Staging a home in Canada for sale involves strategically arranging and decorating the property to enhance its appeal and attract potential buyers. Begin by decluttering and depersonalising the space, removing extra things and excess furniture to create a clean and neutral canvas. Focus on maximising natural light and ensuring the property is well-lit by opening curtains and blinds. Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint to create a neutral backdrop. Arrange furniture to showcase the functionality and flow of each room, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the home stage. Ultimately, a well-staged house highlights its best features and helps potential buyers envision living in the space, potentially leading to a faster and more lucrative sale.

What does home staging entail, and how can you harness its effectiveness? You’ll be at an advantage if you take the extra step of staging your property. This blog will tell you how to home stage in Canada.

The Power of Home Staging

Home staging is a process where real estate agents or home stagers set up their homes for potential purchasers to view. Setting up this stage might help buyers picture themselves living in the property. Homeowners frequently contact well-versed homestagers with outstanding portfolios, asking them to bring in their furnishings to set up the home stage or use the present furnishings to create a cosy and more inviting image.

Is Home Staging Necessary?

While staging your home is optional, research indicates that staged homes tend to sell quicker and at higher prices than unstaged homes. It may not be a crucial factor in a seller’s market. However, in a buyer’s market, it’s worthwhile to take every opportunity to distinguish your property and attract potential buyers. A well-staged home grabs the attention of online house hunters and sparks their imagination during in-person visits. When done well, staging showcases various possibilities and potential each room holds.

Is Hiring a Home Stager Worth it?

Yes, hiring a home stager can be worth it, but not necessary, especially if you aim to enhance the visual appeal of your property and increase its market value. Professional home staging can attract more potential buyers, make your listing stand out, and potentially lead to quicker and more profitable sales. The expertise of a home stager in creating an inviting and neutral atmosphere can help them envision themselves in the space, making it a valuable investment in the selling process.

For example- A new, tidy, and functioning home usually doesn’t require much maintenance. In this situation, a staging professional can offer fundamental guidance and propose various decor and modification ideas to rejuvenate the appearance of your home. Additionally,  they will furnish an occupational staging report if you plan to stay in your house during its time on the market.

What’s the Price of Staging a Home?

The costs for home staging vary based on different factors. Consulting fees usually begin at approximately $200 but can be higher. If you opt to rent furniture and decor, this expense can exceed $2,000. Staging an empty home is generally pricier, starting at around $2,500 per month.

Steps to Stage Your House

When it comes to staging your house, there are many things you can do on your own.

Taking care of these tasks independently could lead to significant cost savings across various areas, including cleaning, decluttering, repairs, and upgrades. You can forego professional assistance if you possess a keen sense of design. But if you are at a loss for inspiration, it’s worthwhile to schedule a consultation. A home stager can provide their expert opinion and point out details you might have overlooked. Regardless of the path you choose, bear the following points in mind:

  • Early Beginnings

Home staging demands time and effort, and some sellers mistakenly believe they can accomplish everything in a single weekend. However, for a thorough cleaning, packing, and renovation, you will require at least a few weeks.

  • Declutter – Simplify Your Space

Getting rid of clutter from your house should be a priority. The intention is to give prospective purchasers a blank canvas. If you keep it crowded, it will be much harder for them to see your house as their home. You can sell or give up the stuff you don’t need, or pack them up to move to your new house. Attempt to minimise the number of items and declutter surfaces, retaining only the necessities.

  • Depersonalise

Keeping with the previous idea now is the right moment to get rid of your personal belongings and cut ties with your house. Put away all family photographs, clothes, and everything that belongs to you.

  • Pet Care on the Move

Consider relocating your pets a week or so before the scheduled home stage. It gives enough time to tidy up after them and get rid of any lasting smells from animals. Additionally, it minimises stress for your pets by having them move only once instead of being relocated each time there’s a home staging in Canada.

  • Deep Clean – Beyond Surface Shine

Now that your home is clear of clutter, it’s time for deep cleaning. It is imperative to undergo a thorough cleaning, ensuring to get rid of any unpleasant smells rather than merely masking them. Consider steam cleaning your carpets, giving them a thorough hoover and giving any tough stains a good scrub. Cleaning your furniture and curtains can be beneficial.

  • Redecorating – A Fresh Canvas for Home Stage

Post decluttering and deep cleaning, add the final finishes by redecorating your house before the home stage for sale.  While you might not have to repaint every room, opting for a neutral colour palette is a good idea. Omit bold colour schemes to create a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to envision their style. Consider replacing outdated fixtures like door handles and light fittings. It enhances the overall look and increases the chances of finding a buyer who resonates with the neutral and refreshed aesthetics.

  • Essential Repairs for a Seamless Move

While having a tidy house is nice, a functional one will sell for more money. It is the perfect opportunity to fix any nagging problems you’ve had for years. Make the time to fix anything that might cause visitors to feel uncomfortable when visiting your house, such as dripping faucets, creaky hinges, and creaking floors.

  • Reshuffling – Space Optimisation

Focus on optimising each room by rearranging furniture to maximise space. Aim for a balance between making rooms appear spacious and maintaining a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Take advantage of sunlight and put up mirrors to make your rooms look bigger and brighter. Assign specific purposes to each room, as carefully arranged furniture can inspire imagination. Consider your target audience when transforming spare rooms; for families, an extra bedroom may be appealing, while young professionals or retirees might find a home office more attractive.

  • Transform Your Home with Stunning Curb Appeal

Ensure prospective purchasers interested in buying your house don’t just pass by. Get a makeover of your front yard with neatly clipped grass and well-kept borders accented with flowers and potted plants.  Keep your driveway in good shape and fix any outside problems, such as broken fences or peeling paint.

  • Capture and Present Your Home for Sale

Simply take high-quality photos for your listing. It’s advisable to enlist a professional for this task, and you can also explore the option of creating a video or virtual tour. Lastly, for viewings, ensure potential buyers can thoroughly tour the entire home.

Wrapping Up

If you possess a reasonable budget, refrain from excessive expenditures on home staging in Canada. Highlight the home’s best features without going overboard, considering that what sells may differ from what makes it practical for the buyer. Focus on staging that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers to maximise your chances of receiving more purchase offers, ultimately leading to a higher selling price.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who pays for staging a house in Ontario?

Though, occasionally, the agent pays for the consultation, the seller usually covers the costs.

How to do a private sale of a house in Canada?

For a private sale of a house in Canada, determine the property's value, draft a legal agreement, and market it through various channels. Once you secure a buyer, work with a real estate lawyer to finalise the transaction and transfer ownership.

What is home staging and is it worth the cost?

Home staging is the process of enhancing a property's visual appeal for sale. Its worth depends on the property and market, but studies show staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices.

How much does it cost to stage a house in Montreal?

In Montreal, staging businesses usually charge $2,000 for their services.