Just released, these 2011 neutrals (complete with inspiring accents colours) are a hit with our Interior Designers at Accentuate Home Staging Design Group.  

These colours introduce a fresh new look at neutrals that we can all draw inspiration from as we prepare homes for SELLING and for LIVING.   Paired with touches of dynamic accent colours like Charlottes Lock No.268, Off Black No.57 or Babouche No.223 these colours are sure to add a contemporary spin to any interior…or exterior for that matter.  

	Oxford Stone No.264 Named after the stone often used in Oxfordshire village houses, this colour is perfect for creating a warm interior.
	Manor House Gray No.265 Inspired by the quintessentially English manor house, this definite grey has its roots in the 18th century but can be used to striking effect in modern schemes.
	Mizzle No.266 A soft blue grey reminiscent of a West Country evening mist. The blue will become more intense when painted in a smaller room.
	Dove Tale No.267 Named after the well known carpentry joint but with a twist in the tale! Some see this colour as a grey while to others it appears to be warmer and more stony.
	Charlotte’s Locks No.268 Highly dramatic and extremely contemporary especially when combined with Railings. Widely used as an accent colour in the minimalist decoration of the 1950s.
	Cabbage White No.269 A delightful clean colour that takes its name from the distinctive wings of the Cabbage White butterfly.
	Calluna No.270 Named after the Scottish heather, Calluna has a contemporary look but with the delicate inclusion of black, it retains a vintage feel.
	Brassica No.271 An aged, darker version of Calluna, named after the familiar purple colour often seen in the Brassica family of vegetables. This colour comes alive when combined with Calluna and Pelt.
	Plummett No.272 Named after the lead weight used to sink a fishing line, this mid-tone grey is appropriate for interior as well as exterior use as often seen in Gothic architecture.

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries has announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011.  

At ACCENTUATE Home Staging Design Group, we LOVE this colour…for interior design and home staging projects alike.     It’s a true “statement colour” that is energizing and guaranteed to liven up any room of the house.  

Go ahead, give it a whirl….try it in the entry, in your dining room, a bedroom or bath.   Too dramatic for you?….use it to “ACCENTUATE” your rooms in smaller doses.   Paint a key “accent wall” , add a few toss cushions, some terrific vases or a new piece of art “touched” with honeysuckle.  

Tell us what you think!  We’d love to hear your adventures into this dynamic new colour trend.

Read on for the full article from Pantone.   

   
With so much inventory in the Vancouver market, and fewer sales since the same period in 2009, sellers are definitely feeling the impact of a BUYERS MARKET.   Multiple offers are no longer the norm.  Days on market have been increasing.   See what the Vancouver Sun has to say about our current ” Buyers Market”.

So how do you actually sell YOUR house when there is so much competition AND get the highest price possible that you’ll  feel good about?

1. By working with a expert realtor that understands the market, understands your expectations, markets to the hilt and represents YOU.
2. By setting your price realistically & competitively in todays market ( remember that you’re competing with a load of other fine properties )
3. By preparing your house to sell with EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING.

With so much competition, EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING is a top real estate strategy to ensure that your property STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET, gets noticed and SELLS !

Put yourself in the role of a buyer.

You view two (2) properties in the same neighbourhood.  All things considered equal (size, layout, neighbourhood amenties, price) which property would you most likely pick?

…the house that you’ll need to clean, paint, upgrade before you can really feel at home.

….or….

…the house that is move in ready and already feels like HOME?

 How about two (2) properties in the same condomium complex.  All things considered equal (size, layout, neighbourhood amenties, price) which property would you most likely pick?

….the  “bowling alley” condo that looks impossible to furnish? 

….or….

… the “Liveable” Room with a View?

The choices are clear and proof that STAGED HOMES SELL!   By portraying a “liveable” lifestyle that sellers want, your staged property will sell faster and for a higher price than the competition.

Here’s the facts:

• 63% of buyers will pay more for a property that  is move in ready!
• Staged homes sell up to 50% faster than un-staged homes
• Staged homes sell for up to 7% more than un-staged homes

EFFECTIVE HOME STAGING ensures that the property you are selling STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET.    Make it memorable, make it STAND OUT and it’s as good as SOLD!

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

One thing is certain.  Most buyers will pay more for properties that are in move-in condition.

