About Waterloo County, ON

I just want to thank everyone who responded to my blog post about hanging things on exposed brick walls - they were all really helpful! The builder however was really against "anything" being hung there so we worked around it and here is the finished product!

You can view more of the "Before & Afters" at our Facebook Fan Page @ http://www.facebook.com/ads/manage/#/pages/Kitchener-ON/Rooms-in-Bloom-Home-Staging/19265825355

This condo was just over 500 sq feet and when you have such a small space its vital to ensure that NONE of it is wasted! We were concerned because the living room space was tight and there was this huge space as you entered the condo, right around the kitchen. We didn't want buyers to wonder what to do with the space so we came up with a great solution!

Below is how we handled the focal wall in the living room space without hanging anything. We think it turned out beautifully!

Here is a true story, a lesson in fact, in the importance of working with a mortgage specialist to get an accurate picture of your present financial situation. It's not enough to sit down with your standard bank representative, and chat for 5 minutes about the key details of your income and expenses.

You need someone who asks all the pertinent questions, because this sort of investigative work is in your best interest. It can help protect you from the burden of taking on a loan that would stretch you to your last penny, and leave you unprotected should some unforeseen events arise. It can also prevent the awful situation of falling in love with a home; negotiating the price to something you are comfortable and happy with, only to find that you are unable to secure the necessary financing to complete the purchase.

These mistakes are completely avoidable and can lead to a more enjoyable experience, especially for first time home buyers

Who else do you need? Call me now to learn how to build your complete team!

Selection assistance? I also do that. The highest offer on table is not always the best offer, and I help you understand why. Consider an ESA inspection clause, that could cost you several thousand dollars in electrical repairs/updates, or a Sale of Buyers Property clause that could take your home off the market for several weeks. All of a sudden, the offer at a few thousand dollars below asking price is looking pretty good...

All too often homeowners are in a scramble to get their house on the market, so that they don't miss the perceived "window of opportunity". No doubt, that actually does exist in some markets at different times of the year, but is taking an extra couple of days going to make such a huge difference that a home should be photographed and presented while not yet looking it's best?

Actually, rushing to get on the market can work against you.

Buyers make decisions for a number of reasons, not the least of which is an emotional connection to the house. They also need to see the "space" without an overwhelming sense of the people that live there, before they can picture themselves moving in. Both of these connections can best be achieved by putting some extra effort into getting the home ready, and turning it into the "marketable product" that it needs to be.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when preparing to sell:

• Is the curb appeal welcoming and inviting so that prospective buyer's will get out of their cars, or are they going to drive right by?
• When they enter, are they greated with a warm, neutral environment that invites them to linger?
• Are the colours and decor on-trend or outdated?
• Is the home clutter-free? Have you reduced items and objects by pre-packing?
• Can buyer's see beyond your personality and taste to truly feel the space you are selling?

A professional stager will guide the homeowner through the process of identifying priorities and the order in which they should be addressed, to ensure your house hits the market looking it's best.

New View Home Staging is a professional staging and property styling company providing services to both Realtors and Homeowners. We offer effective and affordable solutions to properly prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale, by creating winning first impressions that appeal to the broadest base of buyers. Christine Bird, owner and lead stager is a Certified Canadian Staging Professional.

To ensure you are "list ready" call for a consultation! It takes a couple of hours, and could be the difference between a profitable transaction or a so-so sale. 519-505-0892.

www.newviewhomestaging.ca

We had the opportunity to work with some great sellers at a stunning home in Branchton. After doing a consultation for them, we advised them on everything from paint colours to new lighting for the dining room and powder room. We then came in and staged last week with some great rental furniture, our home decor accessories and combined them with the seller's existing furniture.

The results? Spectacular! I have created a great slideshow on Flickr for anyone who wants to view it and here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roomsinbloom/sets/72157619783432236/

And the backyard is simply to die for ... I'm trying to convince my husband we need to buy this home! LOL! Its one of the downfalls when you work in the real estate industry and can appreciate beautiful homes that every once in awhile you tumble into love with a property. Well this one's "it" for me! We'll see ..

Here are a few pics below to give you an idea of the home:

UPDATE: This home sold in 3 days for 99.4% of the asking price! The sellers opted, against the advice of their Realtor to list it $30K above the suggested listing price - and boy did that pay off! The buyer loved the home so much she stretched her budget by 100K to buy this home! The sellers are so thrilled that they have asked us to redesign their new home!