CM Staging Solutions Blog - A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

HOME STAGING DOESN’T WORK…AND NEITHER DOES MLS.CA

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:28:43 -0700

It has been a long time since I have come across a real estate agent today who says they don’t think home staging works… but believe it or not on Friday I did. Forget that he and his clients booked an appointment with me in Lawrence Park because his buying clients were interested in purchasing the majority of my rental furniture and were eyeing the décor accessories and hanging pictures. But no, my staging service "did nothing to enhance the sale of the home".. of course not!

As someone who once was a real estate agent, I cannot tell you how many countless times I have gone into a home with buyers and when that home was staged I could feel the buying energy from my buyers.

That is not to say every staged home sends every buyer into a purchasing frenzy, but it amazed me how many times I would start working with a buyer and they would say to me.. “I don’t want a finished home, I want a fixer-upper that way I can save some money and fix it up how I like it.”

Of course I would show them “fixer-uppers” but I would also show them “staged” homes to help them envision the full potential. In my experience 75-80% of the time the buyers would change their decision and put in an offer on a staged home.

There is something so much more relaxing when you get into the thick of trying to buy a house and how exhausting and laborious it can become, especially when you set your original sights on buying a fixer-upper.

So I’m afraid when a real estate agent comes to me and says “home staging doesn’t work, it had nothing to do with selling THIS house” I’m sorry but you’re preaching to the already converted.

Saying home staging doesn’t help to sell homes faster is like saying the MLS (multiple listing service) doesn’t work with either. If you click on the pictures you can view where to rent these items.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

To stage or not to stage....THAT is the question! If It Means Being Featured As "Home of the Week" by the Globe And Mail...

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:03:10 -0800

To stage or not to stage....THAT is the question!

Well if it means your property is going to showcased in the real estate section as "Home Of The Week" in the Globe and Mail newspaper, then absolutely! Your property cannot get better exposure and better local marketing than that!

Remember had this property not been staged it is unlikely it would have been featured!

To check out the article simply click on on the pictures below

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

How to Recycle Unusual and Hazardous Waste in the City of Toronto, A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:50:27 -0700

Whether you 're staging your home to get ready to list and you need to de-clutter or you are simply de-cluttering your home, below is some informative information that will help get you on the right track and feel environmentally guilt-free!

I recently purchased a new phone system and I was going to throw it in the garbage because that is the easiest thing to do, right? Then I began to wonder what type of impact I’m having on the environment and what is the impact if I were to throw my phone out with the regular garbage pick up versus recycling it with an environmental conscience… Hmm...

Upon my research, I learned that if I were to simply throw out my telephone with cordless components into the garbage, it would not only NOT decompose but I run the risk of the phone leaking hazardous toxins into the soil and potentially ground water such as: arsenic, mercury, lead, etc. not to mention you are adding non-biodegradable substances to the landfills such as: plastic, metal and glass.

Then I learned that land for landfills is filling up and becoming scarce and 7-12% of all CO2 emissions (which is a major factor in global warming) is being emitted from landfills every year.

Hmm…

Life is busy and just when you think you are barely keeping it all together, someone comes along making you feel guilty! Right?! WRONG!

Well I have some good news and you can walk away after reading this article not only feeling guilt-free because you’re doing your part for the environment but also to let you know the City of Toronto has made it just that easy!

I went on to the City of Toronto’s website: http://www.toronto.ca/garbage

If you look on the left hand side there is a list of how to recycle different forms of unusual and hazardous waste.

I then clicked on "electronics" and it lead me to a screen that asked me to put in my postal code:

http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca/electronics/default.aspx

There I learned where I could go to drop of this old telephone…

Then I thought are these my only options? So I called the City of Toronto 311 number and IT GETS BETTER….

If you live anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) you can call them and they will pick up your electronics and hazardous waste…

Well you can’t ask for more than that can you? So if you live in Toronto, you’re busy and you want to do your part for the environment… just call 416-454-0121 and arrange for a FREE pick up..

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

A Swanky Building With A Stylish Penthouse To Match, A Toronto Home Staging Pespective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:21:39 -0800

Often when buyers are looking to purchase a re-sale condominium in Toronto, unlike detached homes the first impression they have is the lobby, therefore it makes perfect sense when staging a condominium in the building, you try to incorporate some elements of the style of the building into your unit.

For example, at CM Staging Solutions we had the opportunity to stage a penthouse in the Tridel Building, Reve.

