If you are going to sell, now is the time to prepare your house.

Why take a chance on loosing the money you have invested in your home?  Home Staging is quickly becoming known for it's ability to capture the buyer's attention. So rather than taking a chance on a price reduction, consider the BENEFITS of Home Staging.  Sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. 

You use a real estate agent to sell your home, a home inspector to ensure your home investment is sound, now you have another option. Take advantage of the techniques I have learned to retain the money you have so carefully invested in your home.  

"Today’s home buyers are more demanding then ever," says Professional Decorator and Home Stager Claire Nagy, owner of Newcastle Interiors. "People want to walk in and look at a home and say, "This is amazing! I can move in without doing anything," adding "Truly, the most a new homeowner is willing to do initially is paint."

Newcastle understands the importance of achieving return on investment for their clients. They know that when customers sell their homes, it is to make money, not lose money.

Their focus and energy is dedicated to maximizing the sale of your home and creating Return on Investment for you. You already understand the benefits of staging – selling quickly and for the highest value.

Staging your home successfully will help you to avoid unsettling price adjustments as well as undue stress.

Did you know that according to the 2005 Canadian Real Estate Association stats, home buyers spent more time shopping for “the right home” before choosing to purchase?

This equates to lengthier days on the market per product. A home that sits for extended number of days on the market creates concern for you, and for your realtor.

When you are ready to sell your home, Newcastle is available to work with you to accomplish your home selling goals and create a property which offers broad appeal to multiple prospective buyers. How is this achieved? They add feelings into a house, as people buy based on an emotional response.

About Claire Nagy

Claire Nagy is an active community citizen involved in a number of charities that support families in need.  She is a graduate of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program, a certified professional Interior Redesigner and a member of the Interior Redesigners Association. To learn more go to www.newcastleinteriors.com.

As Published in the March 2007 Issue of SNAP Barrie

Home staging or real estate showcasing is the process of preparing a house for sale, at any price level, to appeal to a variety of buyers so it sells in the quickest time possible for the most amount of money. 

We’ve all heard the importance of first impressions.  Statistics show that prospective buyers decide in 90 seconds or less whether or not they like your home.  This tells us that it is of the utmost importance of creating a great first impression.  

As home owners we know that when selling a house, everything must be sparkling clean and personal photos should be packed. While this is true, however staging goes beyond tidying and hiding of personal things.  Staging a property is improving the overall look and feel of a house so it has outstanding appeal so buyers can see themselves living in the space. 

When a property is staged to its’ fullest potential, the result is a house that is sold more quickly and at a higher price because the buyer has made an emotional connection to the house.  It’s having prospective buyers think “This is exactly what we were looking for!”  Today, buyers are looking for homes in move-in condition where the most they have to do is paint, if that. 

When a house is staged effectively it stands apart from other competing properties on the market and typically makes buyers more aware of the space.  First, by reducing visual distractions such as clutter and second, by creating focal points in and outside of the house to ensure that it is memorable. 

Funds invested (1-3% of the asking price) in real estate staging is often returned with a quick sale and at a higher value.  This occurs as a staged house doesn’t sit on the market for endless weeks, and isn’t forced to lower the asking price.

It’s difficult to be objective about your own house and know where it’s best to spend money for maximum return when it comes time to sell.  In addition, it can be a challenge to create focal points and features inside and outside of your house.  Any house, condo or townhouse regardless of location or value can be transformed from tired and cluttered, to a hot property with proper planning and carry-through. 

To help you get started, here are a few tips to keep in mind when staging your house.

l .   Create a welcoming entrance; use fresh flowers and keep the entrance clear of clutter

2.    Clean like you’ve never cleaned before

3.    Pack photos and fridge art

4.   Remove accessories from above kitchen cabinets, including faux flowers, vases and collections on walls

5.   Paint rooms in a neutral colour

Create the fantasy and reassure buyers that the property they are viewing is cared for and in fact the most spectacular home for them.

Ask a Designer – by Claire Nagy, Newcastle Interiors

As Published in the February 2007 Issue of SNAP Barrie

I would like to redesign my space using what I have, where do I begin?

You can make your space beautiful and comfortable using what you already have in your home, condo or apartment.  

