Winnipeg Real Estate News Letter - January
January edition of the Winnipeg Real Estate Newsletter - Bo Kauffmann REALTOR - Newsletter for Winnipeg home buyers, sellers and owners. Houses and Condos
January edition of the Winnipeg Real Estate Newsletter - Bo Kauffmann REALTOR - Newsletter for Winnipeg home buyers, sellers and owners. Houses and Condos
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Tips, <strong>News</strong> & Advice For Home Buyers, Sellers And Owners<br />
<strong>Winnipeg</strong><br />
<strong>Real</strong> <strong>Estate</strong> Times<br />
<strong>January</strong> <strong>News</strong>letter 2021
<strong>January</strong> 2021<br />
Don't Make These 6<br />
Mistakes as a First-<br />
Time Home Buyer<br />
Experience will be your best ally when it<br />
comes to avoiding pitfalls when buying your<br />
first home. We are here to help you avoid<br />
these most common mistakes.<br />
1. A real estate agent who doesn't have your<br />
best interests at the forefront or the right tools<br />
and resources to assist in getting the job done<br />
effectively won't likely produce good results.<br />
Be selective in choosing who will represent<br />
you.<br />
2. Relying on a lender just because of a past<br />
banking relationship may not yield the best<br />
rate and terms for your loan. Explore the<br />
competition.<br />
3. In a hot seller's market, hesitating to put in<br />
an offer on a suitable home could mean losing<br />
a rare buying opportunity and creating<br />
uncertainty when it comes to future<br />
prospective properties.<br />
4. Not staying within your budget and moving<br />
forward with a higher-priced home can cause<br />
you to pinch pennies to make ends meet and<br />
trigger unnecessary anxiety.<br />
5. If you are in the midst of a seller's market<br />
and you have not been preapproved for a loan,<br />
your offer is in a very weak position. You risk<br />
losing every buying opportunity until you do<br />
get preapproved.<br />
6. You will miss valuable buying<br />
opportunities if you make your home search<br />
parameters too broad. Don't spend too much<br />
time looking at properties that really aren't for<br />
you. Narrowing down what features of a<br />
home are on your bucket list will allow you to<br />
home in on those properties from the start.<br />
We are here to ensure you have a smooth<br />
home-buying experience. Call or email us and<br />
let us help you avoid these mistakes and other<br />
potential pitfalls.<br />
Melbourne Residents Send Love<br />
<strong>Letter</strong>s to Their Favourite Trees<br />
The citizens of Melbourne, Australia, have long had a strong bond with nature<br />
and the outdoors. Pre-COVID, many a Melburnian could be found soaking up<br />
the city's glorious flora and fauna amongst the city's 70,000 eucalyptus, oak and<br />
elm trees. When local city services launched a novel way for inhabitants to<br />
easily report problems with trees, dangerous branches and storm damage in<br />
2018, they could never have imagined the response that ensued.<br />
Planners initially came up with the idea to assign each tree its own email<br />
address so that passersby could easily send reports. But some residents saw an<br />
opportunity to commune with nature by sending emails directly to the trees<br />
themselves! Dubbed "tree-mails," the messages expressed adoration for the<br />
trees' beauty, declarations of love for specific trees, simple greetings and<br />
existential dilemmas.<br />
One example reads, "My dearest Ulmus. As I was leaving St. Mary's College<br />
today, I was struck, not by a branch, but by your radiant beauty. You must get<br />
these messages all the time. You're such an attractive tree."<br />
Over the years, the endearing exchanges have endured. Local Jane Evans<br />
reflected on the cultural phenomenon with the Good <strong>News</strong> Network on Earth<br />
Day back in April 2020.<br />
When she realized an elegant jacaranda tree from her area was missing, she<br />
looked it up in the database, sent it an email and was thrilled to receive a<br />
personal response. Apparently, the tree lived on in spirit, thanked her for her<br />
well wishes and even told her a joke.<br />
Want to Sell Your Home Fast?<br />
Get These Essential Tips<br />
Preparing your home for sale can<br />
make the difference between<br />
getting the price you want – or<br />
ending up disappointed.<br />
Discover some easy things you<br />
can do by requesting my free<br />
guide, “50 Tips to Prepare Your<br />
Home for a Speedy, Top-Price<br />
Sale.”<br />
Reach out to 204-333-2202 and<br />
I’ll send it right out to you.
