You only have one chance to make a first impression...make it count!

First impressions are key in today's real estate market as most buyers make up their mind about a home within minutes of entering the front door. Today's buyers are looking for a home that they can move right into -- one they can picture themselves living in.

We'll help you create that show home -- the one that will help you make the right first impression -- and the one you need to sell your home in less time and for what it's worth.

Remember -- you only have one chance to make a first impression. Make it count!

WHAT IS STAGING?

Home Staging is much more than just preparing a home for sale. It’s about creating an inviting and ‘move-in-ready’ atmosphere -- of presenting your home for sale in a way that showcases its very best features, and that is appealing to the widest range of buyers.

And it’s about achieving the highest selling point for your home in the quickest time possible.

With most homebuyers buying on emotion, it is absolutely critical to maximize the control you have on their first impression. By having your home professionally staged, you will be showcasing your property in a manner that allows potential buyers to connect -- and to envision themselves living in the space.

By creating the illusion of space, and maximizing curb appeal and layout, your property will turn into an inviting home that potential buyers will fall in love with.

STAGING STATS EVERY SELLER SHOULD KNOW

From a survey conducted by the real estate marketing firm HomeGain, 2,000 real estate agents indicated that home staging provides a 340% return on investment.

In an April 2006 AOL Money and Finance poll of over 15,000 people, 87% said that home presentation makes the difference in most sales.

HOME STAGING SECRETS

Looking for a speedy and profitable sale?

In getting your house ready, you need to be objective -- to step back and see things as a potential buyer would. To be successful, you want to present a house that is warm and inviting -- one that draws people’s eyes towards the most attractive features, and downplays any weaknesses. And, most importantly, you want to ensure that potential buyers are able to easily imagine themselves living in your house.

To ensure broad buyer appeal, I have prepared a list of some helpful tips for getting your house market-ready.

CONQUER CLUTTER

Clear away any unnecessary items from counter tops, and make sure that all areas in the house are tidy and organized. Put away any items that you are not using into boxes that can be stored neatly in your garage.

EMPHASIZE STORAGE SPACE

Organize all closets, garage, laundry room, utility spaces, cupboards, and kitchen drawers.

MAXIMIZE CURB APPEAL

Remember -- first impressions add value to your home. Your front door and entranceway are the introduction to your house, and set the overall tone. Ensure that your house looks welcoming and inviting for drive-up appeal. The outside of your house should be clean and in good condition. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, and plant fresh, colourful flowers.

GET LIGHTER AND BRIGHTER

Add atmosphere with lighting. Turn on all lights in the house to create a welcoming, bright environment for potential buyers. During the day, open all blinds to allow the natural light to flow in.

NEUTRALIZE AND FRESHEN WITH PAINT

Painting with safe colours -- ones that reflect current colour trends -- is one of the least expensive improvement you can make, yet one of the top three features that buyers are looking for in a new home. New paint will brighten and freshen up your home.

DE-PERSONALIZE

Pack away collectibles and family photos, keeping in mind that the focus should be on your house, not on your belongings.

GIVE IT A CLEAN SWEEP

Clean your house throughly. This includes all surfaces such as windows. Remember to check all hidden spaces and ceilings, as well. Ensure that your house is neat and tidy each day as potential buyers could visit with very little notice. Make it sparkle!

FIX IT UP

Positive first impressions are crucial for getting your property sold as buyers are often comparing several properties within a short time span. Minor repairs such as fixing dripping faucets, replacing peeled wallpaper, and applying caulking are key. replacing or repairing damaged flooring is also cheaper than having the costs of necessary repairs deducted from the asking price.

MAKE IT SMELL GOOD

Keep the air in your house fresh and clean. Artificial fragrances give the buyer the message that you are trying to hide something. Open the windows before a viewing to draw in some fresh air.

GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Return your rooms back to their original purposes.