Staging for Resale

Facts and Stats:

It's no longer a secret that many home sellers are hiring stagers to prepare their homes for resale. Why wouldn’t you?

Research shows that a staged home speeds sales in a sluggish market and can increase prices 2% to 20% in a moderate market. In hot markets, effective staging can boost prices 20% to 30%. (Wall Street Journal April 2003)

Given that your home is quite likely your largest asset why not market it professionally by showcasing its best features and minimizing its flaws?

A recent study by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry found that a $700 paint job results in a 200% recovery of the cost upon resale of the home. (National Post – March 2004)

Have you put in an offer on the house of your dreams but now need to get your own house sold quickly and for the best price possible in order to meet the conditions?

The average number of days on the market for a staged house is 13.9 versus 30.9 days for an unstaged house. (New York Village Voice)

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So stage first, then list.

"First impressions are a key factor in selling. Typically, a potential buyer has made up their mind ten seconds after they step inside the front door. They were already forming an opinion as they pulled up to your house."

Sellers are comfortable with the way they live. They don't see many issues with their homes and may not really know if what they have is current or dated.

"75% of Canadians classify the style of their house as "current" or "somewhat current" which is contrary to what home staging specialists are finding. They maintain that, although the majority of homes in Canada are in need of updating prior to sale, a significant difference can be made with as little as $1500."(Royal LePage Home Staging Poll, March 2005)

And finally, keep in mind that the cost of staging your home will never be as high as the first price reduction you may need to make!

Let’s Get Started

Staging your home includes two major steps that are not mutually exclusive:

1) First is the décor and maintenance update

Why do this?

When people are searching for a new home they are not just buying a house, they are buying into the lifestyle they perceive (and usually aspire to) when they see your home. A well-maintained home with updated décor shows pride of ownership, implies quality workmanship, and says "just move in and relax". This update can include things like new paint colours, flooring, window treatments and accessories, rearrangement of furniture and lighting, fixing leaky faucets, creaky doors, and loose porch steps.

2) Second, is the neutralization process

Why do this?

In order to appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible, a home needs to be "neutralized" or "de-personalized" to give it more of a model home feel – a place where they can visualize themselves living versus a house where someone else currently lives. This process includes cleaning up and cleaning out – de-cluttering corners, tables, desk tops, closets, basements and garages, (a great benefit is the illusion of more space and less stuff for you to pack when you move!) putting away personal items like family photos, souvenirs, and diplomas, clearing food, small appliances and dishes from counter tops, clearing bulletin boards and fridge fronts, and removing pet accessories like bowls and litter boxes.

Staging For Resale Package Options:

1) The Big Picture - A two hour in-home consultation plus 30 minutes back at my office to write up your action plan. We walk through your home with you room by room and discuss all areas in need up updating, rearranging, de-cluttering, etc. both inside and out. Within 24 hours you will receive back by email:

a written room by room action plan for your specific home

paint colours if needed for the interior and exterior

general tips and suggestions for assistance in organizing, de-cluttering, arranging accessories, hanging pictures, etc.

a resource list for any handyman services that may be required

a last minute check list for touch ups before you leave the house on viewing days.

a list of places to take stuff – to sell, store, or give away.

Price: $225* plus GST for an average three bedroom home

2) The Big Picture Plus Finishing Touches - the Big Picture package plus a second two hour return session for us to do the finishing touches after the Big Picture plan has been implemented by you.
This includes:

hanging pictures

arranging table settings

checking lighting

moving smaller pieces of furniture

styling kitchen and bathroom counters, closets and shelving units

all of the little last minute things that make a world of difference for the agent's photos and the first open house

Price: $350* plus GST for an average three bedroom home

3) Finishing Touches Photo Styling - Three to four hours of home styling prior to the agent's photos.

Price: $325* plus GST for an average three bedroom home

*Additional time to be charged at an hourly rate of $75 ( minimum 2 hours per additional visit, rate only applicable with previous purchase of one of the package options)
Payment methods: Cash or cheque only.

A shopping service is also available for $75/hour either with you or for you.
(two hour minimum, available only with purchase of one of the resale packages)