Set the Stage for Selling your house in Montreal
With the busy spring housing market in Montreal upon us, many Canadians are considering making home improvements in advance of listing, to help entice potential buyers. However, instead of relying on the usual tricks, many are taking a new approach by trying home staging.
“Staging” is a term that has been used in the design industry for some time, and has recently surfaced in the real-estate market. Essentially, it means setting the stage for boosting the response to your home from interested buyers, by making changes up-front.
For some, this may feel unnatural. We assume that our “home” is being assessed, rather than the “house” in which we have made our home. However, potential buyers are primarily interested in purchasing the place they can best picture themselves in. Staging helps them do just that.
Managing our stuff is a problem for both the buyer and seller. Extras can be seen as clutter, giving the false impression that there is not sufficient storage or living space. Buyers desire a home that can handle their own collectables.
Creating the illusion of space and neutralizing your house are two important aspects of house staging. Eliminating clutter is an easy way to accomplish both. For example, 90 per cent of us show homes displaying small appliances such as microwaves, toasters and radios on our kitchen counters. We should be cautious against this, even if your appliances are high-end. “By clearing counters of removable items, potential homebuyers can envision the space exactly how they like.”
Another effective technique is removing, rearranging and resizing furniture. Think of it this way: You may love that extra armchair, but if the door behind it won’t open, you’re blocking a selling feature. Extra furniture can easily inhibit light and hide lovely architectural details.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article. However, the information provided is general in nature and those with specific questions should seek professional advice that meets their particular requirements.
Monique Assouline is a Montreal Real Estate Broker with Heidi Witt Realties. She can be reached at 514-219-5897 or moniqueassouline@yahoo.ca
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