and more…

Create vignettes that highlight areas of the house that buyers might be attracted too like a mudroom, fireplace, and wide entry

Think about adjusting the furniture arrangement so that the rooms have better flow and show off the space and functionality. Ask a friend or neighbour for their honest opinion or hire a home stager

Add some accent pieces with colour like pillows, flowers, towels, shower curtain, art, etc…To spruce up the space!  This makes a space look better in photos and in person.  If you can’t afford new items ask a friend or family member if they have anything you could borrow!

During showings (and your photos) have all the curtains drawn back -letting the light in and have all of the lights on!

For extra oumph!  Bake some cookies or light some candles for a welcoming and warm feeling !

If you’ve got a tight budget to prep your home for sale, don’t fret – make it look the absolute best that it can! And be realistic when working with your realtor when it comes to pricing and comparisons.

 

Tackle that clutter…that’s the first step to making your home resale ready!

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Top 10 Home Buyer Turn-Offs

top-10-home-buyer-turn-offs

Looking for the perfect home can be a lot like dating to find ‘the one’ to settle down with and build a full life together. And just like dating, buyers looking for the house that is ‘the one’ well they have turn-offs, too.

If you are selling your home, you will want to make sure your home doesn’t have any of these buyer turn offs.

1- Wacky paint colours

Some buyers can overlook strange decor choices and picture the house painted white or in tasteful neutrals, but many can’t. Furthermore, colour can have a strong effect on mood, both positively and negatively. Don’t take the chance.


 
2- Dirt

A house for sale should be as near to spotless as you can make it. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, grimy grout, stained counter tops, dishes in the sink and crunchy floors are definite turn-offs. Do at least a light cleaning before every showing and a more thorough clean each weekend before the open house.

 

3- Odd (or oppressive) smells

If you smoke, at least take it outside while the house is up for sale. In fact, any noticeable odours, whether pets, lingering cooking smells or even heavy perfume, can turn away a potential buyer. Use fabric refresher on upholstery and air fresheners or room scents where needed, but use a light hand.


4- Unkempt exterior

Curb appeal makes a very strong impression on a potential buyer, and so does lack of it. Make sure the landscaping is trimmed and the lawn mowed; plant a few annuals or cover your flowerbeds with a neat layer of mulch, staying away from the bright red colour and opting for the natural coloured mulch. If the front porch needs painting, paint it. Also, keep the outside of your home as tidy as the interior: remove kids’ toys from the backyard, and keep the porch steps swept.

5- Too many pets

It’s hard to believe that not everybody loves Fluffy, Fifi, and Rover as much as you do, but they don’t. A dog that comes barking fiercely to the door as soon as you ring the bell, or worse, a whole pack of them, is unnerving. One cat sleeping quietly in a chair might be fine; a noisy (and possibly smelly) menagerie isn’t. Try to find temporary homes for your friends, at least while the house is being shown. And if you have carpets, get them professionally cleaned to get rid of the ‘pet smells’

 

6 Wrong-headed renovations

This is on a slightly different scale than the other points mentioned here, but should be considered at the time of renovation if possible. A toilet off the kitchen; an open-concept reno that creates a vast, empty space; or an oddly configured hallway or room is viewed by a buyer as money they’ll have to spend to put things right. Try to modify your alterations to make them more universal, or better still, avoid wacky renovations in the first place.

7- Dark and dingy interiors

You can’t do much about the building two feet beyond your side windows, but you can do a lot to brighten the inside of your house. White or light walls and woodwork is a classic brightener; if you can afford to add windows, they’re a good investment in a dark house. Adding more lighting, whether by wiring overhead lights or just installing more
lamps, works too. At the very least, keep your windows clean, to let in as much natural light as possible.

8- Horrid basements

Again, this may or may not be under your control, but a dank, dingy basement, especially if the ceiling is very low, can be off-putting. If you have the option, painting the cement floor or installing low-cost carpeting can help cheer it up a little. Also, clear out all the junk, right to the walls, so that buyers can see how much space there is — even if
it’s only for their own junk.

9 -Dirty appliances

Even if the house is generally clean, don’t discount the possibility that people will be looking inside the appliances (they are part of the home). Keep your fridge clear of old take-out containers and aging leftovers, wipe down spills– and use the self-clean mode on your oven.

