78% of a potential homebuyer's decision about a house is made before actually seeing the interior - based on location and size; Many potential homebuyer's make up their mind about a house before even entering it! For this reason alone it becomes crucial to step outside the box and view a house as a potential homebuyer would. Image is everything.
With spring slowly creeping up on us, the sun is shining, the snow is melting. And unfortunately, the sunny days create an unsightly, mucky entrance. It is time to fix things up. When selling a house in this weather we need to think green. As the grass begins to peek through the snow, consideration is needed to be given for how it is going to look with the snow gone. It is time to think of landscaping and how to make a house stand out with exterior accents.
A great green idea for an exterior is to think inside the plant box. There are many different places to purchase topiaries, whether they be real or faux, without spending a fortune. We have found that plant boxes with topiaries are a wonderful accent to any front walkway. Even smaller ones create the illusion of a well-cared for yard. This will grab the attention of a potential homebuyer and guide them towards the front door in anticipation of a similar visual experience inside the home.
Once they get to that front door, remember to welcome them in with welcome mats, exterior and interior. This will help with the muck and create a homey feeling at the same time.
Keep in mind that none of these exterior tips will be of any help if the landscaping is lacking. As the green beer is flowing this month, think of the green grass flowing under that snow and the prospect of that being your key to luring potential buyers to your front door.
When staging a house, using neutral colors is imperative so as to appeal to the maximum amount of potential homebuyers. Most of us know the basic neutral colors of beige, taupe, white, creams and lighter tans. The reason we use these tones is that many people could be turned-off of colors that are too dark, too bold or too "personalized" and in turn be turned-off of the house that could be their potential home. While these tones are perfect for walls and furniture using too many throughout a house can wash it out.
How you can make a space POP while still using neutral tones?
There are many tricks we use to create that all important WOW factor. Without giving all our trade secrets away we can tell you that having a chosen "pop" color to enhance your space is key.
With a "pop" color, as we call it, we can create flow and accent some of a house's main selling features. And what better way to have your "pop" color displayed than in the use of accessories, and most importantly with... pillows!
In Vol. 5, Iss. 1 of Calgary's Home to Home Magazine there is an article, Pillow Talk, by local Calgary designer Sandra Young that has really caught our attention. As we already have a love of using great pillows in our staged homes, we are extra pleased that someone else is showcasing that love for us! Please click here to view Pillow Talk, and read what we are talking about.
In our February newsletter we have chosen pictures of a recent property that we staged. In this property the basics - walls, trims and cabinetry, are done in neutral tones. Without the right accessories a beautiful home such as this one could become muted and just another property. If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter please send us an email to info@ez-design.ca.
Using the same color throughout this spectacular property creates the flow that is needed and more.
Through the careful arranging of furniture, accessories, and COLOR, (not forgetting the all important pillow...) we were able to create the WOW factor needed for potential homebuyers to see what could be their next home.
What one word describes Shayla Noel and Sherrie Robinson, the mother-and-daughter team who recently launched EZ Design Staging? If one asks coworkers, associates, and clients, the word is "unforgettable"!
For some time, the circumstances in their lives had been catapulting them towards this moment. Shayla had just given birth to her second child and the company in which Sherrie worked had recently been sold. As a result, both Shayla (daughter) and Sherrie (mother) simultaneously came up with the idea to establish their own company. Inspired by Shayla's sons, Erik and Zachary, EZ Design Staging was born.
Shayla and Sherrie sat down and discussed the attributes that their ideal company would possess. As a mother of two young children, Shayla felt it important to have a career that enabled her ability to choose her own hours, thereby offering the flexibility to be with her children.
While this was important to Sherrie, Shayla's mother also enjoyed the freedom to set her own prices. Both women appreciate the fact that their business is a labour of love and that finally, both of them are truly doing exactly what they want to do.
Although the timing of their new venture was fortuitous, the seeds had been planted years ago. As a young girl, Sherrie had dreams of becoming famous, studying drama throughout school and doing some modeling following graduation. It was then that she found her love for the other end of the design world and promptly enrolled in Fashion Design College, receiving her certificate with honors.
Her tenure at college was where she developed her eye for colour, original creativity and intuitive business savvy--a powerful combination for the home staging business. Moreover, her daughter's interior decorating skills were honed at the tender age of 5 as she dutifully informed her grandmother, "That couch doesn't look right on that wall". At age 9, Shayla's "eye for straight lines" and uncanny ability to notice improperly-hung paintings, photographs, and door frames, assisted many family members.
An award-winning artist since her teens and a high school Art scholarship recipient, Shayla had always wanted to utilize her artistic abilities in a meaningful way. Although talented in all artistic media, Shayla received most rave reviews for her pencil drawings.
