I know times are tough, especially around Christmas time. So when I saw a news piece recently about an increasing number of people turning to Alberta food banks for support, it was an important reminder. Since Safeway has an easy Food Bank Donation hamper, I’ll be making a donation to the Calgary Food Bank.

As a Calgary home stager, my job is to stage a property to appeal to the ideal lifestyle of potential buyers. Of course, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to include in the staging process. That’s because it’s often the hub of the home – where our closest relationships are nurtured.

In the ideal lifestyle that potential buyers imagine, at no point would there be a lack of food to prepare and serve in that kitchen. So the connection to my work is not lost on me.
 

That’s why I’m making a donation to the Calgary Food Bank, with love, and I urge you to do the same (to whatever Alberta food bank is closest to you).
 

Did you know that last year, children made up 43% of the people who went to the Calgary Food Bank for help? And that was 6% higher than the national average?
 

You and I can’t solve every problem. But we CAN drop off some food or volunteer our time.
 

Will you join me in reaching out to support the Calgary Food Bank? We can help keep the kitchen a nurturing space in every home.
 

Please share this post with your contacts in Alberta and do your part to fill up our local food bank shelves this summer. Let’s not wait until the holidays. They need our help now.
 

Jen Campbell is the owner of Set Your Stage, a professional home staging company based in Calgary, Alberta. She happily lives in a Sunnyside condo and shares some of the appealing features of this popular area in the “Why I love Sunnyside/Kensington” section of her blog.
 

Some sellers hold back and work with what they’ve got when they first list their property for sale. Then, instead of spending some money up front to make the best positive first impression, they are forced to make changes weeks into the listing because it’s not selling. That ends up costing more.
 

Here’s the thing: The best chance for selling is early. And professional staging helps by creating the most positive first impression.
 

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), “The best chance for selling your property is within the first 7 weeks. Studies show the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net. ”
 

That’s why a positive first impression is so critical. And that first impression starts before potential buyers even step one foot inside your listing. It’s what I’ve referred to as online curb appeal.
 

In terms of online curb appeal, your best chance for selling includes professional staging prior to the real estate photos being taken.
 

Think about it this way. Even with the popularity of taking selfies, most of us make an effort to highlight the positive and choose the best poses to create the image that we think is most appealing. It’s the same when you’re preparing to sell your house or condo.
 

CREB includes resources for clients who are selling property, recommending that, “If you feel your home needs a little more than a touch up, see the Home Staging Checklist.”
 

These Set Your Stage checklists were created with your best chance for selling in mind: kitchen, bathroom, living room.
 

Check them out and if you have questions about how a professional home stager can help your Calgary property best appeal to potential buyers, schedule your personalized Home Staging Assessment by contacting Jen at Set Your Stage today. Ask me how fast our staged properties sold.
 

It’s a potential buyer’s first impression of the inside of your listing; the entryway. Are you staging yours to feel welcoming? It doesn’t take much to set the stage. No matter how small an entryway is, do not overlook staging it.
 

When you are selling your house or condo, the way your property is presented speaks volumes. By adding special care to the entryway, it suggests to a potential buyer that you have also cared for the rest of the space.
 

Once curb appeal has attracted a potential buyer and they open the door to step into the listing for the first time, are you giving that person a hint of what to expect in terms of the feel of the property? Help them feel welcome AND peak their interest to want to see more by staging an entryway.
 

Take this staging consultation we provided in West Springs, Alberta for example. With some professional guidance, the seller created a modern Zen feel to her entrance that introduced calm immediately upon entry. It helps the potential buyer experience that “ahh…” feeling of coming home after a long and stressful day.
 

In this Slopes home, the entry space was part of the staging safe inventory rental service we provided for our client. In this example, staging an entryway is a nice introduction to the home and sets the tone for a cozy, family friendly house.
 

Staging an entryway is important when selling. Welcome a quick sale! For more staging inspiration, check out the Home Staging Tips board by Set Your Stage on Pinterest.
 

If you’re a home owner, you may really love getting creative with how you decorate and present your space. You may enjoy watching the home improvement shows and have an eye for what looks and feels right in a room. Does that mean you’re the best qualified to do your own DIY home staging when it comes time to sell?
 

Probably not. I’m not saying that because I don’t think you have an eye for what’s beautiful. It’s because home staging is not simply about decorating. It’s about marketing your property in a way that appeals to the most likely potential buyers. That usually requires some distance from the love you have invested in your own home.
 

Here’s some food for thought. You only have one chance to make a first impression. When your listing doesn’t “speak” to potential buyers or stays on the market, it costs you. Professional home staging is considered an excellent return on investment.
 

That said, hiring a professional home stager doesn’t have to cost a fortune or feel like a huge risk. I’m a DIYer myself, so I understand the appeal and sense of accomplishment of that mindset. That’s why I offer a range of services in Calgary to meet my clients’ needs.
 

For the seller who is willing to DIY home staging based on some professional and customized advice, a Home Staging Consultation is an extremely cost-effective way to ensure that you focus your time, energy, and money where it counts most. The consultation includes a complete walkthrough of your home with a detailed step by step guide on how to prepare your home for staging.
 

Still sitting on the fence? Find out how your Calgary property can benefit from professional advice to guide your DIY home 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.