Here's How to Cultivate<br />
Your Creativity<br />
<strong>January</strong> is International Creativity Month, a time we collectively<br />
acknowledge those who work in creative industries and how various creative<br />
infrastructures foster new ideas for the betterment of all. It's also a chance to<br />
ignite the latent creativity within. Here are few tips to help get that fire<br />
burning.<br />
Before picking up a paintbrush or pencil, you may need to break out of a<br />
fixed pattern of not believing you're capable of creating in the first place.<br />
Replace closed-ended statements such as "I can't" or "I don't know" with "I<br />
have what it takes" and "There's always a way." These creative mantras will<br />
allow inspiration to bubble up to the surface naturally and spontaneously.<br />
Finding a creative outlet may seem like a daunting task, but it's as simple as<br />
opening a box of crayons and sitting down with a colouring book. Give<br />
yourself permission to play rather than focusing on the discovery of talent or<br />
the pressure of the perfect end result. Enjoy the process of self-expression<br />
and its stress-relieving benefits. You may need to explore a few different<br />
techniques before you find one that suits you, so don't go overboard buying<br />
the latest kit or supplies.<br />
Remember that creativity isn't confined to the fine arts. It can be anything<br />
that excites you, invigorates you or offers you a simple moment of joy.<br />
Beyond painting and writing, a whole world of creative pursuits exists. You<br />
could knit while watching old movies, get groovy during an online dance<br />
class or cook up a storm in the kitchen.<br />
Be kind to yourself when things don't go to plan. In the wise words of Bob<br />
Ross, celebrate the "happy little accidents" that occur as you navigate the<br />
lifelong journey of inspiration.<br />
What Is Title Insurance?<br />
When you prepare to close on your new home purchase, title insurance will be<br />
an important item on your settlement statement. If you have a loan, then prepare<br />
to see two line items for title insurance costs. These one-time up-front costs are<br />
a form of indemnity insurance to protect you and your lender from financial loss<br />
that may come from title defects. You or the seller will pay for standard title<br />
protection, while your lender will require you to pay for increased coverage<br />
based on the loan amount.<br />
Title insurance protects against ownership issues that may arise from unknown<br />
title defects, past unrecorded liens and encumbrances, right-of-way easements<br />
and matters coming from false and illegal documents associated with ownership<br />
interests of others.<br />
Even if you pay cash for your home, obtaining title protection is recommended.<br />
Buyers and sellers can negotiate as to who will pay the fee for one of the most<br />
important closing costs items of any home sale.<br />
Thank you for<br />
your referrals!<br />
I succeed when people like you<br />
refer me to your friends,<br />
neighbours and loved ones. It’s the<br />
best kind of feedback I can receive.<br />
So thanks for continuing to pass<br />
this newsletter on to people you<br />
care about.<br />
Maple Cinnamon Apple<br />
Sweet Potatoes<br />
Apples, sweet potatoes, maple syrup and<br />
warm spices are the perfect flavours to keep<br />
you cozy this winter. This super simple and<br />
hearty side dish is a breeze to prepare and<br />
will have your kitchen smelling oh so<br />
delicious!<br />
Serves 6<br />
2 large apples, diced medium<br />
2 large sweet potatoes, diced medium<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup<br />
Preheat oven to 400˚ F.<br />
Combine the apples, sweet potatoes, olive oil,<br />
cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl.<br />
Toss well to coat the apples and sweet<br />
potatoes with the oil and spices. On a large<br />
baking sheet, spread in an even layer.<br />
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sweet<br />
potatoes and apples are tender.<br />
Remove from oven and drizzle with maple<br />
syrup.<br />
Serve hot.
