staging: Winter Staging Tips - 11/21/08 06:31 AM
A few helpful reminders when showing your home in the winter season.
ensure that outside steps and walkways are always clear of snow & ice
ensure that your exterior lighting is adequate
ensure that your home is a comfortable temperature - but not TOO warm as potential buyers will be wearing coats … (0 comments)
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staging: In the News ! - 09/15/08 12:38 PM
I'm very pleased to report that I was recently quoted (along with one of my CRDA colleagues - Susan Brown), in mainstream media.
The article, entitled "Tricks to make small spaces seem bigger", appeared in the Globe and Mail Real Estate Section, on August 22, 2008.
Again, thanks to Sandra MacLennan … (5 comments)
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staging: Sanity for Small Space Living - 08/12/08 08:43 PM
When dealing with a small space, such as a student dorm, first apartment or tiny condo you must effectively utilize your vertical living space. Shelving and storage will be your new best friends. Also be sure to look for pieces that are small scale, streamlined and multi-functional. This can be a … (1 comments)
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staging: What to look for ... - 06/18/08 07:15 AM
I'd like to share these home inspection tips that my colleague Jim Walker provided for one of my recent newsletters. I've invited him to join ActiveRain, so hopefully we'll "see" him soon!
Here are some important things to look for in your own home or when you are thinking of buying a … (5 comments)
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staging: Discounts Available - 06/18/08 07:05 AM
For any homeowner or Realtor in the GTA, CRDA (Canadian ReDesigners Association) members can offer you significant savings on portable storage units and paint products to help get those listings ready for sale.
Our members in other regions across the country can also provide these discounts where facilities are available.
… (3 comments)
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staging: Curb Appeal for a Quick Sale - 06/16/08 07:10 AM
You're planning to sell your home and have spent much time decluttering closets and basements, painting and primping your rooms and now it's almost time for the big day. Your Realtor is coming to take photos and do a virtual tour for your debut on MLS !
The exterior of your … (10 comments)
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staging: Instant Updates for your Room - 05/08/08 05:41 PM
Oh it's sad but true, I've seen all of these things recently. Please do yourself a favour and spring into the current decade.
10 Things to Remove NOW
doilies
dusty silk or dried flowers
macrame plant hangers or wall hangings
plastic, lucite or cardboard photo frames
pleated lampshades
balloon style … (7 comments)
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staging: Why Should a Home be Staged? - 04/03/08 02:27 PM
A good first impression is critical, and a house (like any individual) has only one chance to make that important first impression. It takes less than 60 seconds for a potential buyer to decide whether or not they like a home. Sometimes, they won't even get out of the car. Curb … (4 comments)
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staging: CRDA Photo Contest 2007 - 10/05/07 11:47 AM
I am very pleased to announce the winners of our association's annual photo contest.
At our 5th Annual Conference, members of the Canadian ReDesigners Association voted for the best redesign and best home staging of the year, as demonstrated by their peers. The first place award in the redesign category was presented … (2 comments)
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staging: Canadian Redesigners Conference 2007 - WOW - 10/03/07 11:07 AM
I returned from Kelowna BC on Monday night full of renewed energy and enthusiasm. Our Conference was fantastic ! Guest speakers Mandie Crawford, Rob Hatch, Doreen Cardwell, Davis Kyle and Stephanie Tracey inspired us and provided us with valuable information. Some of our own members were featured in the Spotlight on … (6 comments)
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staging: Do You Need Me? - 09/07/07 12:07 PM
DO YOU NEED A HOME STAGER?
Are you thinking of selling your home in the near future?
Are you unsure of how your home appears to potential buyers?
Are you unsure of what upgrades or repairs will give you the most return for your money?
Do you lack the time and skill necessary to prepare … (1 comments)
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staging: CRDA President offers great Staging Advice on the West Coast - 08/19/07 08:46 AM
Val Sharp, President of the Canadian Redesigners Association, has had recent coverage in the Vancouver Sun with an article on useful staging tips for the homeowner. This article pinpoints the reason for staging a home and gives practical advice on the details that can be missed by the homeowner themselves. It helps … (2 comments)
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staging: It was a good month ... - 06/01/07 03:35 PM
June 1st ?
