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