Upon first impression, the building is a siren amongst the skyline of condominiums that have recently entered the Toronto market. The lobby has a sophisticated/cutting edge appeal that would impress any urbanite seeking the next best thing. Therefore it was our job to carry forward this cutting edge appeal into the unit as well.

Whenever you stage a home or condo, you generally will try to work with the palette you have in front of you. Sometimes home owners are willing to make modest updates, but you typically try not to break someone’s budget and cost the homeowner money they can never recover in the sale. In this case, the penthouse was very modern, very neutral colours, very up-to-date and very easy to work with.

Therefore the solution was simple, we incorporated original artwork and clean lined furnishings to show off this units stunning floor plan and features. Please see the pictures.

To see the Globe and Mail newspaper article on this building and condominium, click the Globe and Mail link above.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Property Staging with the Seasons to Connect with Buyers - A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:55:46 -0800

Whether you live in Toronto or any other city it is never a bad idea to consider the season when staging a home for sale. It is important to remember that you are not just de-cluttering your home so people can visit, your home must emotionally connect with a potential buyer in order for you to receive an offer – at the right price. One way to create that connection without blowing your budget is to think about the season you’re in and “Home Stage for the Season”. In Toronto, this is especially important in competitive neighbourhoods like Lawrence Park and Rosedale.

Incorporating seasonal home décor feeds the imagination and helps buyers to see themselves living in your home.

Remember, everyone can connect with a season. If you live in Toronto you know we have our favourite seasons and 4 great seasons to choose from, but there is a comfort in the seasonal changes that occur, especially in Canada, that can really have an impact on how we can relate to living in another home – doing what we enjoy in a new location.

One great example of someone who has been very successful preparing her home for the seasons is Martha Stewart - so why not think of her as an inspiration when staging your home. Since we have four seasons a year, you can have fun with this!

1. Outdoor Seasonal Staging can include anything from a patio set to recreational games to barbeque utensils and apron etc. - when staging in the summer months in the Toronto area, why not give the buyer the feeling they can enjoy a barbeque with family and friends, showcase your backyard as a place of fun and recreation in the summer.

2. 2-chair bistro set - a 2-chair bistro set can be used in many situations and in many different places. It always helps a home buyer envision themselves sitting with a newspaper or a friend having a beverage and enjoying the scenery - much like you do at a cafe.

3. Birdbath - for those nature lovers who enjoy bird watching and like to feel they have their own oasis. Make sure that the birdbath is easily viewed from the kitchen or living room for the most impact.

4. Pictures that reflect the season - bring the outdoors in, showcasing autumn leaves during the fall can enhance a home that has a great backyard, or is located near great walking trails.

5. Use a seasonal wreath - a seasonal wreath says to buyers this isn't just a house, its a home. Curb appeal is often under-rated and plays an equally important role to the sale of your home as well as the inside. A home stager can help you plan the small details of how to design a room to have the most impact, inside and out.

6. Faux fur throws in winter/light throws in summer - this should be used when appropriate because not everyone is a fur fan. But a faux fur throw by the fireplace in the winter makes you want to curl up with a hot cup of cocoa by a warm fire…how inviting to a potential buyer. Much like a light throw on a chair on the front porch can spark a vision of sitting on your porch with company during those cool summer nights. I had a client in Lawrence Park, Toronto who used this technique (along with other décor tips) to get top price for her home.

7. Use pillows and throws with colours that reflect the season - does the house feel a little dark? Is it spring time? Brighten up a room with throws and pillows that bring in those seasonal colours. What colours do you associate with spring? Light green, pale yellow? An interior designer or home stager can help you choose a colour scheme that will brighten the day of prospective buyers without overwhelming them.

8. Plant seasonal flowers outside - curb appeal.. curb appeal.. curb appeal.. If it's spring/summer, rake your garden beds and plant some seasonal flowers. Remember your buyer wants to buy a home not a just a house. Home owners often overlook the importance of a neat and tidy outdoors – make sure you walk your property with your home stager to get the best options for your home.

9. Bring seasonal flowers inside - as we transition from a harsh winter, the weather has just begun to warm up and buyers are venturing out to look at the possibility of purchasing a new home, spring flowers can often lighten anyone's mood, especially if it's still a little gloomy outside.

10. Some seasonal fruits/vegetables in the kitchen can speak to and connect with buyers - What do we do in kitchens? We eat and we cook... shouldn't a buyer feel they want to eat and cook in what could be their new kitchen… your kitchen?

