House staging and fluffing has repeatedly had proven results when it comes to selling homes all over British Columbia, including those in Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Kitsilano and Yaletown. However, there have been some alarming stats coming in from the rest of Canada concerning the housing market.

Pre-sale staging is not a fixed art, contrary to what many people believe. Like anything else, it goes through fashions and trends the can actually make or break the sale of your home. Finding out what’s hot and what’s not is part and parcel of the pre-staging process in British Columbia, and that includes existing real estate trends.

Real Estate Vancouver published an update on the Vancouver housing market at the end of March 2008 and the outlook was actually pretty good despite the state that the global economy is in at the moment. According to the CMHC, Vancouver has great drivers that have increased the demand for desirable housing in the city. These drivers include low mortgage rates, low unemployment, strong migration and a strong economy. In fact, when the report was released, the CMHC revealed that the gross domestic product (GDP) of British Columbia was growing at a much faster rate than that of Canada as a whole.

So what does this mean for pre-sale staging? With demand for properties in British Columbia being so high, the need for pre-sale staging is very much there. In fact, the need to make your home attractive to potential buyers is as pressing as ever because of the number of affluent people willing to invest in a family home and the competition from other families trying to sell. Good pre-sale staging can give you the advantage and never has that been more necessary!

Well, looking outside it seems that summer may finally be here!

The real estate market may be slower this time of year but it is a great time to make the most of your home's curb appeal. Here are some quick and easy ideas:

1. Make sure the lawn is mowed and neatly edged. Water and fertilize to keep it green and full. If the lawn seems to be a lost cause, remember that even an unhealthy lawn that is neatly manicured makes a good first impression.
2. Add a layer of bark mulch to the flower beds. There is no easier way to freshen up the look of a yard, and help keep the weeds down in the short term.
3. Make sure all existing plants are healthy and neatly pruned. Pull out any that are dead or dying.
4. Plant summer annuals, focusing on the areas adjacent to the front walkway where they will be noticed. These are inexpensive plants, so where you use them, really pack them in. When you are selling, there is no time for them to grow and fill out the space.
5. Place an attractive urn full of brightly coloured flowers on the front step to welcome potential buyers.

• Clear off all items that are being stored on the balcony for lack of storage elsewhere. It’s that word again-- unclutter. This means storage boxes, tools, bicycles and recycling bins.
• Scrub all outdoor surfaces, railings, walls, and floor, until they shine. Placing a new outdoor mat outside the door will encourage buyers to actually step out and experience the outdoor space.
• Set up a table and chairs that are an appropriate size for the space. A large patio can handle a table with an umbrella and four chairs and a tiny balcony is the perfect spot for a delicate three piece bistro set.
• Potted plants on a balcony bring a much needed touch of nature. Here, proportion and scale are especially key: a single plant will look lonely; too many will overwhelm the space and leave nowhere for the new owner to sit and enjoy them.
• Have a really small balcony? Narrow rectangular window boxes that hang from the railing are a perfect choice.

Urban Presentations specializes in making the most of the space you have -- be it a colour consultation or a redesign effort for a condo, townhome, or detached home. We also help those who are having trouble selling a property or simply want to maximize their return through pre-sale staging.

Our unique, consultative process (we call it UP Staging) helps you bring inspiration to your own personal style. And unlike other expensive staging or design services, we focus on using elements you already own and providing guidance on how to "do it like the pros do it." The end result is more money stays in your pocket where it belongs.

Urban Presentations specializes in making the most of the space you have -- be it a colour consultation or a redesign effort for a condo, townhome, or detached home. We also help those who are having trouble selling a property or simply want to maximize their return through pre-sale staging.

Our unique, consultative process (we call it UP Staging) helps you bring inspiration to your own personal style. And unlike other expensive staging or design services, we focus on using elements you already own and providing guidance on how to "do it like the pros do it." The end result is more money stays in your pocket where it belongs.

This is the time of year when the summer flowers are on their last legs but none of us are ready to let summer go. We are lucky on the South Coast of BC because there are some great options for fall flowers to add colour and help us ease into fall.

If you are selling your house this fall, you can still have a great looking yard! Here are your top priorities:

• Neatly trim all perenials, shrubs and trees.
• Make sure leaves are raked up on a regular basis.
• Plant some fall flowers in containers and place them on the front porch and up the front walk.
• Put patio furniture neatly away out of the rain.

Looking for some good ideas for fall gardens? Check out www.gardenworks.ca

I often get asked if home staging really works, basically... "Why should I bother to stage my home before I sell it? What difference will it really make?" So, here are my top three reasons why you should stage your home:

1. MLS photos of staged homes really stand out.
   With so many people screening homes on MLS.ca before even driving by, the way your photos look on the listing is crucial to getting buyers in your door. A staged home always photographs very well.
2. Staged houses feel like home to everyone.
   Potential buyers can easily imagine themselves living in a staged home because it is neutral, uncluttered, and has broad style appeal. They can see their things and their lifestyle fitting into the space.
3. Staged homes tell buyers that your home is loved.
   Buyers are looking for a well-maintained home. Homes that show well demonstrate to potential buyers that you care enough about your home to keep up with maintenance and repairs.

Remember, selling your home is a business. Treat it like one and you will be much more successful. Good Luck!