A Step-by-Step Guide to<br />
Decluttering and Downsizing<br />
Worth Reading<br />
Even if you are not moving, one of the more challenging parts of home<br />
ownership is keeping your home clutter free, knowing how to downsize your<br />
spaces and how to practically reduce the number of your belongings.<br />
This guide will help you improve your skills so you can get the job done with<br />
the outcome you planned for.<br />
Once you know why you need to declutter and downsize, how you do so will<br />
make more sense. Take a moment to realize the mental and physical benefits<br />
of the task at hand. Create a mental picture of what end result you wish to<br />
achieve. Hold on to that idea and enjoy the process.<br />
Start with items that no longer have meaning to you or are no longer<br />
functional. They will be the easiest to discard and will create your<br />
decluttering mindset and enable you to keep going.<br />
Next are the things that still bear a bit of a question mark as to whether they<br />
stay or go.<br />
These items may be duplicates of things you have kept "just in case."<br />
Analyze their real value, rarity and usefulness. Doing so will answer the<br />
question of if they are worth taking up precious space.<br />
The final step would be to address those pieces that still stir memories. It is<br />
hardest to declutter the photos and heirlooms that stir your emotions,<br />
especially if they'll make you feel guilty if you part ways.<br />
Consider scanning old documents and photos. Friends and relatives may feel<br />
honoured if you pass on small collectibles. Some items can be repurposed to<br />
start new lives in your newly created spaces.<br />
It is a learning process to successfully declutter and downsize. Stay focused<br />
on your mission. We have guided many clients through the process and can<br />
do the same for you.<br />
Quick Quiz<br />
For an answer, email me at<br />
boknowshomes@gmail.com<br />
or call 204-333-2202.<br />
On <strong>January</strong> 11 of which year did<br />
Amelia Earhart become the first<br />
person to fly solo across the<br />
Pacific?<br />
How to Declutter Your Digital Life<br />
By Brit + Co<br />
Brit+Co<br />
You may have already sparked joy<br />
and "KonMaried" your home, but<br />
there's one area of clutter that may<br />
have escaped your notice: your tech.<br />
Luckily, this helpful article has some<br />
great tips and tricks to help you<br />
declutter your social media, organize<br />
photos and files, get on top of<br />
services and subscriptions and even<br />
wrangle wires and accessories no<br />
longer in use. More:<br />
https://tinyurl.com/link0121a<br />
Are You Wishing Your Life<br />
Away? Six Tips for Making the<br />
Best of Your <strong>Real</strong>ity<br />
By Anabel Jensen<br />
Six Seconds<br />
If your yearning for easier times is<br />
getting in the way of action, this Six<br />
Seconds article has some excellent<br />
ways to help you stay grounded. One<br />
example is the "Name It to Tame It"<br />
method, which involves putting<br />
strong emotional reactions into<br />
words to help your brain function<br />
effectively. Another example is<br />
building a safe space in your brain to<br />
smooth out intense feelings: it could<br />
be a childhood treehouse or a beach<br />
in Hawaii. More:<br />
https://tinyurl.com/link0121b<br />
This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or<br />
medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any<br />
time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with<br />
respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter.
