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Find Set Your Stage on Facebook

June 28, 2013 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)
Need some home staging inspiration? If you haven’t taken a look at the
Set Your Stage Facebook Page, come on over! I’ve included some features that I think you’ll enjoy.
 
Which sofa do you like the best?

It’s Favourite Friday! Join us on Facebook to vote which is your favourite sofa!

 
 
Favourite Friday

  • Have you ever wondered how you can use the same piece of furniture or accessory in different ways and still make it work? I show examples from properties I have staged using 4 of the same rented furniture pieces. Which one do you like best?

 
Scavenger Sunday

  • Test your knowledge of different local Calgary neighbourhoods. I post an image and you guess where it is. If you don’t live in the area, maybe it will inspire you to check it out. There’s lots to do and see in this fun, fast paced city.

 
Before & After

  • Are you one of those people who just can’t get enough of before and after photos? I love them too and share plenty from the properties that I have professionally staged. Set Your Stage properties sold over two times faster on average than the homes in the same areas!

 
Mystery Monday

  • Can you tell what these vacant before rooms are? It’s hard to tell but fun to guess.

 
Homes for Sale

  • Looking for a new home? We’ve got that covered too! All of the properties we stage, we post contact info/details on the home, photos of the professionally staged ones along with Realtor contact info. Maybe one of our staged properties will be your future home?

 
Check back often as I’m always updating our Facebook page. And, for all the latest updates, you can also follow Set Your Stage on Twitter.
 
Staging your property to sell is serious business. It’s worth it to work with a professional. For more home staging information in Calgary, and a free assessment of your property, contact Jen. I love helping home owners prepare their property for a quick sale.


Home Staging Backyard: Stage For A Desired Lifestyle

June 22, 2013 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)
See the difference home staging makes.

After: Backyards are a very important part of your curb appeal.

The importance of curb appeal when selling a home is common knowledge. It’s also important to consider home staging your backyard. A buyer’s impression of your property includes all outdoor areas. Professional home stagers understand how to market every area of your home, inside and out. Here are some home staging backyard tips:
 
Outdoor upgrades are a good investment. When we look at a backyard, aside from the necessities of a well-kept lawn and tidy areas, we need to think like your potential buyer. Your backyard should be approached as an extension of the living space. It should feel inviting and appeal to a potential buyer’s desired lifestyle.
 
See the difference home staging makes.

After: This cute bistro set showcases the relaxing, private space on the patio.

How will potential buyers use the outdoor space? For entertaining? For children’s play spaces? For pets? For veggies? For a quiet space to get away from it all? The answer depends on the type of buyer who is most likely to buy a property like yours in your neighbourhood.
 
Here are a few things to consider:
 
Privacy

  • Like an empty space inside the home, buyers will have a hard time imagining what to do with a blank canvas outside. Solve problems like lack of privacy or unsightly items on a neighbour’s property for them.

 
Hardscaping

  • Decks, patios, walkways. These can all make a difference in the lifestyle that a potential buyer feels is possible in the space.

 
Storage

  • Do you have a shed or some other area to store your gardening tools, patio furniture, toys etc.? Potential buyers will notice.

 
Lifestyle

  • Remember – potential buyers buy a lifestyle. What lifestyle does your backyard offer?

 
Invest in a professional home stager to help market your property – inside and out. For more information or to schedule a free staging assessment in Calgary, contact Jen at Set Your Stage today.


Hang Artwork like a Staging Pro

June 16, 2013 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)
Staging your home to sell? Hanging artwork helps to make a room look complete. Hung properly, it can enhance a space. Improperly, it becomes a distraction, making the room feel awkward. Learn how to hang artwork like a professional stager with these quick tips.
 
Height
The center of the artwork should be at 5’2”. Imagine the average person being able to stand and comfortably look straight at the image.
 
Placement
Artwork should be hung between 6” to 1 foot above furniture. It may feel low, but this allows enough space for a person’s head not to hit the frame and it also looks as if it belongs with the furniture as a seamless grouping. Too much space makes it feel disjointed.
 
See the difference staging makes?

After: This open concept living/office space feels organized and spacious – a great place to live and work.

Grouping
Always work with the rule of three. Especially if you have smaller pieces, group them together to create a stronger impact. In some cases (like the loft living room I staged ) you can work with existing items to make the group of three (fireplace plus two pictures).
 
Frame
Use simple frames that are the same (or at least the same colour) to create a harmonious feel. Choose frames that match the style of your staging décor and that will appeal to your potential buyer.
 
And here’s an extra tip. If you’re staging a property and don’t want to mess up the walls, a small finishing nail or sewing needle may be enough to hold up your frame. Placed on a slight angle downward through your drywall, you’ll be surprised how much it can hold. And you won’t be left with a big hole to deal with after.
 
Do you need more staging help? If so, please contact Jen directly at SetYourStage.com! Or follow Set Your Stage on Facebook for more artwork placement ideas!

Declutter Your Wardrobe Calgary

June 10, 2013 (posted by Jennifer Campbell, Home Staging Calgary)

Who knew that “taking off your clothes” could make a difference in so many ways. On June 23, I’ll be joining in the fun at SWAP Team Calgary’s Take Off Your Clothes clothing swap. It’s an easy way to support local business, update your wardrobe at a fraction of the cost, be eco friendly by reusing, and support people in need. It’s a win all around. So declutter your wardrobe Calgary!
 
I love the idea of the swap and, in a way, it’s similar to what I do for a living. I’m in the business of preparing homes for “reuse” by new owners. Sometimes this involves a sort of stripping down to the bare bones of a property in order to dress it up again with potential buyers’ wish lists in mind.
 
When I’m staging properties, I always try to re-use existing furniture and shop locally to support businesses close to my Kensington area home. More and more people are taking similar small steps to make a difference.
 
“Clear out your clutter” is one of the first things I recommend when you’re preparing to sell your house. This includes clothes that have been hiding in your closets with little use. Why not pack them up and donate them to a good cause? The SWAP Team provides a label that you can print and attach to each bag. Then just drop them off at a designated location.
 
Whether you plan to attend the swap or make a donation, you must drop off your items by June 20th. In Kensington, your drop off location is Eleven:Eleven Boutique 4 1145 Kensington Crescent NW.
 
Swapping is good for your wallet.
 
Are you curious how your property – and wallet – can benefit from professional home staging? If so, please contact Jen directly at SetYourStage.com! You can also follow us on Facebook!
 

See the difference home staging makes.

After: This closet is very organized and spacious.