The Number 1 Staging Tip!!! #homestaging #realestate #staging

Stage before you sell! Sounds obvious, right? Yet it still amazes me how many homes are listed BEFORE staging. You reach the most buyers in the first 2 weeks that the house is on the market – be sure that you make the best first impression possible by showing your house at it’s absolute best from day one.

Staging Tip #2 - Declutter!! #homestaging #staging #realestate You knew we had to mention this one!!

This is exactly how it sounds – clear out the clutter! Thanks to several TV shows related to setting up your home to sell, this is now a common real estate term. I always explain that this is a great way to get started on the packing, and my clients are always thankful that they pre-packed. Remember that clearing out the clutter does not mean simply packing things up and into boxes – be sure to remove these from the house by asking a friend or family member to store, or renting a storage unit.

Staging Tip #3 - Depersonalize #homestaging #staging #realestate

This means removing all personal photos, personal collections, and religious pieces. You want to ensure that the buyer feels comfortable in your house, and personal items will distract them from this. As well, it’s often hard to resist the urge to see if they know someone in the photos! This distraction can make them forget about the rest of your house when they think back later.

King Street Art Market Tomorrow!! #localartists #365kw

What a great idea!! http://365-kw.com/2012/08/king-street-art-market/

Great craft area tips from Debbie Travis!! #homedecorating #crafty

Staging Tip #4 - It Takes Money to Make Money #homestaging #staging #realestate

Hire the professionals. Investing in a home stager, handyman, and realtor will all help to sell the house faster by ensuring that the work done is of the highest quality – be sure to take their advice and do the updates require BEFORE listing your house.

Staging Tip #5 - Yard Clean-up #homestaging #staging #realestate

Ensure that the yard (front and back) are clear of debris and any unnecessary items. This also means keeping your neighbours’ yards clean as well – remember that potential buyers will be looking at the neighbourhood as well, so be sure to clean up stray items that may have blown onto their lawns as well, especially the day after garbage pickup.

It's the last week of staging tips - did you keep track of all of them??? #homestaging #realestate #staging

Staging Tip #6 - Staging To Sell With Dogs #homestaging #realestate #kw #staging

If your dogs must remain living in the house for the time that it is on the market, be sure to make arrangements for the dog(s) to be out during showings, and hide the evidence. Be sure that all fabric surfaces (couch, carpet, rugs, bed, etc) are cleaned, the dog is kept well-groomed, the house is cleaned regularly, and all dog toys, beds, dishes and other dog essentials are removed or well-hidden for showings. I suggest transferring food into unmarked, opaque containers – this will help to keep it hidden from buyers as well as keep the food fresh.

Great wall idea from Dezign with a Z! #walldecor #decorating #loveyourhome

http://www.dezignwithaz.com/metal-wall-clings-c-129.html

Staging Tip # 7 - Staging to Sell with Cats #homestaging #realestate #staging #kw

It is unlikely that you’ll be able to find a temporary home for your cats while the house is on the market, and they can’t easily be removed for showings, so if there are remaining in the house you’ll need to ensure that their presence is minimized as much as possible. Clean the litter box twice daily, and completely empty and wash it at least once a week. Remove large scratch trees and all toys, ensure that food area is kept clean and tidy, and vacuum and dust daily.

Environmentally friendly inspiring napkins for back to school! @PICKmeUPnapkins #backtoschool #kw

http://www.pickmeupnapkins.ca/shop.html

Staging Tip #8 - Remove Pets and Hide The Evidence #homestaging #realestate

It is always best to remove pets completely from the house for the time that it is on the market. Evidence of pets such as toys, food dishes, and pet beds will put potential buyers on the look-out for damage throughout the house that may have been caused by your furry family members. By at least minimizing the appearance of pets in the home, buyers can focus on the home’s features, instead of scrutinizing and looking for flaws.

Staging Tip #9 - Aromas #homestaging #realestate #staging

We talked earlier about eliminating artificial air fresheners and replacing with a natural air neutralizer, but you still want to be sure to eliminate the causes of any bad odours. This means absolutely no smoking inside the house (or in a connecting garage), avoid cooking foods with strong odours such as garlic, onions, and curry, and keep pets and pet areas clean. By opening the windows for a few minutes daily, regardless of the season, you’ll also help to remove any stale odours that are lingering.

Home Stagers Top Tricks and Tips #realestate #homestaging #staging

http://realestate.yahoo.com/news/home-stagers--top-tricks-and-tips.html

Staging Tip #10 - Kid's Toys #homestaging #realestate

Kid’s toys should be limited to their bedrooms and play area (if available). Remove all additional toys from the living room, kitchen, dining room, and other adult entertaining areas.