Brought to you free by Bo Kauffmann<br />
Inside Your <strong>News</strong>letter:<br />
Don't Make These 6 Mistakes as a First-<br />
Time Home Buyer<br />
Melbourne Residents Send Love <strong>Letter</strong>s<br />
to Their Favourite Trees<br />
Here's How to Cultivate Your Creativity<br />
A Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering<br />
and Downsizing<br />
Wondering What’s<br />
Happening in Your<br />
Neighbourhood?<br />
Sudoku instructions: Complete the 9 × 9 grid so that each row, each column<br />
and each of the nine 3 × 3 boxes contains the digits 1 through 9. Contact me<br />
for the solution!<br />
We can’t make this stuff up!<br />
After his train crashed through the barriers at the end of the track, a Dutch<br />
train driver's life was saved by a giant whale tail. The aquatic sculpture<br />
stopped the train from plunging into the water 30 feet below.<br />
There's a new mayor in the tiny town of Rabbit Hash in Boone County,<br />
Kentucky, and he's got four paws and a tail! Wilbur the French bulldog<br />
claimed 13,143 votes and replaced pit bull Brynneth Pawltro.<br />
Two kayakers in California had a close brush with the local wildlife. Their<br />
boats were launched into the air when a whale breached with its mouth<br />
open, but luckily, no one was harmed.<br />
Six-year-old Londoner Ella got a big surprise when her dad unveiled his<br />
six-month lockdown project, a child-sized replica of Diagon Alley from the<br />
Harry Potter stories. The previously unused space is accessed by a secret<br />
wardrobe door.<br />
How has the price of your home changed<br />
in today's market? How much are other<br />
homes in your neighbourhood selling for?<br />
These are all critical questions that<br />
shouldn't be overlooked when thinking<br />
about buying or selling your home.<br />
Whether you're curious about prices in<br />
your area, whether it's an excellent time to<br />
sell, or just need an expert to answer your<br />
questions, I can give you the tools and<br />
offer guidance through the entire buying<br />
or selling process.<br />
Let me know how I can help by simply<br />
giving my office a call at 204-333-2202<br />
to set up a time to connect.<br />
Contact me today:<br />
Bo Kauffmann<br />
Remax Performance <strong>Real</strong>ty<br />
942 St. Marys Road<br />
<strong>Winnipeg</strong> Manitoba<br />
204-333-2202<br />
boknowshomes@gmail.com<br />
<strong>Winnipeg</strong>HomeFinder.com
Buying a Home is a Team Effort<br />
Over the past few years, potential<br />
buyers of houses and condos have<br />
been conditioned to go to their banks<br />
and get pre-approved. While preapproval<br />
is a very important step, I<br />
personally recommend that it is NOT<br />
the FIRST step in your home buying<br />
process.<br />
By the time a buyer takes possession<br />
of their new home, a number of<br />
professionals will have been involved:<br />
a real estate agent,<br />
lawyer, mortgage lender, home<br />
inspector, home insurer, moving<br />
company and others. Since a real<br />
estate agent will have close contact<br />
with all of these professionals, my<br />
suggestion is that a home buyer<br />
START his/her search by selecting<br />
their real estate buyers agent. An<br />
experienced agent will have learned,<br />
sometimes thru trial and error, which<br />
business professionals can provide<br />
the best service for their clients. Let’s<br />
take a look at the whole home-buying<br />
team:<br />
Home Buying in <strong>Winnipeg</strong> is a team<br />
effort. Get the best team!<br />
<strong>Real</strong> <strong>Estate</strong> Agent<br />
Think of a good real estate buyers<br />
agent as the quarterback of your<br />
home buying team. He or she will<br />
help the buyer find and look at all the<br />
houses or condos that suit the buyers<br />
needs and budget. The agent will help<br />
structure an Offer to Purchase which<br />
walks the fine line between protecting<br />
the buyer and at the same time appear<br />
attractive enough for the seller to<br />
accept it. A GREAT agent will be able<br />
to make referrals to the following<br />
people:<br />
A MORTGAGE<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
Whether the buyer prefers to deal with<br />
a bank, a credit union or a mortgage<br />
broker, the real estate agent should<br />
have trusted professionals in each of<br />
these services. When<br />
a mortgage lender pre-approves the<br />
buyer, the real estate agent needs to<br />
be able to trust this approval. This<br />
‘trust’ is important to the buyer as<br />
well, so ask your real estate agent for<br />
a referral to a great mortgage lender.<br />
REAL ESTATE LAWYER<br />
<strong>Real</strong> <strong>Estate</strong> Law is different than<br />
Criminal Law, Family Law or Civil<br />
Law….. so use a qualified, experienced<br />
real estate lawyer. Again, your<br />
REALTOR® should be able to make a<br />
referral to a good lawyer. Although<br />
the price between different lawyers<br />
might vary a little (a couple of<br />
hundred dollars) getting a lawyer who<br />
is responsive to any problems that<br />
might pop up (and they DO) is<br />
important. Cheap does not usually<br />
equate with good.<br />
HOME INSURANCE<br />
Your bank or credit union will demand<br />
that you get home insurance in order<br />
to protect your (and their) investment.<br />
Home Insurance is NOT optional…..
