Staging a condo is arguably more complicated than preparing a single-family home for sale. With limited square footage, there are fewer opportunities to let the potential buyer\u2019s imagination run wild with visions of a home office or tranquil yoga studio.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorse than the small sizes are awkward spaces \u2014 sometimes there\u2019s a post in the middle of the unit or the shape is odd, which makes it hard to position the furniture properly,\u201d says Red Barrinuevo, President and Principal Home Stager of Redesign4more, a home staging company that services the GTA and beyond. \u201cAt the end of the day, we can still make it work, but for someone who doesn\u2019t have the experience, it can be a big challenge.\u201d Here he shares 10 need-to-know tips on staging a condo to sell.<\/p>\n
1. Remove the clutter<\/strong> 2. Rethink your layout<\/strong> 3. Identify a focal point<\/strong> 4. Stick to a single paint color<\/strong> 5. Define zones<\/strong> 6. Create the illusion of more space<\/strong> 7. Let light in<\/strong> 8. Spruce up your balcony<\/strong> 9. Choose inoffensive artwork<\/strong> 10. Know your audience<\/strong>
\n\u201cExcess furniture can really make a condo appear smaller than it is. If it\u2019s cluttered, a buyer will look at the space and think, \u2018Oh, my couch won\u2019t fit,\u2019 but if you set it up with the right layout and the right furniture, that makes a big difference,\u201d says Barrinuevo. Once the clutter has been cleared, Barrinuevo evaluates the larger pieces, such as desks or accent chairs. \u201cI look at the size of the furniture compared to the size of the room. If it\u2019s too big or too small, I will remove it and get something that\u2019s more appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAnother thing to consider is the layout and how you want to showcase it,\u201d says Barrinuevo. \u201cIs it better to use a sectional, or is it better to use a sofa and chairs? After everything is set up, you still need space to move around.\u201d Above all else, the layout needs to function and flow. Put yourself in the prospective buyer\u2019s shoes and take a stroll around the condo. Ensure that you can comfortably travel between furniture pieces \u2014 you shouldn\u2019t have to squeeze past the couch!<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe layout will also depend on the focal point,\u201d notes Barrinuevo. \u201cFigure out what the best feature of your condo is and go from there.\u201d If you\u2019ve got a gorgeous fireplace or a sweeping view of the city, play it up. For a fireplace, Barrinuevo recommends arranging the furniture in a U-shape. To optimize city or water views, you\u2019ll want to prevent any pieces from blocking sight lines. \u201cThink about how a potential buyer would use the space. At the end of the day, you\u2019re selling a lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf the clients are open to repainting the unit, we always recommend going with color, whether it\u2019s greige, bluish-grey or light grey,\u201d says Barrinuevo. Too many paint colors can easily overwhelm a small space, so it\u2019s best to stick to just one. \u201cWhite looks like a hospital, it can work in some spaces, but it\u2019s better to go with something a bit warmer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou can create zones with furniture placement,\u201d says Barrinuevo. \u201cFor example, backing out a sofa can separate the living area from the dining area. You could also use an area rug or light fixtures.\u201d To put a literal spotlight on a coveted feature, such as a dining area, Barrinuevo suggests hanging a pendant light above it. \u201cEven if it\u2019s a small space, it will still look special.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis can be achieved easily by decluttering,\u201d says Barrinuevo. \u201cOnce you remove the unnecessary pieces, it makes such a dramatic difference.\u201d Beyond books, papers, dog toys and wayward cleaning supplies, Barrinuevo suggests taking a look at your plants, \u201cespecially if they\u2019re overgrown and not really looked after.\u201d If your monstrous monstera is blocking a window, seek out a new spot for it (at least for the time being). \u201cIt will immediately brighten up your space and make it look bigger,\u201d says Barrinuevo.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf the client has drapes, but they look very heavy or they\u2019re not the right fabric, we\u2019ll replace them with white sheers to let more light in,\u201d explains Barrinuevo. Many condo dwellers use panel shades to add much-needed privacy, but Barrinuevo recommends removing them and hanging sheers on either side of the window instead. \u201cThis frames the window and makes it look wider, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAgain, be sure to declutter and remove all unnecessary items. Sometimes condo owners treat their balcony like a storage unit,\u201d notes Barrinuevo. Outdoor space is highly sought-after, especially amongst the urban crowd, so you\u2019ll want it to look appealing \u2014 not like the concrete slab it really is. \u201cIf it\u2019s a large patio or balcony, I always recommend setting up a dining space and a seating area. It acts as an extension of the indoor living space.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTry to avoid art that is very personal,\u201d says Barrinuevo. \u201cWe often use abstract or contemporary pieces because they\u2019re more neutral and better for showcasing the property.\u201d Working with an all-white backdrop? Consider adding in some decorative touches. \u201cThe more color you bring in through the artwork and accessories, the more interesting the listing photos are going to be,\u201d insists Barrinuevo. Home sellers should also pay attention to the size of the artwork and the placement. \u201cOftentimes people will hang their art too high or choose a piece that\u2019s far too big.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYou have to think about the target buyers,\u201d urges Barrinuevo. \u201cAre you catering to a younger crowd? Downsizing couples? Families with kids?\u201d Without an audience in mind, the condo will be harder to market and sell. \u201cYour real estate agent should be able to help you identify target buyers and comparables, and the stager will know how to style the condo based on those factors.\u201d The condo\u2019s location and listing price should also be taken into consideration, notes Barrinuevo. \u201cYour realtor and stager are a team, together they\u2019ll have a better grasp on how to package the property.\u201d<\/p>\n