We answer Wednesday - Selling and Staging during the Holiday Season

"We are selling our home and our agents wants to book our photos.  Should we have them done before or after we decorate for Christmas? Our house looks so beautiful with the tree up and the stocking hung on the mantle. We love it and we think others will too!"

Christmas is right around the corner and it is such a wonderful time of year!  Decorating is one of our favourite parts of the season, too - it's festive and fun! But when it comes to selling your home, holiday decor presents more negatives than positives....and there are definitely buyers out there looking for their new home during the Christmas season, so you don't want to turn them off!



We love the welcoming exterior - it's seasonal but not over done.  But be sure not to leave it up too long....

What are the negatives of  seasonal decorating (for any holiday) while selling your home:

1. Distracting.  Yes, Christmas and other holiday decor is beautiful but it can really distract buyers from seeing the beauty and features of your home as they will be focused on the tree, wreath, lights, stockings and more.....and not the flooring, windows, layout....

2. Clutter.  Although we never really view or consider holiday decor pieces to be clutter when they are out on display they do take up room and can make a space look and feel cluttered and over stuffed.  Think about how much smaller a room looks with a 7 - 8 ft tree in it - it takes up space!

 

The most beautiful Christmas trees aren't necessarily the largest trees!  Consider a smaller tree - you still have a stunning Christmas tree to decorate but it visually (and physically) takes up less room.

 
3. Dating.  Holiday decor can really date your online photos and make your home look like it has been sitting on the market a lot longer than it has.  Let's say you have your photography done in early Dec with all of your decorating done.  By mid January these photos will already look dated and it will send the message to buyers (and their agent) that your home has been sitting even though it has only been 30-40 days. 

4. Personal. When you decorate for Christmas or really any holiday, it can be a very personalized touch to the space especially if you have family heirlooms, religious items and handmade ornaments and other crafts made by your children or grandchildren.  It personalizes the space and that can make buyers feel uncomfortable (or like they are just visiting) as they are trying to picture their lives and building memories of their own in this house.

So definitely have your photos take BEFORE you decorate.

When it comes to seasonal decorating before showings and open houses - really try to eliminate or at least limit the decor - for the same reasons listed above. But if you must decorate for Christmas while your home is on the resale market - here's what we suggest.

 

We love the simplicity of this room's Christmas decor.  It celebrates the season, it has a consistent colour scheme and style and it doesn't over power the room.

 
1.  Do NOT decorate BEFORE your photos.

2. Do keep it simple and tasteful with a consistent theme (for example: mixed metallics or traditional green, white and red; or country or modern).  This year keep it simple by only bringing out some decor - the house shouldn't look like Christmas town!

3. Do NOT keep the decorations up too long or too late. Or decorate too early either. Aim to have the decor packed up by Jan 4 (approx)

4. Do NOT hang up or display really personal decor such as family photos, religious items, handmade ornaments and crafts by children or grandchildren

5. Do keep it welcoming and inviting with a small vignette by the front entry and then some decor in main living areas (try to limit to a room to two, for example the family room as the main Christmas decorating space and maybe a few items in the dining room and/or formal living room - stay consistent with that theme)

Celebrate the season without going totally over board. Remember in your new home (the next one), you can decorate as early as you want and keep it up as long as you like and you can go all out! 
 
 

We Answer Wednesday - Seasonal Decor while Selling

"Our home is on the resale market, the kids love Halloween and they love to decorate the house.  Should we decorate for Halloween while the house is up for sale or not?"

It's fun to celebrate the holidays with decor and kids love it too but you need to keep in mind that holiday decor can be distracting for buyers.

We definitely recommend staying away from religious decor as it could offend or turn-off some buyers and you never know who is coming to look at your home.

We also recommend you don't go 'over the top' when it comes to decor for the holidays.  Decor can add a lot of clutter into a space making it feel and look cramped which isn't a positive for buyers.  Plus really over the top decor can be a huge distraction - buyers want and need to see the true features of the home like the room sizes, natural light, beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and flooring .

 

If you MUST decorate for the holidays, consider this:

1.  Do NOT decorate for the holidays before photos.  This will date your photos and they won't show off the actual features of your home.

2. Do keep it simple and tasteful.  For Halloween, put up some simple pieces on the exterior.  Nothing scary or gory - if you are in a family friendly area this will work for the buying clientele.
 
 THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A DON'T FOR HALLOWEEN DECOR - IT IS PRETTY GORY AND BLOODY AND SCARY.

3. Do NOT decorate too early and keep up the decor for a long time.  Think about decorating for the holidays just before and removing everything a day or two after the holiday - don't decorate weeks early and keep it up for months.

4. Do decorate for the season.  So having some fall decor like pumpkins or fall wreath is neutral and welcoming but remember to keep it simple.



Remember once you are settled in your new home you can go all out for holiday decor so maybe this year just collect lots of great ideas.

Home Staging and Decor Trends

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 space. Glass is great becasue 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.

Perfect Paint Choices for Staging Your Home

Experts say that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than those that are not, and paint color is a low-cost but effective way of showcasing your home. The following home staging tips and ideas will help in guiding your paint color choices.

 Neutralize

The colors potential buyers see when they enter your home should be neutral so that the buyers will not be distracted by someone else's style. They should see the walls of your home as a blank canvas on which to project their own preferences and style. But "neutral" doesn't necessarily mean white. Using subtle color can actually enhance the buyer's experience, so repaint walls that have strong colors with rich neutral hues.

Some suggestions: Benjamin Moore 'Barley 199', Benjamin Moore 'Stone House 1039' and Benjamin Moore 'Providence Olive HC-98'

Update and Refresh

If your wallpaper has a distracting design or is outdated, remove it and add a fresh coat of paint for a more current, updated look. A low-sheen product will help reduce the imperfections on walls and ceilings. You can also use color to highlight the architectural details and features of your home.

Some suggestions: Benjamin Moore 'Carrington beige HC-93' , Benjamin Moore 'Shaker Beige HC-45' and Benjamin Moore 'Nantucket Gray HC-111'

Maximize Your Space

Light, clean, organized spaces appear larger. So clean and declutter, and give your walls a fresh coat of paint in a light neutral color to bring the room to life and make it seem more expansive. One home staging idea that can help expand your space visually: paint the moldings the same color as the wall, which gives an illusion of higher walls.

Some suggestions: Benjamin Moore 'Manchester Tan HC-81', Benjamin Moore 'Monroe Bisque HC-26' or Benjamin Moore 'Camouflage 2143-40'

 

 Refresh Outside Spaces

First impressions are everything, so besides trimming your hedges and grass, be sure your front door and any fencing or mailbox posts are freshly painted. And because buyers love decks, porches, and patios, also make sure they're freshly painted or stained.

Great suggestions for front door: Benjamin Moore 'Dinner Party AF-300',  Benjamin Moore 'Yorktowne Green HC-133' and Benjamin Moore 'Tate Olive HC-112'

 

Staging tips for Selling your Home in the Fall Months

It is now mid-October, we have had frost warnings, the leaves on trees are turning colour and falling, and fireplaces will soon find themselves useful. While most of us are excited for this amazing season, people in the real estate are preparing themselves because once the cold sets in, the number of buyers out there will start to sink.

While you still have time to prepare for the cold season, don’t waste these days and take advantage before the winter season sets in. Remember that no one would want to go home shopping when it’sfreezing cold and everything is covered in snow!

One of the essential strategies to get a sale before the holidays is home staging, regardless if you’re using the help of a real estate agent or selling the house by yourself.
Here are a few tips to make your home look perfect this fall.

Maintain your yard

Rake leaves, trim bushes, and use seasonal flowers. Keep it looking fresh! Always remember that the curb appeal is as important as the interior. It’s the first thing that your potential buyers will see. This about an inviting front door vignette with a wreath and maybe some pumpkins or a bench with some pillows

 

Control back to school clutter

Back to school season can create clutter in your entry. Make sure to have a place for your backpacks, shoes and other items the kids need to grab before catching the bus. This can even give the new homeowners some great ideas too

Keep it neat and simple

While Halloween and Thanksgiving are not religious specific, too much decorating can distract buyers. Remember less is more. This can be tough with children so don't eliminate it completely but keep it subtle and stay away from the gore,  keep it cute and have it is specific areas and not every square inch of the house

Use home decor that takes a cue from nature

Rather than ghosts, scary monsters or turkeys display pumpkins, hay and flowers. Nothing can scare away potential buyers like handmade scarecrows or frighteningly realistic gory Halloween decorations. A simple bowl of fresh apples or mini pumpkins as a dining centerpiece is simple but effective.  An empty corner that looks odd can easily be filled with a tall glass vases filled with tall sticks.  A door looks more welcoming when it is dressed up a bit too

Turn your fireplace on for showings to set the mood

A little warmth emanating from the fireplace evokes a welcoming atmosphere. A crackling fire says “welcome home”, as well as well-placed candles to complete that warm, snug room.  And in cooler months a fireplace will be on the minds of buyers, so make sure they can't help but notice it!

