Enlisting a trusted real estate agent is an essential first step in the selling process of your home. A real estate professional will review the local market conditions, compare recent sales and provide an estimate of the value of your property. They will develop a sales strategy to maximize the value of your home and assist you in navigating through the various challenges associated with the sale.

Establishing the fair market value of your property involves many factors:

· Square footage 

· Storage space (especially when selling a condo) 

· Number of bathrooms/bedrooms 

· Basement/Garage 

· Outdoor/green space 

· Upgrades 

· Condition of your property 

· City in which your property is located 

· Neighbourhood 

· Etc. 

On your initial meeting with your agent, they will typically address the above and perhaps offer some advise on preparing your property for the pending sale.  

With the current climate in the real estate industry, many agents will suggest having a  professional stager come in for a consultation.  

A professional stager will look at your property with an impartial eye and see it through the eyes of potential buyers.

Most people looking to invest in real estate have done their homework and understand the property value in a given neighbourhood. They recognize what the average price per square footage is in many of the properties around the city. Armed with this knowledge, your agent wants your property to stand out against its competition. That is why a consultation with a  professional stager is key.  

Here’s what a professional stager will look at and address with your agent: 

· Curb appeal (first impression) 

· Paint (fresh, neutral, chipping?) 

· Flooring (overall condition) 

· Lighting

· Counter tops 

· Overall appearance (does your home need a little editing to clear out the clutter)

· Furnishings 

Having the above information allows you and your agent to make informed decisions on when  to put your property on the market and what projects are needed to prepare it. You may decide to address all the recommendations put forth by the stager or just a few. Whatever you decide, it is important to have all the information that will affect the sale price.  Many of today’s buyers do not want to suffer through renovations or the cost and time  attributed to them. So having a move in ready property is key.

Staging is more then making the property look “pretty”. There is strategic planning and research  involved. You need to know the market, previous sales in the neighbourhood and what buyers  are looking for.  

Once you and your agent decide to proceed with the professional stager they will begin to: 

· Neutralize the home (a stager will typically ask that family photos, trophies and religious  items be packed while the home is being staged. The reason for this, we want potential buyers  to envision their life in your home not yours) 

· Give each room an individual purpose (is it a family room or a playroom) · Source out furniture and accessories to compliment the property 

· Plan the layout of furniture to allow for easy, unobstructed flow through each room (allowing  it to appear larger) 

· Accessorize the property with just enough to offer visual appeal but not too much as to  distract potential buyers.  

Investing in a professional stager is important. It gives your property a competitive edge over others and a greater return on your investment. 

From the team at Creative Staging and Organizing (CS&O)