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If you are looking to Save and Sell, let's chat! You will get Full Service, a lower cost to selling and also Professional Home Staging advice all in one!
*commission savings based on 7% /$100,000 and 3% of the balance of the sale price
*not intended to solicit listings already under contract
780-218-7444
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty
*not intended to solicit listings already under contract
A common question I get is whether or not to renovate prior to listing your home. This question is best answered at an in home appointment where we can go over the plans you are considering and also the comparable sales in your area. Considering other sold property and their level of updates will play a role in making the decision on your property.
Whether or not to renovate before selling depends on the timeline, financial ability and also the desired outcome. We can dive more into that at an appointment in your home.
This before photo was taken during the Pre- RENO consultation where I discussed with the Investors what would be a good course of action. As it turns out they were already thinking of knocking out this wall but questioned whether or not it would be worth it. I told them YES!! We don’t always knock out walls, so don’t panic! In this case, we chose to open the wall because of the stunning River Valley view. It paid off.
I also helped them choose their paint, flooring, back splash, fixtures and did the Staging for them.
The result? The first open house 4 days later resulted in a PENDING OFFER. Even though the AFETR picture is blurry, you can see the difference!
Some sellers are not 100% sure if they should take that on…I am here to help. Not only do I offer a Pre-RENO consult, I also offer options to have the work completed for you, manage the contractors and handle the details from start to finish!
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
When selling your investment property, are you tempted to leave the house empty? Decorating your house to sell, also called “home staging” will help you sell your investment in record time and get top dollar for your home.
What the Experts Say
According to home staging expert Debra Gould, investors who are preparing to sell shouldn’t skimp on furnishings and accessories in an attempt to save money. “When you’ve gone through expensive renovations, suffered with delays or extended beyond your budget, it’s difficult to stay motivated to the bitter end,” says Gould. “It can be tempting to say, ‘It’s good enough. The paint’s dry. Let’s put it on the market as is!’ This is shortsighted and can cost you a bundle! It’s relatively inexpensive to rent anything you need, and these finishing touches help ensure that you make the profit you deserve for all those costly renovations and repairs.”
Imagine it’s the Academy Awards. A big star is planning to wear a fabulous designer gown, so she decides she doesn’t really need to get her hair done. Does everyone talk about the fabulous gown? Of course not. All they can remember is the terrible hair!
Or imagine a fine painting that’s been placed in a frame from the dollar store. Does the painting have the same appeal as it would if it had been framed by a professional? Conversely, have you ever taken one of your child’s paintings and had it framed? What a difference it makes compared to how it looks when it’s stuck to the fridge with a magnet.
Five Reasons It’s a Bad Idea to Leave Rooms Empty When Showing Your House
People don’t buy houses; they buy homes.
It is difficult to understand how large a room is when there’s nothing in it to use as a reference point.
People can’t visualize how furniture will fit in an empty space, and if they’re unsure, they don’t buy.
When a room is empty, prospective buyers focus on negative details instead of falling in love with the overall space. Rather than looking at the flow of one room to another, prospective buyers get bogged down in questions like: Is the drywall smooth? Will those bumps in the carpet come out? Why is the light switch in the middle of the wall?
When a house or even a few rooms are empty, prospective buyers may become distracted from the house itself and shift their focus to the homeowners. Instead of focusing on whether this is the home for them, they may be busy wondering: Is this couple getting a divorce? Has the family left town? Are they selling because they have money problems? This train of thought can then prompt buyers to begin thinking, “Maybe I can put in a low-ball offer since the seller might be desperate.” Definitely not the picture you are trying to paint!
Home staging is about packaging a home to show off its best features and downplay the flaws. You romance the buyer and entice them into making an emotional connection with your house. So, bring in some furnishings and accessories to add character and warmth to the home. Taking the time for these final details will ultimately translate into a higher return on your investment.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Basements CAN Make or Break a Sale
Creating a basement space that appeals to the buyers can be difficult if the basement is unfinished. It sends the wrong message. A basement is part of living space and it does play an important role in the decision of a buyer to make an offer. The fact is the basement CAN make or break a sale.
What do you do if your basement is not picture perfect? Well, you get to work.
Where do you Start?
Do a deep clean of the basement. Every nook and cranny. If you don’t want to touch it, neither will a buyer!! Basement and laundry areas should be dry, clean, bright, neat and tidy
All cobwebs, dead bugs removed
Kitty litter cleaned daily
Furnace filters replaced
Furnace, hot water tank and appliances washed down and squeaky clean
All window wells, cleaned off, curtains or coverings removed and the wells cleaned
Windows coverings should come off to allow the light to get in
Update fixtures or wash existing ones and use the brightest bulbs allowed
Fresh paint on walls and floors if there is no carpeting
Get a de-humidifier if the basement smells like pets or is musty
Wash all drains and bathrooms well
Clean out the dryer vent and vacuum behind the washer/ dryer and freezer
Replace or remove torn flooring
Use bright bulbs (incandescent/ Yellow not White/ Cool light) and make sure all switches are working and wash off fingerprints
Add shelves to the laundry area
Take out all empty laundry boxes, and misc. socks that lost their mate, garbage, old brooms etc.
Spruce up the look of the basement floor, by cleaning it with TSP™ and paint it.
Move appliances out to prep for painting.
Consult the local paint store to get advice on products needed to complete this task.
Great floor colors are grey, beige, white or tan.
