I just saw two fantastic speakers at a networking event this morning. The second speaker, Denise Baril, inspired me to do something to help others. She mentioned gathering families, friends, colleagues and co-workers gently used shoes to donate to the homeless.

My goal is to collect 10 large boxes full of clothing, children’s items, household items etc. to donate to the Women In Need Society. If you could take an afternoon to go through you closets, drawers and storage to find items to donate, I would be happy to pick up anything that will fit in my truck to collect for one large pickup in early November. Not sure what would be acceptable to donate? Check out their list.

Not only will you be helping someone in need, but you can clean out your home at the same time. If you are interested in helping out, please email me and we can organize a time for a pickup.

While contacting real estate agents, I have been taking note of how they view the home staging industry. The feedback I received was very informative and helpful.

According to The Canadian Staging Professional Research, 98% of real estate professionals agree it would be helpful to hire a professional home stager but only 20% do. According to my findings in Calgary 92% agree home staging would be helpful and 25% have hired home stagers.

56% of real estate agents that hire stagers do for over 75% of their listings.

According to Lauren Ferranti-Ballem from the National Post, 90% of home buyers start their search online. From my informal poll, Calgary real estate agents believe the average is 91.75%. Since staged homes make beautiful photos, more potential buyers will want to view your listings. With more prospective buyers viewing your client’s home at the start of your listing, there is a higher likelihood you’ll receive an offer.

So what are real estate agents saying about home staging? Here’s an outline of the feedback I’ve received:

– “It’s great to have a stager re-enforce what work needs to be done.”
Realtor, RE/MAX
– “If the client is on board it can be effective.” Realtor, MaxWell Capital Realty
– “Had a bad experience with a stager, won’t try it again.”
Real Estate Agent, RE/MAX
– “It can really transform a home.” Realtor, Sutton Group
– “It works but my clients can’t afford it.” Associate, CIR Realty
– “It helps to get my clients to read an article about the psycology of clutter.”
Real Estate Consultant, RE/MAX
– “It is in it’s infancy right now but soon it will become essential service.”
Associate, RE/MAX

References: Lauren Ferranti-Ballem, National Post,
“Many home buyers start their search online.” Calgary Herald. (Aug 18, 2010).
The Canadian Staging Professional Program. Certified Staging Professional Resource Manual (2010). Section 1, Page 15

While visiting with my Mom today, she insisted I read an article in “This & That”, a community newsletter for Douglasdale, Douglas Glen, Quarry Park and Riverbend residents. After reading it (Calgary Harvest – We Want Your Fruit Trees), I felt I had to share. This article featured an interesting project run in Calgary that coordinates volunteer fruit pickers with property owners with trees that don’t have time to pick their fruit.

Once picked, the fruit is divided into thirds with the first third going to the homeowners, the second third going to the volunteers and the last third goes to the Food Bank. This is a win/win/win for everyone. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating your tree, visit The Calgary Urban Harvest Project’s website – http://www.calgaryharvest.com/.

Today I hunted throughout Calgary for quotes on a sun-room I am re-designing. There are some cabinets and bar sink that may possible be re-done and they also would like new blinds. I had already received quotes for the cabinets as well as the blinds from various suppliers where I had to hunt someone down for help. When I did find help, I even had to hand write the prices down. I thought of a friend who recently got new cabinets from Ikea and figured I would get one more quote one from them.

I had never ordered cabinets at Ikea before so I was a little hesitant but when I entered the kitchen department, I was pleasantly surprised. Right away I was welcomed and given the tour of their department, software and process. I was amazed at how patient and knowledgeable he was with explaining everything to me. I was even more impressed with the fact I am able to edit designs from home, very easily print out a quote and order my cabinets without any hassle.

It’s amazing how staff can really make a difference.