As with all property staging, home staging for the seasons can make a home feel warmer and more like… well, home. Remember to avoid decorating with items that may suggest any religious connotations, such as a Christmas tree in order to maintain an open and airy feeling without limiting the number of buyers who might be connecting with your home, afterall not everyone celebrates Christmas and therefore they may not . Your home stager can help you create just the right balance.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Why You Should Never Sell An Empty House...Have You Ever Heard Of Metamerism? A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:06:17 -0800

There are a number of reasons why you should never try to sell an empty house, however even if you're home is in supreme condition or even newly built this is one fly in the ointment that will surely add to a rocky sale...

I recall receiving a call from a builder who had been trying to sell a home for almost 11 months. Despite trying to sell during a time when the Toronto real estate market was HOT.. multiple offers... homes selling well above list...etc. this home would not budge, not one offer..

So I went to have a look. My initial impression of the house was it had been painted a dark peach... Peach?!

Can you believe this person had painted their home to resemble a PEACH?!

I thought no wonder this builder had missed the hot housing market opportunity in Toronto, he has painted his house peach!

Fortunately when I stage a home I have special tools that allow me to measure colour. My colour swatches were indicating the colour was tan, but in this light it kept resinating as peach. It didn't matter what room I went to in the house every room appeared peach yet the home was actually tan.

The builder, who had been reluctant to stage in the past because he didn't believe it truly worked and was an unnecessary expense was desperate to try anything, so we entered into a staging agreement and I staged the home.

After staging the home.. adding furniture, area rugs, and more lighting the walls transformed and appeared a neutral tan... hmmm..

It then became clear to me this was the effect of an often overlooked Metamerism.

Well this home sold within a month with 2 offers. If you are trying to sell your home, especially in the Toronto real estate market it is important to keep your colours neutral and never underestimate the effects of metamerism.

The morale of this story is.... Metarmerism is defined by the appearance of surface colour impacted by lighting. When a property sits vacant, the shadows cast on surfaces such as the floors and the walls can alter how a person perceives the colours and can even make a wall look peach or even mauve. This alone can cause a buyer to walk away.

By staging the property with furniture, it minimizes the shadows and alters the light perception being cast so that buyers are less likely to be turned off by this effect. Buyers can now imagine a place where it is bright and open to whatever colour they decide.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Home Staging With an Eco-Conscience - Have You Ever Considered Indoor Air Quality As A Selling Advantage? - A Toronto Home Staging Perspective.

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:08 -0800

Regardless of where you live, when staging a home we always want to appeal to the largest number of buyers, why not consider home staging with an eco-conscious?

You may be wondering why you should even consider taking on such a project, afterall don't you already have enough work to do without then trying to be "green"?

Well if we truly want to be appeal to the largest number of buyers, let's consider the additional markets we may appeal to such as:

buyers who may have multiple chemical sensitivities
buyers who are trying to live with a greener conscience

Do you have buyers who have expressed they suffer with asthmatic conditions or buyers who are seeking a greener home?

Well in light of the fact both Canadians and Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, it is no wonder people have sensitivities to poor Indoor Air Quality.

Here are some tips and pointers that you can easily incorporate into your listing checklist when preparing your home for sale and don't be afraid to let your buyers know!

Products to Consider When Your Home Staging

Use Low VOC (Volative Organic Compound) Paints and Stains - Of the 10,000 chemicals that you will find in paint, 300 of those chemicals are known toxins and 150 are linked to cancer.

Many of these Chemicals can irritate some potential buyers like fresh cut grass and have been known to cause a host of health issues from breathing problems, headaches, and nausea, to burning watery eyes. Low VOC paints and stains can be found in most retail chains who sell paint.

If you need to install a new floor, why not consider wood With FSC Certification? This means the wood is provided by a managed forest where trees are added as they are removed, they are not simply logging 1,000s without replenishing the forest. Of the trees that are removed every year without consideration for the environmental ramifications, did you know a new species a week is being lost?

Bamboo Floor - this product is questionable, bamboo is a highly renewable source yes, but the amount of resins that are needed to produce this type of flooring can be high in VOCs and the amount of energy required to bring bamboo to North America is also a problem - In this case is cost out-weighing the gain?

Furniture With Natural Fibers - wool rugs and linen furnishings are both current and natural fibers.

