All I did was....Home Staging Success Stories

Michelle Finnamore, owner of Advantage Staging has been nominated for the Ontario Home Builders SAM Award for best decorated model under 2200 sq. ft.

This model home was designed for the site in Alliston by Devonleigh Homes.

Features include using eco friendly finishes to market the homes to buyers that are concerned about indoor air quality.

Quartz counter tops, low VOC carpet and paint and natural stone were used to improve the indoor air quality.

This home's design focus was to make the kitchen the backdrop for the cook in the family to entertain family and friends. The open concept kitchen looks out to the dining room/ living room as well as having the option to have guests sit at the counter while the cook demonstrates their cooking skills.

The master bedroom and ensuite is one of pure indulgence. More than once I heard myself saying.... and why doesn't my house look like this?

Take a look and see what a professional home stager can do to build public awareness for your new home construction site.

Remember the four golden rules that home staging strives to produce-

* Attract attention

* Gain interest

* Create demand and desire

* Initiate action on the part of the buyer

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

Advantage Staging serving Toronto, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Maple, King City, Richmond Hill, Barrie, Alliston and area.

416.928.2999

705.720.0113

Advantage Staging had the opportunity to stage two model homes for the Parkside site in Alliston for Devonleigh Homes.

I decided to stage in as "green" a way as possible to increase the marketing ability for these homes. The scope of work for this staging included selecting finishes, light fixtures, trim and doors, flooring, plumbing fixtures and designing the bathroom and kitchen spaces.

First thing I did was create a family that would live in each of the models. That made the selections much easier to choose as I had some idea of how the family would live in the home. The Shellbrook model was designed for an active family with a dog running through the home on a daily basis. The finishes selected would withstand the rigors of family life and be easy to maintain.

Cork floor in the main floor laundry is easy care and is a renewable, environmentally friendly surface. The washer is a front loader saving water on each load.

Carpeting had low VOC emission for those with breathing problems (over 25% of children now have a breathing problem).

The kitchen table was made from reclaimed elm and steel. A pot filler was installed over the stove to allow the cook to make soup and pasta dishes with ease.

The coffee tables and hall table were made from reclaimed steel and reclaimed railway ties from India (they contain no creosote).

The night table in the boys room was made from a part of a ship (and very heavy).

Custom drapery and furniture completed the look.

This model is light, bright and airy encouraging the gathering of family in the kitchen and rec room, the two rooms where you can invite friends and family over to enjoy time together.

Enjoy the video produced by Barrie Video Tours. The owners Steve and Kelly  use the latest in video tour technology and give you the feeling of being right there in the home.

Michelle Finnamore Advantage Staging - Preparing your property for sale in Woodbridge, Vaughan, Maple, Toronto, Alliston and Barrie.

Two offices to serve your needs.

Toronto and area 416.928.2999

Barrie/Alliston area 705.720.0113

This month has seen the number of listings jump dramatically mostly due to the break in the weather.         Once the sun comes out and the snow melts away, people love to dream about their next move.

The difference this year is that more and more Realtors and homeowners are realizing they need three things when listing their house for sale.

1. A detailed marketing plan to sell their property including using new advertising avenues like social media sites and home staging services

2.  To spend less money advertising a property not ready for sale

3. To find a professional home stager to provide a written action plan to stay focused on what is important to do to get the most pay back from money and effort put into preparing the property for sale.

Homeowners and Realtors are realizing they need a plan and that  a Professional Home Staging consultation is the first step to get the most equity out of their property and to have less days on market.

I consulted on this property at 7 Apple Valley in Adjala. The suggestions that I made were carried out by the homeowners.

Is it Staged the way I would I have done it? Not exactly.

But the point is, the property shows well online now.
They are getting traffic to their listing and not wasting their marketing dollars on a property that wasn't ready to show. Plus the homeowner will be able to get back to their regular life sooner with less days on market.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

I was Staging this property in Alliston and had just about finished the room when I really had to take the client aside and insist that the artwork be changed to something more appropriate for the dining room.

It was a series of three nudes of one sort or another. Taking a bath in some other century etc. I explained that Staging was to market the purpose of the room.

A bistro picture would be so much more appropriate. It took two days for the client to think it over but here is the results. Paitence is a virtue in Staging.

We are the professionals and we know what must be done. I never did convince the client to remove the place settings though. I not a believer in setting the table when the property is for sale.

Advantage Staging will market your property to stand out from the competition every time.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

It was a little nook and I took it as a challenge to create "another room" where there was none before.

This was a tiny corner in the basement by the guest bedroom and in the hall way on the way to the loo.

In this property in Alliston, I Staged a tiny, perfect breakfast nook for the guest that is staying for an extended amount of time and wants to have their coffee in the morning away from the host.

Selling Real Estate is all about selling space and function. I created a space with a function where there was an empty corner previously.

Advantage Staging will market  your property to stand out from the competition every time.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.

When placing a mirror please take time to check what the mirror is reflecting.

In this property in Alliston, it was the stair railing opposite the mirror. As you could see this focal point from the front foyer it was not a very enticing view. It is also not considered to be good feng shui when the refection is not a good view.

I Staged the room by replacing the  mirror with a piece of metal artwork and the focal point improved dramatically.

The only thing left to do was to remove the swag valance and the look was complete.

Advantage Staging will market your property to stand out from the competition every time.

Investment, minimal.

Impact, priceless.