staging: Professional Development for Home Stagers* - 09/07/11 09:51 AM

 
This is a personal invitation to attend the CRDA Professional Development Days.
 
Please CLICK HERE for dates and details. 
There will be one event in Mississauga ON (October 22) and one event in Delta BC (October 15).
 
You don't need to be a member to attend - simply REGISTER ONLINE as a guest and follow the instructions. 
 
Non-member cost is just $165 before October 1.
 
* Also open to those in related industries
 
 
 
I look forward to seeing you there !
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staging: Vacant Home Staging - 08/17/11 07:57 AM
When staging a vacant property that doesn't warrant or suit furniture rental, pay attention to the details. 
Ensure all closets and storage spaces are completely cleared out. Remove heavy drapery treatments or swags. Update all light fixtures. Add a few artificial plants. Clean up the yardspace. Make sure it the home is clean, bright and fresh - inside and out. You can still create atmosphere with borrowed pieces such as a wicker chair on the porch or a little bistro set to create an eat-in kitchen space.
 
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staging: Congrats, my friend ! - 03/27/11 08:46 AM
She's so modest. 
My dear friend and colleague sends me an email to say ... "if you get a chance, pick up the April issue of MORE magazine" because there's an article that mentions the CRDA and Havens for Healing.  Oh that's great news for our Association and our charity partnership with Ovarian Cancer Canada, I think as I rush of to my corner store to pick up a copy!  She's always doing something to help promote this wonderful project and our members across Canada. 
Back home, curled up on the couch, I'm flipping through the magazine to search for the above mentioned … (3 comments)

staging: WINTER STAGING - 01/29/11 08:50 AM
Don't get snowed in!Be sure to keep your driveway, walkways, porch and even the patio / deck clear of snow and ice.Remember that outdoor rooms add value to your home, so give potential buyers the ability to step out and imagine the summer fun.
 
http://www.sandiathome.com/tipsjanuary2009.htm
 
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staging: Congrats to my recent graduates - 11/01/10 12:55 PM
Just completed another 5 day redesign & staging course, welcoming two more members to the CRDA.  Congratulations to Michele Pare of Beaconsfield, Quebec and Margaret Pereira of Mississauga, ON.  Good job, ladies. 
What was especially noteworthy for this class, was that all three client homes were repeat customers.  Two of the homeowners had moved since their first redesign, and the third one is now planning to sell.  This says alot for the benefit of our services.  My favorite type of redesign job is the "move in" ... helping people settle into their new home and essentially making them "feel at home".
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staging: ReDesign & Staging Conference Invitation - 09/08/10 09:49 AM
For the first time ever, the Canadian ReDesigners Association opens its Annual Conference to non-members !
If you are a home stager or redesigner and wish to attend, please visit our website for all Conference details and registration information.  The Conference takes place in Toronto October 22-24, 2010 at the Hotel Novotel on the Esplanade.
Take advantage of the early bird registration before September 21 !
Plan to join us for an informative and exciting weekend.
 

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staging: Patio Season - 05/04/10 08:12 AM
This is the ideal time to draw attention to your outdoor living space when selling your home.  
The patio, deck and yard provide so much additional square footage for growing families and those that love to entertain.  In this spring market, it is important to emphasize the potential of an outdoor room.  Ensure that your patio furniture is set up with new cushions and an umbrella shade; uncover the BBQ and keep greasy cleaning brushes out of sight.  Keep the lawn and flower beds tidy; and keep children's outdoor toys to a minimum or create a specific play area. 
Let the buyers imagine themselves enjoying … (0 comments)

staging: CTV Canada AM - Home Staging - 01/28/10 08:10 AM
I'm very proud to say that the Canadian ReDesigners Association (CRDA) was featured on Canada AM this morning in a segment on home staging.  It is especially noteworthy to say that the home has since sold.  Our President, Cyrese Samuel, and her team did an excellent job.
Here is a link to the video clip (CLICK ON "Staging Your Home to Sell" on the right side of web page):
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100125/added_value_100125/20100125?hub=CanadaAMV2
REALTORS and HOMEOWNERS listen up, this is what we can do for you !