10- Swimming pool

It’s perhaps unfair to include a pool as a buyer turn-off, since for some people it’s a major attraction. But financially, pools rarely make back the money spent on them and can sometimes even lower a home’s value. Almost certainly, a pool will cut down the number of potential buyers interested in the house. But if you do have one, make it look it’s best !

You know what they say…you only have one chance to make a first impression,

0 comment
Share:
BATHROOMS, HOME STAGING, KITCHENS

Kitchen and Bathroom ‘Facelift’ Ideas

kitchen-and-bathroom-ideas

Kitchens and bathrooms do help sell houses, although they may not be the main deciding factor, they are strong contenders when buyers consider what property they will now call home. Buyers consider these rooms when they are house hunting because of the difficulty of renovating them and the expense that would be required. If you have been diligent in the upkeep and upgrades of your home then this week’s notes will not be as difficult.

 

 

 However, if you have never updated your home or maintained the repairs in the baths and kitchens, then this could be a pricey section! Truth be told, you will pay to do upgrades in these rooms, either when it comes time to sell and you have to reduce the price to reflect the work needed, or over the years while you live there and have been paying to maintain and upgrade.

 

Homeowners typically should be spending 1-3% of their market value every year to upgrade and maintain their property in good condition. So if this has not been done, it will need to be.

 

 

What types of upgrades can you do?

  • Updating Appliances in all the same color, this includes the hood fan. Especially if they are more than 10 years old.
  • Replace or Repair all damaged tiles or flooring
  • Repaint kitchen cabinets (or do touch ups)
  • Consider a kitchen update if older than 7 years. New kitchens price at $5,000 and up, depending on if you are installing them yourself. This is not recommended for beginners no matter how keen you are!
  • Install new counter tops or call a Granite company for a granite looking overlay that is less than the price of real granite
  • Update flooring, even a small bathroom looks like a new world with brand new floors
  • Update light fixtures
  • Paint the ceilings
  • Take off old tiles in the bathtub or shower and add a new surround. A simple do it yourself kit can be purchased for around $300.00
  • Add under cabinet lighting
  • Add new shower faucets and shower rods
  • Re-grout your existing tile if it is still in good shape, adding a new grout color can go far
  • Fresh paint colors in warm neutrals make a room look 100 x better for a small investment of time and money
  • Update faucets to the latest trends
  • Tighten all knobs, or replace for a modest cost. Knobs range from $3.00 to over $10.00 per piece, so it is a small investment for a great improvement
  • Replace toilet seats, especially if they are cracked, wooden or themed
  • Add new blinds or window coverings
  • New sinks, curtain rods and towel bars also make a great first impression

 

 

Remember you are giving the buyers every reason to buy your house, so carefully consider the first impression and ask yourself what do you look for when you are the buyer? How do you compare houses when you are the buyer? Then create a property that will attract buyers. It’s as simple as that.

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING

Get the ‘Model’ look at Home

get-model-look-at-home

Have you ever toured a model home and wished your space could look like that?  Or admired some key pieces and wanted them for your own home?

Well wonder no more…..with the help of KIKI Interiors and Wayfair.com you can get the  model look in your home.

It’s easy too.  Click here to get directly to the kiki interiors gallery and you will see a series of different looks.  Each image has various highlighted items and wayfair.com has already done the shopping for you!

To get the look at home you may just need a few pieces or a fresh new colour palette.  We hope our gallery inspires you!

Here are just some examples of the model homes you will find in the KIKI Interiors gallery on Wayfair.com

 

An urban condo with high gloss grey cabinets, quartz counter tops, over sized industrial pendants and pops of orange and turquoise. The pops of orange came from the Pantone Colour of the Year (at the time) ‘Tangerine’.

 

 

A mix of modern and ethnic elements.  Lots of layered neutral tones with texture and clean lines. Don’t be afraid to mix natural materials and textures with more modern pieces.

 

 

A condo where classic and contemporary meet.  Pattern, bright pops of apple green, yellow and teal, nail heads, glass and more…

 

 

Where contemporary meets industrial, a mix of metal, brick, shades or grey and stone…

 

You might be thinking – “Wow, that’s a lot of different styles of model homes” – When we design what the model home is going to look like we take a lot of different factors into consideration.  Who is the buyer? What is the price point / budget? What are the current trends? What are we working with in terms of space (lots of light, interior finishes etc…).  When we design and decorate we aren’t doing it for ourselves – we are thinking of it as a sales tool and not just a ‘work of art’.  A model home is meant to inspire and attract…

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Why you need to stage your home

why-you-need-to-stage-your-home

First impressions matter the most when it comes to selling a house. In the real estate world, impressing prospect buyers is already half the battle. That’s why many seek professional home staging services to bring out the full potential of their home.

