You may think that an empty condo in a popular location is an easy sell as-is. After all, if it’s new and has nice finishings, what’s not to like? Put yourself to the test with these before and after condo staging photos from one of our jobs in popular Sunnyside, Calgary (my home neighbourhood). This ~2,000 sq. ft. upscale townhouse in a quiet location in the highly desirable Sunnyside area of Calgary was already gorgeous from top to bottom when Set Your Stage arrived on site to work our magic. But take a look at these before and after photos and pay attention to your gut reaction. In this bathroom, which one feels more luxurious? |
In this living room, would you have known that so much furniture could comfortably and stylishly fit in the space? Would you have been able to envision how to arrange the furniture with the challenges of railing location and window/door? |
Luxury, space, style, ease – these are features that potential buyers looking in this area are both drawn to, and will pay more for. So, if you’re selling your vacant property, why wouldn’t you choose to take advantage of that by professionally staging? Try the same comparison with the rest of the before and after condo photos of this listing (now sold to a previous client) on the Set Your Stage photo album: Sunnyside. For more examples of the power and impact staging can create in a space, take a look at the rest of the Set Your Stage Facebook albums featuring many before and after photos of the various homes and condos that we’ve successfully staged to sell. |


Archive for June, 2015
Open House Overhaul Reinforces the Value of Home Staging
Not everyone has the ability to see possibilities when they walk into a space. That’s one of the things I love about Open House Overhaul, a new show on HGTV. Not only does it show tips for how home owners can make changes that appeal to potential buyers, it also reinforces the value of home staging. Ever since I was a kid, I had the natural ability to envision how the feeling of a space could be improved with small changes. In the beginning (grade 1), it was about organizing cluttered areas to create spaces where everything belonged. Later, it was in my own successful property flip. |
Now, as a professional home stager in Calgary, I can walk into a property and “see” in my mind’s eye how to emphasize the positives and tweak the negatives to create stunning properties that appeal to potential buyers. I can totally relate to Open House Overhaul’s host, Samantha Pynn, who shares my goal in staging a property for sale. That is, to replace potential buyers’ experience of your property from feeling that,
to
I get excited to see both the physical transformation of a space itself AND the response of the owners when they see the difference professional staging can make in their property. It’s what I love about my work. That, and knowing that I’m helping sellers to get the most for their investment. |
Not everyone has the option of doing the extensive updates shown in some of the Open House Overhaul episodes. And that’s where someone like me comes in. With a range of services, I can match my ability to see possibilities with your budget. Focusing on lower cost options like colour, furniture configuration, and clarifying the specific use for each room, professional staging offers an excellent return on investment. Find out how your Calgary property can benefit from professional staging and discuss the results Set Your Stage clients have achieved. Schedule your personalized Home Staging Assessment by contacting Jen at Set Your Stage today. |
Simple Tips for Staging Outdoor Spaces
Even Calgarians who love our winter weather get excited about the thought of summer arriving. Keep this in mind when you’re preparing your property for sale and take advantage of the added value you gain by staging outdoor spaces too. |
Staging outdoor spaces doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money to completely fill a space or do major renovations. Sure, an outdoor kitchen or ‘water zone’ is great and you should definitely highlight it if you have one. But, in the end, the goal is to give potential buyers a hint of what kind of lifestyle is possible, indoors and out. Help potential buyers fall in love with your listing by enticing them to imagine spending quality time outside. |
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when staging outdoor spaces (large or small): Mirror the Indoors OUT: Think of your outdoor space as another room. Stage it with the same principles in mind as you would inside: Furniture, focal point, comfort. Think in Vignettes: Set the outdoor stage with a brief scene that could be the setting for a story the new home owner will imagine for themselves. Even on a small balcony, a bistro set with a view is an appealing vignette that creates big impact. Don’t Forget Function & Feeling: When you anticipate how the most likely potential buyers will use your outdoor space, you can stage with that function in mind. By doing so, you will create the welcome feeling of home for them too. Will a family with kids be most likely to buy? If so, setting up a kid-friendly area will make a difference. For more examples of the power and impact staging can create in a space, take a look at the rest of the Set Your Stage Facebook albums featuring many before and after photos of the various homes and condos that we’ve successfully staged to sell. |
Condo Staging With Retro Vibe Inspired by Pinterest
What does a kitten snuggling a well-loved stuffed animal have to do with selling houses? Believe it or not, inspiration! By staging with a retro vibe, can’t you imagine a hip, independent cat lover living in this casual feeling condo? Targeted to a first time property buyer, this condo is staged to sell. I admit it, I’m a cat lover! And when I saw this picture on Pinterest I couldn’t help but be overcome with “Awwwww.” Looking at it just makes you feel warm and fuzzy. The retro filter used on the photo takes you back to your own fond childhood memories of days when you felt safe and comforted and free. |
So why not try to create a similar feeling in a property? This condo we staged in Calgary’s Renfrew Regal Terrace already had vintage feeling tiles and cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom that the seller chose not to change. Rather than try to hide them or make them stand out more by going overly modern in all the staging furnishings, we chose staging with a retro vibe to complement them. It’s a way to help potential buyers see that expensive renovations are not necessary right away (even if they prefer to do them in the future when they can afford it). |
Inspiration can come from anywhere. When you focus on the feeling that you experience, it can lead you in any direction you choose. For the right potential buyer, staging with a retro vibe might be what speaks to their heart and makes your property feel like memories of home. For more staging inspiration, check out the various boards we have at Set Your Stage on Pinterest. |


