Staging Works in Slower Market!

With a slower than normal September market, it's always encouraging to see how staging really works to generate interest and sell properties.

One of our clients, Michael Camber of Bosley Real Estate, hired us to stage one of his own properties. This is what he had to say:

"I have used DesignedtoSell.ca's services in the past few years, after they came recommended to me by a colleague. Their staging choices are always extremely tasteful, perfect for showcasing each particular property. They respect my clients' budgets and provide excellent customer service as well. Thanks in large part to Darren and Lucie's staging services, my own condo just sold in 1 day for 100% of the asking price." - Michael Camber.

Staging is more than ever an asset to anyone looking to sell faster and for more. It might be seen as an extra expense you just do not need in this economic climate, but it can move your property to the top of the list in prospective buyer's eyes.

We have proven that!
Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.

Tip of the Week - "Is this too big?"

At DesignedtoSell.ca we have seen many condos that do not have that 'WOW! Factor' needed to have a strong sale. "The place seems small and cramped," potential buyers often say. The problem is usually caused by over-sized furniture in small spaces.

Condos need condo-sized pieces. Using 'house' sized furniture in small spaces draws attention to them not to your suite. It also makes your condo seem tiny!

"These condos need to be furnished, but not with huge and bulky looking, mansion style pieces of furniture. The trend is now Contemporary, Contemporary and Contemporary. They (condo owners) want simplicity married with style. And yes, size does matter, but in the reverse way. People are looking for something unique that will do a few things at the same time." - from the article, 'Condo Size Furniture Gaining Popularity', Articlesbase

As well as down sizing, using furniture that will allow light to "pass through", as opposed to solid pieces, lets your suite seem open and spacious. Using items like slipper chairs (armless), chairs with show wood or metal legs (not skirted to the floor) and end tables that are glass, are key pieces for a condo.

There are also many small accessories you can add that will cause your suite to seem brighter and bigger. Using transparent or light reflective surfaces is an important aspect of staging a condo. Glass, chrome and many mirrors help move light around your home and keep rooms dazzling!

For the purpose of selling your suite, most staging companies have appropriate scale furniture and accessories for rent. This is an economical solution, as opposed to going out and buying items you might not use in your new home.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Staging your condo with appropriate scale furniture and accessories sends the buying signals you are after. Even the smallest of condos can appear bright and spacious and will generate the interest needed to get the offer you want. Staging works!

DesignedtoSell.ca offers many services to fit your budget. Darren and Lucie Brand can help you stage your home, de-clutter your space and help you rent key pieces that will show off your condo properly! Please visit our gallery for more samples of our staging projects.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.

Tip of the Week - Too Much Stuff!

The majority of condo owners have too much furniture for a small space. Bookcases, cd racks and extra bins and baskets, should be stored off site to clear floors and expand the space. Leaving them, will only make your unit appear smaller than it really is.

De-clutter closed storage areas too. Buyers will look in every drawer and cupboard. Thin out closets by storing off season clothes and coats. Leave only enough dishes in the cupboards for yourself during the showing of your condo. This will help them seem larger as well. A big selling feature is storage space!

In our free, online report, Top Ten Mistakes Condo Owners Make When Selling, we walk you through tried and tested ways to increase the value of your home for sale.

"If you use the information in this report we guarantee that your condo will show well and sell for what it’s worth! Staging your home is the new norm and not properly preparing your home for sale will turn off potential purchasers! Don’t get left with a stale listing or offers that are well below your expectations." - Lucie Brand, DTS Consultant

Finally, all counters and floor space should be cleared. Put away your toaster, blender and coffee maker, even if they are pretty. Stick with a few glass or silver canisters and a bowl of fruit. The added colour of a group of green apples, really enhance a space.

DesignedtoSell.ca, as one of the leading Toronto staging companies, offers a wide range of services to fit your budget. We can help you de-clutter your condo and/or provide a few rental pieces that your space may need to make it say, "Wow!"