But not all people are convinced and we understand their hesitation. Some prefer to do it themselves instead of asking for professional help. Many home sellers ask us – why should I spend  money to sell my home, can’t the buyer do it themselves and make the changes they really want? The problem with that is most buyers can’t see potential and in this current real estate market most buyers don’t want to lift a finger!  So if you want your home sold and fast, you need to do the ‘grunt’ work for them. Remember when a professional stager comes to your home for a consultation it isn’t a personal attack, we are there to help you get your home sold and for as much money as possible in the shortest amount of time.

If you are in the process of selling your home and are having second thoughts about the benefits you can get out of professional home staging, here are a few reasons why you should consider it.

 

#1 The best short term investment a seller can make

In a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average cost of staging is between 1% and 3% of the asking price and this investment can yield on average 4-10% more of the final selling price.

Moreover, Homegain.com explained that sellers who invested $500 in home staging recovered over 343% of the total cost when they sold their home. That’s a pretty good investment.

 

 

#2 Staging help you sell faster

If you’ve done your research beforehand, you must know by now that the longer a house sits on the market, the more likely the price drops.

Based on controlled tests initiated by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), wherein a number of identical homes were sold, professionally staged vs. not staged, the non-staged houses sold in 102 days, while the staged houses sold in 45 days.

Just imagine all the carrying costs you need to manage if your home stays longer on the market. By staging your home, all the inconvenience, stress, plus additional expenses such as mortgage and taxes, can be avoided

 

#3 Avoid a price reduction

A home that’s in “as in” condition are a tough sell, unless it has already been the victim of a substantial price reduction. Ensure that your property is in tip top shape before listing. Most traffic and interest will come up within the first two weeks so make it a point to maximize the potential of your home to make it to a buyer’s shortlist.

 

#4 Stand out among competition with professional MLS photos

Over 95% of buyers look at online listing before making an actual visit, so it is important to have professional MLS photos to convince them to see the place for themselves. As professional stagers, we know how important first impressions are and we employ various techniques to make the best impression possible. Colours to use, the right amount of decor pieces, furniture placement and more…so our ideas for your home might be completely different than yours but we are here to help you show case this home to buyers and make your home look like their dream home!

#5 Most sellers are having hard time viewing their home objectively

If you can’t view your home objectively, it’ll be hard to package it for the buyer’s eyes.  A professional home stager can help you with this. They know how to minimize the problem areas and maximize the potential of the best features. You decorated your home to suit your lifestyle and personal tastes but now that you have decided to move on, you need someone to come in and help you present your home in its best light and have it attract as many buyers as possible.  It can be very tough to be objective in your home as it holds so many wonderful memories, so again don’t take it personally when a home stager gives your ideas or stage your home in a way that you ‘never’ would.

#6  Only 10% of home buyers can visualize a house’s potential

This is why home staging is so important. It gives the buyers ideas how they can play with interior design. You need to bring out and show the potential of a house the best way you can.

#7 Peace of mind

Staging your home by yourself can be a tough job. It entails detailed planning, sorting out things, decluttering, trips to the home depot, finding contractors for paint jobs and repairs, etc. By entrusting the job to more capable hands, rest assured that you’ll get the best return on your investment.

 

Staging your home really is a must in any market.  Why? Because no matter the market conditions you want to stand out from the crowd, sell quickly and for top dollar! You can’t afford not to stage your home,

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Home Staging Obstacle: The Kids’ rooms

home-staging-obstacle-kids-rooms

I have 4 children and I remember (not too long ago) trying to sell my own home while we were all living there.  Although living in the home that you are selling can be a big challenge, the parents fully understand what is going on and what need to be done.  But what about the kids?

If you are looking to buy a home or if you’re thinking of selling and you have children, one of your priorities would be how to create a good environment for your kids. Just how the master bedroom is for us, kid’s room is where they’ll spend much of their time learning, growing, studying and relaxing.  So one thing that you shouldn’t pass on is creating a perfect space for your home buyer’s children by means of staging.

Below are simple, yet powerful tips for staging your kid’s room to make it appeal to both children and parents.

