“My husband and I will be putting our home on the market but not for a few months. By the time, it is listed for sale we will be in Sunny Florida. The interior of the home will be clean and tidy, plus it will be furnished but do we need to get regular outdoor maintenance taken care of?”
It’s so great that you are planning ahead for the sale of your home. The interior of the home being clean, tidy and staged is great but don’t forget about the exterior! Yes, everyone loves to see a beautifully manicured lawn, lush and colourful gardens and green trees in the summer months but that doesn’t mean that curb appeal doesn’t play a role in the other months, too.
Curb appeal isn’t just a summer thing, it’s important year round! The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see and if it is not well maintained that could be a bit of a red flag to buyers. You also you want to make a good first impression and a welcoming one, too. And in the winter months, not maintaining your exterior can also be a safety issue – those are equally important factors when it comes to selling your home.
The summer months are definitely the prettiest months for curb appeal but a well maintained exterior is noticeable all year long. So much of the monthly maintenance is dependent on your climate but here are some helpful tips.
In the fall months –
*sweep the porch and walkway, and driveway *make sure all light bulbs are in working order (the days are getting shorter so lights will be very important) *the grass is still growing so be sure to have it cut *for some extra curb appeal some fall planters or a wreath maybe even some pumpkins to celebrate the fall season.
In the winter months-
*be sure to shovel the porch,driveway and walkways, *salt or sand those areas too *again be sure that the light bulbs are fully functional and set to turn on at dusk, this is great for showings but also anyone driving by *to add some extra curb appeal you can add a winter wreath!
In the spring months-
*the grass isn’t quite green yet but the flowers are starting to bloom (depending on the climate) so give your lawn a bit of a rake to remove any winter debris *clear off the porch, walkways and driveways (debris, salt/sand and any garbage) *for some extra impact bring out some colourful outdoor pillows to any bench or seating, add a spring floral wreath *later in the spring add some planters with spring flowers to add some colour
Before you put your home on the market be sure to check that your exterior has the following:
– a clear address plate (you want buyers and agents to find your property) – the paint on the front door isn’t chipped or peeling – the front steps are in good condition – the mail box, grip set and door bell are in good working condition – windows close and open easily – the exterior materials (brick, siding etc…) are in good condition
Any buyer that comes to your home should be ‘WOW’ed by it and it shouldn’t matter if it is May or January. Make that impression every time!
The bathroom is a key room that buyers focus on. Home Staging is an important step when selling your home. You really need to set yourself apart from the pack and you want to do that by putting your best foot forward! The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in a home and it is a hot spot for buyers. Buyers want to see an amazing bathroom – updates, clean and perfect! Home Staging can really set the scene for those buyers and create that picture perfect bathroom.
Here are some simple ways to Stage your bathroom :
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way and always make a space look and feel clean. Plus a bathroom is a small space so if you are doing the painting yourself, it isn’t a huge project. But be sure to tell your paint supplier that you are painting a bathroom that way you will get the right blend of paint. Opt for a neutral tone. It is more universal and is appealing for most buyers.
I recommend choosing a neutral tone that works with the current tones in the house. So if you have beige walls opt for a tone with a warm undertone a cream or even a very warm grey would work. Don’t start a whole new look, colour palette and style in the bathroom – it will chop up the house.
Lighting, you want to make sure you have enough!
Task lighting over the vanity and recessed lighting are key! Make sure your bulbs are as bright as possible and in working condition (that goes for the whole house).
Accessories really make a difference and are an affordable way to really set the scene.
Small fake plants are a nice touch. There are many plants that are artificial but you can even tell! Choose a plant to place on your counter top or on another surface you have such as a shelf, toilet, edge of a bathtub.
I think it gives the space a serene feel and they smell great! Beautiful candle holders, or just candles on their own are another great layer to add to the bathroom accessory list. You can have one large or a grouping of smaller ones. Choose something you love.
Art is a nice touch as well.
Somewhere in the bathroom you will likely have a bit of wall space for a small piece or two. Add something that goes nicely with your previously selected colour palette. It doesn’t have to all be the same as what you have but something with a hint of consistency will blend beautifully into the space.
