Staging is the art of preparing and showcasing a home for sale so that it elicits a positive
emotional response from the widest range of potential buyers. Once homeowners have
decided to list their home, the home becomes another house on the market, which has to
compete against similar resale houses in the neighbourhood, as well as newly constructed
homes and condominiums. Staging provides a competitive edge to the selling process by
creating an inviting environment for all prospective buyers to visualise themselves, their lifestyle
and family memories in the house.
There are three major factors at the top of a prospective buyer’s criteria list when selecting a new
house: price, location and condition. Research indicates that a prospective buyer has made a
78% decision to purchases a house based on location and size before seeing it. However, once
inside the house the seller can control 72% of the impact to buy simply by presenting a house
that is clean, odourless, clutter-free and has an appealing décor. What the seller cannot control
are the number of rooms and floor plan, which accounts for the remaining 28%. Outside of the
house curb appeal accounts for 12% of the buyer’s desire. This is another area the seller can
control by creating an outdoor “entertaining” space devoid of unsightly garbage/recycling bins,
storage of odds and ends and poor yard maintenance. Potential buyers judge a house by its
exterior as this is the first impression of the property.
Staging is, therefore, the process of taking control of your property to make it desirable for buyers
by highlighting the key attributes they are searching for: cleanliness, storage space, floor space,
updated décor, good overall maintenance and a lifestyle.
What are the benefits of staging?
It only takes 10 seconds to make a great impression and Designed to Impress works with
homeowners and their real estate agents to create that magical first impression. When a home
is professionally “dressed” to its best advantage it can sell in less time for the best price
possible, thereby, eliminating stress for both the homeowner and real estate agent. Consider
this: a seller would detail a car before selling it; a prospective employee would dress
professionally and mentally prepare prior to an interview. Staging your home is your way of
preparing and showcasing your house for the market. What better way to impress potential
buyers at open houses and virtual tours! When you take charge of staging your house, you can
be comfortable in the knowledge that you have done everything possible to attract the best price
in the shortest time possible.
Benefits to the Real Estate Agent:
Our business is to inject that ‘Wow’ factor into the listing so that you can sell your client’s house
for top dollar in the shortest time possible. Your time is valuable and we strive to save you this
precious resource. Having Designed to Impress prepare a house prior to listing is a benefit to
you as we will ensure that your tips and recommendations are incorporated into our staging
concept. You can rest assured that staging will be completed on time so that you can book your
virtual tour, open house and appointments – your marketing efforts on behalf of your client. We
aim to be part of your marketing team to create and enhance client satisfaction!
Benefits to the Homeowner:
For a small cost effective investment in de-cluttering, organizing and updating the décor of your
house you will be rewarded with a buyer friendly house. Having this work done prior to listing
provides not only the peace of mind knowing that your house is showing at its best, but also safe
in the knowledge that your valuables have been packed and that you have begun the ‘move out’
process. The investment in staging is always going to be less expensive than a price reduction.
The rewards will be a house that not only shows well in virtual tours, open houses and personal
showings but also creates the atmosphere for multiple offers with the potential to maximize your
equity in the house. Decrease your stress level during the selling process, by staging it and get
ready to move on.
What is involved?
Our service begins with an initial 1-2 hour consultation in the prospective house (both inside and
out). We will provide a comprehensive written report within 24 hours outlining enhancements, de-
cluttering strategies, cleaning, painting and minor repairs addressed room by room. This report
will enable the homeowners to tackle most or all of the jobs themselves or simply have
Designed to Impress do it for them. Once we have been engaged to stage the house we will
provide a time line and the cost associated with the job.
Whatever your budget, needs, size of home or location we can work with you to maximize the
value of your home and add curb appeal.
