Happy Holidays and ....

Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season and all the best for 2013 from all of us here, at Toronto Condo Staging and Design Inc!

And remember ....

Many people think that staging in December isn't worth the time and money.  Most people seem to feel that everyone is busy thinking about getting ready for the holidays - not looking for the new condo.  We think it is still important to get your condo listed and shown the best it can be!

We believe so strongly that we quite often do winter promotions, like our newly launched DEFERRED RENEWALS PROGRAM.  We want to take the risk out of staging for you, so if your property doesn't sell in 90 days, the renewals are on us!  If it does sell, all accrued renewals will not be due until your closing date!  Please call us today for more info.

The proof is in the pudding ... figgy pudding!  A recent client, who is a realtor, was feeling nervous about staging in December.  They sat down with us and talked about the benefits of staging  and how we could help them with costs.  They decided to go ahead and we staged December 12th, at 1202 Dundas Street East.

On Monday we arrived at the office to learn that the unit has been sold!  Here are the stats of the sale and our clients thoughts:

"Our unit sold in 1 day, at 97% of asking.  I have used Toronto Condo Staging before and would highly recommend Darren & Lucie.  They are professional and the results are always amazing!  Thanks for another successful transaction!"  Sincerely, Wobize

Let us work for you, the same way we did for them and sell your unit for more money and faster!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

What's happening? ....

It seems like everyone we are talking to lately are saying the same thing, "People are waiting till the new year to list."  It does not seem though, we are heading for scary times.  It seems that people started talking about prices falling, so they held off buying and now that has trickled down to sellers holding off on listing their condos.

We are finding that, while this is true, the premise for staging still remains.  You need to have your condo stand out above the rest.  You need to fill a vacant suite to make it soft and appealing.  You need to detract from the negatives and emphasize the positives!    

TCSD are here to help you with selling faster and for more money!  We have some great new plans to help with the financial strain of holding a mortgage, and still staging to get that condo sold.

Here is a small excerpt from an article on the Toronto Condo website.  The market hasn't seemed to be saturated with condos and there is still the demand .... so you need to rise above the norm!

"In today's economic climate, it is quite essential to be prudent and pragmatic when it comes to investing your hard earned money. One of the most promising areas to invest, especially if you do your homework right, is real estate. In the Greater Toronto Area, there is a market boom in condominiums. The GTA region is one of the largest condo markets in North America. In fact, Toronto has the highest number of ongoing condo projects in North America.

Though the construction of condos seems to be growing at a frenetic pace, many industry experts feel that there will be no lessening of the demand. This is due to several projects failing due to various reasons like lack of financing and the state of the economy. So the industry consensus is that even though there is a lot of construction going on, the demand for condos will be sustained.

Many industry watchers feel that the inventory levels of new condos is still quite low when compared to the levels from the past. In fact, Toronto has been witnessing a steadily increasing demand for rental condos; the national average for rental condos is 20%, whereas it is 30% in Toronto."

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Top 10 Reasons People Walk ...

There could be a reason why it seems that no one likes your home and you can't understand why.  Some things potential buyers can't ignore and they don't have anything to do with your home!

I was browsing on line and found an article about the "Top 10 Ways to make Home Buyers Hate Your House".  It was an interesting read but unfortunately, not that uncommon.  We run by quite a few of these "turn offs" regularly, when consulting on homes and condos for stagings.

Here are a few of the Top 10 ...

Odours

We all have heard that there is a strong connection between scents and our minds.  A sweet scent can remind you of a loved one, a yummy scent can make you feel warm and comfortable ... reminding you of Grandma in the kitchen.

The same is true for bad scents.  They can make us feel uncomfortable, unhappy and even sick!  If you have pets, or smoke or even a lot of perfume type air freshers, you can be risking the sale of your home.

Dirty Bathrooms and Kitchens

Leaving these rooms dirty, is an instant turn off.  "If these rooms are dirty or moldy, what is the rest of the house like?" people can think.

These areas need extra attention.  Paint, hire a cleaner even a handy man to update tiles and fix grout.  It will be worth it in the end.

Busy Wall Paper (and crazy paint colours)

We have talked about this one before!  Prints and colours that you love, can turn off many people coming to see your home.  Bite the bullet.  Get over the fact that every one doesn't share your sense of style and re paint in a neutral colour that is inviting.

People want to see themselves in your home, not see YOU in your home.

Thankfully, all of the Top 10 reasons potential buyers will walk away from your home (and a few others too) are fixable.  Here at Toronto Condo Staging and Design Inc. we have come across all of these issues and are fully able to help you overcome them!  Call us today and we can help you get a better look ... and smell, of your space!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Testimonial : 16 Yonge Street ...

"Toronto Condo Staging was instrumental in helping me sell my condo quickly and at a very competitive price!

