Home Staging the Backyard
Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under CSP Press Releases, Certified Staging Professionals - Company, Press Releases, Stager Blogs, Staging Articles, Uncategorized, ecostaging | Kathryn Wilson | Leave a Comment
As we enter the lazy, hazy days of summer, prospective buyers are more acutely focused on the backyard and outdoor living. As a seller, you need to pay particular attention to what lies beyond the backdoor. The following tips will help you set priorities to ensure that your backyard is inviting for buyers to come and sit awhile and enjoy the ambiance.
· First of all, take a good look at your lawn. It should be well manicured and as weed free as possible. Take care of insect infestations such as ant hills or grub patches. Garden Centres have safe and eco-friendly products available. Re-sod if parts of the lawn are beyond resurrection. Remember to water well!
· Secondly, inspect your deck and/or patio. Power washing and re-staining a deck can do wonders at refreshing and revitalizing the main gathering area. On the patio, look for pavers that are cracked or heaved from winter frost. Replace or level. Weeds or grass growing up between patio stones gives the impression of not caring so get busy and start pulling (you might get the whole family involved here!).
· Thirdly, let’s look at the main landscape elements. Are the trees and shrubs/hedges in good shape? Some pruning might be in order to tame an overgrown jungle. If you are not into DIY activities call someone in who knows what to do. Badly pruned shrubs/hedges look worse than non pruned shrubs/hedges.
· Fourthly, pay attention to your gardens. If gardening is your thing then likely minor weeding and tidying up is all that is needed. Perennials and annuals help to brighten up the backyard. Applying mulch will cut down on the need to water and weed and will provide a neat and orderly look to the garden. This gives the illusion that the garden will take care of itself and is just there to enjoy!
· Fifthly, pools. This may not always be an asset when selling your home in this area. You need to have your pool in perfect working order with clear sparkling water and attractive surroundings that suggest maintenance free.
· Number six on your list might be playground equipment. Are you planning on taking the swing set and climber or trampoline with you? If so, dismantle and store off the property. If not, then it could be an asset if the equipment is in very good condition and you are selling in a very family oriented neighbourhood. Otherwise, again dismantle and sell or give away. Make sure you repair the ground and/or the lawn beneath any equipment that is removed.
· And last, but not least, you need to “dress” the deck and/or patio. Inspect your outdoor furnishings. If you are thinking about replacing your tired looking patio set or barbecue, now is the time. Accessories such as lighting (lanterns, candles, and solar lights), container plantings and garden “art” all add to the mood you want to portray. The idea here is to invite buyers outside to sit and relax and enjoy the view and ambiance. Outdoor entertaining, barbecuing, dining and just lounging seem to be one of our favourite summer pastimes given our short season in Eastern Ontario. This is what many buyers are looking for this time of year!
Play up this asset of your home’s backyard. You won’t be sorry!
For more Home Staging ideas, contact HomeReady Home Staging, Ottawa area, www.homereadyhomestaging.ca, 613-894-4155
The Stagers - HGTV (Tuesdays @ 9:30c p.m./1:30c a.m.)
Posted on June 25, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | Susan K. Streeter Honerman | Leave a Comment
I am sure most of you watch this wonderful show, for those of you that haven’t - check it out! If you that don’t have cable, past episodes are now on HGTV.com
I know some people don’t like shows that try to show it all in 30 minutes, but what’s great about this show, is that they do tell you timelines (4-days until the big REVEAL) and admit they have assistants and runners. They also have a consultant staff and of course the fabulous DEKORA warehouse! However, you can still learn by watching to perfect and hone your skills from the guru Matthew and the mother and daughter duo Bridget and Maureen – not to mention the entire lock-up staff.
Enjoy – Susan
Are You Struggling With Your Marketing?
Posted on June 23, 2009
Filed Under Certified Staging Professionals - Company | Angela Brooks | Leave a Comment
I am very pleased to be able to announce the official launch of the NEED to KNOW™ Marketing Courses offered at the
How is the NEED to KNOW™ marketing courses different than others?