you will need to get it. An insurance<br />
broker should be able to offer several<br />
options, with different coverage and<br />
costs. As your real estate agent for a<br />
referral here as well. (Note: Home<br />
insurance is NOT the same as<br />
‘mortgage insurance’)<br />
MORTGAGE/LIFE<br />
INSURANCE<br />
The buyer has just made a<br />
significant investment, with<br />
perhaps as much as 95% of it still<br />
owed to the mortgage company.<br />
While, unlike Home<br />
Insurance, mortgage/life insurance is<br />
optional, it is still highly<br />
recommended.<br />
Protect your family and your<br />
investment in case of your untimely<br />
demise. There are significant<br />
differences between mortgage<br />
insurance and life insurance: speak to<br />
a professional about these differences.<br />
Most real estate agents might not<br />
know the difference, but would know<br />
an expert in this field.<br />
Home Buying should be fun<br />
HOME INSPECTOR<br />
If you’re lucky enough NOT to have to<br />
compete against other buyers, you may<br />
be able to demand a home inspection.<br />
(Actually, you can always demand<br />
one….. but speak to your agent about<br />
the reality of being able to get your<br />
offer accepted in such a case). A<br />
qualified home inspector may be able<br />
to detect problems, and prevent you<br />
from buying a ‘money pit’. Home<br />
Inspectors are, unfortunately, a<br />
somewhat unregulated industry.<br />
Nearly anyone with a ladder and a<br />
flashlight can call themselves a home<br />
inspector…. Don’t rely on kijiji or<br />
google to find a good one. Ask your real<br />
estate agent for 2 names and pick one.<br />
MOVING COMPANY<br />
There are a lot of ‘Guys with a Truck’<br />
type of companies out there. Like a lot<br />
of things, you ‘get what you pay<br />
for’. Get a quote in writing, and make<br />
sure it’s not too open-ended.<br />
(Example: $150 per hour, 5 hours<br />
or until the move it completed….??)<br />
If in doubt, check the BBB listings, and<br />
ask for recommendations. Or better<br />
yet, as your real estate agent for a<br />
referral….. chances are, he/she have<br />
used and recommended a good moving<br />
company in the past.<br />
ELECTRICIAN,<br />
RENOVATORS, PAINTERS<br />
Although not technically part of the<br />
buying process, you might end up<br />
needing an electrician to fix knob<br />
and tube wiring, or a renovator to<br />
put in a proper bedroom into the<br />
basement, for example. A good real<br />
estate agent should have a list of<br />
these types of professionals that a<br />
buyer can benefit from.<br />
Expert Tip for home buying<br />
Home buying (or Condo buying) should<br />
be fun….. but always ‘play safe’.<br />
Surround yourself with knowledgable<br />
professionals, and minimize your<br />
exposure to danger. It is perhaps the<br />
largest purchase you will ever make.
