DO hire a professional.
Home buyers want a home that is ready to move into. They don’t have emotional attachments to your personal items and they will notice issues that you have overlooked. A home stager will look at your
home the way a potential buyer would and alert you to issues that would cause a buyer to lower their offer or skip your home altogether.
DO ask for references.
References and testimonials from past clients are one of the best ways to judge the value your home stager can bring to the table. Ask for examples of successful stagings. Be leery of any home stager who is unable or unwilling to provide you with references.
DO view a portfolio.
Before and after photos are important because they demonstrate the real difference the home stager made in past projects. Some companies will provide stagers with “readymade” profiles, so make sure the profile you are viewing is actually the work of the stager you are hiring. Your stager should be able to answer detailed questions about the projects in their portfolio.
DO pick someone familiar with your area.
A home stager needs to be able to do more than just decorate. They need to target the right buyer for your home and your neighbourhood. A staging professional with a proven track record in your area understands the local real estate market. They can tell you what homes usually sell for in your area and for how long they are generally on the market.
DON’T focus on price.
A home stager’s services can raise the final selling price of your home by $10,000-$70,000 or more. Choosing a home stager based solely on price may result in tens of thousands of dollars in lost profit. Instead, focus on the home stager’s proven track record, portfolio and references.
Sell your home fast with these kitchen staging tips from Christine Rae
FUNCTION
It has to work well. Have a good triangle and install an island, even an inexpensive mobile one is better than not having any. Replace shelves in bottom cupboards with drawers and/or roll-out trays for easy access.
CUPBOARDS
Make them fresh and functional. If the boxes and doors are in good shape, painting them white is an inexpensive upgrade.
BACKSPLASH
Install new tiles or upgrade your existing back splash. Keep it timeless and classic with neutral colours; white subway tile in a herringbone pattern is fresh and edgy.
LIGHTING
Layers of light are always important in kitchens. Good general illumination, task lighting and mood lighting are appealing. Glam fixtures are still resonating with buyers. Placing those fixtures over islands or where they can be viewed from multiple spaces really elevates the kitchen and adds a bit of grandness to the room.
FLOORING
Functionality leads the way – there are some great vinyls which look like real wood. It is more practical for kids, dogs and family wear and tear. The price point is great for resale.
Kitchen Tips by Christina Rae of CSP International, Photography Courtesy of Lionsgate Design, Produced by Canadian Home Trends Magazine.
Canadian Home Trends Magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you’ve always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, and the best places to shop. To subscribe, visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com
