A shift in the Calgary rental market has led a number of Calgary real estate investors to consider whether it’s time to sell their rental property. If you decide that it IS time, get the most from your investment by thoroughly cleaning, repairing, and professionally staging the unit prior to listing.
 

I’ve heard from more Calgary real estate investors recently who have lost their renters. Low rental pricing, high vacancy rates, and job losses that are leading renters to move back home (either to other provinces or back in with their parents) are creating a bit of a lull.
 

When you depend on that monthly rental cheque to cover the carrying costs on your investment condo, it’s no wonder investors are questioning whether it’s time to sell their rental property and move on to something else. As an investor, you’re always weighing your risks.
 

I love working with investors with rental properties because they are committed to doing what needs to be done in order to gain the highest return on their investment. They want results and they want them fast.
 

And I know that staging a vacant rental property (to rent or sell) does just that. Here are just a few Calgary condos that we staged for investors who lost their renters and decided that it was time to sell:
 

Garrison Green: This stylish and affordable townhouse already had quality finishings. Staging added the life it needed to get it SOLD.
 

Sunset Ridge: Amazing mountain views were the highlight of this condo in Cochrane. Staging added the classy and peaceful feel that got it SOLD.
 

Victoria Park: This downtown condo got a beautiful facelift. Staging highlighted those fresh features and added a trendy yet classy vibe that appealed to potential buyers in the area and got it SOLD.
 

If you’re considering selling your Calgary rental property, I invite you to contact me to schedule your free, no pressure, personalized Home Staging Assessment today.
 

Still curious? Read more about my work and reach out when you’re ready. Ask how the Set Your Stage team can help you meet YOUR Calgary real estate goals if it is indeed time to sell your rental property!
 

I love to work with do it yourself home staging clients. I’m an avid DIYer too (when I have the time). Since this is such a popular option for people who are preparing their homes for sale, are willing to do the work, and want professional guidance on a budget, here are some of the recent tips I’ve shared on the Set Your Stage blog.
 

I hear from plenty of home owners who prefer to opt for a do it yourself home staging approach when it’s time to sell. Some wonder, is paying for staging worth it?
 

Dave Rhydderch, a Calgary realtor who I work with, put it this way in his post, What 2015 Can Tell Us About 2016:
 

“If your home is in a price bracket where 75% of the listings aren’t selling, you will need to price your home competitively and make sure it shows well in order to maximize value and not chase a falling market down.”
 

You have to make sure your home shows well! Here’s how. Combine do it yourself home staging with customized professional guidance:
 

• Can’t I save by doing my own DIY Staging?
• DIY Home Improvement – Set Your Stage on Pinterest
• Home Staging Design by Set Your Stage in Calgary
• DIY Home Staging Can Showcase Your Stunning Listing in Calgary

Your listing has one chance to make a positive first impression. Apply your do it yourself home staging skills with customized advice from a trained home staging professional who has proven results in your specific neighbourhood to create a winning combination.
 

If you’re in Calgary, I invite you to contact me to schedule your free, no pressure, personalized Home Staging Assessment today.

Still curious? See more examples of my work and reach out when you’re ready. Ask how the Set Your Stage team can help you meet YOUR Calgary real estate goals as a do it yourself home stager!
 

A lot of people have been asking my opinion on the Calgary real estate market lately. Understandably, some sellers are feeling a bit nervous in this current buyers’ market. Speaking from my experience as a professional home stager, what I can tell you is that I’ve been busier with staging requests. That’s because sellers want to have a “one up” on their competition. Staging helps you to do exactly that.
 

I heard and felt the worry in the voice of a woman who recently contacted me for a staging quote. Preparing to sell, she was worried that it would take a long time to sell her house in this Calgary market. I understand worry. I’m a home owner too.
 

She wanted to know, is staging worth it?
 

What I told her was this: Owners of one of this recently staged vacant condos had two offers and our clients accepted the one that was OVER the list price. Plus, a house that we did a staging consultation for sold in 2 days after staging. These recent examples are not unique.
 

So just because it’s a buyers’ market, it doesn’t mean that properties aren’t selling.
 

The trick here is that you can’t really know whether staging is worth it, can you? I’m a big believer in the value of staging and have results to back it up. But there are no guarantees. There is some element of risk. After all, what’s the test?
 

You could take the risk of listing your home for sale without staging and see how it goes.
 

Or, you could take the risk of making the up-front investment to stage your home before the listing photos are taken and before the first potential buyer walks through the door and see how that goes.
 

I won’t tell you that every property needs staging to sell. But if your goal is to make the best first impression in the shortest amount of time, which approach are you willing to bet on?
 

At some point, after doing your research, you have to trust your gut and do what feels right to you, despite the worry.
 

I staging worth it? If you’re in Calgary and I can be of assistance in helping you to make that decision (including insight on how much the right home staging service for your property will cost – this could be as low as $249), I invite you to contact me to schedule your free personalized Home Staging Assessment.
 

Or, start online with Set Your Stage’s Home Staging Quiz before you make the call. No pressure.
 

Hiring a professional home stager as part of your property’s marketing team can be a sound financial decision. Sparking a powerful first impression that speaks to your potential buyer’s ideal lifestyle may cost less than you think.
 

Curious? See more examples of my work and reach out when you’re ready. Ask how the Set Your Stage team can help you meet YOUR Calgary real estate goals in a buyer’s market!
 

Selling a furnished property? You may be wondering why you should bother renting more furniture for staging. The short answer is to make your listing the most appealing to your potential buyer. Sometimes, what they’re looking for is different than what you like. A professional home stager can help you decide.
 

There are times when a seller’s existing furniture and accessories suit the lifestyle feel that a potential buyer desires. In those cases, a Home Staging Consultation with a professional stager can help the home owner present their listing in the most marketable way. Small changes can help a buyer walk in and quickly see themselves living there.
 

But there are other times when existing furniture needs a little boost. In some cases, that means swapping out selective pieces of existing furniture, art, and accessories with rented ones to create a more updated feel or add a memorable touch.
 

Especially when existing furniture is older, some sellers choose to rent a storage unit for the items that will follow them to their next home prior to the actual move. That clears the space to rent furniture for staging the main rooms in the property in order to market the listing at its best.
 

You only have one chance to create a positive first impression. When it comes to your largest investment, renting furniture for staging – whether a few selected pieces or a full furniture rental package – could be worth the up-front cost for a faster sale – if chosen wisely.
 

Still sitting on the fence? Find out how your Calgary property can benefit from professional advice to guide you through the decision whether to rent furniture for 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.