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.

Tip of the Week - Paint it Neutral!

One of the number one mistakes that home owners make when they go to sell is underestimating the power of colour. The paint colours of a condo or home can dramatically influence the way that buyers respond to a space. Even neglecting badly marked walls will cost you far more when the offers come in, than it would cost to do it yourself.

In our experience, at DesigntoSell.ca, a warm and inviting paint palette is always the best choice. It allows for buyers to imagine their own style in your space.

Bold colours like reds, blues and greens may go well with your decor, but the majority of buyers want neutral shades. Warm taupes', tans and light gray tones carefully chosen to complement existing flooring, cabinetry and counter tops will win every time! White is no longer a neutral colour.

"In print, white feels cold and stark.", Darren Brand, DTS Colour Expert.

Introducing an appropriate neutral tone complimented with tasteful staging is the way to attract buyer interest and to garner quick offers.

"Neutral colours also help a property look best in photographs online, which is where potential buyers first make the decision to look at a house or condo in person." - Long & Foster Estate Agent, Deb Gorham.

Potential buyers do not want to walk into a home and automatically think of the added money they will have to spend to re-paint your space. Neutral tones in a matte finish say, "I'm ready to be lived in!"

Here at DesignedtoSell.ca, we can help you pick the colours that will best suit your home. We can provide you with expert painting and staging services.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.

Tip of the Week - Don't Forget the Dining Table ...

Living in a downtown condo always comes with its challenges: Square footage being one of them. Since you may have limited space, you probably opted to eat at your bar counter and/or on your couch. Having an actual dining set never occurred to you.

Now you are looking to sell. What our experience is telling us is that it is essential to show a dedicated eating area , no matter how small the space. “But my place is so small, it won’t fit”, is often the response we get. Adding a simple 2 seater table with glass top, is the easiest way to add a seating area for very small spaces and it has a small footprint. For condos larger than 600 sq ft we recommend introducing a table to seat a minimum of 4 people. Sticking with glass and chrome tables, reflect light and visually take up less space than heavy wood tables.

Buyers want to know that they can have dining experiences with their friends and family and if you have 2 barstools at a counter, it limits their imagination. They will leave thinking, “We can’t fit a dining table in!” They may pass on your home even if they loved everything else about it!

So when you go to sell, make sure you look at your place from a buyer’s perspective. Show them how they can effectively use your space, especially when it comes to dining.

If you don’t want to go out and purchase a table for the purpose of selling, renting one is an economical option. DesignedtoSell.ca specializes in providing modern pieces, geared for the downtown lifestyle.


Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.

Welcome to DesignedtoSell.ca !

"Expert advice brings sizzle to Spartan suite before it’s put on the market — draws offer $10,000 above asking price.

(Realtor) Park called in a professional stager — someone who knows how to make a suite or house look its very best and appeal to a large group of buyers. The professional staging of rooms — placing furniture with regard to smart traffic flow, using soft colours, attractive window treatments, lighting and artwork — is commonly used to sell houses.

'Condo staging is also gaining popularity as a marketing tool. This is thanks to a growing market fueled by downsizing baby boomers and young buyers investing in condos as a first home', says Darren Brand, (owner of) designedtosell.ca ..." - Janice Bradbeer, TORONTO STAR

Darren and Lucie Brand are the owners and operators of one of Toronto’s leading home and condo staging companies, designedtosell.ca.

Specializing in the downtown condo market and also servicing the greater Toronto area, this dynamic husband and wife team are considered Canadian Staging Industry pioneers. Over the past 6 years, their team of home staging professionals have staged hundreds of properties and helped successfully sell millions of dollars in real estate.

If you are selling your condo or loft, or just looking to give your home a 'face lift', Darren and Lucie can help you accomplish your goals.

Designedtosell.ca, as one of the leading Toronto Condo Staging companies, offers a wide range of services to fit your budget. Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@designedtosell.ca.