And add a stylish runner in the walking path areas.
Create a laundry room space that says “Hey I love my laundry room!”
Laundry rooms can be more inviting by adding a rug to the washer and dryer area, a lamp or plant, or by creating a place to fold laundry
Stair handrails should be secure
Air out the basement
Stay away from products like bleach or strong solvents to clean, as the smell will be filtered through the whole house through the furnace
Make sure any water issues are solved, not just covered up
Clean all baseboards and tops of door jams
Tackle all closets and under the stairs with the full de-clutter plan
Remove all extras from the storage areas. Show off how much room there is. Keep only the essentials in these areas. This is not where you put all the de-clutter items from upstairs.
Anything to spruce up the rooms will add value. Beautiful basements are often forgotten in the whole staging process, yet they can really outshine your competitor’s home!
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Selling your property on your own may seem like it makes financial sense, but it may cost you more. Real Estate Agents are trained to know the ins and outs of the market. Their job is to watch out for issues and protect you. With their network of resources at their fingertips, it only benefits you.
Days On Market (DOM) always fluctuates over the years. Currently as of Sept 2022, it’s now 73. To make matters worse, the DOM for selling it yourself can be much longer. Exposure through the public REALTOR.ca system is KEY to getting you an advantage over the DOM and put you in front of your potential buyer’s eyes. Agents will get more buyers in your home than you can by yourself.
“Let them make us an offer…”
When pricing, every home seller mistakenly thinks they “should try it higher for a while”. The reason this does not work is that the initial buying activity is in the first 21 days. If your home is priced too high, buyers will view it and compare your home to the others. Invariably you are assisting those properties to sell faster, while yours sits.
“Let them make us an offer… ”
It does not work this way. But if they did write it would most likely be less than what you would take. Plus negotiating with a stranger when your vested interest is to sell can be difficult to do without a buffer of an Agent. Some buyers will push quite a bit and it can be uncomfortable to deal with directly.
Why am I sharing this with you?
As a licensed real estate agent, with One Percent Realty, I want to educate my clients. Making the most money possible for you, is my passion! Save on Commissions with me AND Save on Staging.
Pricing for Success
Real Estate Agents are doing their best to correctly price your home but cannot control the economy or market conditions. It is important that you hire an Agent that keeps you updated weekly on the activity to your listing, including views online and also the “in person” showings. Agents can also offer feedback to you from the showings, if they are able to obtain it from the buyer’s Agent. This will give you a window of insight into what people really think of your home and also allow you to be able to adjust pricing or correct issues that may come up frequently. You will be chasing the market if you are overpriced.
Price competitively and at market value allows you to be in the drivers’ seat from day one. It is VITAL that you stay within your range and watch the market conditions. Stay ahead of the game. When reviewing the comparable sales, there is no room for sentiment, keep in mind this is now a product for sale.
Home Staging will not sell an Overpriced Listing
I hear it a lot. People often think that staging their property will allow the price to be jacked up. This is not true at all and if anyone tells you this, it may be best to keep interviewing. No matter how appealing your home looks, the buyer’s budget and comparable SOLD homes is where a buyer starts at. The sales of comparable homes are the baseline for where they think you should be priced at, especially if they did see those homes and know what condition they were in.
So Price right! Stage it before showings start, and hire a Professional Real Estate Agent that can properly market it for you.
How Do You Find an Agent that Suits You and will be a Good Fit?
Personality and feeling a connection are important aspects to working together, as this is a long term relationship. When you meet with an Agent, consider how you feel around them, as well as whether or not they present the information to you from a clearly educated and thoughtful place. The stats on recently sold property and your active competition are readily available to us all, however someone with a good understanding of how it affects you, is the key to success.
The market fluctuates and changes from month to month, so hiring someone that has a strong understanding of this will help. They should also be able to confidently represent themselves, as they will be representing and negotiating for you.
Also, one thing to really consider is the highest bidder on pricing is usually not the best choice for the reasons stated above. Choosing an Agent based on the highest listing price only, could result in a long time on the market with many price reductions. Pricing involves many factors.
My market evaluation will help you see where your home falls in the list, resulting in an informed decision.
I would be happy to chat with you if you are looking for an Agent who offers all of this as well as large commission savings.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty
780-218-7444
The winner takes it all!
Home Sellers are doing more to offer a fabulous “product” to the buyers. They are fighting for the sale, with upgrades, painting and staging.
Many sellers have had the hard lesson that just cleaning up, minor repairs and what I call “home owner staging” is NOT enough. So many home sellers year after year, sit for months on the market despite their efforts to stage it themselves.
Vacant Property doesn’t show better.
In regards to vacant properties, “home owner staging” is just that. The seller leaves some “things” behind in an effort to stage. They haven’t staged it, they simply left some furniture. It sends the message that they left in distress. Most sellers do not have the “touch” to create a room that draws the buyers in.
I understand the thought process, Sellers think that leaving some furniture will give indication of the room sizes on www.realtor.ca and in fact they often get this misguided advice from well intentioned people.
Even if you can determine the size of a room based on a sofa left behind, it doesn’t matter when you are trying to convince a buyer that your home ROCKS in a small photo.
Your property needs to present so well that your MLS number gets written down as one of the choices to see in person. All showings now take place first online, so that photo needs to be GREAT.
Sellers who understand this have taken this message all the way to the bank. They upgraded things like flooring, lighting, interior doors, paint, faucets and appliances, then Staged it and SOLD!