The NEED to KNOW™ course is not a lecture, where you sit for hours collecting loads of information, go home only to have to organize, and figure out how you’re going to implement.
Need to Know™ Marketing Courses are designed to walk you through step-by-step tasks that will propel your business forward.
The courses are broken into small bite size marketing pieces that allow time for implementation during the course.
For Example: Course 6 - Need to Know™ how to attract media attention? Learn to build a press kit geared to get your company featured in magazine and print articles.
During this two part webinar, you not only learn why press kits are important, I walk you through the components of a press kit; what should be included, how to determine your press kit budget, how to target the magazines you want to be published in and during the course you learn to effectively build a press release. Along with a step-by-step process and task list to effectively gain media exposure, you leave the class, having built a press release you can distribute immediately.
Although I have been working with the staging industry since 2001, and am known in the industry for assisting home staging companies, these marketing courses are for all business owners. They are available both online through webinars and in class at the
For information on upcoming dates:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs011/1011125928046/archive/1102618903378.html
Making a Good Impression
Posted on June 16, 2009
Filed Under Press Releases | Kimberley Stienwandt | Leave a Comment
I’d like to share with you an article that I had come across which explains how important it is to stage so you don’t have potential buyers walk away seeing that we are right in the middle of the busy season.
The Importance of Home Staging
by Barbara Brock
How many times have you seen a property that’s a mess and visually unappealing with so much furniture and funrnishings that it is impossible to see anything? There are cracks that need spackling, walls that need cleaning, and floors that should be polished. The lighting is dreary and the color questionable. There’s plenty of clutter, but no warmth, and perhaps, even a strange smell.
More often than not, potential buyers/investors will be turned off by a property that looks like this. If you ask them what they remember about it, they are uncertain. Too many colors, furniture and possessions make it difficult for people to concentrate on the property. Our eyes tire very quickly; the more we see in a room, the less we can process - it’s called stimulus overload. When there is too much to see, we don’t see anything.
Selling or buying a property is possibly one of the biggest investments anyone could make. How the property is presented and perceived should be given as much importance and consideration as any consumer product on the market.
No matter what is happening to the real estate market, when you want to sell your home, there are two simple rules to follow to assure a quick sale: price it well, and make it look amazing. Whatever the asking price, its appearance needs to be flawless.
One of the costliest mistakes made by home sellers, and even inexperienced real estae agents, is to ignore the visual psychology involved in gaining a buyer’s immediate attention. Potential buyers become interested in a property when they walk in a feel, “I could live here.” They imagine it as their home.
In order to gain an edge in today’s real estate market when buyers/investors have so many options, a property must be priced right and look better than the competition. One of the best, proven methods to fater sales is process known as “staging”. It is not a new concept for showing a home, but is relatively new to the New York brokerage community. The term originated in California about 15 years ago by Barbara Schwarz. She realized by prepping a home for sale, it sold faster and frequently for more than asking price.
Staging uses design and conceptualization techniques. The objective is to have potential buyers walk in and envision the property as their home. They can see themselves living and entertaining there. It’s all about creating a space that makes buyers connect emotionally to it. They should feel as if they were the owner, not a guest. As a seller, In order to do this effectively, you need to make your home as impersonal and attractive as possible to stimulate the buyer’s visual acuity.
An intial discussion of the seller and the stager is impotant in order to review the property’s weak and strong points, what changes need to be made, how much time it will take, and what else is needed to stage it. Besides the basic cleaning and repairing, Staging has five basic elements: De-clutter, Pare down, Position furniture, Color, Lighting.
Home staging is effective because it emphasives a property’s strengths and minimizes its weak points. It allows your home to be shown at its maximum potential. Presenting a well-cared for home and creating a property that gives a positive first impression. It attracts the attention and admiration of prospective buyers, and encourages them to consider how your property fits their requirements.
Home staging is a smart investment and a cost-effective marketing tool for the broker. It can be a deal-maker and a sell a property for the best price in the shortest amount of time.