 

#1 Create a livable and spacious room

Perhaps, the most challenging part of staging a kid’s room would be creating an illusion of a magazine quality space. To do this, start by removing excess clutter, toys, and furniture. Like the other rooms in
your home, prospect buyers would want to see if they can fit in all the stuff their kids have. Make your kids part of the daily clean up routine, it will become habit eventually but even if it doesn’t at least the room won’t get too chaotic with regular tidying.

#2 Decorate with a theme

 

 Believe us when we say that parents love themed kids rooms! From athletic sports bedrooms, to color-coordinated bedrooms, parents and kids alike will be pleased. Besides, following a specific theme makes it easier for you on deciding which materials to buy because you already have a picture in mind to follow. A mish-mash of themes in one space like a kid’s room or any other room makes the space look and feel a bit sloppy which is never a selling point!

 

#3 Make way for natural light

Like any other room in the house, your kid’s dark room might seem less attractive. A dark room can make for a sad room and you don’t want the buyers to feel that. Let natural light in with bright and cheery window treatments, and ensure there is a source for natural light.

My daughter’s room faces east and because of that she has ‘black out curtains’ but during the day the room looks very dark, so a simple solution is pulling back the curtains and wow – the light is incredible! You may also consider artificial lighting like overhead lighting, bedside table lamps, wall scones, or floor lamps for additional brightness.

 

#4 Get inspiration

If you’re still not sure how to decorate your kid’s room, browse the Internet for some inspiration. Pinterest can help you with that. Take a look at staged kid’s room ideas and see which one appeals to you the most. You can also browse home styling magazines, blogs, and event TV shows.

 Another helpful tip is to visit model homes near your area and see how interior designers have decorated kids’ rooms. Or if you want more professional looking staged rooms, you can contact expert home stagers by visiting their website for contact information

 Staging kid’s rooms is nothing but fun! It is an enjoyable experience and it can be a great bonding experience with your little ones. Creating a perfect environment for the children of the future owner could be one of your best investments to make your home on top of their list. So, please remember to ‘color outside the lines’.

 

#5 Think easy solutions

My boys have a great looking room with a red, white and blue colour theme with some pops of ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Captain America’.   They love their room but don’t love keeping it clean.  Look for some easy solutions so that they can keep the space tidy for when you have showings at the house. 

Baskets are my go to!  I have a series of baskets that my boys put toys, books etc…to help keep things off of the floor and because the baskets are easy (instead of say a closet or shelving system) they can do it themselves!

Remember that when it comes to selling you want to show buyers their dream home and the kid’s bedrooms are a part of that dream…

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

9 Easy Ideas to Help Sell Your Home

9-easy-ideas-to-help-sell-your-home

  If you’re determined to sell your home fast, there are frugal home staging ideas that you can do right now. These ideas we will share with you are home staging tips that everyone can apply if they want to, on their own within a very limited time, without breaking the bank. The goal here is to make your home look squeaky clean, big, and attractive for a faster sale in a matter of days.

 

Here are 9 inexpensive ways on how to stage your home fast and cheap.

 

  1. Paint in Neutral tones

Paint should be on top of your list because this helps you set the mood and theme of any given room. Use light, neutral colors that would be appealing to most. Neutral colors do not only make a room brighter, but also provides a blank canvas that a potential buyer can play with. You can hire someone to do this for you, but if you have the time and the skills, it’ll save you a few hundred dollars.

 

  1. Declutter and depersonalize

Get rid of your personal stuff. Allow home buyers to imagine themselves living in your house so our pro tip is to declutter your books, pictures, knickknacks, and anything else that is a personal reflection of you. Think of this as a pre-pack before the big move!

 

  1. Clean your light bulbs and update light fixtures

Sometimes, you don’t have to replace your light bulbs at all. Try wiping the dust off first and see if they still have some of the brand-new type of brightness in them. However, it is also essential to make every corner of your home lighted, so light fixtures like table lamps, floor lamps, and even battery-operated candles are amazing additions to make the house look brighter. Lots of light makes any space look and feel bigger and brighter!

 

  1. Set the scene by dressing the table

When staging, pay attention to your kitchen. It’s one of those rooms in the house that makes the sale. Is your table set? If not, you can do so…at the very least there should be an amazing centerpiece on the table. Otherwise, it will look boring and less interesting to look at.  A large dining room table looks warm and welcoming with place settings, fresh flowers etc….for a smaller eat-in kitchen a simple plant or fruit bowl can do the trick.

