Search results for

sell home

HOME STAGING, KITCHENS

Home Staging Tips for the Kitchen

home-staging-tips-kitchen

We all know the importance of the kitchen.  It is the heart of the home and when it comes to the real estate market it is a hot spot.  Meaning it is one of the top areas that buyers are looking at when it comes to shopping for a new home. So when it comes to prepping your home for the resale market do not over look the kitchen.  In fact really focus on highlighting it’s features and making it look it’s best!

Here are some ideas

1.  Add some colour.

Yes, you need to declutter those counter tops but add a few splashes of colour here and there.  it will add warmth to the room and photograph well. When I stage a property, we use kitchen accessories like cookbook, small plants and fruit.

Photo from the Old Pained Cottage

2.  Bring attention to the features like an island.

Have matching stools at your island, enough that they fit comfortably (approx 2 feet per stool) and be sure that the stools aren’t overly bulky for the island either.  Also play with some colour with flowers so maybe even place settings

3.  Set the scene.

If you have a dining or eat-in area in the kitchen space – show it off!  Set the table or add a simple centerpiece to bring focus to the area.  Be sure that the furniture fits nicely in the space – not too big, not too small.

4.  Need some updates on a tight budget?

Try smaller budget updates that make an impact like new hardware – an easy install and easy to find in a hardware store.  Update lighting too – over the island, in the eat in area and in the kitchen. The faucet may also benefit from an upgrade too

5.  Keep it clean and clutter free.

Remove notes and flyers, magnets, coupons etc…from your fridge surface it looks messy and cluttered.  Plus it takes away from the rest of the kitchen – it’s distracting

6.  Lighten and brighten.

A dark, dreary kitchen is never a turn-on so keep it light and bright.  Be sure your lighting is on full working order – no broken fixtures or burnt out bulbs but think about paint!  A fresh coat of paint is an instant facelift and in a kitchen it’s a pretty easy project.  Stick to light neutral tones and it will add instant life to your kitchen

7.  Counter top upgrade.

Many buyers are looking for stone countertops.  Granite and quartz are items that will help sell your home faster. Consider installing granite or quartz but if you can’t afford it, try getting a quote for buyers – your agent can pass it along to those who are interested.

8.  Install a simple back splash.

If your home doesn’t have a back splash – consider installing one.  Again, stick with something neutral and timeless, subway tile is an affordable option and it is a classic plus it works with every style.  A back splash can set you apart from the competition, too, many newly built town homes in suburban communities a back splash is an ‘extra’ so many buyers don’t get one.  Stand out from the crowd!

9. Show off functionality.

Small kitchens can still be functional it’s all about storage and set up.  If you are lacking in storage or surface space try adding a furniture piece that can offer both.  In this image – this ‘mobile’ island offers a great prep or serving space (add a chair) plus it has a lower shelf that has some storage.  This piece is perfect because it doesn’t add bulk and the reflective surface adds some brightness too

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

When it comes to staging your home from the resale market – turn that kitchen into a dream kitchen !  Be sure to include a good clean and fixing any small repairs like shipped doors, squeaky hinges, loose knobs, leaky faucet and more….


SHOP FOR THE KITCHEN…

1 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

home-for-sale-open-house-tips

If your home is up for sale on the market – this is a busy and possibly stressful time for you. On top of your everyday responsibilities you also have to deal with the showings and open houses at your home. You have your next property in mind and you have prepped and staged this house for sale.  Getting ready for every showing is work!

You want to sell your house and you know in order to do that buyers need to see it but prepping for a viewing can be very stressful and a bit hectic – so much to do!  You want your home to look it’s best –  Here is what you don’t want to happen. A showing is suddenly scheduled for that evening and you realize you have zero clean towels in your house. So now, not only do you have to pick up, wipe down surfaces, etc — you also have a load of laundry to do as well.

Have an open house box!

Sounds easy, right? It is!

Here’s what you need:

– a box, like a Banker’s box is a perfect size and it has a lid
– a set of clean, fresh white towels (one set for each bathroom)
– small (cutlery size) baskets (one for each bathroom)
– clean tea towels
– a mason jar for counter clutter like coins, small pieces of paper, elastics etc…
– a large envelope to store papers from the counter like school news letters, mail etc…
– Clorox wipes or Lysol wipes for quick counter top cleaning

Before you begin showing your home, take an empty box and fill it with clean bath, hand and dish towels. When you have a showing scheduled, walk around to each bathroom and the kitchen grabbing all the dirty linens, and putting out the clean linens – get the kids involved and have them grab the ‘dirty’ towels. Just throw the dirty towels in this box to pull back out after the showing is over. So the clean towels in the Open House Box never actually get used, only shown.