Preparing Your Listing, Additional Things to Consider

Open the Windows Once A Day - the quality of outdoor air is much healthier than the quality of air you find indoors so when listing your property (in fact you should consider this everyday) open your windows to change the air.
Control the Humidity and Control the Growth of Harmful Bacteria and Mold - Some people are highly susceptible to mold and can detect it right away. Moisture build up on walls, windows and other surfaces can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Be sure to ventilate the air, making use of exhaust fans such as in the bathroom and kitchens every day when showering or cooking.
Clean Moldy Surfaces With Detergent.
Repair Leaky Walls, Basement, and the Roof.
Clean and Disinfect Humidifiers, De-Humidifiers, and Air-Conditioners.
Make Sure All Your Filters Are Clean.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

The Top 3 Accessories for Home Staging (Room-by-Room)

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:44:56 -0800

Accessories are an essential part of every home staging plan. They introduce colour, vibrancy, and character into a room and can provide a real wow factor. Prospective buyers will immediately start thinking how impressed their guests will be when they visit. They’ll already be imagining themselves living in the house: a great first step in how to sell a home. So, how should you accessorize each room so that buyers feel they are in a luxury home?

Top 3 Kitchen Accessories

Many buyers will make their decision based on the appearance of the kitchen. Ensure that your kitchen has the best decorating and design you can afford. You’ll be surprised how cost-effective home staging and furniture rental can be in Toronto.

Bowl of brightly coloured fruit—sticking to one colour (oranges or limes, for example) makes a real impact.
New cabinet handles and knobs—this can be an inexpensive way to give new life to old cabinets or to add a touch of class or character to newer ones. Your home stager can help you choose the knobs with just the right look – whether your home has a modern or country kitchen or anywhere in between.
Beautiful communal serving dish—placing an eye-catching serving set on a counter or island says, “This kitchen is a vibrant gathering place where you can entertain friends and family.”

Top 3 Living Room Accessories

Accent cushions—use complementary and contrasting colours and a variety of fabrics to add a touch of luxury and visual interest in the room.
Artwork—remember that artwork doesn’t have to be confined to the walls. An interesting sculpture on the floor or on an end table can add drama to a room and become a real focal point. Just make sure it won’t offend. Your home stager can provide affordable rentals to add that ‘Wow!’ factor.
Plants—It’s preferable to use real plants or a fresh flower arrangement as both can add a sense of freshness and natural beauty. Be sure to keep the flower arrangement fresh and the real plants watered, otherwise, this powerful accent can impact your sale negatively. Another option is to use artificial arrangements, however, make sure you use top quality, the plants are dust-free and accent these arrangements with a beautiful vase to create an even greater impact.

Top 3 Master Bedroom Accessories

Luxury bedding—make the bed look soft and inviting with rich colours and a mix of textures. Adding accent pillows and a throw will add to the effect.
Lamps—again, choose lamps made with high quality materials and a striking shape to add a touch of decadence. Lamps are one of our most popular furniture rentals and can add a feeling of intimacy and luxury to any home.
Mirror—a beautiful mirror can create a stylish, classy look. On a practical level, it will reflect light and give a sense of dimension and space.

Top 3 Bathroom Accessories

This is the other room that can ‘seal the deal’ with your prospective home buyers. When you are examining how to design this room, make sure you work closely with your home stager or interior decorator to get the right colour scheme and accessories.

Towels—arrange folded, fresh towels to give a splash of colour and soften the feel of a room that’s otherwise full of hard surfaces.
Candles—candles in a bathroom creates a sense of calm and a spa-like atmosphere, but be cautioned when lighting them during open houses as many people may be going through your home and you wouldn’t want an accidental fire when people (and children) walk by. A safe alternative would be to use high-quality battery-operated candles. They will still emulate a soft glow without causing any potential fire hazards.
Resort items—scented soaps, lotions, and creams in attractive packaging will evoke positive emotions in your buyers—relaxation, self-indulgence, tranquility.

The most important thing to remember when accessorizing is not to overdo it. First, clear away all clutter. Then select and arrange accessories carefully to create a certain mood in each room—a mood that prospective buyers will identify with and want to share with their own visitors. Make your buyers love the way that each room makes them feel … and watch the offers roll in.

