Should you hire a Certified Stager?

There is much to be said about personal taste when it comes to decor.  There is no right or wrong in this respect.  What's beautiful and calming for one person may be disturbing and an eye sore for another.

As you see from the above picture..(thanks to a friend who shared this with us from Britain) what would be your initial reaction?  Well one may say, "ugh!  What were they thinking???"  While yet another may say, "Wow!  What a creative way to keep our planet green by reusing and recycling."  There you see that personal taste is just that. Personal.
That is why, when you are looking to sell your home, it is vital to create a space that would appeal to the masses.  Its not to say that your tastes are faulty in any way, but let me ask you this, if you walked up to this home, would you buy it?  Would you even want to look inside?
That is why you need to hire a Stager.

What is a Stager?

Its a question that has been asked so many times over.  It's simple really.  A Professional Stager is a creative designer who facilitates the conversion of a well loved home into a universally attractive one.
In essence, we turn it into something everyone will love.
Certified Stagers go thru an extensive training program where they are taught the Art of Staging.  NOT Decorating.  Staging is neutral design and Decorating is a personal view and design.

For most people, a home is one of the biggest investments in their lifetime.  You deserve the right to get the best ROI (Return On Investment) that you can.
So don't be wary.  Keep sight of the big picture.  Give your home the "WOW! Factor" it needs to get it sold faster and for lots of $$$$$.  Hire a Certified Stager and get what you want.

So ... looking back at that picture let me ask you this, should they hire a Certified Stager?  Well, would you?

Happy Staging

E

- For a free quote for having your home staged or to answer any further questions about Staging, please see www.simplystaging.ca

- For more information on where to go for Staging courses, contact Canadian Certified Staging    Professionals.

6 tips on how to make a small space appear larger

Appearances do matter.  At least when it comes to staging a home!  So how do we make a small space appear larger?  Follow these six tips and create a space you'd love to live in.

1.  DE-CLUTTER.
  
Nothing makes a space smaller than extra "stuff."  If you have not used it in 6 months chances are you won't be using it again.  Give it away, throw it out, get it out of your home!

2.  PAINT

Lots can be said for personal taste in choosing color but when it comes to a small space, picking the right shade really makes the difference.  See my blog about "Does Color Really Matter.." for tips on how to choose the right paint color.
Lighter paint = bigger room.  While the are certain exceptions to this rule, keep it light.

3.  MIRRORS

Mirrors placed in a strategic place adds to the dimension of a room and creates a visual oasis.  Keep these two thoughts in mind when placing a mirror.. what its reflecting and how much its reflecting.  The size of the mirror does matter.
The general rule of thumb is that the larger the mirror the more light it allows for in a room therefore making the room appear larger.
Small and dark hallways are the best prospects for mirror placement as it instantly gives the illusion of a wider space.

4.  LIGHT

Light creates possibilities.  Never underestimate the power of windows.  If you have them, use them. Open up space by letting the natural light in.  Keep window coverings minimal and light.

5.  FLOORING

This one is simple.  While carpeting is preferred for making a room cozy, or keeping noise level down say in a condo, hardwood creates the feeling of openness.  Use a area rug for breaking up living spaces and still keeping with the illusion of a wider territory.

6.  FURNITURE

A classic example of less is more.
Chose one piece that you cannot live without, and accentuate it with a few smaller pieces.  Do not make the mistake of trying to fit in lots of furniture as it only takes away from the room and gives the appearance of crowding.
While there are many things we should be afraid of, small spaces is not one of them.  Keep these 6 tips in mind as you look to create in a home a space that you'll love to live in.

Happy Staging.

e

Does color really matter?

What color should I paint my house?  If I was to get a penny for the number of times that I have heard this asked, I'd be well on to Wealth Management. 
It is indeed the number one question that people ask.  Why?  Does color really matter?

Every single home has its own charm.  Be it an older, Victorian home, to a brand new townhouse, to a luxury penthouse, there is always a charm that can be showcased through color.  That being said, the wrong color can also do the opposite.  So how do we know?
There is a certain rule of thumb that most will agree with.  Dark colors make a small space look smaller, light colors make a small space look larger.  However, as with all rules there is an exception to this one also.  Natural light and ceiling height.  If you have a penthouse for example, maybe just 800 sq feet, but with ceiling to floor windows throughout the one side of the apartment, then of course you could embellish it with strong, deep color and still keep the airy feeling of space in your apartment.
When it comes to a property where the rooms are smaller, and very little natural light, then you need to apply a light neutral color, to keep the spatial perspective.
Here is one example of how a small sitting room looked cramped in a yellow color, while a lighter color and some furniture arrangement, gave the impression of airiness and space.

 Likewise the same applies to a child's bedroom.  Although most people are eager to paint a girls room pink and a boys room blue, there is something to be said about sticking to a neutral color and accenting with color.

 

Again as we see here, the right choice for color in this child's bedroom is a neutral linen color which allows for the room to look larger and spacious despite its small size.

