Unoccupied Properties- To Stage or Not To Stage

Which will make a lasting impression on home buyers?

THIS.....

OR THIS
THIS.....
OR THIS
THIS.....
OR THIS

Because 90% of buyers cannot visualize the potential of an empty space, and because home buyers purchase properties based on emotions, unoccupied properties that are staged are more likely to sell faster and for more money than those left empty.

My latest staging project, located in Bishop's Landing which is an award winning condo development on Halifax Nova Scotia's waterfront, is listed with Bryant Realty. Thanks to Heather Munroe for referring me to her selling clients. They understand that staging an unoccupied property is both an investment and a marketing tool that draws in buyers, the majority of whom search the internet for the home of their dreams.

The right furniture correctly placed will show buyers that even condos that are less than 800 square feet can be both functional and current. See for yourself.

Design Tip: Mirrors are multi functional. In addition to serving our personal cosmetic needs, they also can be a stager and a redesigner's best friend. They brighten dark spaces. They expand small spaces and they are an inexpensive form of wall art. Just remember to take into account the reflection produced by the mirror you are hanging. The reflection can be either an embellishment or an eyesore.

The photos of the empty condo prestaging and the bedroom and full bathroom views are courtesy of Anita Macpherson, a professional photographer based here in Halifax.

You can count on Rave Re:view in Halifax Nova Scotia when you hire us to stage your property for the real estate market or redesign the home you are living in.

Staged and Sold

Just wanted to share a recent staging project, some design tips and to thank Heather Munroe of Bryant Realty for referring me to her selling clients.

The large formal living room, with windows on three walls, has a back area bounded by pillars and two half walls. With its view of the beautifully manicured back gardens, it is a great spot to curl up with a good book.

Design tip : A stand up easel is a wonderful way to display large pieces of artwork-an alternative to hanging pictures on the wall.

The family/great room has quality built-in shelves and cabinetry that flank the substantial fireplace. A corner built- in unit houses the TV.

Design Tip: An example of less is more. The uncluttered arrangement of good- sized accessories on the glass shelves is simple and clean looking.

The sunny bright solarium style large eating area in the great room , with its skylights and high ceiling, overlooks the back gardens.

Design Tip: Think multiple large scale accessories on a large scale table.

The dining room of this house is made more elegant by the substantial fireplace that graces its focal wall. I love the drama of dark walls.

Design Tip:When hanging pictures on dark walls, think light coloured matting. Light matting allows the artwork to pop and also brightens up the space. Grace a dining room table with a tall centre piece to add impact .

The well proportioned master bedroom even has a boudoir area off of the main room.

The master bath is spacious, with two sinks, a separate shower and a spa tub.

Design Tip: Place a tall vase in the centre of a long dual sink vanity to add interest to the countertop . By filling the vase with flowers or greenery or as in the case of this bathroom- feathers- the reflection that is produced adds an artistic touch.

Below, the vignette of multi height vases and an orchid is simple yet elegant and adds a punch of colour in the guest bedroom. Oops- I just noticed that the angle and proportions of the vases looks off - In reality the vases are all more substantial than the orchid whose container is actually quite small. The vases are also arranged in a way that their three varying sizes are evident- not so in this photo. I still have to develop my photography skills!!

Design Tip: A simple modern geometric piece of artwork meshes well with a more traditional curvacious Tuscany styled vase. The curves of the vase and the straight lines in the piece of artwork compliment one another.
Design tip: A framed mirror is always a great way to dress up a bathroom. And.. a pop of red -what can I say-my favourite colour-one little pop of red goes a long way!

You'll be sure to garner many a Rave Re:view when you hire us to prepare your property for the real estate market or redesign the home you are living in.

A Halifax Gem-Staged By Rave Re:view

It has been too long since I last blogged and for that I apologize. I want to share the photos of my most recent staging project-an unoccupied beautifully renovated 2 story house on Lawrence Street in Halifax. Paul Macnutt, a real estate agent with Bryant Realty, and his business partner Marshall Lewis meticulously restored the property which is move in ready and is now on the market. See for yourself!

(OOPS! Didn't mean to display this photo twice. I'm rusty!)

You can count on Rave Re:views when you hire us to stage or redesign your home!