Small trays for jewelry and personal items are a functional and pretty option to keep on the counter top. Choose something shiny! Maybe something that matches the handles in your bathroom such as gold, chrome or brass. The continuation of similar metals makes your space look well thought out, and very harmonious.
But don’t leave too much jewelry on display or anything really expensive!
The key is to repeat a colour.
Having 7 different colours, patterns and textures may seem like a good idea, but it will likely just have an eclectic feel. Try to use some consistency and repeat an accent colour you have already started with.
And of course, the easiest thing to do – is give that bathroom a really good clean!
For anyone looking to sell their home, staging your bathroom it really sets the scene for buyers. The bathroom is a hot spot that buyers look for so show it off with simple accessories, light and neutral colour palette.
Home staging is all about prepping the home for the next buyer and not decorating it to suit your taste and style. When you put your home on the market to sell, you should know that the next owner will likely be younger than you are. That’s why you should stop thinking about what you like or want in a home and start thinking about what your most likely buyer will want.
It’s important to keep the home looking current but not trendy
1. Wall paint
Yes, stick with warm neutral tones but pick a current neutral. If your target demographic is “young professional” or “young family,” try using a warm gray as a neutral wall color. The gold or pinky-beige wall color you chose 10 -15 years ago is going to seem outdated to this new group of home buyers. On-trend neutrals like grays allow potential homeowners to envision bringing in complementary colors and clean-lined furnishings to make it their own.
Many home buyers younger than 40 prefer white or off-white kitchen cabinetry. They don’t want to see dark kitchen cabinetry in their new home. Consider a kitchen facelift if you have dark kitchen cabinetrywith orange or red undertones. White kitchens make spaces look and feel larger – everyone wants a large kitchen!
3. Update your appliances
Many younger home buyers cannot fathom buying a home without stainless steel appliances. You’ll need to update your almond ones with stainless replacements before putting it on the market. Trying selling your old ones online…
4. Look for simple stone countertops
Granite and stone countertops are a must-have for most young home buyers — it will make the difference between whether they choose your home or your neighbor’s home. But don’t make the mistake of installing busy or taste-specific granite that may not appeal to everyone. If you plan to be in your home for a long time, go for it — but not if you plan to sell within the next few years. Find something that works with the warm grey walls and the white cabinets.
5. Keep it simple for families with children
People with young kids are less likely to want a fixer-upper. If your target demographic is “young family with small children,” it’s important that your property be ready for them to move right in. Make sure the home has no unfinished projects or red flags for young families. For families focus on ‘setting the scene’ in rooms that will be used – kitchens and bathrooms are obvious staging areas but look at laundry and mudrooms, too. Show how usable the space is.
6. Open up your shower space
Young professionals love large, open glass showers. The garden-variety tub isn’t where it’s at anymore. If you are focusing on selling to a young family be sure to have one bathroom with a tub.
7. Consider selling your house as a fixer-upper
If your neighborhood is becoming a mecca for young professionals, there may be some appeal to the fixer-upper if the price is right. These younger adults without children may have the time, energy and imagination for making over an older home. Even so, the price will have to be lower than if it were picture perfect.
We hope these home staging tips help you get that home sold!
Realistic or not…every home buyers dreams of purchasing a home that belongs in the pages of a magazine. Staging your home or making it look it’s best, is one of the first steps to putting it on the market. Since many eyes will be on your home during showings, open houses and all through marketing and promotional materials, this is why you will want your home to look show room ready! Many sellers feel that doing aesthetic work in preparation to sell their home isn’t necessary and that the buyers themselves will want to make those changes themselves and to their taste – but to sell a home for top dollar in any market you must set yourself apart from the others.
1 – The Exterior Aka Curb appeal –
This is where you will make your first impression. If the outside is unappealing that sends a strong message to buyers and they may decide to move on without even entering. Create a lasting impression by maintaining the flower beds and lawn, sweeping the walkway and porch, power wash the siding and freshen up the door and shutters with paint. Take a look at accessories like the door mat– is it tired looking? mailbox – is it rusted? door bell? – is it working? number plate? – is it visible, clean?
