Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. . .

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. . . 

Mirrors have been used for centuries not only for practical reasons but for decorative ones in the home.  Many people hang mirrors like art - above a sofa, above a mantle or a sideboard and so on.  However, I wonder though how many people actually give thought as to what the mirror is actually reflecting besides their own reflection.  To be properly placed the reflection of the mirror needs to be looked at from different angles.  Is the reflection pleasing or is it reflecting a less than appealing view like the ceiling or an open storage unit or a cluttered corner?  Does the mirror's reflection allow you to "peak" into a neighbouring space or room?  Mirrors properly hung can open up a room giving the illusion of greater space.  As well, light reflected from the outside can brighten up a space adding warmth. Take care though not to reflect the light (and energy) back outside.
When Staging a home for Selling it is important that these details not be overlooked as the impression that reflections make are reflected back onto the owners and the presentation of the home.  To make sure that the mirrors in your home reflect the image you want others to see, contact HomeReady Home Staging.  Reflecting the best your home has to offer to propsective buyers is what we do!  613-894-4155, homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca

The Quick Fix

The Quick Fix

It has become apparent that many homeowners don't want to spend too much money on Home Staging Show Casing.  I don't blame them as many have already spent a bundle on repairs, upgrades and painting.  So they may have their house well on its way to looking really good.  It just needs that "icing on the cake", so to speak, "the jewellery for the outfit". . . you get the picture!  What they really need then is to Show Case their house to attract immediate buyer attention so that their house sells quickly and they realize the most equity from this sale.  The Quick Fix is the answer.  Once all the work is completed and the house is cleaned, the HomeReady Team will come in to rearrange the house to show off the house's best assets using only the homeowners furnishings and accessories.  We will creatively get their house ready for picture taking and listing.  We can also take those great pictures too for marketing the house for sale.  This is a very affordable service.  Do contact HomeReady Home Staging for more details.  613-894-4155 or homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca

Laundry/Powder Room Facelift Finally Finished

Finally, almost one year later, I have finished the laundry/powder room facelift.  It is now one of the most valued and most used (I must say) room in the house!  It seems amazing how much larger the space feels and how much storage there is.  Many thanks to John Manzo, Tego Bathrooms, for interpreting my desires into a formal design and to team for putting it together.  I painted and pulled it together in its final form. 
I love looking at the whole process!                                                





Before view 1





Some major plumbing had to be done





Before we got to this





Now what the laundry side looks like





Before View 2



Views 1 & 2 - The finished laundry side of the room





 Before View 3 - what a mess!



Before View 4 - More mess!



View 3 - Now there is a toilet and vanity with lots of storage



View 4 - Can't believe all the storage.  Now everything is behind closed doors!



First Day of Fall

Well here it is already the first day of the Fall season.  Where did summer go?  Many people are asking this it seems and so it goes for homeowners too who are thinking of selling their home before the snow flies.  When the seasons are changing there always seems to be a flurry of activity brought about with the transition and this adds even more pressure for those wanting to sell their homes now. 

There are many tasks for homeowners to complete to get ready for the harsh season ahead.  Homeowners thinking of selling their home have even more tasks on their "to do" lists in order to prepare the home for sale.  Yard work, winterizing the home both inside and out all need to be completed now still maintaining that "Oh so appealing and desirable look to attract prospective buyers".  So much pressure - so much stress!   But wait a minute - I know how to alleviate much of this extra concern.  Ever thought of calling in a Home Stager?  Yes, you heard me right!   A Home Stager knows exactly what needs to be done right now for Fall home sales and can guide you through the process.  Home Stagers have all the right connections to resources that can help you prepare your home, from the curb to the back fence, for sale.  And when all the work is completed, the Home Stager will come into your home and create just the look that will appeal to the buyers looking for homes in your area.  How great is that?  Let go of the pressure - let go of the stress and let your Home Stager take care of your home sale preparation.  For more information about what Home Staging can do for you contact HomeReady Home Staging at homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca or 613-894-4155.  You'll be glad you did! 

