Home Buying and Selling Seminar Calgary

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Sabrina Stevenson and I are hosting a seminar on buying, selling and preparing your Home in today’s market. We want to give you the Buyer or Seller a one stop shop for your real estate investment. We are working hard on presentation and planning our event, which will be in early June more info to be announced.


We need your input:


What kinds of information are you interested in hearing about from a mortgage associate, a Realtor home stage home inspector?


What about the home buying and selling process would you like more info on?


Have you worked with a Realtor or Stagers before and how was the experience? What was good or bad?


What would be the best evening for you to attend?


We would love to hear your feedback

Pillow Talk

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Have you ever thought about the impact pillows have on your space? If you’re trying to sell your home pillows can make the whole space come together changing the feel of your space. Since you only get one chance to make a first impression let’s take a look at do and don’t of pillows to ensure your home sends "buy me" signals.

Something you should look for when choosing pillows is the size and scale compare to the sofa. You don’t want to lose seating because your pillows are too big. Pillows are meant to be an accessory. Like wise you don’t want the pillows to be too small either. Try to pick a size that will compliment your sofa. I like to layer bigger pillows with smaller pillows to give depth and variety.

Don’t be afraid to choose different textures and print, this is a great way to dress up a contemporary sofa. Use color blocks, often the same color scheme looks great even thought the prints don’t match.

Pillows are a bit of an investment so look for pillows that have a zipper, this way you change up color for the season or mood. I recommend down filled pillow because they can be washed and they will never lose shape lasting you a life time.

Don’t over due it; pillows with fringe, sequins and appliqué are to busy and too much. For staging I prefer to stick to solid color,so they do not distract the buyer. Don’t over due the amount of pillows either too many pillow tend to look messy and also take away from your seating. If you have to move pillows to sit comfortably you have too many. I like to group pillows in odd numbers as it is more pleasing to the eye.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Cleaning Tips to Prepare for The Spring Market

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When buyers get more serious about making an offer they start looking closer and closer at the property. At a closer glance buyers can get scared away if appliances are not well maintained. Red flags are raised and buyers wonder if sellers are hiding anything else, stop these thoughts in there tracks by making sure everything is Q-tip clean.

 Spring cleaning time is fast approaching especially if you’re trying to get your home ready for the spring market. The one thing that seems to always be the “to do list” is to clean the oven. We all hate cleaning the oven, procrastination makes this worse. The longer you put it off the harder the job gets.

Without proper maintenance the oven vents clog up and the oven will start to smoke. Here is a step by step guide to cleaning your oven chemical free. If you clean your oven after every use, you will never need to spend hours scrubbing away again.

For gas stove tops remove all grate and griddles and wash in hot soapy water. Scrub with a scouring pad; dry all part thoroughly before putting back. Look for blockage on all fuel parts use a paper clip to free blockage. For spills soak a cloth in hot soap water and place on the spill let the water penetrate the spill for a few minutes. Remove build up with a rubber scraper. Wipe the surface clean with a damp sponge. Make sure the sponge is not to wet ,excess water can damage the igniter on glass or ceramic stove tops.  

If you have an electric stove top the first thing to do is remove the coil and reflector bowls, wipe coil with a damp sponge. Clean out the reflector bowls with hot soapy water and a scouring pad. I you have build up on the coils put the stove top back together and turn the burns on high let the build up burn off.

Now for the hardest part cleaning the oven, starts by removing the racks .Soak them in hot soapy water using a scoring pad to remove splatter build up. If you have heavy build up sir together ¾ cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water Smooth paste all over oven accept the door. Let sit a few hours or over night. Wipe out with a damp cloth, repeat to remove any streaks. The oven door should be cleaned with equal parts water and white vinegar. The baking soda mixture can run down in between the glass which can only be removed if the oven door is taken apart.