2 – Depersonalize –
Staging your home for sale is very different from decorating your ‘new’ home. when you move in to your space you want to put your personal stamp on things, set up your furniture for your lifestyle and make it yours! When staging your home you want to attract the most buyers using neutral tones and furniture placement that shows off flow and the size of the room – highlighting the best attributes if the home. Keep your style and tastes to a minimum since many buyers with many different tastes will be viewing your space.
3 – Don’t leave the walls bare –
Yes, you want to depersonalize but don’t completely neuter your home and remove all warmth and signs of life. Removing personal items like family photos, collections and religious symbols is very important but decor items like art, mirrors and clocks add some warmth to the space and can pull a room together.
4 – Create furniture groupings –
Sometimes when sellers want to make a room look and feel spacious they spread out the furniture creating a big open space in the middle. This arrangement does leave a big, open space but it looks unfinished – which is a big turn off for buyers. It’s best to create furniture groupings to help buyers envision how to use the space – for conversation, TV watching, reading and more….Be sure to not only have furniture positioned in ways that would make sense for intended use but also be sure to have clear and direct paths through the room – this will give a room a spacious look and feel. You want buyers to envision the use of the space, how to live in the home and of course, highlight the size of the room but still keeping it cozy for conversation.
5 – Use paint to maximize the space –
The right paint colour can perform miracles. The right paint colour can make a room appear larger. We often recommend a fresh coat of paint throughout the home in a light tone but if you don’t want to pain the whole home – paint the space that you need to enlarge the same colour as the room that is adjacent to it. The matching colours will help the potential buyer’s eyes flow seamlessly from one room into the next and make both rooms seem like one big space. Bold colours do make a statement but they tend to make rooms feel smaller and more closed off, plus that also a personal statement and taste.
6 – Add extra lighting –
Lighting can make all of the difference between a good viewing and a bad one. You want to make sure that buyers actually see the aspects and features of the home. Natural light is a plus, so pull back the drapes, remove heavy curtains all together and bring up the blinds. For artificial lighting, you need to have enough to make your home feel cozy during evening showings. Add some floor lamps in dark corners, routinely check light bulbs, add high wattage bulbs or day light bulbs to existing fixtures.
7 – Clearly define every space –
Most of us have a room or space that is a catch-all and it serves many purposes but when it comes to selling your home – that space never translates well to buyers. That catch-all room becomes a confusing space. Present that space as ‘something’ a guest room, a desk, craft room, study, ply room – it doesn’t really matter but define what that space is. Clear it out, remove the junk and set it up as a proper, usable space.
8- Assume every space will be viewed –
Sellers like to think that buyers will just look at the main areas of the home during a viewing. In reality, buyers will look everywhere (especially if it is a 2nd or 3rd showing). So spend some time organizing cupboards, closets and other storage spaces. Yes, you are living there but you can keep it neat and organized. Start with a declutter – go through your clothes and linens (no sense in bring items you don’t need or want into your next home), donate or toss what you no longer need, pre-pack the extras that you want to keep and fold up the towels and bedsheets in the current linen closet – making a beautiful and organized closet. Same for other storage spaces. A closet that is bursting at the seams sends the signal that there isn’t enough storage space.
9 – Organize personal items with storage pieces –
If you are still living in the home that you are selling you will still have some personal pieces like toys, mail, pet items and toiletries. The best way to keep the home staged while you live there is to have some easy storage solutions. Baskets are great for toys, a chest or trunk at the edge of a bed, baskets or boxes in bookcases are perfect for flyers, mail and school items. For bigger items, like furniture try renting a POD or Storage unit.
10 – Fresh touches impress buyers –
Some fresh details make an impression on buyers like fresh flowers (perfect for open houses), fresh fruit in a bowl on an island is a great pop of colour and sets a friendly tone, plush towels in the bathrooms look clean and luxurious are just a few easy examples. These quick fixes can really make a world of difference in how your property is viewed by buyers.
Buyers want that emotional connection once they walk into a home, that feeling is so important and home staging makes that connection with buyers – it’s a necessary step in the process of selling your home,
It is selling season and if you are selling your home you know how busy this time of year is! Lost of Showings, Previews and Open Houses – exposure is key when selling your home! But a last minute showing can be tricky! Of course, you want your home to be seen but at the same time your home may not be up to par! What do to?
