Thursday, May 31, 2012

Staging Tip #60 #homestaging #realestate #kw

Keep storage areas consistent – if your closet is for linen, keep linens in it. If it’s a pantry, then keep pantry items in it. Avoid storing items out of place, buyers may perceive this as a negative as it would appear that there isn't sufficient space for items where they belong.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Staging Tip #61 #homestaging #kw #realestate

Vacant homes need to be filled – period. Avoid randomly placing furniture that you’ve borrowed from family and friends – ensure you have a consistent style, and do not leave ANY rooms empty.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Staging Tip #62 #homestaging #realestate #kw

1.    Leave lights on for furnace rooms and storage areas that may not have an easily accessible light switch

Friday, May 25, 2012

Staging Tip #66 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Paint the front door – this is one exception to the neutral rule. A fresh coat of paint will help to brighten the door, whether you simply repaint the existing colour, or change it up. Feel free to use some colour here, but ensure that it flows well with the exterior and interior of the house.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Staging Tip #65 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Leave lights on for evening showings – all exterior lights, and a few interior to easily guide buyers from room to room

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Staging Tip #63 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Window coverings – While you want to allow lots of light into the home, you also want to show off the window coverings, as these are generally sold with the house. Keep drapes open to the side or tied in the middle with a ribbon, and keep vertical blinds angled open and approximately1/3 of the way closed.

Staging Tip #64 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Clean the house top to bottom – this means “white glove clean”

Friday, May 18, 2012

Staging Tip #68 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Clean up after your neighbours – while you may not be responsible for the mess they’ve made, you are selling your house, as well as the neighbourhood, and this includes neighbours. Even if it’s simply a few pieces of garbage that blew away on garbage day, ensure that the neighbourhood looks clean.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Staging Tip #69 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Don’t smoke in the house – period. This is not just a home staging tip! Even if you do not have immediate plans to sell your home, keep in mind that cigarette smoke gets into every fabric and fibre of your home, and will make the home very difficult to sell in the future.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Home Staging Tip #70 #realestate #homestaging #kw

Avoid cooking foods with strong odours while the house is on the market – these tend to linger for several days and can turn off potential buyers.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Staging Tip #71 #kw #homestaging #realestate

Power wash decks, fences, driveway, outdoor furniture. If you do not own a power-washer, you can rent one at any big box store. Re-stain wood as needed to ensure that the exterior of your home shines as much as the inside of your home.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Staging Tip #72 #kw #homestaging #realestate

Look up! When cleaning your home, be sure to look up and clear any cobwebs and clean all ceiling/light fixtures.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Mr. Lube - Oil Change for MS

Get an oil change at Mr. Lube today and they will donate $5 to the MS Society!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Staging Tip #73 #realestate #kw #homestaging

1.     Avoid over-decluttering – while buyers do not want to see your personal style, the home should still have a lived in feel – it is ok to have a few things out on display, just be sure to keep it simple and neutral.

Great Family Home In Kitchener - 3 Bdrms $314,500

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Open House (Kitchener) - 4 Bedroom Beachwood Forest $340,000 #kw #realestate

Staging Tip #74 #homestaging #kw #realestate

Play soft music – especially if the rooms are wired with speakers throughout the house. I know it sounds a little cliche, but it really does help the buyers to relax and feel comfortable in the home. Be sure to select an appropriate volume that will not be distracting.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Staging Tip #75 #homestaging #kw #realestate

1.     Do you have furniture, linens, and/or accessories that are out of date? If you’re not prepared to purchase new pieces that you can take to your next home, consider renting from a local furniture store or professional home stager.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Staging Tip #76 #homestaging #kwrealestate

Storage sells!! Add utility shelves to your garage and unfinished basement, install cabinetry in the laundry room.

Staging Tip #77 #homestaging #kwrealestate

1.     Remove anything with any family member’s name. If you have your children’s names posted on the wall or door, remove these – not only is it personal, but it could be considered a security concern.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Staging Tip #79 #homestaging #kwrealestate

Keep up to date with the laundry, and avoid leaving clothes, clean or dirty, in the washer, dryer, or hampers. If you have to leave clothes in the hamper, ensure that the hamper has a lid and isn’t over-flowing.    

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Staging Tip #80 #homestaging #kwrealestate

1.     Hide remote controls – store in a basket, or even in the couch cushions for showings

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Staging Tips #81 #homestaging #kwrealestate

Remove calendars – not only are these distracting, as they are considered a personal item, for they are a security concern, telling buyers where you’ll be, and when.

Staging Tips #82 #homestaging #kwrealestate

Clean out the linen closet – avoid overloading and refold all towels and linens. Sort by colour and add baskets to store cleaning items or other odd items.