Whether you’ve been renting out your property for investment purposes or renovating it to sell, implementing just a few key real estate strategies will ensure that you’re property is market ready and will Stand Out in today’s competitive environment.

Try these top makeover tips and your investment property will transform from shabby to CHIC and for minimal cost”

1.   A fresh coat of PAINT.

Often the most overlooked upgrade.  This is  certainly the most cost effective solution with the biggest bang for your buck. A fresh coat of paint,  in neutral tones will do wonders to ramp up the market appeal of your property.  Do it yourself or call in the professionals….but do it properly.  Prep the walls, patch holes, remove switchplates and vents before painting.  You’ll be glad you did….and buyers will notice.    It’s the best investment you’ll make.

2.   Clean or New Flooring .

Buyers are quick to notice the floors….the wear, the tear, pet odours, you name it.    The thought of cleaning them and, even worse, replacing them after move-in can be a deal breaker.  So have your carpets cleaned just prior to your open house.    And if they are in real disrepair, consider replacing them with mid range carpeting, laminate, tile or hardwood.   No need to break the bank….just select mid range products in neutral colours.   Beware the urge to install budget products.  If they look too budget, buyers may think you’ve done nothing all and your investment is lost.

3.   Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Are your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities dated, showing wear and tear? Consider the following makeover solutions, depending on your budget and your energy:

• paint, reface or replace
• replace handles and door pulls with updated ones in brushed nickel or similar
• replace worn laminate countertops if necessary

4.  Landscaping

The curb appeal of your property is the 1st true impression of your property.  MAKE IT COUNT ! Consider these tips to give your house curb appeal that SELLS !

• new mailbox
• polished or new house numbers
• clean yard
• powerwash siding and sidewalks
• add attractive flowering planters

5.  Clean, Clean, Clean

And I mean CLEAN ! Nothing can be a bigger distraction to a potential buyer than a house that not clean.  Pay particular attention to your appliances, bathrooms, floors….and don’t forget door and appliance handles.   Just finished renovating?….then pick up after yourself and leave the place spotless.   Now is the time to show buyers your handywork.

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can help you prepare your Investment Property to SELL?

In our previous article Staging a Vacant Property – “The Full Stage” we reviewed the benefits of vacant staging.   These benefits still hold true:

• Staged homes can sell up to 50% faster than unstaged home
• Staged homes can sell for up to 7% more than an unstaged home

Emotions and first impressions play a key role in buyers decisions to make an offer.  Furnishing and accessorizing vacant properties is – hands down – one of the top real estate strategies to ensure that your property Stands Out in the Market.

Make your house APPEALING and MEMORABLE to potential buyers and you’re as good as SOLD !

But what it your budget simply doesn’t allow you to stage your entire property?

Perhaps most of your bedrooms are actually quite generous in size or that basement suite simply speaks for itself?

You may even be in the midst of relocating homes.  You’ve already sold or donated your living room or dining furniture ( for example)  in anticipation of starting fresh in your new home.  While you continue to live in the house during the selling process, your key rooms are now bare and unfurnished.

Whatever the reason may be, you’re best bet may be to opt for a Partial Vacant Stage.    Any staging is better than no staging if you want to maximize the market demand of your house in a competitive market.    So consider staging  just the necessary key rooms of your property ( the living room, dining room, the master bedroom for instance ).   Presenting your house and especially your key rooms with show home style will do wonders and give you the market edge.

Make it APPEALING and MEMORABLE to potential buyers and you’re as good as SOLD !

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can stage your vacant property so that it Stands Out in the Market.

• Did you know that stage homes can sell up to 50% faster than unstaged or homes? 
• Did you know that a staged home can sell for up to 7% more than an unstaged home? 

With increasing activity and competition in the Vancouver Real Estate market this spring, can you afford NOT to stage your property?

We all know that buyers emotions and first impressions play a key role in their decisions to make an offer.  Furnishing and accesorizing vacant properties is – hands down – one of the top real estate strategies to ensure that your property Stands Out in the Market.

Make your house APPEALING and MEMORABLE to potential buyers and you’re as good as SOLD !

So now you’re ready to stage your vacant property.  Do you opt to stage the entire property or maybe just key rooms only? 

Let’s first explore the benefits of a FULL PROPERTY STAGE. 

You don’t need to look too far to find the recipe for vacant staging success.  Take heed from every new development SALES home that you’ve ever toured.  Each and every room has been furnished. 

