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We Answer Wednesday – 7 Low cost Home Staging Tips

January 9, 2017

we-answer-wednesday-low-cost-home-staging-tips

“We are selling our home and moving to a new city due to a job transfer. I know home staging sets you apart from the competition. We want to sell quickly and make the move to the new city easy. We are on a tight budget, do you have any quick, easy and low budget home staging tips to share?”

You are absolutely right! Home staging sets you apart from the other homes on the market and you want to stand out in the crowd especially if you are in a market with lots of competition. Every style of home can benefit from home staging. Home staging can get you more money and help you sell faster, so the extra work to get the home prepared for the market will be worth it in the end. Less time on the market means you can move forward with your new chapter in life without the extra stress and worry.

There are lots of quick and easy, low cost (and no-cost) staging tips.

Here’s what we suggest:

– Clean.

I’m sure your home is clean but is it spit shine clean? Really get in there and clean that house. Give it a good scrub down. Buyers will notice and the home will feel great. There is nothing like a super clean home. Having said that, pay attention to the scent of the home. You don’t want it to smell like harsh chemicals of bleach – that can be a turn off. Stick with scents like clean laundry, vanilla or cotton.

– Repair.

This may cost a bit, it depends on what needs to be repaired and how handy you are. Any burnt out light bulbs? leaky faucets? cracked tiles? chipped paint? You need to spend a bit of money here to tend to these issues. Has it been a while since you painted the house? You might want to consider a paint job – a fresh paint job goes a long way and make a huge difference! Over look these repairs or just leave it? Buyers will think you maybe left other issues unresolved, bigger issues. If there are too many repairs to pay for and maybe you don’t have the time, consider that when pricing your home with your agent.

– De-clutter.

We all have junk. Since you are moving anyway this is a great opportunity to lose some weight. Go through your stuff and get rid of what you don’t want/need you will be surprised how much you can accumulate in a short period of time. Go through everything – drawers, closets, cabinets etc. Don’t spend the time, money and energy moving to the new place to just to toss it – get rid of it now. The house will feel lighter. Plus when buyers see clutter it is a stresser and it sends a message that there isn’t enough storage (one of the top things buyers are looking for is storage). One area to really pay attention to is above the kitchen cabinets – don’t store anything up there, it’s distracting and looks messy (even decorative items) and bathroom counter tops, we tend to ‘collect’ soap, lotions and more. Clear off surface spaces – kitchen counters, your coffee table, end tables, kitchen table, desk etc…Clear out the clutter!

– Pre-pack and depersonalize.

You know you are moving , so pre-pack certain items that you know are going to come with you. For instance family photos and collections – we don’t want them in the space because they personalize the space – you don’t want buyers to feel like they are visiting, you want them to mentally move in – your memories will block that from happening. Collectibles should also be packed up – again they are personal plus they can clutter up the space depending on the size of the collection. Have a lot of art or books? A few are fine but if you have too many they can add bulk to the room making the space feel cramped, so pre-pack some of those pieces (at least the ones coming with you)

– Let there be light!

Pull back the drapes, clean those windows and be sure to replace burnt out bulbs or up the wattage. Light makes a huge difference in a space. If you have a dark room, add some table or floor lamps. When it is time for your photos, be sure to have your lights on – over head, task lights all of your lights – it looks so much better in photos! Take a look at the two images below – image 1 has all of the lights on – even though they have beautiful natural light streaming in from the patio doors and window. Look how bright the room is. Image 2 – no lights on at all. The light from the window just isn’t enough. Yes, it is a beautiful room but it looks a bit dull without the lights on.

– Curb appeal.

Make sure the exterior is maintained, it’s your home’s first impression. So trim the grass and hedges. Make sure exterior lights are in working order. Is the address plate visible and in good condition? Does the door bell work? Shovel or sweep the porch and walkway/driveway. These details are important.

– Set the scene.

This is the fun part and the creative part. Use magazines as your inspiration -make the bed and make it look inviting like you would see in a chic hotel. Have a great dining room space? Set the table to help buyers visualize entertaining in the space. Add a touch of colour in the kitchen. Some flowers or a fruit bowl on the island or kitchen table make the room look fresh. Take a look at your furniture or better yet get a friend to help – is there too much? Is there flow? You may need to re-arrange some pieces, so try to find a way to create a comfortable set up that encourages conversation but also shows off the space.

Be sure to keep the ‘creative’ stuff last and follow these steps in this order. Remember, home staging isn’t just about fluffing pillows – it’s a step by step process to make the home look it’s best. Buyers are looking for their new home not your old home, so follow these steps and your house will shine!

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HOME STAGING

5 Home Staging Tricks

January 6, 2017

We have some home staging tricks to share with you! Home staging is a MUST in any real estate market! We have been staging homes for the resale (and new home market) for a number of years now and while styles and trends change there are definitely some tried and true home staging tricks that work every time!

Here are 5 Home Staging Tricks that work (every time)!

1. Inviting entry with potted plants or flowers –

This little trick makes everyone feel welcome, it adds a splash of colour and a ‘breath of fresh air’. The front door is the first impression so you want to start off on the right foot! Be sure to maintain these plants/flowers and keep it seasonal for maximum effect.

Photo from entrop.com

2. Extra pillows on the bed and the sofa –

Fluffy pillows have a real warmth to them and they certainly add that element to a living room, family room and bedroom. Throw pillows also allow you to add an extra design touch to a space – a pop of colour and some pattern make a space look instantly fresh and with a designer’s touch.

