It’s easy to spot frazzled homebuyers racing through traffic on a Sunday afternoon, newspapers in hand, desperate to see every open house possible. Imagine their delight after making a seemingly endless trek through so-so places full of uncoordinated furniture and a jumble of personal accessories when they walk into your beautifully staged home. A home decorated with designer flair. A home that’s spacious, inviting, and looks right out of a magazine.

This “cha-ching” factor is why more and more realtors are relying on home-staging specialists to stage their listed homes. Staged homes attract more buyers, and more buyers who are willing to pay a higher price -- and this competition drives prices up.

Marie Arundel of Present It Right in Greater Vancouver says it’s hard to be objective when you’re selling your home, and that’s why people rely on house stagers for their expertise. “There’s a big difference between living in a house and getting it ready to sell. People are attached to their things, to their memorabilia and photos. They may love their floral couch and orange walls, but others may not. The goal of home staging is to create a fresh slate, to invite potential buyers to see themselves living there.”

According to Marie, there are a few tricks that can make a big difference when staging a home. “The first thing I tell my clients is to de-clutter,” says Marie. “Having lots of storage is a big draw for people, so de-clutter and create the illusion of more storage space.”

House stagers then take stock of what’s there already. What do home sellers have that can be used in staging? What can be used as the focal point for each room? “It’s a good idea to group colour and accessories together for maximum impact, and group in threes,” says Marie.

Home staging doesn’t have to be a huge production, or ridiculously expensive. In some cases, staging teams can rearrange a client’s existing furniture to create a better flow. Other times, painting the walls in neutral tones and renting artwork, plants and designer furniture can create that designer look. Need some home-staging inspiration?

To make a small space seem larger:
•    Choose a sofa or chair with exposed legs rather than an upholstered skirt to create an open feeling.
•    Tone down the big patterns on furniture. Use inexpensive slipcovers if necessary. Opt for pattern on accent cushions.
•    Soft, even lighting will eliminate shadows.
•    Use mirrors and reflective surfaces. Glass tables allow a room to breathe.
•    Soft monochromatic paint colours give a feeling of openness. Neutral colours appeal to the most number of prospective buyers.

To get your house into “buy me” condition:
•    Go around the perimeter of the house and remove all the unpleasant items.
•    Weed and mulch all planting areas.
•    A new doormat can create an inviting feeling to buyers.
•    Avoid masking bad smells with deodorizers – get rid of the cause.
•    Clean carpets, drapes and windows.
•    Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen counter.
•    Coordinate bathroom towels to one colour per room.
•    Ensure paint is in good shape -- especially the front door and trim.
•    Ensure cupboards open and shut and that no taps are dripping.
•    Appliances should sparkle even if you're not including them with the house.
•    Open some windows for at least 10 minutes – let in some fresh air.
•    Use fresh flowers.

These are just some of the many ways a professional home stager can help get your home ready for sale. Home staging puts your potential buyer at centre stage – able to see more clearly the possibility of embracing your house as their home – and that’s good for your bottom line.

Lyn Spicer is a member of the Canadian Redesign Association and a professional stager. www.spiceoflifedesigns.com 604-313-2594.

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Feb - Mar 08