What about everyone else? Many wait for offers, reduce their prices, gave up the fight or took a way lower price.
The best part of this is that knowledge is power. You can decide the budget for your upgrades, and the timeline you have to work with. You decide not to be a victim of a struggling market.
It’s your Choice!
Change your mind about how real estate used to be sold and see how it IS being sold now!
My Stage and Sell Process may be exactly what you need to get the advantage over other homes on the market.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
RESA offers support to Professional Home Stagers across North America, providing educational forums, ethic and conduct monitoring as well as fun stuff like contests, which I decided to enter.
Home Stagers across Canada and the USA, all voted for their peers in the first round of voting. It took three hours of voting for hundreds of my peers, to make my choices. This was based on reviewing their before and after photos, without knowing whose pictures they were. The judging was based on finished rooms, overall first impression, use of scale, color and wow factor transformations.
Talent was strong and the pictures were all really good, it was a tough competition honestly!
After all voting was in, I made it to the TOP 10 in Canada of Professional Stagers and I am so honored and excited! There were multiple categories as well, and so many inspiring stories.
www.HomeStagingIndustryAwards.com
And now it’s off to second rounds of voting for the all finalists and the winning title! It is an honor to be nominated among so many other qualified professionals.
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2022 Top Ten in Luxury Vacant Staging Canada
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2018 Top Ten Home Staging Team of the Year
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2016 Top Ten Home Staging Team of the Year
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2015 Top Ten Re-Designer of the Year
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2015 Top Ten Home Staging Team of the Year
RESA’s Home Staging Industry Award 2013 Top Ten Professional Stager of the Year
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
The process or packing is a daunting one at best. It is important to remember that not only does the process of pre-packing create visual space, it also creates ACTUAL space and square footage is what helps sell a property.
Let me encourage you, the packing you do now is going to make the process on moving day go so much easier….you will be glad you did it! A 50% reduced packing/moving day makes a world of difference when energy is low and stress is high on the BIG DAY.
Find a local storage unit to rent or borrow a friends garage OR
Rent a pod for your driveway. See www.pods.com Pods are great because they land on your driveway, you load, they pick up and place in heated storage and then when you are ready they deliver to your new driveway for unloading. Very easy and less stress!
Find a partner to delve into this project with you, it will make it go faster and be much easier.
Begin by removing all seasonal and holiday items (camping gear, winter sports items, Christmas stuff, bikes or wagons and large children’s toys. )
Create a “give away or donate” pile in one corner, some people just use their vehicle for that right from the start so it all only gets moved once.
Do a “once over the whole house” for all donate the items, use clear plastic bags or open boxes so that you can see the items are not garbage and they don’t get mixed up by mistake.
Do closet purges of clothes including seasonal ones that you do not want anymore. Be honest and if it doesn’t fit, give it away!
Create a zone for larger scale garbage items that may need to go to the dump, if necessary make a sign in the garage stating what zone it is so all family members are aware.
Remember there is no need to move things you could give away or throw out.
Whenever you have a garbage bag full, take it directly outside.
Whenever you have a box full and ready for storage, take it to the pile or the pod. Don’t leave boxes full in your rooms, it will slow your process down and cause frustration.
Keep a list by the fridge of all things you think of along the way. It is better to write it down then try to remember it. Trying to remember will take up mental energy that could be used elsewhere.
Include the basement, garage and yard as part of this “first pass” purge. It will remind you of what is going on in all your spaces and give you a greater sense of accomplishment since the whole property will have been touched on.
Once you have done this general purge, decide if you are starting outside or in the basement and then pick a room or a shed and empty it out of all things that you can pack now. These are things you are keeping but are not going to need during the time your house is listed.
Pack these items and mark the boxes on the TOP and 2 sides in large felt marker. Make a general note of where contents came from and what is in the box. For example: “Shed: potting stuff” or “Under stairs: winter coats/boots” Also “FRAGILE”, if required.
De-clutter one room or area at a time. Start and finish each room before moving on to the next. Do one entire floor before moving onto another. That way you can have a sense of accomplishment, limit your steps up and down, ease the stress level and be more focused. It’s like “How do you eat an Elephant? One bite at a time!”
Do use smaller sturdy boxes for heavy items such as books and spread out the load so each box can be carried easily by anyone.
Boxes from U-Haul or other moving companies do last for at least 3 moves or for storage and are worth the investment. Some sizes also have handles which is a real bonus! Add strength to your boxes with packing tape and do not overload them.
DID you KNOW that if you buy U-Haul boxes and do not use them, they will BUY THEM BACK? https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/
Wrapping items in packing paper or bubble wrap is much cleaner than newspaper and will not require all dishes to be washed when you arrive at the new house. Newspaper bleeds and makes everything coated in black/grey ink so it actually causes more work at the end. Packing paper can be purchased at Uline https://www.uline.ca/
You can also wrap some items in extra towels and create a padded box with extra bed sheets and pillows. This will balance your box weight better and save money on extra packing paper!
Wrap mirrors in large area rugs or comforters and heavily tape them like a secure package with large notes on both sides saying “mirror”.
All extra evidence of pets should be packed also. Keep out only what you need.
Consider hiring movers for all or part of this process, you can book them for just the afternoon or one day only and then you can be prepared financially. I have found that when I booked movers if I told them “I have a budget and can only hire you for 5 hours…” They were agreeable to that and seemed to work faster. If you get all the items to a spot in the garage and it is ready to go when they arrive, it makes things go much faster.