 

  1. Add mirrors, strategically

This is another effective tip to make your home look larger. They don’t have to be really expensive. If you can only afford second hand, then by all means. Just make sure that they are in pristine condition and that they don’t have cracks in them. Mirrors do wonders in smaller areas like entry ways or smaller bedrooms.  Also take a look at the mirrors in your bathroom, do they look dated?  A framed mirror in a bathroom has a customized look which makes the bathrooms look expensive

 

 

  1. Transform your bathroom into a spa

We recommend buying solid white towels and shower curtains, cream and white tones look clean and lush. These are inexpensive and they can make a huge difference. See if you can also throw in a few luxury soaps, bath oils, and candles on the side of the tub or on top of the sink to capture that spa-like atmosphere. Some fresh towels rolled in the tub corner or on the towel rack add some luxurious texture too

  1. Keep Furniture Proportional to the space

Too much furniture can overcrowd a room. It can make the space look smaller and hard to move around. When placing furniture, think minimalist.  It is better if a buyer starts talking (or visualizing) bigger items in the room instead of smaller; this makes them think the rooms are larger which is what most buyers want.

 

 

  1. Clean like you have never cleaned before…..

Clean, scrub, sweep, repeat! Then do it over again until it shines. Make the place sparkle! By maintaining a clean, staged house, buyers will notice that and they’ll be impressed to know that you take care of the place very well. Also keep your eye open for any small repairs; those should be taken care of too.

 

  1. Don’t forget the curb appeal

Most often than not, people tend to focus on the inside and forget that the first thing home buyers will see is the front yard. Make sure that it is cleaned and trimmed. Remove dead branches, replace withered plants, and add some decorative pots if you can. And in the cooler months, sweep or shovel the walkway and driveway and try to create an inviting first impression perhaps a wreath….

 

 

Yes, it is a lot of work to get your home ready for the resale market but it is worth it – think of it as time invested now so you don’t sit on the market and wait, and wait and wait…the end results are worth the work!

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Selling your home? Top 9 upgrades for your home

selling-your-home-top-9-upgrades-for

When it comes to selling your home some upgrades are just not worth it in the end. We have been staging home for a while now and we love to meet with home sellers before they start any updates.  There are updates that are worth the expense – and some that aren’t. 

 

Your real estate agent can be a big help with understanding your competition and also the clientele moving into your area.  A home stager can help you with the presentation and the updates – we love to let home sellers in on what buyers are looking for and also the look that they are attracted to. If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future, take a look at these tips for improving the appeal of your home to buyers. 

Some upgrades just aren’t worth it, but for some there are huge benefits for you, the seller.

 

1.  The kitchen. 

Buyers are willing to pay more or at least asking price if the home is ‘up to date’.  the kitchen is the heart of the home and sellers will get their money back if they spend it right in the kitchen.  Even if you cannot totally gut it and put in an entirely new kitchen, you should put in certain upgrades like a stone counter top, hardwood or porcelain tiles on the floor, stainless steel appliances, and islands attract buyers.  A home with a current kitchen will get a lot of attention from buyers!

 

2.  Hardwood floors. 

Especially on the main floor, and if you already have hardwood check on the condition they may need a sanding or screening with a new stain or seal.  And if they are in really poor shape, replace them with hardwood.  Hardwood is popular with everyone – it looks great, it works with any style of decor, it’s easy to clean and it also works for anyone with allergies. Hardwood too expensive? Check out the laminate alternatives at your local hardware store.  You might be surprised to see how amazing the new ‘hardwood’ laminate looks – plus it wears really well so it’s perfect for busy households and pets!

 

3.  Master ensuite. 

If you have an ensuite and not all homes do, especially if they are in older neighbourhoods, be sure to have it updated.  If you can’t afford a full renovation job – try updating the fixtures from brass to chrome,a new low flow toilet, a new paint colour, new towel and toilet paper bars, and rain shower heads in the shower are easy fixes. If you don’t have an ensuite but you have a large master bedroom, look into using some of the bedroom and turning that into an ensuite even if it is a bit smaller – buyers are looking for ensuites.

 

 

 

4.  Upgraded lighting. 

New lighting can completely transform a space and make it look more current. Pot lights, pendants in the kitchen and contemporary track lights can make any space look brighter and more chic. A chandelier in the eat-in kitchen and / or dining room can add an instant impact.