Now that you have tackled the oven, you might want to start on the microwave. In just 5 to 10 minute it can be sparkling too. The easiest way to clean the microwave is to prepare a bowl with one cup water and 1/2 cup lemon juice, the lemon juice act as a deodorizer. Heat the bowl for three minutes and let sit in the microwave for 5 minutes. The stream will loosen build up. Wipe out the inside of the microwave with a sponge dipped in warm soapy water. Clean the control panel with a very damp cloth.

Please feel free to share your oven cleaning tips. Look forward to hearing what works for you.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

What to do with an L-Shaped Room ?

L shaped room can be a challenge to work with; they usually are rooms that combined a living room –dining room.  When preparing you home for sale there are a few things you can do to your L-shaped space to ensure it shows the functions of both dining and living.

First off, its best if the room is painted all the same color, and the same flooring  is carried through the space. A change in flooring or paint color can make the space appear smaller; our eye is drawn to the break in color. A stager’s goal is to keep the eye flowing through the space.

When designing your layout think of the space as two different spaces like a wall is between them. Decide what will be going in the dining room and what will be part of the living room.  Try not to over lap the room, keep passage ways clear so the space reads as two separate spaces.  

Like any shape of room place your furniture around the focal point in the room which may be a fireplace, window or TV.  Angles work great in L-shaped room so don’t be afraid to try it. Start with the biggest piece of furniture then add the small pieces to fill the space.

Mirrors are a great accent to enhance L shaped room. Not only will a mirror brighten up the space it can also make the space seem more spacious. Reflected light from a strategically placed mirror can actually give the illusion of double the space.

Lighting is very important; adjust your lighting to the size of the room. Try to stay away from ornamental lighting as it tends to make the space appear smaller

Take these steps in consideration when staging your L-shaped room. Give Buyers an idea of what to do with an odd shaped space.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging 

Staging Ideas For Small Spaces

Image by caribb via Flickr

If you have a small space in your home it can be a challenge to show its function and show its potential. Staging your small space can make huge impact on buyers here are some staging tips and tricks for small spaces.

• Small living room - to show off small spaces make sure to use smaller scale furniture or eliminate a few large pieces. Couches take up a lot of your square footage, try using the love seat instead. Use floating end table instead of a coffee table.
• Storage- Buyers need to see that you have lots of storage. Decorative box and baskets are great way to hide remotes, toys, magazines and  personal items. Buyers only know what they see, you need to show buyers how your space can be used.Storage ottoman and floating shelves are great way to show buyers you have lots of storage.
• Patterns - stick to solid neutral colors they help brighten your space. Patterns tend to be to busy and over powering. Use textures to add some interest .
• Paint- dark colors absorb the light  making  your space appear smaller. Pick a lighter color to expand your space
• Lighting- upward lighting creates an impression of more square footage.Trim back tree to allow lots of light to come through the windows,lighting can increase the illusion of space in a small spaces.

Staging can help sell your home quickly often for more then asking. If you have any question about Calgary Home Staging please feel free to contact Simply Stylish Staging


Elysse Bulloch

Related articles

• Make a Room Look Bigger in two Hours (interiordecorating.suite101.com)
• How Can I Sell My House Fast? (brighthub.com)

A look at Calgary Home Staging by Simply Stylish Staging

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A look at Calgary Home Staging by Simply Stylish Staging

View more webinars from Elysse26.
Simply Stylish Staging 

Staging in Calgary the Next Rage

 I receive lots of calls from people that are inquiring into home staging in Calgary. It always surprises me that so many people have never heard of staging or think its way out of reach.
 Staging is proven marketing techniques to prepare homes for sale,by strategically placing art work and accessories. Staged properties will sale on average of 7% more in less then half the time. Staging will create flow in your space, keeping the potential buyer moving, Creating a universal appearance to make the space appeal to more buyers. First impression is the key to the sale of any property as a buyer will know in less then 4  minutes if they are interested. 
 Don't be reluctant to invest in a home your leaving, home staging will cost less then a price reduction. most buyers today are looking for a move in ready home and are willing to pay top dollar to get it. Staged properties send signals of trust to potential buyers. How you may ask? When a property is staged  all repairs and issues have been fixed before the home went on the market. I also encourage all my clients to get a home inspection prior to listing. This way the seller is well aware of any issues that can come up after an offer has been made.
 Just a few years ago you could buy a home in Calgary without even looking at it these day are long gone. Its a buyers market and buyers are picky. Their are more and more homes listed everyday, Staging  is an investment will make you property stand out from the pack.Helping buyers envision themselves living in the space and connecting emotionally with the property .



Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging
403.710.4229

Staging a Calgary Bathroom

Before buyers have nothing to connect with

Now buyers can see the potential.


Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging 

Calgary Downtown Condo before and Afters

This trendy downtown condo  can hardly been seen under all the stuff, as we peeled back all the layers we reveal that this room is indeed a second bedroom. Oh wait and it has floor to ceiling windows with a great view.

Before: The way we live before we decide to sell great for dwelling not for selling. Remember buyer only know what they see.

After: This is what buyers want to see













Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging
403.710.4229

There is an Alternative to Price Reductions and Home sitting on the Market

Image via Wikipedia

 Home Staging is proven marketing techniques to prepare your property for sale, regardless of price and location. Selling your home in the shortest time for a largest return of investment, creating a warm inviting pulled together space to wow buyers within seconds. A potential buyer will connect emotional with the property within in three minutes; first impression is the key to capturing the buyer.

   A home staging professional will give you the buyer’s eyes, educating home owners on what buyer’s want. More and more home go on the market everyday but statistics show that sales are down 40 % from last year this time. Sellers whose homes sat on the market for over 30 days will be looking at a price reduction or have been offered less then asking – statistics show it is more than likely had the property been professional staged it could have sold faster and for more than the asking price.

  Staging is an investment on the home seller’s part, but big benefits come with your staging investment. Staged properties present and show better then the competition; selling faster and are move in ready. According to RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) staged properties spend 78% less time on the market compared to a not stage property.

 Calgary has over 12 000homes on the market; staging will highlight the features showcasing your homes full potential, creating more traffic and generating offers

If you would like more info on Home Staging please visit our

 www.simplystylishstaging.com or Please contact Elysse Bulloch 403.710.4229

Do It Yourself Vase

Do-It-Yourself Vase Ideas

Summer if finally here,stuck inside. If you want to add a little summer inside here is a fun project to brighten any room.

All you will need is scissors, spray glue which you can get at any craft store,decorative paper,ribbon and a tin can .

Step 1) Cut decorative paper to fit the height and width of the can .

Step 2) Spray the can with glue and wrap the paper around the can hold the paper for a few seconds till it sticks. I have found spray glue works best and give you time work the paper.

Step 3) You can now add ribbon and embellishment your vase is done.

Your vase could be the center piece for your next BBQ or could add a punch of color to your office . Stayed tuned for more DIY ideas.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Working Weekends

I have been spending my weekends touring open houses in Calgary. On my tour I started to compile a list of things you should not do at your open house. Here it goes the top of the list of What not to do at your open House.

#1) Remove all family photos. Guys I cant stress this enough, its for your safety strangers are going through your home do you really want them to know what you and your kids look like?

#2) Opening all closet doors. I seen this way to much all the closet doors are open but the closet is in disarray. What are potential buyers looking at your messy closet. Organized storage space is in the top three things potential buyers are looking for.

#3) Clean the fridge out. Yes potential buyers will look in your fridge. Buy a new box of baking soda to neutralize the food order in the fridge.

#4) Fresh flowers, its allergy season and the last thing you want is a potential buyer having a pollen attack at your open house.Silk plants have come along way and with no up keep needed its a cheaper alternative to the real thing.

#5)Air fresheners, really its nice enough to open the windows and let the fresh air in. Its better to have no small at all. Some people are sensitive to fragrance and it just may sway them not to make an offer.

I hope you find this insightful after visiting several open houses the past couple weeks I thought I should share what not to do . After all one of these tip just might sell your property at your open house.

Elysse Bulloch

www.simplystylishstaging.com