Keep in mind your end goal is to do half of this pack/move now and half on moving day. This breaks up the work load for you BUT better than that it will help you to sell your house faster since buyers are not forced to navigate through all your excess stuff. Buyers can more easily see what they are buying, see how large the space is and visualize themselves living there when the rooms are open, clean and free of chaos and clutter.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo credit cottonbro studio
In the real estate world, there are differing opinions on how far a seller should take the upgrades before selling their home. In home staging we also have to consider a number of factors when offering professional advice to a client. So, it is very important to consider these upgrades for a number of reasons.
Consider if your competitors have done upgrades. Have they been regularly maintaining their property over the years? Buyers are viewing those homes against yours. Buyers will buy a more upgraded home, especially if you are trying to get the same price.
“Market value” is what a buyer is willing to pay you for your property, not what you think it’s worth.
It does not make financial sense for a buyer to give you a high asking price when they have to invest thousands in upgrades. If they see a house already upgraded, most buyers will choose that one. Just like you probably would. Their reasons are usually the same, they can’t afford to do upgrades. This is because they are already maxed out for the purchase price.
Buyers often do not have skills to tackle these items themselves. They are not looking to buy anyone else’s headaches.
If you chose to keep your property dated and wait longer on the market for a sale, you will encounter a number of stressors. Things like extended carrying costs, double property payments and double utilities. Plus double taxes if you already bought a house, more stress, going stale on the market, price reductions…etc.
There is one thing you can do to try to sell faster. If you are not doing upgrades, start off with a lower price than your competitors. That way you hit the market with enough impact to get noticed and get showings. You may get lucky and find a buyer that is willing to take your “project house” on.
If this is the road you want to go, then it is sometimes not enough to be $5,000 under your competition.
You will need to consider the level of upgrades that would be required and drop your starting price to that point. This may mean $10,000- $30,000 or more depending on how extensive the work is.
Investors tend to want to get a “deal” for 60%- 75% of the listing price, so that there is equity already built into the property and they can safely tackle the upgrades without losing money. It just numbers for them. But for you, it’s your equity you are giving away.
Reconsider this and do the upgrades that will put you front and center on the real estate map, and then keep your equity!
This one was done in 2011 by Home Gain
Clean and De-Clutter = 586% ROI
Lighten and Brighten = 313% ROI
Staging = 299% ROI
Landscaping = 258% ROI
Electrical/Plumbing Repair = 181% ROI
Replace /Shampoo Carpet = 169% ROI
Paint Interior Walls = 80-110% ROI
Paint Exterior Walls =51% ROI
Repair Damaged Flooring = 107% ROI
Update kitchens and baths = 172% ROI
You can see that all updates offer a return on investment, some more than others. The stats are clear that the majority of Real Estate Agents make these recommendations and their advice should be heeded, as they are in the business of selling real estate and they are usually well versed in the ups and downs of selling.
As an Agent, I provide a very clear picture of what buyers want, so lets get your house “saleable” by doing as much as you can to compete with the market.
Real estate has changed dramatically in the last 15 years thanks to all the Home Staging Television shows. Buyers want what they see on TV and they are willing to pay for it.
If you are thinking of selling, I offer a 15 min strategy call on zoom to discuss your specific needs for selling and explain how the staging process works when I list a home. I also offer a flat fee commission for you, that will easily free up money if you want to tackle any projects!
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
When thinking of selling your home, flooring updates need to be considered, because wear and tear has taken a toll on the property to some degree. Also, the styles have changed over the years. What was in style 5 years ago, isn’t necessarily in style now. Buyers are always looking for the latest thing in design and interior updates.
If your flooring is over 5 -7 years old, has wear and tear or damages it will need to be replaced.
You can consider doing more of the same of what you currently have, but taking in to account the current flooring trends is a better route.
Home Gain has an ROI chart where all updates are listed and flooring gets a 110% return on investment with 93% of Agents recommending doing it. So it is a benefit!
I agree with this, because I see the value of it everyday when clients can sell their homes faster than the competitors and the steady feedback from buyers is that they loved the new flooring. If you feel it’s too daunting your other option is to reduce your price or offer a buyer allowance for flooring, but it isn’t recommended. Why give away your equity?
I offer project planning and contractor management, painting, fixtures updates, facelift renovations, and Staging for my listings. We can have a 15 min strategy call to discuss how this works if you and I work together. I also offer a flat fee commission rate at One Percent Realty for all the same Services as other companies. Let's chat!
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
When making the move towards doing updates on your property it is intimidating to think about having to deal with contracted trade people. There are many horror stories, lots of them justified, and the thought of tackling this is the biggest reason that most people chose not to. All contractors are not bad news, but there are things to watch out for.
Follow the guidelines below to put yourself in the driver’s seat when making hiring choices and doing the project management.
This is will be relative to what you haven’t done on your property over the years. The fact is that you do pay for upgrades on your home. This happens by actually doing upgrades or by lowering your price enough to sell. Either way you pay.
Getting written estimates is a good place to start. Verbal estimates seem to mysteriously increase, so always get it in writing! Get multiple quotes and ask them to be as detailed as possible so you can carefully review them later.
Level of Quality in Product
You do get what you pay for. Reputable companies will typically have been “seen around” town through various long standing advertising. You need to always ask for references from past clients and also Google their personal name and the company name to see if anything pops up.