Store the box in a closet that isn’t a huge feature like a guest room closet – once the show is over.  Collect all of the ‘showing props’ like the clean towels, tea towels etc… and put it all back in the box.

So easy!

Here are some other easy tips for managing your personal items when living in the house that you are selling:

1 – Containers.  Small and big are needed to just keep things tidy.  This is especially useful in the bathroom for make -up, tooth brushes, personal care items and toilet paper.  If leaving your items out, having them in containers looks much better but if you want to tuck them away, having them in containers makes it easy!

2 – Keep the office tidy with boxes for loose papers and other documents you don’t want left out in the open. Keep pens and pencils in a holder too – a messy office can send the message that there isn’t room for everything and leave a bad impression

3 – Keep the lights on!  Even on a sunny day but especially for evening showings – the light will make everything look bigger and brighter

4 – Big baskets are your best solution for showing a family home.  Just toss all of the toys in some baskets,try not to have too many just a few that are big enough to fit the kids’ things.

5 –  Please take the pets out!  Not everyone loves your pets and even if they are friendly, the presence of pets can be distracting and uncomfortable.  So make arrangements for your pets – maybe during the day a neighbour could help out by taking them or maybe you can take them with you while the open house is happening.

Home selling is stressful but following these staging tips will help ease that stress and help you get your house sold!

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, TRENDS

Home Staging and Decor Trends

home-staging-and-decor-trends

Decor Trends and Home Staging are really important when putting your home on the real estate market. A big part of staging your home is making it look current.  In the final steps of prepping your home for the real estate market you want to make it pretty, buyer ready and photo ready.  One way to do that is knowing what decor trends are out there and bring them into your home.  Since 95% of buyers are online first trying to find the home of the dreams…you need to make your photos stand out and attract those buyers!

1.  Outdoor spaces –

Assuming the weather is working in your favour – stage your outside.  Staging is about creating the vision of what life in the home would look like and including the outdoor living areas is critical! This staging trend is probably one of the most essential and we see so many sellers not have their outdoor areas staged. Remember a photo is worth a thousand words. 

Clean up the outside – rake, cut the grass, plant some colourful flowers, set up the patio and prepare it as though you have guests arriving any minute!

 

2.White Kitchens –

Huge ‘trend’ now for home owners is light, white, bright kitchens! In a recent Houzz survey an overwhelming amount of respondents desired a white kitchen in their home. When the kitchen comprises almost 30% of the buyer’s decision (according to NAR – National Association of Realtors) a little more expense in this main area makes a world of difference in price!

Can’t replace the entire kitchen or paint the cabinets? Look at updating the back splash (or adding one) in a light tone, update the kitchen lighting to make the kitchen light and bright, paint the walls in a lighter tone and/or update the hardware.

 

3. Birds On Display –

The bird in the pillow is just a taste of what we will see more of in the future. Whereas last year’s trend was the white porcelain deer head on the wall and horses, this year’s trend is sweet, little birds. Right now, birds are hot for spring and every spring we tend to see animals and florals pop into all decor. 

If you home is going on the market in the spring – think about adding some ‘nods’ to spring like floral, birds or any botanical elements. Currently, the hot trend is peacock but any bird in spring is up to date

4. Metallic accents –

Framed mirrors, art or brass bar carts add warmth and sophistication in any room. Metal accents add an element of shine to any room and they add some sophistication too.  Right now warm metals are hot like gold, brass and copper.  So think about adding a few touches of those in decor pieces, frames of mirrors, lamp bases even occasional tables.

5. Pops of colour –

Colour can help you stand out from the crowd.  Even a neutral space could benefit from a floral arrangement in bright yellow or orange.  If your home decor style can handle it, try adding some colourful pillows to the sofa or bed and a throw blanket.  Colours like yellow, orange and bright green are perfect for spring but coral, aqua and purple can also make a big impact when used in small doses.

6.Dual Coffee Tables –

Placing two coffee tables next to each other to scale a larger space is a much better staging solution than just one. This is also a great way to add surface space to a small room.  Look for side tables, benches even stools (as long as they are the right height, 16″ to 21″) to be used as a coffee table

 

7.  Clear Tables, Chairs, Lamps and More –

Glass has always been an excellent staging tool because of it’s reflective nature and ability to create more light in what would probably be a dark corner. Glass is great because it gives the surface space without the bulk.  If you are selling a condo or a smaller space – try a glass dining table and pair any style of chair you like.  It makes the room look nice and big and you still are showing off how to live in the space. Glass furniture comes in a variety of styles too, and price points!  You can use the ‘buddy system’ too so if you have a glass dining table add some glass elsewhere maybe a side table or in a lamp….