Excuse me, but how did the month of May pass by so quickly? I know the old saying "time flies", especially when you're busy ... but THAT was ridiculous !
Being busy does have its rewards though. As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, clearing my office also … (5 comments)
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staging: Monday Morning Musing - 05/28/07 08:04 AM
Just like a house on the market, individuals only have one chance to make a good first impression. Nice curb appeal, a freshly painted door and lovely entranceway will welcome the buyers in ... but the rest of the house will have to shine if you want to keep them there.
I … (5 comments)
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staging: Do you have what it takes? - 05/18/07 07:19 AM
With the recent talk in other Blogs about why some stagers succeed and some do not, I thought this would be helpful to anyone contemplating the business (or any business). It's a fun quiz to take even if you are already in business ... I tried it myself. And I'm really … (2 comments)
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staging: Trash Bags - 04/29/07 07:51 AM
http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/208159
Check out the photo of the second home (Bloor West Village - $500,000). Why would anyone take a photo for real estate purposes with a couple of trash bags sitting at the curb ? Stuff like this really bugs me. It's as bad as leaving the toilet seat up or the … (1 comments)
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staging: Newsprint ! - 04/16/07 07:58 AM
I much prefer reading the newspaper online because the ink stays on the screen and my Blue Box stays empty ! So here are a few clippings from my weekend reading ... and I didn't even have to use the scissors.
"Garden room fad sprouting new roots" - http://www.thestar.com/Athome/article/202202
"Website helps avoid shoddy contractors" … (1 comments)
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staging: Moving Checklist - 04/16/07 07:44 AM
Here's another handy list from HGTV.ca (http://www.hgtv.ca/realestate/re_tools_check_moving.aspx). This would be a terrific handout for clients.
I'm curious to know if any stagers include a packing service along with the decluttering process or do you simply instruct the homeowner on which items can be put away before you return to stage the rooms.
… (3 comments)
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staging: Open House Checklist - 04/16/07 06:45 AM
If you go to the HGTV.ca website (http://www.hgtv.ca/realestate/re_tools_check_openhouse.aspx) you can download a handy "Open House Checklist" in pdf format.
In this section you'll also find other useful tools like a "Mortgage Calculator", "Real Estate Glossary" and a "Home Buying Worksheet".
I should note that all of this information is sponsored by Coldwell … (10 comments)
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staging: The Ladybug - 04/08/07 09:37 AM
By now some of you may have noticed the ladybug on my profile and website, etc. I thought I should let you know how she came to be. When I created my logo I decided that I wanted an image to go along with it. Something that would catch the eye … (8 comments)
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staging: Furniture Consignment Stores - 04/04/07 07:01 AM
I believe I mentioned this in one of my comments on another blog entry, but I'll post it here for everyone in the Toronto / GTA. This furniture consignment store is a great place to pick up staging inventory or pieces for clients - they carry everything from full suites of … (3 comments)
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staging: Housing Trends - 04/04/07 06:24 AM
Here's another good article from The Toronto Star, Homes section that talks about the shift from size to style and finishes.
It predicts that the "supersized" house trend will likely be over within the next decade. Hurray ! We never did like those MONSTER homes that popped up along an old street filled … (1 comments)
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staging: Painting - 04/03/07 08:55 AM
I found this great article on the HGTV (Canada) site, by Benjamin Moore color expert Jane Lockhart. It is entitled "How to Paint Just About Anything" and includes tips for painting surfaces like tile, panelling, laminates etc. Good to know for those quick fixes when staging a home.
http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=1915&cat=1&by=3
Jane's TV show - … (5 comments)
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staging: Realtor Safety - 04/03/07 08:08 AM
I found this article some time ago on the Interior Redesign Directory website, which some of you may be aware of. It is entitled Safety First: Before Listing Your Home, Remove That "Block of Knives"
(My apologies if it has already been posted here)
This is a good reminder for Realtors and homeowners … (1 comments)
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staging: Color Resources - 03/25/07 03:39 PM
For those of you interested in color as it relates to redesign or staging (and who isn't ??), the Sherwin-Williams paint company has a great website with a lot of information.