Do not hire the cheaper contractors simply because you think it’s better to save money. You will not save money. It usually ALWAYS ends up costing you more in the mistakes they make, the issues they create and the headaches you endure. Pay for quality and you will get it.
This doesn’t mean you have to spend over the top amounts to upgrade but you do have to spend something, so don’t choose the lowest price. Go for the middle ground if you are only basing your decision on price.
Contractor scheduling
This is a tricky balancing act even for those who do it every day. Most contractors are not large corporations, but are running self -employed businesses and therefore they have to run the company, market for new business and also do the work. If this is the case, you can expect their estimated timeline for completion to be twice what you expected.
This is because they typically have other projects on the go and you are not their main focus. They have to go out to see new clients during working on your house and so the hours they give you are usually broken up. This actually makes everything take longer because they have to re-focus themselves each time they get to your house and it takes away from progress momentum.
Self- employed contractors are also busy answering their phone and putting out “fires” from other jobs they have on the go. This can and does cause frustration for a Seller who is updating to get on the market in a set time line.
Give yourself plenty of time to get this work done because it always takes longer than they tell you. Self -employed contractors do have some benefits as they are more flexible with hours and pricing, they are usually trying to build a good business reputation and do not want to get a bad name, so are more likely to fix issues to the best of their ability.
Trust your judgment during the first interview and do not be swayed by flashy talk or pushy sales. If a contractor is pushing you to decide right now, say no. There are many options for you hire and you can afford to wait to make the right choice.
This will determine the level of upgrades you choose. A starter home does not need granite counters or top of the line hardwood flooring. Do not be up sold in such a case.
Contractors are there to “install only” not determine your product choice or price points you need to spend. However if you have a million dollar home, it needs to be finished with appropriate levels of quality or it will destroy your chances of selling. Choose upgrades that reflect the price point of the asking price.
I can help you with that as that is part of my Pre-Reno consulting service, or when listing your home with me, this is a discussion we can have, as I include many support services for my clients.
Market Expectations
What are other homes listed in your price range doing? You will need to at least offer that much or take it to the next level and offer more. If your competitors are not upgraded, then you absolutely should be, as it will secure a faster offer and the best price on the block.
If your competitors are upgraded then you need to be also upgraded at least to that degree or better, to even stand a chance at selling. Today’s buyers are telling the sellers what they want in a home so listen…and you will win
Budget VS. Return
The ROI on upgrades varies and is also dependent on your neighborhood values. Your budget of course will determine how much you can invest into your sale, so plan a budget that takes in account an overall impact on the property, not just one or two rooms.
It is better to paint a whole house and put new floors throughout, than to just gut and update a couple of bathrooms. Choose your budget to cover all your bases and consider that investing now will prevent future price reductions, so you are actually saving money.
Keep in mind every broken item, damaged wall, crooked cabinet door, etc. will remove dollars off your offers. If your property looks broken down, buyers will want to get it for a deal since they have to fix it themselves. So your offer from them will be less than you hoped for.
Do lots of interviews with contractors. At least 3 each. Spend a few days doing this and ask lots of questions. Searching the internet beforehand to learn what to ask would give you an advantage.
So make sure you are informed before they step through your door. If you are alone in this process, have a trusted friend there to be a support. It is better to have someone there with you to keep you on track and it will help prevent being swayed by pushy sales tactics.
No shows EQUALS no 2nd chances.…if a contractor is a no show for your first appointment, then do not give them a second chance. This is a good indicator of the level of service they will provide you if they are missing their first appointment.
If you need support during this process, and are my listed client I am happy to help you in any way I can.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
This topic covers a wide range of issues with regard to blocked light when selling a home
Here are some key points to consider:
How many windows are allowing light in and how many are being blocked?
Trees and Shrubs should be cut back to allow as much light in as possible. Consult a professional on this subject so that the pruning does not kill the trees.
Buildings can block light, but unless it is a portable shed or structure that could be taken down you are usually stuck with it so paint and interior lighting is the best course of action. Also, keep in mind with regard to RPR’s that outbuildings should not just be taken down as that may affect your RPR.
Oversized window valances or coverings are usually out of style and should be removed, in almost ALL cases.
Neighbor’s recreational vehicles may block light and perhaps they would consider moving them while you are selling? It doesn’t hurt to ask. Not to mention they are a visual eyesore.
Awnings on decks should be fully closed for showings and if you have dated awnings on the front of your house remove them if the budget allows.
Exterior roll down security shutters should remain fully open for all showings. This is not a time to hide the house!
Use a bright light in the foyer and in the exterior light and leave it on at night.
Consider adding a mirror to entry to enlarge the area’s appearance.
Large pieces of interior furniture should be moved away from all windows, including headboards.
Clean all windows, do both sides of panes.
Keep curtains & blinds open.
Clean all drapes, blinds and shutter (including exterior shutters)
Choose the brightest incandescent bulb you can (no fluorescent or white LED, this isn’t an office or hospital)
Clean all switch plates.
Add lamps to all rooms or dark corners.
Use existing lamps and change the darker shades out to a lighter one.
Turn all lights on for all showings and ensure exterior lighting works.
Paint all woodwork panels to a neutral or remove them completely.
Take out loud color furniture pieces or dark heavy wood furniture.