Don't miss the last 10 days of Home Staging Tips! #homestaging #realestate

Staging Tip #11 - Kid's Rooms #homestaging #realestate

Kids will be kids, but when you're selling your house be sure to check their rooms each morning to ensure that the beds are made and toys put away. Limit the toys to a maximum of 2 toy bins, and unless these are considered decorative such as a storage bench, keep these stored away in the closet or under the bed.

Staging Tip #12 - Kid's Play Areas #homestaging #realestate

Kid’s play areas are a great selling feature if you have the space for them. Add baskets to help to keep the toys contained and somewhat organized. Even if you don't have kids, if you are selling a family home, feel free to add a kid's area to a space that isn't being utilized.

What a fun table! #rubikscube #oldschool #kidsroom

Great for a kids room, or to add a fun pop of colour to an entertaining room http://www.interiordesign.net/newproducts/14652-Parvez_Taj_Rubiks_Cube.php?intref=npcat_accessories

Staging Tip #13 - Less is More #homestaging #realestate

Remove awkward and unnecessary furniture. Use the rule of thumb “if it isn’t adding anything to the room, it shouldn’t be there".

Staging Tip #14 - Decorating #homestaging #realestate

Avoid over-decluttering – clearing out the clutter does not mean that you need to remove everything, be sure to leave some decorative pieces to give the house some character and style.

Staging Tip #15 - Unfinished Basements #homestaging #realestate

Unfinished basements should still be kept free of clutter, and lightly staged if possible. Define areas of the basement with kids play areas, workout areas, and storage. If rough-ins are already installed for specific rooms such as a bathroom be sure that this is clearly visible. If you must store boxes or extra furniture in the basement (which of course is not recommended), be sure that it is kept well contained and organized.

Staging Tip #16 - Laundry Rooms #homestaging #realestate #laundryroom

The often forgotten room of the house! Laundry rooms should showcase storage, add shelving if possible, including a “folding area”. Add mats to basement laundry rooms to add warmth, and paint the room in a brighter colour.

Staging Tip #17 - Lawn Care #homestaging #realestate #lawncare

Keep the lawn in good shape – pull all weeds regularly, and water as often as allowed by city regulations

Staging Tip #18 - Curb Appeal #homestaging #realestate #curbappeal

Add plants/colour to curb appeal – this can be as simple as some carefully placed planters and a few annuals for the garden.

Staging Tip #19 - Don't Forget the Outside!! #homestaging #realestate

Regardless of the season, ensure that the yard is well maintained. FALL: rake the leaves; SPRING/SUMMER: be sure lawn is mowed and grass raked up, and all toys are stored; WINTER: keep driveway and all walk-ways clear of snow and ice.

Amazing 4-Level Backsplit in Kitchener $259,900 #kwrealestate

MLS# 1293824 - Very well cared for home on a quiet crescent in Kitchener - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths

BTSH Staged property http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?&PropertyId=12234160&PidKey=1761853580

Staging Tip #20 - Making The Bed #homestaging #realestate #kw

I think it goes without saying that you need to make your bed before showings, however you need to ensure that you take extra care in how you present your bed, as it represents the room that you are selling. Add a bed skirt, new comforter, and decorative pillows to pull the bed together like a piece of art. Add extra standard pillows as well, fluff them, and stack them.

BTSH Creative Kitchen Solution - custom chalk/magnetic memo board

This client was concerned that the kitchen cabinets seems to end before the wall did, creating wasted wall space - solution? Rust-o-leum's Magnetic paint, teamed up with chalk board paint. The magnetic paint is a primer and can then be painted over in any colour/style desired. We chose a silver paint for the lower half of the space to create a memo board look, and chalk board paint for the upper half. This is now a great place for the family to make lists and attach notes and reminders.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Staging Tip #21 - Define Every Space #homestaging #realestate #kw

Define every space – it is not unusual for your guest room to double as an office, and the sewing room double as the kids playroom, but for selling purposes, it is best to define each space explicitly. Choosing how to define each room can be tricky, but think of who your potential buyer market is and focus on areas that would suit their needs best.

Classic 1 1/2 storey home in Waterloo $289,900 MLS#1232106

Open house this Sat/Sun 2-4

http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?&PropertyId=12251386&PidKey=850335211

Staging Tip #22 - The Rule of 3's #homestaging #realestate #decorating

The Rule of 3’s – in decorator’s terms, grouping items in “3’s” tends to be visually appealing and can help to avoid over-decorating. Not all shelves/mantels etc need as many of 3 items, but remember to stop once you place that third piece.