Spring Property Staging Tip

Property staging has become commonplace in real estate, and for good reason. A property that presents well, both in photos and in person, attracts more visitors and interest than one that is not – it’s just that simple. This is in addition to the fact that some have argued that, post-staging, a home may be able to be sold for slightly more than initially thought.

There are many great property staging tips online so we have picked out some of our favourites.

CityLine released a blog and video which groups how you should tackle home staging into 4 categories: sight, smell, sound and touch http://www.cityline.ca/2014/06/fool-proof-home-staging-tips-to-sell-your-home/. Interesting because if you look at many of the tips offered in popular home staging blogs, each tip fits neatly into the categories listed above.

Top Home Staging Tips released by CanadianLiving.com: aside from de-cluttering, which is a common theme amongst home staging blogs, this blog places a high emphasis on cleanliness. Many of the tips deal with replacing linens, towels, giving the kitchen and bathrooms intense cleanings, paying attention to the condition of everything in the home, cleaning all furniture, fixtures, lighting, etc… http://www.canadianliving.com/life/money/top_15_home_staging_tips_2.php.

HGTV’s http://www.frontdoor.com/photos/staging-to-sell-or-stay-in-spring also had a great blog covering spring property staging tips. Their blog follows a very similar theme: de-clutter and make sure everything is clean, sparkling clean. They even go as far as to recommend buffing floors and washing walls.

For spring they go on to recommend:

• Swapping out colour themes where possible with light, bright springtime colors.
• Open drapes and blinds to get as much natural sunshine shining in as possible.
• Improve the aroma – look to scented candles to create a fresh aroma throughout the home.
• Make sure you have taken down any exterior fall/winter décor and put out fresh flowers.

Your client may also want to consider what can go. Perhaps a spring garage sales is at hand, not only to get rid of unwanted clutter but also to raise funds for home staging.

Finally, with spring here, exterior staging is also important. Some spring tips for exterior home staging include:

• Gardening – trim the trees and plant some flowers.
• Rent a power washer to wash your entrance way, walkway and driveway, the garage door, front door and windows. If they still look dirty consider a fresh coat of paint, including on the driveway. Paint is inexpensive and really freshens things up.
• Get rid of junky looking outdoor furniture, bring in the kids’ basketball net and other outdoor clutter.

We hope that this blog is helpful and helps you work with your clients to freshen things up for their spring time listing.

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