Opening and keeping open all window coverings is the first things and a MUST DO, regardless of the view. Buyers want to know what surrounds them when they are buying. Usually opening the coverings solves a lot of light problems. Having the windows professionally cleaned also will allow sunlight to burst through and give a great, clean first impression.
I highly recommend https://www.cleanshinywindows.com/
Update all fixtures in the home, if budget allows. This has a great impact and first impression. Stay away from builder style pieces and go for the dressier ones.
I can consult with you on this and even have a Electrical contractor that can install them for you.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Troubleshooters-100187558527685
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Aside from odor, one of the first things buyers say is that a property is too dark. “It’s so dark in here.”
They could mean from an exposure perspective, or it has been too closed up for too long and has not seen the light of day. These cabinets pictured here, were dark brown, and my client wanted to lighten them. She hired a company to come out and I helped her choose the color. The result was fantastic!
Other times the paint colors are way too dark or there is dated wood paneling that has kept the house in the 1970’s. Regardless of why they think or feel it is too dark, is the better question of “How can we fix it before this happens?”
To lighten and brighten a home may be a simple process or an extensive one. Either way it needs to be done. Start with opening all the window coverings or even removing them. See where that leads you, besides exposing the sins of the dirty windows and wells, the bigger item we are looking for is how has doing this changed the brightness of the room?
Exposures of your property create varying degree and colors of natural light and that is a buying factor when buyers consider purchasing a home. Some buyers refuse to buy north facing homes due to the lack of light coming into half the home. So your first plan of action is to determine which direction your home is facing. You cannot change the direction of your home but you can influence its overall interior lighting.
North exposure causes a dull gray hue to fill the room
East creates a green hue causing a darker cool feeling
South exposure brings a yellow or bright hue
West adds orange/red and creates deep warm glow
Working with the paint colors and the other elements within the room can make a huge impact on the overall first impression. It is a consistent truth that the paint colors seem to change from the store to the home, from the paint can to the tray and from the tray to wall. And usually when the paint dries, people think the paint colors were mixed wrong due to the stark difference in color. However this is not the case, it is simply the fact that the exposure, weather, and lighting all change color.
Choose colors that work well in all these rooms and if you are having difficulty consider hiring a Certified Color Consultant for help with this. I am a Color Consultant and my number is 780-218-7444 if you want to discuss a consultation.
If you choose to have a consultation for paint color will be well worth the small investment and save you bigger problems later once the new paint is applied and you do not have to change it because it was chosen correctly to start with. When painting to sell, it’s important that no mistakes are made. Universally neutral colors are the best road to take, but be warned all color chips are made up of multiple drops of pigment and therefore cause an undertone.
An undertone can be your biggest nightmare or your best kept secret. Neutral paint will have green, pink or yellow undertones and the key here is to choose paint that enhances your existing fixed elements, not the opposite.
Before I understood this important truth, I had a client who had a very pink house. Everything from tile, carpet, counter tops, walls, blinds, curtains and sheers, furniture, sinks, tubs…all pink. Even the kitchen cabinets were oak with a light pink wood stain. I had never seen anything like it. So, since we were using all of the client’s furniture for staging and they were unwilling to do other changes, all we could do was paint. So I took my paint fan to the STORE and chose a color. A nice neutral beige, paid for 10 gallons and arrived to paint.
I did the entire top floor, painting in my own little world before I noticed the color in its DRY state. It was green. So now I had a green and pink house! The pink elements in the home were now brighter PINK with the un-complimentary color of the green under toned paint. That lesson cost me a small fortune to fix and led to me get training on why that happened and how to not do it again!
Paint is an inexpensive way to add huge overall impact to a property and it can, if chosen correctly, create a wow factor first impression and add value to your property.
Oh and one more tip, Painters are applicators not decorators, so don’t let them choose your color!
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Buyers today are savvy, they have been very educated thanks to the internet and the television programs on home staging. They are also not spending the way the used to. The economy changes and daily stress of lower incomes and a higher cost of living have created the demand for move in ready homes.
As well there is a generational gap that is more prominent than ever before, younger couples are buying older homes and they are generally more unskilled at property maintenance and updating a home, than their older generation home sellers. There are multitudes of older sellers moving out of their long term homes and that makes for a flooded market in that category.
The other problem in this scenario is that if a younger buyer is looking in a set price point, they can likely find a new home, with a warranty for the same price as your older unrenovated home.
This happens in every price range, regardless. If your home is in need of repair, why would they buy yours? You are competing with the newer model homes and they are popping up everywhere. So consider your buyer’s needs and demographic.
If your potential buyer is the demographic of a younger family or a couple with no kids but both work, consider that thinking the way they think and finding out what they want to be your top priority if you want to sell your property.
After years of living in your home, it becomes part of you. You tend to get used to the disrepair or the chipped paint and “one day” will get around to fixing the broken closet door and you just don’t see it anymore.
In the weeks to come we are going to give you checklists so you can address these and other issues, and they must be addressed unless you are willing to knock off thousands from your asking price to reflect the work that will need to be done.
Keep in mind that buyers think in “thousands” just like you do when searching for a new home and they want to be compensated for their trouble if they have to repair your half completed projects.
