Staging a man cave can be a lot of fun. Often you see flowers and feminine touches in staging. But why only appeal to women? Men want their space too (it doesn’t have to be dark and cave-like to work). When you anticipate who the potential buyers will be, you can create spaces that make everyone feel at home.
 

Before, this bonus room we staged in Westgate was a large, empty room that might be difficult to imagine what to do with (and therefore not as easy to know its true value). After, it became a poker room. We set up a martini set on a bar table, a poker table and four masculine brown chairs. We even arranged the cards and chips to show a poker game in progress. More than an empty room to store extra ‘stuff’, it now has added value as a fun place to spend time with friends.
 

In this large Bearspaw home we staged, it might be natural to consider staging a cozy couch area around the fireplace. Instead, we chose to stage it as a pool/pub room, perfect for entertaining. Notice that while the furnishings are dark and more on the masculine side, it is still a welcoming area for anyone. Call it a man cave – plus.
 

And now for one of my favourites. This upscale townhouse we staged in Sunnyside has a definite masculine feel mixed with a bit of hip, retro, sexy vibe. Just imagine the activities that could go on in this space – then out to the deck – then back inside ☺.
 

In fact, this one was so popular that during showings, potential buyers were asking if they could purchase the staging furniture. Yes, we do that too! Creating this type of vibe in a space is a clear benefit of staging.
 

Bottom line? Staging a man cave can add a much needed energy to your property that appeals to potential buyers. Besides, the guys are usually happy to share!
 

For more before and after staging photos, check out Set Your Stage on Facebook.
 

Take a look at the photo included in this recent Calgary Herald post about an increased interest in million dollar homes in Calgary. What do you think? Was this room staged? Of course! When sellers are looking for top dollar, they know that staging makes a difference.
 

Here are some examples of vacant renovated properties that I staged for investors and/or builders in Calgary who listed between the $400 – $900 range:
 

Collingwood: This gorgeous renovated property we staged in highly sought-after Collingwood is steps to Confederation Park, about 10 min. to Downtown Calgary, and near all levels of schools and University.
 

Marda Loop: This upgraded home we staged in Marda Loop (Glenbrook) had a bonus games room in the basement and is very close to downtown.
 

Lake Bonavista: Gorgeous, fully renovated, luxury property in a sought after neighbourhood. Photos speak for themselves!
 

Sunnyside: This ~2,000 sq ft upscale townhouse is in a quiet location in highly desirable Sunnyside. Custom kitchen, bathrooms and closets!!!
 

Million dollar listing or not, staging renovated properties results in listings that make it easier for potential buyers to fall in love quickly – usually selling faster and at a higher price.
 

Follow Set Your Stage on Twitter to get updates, see our latest staging photos, and read our favourite staging tips.
 

Staging Bathrooms: Room by Room Staging Checklist
 
Staging bathrooms when you’re selling your property is a must-do on your list. They say that kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms sell. A bathroom is also one of the expensive renovations that a buyer would have to invest in. So help your bathrooms show their best by following my staging checklist.
 
This Staging Checklist provided by the Calgary Real Estate Board provides good basic guidelines to address the key areas of a property – inside and out. I also wrote a checklist for staging living rooms that you might find helpful.
 

As a Calgary home stager, I have seen what a difference proper bathroom staging can make. Here’s your checklist specifically for staging bathrooms:
 

• Especially for a re-sale home, it goes without saying that cleanliness is everything! Aim for spotless. Remove dust from lights, scrub those tiles, and don’t forget to give the baseboards and walls a good wipe. Get every nook and cranny.
• Check windows for any signs of mold. A toothbrush for this job works great.
• Make it look as new as possible – Goo Gone is your friend to breathe new life into older drains and faucets.
• If your bathroom is really dated, give it a quick facelift with paint, new lighting, new taps, and switching out gold tone towel bars and knobs with brushed stainless.
• Consider the feeling you want to create – Spa anyone?
• Go minimalist. Remove most of your items from vanity cupboards and shower. Buyers don’t need to see your razor, slimy bar of soap, and countless bottles of products. Same goes for all your kids’ bath toys.
• Replace towels with fresh white ones that are used only for staging.
• Add a small hint of colour and interest in something beautiful (artwork, coloured glass vase) or natural (flowers, greenery, soap, shells).
• Open windows and use fans to air out the room. Steamy bathrooms help odour linger.
• Speaking of odour, well, don’t create any before a showing if you know what I mean. Air fresheners are NOT the way to go.

 
Staging bathrooms is important. Keep your room by room staging checklist handy and these bathroom staging tips in mind when preparing your home for sale. For more professional home staging resources and tips, follow Set Your Stage on Twitter.
 

Sometimes television staging can leave room for the imagination. In this Westgate basement, the actual TV is not on the feature wall, but the furniture is clearly set up for that purpose. If you notice above, this area is set up as a screen wall with a ceiling-mount projector, but a large flat screen would easily fit on the feature wall.
 
Most families love to relax together to watch a good movie. So add some fun staging props like a popcorn maker, bowls or clear glass jars with coloured candy as a special touch.
 
Television staging can be simple when you keep the room size, function, and potential buyers in mind. For more help with your staging challenges, and to schedule your personalized Home Staging Assessment, contact Jen at Set Your Stage today.