April 8, 2019

In the Toronto housing market, homes of all sizes are in demand. That’s good news for those who own small condos. It means that even a living space of limited square footage can command a tidy profit. That said, one of the keys to getting a great price for your unit is making it look and feel as large as possible. Luckily, staging your home—through the skillful use of paint, furnishings, and decor—can help maximize your space to increase its appeal.

If you’re preparing to put your small condo on the market, try these five staging tips for a top dollar sale…

1) Declutter thoroughly

Let’s face it: most of us are guilty of hanging onto at least a little bit of clutter. Whether it’s those old kitchen appliances you no longer use or that stack of magazines you’ve been meaning to toss out, things have a way of accumulating. Unfortunately, the more items that take up space in your home, the more cramped it’s going to seem. And that’s not a good look for any condo. The good news is, a thorough decluttering can instantly make your unit feel more spacious. So call up the nearest donation centre or storage facility—it’s time to start sorting!

2) Use the right colours

You may have heard that lighter colours can make a room feel bigger. While there’s truth to that notion, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should paint your entire apartment in stark white. Instead, you might want to opt for softer tones. Hues such as cream or pale greyish-beige are light enough to create a greater sense of space—without sacrificing warmth. Also worth noting: you don’t have to commit to one colour. A bold accent wall can make a room feel larger and more multi-faceted. Is there anything that a fresh coat of paint can’t do?

3) Let there be light

Have you ever noticed how dimly-lit spaces tend to feel smaller? While that might be okay for your favourite cozy pub or romantic hole-in-the-wall restaurant, it’s not ideal when you’re staging your condo. Your goal should be to illuminate dark corners and highlight every square inch of your living space. First off, make use of natural light. Open up your blinds or curtains when it comes time to show off your unit. You might also want to consider adding additional lighting sources (such as elegant floor lamps) to brighten up any dark areas.

4) Rearrange your furniture

The right furniture placement can make a condo feel bigger. If you’re planning to stage your unit using your own pieces, rearranging them to optimize your square footage is a must. First off, think about spacing. Is there enough room to walk between your sofa and your coffee table comfortably? Can you pull the chairs out from your dining room table easily? You can also use your furniture to separate different areas (such as an open-concept kitchen and living room), which can create a greater sense of space.

5) Work with a true professional

No matter how much room you have to work with, a skilled professional can help you make the most of it. From paint to furnishings to decor, it can all come together to create a home that feels big, bright, and irresistible to your target buyer. One of the most convenient ways to find excellent staging services is to ask your agent. A great real estate professional will help you prepare your home for the market—and provide additional resources if required.

Interested in learning more about how to prepare your luxury condo for the market? Let’s chat—I’d love to walk you through the process!