Martin Designs - Susan Crema-Martin

Does new carpet really help sell your home?

Susan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:42:12 +0000

New flooring makes a crucial first impression on prospective buyers and brings a property closer to being move in ready. I often have to face clients that do not want to replace flooring because they think it will be easier for the next person who buys their house to pick what they want.

To read the full article see here: Does new carpet help sell your home December 2011 Bulletin

Orange is the colour for Fall – but for your walls?

Susan — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:31:25 +0000

Fall usually makes us think of pumpkins and colourful leaves. We embrace these beautiful bright oranges, reds and yellows as they accent everything around us. This month’s article is about using colour in the right places and as a professional stager, we are taught to use colour to create flow from one room to another.

To read the full article see here: Orange is the colour for Fall but for your walls Nov 2011

Why are closets important to the sale of a home?

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:44:54 +0000

“It is just a closet! Who is going to look in there?

How many times have I heard this from clients?

At the beginning of each of my consultations, one of the first things that I do is assess the front entry and closet. I often explain to the client that buyers are moving for specific reasons and one reason is that they have outgrown their home and need more space.

To read the full article see here: Decorating.Oct11

How can we incorporate family photos in our decor?

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:35:49 +0000

Last month I spoke about depersonalizing your space when you are selling your house. Getting rid of clutter is one of our top priorities and family photos are usually the first to go. This is because you want buyers to imagine themselves in the house.

To read the full article go here: Decorating.Sept11

Depersonalizing… What is the Fuss About?

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:31:57 +0000

Often I come across the question, “Why do stagers want us to take down family photos and depersonalize when selling our home”? Many homeowners have lived in their homes for many years and it is very difficult to take down what has been collected over the years.

To read the full article see here: Decorating.Aug11

Are Backyards Important When Selling Your House?

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:26:42 +0000

Backyards are an extension of our indoor living space. Homeowners are putting more and more emphasis into their backyards with updated furniture, larger decks, pools, hot tubs and play areas. The big box sores are making it easier for the DIY these days to achieve this. I look at great backyards as “EYE CANDY FOR THE BUYERS”.

To read the full Article go here: Decorating.June11

The Forgotten Room

Susan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Basements are often overlooked areas for living space or part of selling the space. How many of us just never get around to finishing up the basement because there was so much storage down there? Some of us just find it so daunting to think about going downstairs to part with boxes of items that have been down there for so long – you are not alone!

To read the full Article click here:Decorating.May11

Easter Is Around The Corner, Are You Ready?

Susan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:09:38 +0000

From a sophisticated downtown home to the young at heart, there is something for everyone.

Since the new year I have been busy working with my clients on indoor recommendations such as de-cluttering, packing, cleaning and painting to prepare for the spring market. Most of us are tired of being inside so for a change I thought it would be nice to share a few ideas that I have, to get you outside and ready for spring.
Bulletin.April11.article

It’s Not About Finding The Time, But The Space

Susan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:01:39 +0000

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com MARCH 2011 | The Bulletin 19

Decorating

It’s not about finding the time, but the space by Susan Crema-Martin

Many of us now work from home, either full-time or part-time and sometimes finding the right type of

workspace is challenging. Some people are fortunate to have a designated office in their home, but if you do not have one then finding space may be a challenge. A few thoughts before you start planning for a home office is to determine how often you work from home; how much space you may require and what kind of work you do?

Bulletin.March11.article

Staging Your Way To Happier Holidays – December 2010

Susan — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:07:46 +0000

This is the time of year that the real estate market usually slows down but this year I am still receiving calls from realtors to assist homeowners to pepare their properties for sale. Staging your way to ‘Happier Holidays’ is possible even during this holiday season. Many homes get that holiday polish for family and friends visiting so your property is guaranteed to “show” better. Preparing a consultation report and offering staging services really helps clients with the process of putting a property on the market and giving it a “wow” factor. Some of the furniture rental companies even give discounts over the holidays.

Read full article here