Setting the Stage

People buy lifestyle. Not only do you want to achieve a neat and clean, bright and uncluttered look, here you will find tips on creating lifestyle.

For years we've been decorating our listings to create lifestyle! Why? Because people buy emotionally- they buy your home because they love it! (if buyers buy a house they don't love, its because they want a deal!) Pretty homes sell faster and for more money. We are talking here about accessorizing-setting the stage.

Value, as defined in appraisal, is the future benefits derived from the purchase of the home- help people to visualize those benefits and they will get excited about buying your home! And this is easier than what you may think!

For example, if the best room in your home is a large, sunny kitchen, help people to visualize enjoying your kitchen. Present it is its most beautiful light. This does not need to be expensive. A large bowl of fresh fruit, a bunch of daisies or flowers that complement your colours, your best tablemats.

If you have a pretty throw blanket that matches your furniture, or if you've had your eye on a picture that complements your décor, it's time to buy it! No, don't worry about the extra nail holes in the wall!

Go into each room and ask yourself, how can we enhance the appeal of this room? In your bathrooms, put out your very best towels and mats, the pretty soap dish, put the cutest of the children's teddies on their beds. If you've ever yearned to create a Martha Stewart look, this is the time to do it. It does not mean redecoration, it means an added touch here and there. Do it this one time even if it's not your thing- it really works!

We believe in this so strongly, that we have a room full of 'fresh cut' silk flowers, pictures, throw cushions etc to add the decorative touch to our listings. Even the most beautiful homes can use an added touch, here and there.

The aim is to present your home in it's most appealing light, for both the agents and buyers. Over the years we've had agents ask why we always get the pretty homes to sell! Also, the marketing time on our listings is less the half the average marketing time.

By the way, agents love to show attractive homes. It makes their job a lot easier. Focus your efforts on the rooms that you've enjoyed the most, in other words, enhance the best features of the home. Don't forget the outside areas like the front entrance and patios. It's fun and very worthwhile.

Other important tips:

First impressions are crucial. Does your front door look freshly painted? Plant flowers if the season permits.
Clean and neat as a pin, also aim for a bright, spacious and an uncluttered look. Put away as much 'stuff" as possible.
Clear the kitchen and bathroom counters, remove shoes and boots from your front hallway etc. You are aiming for a spacious look, and stuff interrupts the eye.
Open blinds and drapes wide, except perhaps those that side onto a neighbour's wall. Angle the blinds, if your can!
Keep the light burning at all times, as well as table lamps- you'll cover the higher hydro bill many times over! Light the fire in the winter- time.
Sometimes it's a good idea to move your favourite Lazy boy into the basement. Does your furniture arrangement maximize the feeling of space?

There is no doubt, keeping the house up for showings can be hard on a family, but worth your while and the stage setting pays great dividends in fetching your top dollar.