Divorce Home Staging - Eh, What?

Had the pleasure of lunching with Julie Audet, a caring and sensitive Family Law Lawyer who is putting together a unique concept to make important separation and divorce information readily available to unfortunate individuals going through this difficult time in their lives.  Her website, http://www.familylawinabox.com/ is very interesting and she will be adding more information over the next while that will be an affordable alternative for many seeking legal information.  All this brought me back to a time long ago when I was in this unfortunate situation.  This is actually how I first became aware of what was needed to sell a house.  I was a typical newly single parent living in the family home that needed to be sold to settle our affairs.  I didn't want to move, nor did the kids.  This was our home!  So I really didn't put much effort into preparing the home for sale.  I liked my blue flowered wallpaper even if it looked like PeeWee Herman's playhouse (my former sister-in-law affectionately labeled this) and I wasn't going to change it.  The new owners could.  I kept the house tidy, but let our dog greet prospective buyers.  I broke most of the Home Staging rules; in other words, I sabotaged any sale.  I didn't want to move.  My realtor was kind and patient, but likely quite frustrated with me.  Anyway, the house eventually sold at a loss and we moved. 
So fast forward many years and several houses later.  I've worked as a counsellor with many separating and divorcing individuals/couples over the years and have come to learn lots about what happens emotionally during this time.  I still facilitate "On Your Own Again" groups and "Parenting After Separation" workshops occasionally through Family Services a la famille Ottawa and have come to know that the family home can become a real emotional battleground that impedes any successful house sale and in effect keeps the couple from moving on in their separate ways.
I was looking for ways to successfully intervene with couples selling their homes, when the newly formed CSPI (Certified Staging Professionals International Business Training Academy) offered a course through DivorcethisHouse(TM).com with lawyer Kelly Lise Murray looking at the Best Interest of the House(TM) model.  This innovative approach fit in very well with my own experience and training and I have embraced the mediator approach keeping both parties of  the couple in the loop, educating them with how to get the best from their house sale, freeing them to go their separate ways.  It is often difficult for waring couples to communicate directly and effectively about the sale of the family home.  My role is to educate, validate and communicate so that the house gets sold as quick as possible and for the most money and the couple learn to detach from the house and each other.  A very rewarding role indeed!
Please contact HomeReady Home Staging for more information about this approach if you or someone you know is going through this difficult time.  homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca, 613-894-4155.  I'd be happy to help!

5 Quick and Easy Ways to Create a Welcoming Entry that attracts Buyers

5 Quick and Easy Ways to Create a Welcoming Entry that Attracts Buyers
 Alice T. Chan


Whether you're selling your home or not, creating a welcoming entry to your home just makes coming home a little nicer. When you are preparing to sell your house, it's especially important to set the tone for your buyers and help create those warm and fuzzy feelings you want them to have as they imagine themselves "coming home".

Here are 5 quick and easy ways to create a welcoming entry that attracts Buyers and the best part is...they're no cost or very low cost upgrades!

1) Clean up - remove any miscellaneous clutter, power wash the area, and remove all the cobwebs and dust.

2) Freshen up the front door - paint it, refinish it or at the very least clean it. This is the focal point of the entry so don't think they won't notice how tired it looks...they will!

3) Get a new doormat - a coir or seagrass mat are the best choices because they are durable and visitors can clean their shoes on them upon entry. Avoid anything that has a lot of holes which can be a hazard for women wearing heels and stay away from the foam type mats or anything too cutesy. Definitely forego the 'GO AWAY' and 'WIPE YOUR PAWS' messages...not exactly a welcoming greeting!

4) Add a topiary or a large, tall pot of colorful flowers - this adds color, frames the space and adds that natural plant life element that most everyone likes.

5) Update or add light fixtures - whether it's a wall sconce or a hanging pendant, light fixtures are like jewelry in a space. It's also very functional. While the house is on the market, leave the porch light on. You never know what time of day an interested buyer may drive by to see your house. Having the light on creates a warm and inviting feeling that rivals the cold, dark alternative.

