How To Sell Your Home in the Current Buyers’ Market

How Home Staging Companies Work

Right now, the Toronto housing market is turning firmly in favour of the buyer – the super-high house prices we have seen in recent years simply cannot stay as they are and, at a time when the Bank of Canada has increased interest rates, markets are cooling quicker than a pie on a window ledge. 

This means that selling a property is a little trickier than it once was – housing market predictions for 2022 in Toronto show that the easing of house prices will continue to encourage bargain hunters to the luxury market, with some of Toronto’s more wealthy neighbourhoods such as Bedford Park-Nortown, Lawrence Park, Rosedale, Moore Park and Leaside becoming more attainable for home buyers.

 

There Is a Way To Be a Successful Home Seller 

If you are pulling your hair out, thinking “my house isn’t selling what can I do?!” – don’t panic: there is a way of making your home more appealing, more saleable, and even more habitable for buyers. 

The answer is home staging from a Toronto home staging company with proven results! 

Here, we will explain how home staging works and why you should absolutely consider investing in it – or asking if your agent provides this service as part of their marketing package. 

I Live In a Small Condo, Can You Still Help Me?

Yes, we can! Although staging a condo brings unique challenges such as creating an illusion of space, dealing with reduced natural light, and having a specific buyer demographic, our team completely understands these nuances with our perfectly scaled inventory of staging items. 

Even though your condo is a smaller space, we will still show all the functions of the area by using appropriate furniture placement. We will take the buyer demographic into consideration when designing the condo – so you can sell it to the perfect people. 

Handy hint! When we stage your condo, either your agent or you as the homeowner will need to book the elevators and pay the security deposit. 

It may be a buyers’ market right now, but Toronto still has robust demand despite the recent economy – StyleBite’s many agent partners in Toronto have successfully sold properties using the number one marketing tool: home staging and decor. 

Home Staging: Sell 88% Quicker for 20% More

Is home staging worth it? Definitely. If you are worried about falling house prices, spending too much time on the market, and trying to stand out in a variable market – home staging absolutely helps all of these issues. 

Here’s the proof! 

 

This property in Vaughan sold for $1,450,000 within 2 weeks of listing. As you can see, we enhanced the features of the property including its fabulous amount of natural light, its wonderful dining space and the awesome decor like the wooden floor and ceiling recess. 

Get Inspired: More Home Staging Before & After Shots 

Condo Case Study: Quick Sale in North York 

This condo in North York sold in less than 2 weeks of listing. How? Well, we made the most of all the windows (and the view) whether the frames were big or small by hanging translucent drapes, we kept furniture like the coffee and dining tables smaller to maximize floor space and we used relatively large wall art to create the illusion of bigger walls. 

How Long Will It Take to Stage My Home?

We will make efficient and effective work of your home staging – for a typical home in Toronto, it will take us four to five hours on the day, thanks to our robust planning process:

  • All planning is done at our warehouse/ studio space, whether that is for vacant or occupied home staging
  • Thanks to this planning plus an initial assessment visit, we will arrive at your property knowing exactly where everything will go right away
  • Occasionally we bring extra pieces to make sure to have some flexibility when doing the final styling on the day and to save time going back and forth to our warehouse
  • Our designers are logistics staff are fully trained and insured, and they follow the tried and proven process to make the staging as fast and efficient as possible!

Don’t Let the Changing Market Stop You From Selling 

As we have seen, the Toronto housing market is favouring the buyer right now and the crazy-high house prices we have seen since lockdown are starting to turn in the other direction.  

BUT, despite housing market predictions for 2022 in Toronto showing that buyers are looking for bargains at the moment, there is still a sure way to make the best of your home and sell it for a great price in a short amount of time – with some professional, well-thought-out home staging. 

Would you like a quote? Get a Quick Quote

1. Personal Photos and Religious Items

Your family photos and religious artifacts may be meaningful to you, but they can make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. To create a neutral atmosphere that appeals to a wider audience, pack these items away before listing your home.

2. Medications and Valuables

For safety and privacy reasons, all medications should be stored securely out of sight. The same goes for valuables like jewelry, cash, and important documents. Keeping these items locked away ensures they remain safe and prevents any unnecessary distractions for potential buyers.

3. Personal Documents

Any papers containing personal information—such as bank statements, bills, or personal letters—should be kept out of sight. You want to protect your privacy and maintain a clutter-free look in your home.

4. Light Fixtures, Chandeliers, or Artwork You Plan to Take

If there are any fixtures or decor pieces that you want to bring to your new home, it’s best to remove them before showings. Buyers may fall in love with an item that isn’t included in the sale, leading to unnecessary disappointment or negotiations. Replace any removable items with neutral alternatives to maintain a cohesive look.

5. Pets and Pet Accessories

Not all buyers are pet lovers, and some may have allergies. If possible, arrange for your pets to stay elsewhere during showings. Additionally, remove pet beds, litter boxes, and food bowls to eliminate any odors or mess that could turn buyers away.

6. Fireplaces

While a lit fireplace might seem like a cozy touch, it’s best to keep it turned off during showings for safety reasons. Instead, stage it beautifully to showcase its potential without any risks.

7. Strong Odors and Air Fresheners

Avoid overpowering scents, whether from air fresheners, scented candles, or lingering cooking smells. While you may love a particular fragrance, strong scents can be off-putting to buyers. Instead, opt for fresh air circulation by opening windows before showings.

8. Cooking Smells

Refrain from cooking strong-smelling foods before showings, as odors can linger and create an unpleasant atmosphere. Stick to mild, neutral scents to keep the home feeling fresh and inviting.

9. Garbage and Cluttered Countertops

Take out the trash before every showing to prevent any lingering odors. Additionally, clear off kitchen and bathroom countertops to create a spacious, organized look. Clutter-free surfaces help buyers focus on the home’s features rather than personal belongings.

10. Yourself!

While you might want to stay during showings to answer questions, it’s best to step out. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring a home without the seller present, allowing them to freely discuss their thoughts with their realtor. Give them space to envision their future in your home.


Final Thoughts

By removing these items, you create a neutral and welcoming environment that appeals to a wider range of buyers. The goal is to help them see the full potential of your home without unnecessary distractions.

Want expert insights on home staging in Toronto? Watch the video below for practical tips from a professional home stager! For more Toronto realtor tips, stay tuned for our latest posts and advice.

If you found these tips helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more Toronto home staging and selling advice!

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