Home Staging Experts Help Sellers Earn Their Equity
Posted on June 2, 2009
Filed Under Stager Blogs, ecostaging | Joanne O'Donnell | Leave a Comment
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| Chic Home interiors uses lifestyle selling techniques to create that feeling of home that brings the offers rolling in. Staging is a marketing tool for selling a house and, as in all marketing, we want to target our audience and appeal to the largest potential base of that buying demographic. Today’s professional stager continually educates themselves in what the market trends are and in-depth marketing knowhow.
Chic understands the psychology of the buyer and understands scale, design, and color. Today’s market requires a more sophisticated approach to preparing a home for market, give us a call today. |
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Give the Gift of Color!
Posted on June 1, 2009
Filed Under Stager Blogs, Staging Articles, Staging Questions, Uncategorized | Joanne O'Donnell | Leave a Comment
A color consultation for the new home can be a great client gift at the close of escrow. I have been working on a Color Consultation this week with a new homeowner client. We are using the Dewey Color System to create a personalized room by room color palette throughout the house.
In a couple of the rooms we took our inspiration from an existing piece. In others, we started from scratch with no preconceived notions. The Dewey Color System is designed to ensure the finished product speaks to the individual client, ensuring that each room in their home brings them the feeling they are looking for in each room. It does this by starting with the patented Dewey Color System Test and using the patented Dewey Color Coordinator. The finished product is a home that is uniquely designed for the particular client with no fear of color mismatches.
Color choices are one of the first reasons new clients hire designers. They are intimidated by the overwhelming breadth of choices. They don’t want to make a color mistake, especially on the walls. Even though paint is one of the easiest and most affordable changes to make, the sheer massiveness of walls in comparison to the smaller color choices (a chair, linens, or accessories) creates fear in the hearts of the average consumer. That is why, for many, the first time they reach for the phone to call a designer, it is for a color consultation.
Many designers, including home stagers, have expanded their business to include color consults for these homeowners. As stagers, we know just what colors and color combos will sell a house, we know how to buy for our inventory and what colors to recommend to freshen and enhance the interior and exterior of the homes we stage. We also know what works for us, makes us happy in our own environment. But with the way color effects different people so differently, how do we ensure that our recommendations will create an environment that really takes into account the client and their color sensibilities?
The people at We Make Color Easy have developed a certification program based on the Dewey Color System that does just that. The Dewey Color System, the world’s first scientifically validated color test, has been compared favorably in scientific journals to the Strong Interest Inventory and other psychological testing instruments. We Make Color Easy has taken the principles of the Dewey System and, with the assistance of experienced design professionals from across North America, created a training course for designers that makes color recommendations easy. Now design professionals have a system and tools which allow us to conduct in-home consultations that recommend exact paint, fabric and accessory colors room-by-room without the fear of a color mismatch, using the patented Dewey Color Coordinator. Check our website for upcoming classes throughout North America, the next Northern California class is June 8th and 9th in Oakland, CA.
Home Staging the “Broken” Home
Posted on May 18, 2009
Filed Under Certified Staging Professionals - Company, Stager Blogs, Staging Articles, Staging Training, Uncategorized | Kathryn Wilson | Leave a Comment
It always seems tragic when a marriage breaks down and couples choose to go their separate ways. What is worse is that the children most often get pulled in two different ways. There is no doubt many losses experienced by all. One of these losses may be the family home. Needing to sell for quick settlement, homeowners often don’t have the time, energy or motivation to prepare their home for sale. Having been through this many years ago, I know that if I had the services of a CCSP(TM), my home likely wouldn’t have been on the market for a year and a half.
At a time when there seem to be so many decisions to make, it is comforting to know that someone highly trained can help guide one through with empathy, sensitivity and compassion, what is needed to quickly bring the home up-to-date and ready to go on the market with an inviting appeal to prospective buyers.
We have all seen homes go on the market that are from separating couples. These homes look sad. Wholes rooms of furniture are often missing and there is drabness about. These homes are quickly marked as “house for quick sale”, meaning get it cheap and as is. Many homeowners thus lose equity. As a Home Stager, we can change this. What a wonderful marketing opportunity we have to help people in this sad predicament. And what an opportunity for Home Stagers to branch out into.
