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 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!

Bigger and Brighter!

"Thank you so much for everything you and the Toronto Condo Staging and Design team did yesterday! When Marc and I came home last night, we could not even believe this was our place. Somehow, you made it look much bigger and brighter than it ever has before .... we might just buy it ourselves!"

Emily Waugh, Toronto

Launching our NEW NAME ...

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new company name that was effective as of June, 1 2011.

DESIGNED TO SELL.CA IS NOW ...

TORONTO CONDO STAGING and DESIGN

After much consideration we, as a company, have decided to focus on what we do best and that’s Staging Condos, Lofts and Townhomes. We have just finished moving into our new warehouse/office facility and have been busy updating and upgrading our inventory. We are ready to provide your listings with the latest designer looks and our unique touch.

What’s New:

• Updated Website. Please visit!
  
• We are now offering Full Interior Design Services
• From Design concept to Installation
• Custom blinds, window coverings and upholstery.
• Decorating consultations
• New Construction Consultations (to assist with finish choices & upgrades)

We have a mailing which has been delayed due to the postal strike. Please look for it as it has a great promotion we are offering to our valued clients. You should have it soon!

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working with you again soon!

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.