 

Add pillows

Use furry throws, pillows and texture in your home decor to create a cozy feel. Or, think about adding a splash of pillow with pillows in fall inspired colours, warm colours can make any space look and feel inviting. Pillows are inexpensive additions to your home and knowing how to use them will surely bring a big difference.

 

The cinnamon effect

Remember to use candles, incense and other oils to infuse fall scents, like vanilla or apple cinnamon. No, you don’t need to bake a bunch of sugar cookies before the showing, but investing in a tasteful, subtle scented autumn candle will do just fine in eliciting that cozy feeling buyers want to experience when they walk into their future house.

 

Pillows makes Perfect!

We have to say it. We love styling homes with pillows!

Pillows are inexpensive, yet amazing in giving a room extra touch of softness, color and attitude. We’ve seen so many spaces transformed beautifully with simple additions of pillows of all sorts of shapes and sizes and it’s something you can do on your own to stage your home for the resale market or just to update your space.

 

So, in this post, we gathered photo inspirations for you as well as 5 decorating tips using pillows.

#1 Because they are happy!  

 
Imagine this room without pillows. Boring, yeah? It’s like snatching all the energy and life in this space. Colorful pillows, especially those with geometric prints, can instantly make a room look more alive. If you think your living room is too bland and lacking energy, throws and pillows are one of your best choices.





#2  Going colourless can still be dramatic

 Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be all colourful and playful. If for example, you want to keep your bedroom toned down and want a prospective buyer to notice important architectural details instead of focusing on the bed, adding black and white or neutral-colored pillows will help create a dramatic effect.






 #3 An easy (and cheap) way to make the room look on trend and updated

Look for colours and prints that are on-trend and you can use them to enhance the artistic ambiance of any room. In the case of this family room, the sofa is pretty basic and maybe a bit older, to make the room look more up to date the stager played with the hanging arrangements of the art but also added some colour to the room (dark blue and coral - orange) giving the room an updated look



#4 Mixing makes it fun!

" Matchy matchy” is out of date. Have fun and get a little crazy! There are certain elements in the house that should be matched in order to achieve symmetry and calmness, but pillows are an exception. Especially if you have a white bed or sofa, bright-colored pillows can instantly lift the boredom away!




 #5 Make pillows the focus

Can’t afford that bejewelled lamp at the store for your centrepiece? Throw and pillows can substitute for that. Ribbon pillows, sequined pillows, fur pillows and any funky-looking pillow in a bright hue can serve as a focal point.

 

How to make any room look Bigger

Smaller spaces tend to have a cozier feel about them and they are less intimidating plus you don't need to spend as much on furniture. But to fit in everything you need can be a big challenge and you definitely don't want to feel cramped, so what can you do?

There are some great tips and tricks out there beyond light and mirrors that can help.
And if you are thinking of putting your home or condo on the resale market, these ideas will really help you maximize the space for buyers to see.

1 - When space is at a premium, rooms should serve double duty. And nothing wastes space more than a living room that's used only for company. So go ahead — put a TV in there. Here a prominent wall arrangement steals focus away from the TV, so it doesn't dominate the space.





2 -  You can also hide the TV in a cabinet or piece of furniture. In this room the TV is sequestered behind a pair of doors over the fireplace — much nicer than looking at a big, black screen 24/7.







3 -  When space is tight, always ask yourself: How can I use this room for two purposes instead of one? Here a dining room doubles as a library. It saves space, and nothing warms up a room like a wall of books. Plus it's is practical storage and to make it more decorative you can add some pieces in the bookcase

4 - If a single space needs to serve several purposes, use area rugs to define the functions, rather than walls or dividers, which stop the eye and make a space appear smaller.

