My name is Martha Stanton-Smith.  I grew up in rural Manitoba, and lived in Winnipeg for over thirty years. 

I've had a life long obsession with houses.  As a child I spent hours drawing floor plans and sketching rooms, as well as drawing many other subjects.  I investigated educational opportunities in artistic fields and took first year Environmental Studies (pre-architecture) at University of Manitoba.

Financial Experience

But then, for practical reasons, I went to work for the City of Winnipeg.  During my 30 year career with the City, I obtained a Certified General Accounting designation.  I worked in the Audit and Budget departments for the most part of my career.  This experience cemented my abilities to "crunch the numbers" and I can put that to good use when priorizing recommended improvements to  your property.

Marketing and Business Experience

In 1998 I started a home business in Winnipeg marketing ladies clothing.  This was a very special experience, satisfying my love of working with new people and educating me in the principles of marketing.

Moving House Experiences

During my life I have lived in 8 rented accommodations, and owned 10 of my homes.  I have experienced short and long distance moves, do-it-yourself, and working with professional movers. 

Personal Real Estate Experience

I have prepared 9 of my 10 homes for sale, some with extensive renovations and decorations.  I've done work myself and I've dealt with contractors.  I've done my own designs and I've also worked with interior decorators.

I have been involved with purchases of all 10 homes and many other negotiations and offers that either fell through or had to be rejected on unsatisfactory conditions.  I have toured countless homes of all types.  I've worked with real estate agents, and I've purchased homes directly from the vendor without agents.

Experience as an Estate Executor

Acting as executor for the settlement of my Dad's estate, which included several parcels of farmland, machinery and buildings, gave me an appreciation for the process.  Although I don't pretend to have any legal expertise, what I do have is an acquaintance with the procedures and an appreciation for the number of decisions an executor has to make.  This exposure helps me serve clients who are preparing estate property for disposal more effectively.

Home Preparation and "Staging" Experience

I've also been involved with the sale of 8 of my 10 homes. Before each sale, I've gone through the same process that I'll be recommending to you.  Most of the sales were completed by listing with an agent, but twice I've sold my own homes by listing with a "for sale by owner" organization.  On only one transaction did we lose money.  Sometimes making mistakes is the best teacher.  On the rest we made money, sometimes a surprising amount.  On my last property, I had multiple offers, all above the asking price. 

Since moving to Kingston in 2004, I have been consulting for friends and family.  I have recently renovated, redecorated and staged 3 rental condo's for my son's business. Prospective tenants gave us very positive feedback on the touches we added to these apartments, and all 3 were rented very quickly for top rates compared to other similar apartments in the same buildings.

Discovery of my Dream Job

Three years ago I discovered that what I had been intuitively doing for over 30 years was called staging or sometimes home enhancement or home styling.  I discovered that the concept has been formalized into various training programs available in the U.S. and the larger cities in Canada.  I was so excited to find out that what I consider a Dream Job actually exists and is a viable business. 

About that time the TV programs such as House Doctor, Designed to Sell, Take this House and Sell it, and Trading Up began to hit my cable.  I am thrilled to be able to learn everything I can from TV, Internet, and print sources. 

Finally I am able to put my life long love of houses to use in my business, REARRANGEMENTS.  Now I can help you maximize your home sale potential by selling quickly and for top dollar.

Certification

So far the staging industry is unregulated with various courses and certifications offered, but none universally recognized.  I have completed the Certified Staging Professional ^TM course in Kingston this August, 2006. A highlight of the course was a class project staging a house under the guidance of the instructor.

I chose Canadian Staging Professionals ^TM because their program includes hands on experience, a mentoring program, continuing education opportunities and numerous resources for members.  Canadian Staging Professionals ^TM also adhere to a code of ethics and the association is a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Services are customized for each client and can include the following:
*evaluating what is needed to make the home appeal to the most buyers
*obtaining competitive quotations for necessary repairs and updates
*cleaning, organizing, handyman, and packing services
*showcasing the home for selling including accessory & furniture rentals
*obtaining marketing proposals & evaluations from real estate agents
*space planning and necessary accessibility improvements for new home
*obtaining competitive bids from movers & storage facilities
*supervision of movers, at old home and at new for local moves
*special arrangements for pets, home sitting, transportation, travel

Whatever you need from just a few tips to someone to handle every detail, I can help.

As a certified Canadian Staging Professional you can rely on me to be up to date on the needs of todays buyer and to operate my practice according to our code of ethics.

Martha did a wonderful job staging our house to sell. It sold for more than asking within one week of going on the market with several viewers, and competitive offers. Those that saw the house said it looked warm and inviting, without it appearing too particular to one family. Martha managed to add accents where they counted and remove objects that were unappealing or overly customized. She had great ideas that were used to make the house look great. Even friends who stopped by said that the house looked fantastic. We almost reconsidered staying in our home. We were thrilled and impressed with Martha's work and would highly recommend her to anyone wanting to get the best offer for their home.  Maureen Lascelles Prowse and Allen Prowse

As a realtor in a busy real estate market, it is wonderful to be able to rely on the skills and creativity offered by Martha Stanton-Smith and Rearrangements. I know that I can call on Martha to assist in the best presentation of a home about to be listed and that her improvements will radically increase the saleability of the property  .  .  .  more dollars in less time. Martha provides a thorough consultation with recommendations and, if required, will efficiently & economically make the changes necessary to show the house to its best advantage. With a competitive real estate market, Rearrangements can make the difference! Martha is part of my real estate team! Jeri Mooney, Royal LePage Proalliance Realty

My tenants rent my condos over the competition because they like all the little decorating touches. They alway say the suites are the nicest they've seen for the money. In fact, one tenant begged to keep some of the artwork and furnishings in the place, as he didn't feel he could recreate the look.

I'm getting top dollar for my properties just because they showed so well. In one case, other suites with equivalent square footage and layout in the same building get almost a hundred a month less. I feel this is due to the face-lift Martha gave the place. David Smith, Real Estate Investor