This living room is bright, fresh and has a spark of colour. The fireplace is lit to add some coziness to the room. Did you know that over 90% of home buyers start their search online? Photos have become the new “curb appeal” on real estate websites. This is why it’s so important for your photos to stand out from your competition’s. The first step to great photos is get advice from a professional home stager. Sometimes the recommendations can seem overwhelming, but keep in mind they will help you sell your home faster so you can move ahead to achieving your future goals.

If deadlines are tight before the photographer is scheduled, it’s important to prioritize each recommendation. Ask yourself: what will they be taking pictures of? Your front/backyard, kitchen/dining area, living room(s), bedroom(s), bathroom(s), office/bonus room(s) and possibly the front entrance (depending on the space). These are the areas to start pre-packing personal family photos, collections and religious items. If you have children or pets, be sure their toys are tucked away for photos. Although organized closets, garages, and storage space ARE important in your buyers eyes – they won’t be photographed and can be worked on after your photographs if time is tight.   Next, be sure to highlight your home’s features. Draw the eye to fireplaces, views, architectural features or a beautifully landscaped yard. This can be achieved by re-arranging furniture, as well as displaying colourful/grouped accessories, artwork and greenery.   By following these tips your photos will stand out from your competition, generate buyer interest and invite them to want to see more, allowing you to proceed with your future plans.

 

Check out this spotless and upgraded Bridlewood condo we provided a home staging consultation for. This functional floor plan includes a den which makes a great computer/study area or even a guest space. There’s a raised breakfast bar for casual dining and entertaining, a big living room, and even a dining room for more formal occasions.
 
For more information on this great location, contact Grant Geddes, Sutton Group Canwest 403-278-9208. (MLS#C3504879)

As consumers, we are becoming more aware of the environment, home buyers are no different. According to Pantone’s Home & Interior 2012 Trends, 2012’s focus will be on highlighting nature and natural inspired decor. Home staging trends will be very similar. Some very simple ways to incorporate this into your home are by adding plants. Mini-trees are a great way to draw the eye to a beautiful window/view and to bring the outdoors in. For accessories, keep an eye out for blues inspired by the ocean, greens inspired by foliage as well as oranges, yellows and reds inspired by the sunset.
 
Although the interior decorating trend for walls is leaning toward greys, consider your target buyer before painting you whole home. The safest bet is still a light neutral that will match any of their decor tastes. My favourite neutral from the CSP Staging Safe Colour Pallet is Buffy 30YY60/104 (ICI Paints). Happy decorating (and staging) in the New Year!

Do you have dated kitchen or bathroom countertops? I know you’d really like to replace them, but it costs so much money and will take forever right? Have you ever heard of Calgary Countertops? They can resurface your outdated countertops with a unique coating that looks like granite for about half the price of installed laminate. I’ve seen the samples myself and this product looks amazing. Check them out!