http://www.swstir.com/use.do?method=topics
Also, I would be interested to know who has heard of the Dewey Color System - http://www.deweycolorsystem.com/default.htm and what are your thoughts … (5 comments)
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staging: Home Improvement Projects - 03/25/07 03:30 PM
For those that missed it on the HGTV.ca website, here is a great article on the "Ten Home Improvement Projects that Add Value" - http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=2113&cat=4&by=2
Why not start on some of these projects while you are still living in the home and can enjoy the effort of all your hard work ?
And … (5 comments)
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staging: How NOT to Show a Listing - 03/24/07 02:44 PM
If ever a home needed staging ...http://www.preacanada.com/saintjohn/mitchell/multiphoto.php?property=12926
See dining room photos in particular, but the bears are EVERYWHERE including the master bathroom and even the billiards room.
It's a good idea to check your local realtors' listing photos on-line or in the local paper "home of the week" section and when you see … (4 comments)
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staging: ReDesign Staging - 03/21/07 08:30 AM
Take any room from cold to cosy, again using exclusively what the homeowner has. None of these pieces work particularly well together - the size and scale is off - but my recent group of students managed to pull of this look. Needless to say the homeowner was thrilled with the … (9 comments)
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staging: More Staging Photos - 03/19/07 09:42 AM
Thank you fellow members for the positive feedback on my other blog entries. These photos demonstrate how another very sparse room can be made to look warm & inviting. Again we used only what the homeowner had available. Our only recommendation was the addition of an area rug to anchor the … (3 comments)
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staging: Good Resource Site - 03/15/07 10:33 PM
http://www.homestars.ca/directory.aspx
This website link is a Toronto (GTA) directory of renovators, retailers and repairmen. A good resource list for tradespeople and home related services. Stagers can post their business listing at no charge. Your clients can then post their testimonials to your listing.
There is also a section for our counterparts in the Vancouver … (0 comments)
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staging: Accessorize with Style - 03/14/07 04:15 PM
Quick Tips for Accessorizing with Style
A collection is 3 or more - but always use an odd number. This will reinforce the rule that triangular shapes are visually pleasing.Look at colour, theme, texture and shape when forming a collection - 3 Native carvings; 5 square objects; 7 blue items.Make sure items … (0 comments)
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staging: Staging Photos - 03/14/07 04:07 PM
A good example of how to stage an empty room or one that is under utilized. The space was likely intended for a home office or small library, situated on the main floor of $600,000+ home in Oakville. This job was done together with my colleague Tamara Welbourn. All of the items used were already … (3 comments)
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staging: The Art of Hanging Art - 03/13/07 04:02 PM
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But it takes more than a hammer and nail to make a statement. Whether you have an original Monet or a print from Ikea, here's how to make the most of it.
The most common mistake is hanging artwork too high. Forget about … (0 comments)
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staging: What is ReDesign? - 03/07/07 03:50 PM
The term is now quite popular, and the concept is simple. Yet many people are unclear of how a redesign can benefit their space. Think of it as a make-over, facelift or rejuvenation of the beautiful things you already own. Imagine your rooms as those shown in a model home. You … (0 comments)
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staging: Home Staging Tips - 03/07/07 02:57 PM
• De-clutter each room• De-personalize and keep those personal items out of site• Focus on the positive selling features of each room• Create a focal point in the living, dining and family rooms• Create a serene atmosphere in bedrooms and bathrooms• Neutralize the décor to appeal to more buyers• Edit and remove unnecessary furniture and accessories• Remove fridge … (1 comments)
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staging: Get Your Asking Price ... or More - 03/07/07 02:55 PM
If you are thinking about putting your house on the market now and hope to sell, move and get settled as quickly as possible - home owners take note. The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home. Even though you spent countless hours … (0 comments)
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