16 Yonge Street, Toronto

Lucie and her team did an amazing job getting my condo ready to sell. I hadn't done any renovations or upgrades since I moved in over 6 years ago.  So, in order to be competitive and to increase my chances of a quick sale, I knew I needed some help.  Lucie was able to assess my apartment and recommend the most cost-effective improvements that would optimize my return on investment.  Lucie also made use of a lot of my existing furniture, and complement it with some nice upgrades and designer touches to really set the place off. 

The results were incredible!  My plain, cluttered bachelor apartment had been transformed into a beautiful, chic model suite!  The first time I saw the fully staged apartment, I actually thought to myself,  "Wow, if I was a potential buyer I would definitely make an offer on this place!"

Toronto Condo Staging was very professional, courteous and reliable. They managed the entire staging/renovating process from start to finish: coordinating with the Contractors, the Real Estate Agent, and even the Concierge to book the elevator.  They took care of everything!  I have nothing but good things to say about their services and I would highly recommend Toronto Condo Staging to anyone.  Having your condo staged with Toronto Condo Staging is definitely worth it, because it works!

Bottom line: if I hadn't contacted them, my condo would likely still be on the market today."

Shawn Kehoe

Montreal

If you need help like Shawn did, call today for your free estimate!  We are happy to help you!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

 

Staging Tip: Paint it Light ...

If you want to sell your condo fast - and we know you do! - the more neutral the space, the more people you can reach out of the potential buyers pool.  People want to move into homes that are "move-in-ready", they do not want to have to paint anymore.  Having a dark green wall or a pink bathroom, will limit your list of buyers to mainly those poeple who like dark green walls and pink bathrooms!

For smaller spaces, the easiest and least expensive way to help it seem bigger is by painting the walls light, neutral colours. Having darker tones on walls visually contracts space, lighter tones open it up. Stay away from using multiple colours for different rooms, as it visually “chops up” the space. Keeping the same uniform colour throughout helps detract from the size and enhances the visual flow.

One final tip: Painting your ceiling a bold, funky colour is great if you are the one moving in. But for selling, keep it nice and white.  This will  keep rooms feeling tall and your condo filling open.

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Staging Tip: Have Light Reflective Surfaces ...

 
When staging your space for lease or for sale choose pieces that have glass or chrome finishes as opposed to solid wood. Using a round glass dining table with small scale, light coloured chairs makes a small dining
area seem spacious.

Reflective surfaces and chrome also draw potential buyers through your space.  Engaging the mind and adding luxury where it might not have been previously.

Adding mirrored or frosted glass closet doors is another way to visually increase the size of a room. Placing lots of decorative mirrors throughout small spaces, especially in entrance ways, reflects light and again is a great way of increasing the feeling of space.

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Model Suites at Brampton Renassiance ....

We have continued, over the past year and a half, to stage model suites for Alterra Builder.  We have had multiple suites at Network Lofts, until recently as the suites have all been sold!

We continue to stage models at their Renaissance Building, in Brampton.  Here are a few pictures of our latest two stagings, one in suite 405 and the other in PH 2606.  Please go to our Facebook Page for the full galleries.

Renaissance, PH 2606

Renaissance, Suite 405

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

The Nautilus, A Monarch Model Suite ....

We recently staged LPH04 for Monarch, at their building The Nautilus.  We wanted to share the tour with you! Here is a teaser for you to get excited about!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Staging Tip : Simple Window Coverings!

A tip that we stick to at all our stagings and share with people looking to sell or lease is SIMPLE WINDOW COVERINGS.  Choosing blinds that blend with the colour of the walls is an easy way to add privacy and help soften the look of any room!

Say no to heavy valances or dark fabrics that block the light.  With small spaces, allowing as much natural light in as possible is essential.  The same goes for a townhome, bigger condo or loft space as well.

Keeping window coverings simple also "frames" and showcases your spaces view.  Adding extra value to your sale.  Matching the same colour as the walls, will also let some windows melt away from the mind of potential buyers, if your view might be another building.

This is the main key with staging, emphasize the positives, detract from the negatives!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Staging your property for sale or to rent is what separates you from the competition!

The power of a well-presented home translates to money in investors’ pockets. That really is the bottom
line when it comes to investing in staging your property. A Maritz* survey says that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes. Renters are also willing to pay more for a property that is well-cared for. Staging is no longer a luxury; it is mandatory to maximize your equity and it makes good business sense for investors, like you!

We have worked with numerous investors over the years and it always surprises me how little thought is given to staging.  From house flippers to new construction investments, we consistently come across people who fail to work staging into their marketing budget. So, after all the money is spent on purchasing costs and renovations, there is next to nothing left for staging.

What happens if the property doesn’t sell immediately?

The only leverage you have is to lower your asking price, and typically we’re talking a minimum of $5,000–
$10,000, which is almost always more than the cost of staging! Add in carrying costs for another month and the profits shrink at a rapid rate.