 

8. The Navy Comeback –

Navy blue is making a come back in a huge way!  Navy just stole our hearts originally via patterns like chevron, ikat (see below) and floral  but now it’s really making it’s presence known as a “new neutral” that pairs well with yellow, turquoise, coral, chartreuse, wheat …almost all of the spring 2015 hues   that add pop to a space. Navy is one of those versatile colors that can work with bright or earth tone accents (just open your latest Pottery Barn catalog to see it with earth tones). If your space has a lot of neutral beige, cream or sand tones add navy for a rich contrast and timeless combination.

Photo from EmilyClark.com

Just a few tips and tricks can make all the difference…

0 comment
Share:
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:
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

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:
HOME STAGING

Worst upgrades for the resale of your home

worst-upgrades-for-resale-of-your-home

When it comes to selling your home there are some updates that are ‘money makers’ and there are others that are just a waste of money. You really want to spend your money on upgrades that not only look good but ones that will pay off!

Here are the 10 worst upgrades for selling your home.

 

.

1.  Wall-to-wall carpet. 

If you are replacing your carpet flooring before you sell, hardwood is a must.  That is what buyers are looking for.  Carpet just doesn’t work for anyone with pets or allergies plus it’s tough to give it a quick clean.  If you have hardwood now, take a close look at it – does it need any repairs? refinishing?

 

 

2.  Whirlpool baths, indoor hot tubs and saunas. 

Once upon a time they were considered desirable but now many buyers find them passe and are afraid of what extra costs will be involved.

 

3.  Colourful bath fixtures. 

If you are updating the toilets, sinks and tubs in your bathrooms to get ready for sale (even if it is years away), keep the fixtures white – not almond, grey, pink etc…White is neutral and clean so it will appeal to everyone.

 

4.  Ornate chandeliers, wall paper, textured walls and bold paint colours. 

No.  Do not do this.  Keep it simple.  Stick with neutral paint colours.  Wall paper is just seen as a big removal project, textured walls were once a big trend but he trend is over and as for big splashy chandeliers – that’s a personal touch that should go with you when you move, so just put in a simple chandelier for the potential new owners.

 

5.  Expensive sound systems and home theaters. 

If you are doing updates for your home as you start to prepare it for sale, do not spend you money on this, it might attract some buyers but most audio/film buffs would rather just install this themselves. If you have a large basement that would really suit a home theater this is something your real estate agent could mention at open houses and showings.

6.  Vinyl Floors

Although it has come a long way in terms of style and it is practical for pets, kids, allergies and easy cleaning – it isn’t a feature that buyers like.  For only a bit more money, opt for ceramic, or hardwood. The new laminate floor that look like hardwood are a good option but at a certain price point, buyers expect to see hardwood so discuss that with your real estate agent.

 

7.  Removing bedrooms, turning a three bedroom into a two bedroom home. 

Even if one or two bedrooms are on the small side – do not eliminate one.  Fewer bedrooms means you will likely get less money on the resale market.  Plus anyone looking for a three bedroom will not see a two bedroom home.  Two bedroom condo apartments are popular but not two bedroom homes. Same goes for 4 bedroom homes – many families are looking for 4 bedrooms so don’t get rid of a bedroom.

8.  Swimming pools. 

There is a lot of discussion among Realtors about pools.  Buyers often love them or hate them – so if you have a big yard that would fit a pool, let your realtor ‘pitch’ that idea a open houses and showings. It’s not an upgrade worth putting in. If you have a pool – make sure it is clean, maintained and functioning.  Buyers will want to know about additional costs so be sure to have that data available.

 

 

9.  Appliance upgrades. 

Stainless steel is certainly the ‘colour’ of choice for buyers but don’t get crazy with professional grade appliances it’s really not necessary.  Plus built-in espresso machines are seen as a concern if they breakdown and wine fridges are a personal item (not everyone drinks wine).

10.  Odd rooms. 

If you are in an older home you probably have some attic space or neat little nook under the stares – do not spend the time, money or effort trying to convert these funky little spots into a room or bathroom.  Show your realtor these spaces and he/she will simply call them ‘storage’ which IS something buyers are all looking for.

 

This mistakes can be costly so be sure to talk with your realtor before making any huge mistakes….

 

0 comment
Share:
1…45678…12