I am very much looking forward to the Divorce Home Staging System(TM) Webinar with Kelly Murray from DivorcethisHouse.com on May 19, 2009, sponsored by the newly formed CSPI(TM) Training Academy. Thank you so much for your insight.
Let HomeReady Home Staging make your home Sale ready. Contact HomeReady Home Staging, 613-894-4155, kathryn.a.wilson@gmail.com, www.homereadyhomestaging.ca in the Ottawa area for more information.
First Zoomers Staging Specialist
Posted on May 16, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | Karen Salzsauler | Leave a Comment
I am so excited to announce that I am the very first Canadian Certified Staging Professional (TM) to have completed the Zoomer Staging Specialist designation continuing education course. I am just awaiting my exam being marked to make the designation official.
What a valuable course ZSS is! It is the perfect bridge between Staging Professional and Move Manager. Most importantly, it deals with the special considerations of serving the senior clientele.
I am very much looking forward to more fully assisting Zoomers, their families and their real estate professionals with a smooth transition.
If you or someone you know would appreciate a presentation for your office or special interest group regarding Senior Relocation services, please contact me and I will be happy to set something up.
Karen Salzsauler
LifeStyled Interiors karen@lifestyledinteriors.ca or 519-400-3598
Staging Consultant
Professional Organizer
Senior Move Manager
HOMEOWNERS: MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT, SECRETS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
Posted on May 12, 2009
Filed Under CSP Press Releases, Press Releases, Stager Blogs, Staging Articles, ecostaging | Carole A. Lemire | Leave a Comment
10 SECRETS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
1. FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE ONLY IMPRESSION No matter how good in interior looks, the buyer has already judged your home by the outside view. There is never a second chance at a first impression. -It’s 100% return on curb appeal investing.
2. ALWAYS BE READY TO SHOW. Your house has to be show room ready at all times when it’s on the market. Having your home staged professionally will ensure you secure the maximum profit possible.
3. THE KITCHEN IS FIRST. Your kitchen is the most important room in the house. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen is endless. A buyer will knock 10-15 thousand off the asking price immediatlely if it is outdated. The fastest most inexpensive way to improve your kitchen is paint. A fresh coat of paint in the right color can improve and secure dollars. New cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to bring your kitchen up to date.
4. DE-PERSONALIZE, IT’S IMPORTANT IN MAKING A SALE. Why? It is very difficult to feel comfortable in someone else’s home. The buyer needs to feel that they can move right in. By de-personalizing the space it ensures the buyer can see themselves living in the space. You are moving , so pack it up. Really, if its not staying with the house, it shouldn’t be there. Again hiring a Professional stager will ensure your home is “SHOWCASED TO SELL!” Maximizing your investment.
5. CAREFUL WITH YOUR UPGRADES. Hiring a professional to assit you with this is your best option. A quick fix before you list will always pay off. We always recommend fresh paint, it’s a inexpensive way to freshen up a room. Choose a neutral color that will appeal to most buyers, clean windows and curtains. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware. Check and fix leaky faucets and clean the grout. These are all things your buyer is looking at.
6. CONCEAL THE CRITTERS. You might think a cuddly cat or dog will warm the hearts of the buyer, but you could be wrong. Not everyone is a animal lover. Seeing a bowl of dog food, smelling the kitty litter box or having pet hair stuck to your clothes will leave the impression that the house is not clean. If you are planning a open house, send the pets to the neighbors or take them with you. Its an inconvenience, but we don’t want anything to distract the buyer from purchasing the property.
7. PLAY THE AGENTS. The secret to a killer sale is the agent. Make sure you have a broker who is totally informed. They must constantly monitor the MLS listings, know what properties are worth and know the comparables in your neighborhood. Find the broker who enbraces technology- A broker who offers A Professional Stager would be one to pic. IF YOUR REALTOR HASN’T MENTIONED STAGING, THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM LEAVING YOUR HOUSE ON THE MARKET LONGER. The key to selling fast is SETTING THE STAGE. A CSP can acquire the results you need. Have your agent walk you through the house and sell the house to you, then you will see if they are right for you.
