SUMMER STAGING SUCCESS ...

We have the unique opportunity of seeing all kinds of properties across the GTA and every once in a while we come across a real “diamond in the rough”.  Huge potential, just in need of some TLC.  Our project at 30 Glen Elm was one of those.  With the sizes of condos getting smaller and smaller, the condos in some of the older buildings really start to look appealing.  Based on size alone, this one was a beauty!  

As with many of the units in these older buildings, it needed some updating. New kitchen, new paint, new lights and the apartment was emptied out of it’s existing furnishings.   Our team staged the unit with some contemporary furnishings that would appeal to both young and mature buyers.  We also staged the terrace to show the extra dining/living space it could accommodate.  The results were fantastic.

SOLD IN ONE WEEK FOR 10% OVER ASKING!!  The realtor and the sellers were thrilled!

“I don’t remember a time when I’ve had this much interest in a condo - even at the peak of the condo market. We sold for 10% over asking , and my clients and I attribute much of that to the space planning and staging by Toronto Condo Staging and Design. Thank you team!”  Donny Mangos

 
Gotta love a happy ending!

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

New colours in design! Here is the info ....

We all have our preferred colour palette that makes us feel warm, and comfortable.  Here is an excerpt from HGTV's article on some bright new colours that seem to be drawing us in!

"Have you heard that emerald green is Pantone's new colour of the year? Green has a truly multi-faceted personality. It runs the gamut from extremely warm to crisp and cool—so it is easy to find one that you love and that will work in your home. Interestingly, the human eye can see more variations of green than of any other colour. Perhaps this is one of the reasons it is so popular and has been so through the decades. It is a comfort colour ...." - HGTV

 

At Toronto Condo Staging and Design, we strive to be on the cutting edge for what is trending in the design and colour world.  Call us today to see how we can help you sell your home for more and faster by using these latest trends in our stagings.

Don't forget too, our Designers can use these new trends to update your current look .... either with pops of colour here and there or with a total face lift, if you are feeling like a complete change.

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

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

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

Park Place .... Model Suites

It has been wonderful working with Concord Adex Investments. The people are very friendly and the location is great .... no down town traffic!

We have already staged 3 units with them, as they are selling like hot cakes! Each town home has been slightly different from the last, which means changing our design layout and moving items around.

That is never a problem though for our Lead Designer and Owner Darren Brand. He is always up for the task. Commenting that, "we always want to give our clients the best. We want there condos to look as good as they can, even if that means we have to change items we had in mind...until it works."

Toronto Condo Staging and Design, one of the leading condo and town home staging companies, offers a wide range of services to fit your budget. Contact us to book your consultation at 416-829-9298 or info@torontocondostaging.com.

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.