HOME STAGING

The Facts | Reasons to Stage | Home Staging Tips

Home Staging Tips

Depersonalize. Potential homebuyers needs to picture themselves in your rooms, and quirky decorating or pictures of the kids may prevent that. Remove all family photos and, if necessary, paint brightly coloured walls a more neutral shade.

Make sure everything in the house is in top condition. No torn screens, cracked plaster or burnt out pot lights. You may have gotten used to seeing them, so tour your house with a critical eye (or ask someone else to), and repair anything that needs it.

Update lighting. Buyers will place a dollar value on updating lighting if your lighting is dated. You don't need to spend a fortune on updated lighting. Many of the big box stores have perfectly adequate lighting that looks expensive.

Cleanliness. Now is the time to splurge on a cleaning service if you don't already have one in place. Kitchens and bathrooms in particular need to be absolutely spotless!

Kitchens. Entire renos aren't always necessary. Painting kitchen cabinets and updating hardware can be an affordable update to freshen and modernize a kitchen. Adding a neutral backsplash can also bring a great Return on Investment.

Master Bedroom. This room is very important. Ditch the tv (even though I adore watching tv in bed!) Its not the feeling we want to evoke in this all important room. Create a hotel feel. Crisp white linens, a throw at the end of the bed and accent cushions create an inviting, beautiful space.

Curb Appeal. Keep the lawn and gardens in tip top shape. Black mulch keeps the weeds at bay and makes plants and florals pop. Remove all unnecessary items such as trash bins, kids toys, hockey nets, etc. You want buyers to have the impression your home is well maintained and cared for before they even walk in. The garage door should blend in with the house and the front door should take centre stage. Paint it glossy black for sophisticated drama.

Smell. There should be no odours in the home. Nothing will send a buyer out your door quicker than the smell of cigarette smoke, or pet odours. Stay away from plug in air fresheners. Many people have sensitivities to strong odours even if their deemed pleasant by others. The best smell is a clean smell. Open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air inside. Keeping the house clean, and be mindful of what your cooking inside the house. I love fresh fish but don't love the way my house smells the next day! Fill up some sinks with water and your favourite cleaner before showings. Get the house ready and just before you leave, pull the plug to drain the water. The smell of the cleanser will linger.

The Facts

In many city centres across Canada, housing prices are at an all-time high and still climbing. According to home staging expert Simone Frank of New Leaf Decor in Barrie, Ont, if you want your house to look like it's worth every penny of the (substantial) sum you're asking, putting your home's best foot forward -- and then some -- is a must.

Reasons to stage

• You will make a lot more money-In the 2017 NAR report, professional staging can increase a home’s selling price anywhere from 5 – 20%. If a broker offered this kind of return on investment, you would think he was a financial genius!

• You will sell your house faster-According to the recent RESA staging report, staged properties sell up to 72% FASTER than their un- staged competition.

• Over 95% of buyers are shopping online FIRST and homes have mere seconds to impress them. The combination of professional staging + photography has been PROVEN to get properties significantly more interest, viewings and better offers than their un-staged competition.

• 9 out of 10 people cannot see beyond what they are presented with. This means buyers cannot see beyond clutter, dated decor or visualize furniture in empty rooms. If you aren’t staging then your property is not connecting with 90% of its target audience.

• Simply put, professional home staging is key to getting home owners the interest and offers their property deserves. While price may bring in the buyers, it is professional staging that makes buyers negotiable on their list of ‘must haves’ when the property reflects the lifestyle they aspire to have.

Simone Frank-CSP

705.791.6662

simone@newleafdecor.com

www.newleafdecor.com