 

5 -  No space for a guest room? Consider a Murphy bed. There are a lot of really sophisticated designs on the market now. And while a good one isn't cheap, it would still be cheaper than adding a guest room that would get used only a few times a year.

6 -  Forget the old adage that small rooms need to be painted a light color. When you paint a small room a really dark color, the corners seem to disappear, so you can't see the boundaries of the space anymore. Plus, dark rooms can be really cozy. And at the end of the day, is it more important that a space feel big or feel inviting?

 

Selling and Seasonal Decor

Fall is almost here....I love the fall season!  It's such a beautiful time - crisp air, colourful leaves and harvest time delights.

So now that the harvest season is upon us many of us like the celebrate the new season with festive decor.  Beautiful leaves, corn, pumpkins, gourds, hay and more....but if you are selling your home is this type of decor appropriate? 

After speaking with some local Realtors, they all say YES but in moderation.

Having a fall inspired wreath and the door paired with some pumpkins and gourds in a basket is both warm and welcoming but too much can make the entry feel cluttered and cramped which are negatives when it comes to selling your home.  Emphasizing your porch with pumpkins or a fall pillow on a bench is a positive and buyers will feel warm and fuzzy!



So what about holiday decor?  Well, that too can create an inviting atmosphere but again don't go over board, keep it simple and nothing religious.

For Halloween, keep it tame.  The zombies, skulls and all the gore can go with you to the next home.  If you love the holiday or have little ones that do and need to decorate, less really is more.  Keep it low key and mild.  Not everyone will want to see blood dripping down the windows and dead bodies cut in half with a chainsaw lying on the front lawn plus all of this decor takes away from the home and is very distracting!  Most buyers won't  be able to see past it and there's a very good chance they won't be a second showing.


*This is too much.  It's fun and probably the talk of the street but not good for selling.  It's just overwhelming and distracting!

The Christmas Season  is a tougher time to sell. Fewer buyers are out there but don't forget that if there are buyers out there, they want to buy.  So be sure to focus on having an appealing exterior.
Wreaths, Christmas trees, lights and bows are beautiful and when used correctly can not only create a loving atmosphere but they can highlight gorgeous features of the home like a stunning staircase, high ceilings, over sized windows, and set the scene for the buyers who might be imaging themselves hosting a Christmas dinner in the home. But again, keep it simple, I cannot stress that enough.

1. Don't bring every item out.  The front lawn, the roof and the entry steps do not need to be covered in lights, blow up Santas and glowing reindeer.  Try a wreath and a natural planter at the entry and simple lights highlighting the roof line or a great front yard tree.

2. Religious or too personal (say a family photo of you dressed like Santa's elves) items should stay packed away until you are in your new home. They turn off some buyers. 

3.  Keep the clutter minimal.  Don't fill up every square inch with seasonal decor, it makes the space look and feel small plus from a decor point of view, you can't appreciate the beauty of the decor pieces when there are too many lumped together.No one wants a small or squishy home.

4.  Having a theme (colour theme or a style like modern or country) creates a cohesive look in the home and looks put together.  This will make your home, the home buyers dream of.  Looks matter when it comes to selling your home

5.  Less is more. Ask a friend or honest family member if your seasonal decor is too much.


Selling your home can be a stressful experience and it is important to live your life but if you don't want your home to just sit on the market be sure to always have it looking it's best.  Simplicity is really beautiful.

Selling your home? Top 10 upgrades for your home

If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future, take a look at these tips for improving the appeal of your home to buyers.  Some upgrades just aren't worth it, but for some there are huge benefits for you, the seller.

1.  The kitchen.  Buyers are willing to pay more or at least asking price if the home is 'up to date'.  the kitchen is the heart of the home and sellers will get their money back if they spend it right in the kitchen.  Even if you cannot totally gut it and put in an entirely new kitchen, you should put in certain upgrades like a stone counter top, hardwood or porcelain tiles on the floor, stainless steel appliances, and islands attract buyers.  A home with a current kitchen will get a lot of attention from buyers!

 

2.  Hardwood floors.  Especially on the main floor, and if you already have hardwood check on the condition they may need a sanding or screening with a new stain or seal.  And if they are in really poor shape, replace them with hardwood.  Hardwood is popular with everyone - it looks great, it works with any style of decor, it's easy to clean and it also works for anyone with allergies.