Choose 2 or 3 from the list or combine all 5 tips for maximum results. You'll have them at Hello.




Home Staging entrepreneur Alice T. Chan publishes the "Set the Stage for Home Selling Success" e-zine. Get your F*REE Home Selling Success Formula e-course at http://AliceTChan.com.

What is this Space?

What is the purpose and function of this space?  Can you guess?  Well prospective buyers can't either and really you don't want them guessing.  When you are selling your house the spaces within need to plainly let the buyer looking know what they are looking at and what the space is used for.  The picture here is a rather extreme example but is one that many homeowners make and don't rectify when selling.  This is the master bedroom but when space is short homeowners often double up the function of the room so that it does double often triple duty.  So then what are the messages given to the prospective buyer.  Yes, there isn't enough space here for my needs either and I thought there were 4 bedrooms. . . hmm!   This next picture clearly lets the prospective buyer know what they are looking at.  Yes, no mistaking that this is the Master Bedroom.  No clutter of office/den/whatever you guess it to be. 

Master Bedroom - same view as above!

Now what do you think about this space?  Again the purpose and function of this space is confused and so will be buyers looking at your property.  Is it an office, a den, a family room?

Well it is actually a family room and has a wonderful view to the back garden.  However, all that buyers will see here is the office clutter.  After being staged, the function of the space became clear although the owners still insisted that they needed a small desk for their computer.  Well, OK.  The house sold in three days over asking!  

 

View into the Family Room after.  The small desk is more discreet.

The final example here is that of a wasted space that was being used for storage mainly.  It is just inside the front door and off to the side.  When staging it is often a good idea to give the prospective buyer an idea of what they might use the space for other than just storage.  

Just the spot for a chair for reading in the sun and let's move the desk into the alcove behind the staircase so that you might also have a place to write or use your laptop. 

                

Reading nook after

                      Now the prospective buyer will have no difficulty knowing what they can use this space for.  The purpose and function have been clarified.

Small desk in the corner

What Makes Me different?

I pride myself on what makes me different.  I value being with my clients and associates so much that I usually turn off my phone when I am with them so that I can fully attend to them without interruptions.  I find it very annoying when I am with someone and in the name of "good customer service" they are constantly attached to their phone.  I find it highly insulting actually to be in the middle of a conversation to realize that the other person is actually reading their latest text message.  Come on now!  Or their phone is constantly ringing and they say "Oh, I just have to get this quickly".  OK, what were we talking about?

I always return calls when I leave a clients' appointment to others.  I think that waiting a bit doesn't really hurt.  One can be too accessible and no, I don't take my phone into the bathroom and I don't talk when driving (usually).  Clients give me feedback that I don't rush them, that I pay full attention to them and this is what I am striving for.  Being "client-centered" means just that; being present fully when there with them.  Thank you Carl Rogers - I knew that some of those psych courses would pay off!  Actually it's just good common sense and respect for others!  So be assured that when we are meeting you will have my full attention.  How else will I get to know you and understand what your needs are?

I Like to Create Beauty in Homes. . . but

I love nature and I love to create beauty in homes both inside and out.  However, I am now faced with a dilema.  Wasps have decide that one of my gardens was prime real estate for them and they moved in.  Don't blame them you know, I like it too.  So what to do.  I first noticed this nest a week or so ago when trimming some overgrowth.  I actually bumped right into it. Boy did I move quickly as wasps flew all around me.  Guess they didn't like the intrusion.  I received only two stings, but felt very insecure as previously I have been told that I am allergic and must use an epipen and go straight to the hospital.  Well the nearest hospital is 20 minutes away and I was all alone.  No epeipen either as the latest advice is that I really don't need one as I only swell up and don't experience breathing difficulties.  So this was a test.  (I guess I passed as I'm still here writing this).  I swallowed a few allergy pills and went out to look at the nest again; this time from a safer distance.  The wasps had attached their home to the side of one the the plant supports and it was the size of a small hardball. 