To help you get started redecorating your room using treasures found at home, begin with a clean slate. Completely remove the contents of the redesign room this includes area rugs, furniture, accessories, shelving, art and window coverings. Shop your home in search of treasures to create a theme for the room. Assemble artwork and accessories and begin to create collections, keeping like with like. Now is the time to set aside pieces that will remain in the room for display, from those pieces that will be donated or disposed.  If there are several “must keep” collections, set them aside and rotate seasonally or whenever the mood for change strikes.

Next, determine the focal point of the room, such as a window or fireplace, and arrange conversational seating around the focal point. Avoid lining furniture against the wall; instead pull furniture into the centre of the space which will create the illusion of a larger room. Begin placing pieces of furniture starting with the largest to the smallest.  Couches and chairs followed by rugs and tables all the while paying attention to balance in the room.

All too often lighting is over-looked. Use appropriate lighting for any size space, considering what kind of activities take place in the room. Ensure the room has adequate overhead lighting, ambient lighting and if the space is used for reading use table or floor lamps near your reading spot. You can also use lighting to highlight your favourite pieces of art. Candles are also a great way to set a special mood for any room.

If there is a budget, consider purchasing ready made drapes and customizing them by sewing a co-ordinating fabric which compliments the color or theme of the space. Use left over fabric to create co-ordinating pillow covers, and table runners.

Whenever possible bring plant life into the space and keep them healthy.  Fresh flowers always add a special touch to any room, though when using artificial plants keep them new looking by removing dust to keep them clean.

When redesigning your space always keep in mind how the space is intended for use and who is using the space. Where there are children make them feel at home too by giving kids a space of their own even if it is a toy box.  If you are not sure what your style is, start by collecting photos and magazines clippings to help determine the overall style you want to achieve.

Creating Curb Appeal

By Claire A. Nagy

As Published in Barbara Roueff’s, June 2006 Real Estate Client Newsletter

Whether you are selling your home or just moved in to a new home, creating curb appeal is an important part of making a house a home.  

When creating curb appeal consider the front door, walkway, sidewalk, lawn and planters as separate entities that need your attention. First, make it easy and interesting for people to find your front door.  Use floral arrangements such as hanging baskets, planters, or potted baskets to draw visitors and guide them to the door by strategically placing baskets along the walkway.  Staging baskets in groups is an effective way to create a big look at a low cost and one which can be moved around at whim if desired.  In addition, strategically place baskets tell visitors what to expect next – a step, a landing.

Make the transition from the street to the home as smooth as possible by using foundation plantings.  This will soften the edge between the lawn and home.  If budget allows, use larger plantings, as this subliminally indicates that the home is grounded or stable as compared to smaller plantings that are not quite matured.   This also gives the illusion of safety, and stability in the home, something we are all after.  

During the summer months it can be challenging to keep the lawn lush but with appropriate watering and feeding it can be accomplished.  Trim excess lawn material away from driveways and sidewalks – it just looks so much tidier and leaves a good impression. 

If you are able to incorporate a curved path way to the door, all the better as it allows guests to meander and enjoy the walk up to your door, perhaps to even stop and smell the roses.  Take into consideration that it also allows visitors an opportunity to emotionally transition from the out doors to the in doors.

To add to the charm or a bit of exotic to your home, consider placing a water feature in the front yard.  Today, simple to install and inexpensive water features are easily incorporated into any design scheme and offers a touch of the exotic. 

Place cozy seating along with a little accent table and you have a sit spot which will be hard to pull away from.  Voila! You have created an outdoor room in your front yard.

The front door to any home should always sparkle and look fresh.  Update the look of your home with a coat of cheerful paint to welcomes guests.  If door hardware needs replacing, the time to do it is now.   And with the truly amazing selection of outdoor lighting at reasonable prices, personalize your home with new lighting fixtures of your choice, keeping in mind the style of the home and neighborhood.  For resale purposes, these added touches make the home so much more valuable in the eyes of the buyer.

Your agent will probably tell you that the exterior of the home attracts home buyers, though it is the inside of the home that drives them to buy! Keeping the inside and outside of your home in tip-top shape will ultimately go a long way in achieving your home selling goals.

Curb Appeal - Don't Let a Buyer Walk Away

from your property because it looks like this:             When what they want is this:
                        

Staged Photo Sampler 

  For More photos visit www.newcastleinteriors.com