Recent Articles For You<br />
BIRDNESTING – A<br />
NEW CONCEPT IN<br />
DIVORCE-HOUSING<br />
When you got married, you likely<br />
had every intention that it would<br />
be forever. And when the kids came<br />
along, that commitment likely<br />
only increased. After all, as a<br />
parent, the thing you want most in<br />
the world is to give your kids the<br />
best possible life. You want them<br />
to have happiness and security.<br />
You want to shield them from life’s<br />
troubles and make whatever path<br />
they must travel as smooth and<br />
easy as possible.<br />
6 REASONS TO BUY A<br />
CONDO<br />
If you plan on buying a home,<br />
then you should know that there<br />
are plenty of options available.<br />
Variety is one aspect the real<br />
estate market is definitely not<br />
lacking in. One of the options<br />
you have is buying a condo. This<br />
is a great alternative if you want<br />
your own place, but can’t quite<br />
afford or simply aren’t interested<br />
in buying a house.<br />
HOME BUYERS<br />
TIMETABLE<br />
One of the most common questions we<br />
receive is “What is a good time to buy<br />
a home?” While the answer is<br />
“Anytime OTHER THAN the spring<br />
time”, the reality remains<br />
that home buyers come out into<br />
the real estate market during the<br />
months of March – June. So if you’re<br />
thinking of buying a home in 2021 or<br />
beyond, here are a few things you<br />
should be doing right now – to<br />
prepare.<br />
WINNIPEG LUXURY<br />
HOME MARKET REPORT<br />
JAN-FEB 2021<br />
<strong>Real</strong> <strong>Estate</strong> Market<br />
Update for Luxury Homes in<br />
<strong>Winnipeg</strong>, <strong>January</strong> 2021. Listings,<br />
sales and available stats for luxury<br />
houses and luxury condos in <strong>Winnipeg</strong><br />
THE CONDOS OF<br />
WELLINGTON<br />
CRESCENT<br />
8 of <strong>Winnipeg</strong>’s most recognizable<br />
and luxurious condos along<br />
Wellington Cr. Luxury Condos in<br />
<strong>Winnipeg</strong>, including sales and listing
MORE THAN JUST YOUR REALTOR ®<br />
Over the years, Bo Kauffmann has established a network of trusted professionals to help his clients<br />
in every step of the home buying and selling journey. “I want you to think of me as more than just<br />
the real estate agent of choice. When buying or selling, my clients will need a lawyer, home and life<br />
insurance services, mortgage lending, reliable moving companies, home stagers and inspectors, and<br />
more. I have all of these on speed dial, ready to serve you at any time.”<br />
AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER<br />
Throughout his chosen career, Bo has been serious about giving back. He<br />
supports many charities and non-profit organizations including:<br />
Children’s Miracle Network<br />
Right from the start of his real estate career, Bo has supported this organization through<br />
regular donations tied to every sale he makes. “Children’s Miracle Network® raises funds<br />
and awareness for 170 member hospitals. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and<br />
healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and research.”<br />
Manitoba REALTORS ® Shelter Foundation<br />
Bo is a founding member of the Manitoba <strong>Real</strong> <strong>Estate</strong> Association Shelter Foundation. This<br />
organization raises money for shelter-related causes. Bo continues his support through regular<br />
donations tied to every sale he makes.<br />
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre<br />
Animal neglect and abuse have always been of special concern to Bo. In 2013, he connected<br />
with one of <strong>Winnipeg</strong>’s largest pet shelters, the non-profit D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre. Bo<br />
usually organizes one or two fundraising events (pre-pandemic) such as Pet Fashion Shows,<br />
Bud-Spud and Steak events, and Mother’s Day Celebrations, in order to raise money for this<br />
worthy cause.<br />
WORDS FROM BO’S CLIENTS<br />
Bo was fantastic to deal with. We have never sold a<br />
house before, had no idea where to start, what to do,<br />
when to do it, what to leave behind, and what to toss.<br />
He guided us beautifully, leading to the successful and<br />
quick sale of the house. It was surprising how much<br />
fun it ended up being. We would highly recommend<br />
Bo to anyone looking to sell a house or buy a home.<br />
It was a stress-free experience and wonderful to be<br />
able to look back on it now and be pleased with the<br />
outcome. Thanks for everything, Bo!<br />
- Stacey B. (<strong>Winnipeg</strong>, MB)<br />
I was in contact with Bo a year before<br />
I moved to <strong>Winnipeg</strong>, and he always<br />
provided me with the service I needed.<br />
When we finally went house hunting,<br />
it was efficient but not rushed. I was<br />
able to buy a beautiful home within<br />
two days, and he kept providing<br />
excellent service until everything<br />