A few weeks later and the nest has grown to the size of a small canteloupe.  So I have made a decision.  My garden is becoming too overgrown so the nest has to go.

I feel like such a home wrecker!  If I could only transport the nest into the field or somewhere else where we could all live in harmony, but alas, this is not to be.  I bought wasp spray and one of these nights my husband will be out there spraying away (what, you thought I would do it, not in your life!).  Sorry wasps but location, location, location is sometimes not all it's cracked up to be (wasp, lol)!

"Living in Your Home" Re-Staging - The Master Bedroom

The bed bumps into you as soon as you enter the room.

This Master Bedroom needed a makeover.  My task was to make an appealing and calm retreat with very little budget.  This is the goal of re-staging to re-use, re-purpose, re-arrange and re-organize.  The owners liked the paint colour so this was one of the areas not needed to be looked at.  The layout of the room was awkward.  The bed bumped into you as soon as you entered the room.  Not very inviting.  And as you can see, the bedding colours dated back to the 90"s.  Also, there appeared to be too much stuff everywhere; books and magazines mounted up on the bed-side tables spilling onto the floor and way too much clutter to have the room be the haven they desired.  So the room was stripped down to the bare essentials - just the furniture.

Too much clutter spilling onto the floor.

The bed is now the focal point of this room

The first thing to do was to look at the layout.  What did the homeowners want the focus of this room to be.  To give them a hint, they were shown pictures of other Master Bedrooms and they soon realized that moving the bed around to the far end wall would place it as a welcoming focal point as soon as you entered the room.  The dresser with the triple mirror was then moved around to where the bed used to be and everything was moved down the walls a few feet to effectively utilize more of the room space.  The only purchases that needed to be made were new bedding in a soft sage and new lamps. Other items were re-purposed from other areas of the home.

The less cluttered look makes the room appear more peaceful

View of the other side of this Master Bedroom

Simple changes, big difference.  This is what re-   staging can do for your home at very little cost.  For more information about "Living in Your Home" Re-Staging, contact HomeReady Home Staging.

             

What Home Buyers Want

What Home Buyers Want


by: ashleywhittenberger Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Author: ashleywhittenberger





Ashley Whittenberger is a chronic entrepreneur, business consultant and speaker who has learned to successfully balance her left brain with her right. As President and CEO of several companies Ashley knows exactly how to harness her creativity, vision, business savvy and leadership skills to inspire others to “play a bigger game” in life and business. You can learn more about Ashley at www.ashleywhittenberger.com.



In a recent study of home buyer preferences conducted by Avid Ratings Co featured in on one of our favorite blogs, Styled, Staged & Sold, we learned a lot about what today’s new home buyer is looking for. How does this relate to properly packaging, marketing and staging an existing home when going on the market? First of all, we can probably assume that these preferences would be applicable to those purchasing pre-owned homes as well. Since the definition of staging includes “preparing a property to appeal to the most number of buyers as possible” and this study shows us what most buyers are looking for, BINGO! We’ve got the ingredients for our action plan right before our eyes. Thanks to this study, we know where focusing our attention will yield the best ROI when staging a home to sell. Ready to get started? First let’s take a look at the Top 10 Features Buyers Want in a New Home:

1. Large kitchens with an island.



2. Energy-efficient appliances and high-efficiency insulation and windows. (These were the most sought-after “green” features from buyers.)



3. Home office or study



4. Main-floor master suite



5. Outdoor living room



6. Ceiling fans



7. Master suite soaker tubs and oversize showers with seating areas



8. Stone and brick exteriors



9. Community landscaping with walking paths and playgrounds.



In this blog series, we’re going to dig a little deeper and see how we can take this helpful information, and use it to help us in staging a pre-owned home. After all, you’ve got to be able to compete with new homes and well as other pre-owned homes if you’re putting your home on the market. This is a beauty contest you won’t want to lose!