Photo from 2ladiesandachair.com

3. Clean white towels –

Ever notice that in boutique and luxury hotels you always see these plush, clean white towels and robes? Well, take that cue and stage your bathroom with some fresh and clean pure white towels, buyers will immediately think of luxury, relaxation or a spa experience – play into that feeling and use it to your advantage. This simple addition will make buyers associate that feeling with your bathroom.

Photo from flickr.com

4. Setting the table –

Staging is all about presenting the home in it’s best light, but we want to be sure to make buyers feel like this is their next home not like they are just visiting. By setting the table you are ‘setting the scene’, buyers will be able to better picture themselves hosting a dinner party, entertaining for the holidays or having Sunday family dinner. It’s another emotional connection made with staging that helps the buyers feel more at home.

Photo from rjkhomesolutions.com

5. Add a pop of colour in the kitchen –

The kitchen is one the hot spots when it comes to selling your home. Buyers want a clean and current looking kitchen, and they are willing to pay more for a home that has updated kitchens and bathrooms. But even the most stunning kitchen can look a little flat in the listing photos – try adding a fresh pop of colour, we love a bowl of lemons, yellow always photographs well and it really attracts the eye. But fresh flowers, fruit bowl, a tray with wine, a colourful tea kettle are all great ideas to add just a little accent to the kitchen without distracting or over powering the space.

Photo from ZDesign at Home

We all know that cleaning, decluttering and repairs are needed plus we know that updates in paint, flooring and lighting make great returns and great impressions on buyers. Current finishes in bathrooms and kitchens are also a hot commodity but there are certain staging tricks that really connect with buyers.

I hope these tips help you sell that house quickly and for top dollar!

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HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to create curb appeal in the early spring

May 11, 2016

“My house is hitting the real estate market very soon. I know we have a great house on the inside but right now in this early spring weather, it’s not looking great. What can we do to increase our curb appeal when our gardens aren’t in bloom?”

You are so right!

Depending on where you live this time of year isn’t the prettiest. The good news is there are simple things that you can do to show off your great outdoor space. But your home is on the market now and you don’t want to wait until the gardens are in full bloom.

The gardens aren’t quite in bloom yet and the garden centers are gearing up for the season but in some areas it is still a bit early for planting. But the grass is green, so use what you have and make the best of it. So start with giving your yards (front and back) a good raking. There is always some dead leaves and branches on the ground – just getting those off the grass will give the exterior a clean look. Depending on your area you grass might be a bit on the long side. So give it a mow and you will notice how much neater everything looks.

Flowers are a great way to add a splash of colour but because you are selling you might not want to make a huge investment in flowers this spring season plus it is still a bit early for planting. A great alternative is planters at the front of the house and if you have a great deck space, some planters at the back are a nice touch too. So in these early spring days which flowers can handle this fresher weather? Potted Pansies are a great option – they are sturdy and colourful and if you take care of them, they will last all summer. A bit of height is a good idea when creating your planters – in the spring we love forsythia – the pop of yellow draws the eye in!

Remember these 3 words when creating a planter:

Spill, Fill and Thrill

– in other works, have some greenery or flowers that hang over the edge of the planter, have some plants and flowers that fill the majority of the pot (of medium height) and some height – the image below is a great example of a spring planter.

Create a welcoming vignette at the front door – this is the buyers first impression of the home so make it count! If you have a porch put out a bench with a pillow for a pop of colour. Try a wreath on the front door.

Just because it isn’t summer yet doesn’t mean you can’t set the scene for buyers. So pull out and dust off that patio furniture – maybe this is a bit early than usual but remember you are show casing your home for buyers so you want them to see how they would enjoy summer BBQs and get togethers outside. So place the furniture like you would if you were entertaining so have a dining area and a seating area. Roll out the BBQ and take off the cover. Now that the furniture is set up and clean, make it pretty with some outdoor pillows and maybe even an outdoor rug – it creates a welcoming scene for buyers.

Want to take it to the next level?

For the photos you can set the dining table or at the seating area, set up a tray with a pitcher – this will help make that emotional connection with the potential buyers who are looking online.

If you have a pool, make sure to have it open and running. A pool always looks better (and photographs better) when it is blue and beautiful!

If you have incredible gardens or a beautiful flowering tree look through your photos and see if you have some beautiful ‘full bloom’ summer photos to share with your agent – these would be great to show buyers as well.

Other curb appeal factors to look into:

– check all exterior lighting are the bulbs in working order ?
– brush away any cobwebs or other debris that may have collected over the winter
– check the mailbox, is it rusted or loosely affixed to the house?
– does your doorbell work?
– how is the paint on the front door?
– how is the roof?
– sweep the walkways, driveway, porch and decks

Buyers are looking to buy their new home not your old one – so take the time to set the scene and get it sold quickly!

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BATHROOMS, HOME STAGING

How To Stage My Bathroom

August 13, 2015

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 :

Paint those walls in a neutral tone.

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 love candles in a bathroom.

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.

Create that ‘dream’ bathroom for those buyers!

2 comments

HOME STAGING

Staging (and Selling) For a Younger Buyer

July 2, 2015

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.

2. Invest in white cabinetry.

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 cabinetry with 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!

5 comments

HOME STAGING

10 Secrets About Staging Your Home For Resale

June 16, 2015

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,

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HOME STAGING, HOME STYLING

The 6 Best Props To Stage Your Home

May 22, 2015

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.

Bowls of Lemons –

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

A Pair of Matching Table Lamps –

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!

19 comments

HOME STAGING, KITCHENS

Home Staging Tips for the Kitchen

May 12, 2015

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…

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HOME STAGING

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

April 19, 2015

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!

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, TRENDS

Home Staging and Decor Trends

March 30, 2015

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…

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