 

 

5.  Landscaping. 

Don’t forget your exterior – it’s the first thing buyers (and their realtor) will see.  Keep the gardens maintained, grass cut and trees/shrubs pruned. Remove the weeds and add some mulch to really make the flower beds look manicured. Flower pots and boxes at the front entry add some colour and a welcoming feeling.

 

6.  Finished basements. 

Aren’t just a must with families.  A lot of couples buying their first place want a finished basement for various reasons – office, workout space, man cave etc…Try and make the basement look as livable as possible.  Paint, carpet, windows and lighting make a huge difference.  Keep it light and bright down there.  Ceiling height in the basement is very important so be sure to have a space that is high enough.

 

 

7.  Bathrooms. 

Like kitchens, no one wants to pay top dollar for a home that needs major improvements and bathrooms are a hot spot in the home.  If you can’t afford a complete ‘do over’ in the bathroom, look at adding new lighting, paint, shower heads etc…in the other bathrooms too. 

 

 

8.  Paint. 

You will get your money’s worth and more with a new paint job. In a home that has smokers this is a MUST.  Stick to neutral tones throughout the home – you don’t know what the buyer’s personal style will be. A fresh coat of paint does wonders – it’s an instant facelift making the home looks cleaner, bigger and brighter!

 

 

9.  Basic repairs. 

Not really an upgrade but important.  Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, unfinished projects in the home should be fixed before buyers enter your home.  It sends the message that this home was and is cared for and loved.  It makes buyers feel reassured and confident.

 

 

 

It’s really best to tackle these ‘to-do’s’ before hitting the market.  buyers notice these details and if the little things are not dealt with now this could mean your house sits on the market and /or your price keeps dropping…

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Stand out from the Crowd in the Spring Selling Market

stand-out-from-crowd-in-spring-selling

So Spring is almost here!  Youpeee!  So is the Spring Real Estate market! So are you thinking of selling your home?  Well, if you are one big factor you need to take into consideration is that there will be a lot of competition in the spring market. 

Why the spring? 

Well, the sun is out, the snow is gone (or at least on it’s way out), the grass maybe out and so might the flowers.  Generally our homes show much better too. 

 

So why do you need to stand out? 

Because there is so much out there, buyers have a huge selection and after a while the homes can all start to look the same.

So how can you stand out from the others? 

Try home staging.  Staging is a way to show your home in the best possible way.  Staging is best if it is done by a professional – they know what they are doing, they have experience, they work with Realtors and know what buyers are looking for but they are also an objective eye, they don’t take things personally.  you want someone who can highlight the features of your home, make it attractive for your target buyers and make it look incredible in photos, open houses and showings.

 

Realtors know that a properly staged home will sell faster and for more money.  Why is that?

Because any property that shows well will get a lot of showing requests, the more buyers through a home will likely results in quick offers and/or multiple offers.  when you are in a multiple offer situation, as a seller this means you will likely get above asking.

 

Some stats to consider:

“98% of the houses staged have sold over the asking price.”  HGTV’s Designed to Sell

 

“87% of people said that home presentation makes a difference in most sales.”  AOL Money and Finance Poll

 

“Homes that sold after four weeks on the market sold for 6% less than ones within the first four weeks!”  Survey by the National Association of Realtors

 

“Buyers willing to spend the money for an ‘ideal’ home, but not the time to renovate. The poll showed that 63 per cent of buyers preferred a higher priced home that does not require any renovations over a lower priced fixer-upper.”  Maritz Research Staging Polls

 

“Elements that create 72% of the first impression inside the home are within the control of the seller – well–trained staging consultants know how to show these to their best advantage.”  1999 Proctor & Gamble Survey

 

So what can you do to present your home in the best light?

– Start by decluttering the main areas like the bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, finished basement etc…Don’t worry about spaces like the garage.

 

– Give the entire home a top to bottom good cleaning think about getting a professional cleaning for the rugs

– Pay attention to the details like cracked tiles, leaky faucets, touch up paint and this is where an objective eye really helps, we get so used to living in our own space that we overlook all of the little creaks and cracks that a buyer would see.

– Remove the personalize items like family photos and collectibles, you’ll be taking those with you to your next place so think of it as pre-packing

– Updates, you don’t need piles of money to make your home look and feel current, small fixes like replacing old brass or plastic knobs and handles with chrome will really make any space feel more current.  Updating light fixtures and removing wallpaper boarders can make a huge difference.  Adding or updating a dated kitchen backsplash can also make a big difference!

