Homes & Gardens: Stage the Mood...Set the Price!

The resale market can be extremely competitive and although homeowners can't control many aspects of the Real Estate market, you definitely have the power to determine how your home looks, feels and most importantly is perceived by potential buyers. This is especially true in large cities like Toronto where the market is hot and many city dwellers are seeking ‘move-in’ conditions in order to buy. So it is important for individuals selling their home to make some changes that will drastically impact their competitive stance in the marketplace and help them to sell their homes faster and for top dollar.

What’s the Value of Home Staging?

First impressions are everything in Real Estate and in order to provide what potential buyers want it will simply take some time along with a designer’s eye and know-how. According to a recent edition of Moneysense Magazine, Home Staging can get sellers approximately 6% above asking price for homes that are very desirable. Other statistics from a HomeGain Survey have revealed that “having your home staged to sell shows a Return on Investment (ROI) of 169% for sellers and decreases the time a home is on the market by 50%”. Consequently, the profession has gained popularity in recent years and homeowners are now realizing what it takes to get the most out of their biggest possession.

Buyers typically know within minutes of approaching a home whether they will be making an offer or not. When people begin looking to buy they do so based on logical reasons; however, the actual purchase is mainly an emotional one. Even if this means paying more for a property, it is the “feel” they get when they walk in the door and instantly can’t imagine living anywhere else.

So, what does Home Staging involve?

Home Staging is, therefore, not about making major renovations like tearing down walls or building additions so you don’t have to spend a fortune. It’s all about accentuating the best features your home has to offer. You also want to appeal to the broadest population, so a few things are critical – stick to clean lines, neutral tones, de-clutter and remove all personal items so a potential buyer can visualize themselves living there as opposed to being distracted. Such things include family photos, fridge magnets and even personal hair/body products lined up in the shower. These small changes make a huge impact however; that is only the beginning. This is where working with a professional is essential in order to provide an objective point of view and suggest changes based on basic design principles – Balance, Colour, Focal Point, Harmony, Scale/Proportion and Texture.

The Staging business doesn’t end here. Most people fall in love with the way their home feels once they have had it staged, so often times they end up hiring a ReDesigner to come in and create a warm and inviting space in their new surroundings once they have moved. The main difference with a ReDesign is that we use the homeowner’s most precious, personal belongings and incorporate them in a way that best suits their unique taste & lifestyle.

In both the Home Staging and ReDesign profession common ground lies in the belief that our surroundings do affect our well-being on a spiritual and emotional level and that we are always seeking that peaceful retreat that will help us to rejuvenate at the end of each and every day.

Kristy Malone
Certified ReDesign & Home Staging Specialist (CRSS)
Refining Design - Owner
416.735.3500
www.refiningdesign.ca
kristy@refiningdesign.ca

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