Clean door jams and polish handles
Clean furnace filters and wipe the furnace down
Clean drains
Clean septic system
Rent an Ozone machine to deal with smoke smells in the home or garage and follow instructions as they can be dangerous
Clean oil stains off the garage floor (CLR™ should work for this or try Coca Cola ™)
Clean and wax floors
Basically clean every single thing in the house
Clean all door tracks and window tracks
Clean Windows, Gutters, & take Christmas lights down https://www.cleanshinywindows.com/
Sweep out and if possible wash garage floor & paint it if you can with proper products
Repair holes in gutters and fix all eaves that may be falling down, as well as have them cleaned.
Fix broken doors, baseboards, trims, windows.
Fix gates and broken fences.
Make sure garage doors all open and close properly.
Service sprinkler systems.
Repair damaged steps or door casements.
Repair damaged screen doors.
Replace broken light fixtures.
Repair any tiles that need it- floor or back splash tile.
Fix all dripping faucets and the damage they may have done under the sink.
Service noisy exhaust fans (kitchen and bath).
Remove rust stains from sinks and toilets.
Remove mold and dirt build up from bathrooms and kitchens.
Ensure locks are working easily / replace if they are sticking or stubborn.
Oil hinges on doors.
Ensure doorbell works properly.
Ensure shutters are in good condition.
Fix cracks on ceilings or walls or in basement ( don’t hide anything from the buyer).
Silence noisy floors.
Replace worn toilet seats and covers, take off themed toilet seats or incorrectly sized ones.
Remove plastic runners or glued down rugs and repair the damage they may have caused.
Seal or re-surface driveway.
Add gravel to bare patches like along the side of the house where no sun is).
Re-grout any tile if necessary.
Re-caulk and repair seals in shower enclosure and around sinks.
Ensure that toilets don’t run continuously.
Update toilet paper holder, towel racks and curtain rods.
Patch floors where damage has occurred or replace flooring.
Update batteries in all smoke alarms.
Make sure burglar alarms are working.
Secure area rugs.
This list is very important to take heed to and is by far the most time consuming items on the preparation report. In many cases, not everything will need to be addressed, so you can tackle your projects in their own order of importance.
Property’s often get neglected in many areas and as you can see once you start addressing an issue there will be another to take its place.
All of these points are items that do affect the buyer’s first impression and also what they feel your property VALUE truly is. If there are many unattended projects left for a buyer, they will either walk away and find a home that is move in ready or they will low ball your offer enough to justify the work they will have to do.
The many Television shows on Staging and Buying Real Estate attest to this.
And as I said before, Buyers think in “thousands”. So spend a couple days or a couple weeks getting these items looked after and in the end you will reap the rewards of the best sale price you can get.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Everyone’s perspective on clean is different, as I can attest to after seeing thousands of properties in my Real Estate and Staging career over the last 25 years. Even some professional cleaning companies have different views on what they deem as clean, which can make even hiring cleaning companies a bit tricky.
To sum up what I will write about I will cut to the chase and say that your home, when prepared for sale, should be WHITE GLOVE clean.
This means that anyone can wear a white glove and wipe any surface of your home and the glove stays white. Even in areas like the tops of door trims…Sounds complicated? It is, but it’s manageable. It will require a “face to face inspection” of areas that you normally don’t get too close to!
This will occur after all the de-cluttering, packing updates and repairs. It is the step before the Staging.
So first, having these other items taken care of will make the cleaning process go much smoother. A large portion of what would have normally hindered your progress is now out of the way. You can begin at the top or back of your house and make your way to the front door, using a room by room process or you can do all similar items at the same time.
For example, all light fixtures, then all window sills…and follow that pattern. Whatever works best for you and your family. Remember that cleaning will represents hundreds of dollars to your bottom line and it is worth doing to create the best first impression for the buyers.
Clean fireplace thoroughly
Clean out ashes and remove all firewood
Clean off soot stains with soot remover
Clean all chandeliers and light fixtures & change bulbs to yellow/ incandescent
Polish all woodwork, including furniture
Clean back splashes in all bathrooms and kitchens
Polish mirrors
Clean all window screens and storm doors and screens
Clean front door hardware
Clean the front entryway very well, it reflects the first impression of the entire house
Sinks should be free of food, stains and odors
Keep dishes done and put away every day
Clear off all small appliances off the counter tops
Take all items off the refrigerator (top, front and sides)
Clean cabinets of all stains and food splashes. This will require getting on your knees in front of the cabinets for a “face to face inspection”. You will be surprised what you find!
Clean kitchen exhaust fan, filters, hoods
Clean bathroom exhaust fans, they can be easily pulled down, washed and put back up or for a few dollars they can be replaced. You can find them at home improvement stores.
Clean toilets using “the face to face” approach
Wash all sinks and faucets, including behind them. They should shine.
Clean oven, stove top, burners (replace burners if needed)
Run a dishwasher load with CLR™ only
Empty the refrigerator and wash all drawers, and shelves. Buyers are buying these appliances and will look inside them. Clean exteriors as well.
Wash all floors, staircases and closet floors. Keep swept and shiny
Wash all baseboards throughout the house. Face to face inspections!
Organize all scrub pads, cleaning supplies and soap under the sink
Empty pantry by 50% and wash all shelves
Keep interiors of cabinets neat, clean and free of smells. This will require de-cluttering the pantry also. Cabinet interiors should reflect storage space and should not look cramped and “too full”
Empty garbage daily to prevent odors
Eliminate all odors “If you can smell it, you can’t sell it!”