The other consideration is the height of the ceilings.  When it comes to room sizes that are small but have high ceilings, then again you can beautify a space by adding strong color and texture.  This creates a "je ne sais quoi" that engages the eye in a pleasing and exciting manner.
There is much to be said about color and personal taste but the one thing that will always remain a standard is that color has a double edge sword.  It can enamor a suitor or scare him away.

So now, the question is... Does color really matter?

Well... does it?

Happy Staging!

e

How to get your home back after the holidays

So the holidays came and went.  You had all your family and friends over,  fine wine,  great music,  kids running around half crazed with all the gifts and sugar consumption, and you, happy with the celebrations but wondering for a flicker of a moment, just how long will it take to get my home back to order!

Here are some quick tips to get organized before the cleaning lady drops by.

Toys

If you have kids, then you know that toys are the biggest contributor to disorganization.
Try this, go through the toys with your child and put in a box all the ones they have not played with in the last 6 months.  Telling them you need to make space for the new toys, will help your child understand the logic of the task.  Another recommendation is to suggest taking the toy boxes to a shelter, and give to those who are less fortunate.  If they go themselves to drop the toys off, they will not only be involved in the process but also learn a valuable lesson in generosity.
Another great idea, at places such as Home Depot, Home Outfitters, you can find some nice plastic boxes of all sizes, shapes and colors with a lid that would easily store your child's toys and keep it in there safe.
These suggestions also apply to clothing (another big gift item during the holidays).   Best to de-clutter the closet space  before you store the new items.  I use a 6 month time limit.  Helps to get rid of the old before you add in the new.  Again, the local shelters would be greatly appreciative for good clothing items.  Also, if your work schedule does not allow you to take these items to them, there are many charitable organizations such a Cerebral Palsy or Diabetes Foundation that if you call them, they will come to your door and pick up your items for you.  You don't even have to be home for that.  Just leave the items out on the drive way or porch marked for them.


Gift wrapping paper

Lots and lots of tissue paper, gift bags, wrapping paper and all of this can easily be disposed of by our grand ole blue boxes.  Lets help keep our planet clean.
Along with that idea, the trees can be disposed of by a simple call to the city's special line for tree pickup.

Food

Lots of leftovers.  Probably for the next few days!  Unfortunately most of us will get tired of eating the same thing a few days in a row.  Personally, I like to have a number of friends over for a left over potluck and it all gets cleared quickly.

Coffee/Wine Stains

Non chemical stain removal secret - Vinegar mixed with Baking soda.   Dab on the carpet or on the couch, wherever the stain is, and let it absorb the mixture.  Amazing stain removal!


Yes, there is nothing more enjoyable than spending quality time with family and good friends.
I hope you've enjoyed  few of the quick tips for taking your house back..
All the best for the new year in a clean and organized home!!!




For Clothesline pickups for CDA or CP please follow the link http://search.hipinfo.info/record/OAK4115?Number=0

For tree pickup - toronto.ca

Should I or Shouldn't I? That is the question.

The “Housing Crisis”... words that have caused nightmares to Realtors and home owners across the globe.

Despite the financial fears amid the real estate market some positive feedback has indicated that Home Staging is a key to the recovery of the Housing Market. (RISMedia)

A recent survey* that polled 500 Realtors and brokers from all over the country uncovered some startling Realtor feedback about the value of home staging in today’s market:
-96% believed buyers react better to fully-stage homes than vacant ones
-94% believed vacant homes take longer to sell than fully-stage homes
-94% believed vacant homes sell for less money than fully-stage homes
-The majority of Realtors surveyed agreed that vacant homes take twice as long to sell and sell for at least 15% less than a fully-staged home.

Shell Brodnax, president and CEO of Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), said she’s not surprised by these findings. “Home staging provides economic stability to real estate by leveraging a property’s appeal to buyers,” Brodnax said. “Sellers get the most they can for their property and buyers benefit from a move-in ready property.  The home staging industry will continue to add to the recovery of the real estate industry.”

Statistics provided by RESA show staged properties consistently spend 78% less time on the market. *(http://rismedia.com/2010-02-10/home-staging-key-to-recovery-of-housing-market/)

Well then, after considering these interesting facts and figures, should I or shouldn't I?  That is the question, or...... is it?


Happy Staging!


e

Mid week rantings

Well, its Wednesday.. someone told me that today is known as a hump day.  Getting over the mid week hump.. and I was thinking about that for a while.. yes, I could see that. Its been a busy beginning of the week, suddenly it just slows down, and then a big rush until the weekend!

Not much to say tonight, I am having a glass of wine and preparing for my Tip of the Day article coming on Saturday. 
Curious to know.. what are you finding difficult when it comes to prepping your property for sale?
Any questions you may have ever wondered about on what to do, send me a note.  I will include for it in my next article!

Until Saturday.... Happy Staging.

e