During the week, we suggest a cleaning routine :including vacuuming as often as you can (at least the highest traffic areas, like a family room for instance), putting away clothes after each wearing (either in a hamper or back in the closet or dresser) to keep clutter under control, picking up toys and books before bed time (get the kids involved – they tidy up at school so why not at home?), wash dishes daily (if you have a chaotic schedule maybe use disposable paper plates in the short term) and wiping down surfaces like counter tops (kitchen and bath) and table tops.
To make the very best impression for buyers, try these 5 easy things. They can be done in around 15-20 minutes, so even the very last minute showing can be a huge success!
1. Keep the house clean.
I know easier said than done but if you tackle a bit of cleaning everyday, the house will never really get messy. Be sure to always have the sinks and appliances clean – those two items really make an impact on buyers and it sets the tone for the rest of the house. Stainless steel appliances? Be sure to use the right cleaners to remove finger prints and smudges. Cleaning these items alone really shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes!
2. Sweep the kitchen floor (and eat-in area).
Will buyers be focusing on your floor? Maybe – Maybe not….but if they step in food or sticky residue from spilled apple juice, they will notice it and it will make a bad impression. It takes minutes to do and it make the kitchen (a buyer hot spot) look and feel so much better. A quick sweep and spot mop should take 3-5 minutes.
3. Empty all trashes.
Over flowing trash is just gross and it can smell. It take minutes to empty the cans. Get the kids involved, send them each to a trash can and have them meet you in the garage to dump and put them back. Again it feels clean and looks so much better. This should take roughly 5-7 minutes.
4. Make it smell good.
Removing the garbage and regular cleaning certainly help to keep the house smelling clean. Try to keep from cooking (right before a showing) fish, grease, burnt anything can be tough to get rid of, especially in a hurry. You can use plug-ins but opt for natural scents as florals can be overwhelming but try opening the windows – nothing beats the smell of fresh air! Another product that we love are scented flameless candles – they are battery operated, they look great and smell fantastic but DO NOT leave real lit candles in the home unattended. This should take a minute or two.
5. Remove all clutter from counters and floors
Clutter is a huge distraction. We tell our home staging clients that clutter sends a signal that the house is lacking in storage – no buyer will say “oh, they just have too much”, the buyer will say “there isn’t enough storage here”. Storage is an important factor for buyers. Be sure to pay special attention the the kitchen counters.
Keep extra baskets handy for toys, books, clothes and any other items that are on the floor. Have a basket in each bedroom for a quick clean and pick up (be sure the basket can be tucked away in a closet). Depends on how much you have to do, 5 – ? minutes.
A few extra minutes or want to add another touch Leave out some cookies or small chocolates, bottled water for a welcome touch. It will make a memorable impression …..
When it comes to home staging – yes, there are a number of items that must be removed from the home such as personal photos, collectibles and of course, excess or bulky furniture. But there are certain props that really enhance the look of the home regardless of the age or decor style.
These 6 DIY props can add memorable details and welcoming feelings to buyers and just help to set the scene and really make your photos stand out from the other houses for sale.
Books –
Too many books in a book case (or piles of them in office spaces and bedroom) can look junky and sloppy BUT sets of hardcover books can really complete the look of shelves or stacked on a coffee table. Check out garage sales or used book stores for affordable options be sure to check the condition of the spine (and check to make sure they don’t have a musty smell). Stay away from controversial topics and titles. We always look of books that are medium to large in scale, hard cover and in good shape. Colourful spines can add a splash a colour to a bookcase or coffee table.
Bookcases are great for book storage but when it comes to staging you want every space to feel light and airy. Full bookcases add a lot of bulk and heaviness to a room, so do a pre-pack of you books and leave your nicest ones on display. Stack them creatively, play with colour and add some simple accessories.
A big bowl of bright fresh lemons is a simple way to add some colour and a feeling freshness to a space like the kitchen or as a dining centerpiece. Use decorative lemons – they last longer plus you get that brilliant yellow colour. Why lemons? Well, no one is ever tempted to bite into a lemon. And yes, I have found bite marks on several occasions in our decorative fruit especially apples but some pears too. Use a bowl that works with your decor style – long, lean glass works well for contemporary spaces, wood or pottery looks great in a rustic or country home.
