I just saw two fantastic speakers at a networking event this morning. The second speaker, Denise Baril, inspired me to do something to help others. She mentioned gathering families, friends, colleagues and co-workers gently used shoes to donate to the homeless.

My goal is to collect 10 large boxes full of clothing, children’s items, household items etc. to donate to the Women In Need Society. If you could take an afternoon to go through you closets, drawers and storage to find items to donate, I would be happy to pick up anything that will fit in my truck to collect for one large pickup in early November. Not sure what would be acceptable to donate? Check out their list.

Not only will you be helping someone in need, but you can clean out your home at the same time. If you are interested in helping out, please email me and we can organize a time for a pickup.

While contacting real estate agents, I have been taking note of how they view the home staging industry. The feedback I received was very informative and helpful.

According to The Canadian Staging Professional Research, 98% of real estate professionals agree it would be helpful to hire a professional home stager but only 20% do. According to my findings in Calgary 92% agree home staging would be helpful and 25% have hired home stagers.

Out of those 25% that do hire stagers, 20% hire stagers for over 10% of their listings, 24% hire stagers for more than 50% of their listings and 56% hire stagers for over 75% of their listings.

According to Lauren Ferranti-Ballem from the National Post, 90% of home buyers start their search online. From my informal poll, Calgary real estate agents believe the average is 91.75%. Since staged homes make beautiful photos, more potential buyers will want to view your listings. With more prospective buyers viewing your client’s home at the start of your listing, there is a higher likelihood you’ll receive an offer.

So what are real estate agents saying about home staging? Here’s an outline of the feedback I’ve received:

– “It’s great to have a stager re-enforce what work needs to be done.”
Realtor, RE/MAX
– “If the client is on board it can be effective.” Realtor, MaxWell Capital Realty
– “Had a bad experience with a stager, won’t try it again.”
Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX
– “It can really transform a home.” Realtor, Sutton Group
– “It works but my clients can’t afford it.” Associate, CIR Realty
– “It helps to get my clients to read an article about the psycology of clutter.”
Real Estate Consultant, RE/MAX
– “It is in it’s infancy right now but soon it will become essential service.”
Associate, RE/MAX

References: Lauren Ferranti-Ballem, National Post,
“Many home buyers start their search online.” Calgary Herald. (Aug 18, 2010).
The Canadian Staging Professional Program. Certified Staging Professional Resource Manual (2010). Section 1, Page 15

Check out this fabulous Calgary home in Erlton we assisted Kelly MacAulay from Real Estate Professionals Inc. with staging. (MLS# C3448448).

Statistics show first impressions occur within seconds of entering a home (2009 Canadian Staging Professionals Research). Up to five areas of your home can be seen from your front entry, this is why it’s important to have clear sight lines to each space. Here’s how to impress home buyers in less than 10 seconds.

Move large obstructions, such as benches or over-sized vases out of the foyer. Depersonalize your home by pre-packing any personal items such as family photos, keepsakes, collections, valuables as well as anything not being used on a daily basis. Give your home a heavy duty clean, tackle any unfinished repairs and ensure distinct scents such as food, pets, smoke and harsh cleaners are not present.

By de-cluttering, depersonalizing, reducing, repairing and cleaning you are communicating to your prospective buyers that your home has been well maintained and is move-in ready. Leave them with a lasting impression as they open the front door.

References: The Canadian Staging Professional Program. Certified Staging Professional Resource Manual (2010). Section 1, Page 15
Images: iStock Photo (August 4, 2010)