5 Home Staging Tricks - that work!

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!


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.

Here are some great sofa styling tips: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/129478558012168114/

Here are some great bed styling tips: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107945722293574579/


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

Staging (and Selling) For a Younger Buyer

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 counter tops. 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 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 home 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.

 

10 Secrets About Staging Your Home For Resale

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 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.  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.

Best Props To Stage Your Home

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 topis and title.  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.

 

Home Staging Tips for the Kitchen

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

Here are some ideas

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



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 counter tops.  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



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....

Habits of People with Clean Houses

Keeping a clean house can really help with stress management.  Having piles of dishes in a kitchen sink or piles of paper in your office (or dining room) - can feel very overwhelming for many and sometimes you just don't know where to start as everything around you piles up.  And if you are selling your home - keeping it clean, tidy and organized is a MUST! It's all a part of the home staging process.



Imagine how much more enjoyable life would be if you were one of those perpetually tidy people whose homes could be company-ready with 15 minutes' notice. We wanted to turn our clean fantasies into a reality, so we researched the daily habits of people with clean houses — note the word "habits." What we learned is that it takes more than a few deep cleanings to achieve this status of cleaning goddess. It takes daily work and preparation to keep your house in a constant state of near perfection.

Read on to discover the nine habits people with clean houses do every day, and how you can adopt them to get out of the disaster zone you've been living in.

• Make Their Bed
Before you leave the house in the morning (or better yet, before you leave the bedroom), make your bed. If you're in a rush, pull the comforter up to the pillows, and smooth it out to create the semblance of a made bed. This simple act creates a sense of order in your bedroom and sets your day off on a productive note that's likely to carry through.

 


• Empty the Dishwasher in the Morning
Get the dishwasher emptied and ready to go for the day. Doing this in the morning lays the groundwork for an easy dinner cleanup at night and keeps dishes from stacking up in the sink throughout the day.

 



• Do a Load of Laundry Every Day
Washing clothes on a regular schedule keeps the dirty pile from becoming overwhelming (not to mention, ensures that you'll never run out of clean underpants). Those with big families prefer doing it every morning, but if you live alone, doing laundry a couple of predetermined days a week should suffice.

 


• Use Baskets to Organize Things
When there's a place for everything to go, it's easier to keep everything in its place. Scatter cute baskets throughout the house to corral your things, and add shelves to hold the big pieces. This is the way to get toys and books off of the floor and get the kids involved in the process of keeping the house nice and neat


 


• Don't Procrastinate
When a box is delivered, unpack the goodies inside, and discard the packaging immediately. The same goes for dealing with spills or messes. The longer you wait, the harder they become to deal with.
 


• Put Away Their Clothes From the Day
As tempting as it is to drop your clothes on the floor after a long day's work before slipping into your sweats, tidy people take the time to fold, hang, or place them in the hamper, as necessary. Do this, and your clothes and floor will both look better for it.

 



• Clean as They Go
You can dramatically minimize your mess by cleaning as you go. If you rinse the cutting board while the pasta is boiling or start loading the dishwasher while the chicken is baking, the bulk of the work will be done by the time you serve dinner.

 



• Never Go to Bed With a Dirty Kitchen
Resist the urge to climb directly into bed after a big meal. Take care of any and all kitchen cleanup that night — clean pots and pans, wipe down counters, etc. Not only will the mess harden and be smellier the next day (read: more challenging to clean), but waiting means that you'll have to spend your morning backtracking to make up for what you neglected the night before, instead of getting a head start on the day ahead.

 

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

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

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



 

Have an open house box!

Sounds easy, right? It is!

Here's what you need:

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


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

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

So easy!

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

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











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

 


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



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





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