Stay tuned for our next blog entry where we’ll discuss Item #1: Buyers want to see large kitchens with an island…



Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Ashley Whittenberger is the Principal and Chief Decorating Officer of Interiority Complex. You can visit Interiority Complex, access the free article archive of design prescriptions or learn more about home staging and creative design therapy at www.myinterioritycomplex.com. Ashley lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, son, two dogs, and two cats, and she is proud that she has learned to successfully live and thrive with her compulsive and chronic rearranging and re-designing disorders.







[[T_F]]Data Leak Prevention – Data Security Solutions – Information Theft Protection, Detection and Prevention Software Productstracefusion_signature=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[[T_F]]© 2010, ashleywhittenberger. All rights reserved.

Facebook - Ugh

Well I have decided to take the plunge to Facebook.  Ugh!  I set it up under my name but seemed to have attracted all the prattle of various "friends".   It's more complicated than I envisioned.  It was intended to be just for HomeReady Home Staging stuff so I guess I need to fine tune the links and discourage the personal.  Maybe I should just deactivate and start again.  This is one reason why I have held off until now.  If anyone has constructive suggestions I am open to hearing them.

Addressing the "clean up the house before the Cleaning Lady comes" syndrome

I'm sure that you've all heard the saying "Oh, I have to clean up the house before the Cleaning Lady comes".  As a Home Stager, I meet with a variation on this theme all the time.   Referrals and potential referrals often are thinking, "Oh the stager can't come to see me for a consultation cuz we haven't painted, cleaned, decluttered, packed away. . .  etc. yet.  Well this is where I need to educate.  I like to get working with a referral before they embark on their house preparation trek.  This way I can help homeowners looking to sell with a priority list of what needs to be done and this may save them a lot of guess work and stress in the long run.  As a home stager, I know what would best suit their situation to highlight the unique selling features of their house and what might be the most cost effective changes.  For instance, I keep up to date on the latest trends that appeal to home buyers.  I have my Staging Safe Colors(TM). that help sellers use colour to the the best advantage to show off their house.  I can suggest simple tricks and tips that make the house look newer and more modern.  As well, too often prospective home sellers in their zealousness, wholeheartedly embrace the notion of decluttering and pack away everything not nailed down resulting in a bare and bland decor.    Then we have to go searching through all their boxes looking for those pieces of this or that to add to the lifestyle and ambiance they are hoping to create to get buyers interested. 
Spending more money than needed is thus sometimes the problem.  An interlock walkway is expensive, where a more simple flagstone and pebble one would do.  Ceramic counters are nice, but look at what is selling in your neighbourhood.  Hardwood versus laminate, ceramic versus vinyl.  These are the things that a home stager can help the homeowner with long before their house is ready to be Show Cased.  So this is why I like to see prospective sellers right at the beginning of the house preparation process.  Home Staging is more than just arranging the furniture and accessories nicely.  A home stager can help with the whole house selling preparation process.   So take a risk; contact HomeReady Home Staging now before you pick up a screwdriver or paint brush; before you spend more money than you may need to.  I can advise you right at the beginning what is the best way to prepare. 
homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca,  http://www.homereadyhomestaging.ca/
613-894-4155

What's in Your closet? A place to hide or a place to organize and store?

Most houses have a coat closet fairly close to the front door.  What it looks like inside can give the prospective buyer a clue about the storage capacity of your house whether this perception is realistic or not.  As with most things, perception is everything!  So what's in your closet?  When selling your house it just won't do to lop all sorts of odds and ends into the closet.  The old adage "out of sight - out of mind" just doesn't hold up when when your house is listed for sale.  Why?  Because prospective buyers will look into your closet to see if their "stuff" will fit in.  If there are coats hung from all seasons willy-nilly on hangers  and shoes and sporting equipment thrown into the bottom of the closet and hats, scarves, gloves and mittens thrown up on the shelves, and that box of things meant to go to the Sally Ann, toys that were lying about on the floor, a bag of clothes meant for the dry cleaners. . . I think you get the picture.  Yikes, there is no room for anything!  What a great first impression buyers have of the storage in your house.  Wonder what other closets and cupboards have to offer?  Are they big enough to hold everything?  So you can see that this negative first impression can carry over into buyers thinking about all the storage within the house.  This negative psychological snowball effect can have a detrimental effect on the saleability of your house.  Of course all of this can be eliminated by applying the principles of organization offered by your Home Stager who has specific training in effective organizing and storage techniques.  Your Home Stager can help you decide what needs to stay and what needs to be stored elsewhere or given away.  She (he) can suggest containers and systems to organize sports equipment and hats and gloves and shoes so that the coat closet is neat and organized and has the look of lots of space for a prospective buyer's things.  Now I wonder what the other closets look like?  If you would like to find out more about organizing your closets for your house sale, contact HomeReady Home Staging.  We would be pleased to give you a free quote for our consultation services! Call 613-894-4155.