A low profile bowl with lemons really allows one to see that bright splash of colour. This looks great in a kitchen, on a kitchen island, a dining table or even a coffee table like the image below
Plush towels –
New towels always look amazing in a bathroom. Towels like everything else age, they are fine for every day use but when it comes to show casing your home old towels will just make the bathroom look tired and stale. Aim for that ’boutique’ hotel look with clean, plush, white towels. If your bathroom is already entirely white choose a grey or brown tone something that will give some contrast to the space but keep it neutral.
These white plush towels add a softness to this bathroom. Bathrooms are full of hard surfaces like tile, cabinetry, porcelain and more…so adding some softness gives the room some balance. The white towels in this bathroom also give a spa like feel
Large Painting –
This is probably a bit tougher to locate but try home decor stores or even online – the results are incredible! Choose a large painting with soft tones (colour is fine but aim for softer hues). We recommend a simple landscape (they are soothing) or just abstract with soft and blended brush strokes. This will certainly make an impact but it won’t be alarming.
This living room with the large landscape art piece makes an impact but is still soothing and peaceful which is a great quality in a home. The colours are soft and the blue tones are also used in the decor. Large art pieces look great on big walls like the one here but they also look great above a fireplace or in a dining room above a sideboard
Take a look in any home design and decor magazine, you will always see matching pairs of lamps in a room. You might be staging your home on a tight budget but you can’t have it looking that way! A pair of matching table lamps will give you a designer look without spending a bundle. Place them in a room where they can both be scene – flanking the sofa in the living room or flanking the bed are easy ways to do just that and it makes a big impact!
This image shows the impact of what some beautiful matching table lamps can do in a room. The reflective surface of these lamps adds some great light in the room too.
Plump Pillows –
Pillows really add extra dimension to decor and home staging. Look for pillows with some colour, texture and even print. But stay away from stiff or flat pillows and of course, going over board with too many pillows. Pillows should enhance the look of the space! Decor pillows look great on sofas, accent chairs and also beds and benches. Be sure to ‘pump up’ those bed pillows too – volume from pillows adds a sense of luxury and comfort.
Seen here: there’s a mix of colour and pattern. The turquoise makes a statement in this neutral tone room. some home stagers may disagree but this colour choice brings life and a brightness to the room but be sure to carry this colour into other rooms as well to keep a fluid feel
In summary…putting it all together…
This neutral bedroom has a great mix of neutral tones – white, black and shades of beige. The bed looks fantastic with the layering of pillows that are plump – bed and decor pillows. The lean bedside tables and lamps match and fit in the space beautifully. This is a great example how to stage a bedroom in neutral tones, some texture, matching pieces, art and even flowers.
Even just a few new pieces can make a big difference in the overall presentation of your home – best wishes!
“I moved into my townhouse a year ago. I love my kitchen! it’s white with light grey counter top and grey tile floor. This summer I want to add a back splashbut I’m not sure what to choose. Any advice?”
A white kitchen is classic and a great choice for a smaller space. It’s light and bright and in terms of resale, it has mass appeal. Adding a backsplash is a simple update that isn’t disruptive to your life at home. A backsplash in a kitchen is like adding jewelry to an outfit – it really pulls it all together. This year in tile it was all about shape, the colours were all neutral but the shapes were the focus.
this is a classic and you cannot go wrong with this option. Seen here in a brick or staggered formation it mimics the look of brick. A typical subway tile is 3″ x 6″ but there are variations in size. In terms of colour – a soft grey is a good neutral option as is white but you could also go with a charcoal for a more dramatic look. If you are thinking you might sell in about 3-5 years choose something with some longevity like a neutral tone.
Stainless Steel Tile –
this has a bit more of an industrial edge. This material works well in a kitchen as it’s easy to clean and maintain. You will also have a lot of shapes and sizes to choose from. This also looks great in a kitchen that has stainless steel appliances.