3.  Master ensuite.  If you have an ensuite and not all homes do, especially if they are in older neighbourhoods, be sure to have it updated.  If you cant afford a full renovation job - try updating the fixtures from brass to chrome,a new low flow toilet, a new paint colour, new towel and toilet paper bars, and rain shower heads in the shower are easy fixes. If you don't have an ensuite but you have a large master bedroom, look into using some of the bedroom and turning that into an ensuite even if it is a bit smaller - buyers are looking for ensuites.



4.  Upgraded lighting.  New lighting can completely transform a space and make it look more current. Pot lights, pendants in the kitchen and contemporary track lights can make any space look brighter and more chic. 

5.  Landscaping.  Don't forget your exterior - it's the first thing buyers (and their realtor) will see.  Keep the gardens maintained, grass cut and trees/shrubs pruned. Remove the weeds and add some mulch to really make the flower beds look manicured. Flower pots and boxes at the front entry add some colour and a welcoming feeling.



6.  Finished basements.  Aren't just a must with families.  a lot of couples buying their first place want a finished basement for various reasons - office, workout space, man cave etc...Try and make the basement look as livable as possible.  Paint, carpet, windows and lighting make a huge difference.  Keep it light and bright down there.  ceiling height in the basement is very important so be sure to have a space that is high enough.

7.  Bathrooms.  Like kitchens, no one wants to pay top dollar for a home that needs major improvements and bathrooms are a hot spot in the home.  If you can't afford a complete 'do over' in the bathroom, look at adding new lighting, paint, shower heads etc...in the other bathrooms too. 

8.  Radiator covers.  Sounds like a strange one and it doesn't apply to every home, but if you are in an older home - it's a great idea, it looks more gracious and it's a simple carpentry job.

9.  Paint.  You will get your money's worth and more with a new paint job. In a home that has smokers this is a MUST.  Stick to neutral tones throughout the home - you don't know what the buyer's personal style will be.


10.  Basic repairs.  Not really an upgrade but important.  Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, unfinished projects in the home should be fixed before buyers enter your home.  It sends the message that this home was and is cared for and loved.  It makes buyers feel reassured and confident. 

Let's get Market Ready!

The real estate market is competitive all year round - and every seller wants the same thing - to sell their home for the most money and in the shortest period of time. 

In every market (hot or not) an 'as-is' home will always sell for less than it should.  Why? Because the condition of the home will be reflected in the offer, either the offers will be much lower than asking (due to the condition of the home) or the offer will be low (because an 'as-is' home sits longer on the market) or the seller/agent has had to reduce the asking price (and sometimes drastically reduce the price) to generate interest.


Preparing your home for market doesn't have to be costly but if you know you are thinking of selling in the near future, it's a good time to start getting ready to sell by following these simple suggestions.

De-Clutter : after years of living in the family home, we accumulate so much stuff.  Start purging and tossing.  If you are downsizing, you'll need to do this anyway.  Clutter makes any and every room feel small (buyers are never looking for something that feels or looks small - even if they are downsizing themselves).  Even your precious collectibles will look like 'junk' to a buyer.  Clutter can actually leave a person with a feeling of stress.  Get rid of the personal items like photographs and collections - make the home feel neutral so that nay buyer can mentally move in.



Cleaning : Inside and Outside.  This includes trimming the hedges, cutting the grass, removing cobwebs, sweeping the walkways and porch, dust, mop and scrub those floors, if you have carpet - a professional steam clean is a good idea, pay close attention to giving the kitchen and bathrooms a thorough cleaning.

Repairs: Pay attention to leaks, cracked tiles etc...also get your heating and cooling serviced and if you have a hot tub or pool get that serviced as well.  If the buyers sees that these minor repairs have not be taken care of, they will wonder what other repairs are needed. 

Staging: Now that the house has been de-cluttered, cleaned and repaired it is time to dress it up.  staging involved moving around existing furniture (and possibly tucking some of it away), could involve re-painting in a neutral tone, ad adding some current elements like mirrors or art.  We want to set the stage for potential buyers to visualize themselves in the space. 



Listen : to your realtor.  Follow their suggestions and advice when it comes to presenting your home and marketing your home.  they are up on the current market trends and are also working with buyers so they know first hand what buyers are looking for.  your realtor can also keep you informed on what the comparables are in the neighbourhood are and what is happening in your city.