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Archive for August, 2015

Best Paint Colours for Home Staging

August 16, 2015 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)

It’s well known that a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost effective ways to update your property when you’re preparing it to sell. How do you know what colour to choose? Here are some of my picks for best paint colours to use in home staging.
 

Does this room look familiar?

Before: Bedroom before home staging.

I’ve written about staging-safe paint colours that won’t offend before. On Twitter, one of the feeds that crossed my path was this one from Real Simple Magazine: Experts Reveal How to Choose the Perfect Paint Colour for your Home. Of course, being a professional home stager in Calgary and working in condos/houses every day, I had to take a look.

 

Of the 24 expert picks mentioned, here are my suggestions for the best paint colours for use in home staging:
 

  • Wool Skein (Sherwin-Williams)
  • Precious Pearls (Dunn-Edwards)
  • Amazing Gray (Sherwin-Williams)
  • Shaker Beige (Benjamin Moore)
  • Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore)
  • Simply White (Benjamin Moore)

 

And here’s a tip that’s good for your budget. Buy an inexpensive brand of paint at your local home improvement store and ask them to colour match one of these higher-end brand name paint colours.
 

See the difference professional home staging makes!

After: This simple, yet stylish bedroom is the perfect retreat for any homeowner.

How to find the colour code? Go to the brand website, for example Benjamin Moore, and do a search for the paint colour by name. It will show you a swatch with the description and code (here’s what comes up for Revere Pewter). That’s the information you need when you go to the home improvement store (although some of them will be able to look it up on their computer for you – note that not every colour can be matched so have a couple backups in mind when you go in).
 

What are your best paint colours for home staging?
 

Want to stay in touch and read more of our home staging tips? Follow Set Your Stage on Twitter.
 


Looking Like a Motivated Seller is an Expensive Mistake

August 10, 2015 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)
Even if the words “motivated seller” don’t show up in your real estate listing, you might be unknowingly sending the message anyways. How? By not ensuring that you’re presenting your property at its very best. That’s a surefire way for you to lose money. Here are some staging tips to prevent that from happening.

When I came across this infographic, I immediately pinned it to the Selling Tips board for Set Your Stage on Pinterest.
“Terms that reek of desperation, such as “motivated seller”, actually prolong time on the market by 10%.”
As a professional home stager in Calgary, I know that the words don’t actually have to show up on a listing to imply desperation. The way your property is presented speaks volumes.

Does this room look familiar?

Before: Calgary living room before home staging.

See the difference professional home staging makes?

After: This open concept living room is the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing. Click like if you love the 17 foot high ceilings!

If you do a google search for “how to find motivated sellers”, you’ll quickly see the advice for telltale signs that investors and bargain hunters should look for:

  • homes that have overgrown & unkept lawns, no curtains, and a “nobody lives here” feel to them (Creative Real Estate Online)
  • vacant properties, since owners are likely making payments on another home while waiting for the vacant home to sell, making them very motivated (The Nest)
  • “For Sale by Owner” and “For Rent by Owner”, estate, pre-foreclosure, or moving situation (WikiHow)
  • same owner for 10 years or longer, adding to the likelihood that they fully own (or have a small mortgage remaining) and have more freedom to sell at a discount

 

Does this room look familiar?

Before: Bathroom before home staging.

See the difference home staging makes.

After: Adding the white towels and artwork as well as the glass soap pumps and mini plant make this master bathroom feel like a spa.

Now, if you’re a real estate investor or home buyer, this is helpful to you. But, if you’re selling, and you’re wanting to get the most for your investment – not at all desperate or wanting to be perceived as a motivated seller – you’ve got to address these signs.
What to do?

 

Don’t be perceived as a motivated seller. Stage your property and keep your money! For more staging inspiration, check out the various boards we have at Set Your Stage on Pinterest.