Rachel Craggy and her staging team’s unique combination of design and business sense makes http://www.cmstaging.com an incomparable home staging resource for homeowners, builders, and realtors looking to give their property a competitive edge in today’s Toronto real estate market.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Are Your Sellers Reluctant to Consider Home Staging As A Marketing Necessity To Prepare Their Home For Sale? - Check Out These Toronto Home Staging Statistics

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:59:29 -0800

If you have sellers who are giving push back and still do not see the value of home staging, check out these home staging statistics, provided by Royal LePage Real Estate Services, conducted by Maritz Research.

Would sellers benefit by hiring a professional to prepare their home for sale?

"Over 90% of Canadians showcase small appliannces, such as microwaves, toasters, radios and blenders on their kitchen counters...buyers are interested in ample kitchen counter space."

How do sellers perceive their homes and their decor and will potential buyers agree?

"75% of Canadians would classify the style of their house as "current" or "somewhat current." These findings are counter to house staging specialists, who 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 $1,500."
"45% of Canadians classify themselves as a pack rat and in rural areas, the number rose to almost 53%"
"86% of Canadians ranked storage space as important to potential buyers"
"The top three interior features when selling a home were freshly painted walls (30%), flooring (29%) and organized storage space (20%)"
"Homebuyers decide whether or not to look in a house by teh appearance of its exterior...when asked...the number one answer was a well maintained yard (40%). A clutter-free yard and driveway ranked second (28%), while a newly painted exterior was third (18%)."

Sellers should be considering what other listings are doing to prepare their homes for sale if they want their home to compete on the real estate market.

"54% of Canadians think that $2,000 or more is the appropriate amount to spend in preparing a house for sale, with a surprising 25% willing to pay over $5,000."

For additional poll findings, click on the link below.

http://www.royallepage.ca/en/utility/news/previous/content.aspx?id=948&bottomcontent=874&toolstips=1052&relatedcontent=1074

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

HomeGain 2011 Top 5 D-I-Y Home Improvements for Sellers

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:01:44 -0800

Regardless of where you are located, even in Toronto, if you're getting your home ready for sale don't wait for the next survey to be released, the statistics for D-I-Y home improvements for 2011 are still very relevant. Below were the top 5 improvements recommended to sellers in the HomeGain Survey for 2011 based on average cost and return on investment (ROI).

Cleaning and de-cluttering ($290 cost/ $1,990 price increase/ 586% ROI/ 99% of realtors recommend.)
Lighten and Brighten ($375 cost/ $1,550 price increase/ 313% ROI/ 97% of realtors recommend.)
Home Staging ($550 cost/ $2,194 price increase/ 299% ROI/ 80% recommend.)
Landscaping ($540 cost/ $1,932 price increase/ 258% ROI/ 93% recommend.)
Repair Electrical or Plumbing ($535 cost/ $1,505 price increase/ 181% ROI/ 92% of realtors recommend.)

These statistics are based on survey responses from 600 real estate agents in different regions. Differences of opinions may vary per region and demographic market, climate or condition of the home. So if you live in Toronto and you're contemplating selling you're home here is a basic checklist to get you on your way.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

It's A New Year, So What Are the Experts Forecasting For 2012 And How Does This Effect Selling Real Estate In Toronto?

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:54:22 -0800

What Are the Financial Experts Forecasting for Canada in 2012?

Before we consider other sources, let's look at what financial experts are predicting for the Canadian market and what that could mean for the real estate market. For the beginning of 2012, the Bank of Canada anticipates 'weaker export demands, lower consumer confidence and therefore a slightly slower economic growth due to the financial conditions influenced by the impact of the European and US markets'.

On a positive note, the Bank of Canada anticipates it will be 'short lived'. Experts forecast 'increased consumer spending and business fixed investments to grow leading to a reacceleration of the global economy in the second half of the year'. This in turn, will bring with it '25 basis points increase for 2012'.

This information has been reference from the following website: http://www.rbc.com/economics/market/pdf/fmm.pdf

CM Staging Solutions Predictions for Real Estate in Toronto for 2012

Whether you follow the Bank of Canada's forecasts or the Chinese Calendar and the good fortune predictions that come with the Year of the Dragon, the question we want answers to is.... what is in store for real estate in 2012?

As many of you know, a decrease in consumer confidence can leave buyers slightly more hesitant about making big ticket purchases such as homes. In Toronto that translates into staging your listings is a definite must to incentifying buyers to close those pending real estate purchases.

As we've also seen in the past specifically in the Toronto Market, whenever there is a rumbling about interest rate hikes, this can further incentify buyers to capitalize on those lower interest rates which can lead to rush purchases and higher housing prices. But don't get too confident, even when markets are in a buying frenzy, homes that don't show well will still sit on the market so you should still take the necessary steps that come with home staging to get your home ready for sale.