8. LIGHT IT UP - Maximize the light in your home. After location, bright space is what most buyers are looking for in a home. Take down the curtains, clean the windows, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let the sun shine in. Doing whatever you can to allow as much light in will greatly increase your chance of sale.
9. Empty the closets. STORAGE- Its something every buyer is looking for. Edit your closets, clothes that you won’t wear for a few months can be packed away. The buyers are going to peek into your closets so make sure they are organized and empty as much as possible. Cabinets too, they should be organized and tidy.
10 PRICE IT RIGHT Find out what your house is worth, then shave 15-20% off the price. You’ll be stamped by buyers with multiple bids- even in the worst markets-and they will bid up the price over what its worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the best strategy to sell a home in today’s market.
10 REASONS TO HOME STAGE AND SELL
Posted on May 12, 2009
Filed Under Press Releases, Stager Blogs | Carole A. Lemire | Leave a Comment
1. NO TIME FOR STAGING. If you have time to sell your house, you have time to set the stage. Don’t underestimate Staging, unless your prepared to accept less than your property is worth. No one can guarantee your result, but we can say, fail to stage your home and ?your’re less likely to secure your asking price or you might end up sitting on the market longer than expected. Why gamble with your equity?
2. LOCATION & PRICE WILL WORK. Why are you settling for less? Improving the condition of the house before you list it, can greatly impact the selling price. A CSP will use strategic lifestyle marketing skills and showcase your homes selling features to secure your asking price.
3. MY HOUSE LOOKS GOOD, I DON’T NEED TO STAGE IT. Like it or not, selling your house isn’t about you, your taste, or your decorating style. Its about what the buyer wants. A CSP will encourage a emotional connection for the buyer to ” HAVE TO HAVE ” your house.
4. MY NEIGHBOR SOLD WITHOUT STAGING. That’s good for your neighbor! What you don’t know is whether they made as much on the property as they could have. Why gamble? The Staging process is proven and the results speak for themselves. A property that has been properly staged leaves a lasting impression and stimulates multiple offers.
5. MY REALTOR SAID I DON’T NEED TO STAGE. We can say you don’t need a realtor to sell your house, but we won’t. We believe a good real estate professional provides valuable guidance and help you avoid pitfalls in the house selling process. However Staging your property will help secure the most equity you can and will help buyers make the connection and make you a offer.
6. GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME, GOOD ENOUGH FOR ANYONE. A statement like this is just a excuse. You really don’t care how much money you make-or don’t make on the sale of your property? After FX Staging is committed to working with homeowners to strategicly showcase their home to secure the highest equity possible.
7. Staging is just de-cluttering and cleaning and I’ve done that. Most certainly staging involves de-cluttering and cleaning and this kind of straight forward sale preparation makes ia huge difference, but isn’t the whole picture. Staging is Marketing! Marketing your house to be the next sold. You are competing with every other house on the market, new and old. In order to secure the price you want, you need to ensure your house looks as good if not better than the others in the area.
8. Homes have been selling for years without staging. Why now? Houses sold without title insurance and home inspections too. Times have changed. Interest rates have been low, and savvy consumers are watching decorating shows, these things are making the home selling process more competitive. Todays buyer doesn’t want to inherit your honey do list. They want to move in on Saturday and be happy living in the house on Sunday.
9. I can’t afford it. In todays market can you really afford not to? Before you say no, consider whether you can afford to pay additional mortgage payments, property taxes, household expenses while your house sits waiting for a buyer who can see past your life to make a offer. How much are you going to decrease or how long are you willing to sit and play the open house game? According to numbers compiled by the National Association of Realtors the longer a house sits on the market the less likely of receiving a desireable offer.
10. Its a hot market- the house will sell without staging. Not anymore. If you do nothing don’t be surprised when your realtor comes to you with a offer less than you expected. A professionaly Staged property brings exceptional return on investment. If you don’t mind gambling with your equity, than go ahead and sell without staging. However, if you’re a savvy investor and want to realize the highest equity in the sale of your property, “Stage it & Sell it for Top dollar.”
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