How's your Curb Appeal?

Now that spring really seems to be here, it's time to ask "How's your curb appeal?"  Yes, go stand out by the road looking straight at your house.  How does it look?  Yes, a little worse for wear after the winter, eh?  And you're thinking of putting your house on the market, when?   Next week!  Well, you might want to reconsider when you take a critical look and actually see what a prospective buyer might be looking at. 

Is your driveway weathered and cracked?  And does it lead up to a garage door that needs a good paint job or even worse, replacing?  What about the trim around windows, is it chipped and peeling?  That is if you can see them through the tangle of overgrown shrubs and trees.  Now the roof, are the shingle past their expiry date? And for goodness sake, please take down those Christmas lights!  Is the walkway a minefield leading up to a gloomy entry way saying "go away"?  I think you are getting the picture!  Yes there often is a lot of work that needs to be done on the exterior of the property too to enhance that Curb Appeal.  Remember that you only have one chance to make a good first impression.  I can help, just call. . .  HomeReady Home Staging, 613-894-4155.
Now is the time to create the Wow, Let HomeReady show you How!

Contrary to popular opinion Home Stagers do not work for free! Rant # 3

I repeat, contrary to popular opinion, Home Stagers do not work for free!  However, if the principles of Home Staging are correctly applied, the cost of the service to the homeowner is often free when you consider the ROI of over 500% in many cases.  This is different!  The Home Stager though, is paid for their services; be it consultation with suggestions/recommendations for upgrades or the actual show casing to present that lifestyle image that will attract the buyers.  In efforts to be sensitive and to keep costs low for the homeowner, I have recently submitted several proposals for show casing that I typically don't charge for.  In presenting the proposals to the homeowners, I took my time (time=money) to explain the plan for show casing.  The homeowners were very impressed and excited with what I had proposed and suggested.  Considerable time and effort go into the research and creative design of these proposals so that my clients get the best possible result.  So I do get a bit worked up later when the homeowners come back with "Thanks for your input and help.  Your ideas are great.  We think we'll take it from here after all"  or  "We can't possibly pay you that, but we will use your ideas anyways to prepare our half million dollar home for sale".  Maybe it's just sour grapes on my part, but I can't help feeling cheated.  I've learned my lesson though - There aren't any free lunches and I will be charging clients now for what I think I am worth and valued for!

A Little Garden Magic

With a seemingly early spring upon us, my thoughts are to uncover the tender little shoots coming up into the warm air.  However, this is not a wise idea as it is really too early for little green shoots to survive the still cool nights.  One can't help thinking about the garden though it you have the "bug".  The smell of the earth beckons.  I realize though that not everyone thinks like I do and gardening is not their thing.  I have viewed many houses that may have that "WOW" on the inside but lack that curb appeal on the outside.  They may like the look but lack the inclination to get it so I have decided to expand the business to include more "garden staging" projects for homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal when selling their house.  Also, some homeowners who do want to stay where they are, are also looking  for someone to "stage" what they already have.  That is, to make small changes to the garden they have or would like to have.  This could be simply planting flowers or shrubs to small garden reconstruction.  The idea is to beautify the outdoor areas to compliment the appeal of the indoor areas.  The ambience of a lifestyle is created to attract prospective buyers or to engage the current owners in their own plot of paradise.

