Steps to Staging Success
I was recommended to this out of town seller by his Mother, who had seen me successfully stage and sell in her building. I went with her to see the vacant condo. Although in a good location in the Cook Street Village, this condo was depressing. The previous tenants had used inexpensive candles which had left a shocking amount of smokey soot on the walls, cabinets, vinyl window frames... you name it! Even the carpets were dark, and beyond hope. Ugh. This was in sharp contrast to the beautiful light from the many windows in this corner suite, and pretty outlook of the tree-lined boulevard, and flowering shrubs of neighbouring homes.
The Prescription
I knew that to get top dollar for this condo, it would require surgery of the MARILYN kind. I made a list of the repairs needed: Clean everything, paint throughout, new lighting, hoodfan etc, plumbing repairs... new showerhead and sink, fix toilets, repair tub chips. New laminate flooring. New Door hinges and knobs. Whew!... Thankfully, the seller was game, and had the resources to pay for this checklist. I just had to find the contractors, help choose the colours and materials, and get started. Really, I was being more of a General Contractor for Renovations on this job... something that I had been doing lately for a couple of other condos, and they had sold in less than a month of listing, so I was on to something here!
I have always believed in presenting properties well and offered my staging services, but this was at a whole new level.
The Team
Having experienced and talented contractors that will step up and fit you into their busy schedule is a golden asset. My A-Team includes: James Price from Scorpion Mechanical, Plumber and Gas-fitter Shawn Callow of Victoria Doors, David Hardy from Higher Standard Decorating and Painting, David Audi of Absolutely Electrical, Jim Russell and Jeremy from the End of the Roll, myself as Stager, and Rented Furnishings from Freedom Rent to Own. Last, but of first importance is my very talented Photographer, David Gibson of Moving Pictures Studios Victoria who provided high-end photographs, and videography.
The Process
I brought in the cleaners for the soot on the window frames, windows, and even the dirty deck. I scrubbed kitchen cabinets myself, and ordered a product on Amazon to mix the porcelain colour, and repair the chips in the tub! I bought a new bathroom sink and shower head, as well as a new hood fan, and had the professionals install and repair. The flooring was chosen, and ordered, and paint applied... in many coats, I might add! The final touches of new lighting, and new door hardware made a huge difference... even down to replacing yellowed thermostats, and t.p holder! Attention to detail is key. I even ordered a cute white kitchen trolley with butcher block top for staging, and put it together myself! There was an empty spot by the windows in the kitchen that needed something.
Staging
I have an Honours Art degree in Drawing and Painting, and this means that I have an eye for beauty which translates into more dollars for the seller! I ensure that your property is shown in its best light. Furnishings and decor that aren't the best for the right vibe are removed, and the right staging pieces are brought in, arranged, and hung! This is the final and necessary magic in the process to prepare for Success. And it doesn't have to take ages to happen, either... I am poised for action!
The Results
On March 3rd, 2024 we signed the listing papers, and on April 9th we were listed. Then 24 Days later, we were Sold! ...What a great feeling, and for top dollar! 905 sqft at $724/sqft! This, in a tougher market with higher interest rates. The savvy buyers knew a good thing when they saw it. Currently, a unit with the same floorplan in the building is on the market at $619,000. (It hasn't had my staging procedures applied!). It looks like that one might sell for at least $45,000 less... when it only took circa $12 K for my client's renovation). These days, buyers will pay more for the convenience of having everything done for them. Remember this when you want to have Sales Success. The right agent matters. One that will go to the mats for you... Or the floors, in this case!
Contact marilyn@marilynball.ca or Text 250-818-6489 if you need a fairy godmother of the staging kind to help you with your Sale... the honour will be mine!
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