Top Staging Tips:

1. Paiting - This is the cheapest renovation with the highest return!
   • More often than not, ceilings and trim don’t need painting – just the walls – which will save on painting costs.
   • Bold colours are great for living, but not for selling.
   • Stick with a warm, neutral palette like tans, taupes and greys.
   • Rule of thumb: if the walls haven’t been painted in over two years, now is the time! 
2. Lighting - Light and bright always sells!
   •  Consider changing existing light fixtures to ensure all hallways and bedrooms have 2-bulb, flush-mount fixtures.
   • Getting rid of dated fixtures can help modernize a property instantly.
   • Compact fluorescent bulbs are great for saving energy, but we recommend changing them to the old-fashioned incandescent bulbs while on the market. They are brighter and give off a much
   warmer light (it’s only for a short term!).
3.  Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades - Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses!
   • If your budget is limited, changing cabinetry hardware to brushed nickel or silver knobs and handles will give it an immediate appeal.
   • Consider painting dated cabinetry instead of replacing them and, yes, you can even paint over melamine!
   • Depending on the price point of your property, it is often worthwhile to install stone counters. This immediately adds value and is very durable for long-term use. The added touch of luxury greatly increases the appeal for renters.
   • If stone is not in the budget, consider a ‘stone-like’ laminate counter. There are some great products on the market that will save your reno dollars but increase your kitchen’s marketability.
4. Flooring - Another area that always increases the value of your home!
   • It will ALWAYS cost you less to replace worn carpet or add new flooring than to leave it to the new homeowners. Most purchasers are looking for reasons to discount their offers. Flooring is one of the first things buyers see when they walk in. If their first thought is “I will need to replace these floors”, I guarantee they will discount their offers by $5,000–$10,000 for condos and $7,000–$15,000 for houses.

To read a staging case study on investing and staging, please read our post Investors and Staging ... Do they Mix?

Staging your property for sale or to rent is what separates you from the competition, and garners the top end value your property is worth. Whether you’re attracting premium tenants or looking for a quick sale, investing in these key areas will get you results. So is it worth it? Absolutely.

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

*Maritz Research 2006

Why Stage, Won't My Home Sell Anyway?

This is a common question we get quite a bit ... as I am sure Realtors, trying to explain the benefits of staging to their clients, do too!  Here are a few answers to the above question.

Overall, staged homes sell faster and for more money. So, your home may sell without staging, but why risk leaving money on the table?  Also, keep in mind that the cost of staging your home is less than what your first price reduction will be. Staging works!

Home Staging Stats:

•  A staged home sells 2-3 times faster than a non-staged home.*  

• A staged home sells for up to 6% more than a non-staged home.*

* Statistics taken from a survey of 2772 properties, done by Joy Valentine, Coldwell Banker Realty, Los Altos, California

``Recent statistics gathered by Stagedhomes.com shows that 94 percent of homes staged by an Accredited Staging Professional sold in 29 days or less, compared to an average of 145 days for homes that were not staged. What’s more, homes staged by Accredited Staging Professionals stay on the market 83 percent less than a home that has not been staged.``by Barb Schwarz

Darren Brand, CSP, ASP co-owner of Toronto Condo Staging and Design Inc. is our lead stager and designer who has been in the staging business for 10 years.  Contact us today for a consultation and over the phone estimate on your staging needs.

 

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!  There you will find great info, links and quotes from our clients.  We are continually posting new pictures of our staging jobs on our Facebook page too.

Contact us for a free estimate at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com

Your Free Realtor Package!

For you Realtors out there (and those whom you now) we have a great Free Realtor Package available on our website. 

SIGN UP TODAY! 

You will have a physical booklet sent to you, that will help you talk about the benefits of staging to your future clients. Filled with great stats about how staging helps you sell your properties FOR MORE and FASTER! 

There are also great BEFORE and AFTERS of Toronto Condo Staging and Design's work.  See how filling a vacant condo brings life and a spark that was missing before .... and how wonderful artwork can tie together a dull space!  

Furnished units, being edited and decluttered, become open and spacious.  Adding a little sparkle and shine to a dark unit will bounce light all around and future buyers will be dazzled!

Remember .... ITS FREE!

The Marilyn Monroe Buildings ...

The call came and we jumped at the chance!  It was a challenge and a thrill for Darren and team to design the staging of a suite at 60 Absolute, in Mississauga.  The buildings, stylishly called The Marilyn Monroe Buildings, are breath-taking from the outside.  We equally wanted to make this unit, breath-taking on the inside!

We feel we accomplished our goal by thinking outside the box; like using only the center piece of a large sectional as the sofa in the living room.  We also used punches of colour and texture to create a luxurious feel but keeping the space open and airy, by using glass and reflective pieces throughout.  A hint of teal on an ottoman, grabs your eye, as you walk into the unit!

 

Architectural wall pieces add depth and interest to a otherwise dull wall.  

 

Continuing the same colour throughout the space brings unity and flow.

We loved our time at Absolute.

Photos Taken by Rodrigo Fernandez from RF-Media/www.rf-media.com