Glass mosaic tile –
this option was super popular a few years ago. This is still seen today but more tone on tone like the image here. Various shades of grey and a mix of clear and frosted glass. Again, a soft look with a bit of texture and shine – ideal for a smaller kitchen.
Marble tile –
Marble is so classic and elegant but we have been seeing it in more modern and contemporary spaces, too. It is a material that requires a lot of maintenance when installed as a counter top but as a back splash not to so much. The natural variation and veins make it visually interesting and it look amazing when paired with grey and white.
Hexagon tile –
a popular shape in 2015 for backsplashes and floors. Try this in a neutral tone and it will give even the most ‘tired’ kitchen a fresh look. The shape is interesting but not over the top. Hexagon tiles also look incredible in bathrooms too, in a shower as an accent or on the shower floor.
Herringbone formation –
still looking for something a bit different but not totally off the wall? Try a herringbone formation. Using a subway tile, instead of staggering the tile you lay it in a ‘zig zag’ format. Herringbone is a pattern we often see in menswear but we are seeing it in tiles. Stick with a neutral colour palette and a grout that is a few shades lighter (or darker) than the tile so that the pattern shows. This also looks great on a floor with a 12 x 24 tile.
Arabesque tile –
this is a shape that’s recently popular. It adds an elegant touch to a kitchen. Again, use a grout with some pigmentation so that the shape is evident. It’s lovely in white and soft grey.
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.
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….
The Spring/Summer real estate market is a very busy time! When people purchase a home they buy a vision of their future. And most people’s vision of summer is a happy one…
Now that spring is here and summer is soon to follow, it’s the time to double-check your home staging .
Does it capitalize on the happy vibes of the season?
We hope you’ll take inspiration and ideas from these images, and make the most of the warmer weather inspiration to stage your home so you’ll land a purchase offer you love!
‘Summertime’ staging can incorporate a little whimsy without looking goofy. Try some humorous or nostalgic touches in small spaces or outdoors.
A bench at the front porch with colourful pillows is always welcoming.
Embrace the beauty of the season and add some of those touches inside and out to create an inviting ‘dream’ home for potential buyers. But don’t get cluttered and carried away…..
Set the scene:
What do you think of when the nice weather arrives…..gardening, pool parties, entertaining, BBQ season…if your home features a large patio space highlight it with furniture and potted plants – set up the BBQ, too – set the scene. Have a pool ? Open it and set it up – it looks so much better and again it sets the tone and gets buyers mentally moving in….
For photos and open houses (private showings, too) set up your patio like you have company coming over (because, well, you do!) This shows off the fun and the function of your outdoor space – do the visualizing for the buyer. Same goes for setting up your 3 season porch or wrap around porch – highlight that feature with furniture and accessories!
Warm welcome:
Even small touches like summer wreath of fabric, floral wreath, shells, or bright summer flowers on the front door welcomes people touring your home. Pots of blooming plants near your entrance are a must if you’re working on boosting your curb appeal. You can take potted plants with you when you move, so splurge on pretty containers and interesting plants.
Focal points:
Even though it is the spring – summer market you can still draw attention to features and focal points like the fireplace – the yellow flowers attract the eye, the mirror makes the area bright, the light tones keep everything feeling fresh and big
What a peaceful bedroom! In soft tones and gender neutral! Some pattern to keep it visually interesting but not overwhelming. The paint is also neutral but warm – the chair and over sized side table show off the function and size of the room. The bed linens are clean and crisp
Small summer touches like flowers in any room – even the kitchen can add a splash of fun and summer whimsy!
Let the light in:
Pull back those drapes and let the light in! Open the windows and let in some fresh air, too!
Think ‘beachy’:
‘Coastal colours’ are perfect for staging – they are light, airy and bright. These tones help create a soothing and relaxing space. If a buyer has a feeling of calm and serenity they will certainly want to stay longer and tour the home.
Photo from Life On Virginia Street
Floral planning:
Potted plant and flowers look great! Think about size and scale to make sure your patio or porch don’t look small and you can clutter outdoor spaces with too many potted plants so keep it minimal and size appropriate. This arrangement is great because it really compliments the exterior tones of the home – the multi tonal brick with a red base and the black door look great with the deep purples and red tones and the fresh green is a bright pop – this arrangement would also transition well into the fall season.