 

 

– Think about getting a fresh paint job in the home.  On a tight budget? Paint the rooms that really need it

 

– Other add-ons, try adding some fresh colour with flowers, or a fruit bowl, or some throw pillows on sofas and beds.

– Make sure the home is well lit, pull back the drapes and let the light in and make sure the light bulbs are all working (replace the burn out ones).  If you have any dark corners in important rooms try adding a floor lamp.

 

 

Selling your home can be very stressful but if it is presented in the right way, you shouldn’t be on the market long….happy selling and happy spring staging!

 

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Do NOT Try This At home!! 8 Biggest Home Staging Mistakes

home-staging-mistakes

Take a look at these 8 home staging mistakes home owners make before putting their homes on the market.

A staged home spends less time on the market so take this advice and although some tips may seem expensive or time consuming, it won’t be too long and it will be worth your while.

 

8 Home staging mistakes (to avoid):

 

1 –Just because you love it does not mean that everyone else will too.

Ensure your property appeals to a broad market of buyers. In other words, keep it neutral, a bright colour reflects your personality and style which can be too much for buyers to get past.

This room looks great but the dark paint colour on the wall is a bit personalize and may turn off some buyers.  If thiese walls were painted in a lighter and neutral tone the room would look bigger and brighter.

2 –Edit your storage places too.

Buyers will poke around, opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets and closets spaces too. Be sure to spend some time organizing those area too. A cramped spaces sends the message to buyers that there is a lack of storage.

This room doesn’t present well.  It would be very challenging for buyers to see past this mess.  even though the furniture doesn’t come with the house – this much clutter says to buyers that there isn’t enough space.  Be sure to clean, declutter and organize!

 

3 –Scale and size of furniture.

Be sure that items such as furniture, plants and other decor pieces are in proportion with the room. You are selling the house (the space) not the items in it. Even if the rooms look somewhat empty, that is way better than over stuffed rooms. Story your larger pieces in a temporary storage locker or ask friends and family if they have some storage space you could borrow.

You need to make sure that a room has good flow.  The buyers (during the showings) need to be able to walk around freely without obstacles.  There is a lot of furniture is this room and although very attractive it’s too much for when you are selling your home.  

4 — Clean, clean, clean.

I know this means something different to everyone so keep your self and your home on a regular cleaning schedule – if you have to contact a professional to help you out – do it, it will be worth the extra cost. Be sure your home is in ‘showing condition’ at all times. You may receive a call from your realtor about a showing while you are at work and your dishes from breakfast are still in the sink – that leaves a very bad impression.

You really need to be on top of your house work while you are selling.  No one wants to come to view a property with dirty rooms, dishes all over the place etc…This leaves a really bad first impression.

5 — Your pet may be your best friends but he isn’t every one’s.

Some buyers are immediately turned off by any signs of animals in a home so keep pet hair to a minimum by vacuuming everyday, crating your furry friends or keeping them outside of the home while it is up for sale. When we were selling our home a few years ago, I went as far as paying my younger brother to “babysit” them during my open house.

6 — Pay attention to the details.

Don’t hide your flaws , either repair them before you go on market or have your price reflect that there is some work to be done. It is tough for a realtor to justify selling a house for top dollar when it is not in top condition.

7 — Upgrade periodically.

Change up your light fixtures, hardware, taps, faucets and drapery. You will likely get a better reaction from buyers plus it shows that the house has been maintained and cared for. Plus buyers are willing to pay more for a property that has already been updated.  Not sure where to update or what to do? This is where your real estate agent and home stager can really come into play.

A new light fixture can make a huge difference in a house.  It gives the whole home a fresh feel and look – opt for a style that is transitional (that means it works with different decor styles and this way this will work for most people).

8 — Don’t rush.

Get your house on the market once it is ready. Meaning get the little jobs done, listen to your realtor and home stager to help you get top dollar, an incomplete house is exactly that and buyers will not respond in a positive way. So take that time to finish up incomplete projects or tackle the to-do list from your stager – painting and small repairs can set up apart. Any time of year is a good time to sell, but when there is a lot of competition on the market (such as the spring season) you must be in peak performance.

Consider a fresh paint job in the home in a neutral tone, this instantly gives the whole home a fresh new feel and it looks clean and bright!

Selling can feel personal but it isn’t – you need to now think of your house as a product that is up for sale.  Like a product in a store you want it to sell so put the time in to make it a product that a buyer will want! Be sure to avoid these home staging mistakes,

0 comment
Share:
1…4567