Wash walls, especially high traffic areas that have been used and abused
Clean ceiling fans
Clean and dust everything (doors, mirrors, shelves, baseboards…)
Clean carpets or update them to the most current trends
Vacuum often, including the couches. Pet hair is a turn off, so stay on top of it.
Clean under and behind appliances. This is a dirty job but somebody has to do it
Garbage out daily
Cat litter cleaned every day, or if you have other pets, keep their wood shavings or “messes” clean 100 % of the time, you never know when you will get a last minute showing (put a soft air freshener nearby)
Call an exterminator to deal with any insect problems
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
photo credit to cottonbro studio
Kitchens and bathrooms do help sell houses, although not the main deciding factor, they are strong contenders when buyers consider what property they will now call home. Buyers consider these rooms when they are house hunting because of the difficulty of renovating them and the expense that would be required.
If you have been diligent in the upkeep and upgrades of your home then this blog will be a breeze! However, if you have never updated your home or maintained the repairs in the baths and kitchens, then this could be a pricy section!
The kitchen in this blog was a 1990’s kitchen and the wall was blocking a gorgeous River Valley view in Edmonton, Alberta. So I advised my clients to remove it and open up the view from the kitchen. It was a great choice, as they sold 4 days after listing.
Truth be told, you will pay to do upgrades in these rooms, either when it comes time to sell and you have to reduce the price to reflect the work needed, or over the years while you live there and have been paying to maintain and upgrade.
Homeowners typically should be spending 1-3% of their market value every year to upgrade and maintain their property in good condition. So if this has not been done, it will need to be.
Updating Appliances in all the same color, this includes the hood fan, especially if they are more than 10 years old.
Replace or Repair all damaged tiles or flooring
Repaint kitchen cabinets (or do touch ups)
Consider a kitchen update if they are older than 7 years. New kitchens price at $8,000 and up, depending on if you are installing them yourself. This is not recommended for beginners no matter how keen you are!
Install new countertops
Update flooring, even a small bathroom looks like a new world with brand new floors
Update light fixtures, there are many nice affordable and trendy options out there- Ask Jill if you have questions on what to buy
Paint the ceilings
Take off old tiles in the bathtub or shower and add a new surround. A simple do it yourself kit can be purchased for around $500.00
Add under cabinet lighting
Add new shower faucets and shower rods
Re-grout your existing tile if it is still in good shape, adding a new grout color can go far
Fresh paint colors in warm neutrals make a room look 100 x better for a small investment of time and money
Update faucets to the latest trends
Tighten all knobs, or replace for a modest cost. Knobs range from $3.00 to over $10.00 per piece, so it is a small investment for a great improvement
Replace toilet seats, especially if they are cracked, wooden or themed ( yes I said themed! Bye Bye dolphins and fish)
Add new blinds or window coverings (these often stay as included in the offer, so take this into consideration)
New sinks, curtain rods and towel bars also make a great first impression
Remember…
So carefully consider the first impression and ask yourself what do you look for when you are the buyer?
How do you compare houses when you are the buyer?
Then create a property that will attract buyers. It’s as simple as that.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Main Photo credit Meruyert Gonullu
Renovation after photo owned by Simply Irresistible Interiors Inc.
Recently, in my staging business, we have had 3 properties that have been overpriced and staged, against professional advice. As I have been so clear on this point with my clients, I still cannot force their choices on what they think their home is worth.
Despite their Realtors telling them the correct pricing, they insisted on “trying it higher”. They all had their financial needs/ issues driving these choices.
There are multiple problems with this scenario, first being that they are shooting themselves in the foot and second they are assuming they know the market better than a professional Agent. Their refusal to take solid sound advice has worked against them.
Then, guess what? All 3 Sellers opted to take out their staged rental package. Big mistake, because now, the Agents have called me and told me of the new challenges they face in trying to sell these now stale listings.
This Agent was put in an awkward position in having to answer these questions and it makes the Seller look bad too. It’s essentially false advertising. This home went through multiple price reductions to finally reach the actual value and took over 7 months to sell when it shouldn’t have. The other mistake I truly believed stalled this sale was that the Seller tried to sell it themselves before staging or calling an Agent, but that’s another BLOG!
Those agents, bringing buyers, are putting staged homes at the top of the list because they show SPECTACULAR. And this sets the bar for all the rest of the showings, ultimately resulting in a Staged home getting sold faster than every other house.
However, these Agents and buyers were met with empty rooms. Both properties also being overpriced and having had 2 price reductions, are still for sale, and now empty.
In one of these cases the Seller’s FRIENDS are telling him how much its worth and none of them are in Real Estate. It always boggles my mind when people deem themselves to be experts in a field they have never worked in.
All the staging money and rentals were lost at this house too, because now the seller needs to have empty room photos re-posted so that he can honestly present what the home looks like today- EMPTY.
Sellers who invest in Staging and Rentals need to take the advice of professionals. This is not a game, it’s the REAL ESTATE market and buyers aren’t uneducated, they won’t overpay for homes and they want to view property that is presented well. Staging allows for emotional connection and buyers will pay a premium for that.
It is totally within a Seller’s right to get the highest price for their home, but overpricing is not the means to that end. It is serious business this real estate thing and as much as I understand that Seller’s have financial issues and are trying to pay off all debts in the sales of their homes, I have said it before and I will say it again, ” Your financial needs do not dictate asking price!” You are only hurting yourself when you overprice.
Jill Turgeon
The Staging Agent
One Percent Realty 780-218-7444
Photo credit to Pixabay