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staging: ladybugs ! - 10/22/09 06:53 PM
As you know, the ladybug is part of my logo. This beautiful little bug is also well recognized as a symbol of good luck. When I looked out my patio door yesterday, I noticed there were hundreds of ladybugs perched upon it. I realize they're probably everywhere at this time of year, but I'm going to take this as a sign ... they were sent to tell me that my business will now flourish and grow. I certainly will have more time to devote to my own marketing efforts now that my term as President of the CRDA is up, and … (1 comments)

staging: Summer Staging Tips - 06/24/09 11:05 AM
Well summer has officially arrived and in the GTA it's been very HOT.  I'm not complaining ... this warm weather was long overdue and much anticipated.  But no matter what the conditions, you can always hear someone commenting on the weather.
When selling your home at this time of year, you want to ensure that the inside temperature is comfortable.  Not too frosty please !  Most people will be dressed for the heat and will simply shiver indoors, causing them not to linger. 
Many people keep the blinds down and draperies drawn in an attempt to keep out the heat.  However, … (1 comments)

staging: Featured in "House Keys" - 03/18/09 06:48 AM
I'm proud to say that my blog article "When a House becomes a Home" was featured in the March 16, 2009 issue of the casaGURU newsletter "House Keys".  If you didn't see my blog entry, you can view the article on the casaGURU website -
http://www.casaguru.com/a/-/j/74624/When-a-House-Becomes-a-Home
Another article (with video clip) on the "One Day Makeover" can be seen here -
http://www.casaguru.com/a/-/j/27699/Interior-ReDesigners
 
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staging: ups & downs ... - 03/05/09 03:30 PM
No doubt everyone has read the news today, but in case you missed it and need your daily dose of doom and gloom ... here's a link to the Toronto Star article. 
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/597146
"Existing home sales in the Toronto area fell by 32 per cent in February, compared with a year earlier, according to a report by the Toronto Real Estate Board released today."
Records show 4,120 sales this February compared to 6,105 during the same period in 2008.
"In the Toronto market new listings were up by 11 per cent compared to last year, while it now takes an average of … (4 comments)

staging: Home Staging & ReDesign Training in Canada - 01/21/09 06:45 PM
For information on the only non-profit ReDesign & Staging association in Canada, please visit the Canadian ReDesigners Association website at
http://www.canadianredesignersassociation.org/redesign-training.php
We currently have 3 instructors - one who travels to various cities across Canada.  All instructors offer a discount for early registrations.
The 5 day Professional Training Course includes 2 days of classroom instruction and 3 full days of hands-on work in real client homes.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be a Certified ReDesign & Staging Specialist (CRSS)TM

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staging: Puzzled on How To Arrange Your Furniture When Selling? - 01/21/09 02:06 PM
 
Via Kathy Nielsen Atlanta Georgia Home Stager (Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC):

Well you’re not alone.  The question; "how do I arrange the furniture?" is perhaps the most frequently asked questions I receive.  And with reason.  Most sellers have seen enough shows on TV to understand that there's a need to change.  However, they're challenged on exactly what changes would benefit them the most.  
Let's begin with reviewing the objective:  
The objective for the seller is to showcase the features as well as the space the home has to offer.
How is that accomplished?
 
Find the feature you want … (0 comments)

staging: Buying or Selling ? - 01/21/09 01:40 PM
The following two items were found on the HGTV.ca website.  Once again, they are a great source of information and fun tools for homeowners and home stagers alike.
Buying a Home?   Take this QUIZ to see if you have good house-hunting etiquette.  
Selling your Home?   Take this QUIZ to see if you are a buyer's nightmare !
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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 keep it smelling fresh - open some windows for a short time each day light a crackling fire or turn on the gas fireplace for a homey feel  keep seasonal decor to a minimum so as not to distract buyers … (0 comments)

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 for noticing it.  I had forgotten all about my telephone interview with the reporter (Lauren La Rose) from Canadian Press !!
 
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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 fun undertaking for someone moving out on their own for the first time - especially if mom and dad are footing the bill.  We all know that Ikea works well for this scenario.But if you have already acquired a lifetime of furnishings and possessions, downsizing is a daunting task at … (1 comments)

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 new or resale home.
 90% of all visible moisture in a basement comes from outside, not through  walls. Slope the land outside to make water flow away from the foundation.
 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that  every home should have a dehumidifier in operation in the basement, … (5 comments)

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.
 

 

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