If this is something that appeals to you or someone you know give HomeReady Home Staging a call as we would love to help out with a little garden magic!  Let HomeReady Home Staging create that Wow - We know how!Homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca , 613-894-4155.

Home Staging Sells home for over asking price

Create The WOW With Home Staging!


Brisk February Sales

"These Real Estate Agents understand the benefit of Home Staging for their clients!"

Create The WOW With Home Staging!

Home staging could easily put several thousand dollars in your pocket. One of my clients just listed their home for over $20,000 dollars higher than for what a similar model (or any model), had just sold for on their street. They received multiple offers which resulted in their property selling in just three days for several thousand above the listing price. Yes, they had their home staged, and yes, it looked great!

If you have any questions about selling or buying a home or would like to find out more about home staging, please give me a call. Kathryn Wilson, with Home Ready Home Staging, along with a few extra hours of work helped give this home that WOW effect! This helped lead to a fast sale at a great price!

For many of us, besides being a home, our property is our largest investment, and any capital gains on our principal residents is tax free. It all goes into our pocket and not Revenue Canada’s. Home staging is a great vehicle to help do just that.

RePrinted from Heads Up Real Estate, John Head and Susan Chaulk
                                                           Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty Brokerage
                                                           2034 St. Joseph Blvd.
                                                           Ottawa, On  K1E 1E6
                                                           613-830-9999
                                                           john@TheHeadTeam.com
                                                           http://www.theheadteam.com/

How Do Real Estate Agents Benefit from Home Staging?

There are many ways that Home Staging benefits the Real Estate Agent.  First of all, research shows that Staged homes sell for more money and are on the market for a shorter amount of time compared to non-staged homes, thus lowering the Agent's marketing costs.  And lets face it, Staged homes quite simply show better!  Other Agents will be pleased to show the listing, bringing along more prospective buyers.  This may increase their profitability too.  Staged homes help grow the Agent's business as satisfied buyers and sellers more frequently refer the Agent who has Staged their listings.  And Staged homes look better in print ads, Internet listings and virtual tours.  All this lend credibility to the Real Estate Agent's marketing and selling skills. 
And the bottom line here is that clients are satisfied and the Real Estate Agent proves their worth and understanding of the importance of Home Staging.  Oh, and yes the Home Stager greatly benefits too.  It's a win-win-win situation.  What could be better!

If you are planning to sell your home soon, ask you Real Estate Agent to refer to HomeReady Homestaging.  If you do not have an Agent at this time, your Home Stager at HomeReady Home Staging can refer you to a Real Estate Agent who values the role of Home Staging in their business.
homeready@homereadyhomestaging.ca
613-894-4155

Tackling the Toilet

I know I've been on a bit of a bathroom kick lately.  Guess it comes with renovating that room in my own house.  Today though, I want to focus on the TOILET.  Yes that lowly bowl we all so well know. . . OK I will stop here!  

From a Professional Home Staging point of view, I've seen a lot of toilets and they are not all pretty.  No Sir, some are downright ugly and gross.  The point I want make though is that the toilet often sets the tone for the whole bathroom.  When prospective buyers are viewing a home, a clean, well presented toilet speaks volumes about the rest of the home too.  Cleanliness is next to godliness and there is nothing better to turn off prospective buyers like a toilet that is not pristine enough to brush your teeth in.  OK I may have gone a bit too far again but you get the point!  It's not only the inside of the toilet that needs to be stain free but also the outside front and sides and also behind it on the floor etc.  Fluffy rugs on the lid, tank top or the floor do not enhance the look or disguise stains or odors that might emanate from the throne.  On the contrary, those little shag covers are harbours for germs and other nastys.  Kleenex boxes too are not considered decorative accessories in my mind either.  The library can be re-located too! 

And please keep that lid down.  No one wants to enter the bathroom to be immediately confronted by the open abyss beckoning to them.  Prospective buyers often are attracted to bathrooms that appear never to have been used.  This is what you want the toilet to say (if it could talk)!

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!