Furnishing a Condo

Furnishing this condo has been an exciting project over the past few months.  The client had decided that everything would be new when he moved in, but that he didn't really like to shop or know where to go and so on.  He had a list of requirements and some preferences, but the bulk of decisions were left up to me based on his budget.  Really this was a dream job for a Stager taking a blank canvas and turning it into a warm, inviting living space.  The following pictures show you the transformation.  Over time, as the budget allows, the client intends to purchase art work to "jazz" up the walls a bit more. 

 This is the main living space before and after being furnished.

The kitchen now has this wonderful glass-top pedestal table and these sexy white leather chairs that are really very comfortable and can be used as occassional seating in the living room or as a desk chair in the the den.

Another view of the kitchen before and after looking out from the den.

The Den was just a little cave-like before, but now is a relaxing place to read or work on the computer.

Bedrooms in new condos seem to be very small.  I was able to fit in a double bed only as otherwise there would not be any room to get to the closet.  The result is a cozy and comfortable sleeping area.

The final view is looking into the condo unit from its the front foyer.

Furnishings were mostly custom order and were purchased at Distinctively Fine Furnishings, Palanco, Blueprint, Ashley Furniture and Sears Home Store. 

The client is quite happy with his new space!

Orleans Chamber of Commerce Nominee - 2009 Awards

Although I was not the winner or one of the three finalists in the "New Business of the Year" category of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce People's Choice Business Awards 2009 held this past week in the beautiful, new Shenkman Arts Centre, I still feel it an honour to be nominated and want to thank all of you who voted for me.  I have met so many wonderful people in this my first year in the business world.  My learning curve is still steep, but I love every minute of it! 
I have lots of exciting new activities planned for 2010 and will continue to give my clients the best in Home Staging services.  Moving - or not - give me a call.  My new tag line is:
                       NOW is the time to create the WOW
                          Let HomeReady show you HOW

RESA Rookie Stager Nominee - 2010

I'm very proud of my Home Staging achievements this first year in the business.  Someone else thought so too!  Thank you to all of you who have shown their support to me and have encouraged me to keep going and keep developing my craft.  I'm looking forward to this upcoming year with some exciting new developments.  Stay tuned! 

In January I'm off to Las Vegas to the RESA Convention.  It looks like a very jammed packed three days of speakers, workshops and many top-notch Stagers to meet.  I am very thrilled to be going and will be bringing home lots of new insights and perspectives that will add real value to Home Staging in the Ottawa area.

Watch out next year.  I'm looking for a nomination again!

Laundry/Powder Room Facelift

So here are the BEFORE pics of my re-design project.  Rather scary isn't it?  Needs some re-organization (you think?). 

A space like this would get a real thumbs down with my home staging clients so I though I should put my "money where my mouth is". 

Tomorrow the new high efficency machines arrive and then re-construction begins at the end of the month.  To be included are a new laundry tub, toilet and vanity and sink with custom cabinets. 

Tego Bathrooms are at the helm of this project.  So stay tuned!

Makeshift storage gone really bad!

HomeGain 2009 Top 12 Home Improvements Survey Results

Once again HomeGain 2009 has reported in their Real Estate blog, the top 12 relatively low cost DIY home improvements for homeowners getting ready to sell their home.  Nearly 1000 Realtors(R) participated in the survey.  Home Staging is listed as second on the list with an average cost between $300 to $400 with an overwhelming ROI of 586%.  Cleaning and de-cluttering ranked first with a ROI of around 872% on an $100 to $200 investment.  The rest of the list actually could well be included under the umbrella of Home Staging too.  This would make the actual cost of Home Staging more inline with real costs today.  Still a bargain looking at all the ROI. figures.  What homeowners gain when it comes to selling their home is increased value in equity and most often a shorter time on the Real Estate market.  With house presentation appealing to many prospective buyers, it sure beats a home langishing for months on the market and perhaps having to undergo a price drop. 
The other home improvements that HomeGain lists in order down from Home Staging are:

• Lightening and Brightening
• Landscaping
• Repair Plumbing
• Update Electrical
• Replacing or Shampooing Carpets
• Painting Interior Walls
• Repair Damaged Floors
• Update Kitchen
• Paint Outside of House
• Update Bathroom

Not a DIYer; not to worry as HomeReady Home Staging will refer you to those trades who will be able to carry out any of these home improvements.   For further reading and definitions of the Home Improvement categories, check out the HomeGain blog at http://blog.homegain.com/home-improvement/homegain-2009-top-12-home-improvement-survey-results/  .  Then contact HomeReady Home Staging to set up a consultation appointment to look at what your home specifically needs before you sell.  You'll be glad you did!

Selling in the new year?

If you are thinking about selling your home in the new year, then NOW is the time to start planning.  Contacting a Professional Home Stager should be first on your list.  Consultation with a Professional Home Stager will provide you with reccomendations and suggestions for repairs or upgrades that will increase the equity in your home.  Your home will be directly competing with every other home on the market and it is a known fact that "Staged" homes present better than unstaged homes.  Having your home presented in the best possible light will create a positive and outstanding first impression that will help you sell your home faster and for the most money.  As a homeowner, you have control over this. 
As a Professional Home Stager, I can help you with as much or as little of the work you may need to get your home ready for sale including:

• consultation
• referral to trade services
• project management
• organizing and packing
• shopping for accessories
• rental of furnishings
• showcasing of rooms in your home
• Open House preparation

Then when your home is ready, I can refer you to a Realtor who knows the market, will appropriately appraise your home and market it to get your home sold so you can move on to wherever you are going.

Decorating for the Holidays

Now that Halloween's witches and gobblins have come and gone, our attention seems to turn to the next celebration time of the year - Christmas.  Decorating one's home for the season can be tricky especially if trying to sell.  Too many Holiday lights, nickknacks and overloaded Christmas trees only serve to distract prospective buyers from really seeing your home and what it has to offer.  Overly cluttered with Christmas decor does not sell houses any more that other types of clutter.  Here are some suggestions:

• Keep outside lights simple and white.  Remember that we live in a diverse culture and Snowmen, Santa Clauses and Nativity Scenes, although fun and/or symbolic of the season, may be too distracting.
• Inside, less is more.  For this one year only that your home is for sale, display only a few choice decorations that do not conflict with the the salient selling features of the home.
• If you have a Christmas tree, keep it smaller than usual and simply decorated.  Again, minature white lights work best with tasteful decorations. 
• Remember that this is the Holiday Season and a time the family is usually quite excited.  However, never lose sight of the fact that prospective buyers may want to come and view your home today or tomorrow.  Engage all family members in keeping up with a "staged" presentation of your home that highlights an appealing lifestyle image.  This cannot be a time to slack off or you may still find yourself with your home still on the market in the new year.

If you follow these few suggestions, your home may sell quickly leaving you and your family lots of time to fully enjoy the Holiday Season according to your family's special traditions.