Prior to her maternity leave, she had worked in property management, which enabled her to learn a great deal about real estate. While she enjoyed her real estate education, Shayla felt disappointed at the fact that her position did not enable her to utilize her vast creativity. At the property management firm, however, coworkers were amazed at Shayla's excellent organizing skills and soon she was arranging all of the offices' files and contracts. When she left to commence EZ Design Staging, her colleagues were immensely excited for her.
Not only do Shayla's experiences serve her well in her current role, but Sherrie's business skills were helpful as she advised a friend around the sale of a decorating company. Sherrie's wise encouragement was evident as she counseled, "You can't quit; you own the company."
Soon after, as Residential Manager for a Cleaning Company, "the stage was [beginning to be] set" for Sherrie's new business venture. As a result, Shayla's organizing abilities, combined with Sherrie's financial capabilities, came into play during the creation of EZ Design Staging's first year business plan. With this set-up, Shayla happily exclaims, "There is so much potential to succeed!"
Not only do these two business partners possess the inherent skills and background experience to run EZ Design Staging, but they are ambitious life-long learners who believe in enhancing their professional development.
Shayla and Sherrie just completed the Certified Staging Professional program, and are well on the way to receiving their Residential Interior Decorating Certificate. As such, they plan to take at least one course per year to keep current with developing trends in the residential staging industry. In fact, Shayla and Sherrie are already enrolled in next year's Staging and Decorating Conference.
Furthermore, the unstoppable ambition of these two ladies has translated into their joining Toastmasters, Roaring Women, and the Real Estate Staging Association, as well as networking with other useful contacts. Calgary's huge real estate market boom is a great opportunity for the "Staging for Sale" division of their business. Their mandate is for house sellers "to get the most equity for what they can" and "to make big bucks" from the dynamic duo's application of their talent to fixer-uppers and higher-end homes. To this end, clients describe Shayla and Sherrie as enthusiastic, optimistic, "un-terrified", and determined.
Additionally, Shayla and Sherrie also believe in following their gut in the implementation of new ideas. For example, not only do they offer staging services to the Calgary real estate market, but also provide "Staging for Living". This is a unique service for those individuals who "no longer see what they've done" when they have inhabited a house for many years. Shayla and Sherrie clear the clutter and children's toys to render these homes aesthetically-pleasing, stylish, and comfortable.
When asked for their advice to budding entrepreneurs, both Shayla and Sherrie echo each other's sentiments by exclaiming, "Go for it--just do it." The ladies believe that if one has a dream or a goal, one must pursue it. When queried about their future expansion plans, these business partners comment, "go big or go home", one of their favourite tenets. Shayla and Sherrie have big plans to expand their business, space, and activities.
Both mother and daughter desire a successful growing business, a happy family, and a legacy to pass onto future generations, described as "something for ourselves and our family".
When asked about hobbies, it becomes evident that their thirst for life and varied interests keep them busy and satisfied. Both women play darts in the City of Calgary Dart League with their extended family whom are lovingly known as "the twisted sisters". Ladies' golf is one of Sherrie's favourite summer pastimes, while Shayla is a voracious reader of classics, mysteries, "business for dummies", decorating, and the list goes on.
They continue, "Remember, we are not here for a long time; we should enjoy the things we love and the things we love to do." Most definitely, it is obvious that Shayla and Sherrie are both doing exactly that as they embark on this exciting voyage together.
Written by Olga Cordeiro, Roaring Women
We work with you and your clients, to show the space you are selling and to bring about the desired results for a reasonable fee. It is recommended to always stage before any marketing or showing starts and that it is kept staged right through the selling process. Marketing and selling a house is different than living in it. Staging a property is the only measurable marketing service that can be done to secure the equity a homeowner has in their property. Be sure and forgo the risk - keep it staged!
Are your clients finding the selling process stressful? EZ Design Staging can say with confidence, when a property is priced right, having it staged will make all the difference in the world to both the selling price and days on the market. With home staging, a house will sell faster, equaling less headaches and hassles - relieving the strain that your clients are surely under.
EZ Design Staging can guarantee that any money invested in staging your property, will be much less than a price reduction!
The real estate bargain hunters are out in full force looking for those great deals. Ensure that your property is on their short list by hiring a Certified Canadian Staging Professional TM to stage your property.
Not only will home staging make your property show better, but will also help ensure that you get the most equity and in the shortest amount of time.
As the housing market is continuing to slow down, the need to up your game in selling a house is essential. Prices will be lowered, competition will be fierce and many homeowners will be left with multiple mortgages.
Why not do everything possible to give you that leverage you need?
Contact EZ Design Staging today and see how we can work with you to make your property stand out above the rest in this buyers market.
EZ Design Staging deals with homeowners and Realtors alike, continually learning more about how to relate to our target markets and showcase what will be "their" dream home, especially important in today's delicate market.
Remember, once you decide to put a house up for sale it becomes a commodity, it is no longer a home but a property; a property that could be your potential buyers dream home.
Home Staging and More! EZ Design Staging - Revealing Your Home's Potential.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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