Maybe its the buzz of interest rate increases or the ability to take advantage of still slightly elevated housing prices or the Year of the Dragon, we predict sellers will be getting their properties ready to be on the market sooner than later.

Something to also consider and certainly not to ignore is the Toronto condominium market. As builders in Toronto have started lowering prices even up to and including $60,000 in an effort to move more sedentary units, this in conjunction with other condominiums scheduled to come to market this year, will prove to bring an even greater need to be competitive with your condominium listing in order to get the most for your money and therefore there will be an even greater need for sellers to stage their condos.

The suspected decrease in condo prices opens up a growing market for investors, but with the increased number of investors getting into the game will also come the need for investors to be more competitive with their rentals. Landlords will benefit by staging to showcase the full potential of their rental suites and perhaps rent them as fully furnished units in an effort to not only rent but to rent for more money.

Please note, our predictions are merely fun predictions for 2012, we encourage you to comment and add your predictions for 2012 and we wish everyone all the best for the new year.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Challenges of Staging Condos and Tips to Overcome Them: A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:57:07 -0800

Size: I’m sure size is a challenge that is relevant to all large cities, not just Toronto. Undeniably condos come in a number of sizes and configurations which can make furniture space planning especially challenging. This is when understanding the importance of scale is critical to the success of a successful home staging. At the end of the day, people want their spaces to feel spacious and not cluttered, make sure the scale of your furnishings match the scale of the room your staging.

Configuration: The floor plan is relevant to all types of homes not just condominiums in Toronto. The floor plan will dictate the space and how you use the furniture. One suggestion is to look outside the box or the floor plan. Just because a builder has designated a particular space for the living room does not mean it has to be the living room. Transform the space into what makes sense.

Flow: When furnishing a vacant condo it is important to make sure there is a logical flow to each room. For example you should not have to walk from the kitchen through the living room to get to the dining room. This doesn’t make sense and will not leave a good impression with buyers. Although the condo may look good, intuition will tell the onlooker something doesn’t feel right. “It has a bad lay out.” This will de-value your condo and leave you with less money.

Style: Condos, at least in Toronto, come in a variety of different architectural styles and it is important to consider this when home staging. You don’t want to put traditional style furniture in a contemporary style condo. It will make the space feel dysfunctional and not connect with buyers. Always look at the architecture of the building, when buyers come to look at a condo in a particular building they have an expectation of the architectural style of the building itself and the buyer will most likely be expecting that same style when they enter your condo.

Elevator Availability: This should never be overlooked. I’m not sure how it is in other cities, but in Toronto security in a building can get very upset when tenants do not follow the policies for elevator reservations. Always ensure you book the elevator and do not wait until the day of delivery to try and make a reservation. Some security can be very strict and may not let you even unload. That can leave you either having to carry a sofa up possibly 10 flights of stairs or pay for a second delivery. When in doubt, ask.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

Checklist for Selling A Home During the Winter Months, A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:40:12 -0800

So you’re home is on the market and it’s Winter in Toronto, Ontario. Although of late, we’ve seen unseasonably warm temperatures, and as we all know that can change in an instant. Here is a simple check list to maximize the presentation of your home during this frosty time of year and hence maximize your offers.

Make sure all pathways to and around your home are cleared. In light of Toronto weather, as you know potential buyers, if their serious will not only want to walk to your house but also around it. Keeping it clean tells buyers this is a good purchase, this home has been well taken care of.
Keep the front inviting. Some seasonal planters will create a welcoming entrance.
If you are planning to have open houses keep a boot mat at the front door, maybe even 2 and an addition mat that can help to soak up some of the salty melting ice. This may sound excessive but believe me in Toronto this can be done without spoiling the aesthetic impression at the front door. After all, there is nothing worse then when you walk into an open house and the floor is soaked with salt and melting ice and the agent is asking you to take off your shoes (understandably) but there is no where to step without getting your socks soaked. Then when you leave you get soaked again and have to put your wet salty socks inside your shoes. Not a nice first impression.
Keep the heat on and the gas fireplace lit. The buyers have taken off their shoes and all they can think is how cold their feet are. Why is it so cold? This can be distracting and prevent a potential buyer from warming up to what a cozy home this could be.
It’s getting darker earlier, use light timers to keep the home looking bright and cozy from the inside and out, day and night. Remember “curb appeal, curb, appeal, curb appeal..”

