We answer Wednesday - Ideas for a Large Master Bedroom

“I have a very spacious bedroom but never know what to do with the space, other than my bed, dresser and night stands. What suggestions do you have?”

Having a spacious bedroom is such a luxury, lucky you!  There are a  lot of options that come with having a large bedroom. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. A home office space, having a work space in the bedroom is not necessarily for everyone but we love a tidy work space in the bedroom, especially if you have the space! Try adding a beautiful chair and a small table to create a home office area. Of course, we always encourage a beautiful space wherever possible… so try not to have too much chunky furniture. At the end of the day, the master bedroom is still the main focal point of this space so we don't want to have the focus on the desk/chair as much. We just want the entire space to be cohesive. A glass desk is a great option because it is not intrusive and very neutral.
    
2. A seating area:  a reading area is so nice in a bedroom. Depending on just how much space you have you can have a variety of furniture pieces. Adding 2 club chairs with a side table and lamp is a beautiful option for a bedroom. Adding a chaise lounge is another beautiful furniture option. These come in a variety of luxurious fabrics and patterns, something will definitely be a complement to your space. Also depending on how much space you have you could try adding a sofa.
   
3. Custom built ins: having extra storage is always a bonus - in every home! Having some extra clothing storage done in a nice finish will enhance the style and function of the room. This is also a rest space for the TV to be built in to. 
   
4. Depending on the structure of your home and of course budget,  adding a fireplace is a beautiful feature in a spacious master bedroom. There are many styles and finishes that can be done to make this a focal point of a room!
    

Home Staging - More than just Furniture and Fluffing Pillows...

We have been staging homes for a number of years now and what we can tell you is that staging is more than just 'pretty-ing' up a place.  Making a property pretty is of course important but there are other important factors when it comes to home staging that don't involve furniture at all.

1 - Smells.  Are you nose-blind? You might be and that's not uncommon.  We all get used to our surroundings the warts and all and that includes the smells.  When someone comes to your home for the first time, like a buyer would, they see it all and smell it all.  So be sure to tackle those unpleasant odours.  Ask a friend or neighbour to do a smell check - can they smell the pets? mold? mildew? A professional cleaning can often make a big difference and it's worth it!

 

2 - Repairs.  Loose or cracked tiles, leaky faucet, loose hardware, burnt out light bulbs, noisy fan, chipped paint, the list goes on...tackle that list or get a handy man who can.  When buyers come through they will take notice and that will be come the focus.

 

3- Upgrades/Updates. Is your home in need of some updates? You may not know for sure and this is a great conversation to have with your agent.  They can tell you what has sold and for what price.  They can show you photos so you can see the condition of the sold property.  They can also show you this info for your market competition.  You may need to price accordingly or make some updates. But this can really determine your length of time on the market. Your agent can also let you know which updates are worth investing in and which to pass on.



4 - Clutter.  We all have it and we all can't stand it but it happens.  When you sell your home you need to deal with the clutter.  Sure you know the usual - kitchen counters, desk in the office but don't forget about the little clutter like bathroom counter surfaces, table tops, closets and even above those kitchen cabinets.  When you are selling your home - make a date or 2 or 3 or...to conquer the clutter - it's better for you, it's better to deal with it before you go to the new place but it's important that the buyers don't see it.  Short on time and can't deal with the clutter? It's better to have papers and other items that clutter tucked away in containers - it looks neater and tidier. Clutter sends the message that 'this home lacks storage', so don't let it pile up!

 

5- Not just inner beauty.  The interior of your home is very important but so is the exterior.  Did you know that buyers often do judge a book buy it's cover? You might be missing out on a buyer if the exterior of your property doesn't show well.  So pay attention to the exterior.  is it clean? maintained? welcoming? well lit?

 

6 - Take out your personality.  Lots of buyers love a home with character but that doesn't mean your character.  Remove the bold wall paint colours, family photos, collections and anything that is really representative of your personal tastes and styles - bring that to the new place.  Neutralize and depersonalize.  It might sound boring to you - but it is important, buyers need to visualize themselves in the space and a neutral palette or a clean canvas allows them to do that.  You want a home buyer not a house guest!

 

Be prepared for some feedback that might not be glowing - it happens to every property.  It's not personal.  Use that feedback and discuss with your agent what you can do about it.  If you are noticing a pattern in your feedback 'like the family room is dark' - lighten it up with lighting or maybe paint.  Listen to the market and work with your agent.

When it comes to selling your home remember the buyer is looking for their new home, not your old home - make it shine and stand out from the crowd!