RESA

What an exciting evening meeting all the big names in the Home Staging business.  Met lots of Canadian CSPs including the founder of Canadian Staging Professionals, Christine Rae.  Also here is a picture of me with Matthew Finlason, from The Stagers.  Wow!  Matthew kicks things off early tomorrow am and on it goes until late tomorrow evening with the RESA awards.  Although I was nominated for the Rookie of the Year,  my colleaque Kristy made it to the finals so cheering for her!

Tips to Update Your Bathroom under $50

When thinking of selling your home there are many relatively inexpensive up-dates you can do in your home yourself to give it that WOW without breaking the bank.  For instance, in the bathroom here are five up-dates that cost under $50 and can give new life to a tired or outdated decor.  They all speak "well-cared for" to a prospective buyer and can distract from more major renovations that could be done.

1. A new coat of paint in a pleasing neutral colour is the most obvious up-date and can transform the bathroom from a dingy, outdated room to a warm, inviting and clean space.  The bathroom pictured here is painted with ICI Oyster White, #30YY 64/149.  Previously it was a gaudy aqua blue which was cold and oppressive.
2. New fluffy white towels for showing are an inviting addition to any bathroom and aren't expensive if you don't buy designer towels or you manage to get them on sale (they seem to be at every major store at any one time).
3. A new coordinating shower curtain speaks volumes about freshness.
4. Un-dated hardware for the cabinets may be just the thing to up-date the older vanity in your bathroom.
5. Matching small plastic bins to store personal items neatly under the counter in the vanity when not in use are a smart and inexpensive choice.  Prospective buyers do not want to see your deoderant or toothbrush lying on the vanity counter when viewing your home.  This can be a huge turnoff.

These are just five inexpensive tips for up-dating your bathroom.  Now that I've got you started, I'm sure you can think of some more yourself.  However, if you would like some more inexpensive and helpful ideas for up-dating your bathroom or other rooms in your home before selling your home, I'd be happy to come to consult with you!  For a free quote on my services do email me at kathryn.a.wilson@gmail.com. 

The Emotions of Selling

Homeowners sell their homes for many reasons.  Some are happy, hopeful thoughts of moving onto something better.  Some reasons are out of necessity; usually financial.  Other reasons are not so hopeful; life transitions, broken relationships, again necessitating a move.  Most homeowners have some ambivalent thoughts and feelings though, all normal.   Our shelter and physical environment is one of our basic needs that helps us to feel secure in life and when there are changes anticipated here we often experience a wide range of emotions.  This is why using the services of an understanding Home Stager can lessen the confusion of emotions when preparing your home for sale.  With a more objective eye, a Home Stager will view your home and make reccomendations that will help you understand what will make your home look best to secure a quick and profitable sale.  If you need a more "hands-on" approach, a Home Stager will be there too.  Rearranging furnishings and accessories is the work that a Home Stager is trained to do.  Knowing just what to pack away now and what to perhaps let go of can bring a sense of relief and clarity that Home Stagers can help with too!

If you are selling your home this year and are having some emotional reactions thinking about this prospect do not hestitate to call a reputable Home Staging company such as HomeReady Home Staging.  We can help you through the hurdles of emotions that can come with preparing your home for sale.  Once you feel more "centered" and less emotionally attached  to your present home, it will be easier to make those all important sale decisions.  One thing to remember too is that buyers also are experiencing many different emotions in selecting a new home to buy.  But this will be a different chapter!

Getting Rid of Rug Indentations - Home Staging tip 2010 - 1

Moving furniture around at Christmas this year to accomodate the Christmas tree, reminded me of what sometimes happens when homeowners are moving around their furniture when Staging to sell.  Where the furniture used to sit is marked by a depression or indentation in the rug that does not seem to go away with any amount of rubbing or vaccuming!  These unsightly marks unfortunately draw ones eye immediately to that spot(s) and can detract from the overall impression (no pun intended) that the homeowner is trying to create. 

However, I have found a way to get rid of these indentations.  Simply put an ice-cube on the indentation and just let it melt.

As the ice-cube melts, the rug fibres "puff" up and expand and in a little while the indentation is no longer visible.

Just blot up any excess moisture with a towel and give a gentle little rub and voila. . . the indentation is completely gone and noone would ever know that a heavy piece of furniture used to be on that spot.

Rug, after this procedure looks like nothing ever sat on the spot and now is no longer an unsightly distraction!