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

What is a Home Stager and How Do I Shop For One? A Toronto Home Staging Perspective

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:25:27 -0800

You may find yourself reading this blog because someone, either a real estate agent, or a friend has suggested you should stage your home.

The question is who should stage my home, a home stager? What is a Home Stager?

Good question and what distinguishes one home stager from another? In fact with the popularity of the buzz words “home staging” it would appear everyone is staging homes today, home owners, real estate agents, etc.

In a nutshell, a home stager specialized in preparing residences for sale in the real estate market in such a way that your home appeals to the largest number of potential buyers which results in selling your home more quickly and for more money.

So how do you shop for a home stager?

1. The first thing you should ask to see is a portfolio. This will include a number of different pictures, including both before and after of different types of homes they have staged and their different successes.

2. References or referrals are also a good sign and so are testimonials. If someone suggests a particular home stager that is a good sign they have experienced a particular level of success with this individual.

3. You should ask a potential home stager to discuss what home staging is and what to expect. It is important if someone is going to stage your home you should understand what they’re doing and why without going into too much detail. A home stager will be able to give you an idea of how this transformation will impact you and your family if any and what the cost will be.

4. It is important at this time to let a home stager know if you have any budget restrictions. Home stagers will make recommendations from adding a few pillows and pictures to painting, changing door hardware, changing your floor, etc. The average home stager cannot quote and should not quote on behalf of a contract professional but the home stager needs to know if there are budget limitations. In Toronto the average price a home owner is prepared to spend when getting their home ready for market is 1% of their list price.

5. Time restrictions are also an important need to know. If you are looking to have your home ready for pictures tomorrow you should let your home stager know that. This will dictate what can be done with your home.

6. Since the home staging industry is a fairly unregulated business, there are organizations that some home stagers will align themselves with such as RESA (Real Estate Staging Association). This organization acts as a governing body of ethics among the home staging community. It is not mandatory and on that note, I know home stagers who are excellent and not members of RESA, but if this is something that is important to you, this may be a question to ask.

7. An important question to ask is if the home stager has any design knowledge, such as education or previous experience. There are courses that individuals can take to get certification and often decorators and interior designers will get certification. They are private and independently operated. Ideally if you are looking to hire a home stager and having certification would be beneficial, but not a must.

8. "The person who quotes the cheapest price is the home stager I'm going to hire." Buyer beware, you get what you pay for. Remember the saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

I hope this was helpful and best wishes with the sale of your home, I hope it’s profitable.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088

www.cmstaging.com

www.cmfurniturerental.com

The Winning Holiday Recipe - Congratulations to Jean Taylor this years Winner!

Rachel Craggy (CM Staging Solutions Inc) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:43:41 -0800

I would like to share our winner and the winning recipe who sent in the best holiday recipe with our December Newsletter. Please see our winner Jean Taylor's submission:

Hello Rachel;

I'm sending you a family favourite recipe. This entree is a big hit with the family especially during the holidays.

I like to serve this meal with a cabernet sauvignon, I'm sure it doesn't matter which one. Last year we paired it with Beringer Knights Valley. This recipe generally serves 6 although, we usually share it between 4 and make double the amount to entertain 8.

"Who Said Lambs Were Slow..To Cook?"

Ingredients

3 lbs boned lamb shoulder (or leg, shoulder is less dry)
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup beef or chicken stock
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Cut lamb into 2-inch pieces. Place in dish and toss with rosemary, garlic and 2 tbsp olive oil. Refrigerate for 24 hours, turn occasionally.

2. Preheat oven to 325°F.

3. Remove the marinade. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp oil in an ovenproof casserole on high heat. Brown lamb in batches about a couple of minutes each side or until a rich brown. Remove to plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium and add onions. Sauté for 1 minute, pour in wine, bring to boil for 1 minute. Add stock and stir. Return lamb to casserole, cover and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking for 45 minutes or until meat is tender and glazed with sauce. If sauce reduces too much, add a little water.

5. Remove lamb from sauce. Skim fat and strain. Return liquid and lamb to casserole. Taste sauce for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve lamb with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Excellent served with fresh vegetables and roast potatoes.

For more information on home staging in the Toronto area or furniture and accessory rental, contact me.

Rachel

80 – 2700 Dufferin St.

Toronto, ON M6B 4J3

416 256-0088