was done beyond what was expected.<br />
Highly recommended.<br />
- Brian C. (Texas, USA)
5 Quick Staging Tips For Your Home<br />
When homes are presented as-is, it’s<br />
difficult for buyers to envision<br />
themselves living there. By creating a<br />
neutral yet stylish home, buyers can<br />
see the home in its best light and<br />
dream about adding their own style to<br />
it.<br />
You can’t just throw a “for sale” sign<br />
on your lawn and assume the perfect<br />
buyers will walk through your door.<br />
Staging your home to make the best<br />
first impression can mean the<br />
difference between selling and having<br />
to stay there another year.<br />
Staging doesn’t have to be expensive<br />
— you likely already own a lot of what<br />
you need, and there are affordable<br />
shops with lovely home decor. Clever<br />
decluttering tricks and an eye for<br />
decorating can also boost your home’s<br />
appeal and get it off the market.<br />
1. Declutter and Minimize<br />
Your first step is to get rid of clutter.<br />
Think about the items you don’t use on<br />
a regular basis, like your clothing for<br />
next season, and pack them away.<br />
Consider renting storage space to get<br />
everything out of the house (it’ll also<br />
make moving easier)<br />
2. Clean and Keep Up<br />
With Maintenance<br />
If you’re going to be living in your<br />
home while its staged, you’ll need to be<br />
extra diligent about cleaning. Be sure<br />
to clean thoroughly on a regular basis<br />
so you don’t have to scramble when<br />
someone wants to see the house.<br />
Bathrooms and the kitchen should be<br />
especially clean. Also, keep up with<br />
organization and maintenance. Don’t<br />
let any room get cluttered and out of<br />
hand, and fix little things as they<br />
occur, like blown light bulbs or torn<br />
fabric.<br />
This goes for the exterior too. Curb<br />
appeal is important, as your buyers<br />
don’t want to purchase a home<br />
knowing they’ll have to redo the front<br />
walkway or replace the front door.<br />
Keep up with landscaping, update the<br />
hardware on the outside of the home,<br />
and add lighting to make the home feel<br />
more secure.<br />
3. Decorate in a Neutral<br />
Style<br />
You don’t want to decorate in your own<br />
style; you want to decorate in an<br />
appealing, mainstream style. That can<br />
be as simple as removing items that<br />
are too bold or patterned to pare back<br />
to just the neutral furnishings and<br />
decor you already have. If you’re going<br />
to add items, look for one-of-a-kind<br />
furnishings or decor that viewers<br />
won’t see in every home.<br />
You need to de-personalize the home,<br />
too, so that viewers can personalize it<br />
in their imagination. People don’t want<br />
to feel like they’re moving into<br />
somebody else’s home. They want to<br />
feel like they’ve found their home.<br />
Place things like family photos,<br />
awards, and trophies into storage and<br />
out of sight.
4. Highlight the Best<br />
Features<br />
What’s the biggest selling point of<br />
your home? Is it an enormous kitchen,<br />
a landscaped backyard, or a sleek<br />
fireplace? Make that area the focal<br />
point. For example, you can add fresh<br />
fruit to a clear bowl and put it in your<br />
kitchen, along with a pretty cake on<br />
display and fresh flowers on the<br />
counter.<br />
Is the setting of your home its biggest<br />
draw? Consider highlighting that by<br />
choosing decor that delivers the full<br />
experience.<br />
For example, if you live in New York<br />
City, you can highlight the locale by<br />
decorating with modern furniture and<br />
an urban style. The same goes for the<br />
season, especially if you’re selling a<br />
vacation home instead of a full-time<br />
home. For example, if you’re selling<br />
your beach house, the decor should be<br />
bright, airy, and evoke summertime.<br />
5. Brighten the Space Up<br />
One of the most overlooked home<br />
staging tips is to brighten the space up.<br />
Everything looks better in a brighter<br />
light. First give your windows a good<br />
cleaning inside and out. Then, consider<br />
replacing some of your thicker curtains<br />
with more sheer ones that let in natural<br />
light.<br />
If you have a room that doesn’t have<br />
any windows, add mirrors to reflect<br />
natural light from other rooms and<br />
make the area brighter. When you’re<br />
showing the house, turn on all the<br />
lights.<br />
You’re not selling a house — you’re<br />
selling a lifestyle and a future to your<br />
buyers. Home staging is the first step to<br />
making your buyer’s dream a reality.<br />
Your home is now all about them, even<br />
if you’re still living there. If you’re<br />
ready to move into a new home<br />
yourself, staging can speed up the<br />
selling process.<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?<br />
v=JXNDecPzzjk
https://www.youtube.com/<br />
watch?v=J4X5O4J65iI
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