Photo from Simply Flowers Inc.
We all love the summer – it’s light, fun and free so use that amazing summer feel and bring that into your home. Buying a home is an emotional experience so tap into that and make the most of it!
We hope you’ll find small and not-so-small ways to showcase the joys of summer for house hunters. No matter where you live or what size, style or age your home is, there’s always opportunities to “summer-ize” it. Doing so will help buyers imagine their summer cookouts, stay-cations, and celebrations at your house once they’ve bought it!
“My husband and I have a vacation property – we love being there but we aren’t up there all of the time since we both still work full time. We will be renting it out to vacationers but there is a lot of competition in our area – how can we set ourselves apart?”
Great question! Vacations are what we all dream of …so your property needs to be that dream. Regardless of the location of your rental (mountain getaway or beach escape) your rental needs to look it’s best! If you are hoping to rent it for top dollar to make some extra income you will want to spend some money and effort up front to make it that dream vacation spot.
So ‘staging’ your vacation property for photos and for when your guests arrive is a great way to set yourself apart for the competition – the up front costs will be worth it in the end – you will be able to rent easily, you will get top dollar and you will get repeat renters. Want to be that hot rental spot that people pay top dollar for and book in advance?
Follow our tips:
Start by keeping it simple –
keep the colours fresh, patterns to a minimum and opt for decor that makes sense for the space. Stay with simple palettes and some pattern, stay away from wall paper and fussy details
A mountain home with some deer head silhouettes and ‘log’ inspired pieces makes sense plus natural materials like stone, wool, fur and wood – people will be paying for the mountain ambiance. Warm colour and lots of layered textures give that luxurious and cozy cabin feel.
For a beach house think coastal colours, soft light and airy. Light colours and organic elements really set the tone for the ‘beach house’ look and feel that vacationers will be looking for. Drift wood, cotton, canvas and sea shells work beautifully
Art pieces and accessories-
can really add to the cozy factor but don’t over do it – don’t get too many as it will appear cluttered and don’t purchase anything too expensive. Stay away from heavy and/or fussy drapery – especially if you have a view
Add some cute details that vacationers will remember – if they feel like they are welcomed, they really connect with the property and will want to return year after year
For bedding and bathrooms, keep it clean like you would see at a chic hotel. You can’t go wrong with white bedding and bath linens.
And pay for professional photos…..
the lighting and the quality are so much better. Photos are key here, so some staging techniques will really help. Most (if not all) of your inquiries will come from the Internet so your presence needs to be there and you really, really, really need to have spot-on photos. We know from looking at vacation rentals online how important photos are. Because of the distance your ‘renters’ will only see your property online, you don’t have the luxury of ‘maybe it looks better in person’.
Other great ideas:
– Be helpful:
-keep a binder with area hot spot – restaurants, movie theaters, shops, maps and more. Great local hot spots and fun areas for couples and/or couples to check out. Also think about laundry facilities – this is a big help to families especially. Also leave numbers in case of emergencies
– Amenities and comforts of home:
maybe when you are on vacation you want to be ‘unplugged’ but for some they may need to work a bit so having TVs, WiFi and more are also attractive.Maybe decks of cards and some basic board games, too
– Equipment:
stock the kitchen with crockery, cutlery, cooking tools and more are helpful. Near the beach – maybe have some sand toys for kids. First aid kits are also a good idea
– Research:
find out from a local vacation property manager what vacationers are requesting – hot tub? canoe? kayak? and try to offer those most requested items. Also get in touch with a rental equipment company since some guests may require special items like cribs or wheel chairs
– Maintenance:
make sure the property is clean inside and out! Grass cut and gardens maintained
– Decor:
it doesn’t need to be full of expensive pieces but find items that set the scene and the tone. Choose soft and light colours if by the beach, think nautical tones if lake side and richer and warmer tones for a mountain home. If you furniture is dated – cover it with slip covers (also easy to clean), old dining table – try paint or adding new chairs.
Some of my most memorable family vacations were when we could just relax and feel like we were at home. By creating the vacation property that vacationers dream of you will always have renters, you will be able to charge top dollar and you will be in high demand.