Why?….to create a MEMORABLE portrayal of a lifestyle that buyers want.  No imagination needed, no tape measures here.   Buyers see first hand how their furniture can fit in that home.   More importantly, they experience an emotional connection to the space, as if they’ve “come home”.   “I CAN live here”….is music to our ears!

Consider also the impact on todays downsizing baby boomers who are often moving from full scaled homes to 1000 sq.ft condominiums.    This desire for high density urban living has made it’s mark…leaving many potential buyers touring properties that are seemingly impossible to furnish and entirely “un-livable”.  

By staging all rooms of a vacant property you will leave nothing to the imagination.  Buyers will see that:

• YES, that small and narrow room CAN accommodate their bedroom furniture or their dining room suite. 

That’s a CRUCIAL selling point for any interested buyer and potentially the key to their decision to make an offer. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming article:  Vacant Staging : “The PARTIAL Stage”

 Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can help you stage your vacant property so that it Stands Out in the Market !

In our opinion as expert home stagers, the optimal scenario is to stage your property just prior to photographing it for MLS and as close to the first agents open or buyer open house as possible.   This takes any last minute de-cluttering or open house preparation off the sellers plate and ensures that the road is clear for the realtor to focus on the pure task of selling that property.  Sounds pretty straight forward…right?

But what if your house needs a little or a lot of extra “TLC” before putting it up for sale?  Should you stage the house before or after hiring a realtor? 

Move-Out CLUTTER		Mid-Reno CONFUSION

If you know that your house can do with some ”TLC” because you are:

• in the midst of downsizing, packing and/or moving out
• completing the last of your renovations
• preparing to make minor repairs including painting, yardwork, etc

…….then you may want to consider staging your house before hiring a realtor.

Ultimately, you want to present your house at its very best…and that includes to realtors that you may be interviewing for hire.    Realtors are experts on pricing your home and they provide you with valuable insight into what today’s saavy buyers are after.   

By enlisting the help of an expert Home Stager first and getting a jump start on selling your house before hiring a realtor, you may get a higher listing price from Realtors.    Show them the clear potential of the effectively staged house and they will know that the marketing and selling  of that staged property will be easier and quicker than that of an unstaged house.

Time to Downsize		Ready to Show – SOLD!

That’s what these Accentuate clients did.   By staging their property first and “setting the the stage”,  realtors could accurately assess the house for it’s true features –  free of any guesswork as to how each room should be marketed and clear of the distractions of clutter and over-crowded  rooms.   By staging this house before hiring the realtor, the final real estate process was  streamlined and the chosen realtor was able to focus on listing, marketing and selling the house…fast and for top dollar!

Whether you’re downsizing, renovating or repairing  – staging your house before hiring a realtor may indeed be the best course of action for you.     And if you already have a realtor or if the house is already listed?…. it’s never too late.    Just know that it’s still important to stage it and have new pictures taken for the MLS and other advertising avenues.     Before you know it…..SOLD!

When you’re ready to get a jump start on selling your house, call Accentuate Home Staging at 604-328-6479. We can help!

One of the most common challenges that we face in Home Staging, is ensuring that the properties we transform are staged “as advertised”.

Staging as advertised is an often overlooked key strategy to effectively preparing properties for sale.   Maximizing the potential  and true function of each and every room as described in MLS listings and advertisements is imperative.

Before - Office Confusion!

Sure,  your realtor could describe this room as the 2nd bedroom at every showing, but sometimes words are just not enough.   In fact, many people just cannot envision any other purpose for a room other than how it is presented to them.   

Don’t rely on the buyers ability to imagine that this cluttered office is actually the second bedroom.  By not portraying your house “as advertised” you may actually hurt your chances of a sale.   Don’t risk turning away potential buyers simply because they can’t see the advertised features of the house that brought them there in the first place.

After - Staged as Advertised - SOLD!

By transforming this cluttered room into the bedroom it was meant to be, Accentuate Home Staging showed the buyers what they came to see.   No imagination needed, no extra effort from the realtor to describe the rooms’ potential…..just clearly presented “as advertised”and SOLD!

So assess your next listing carefully before putting it on the market.   Make sure that each room shows the actual purpose that it is intended for ….or at least shows a ’suggestion’ of it’s purpose.    Not sure how to maximize the potential of each room?     Accentuate Home Staging can help.

Call us today at 604-328-6479 and let us help you get Open House Ready.