Remembering Susan Hargraves

The Vancouver Island design community lost a bright light this past weekend. 

There are just not enough words to truly describe Susan Hargraves 

and encompass the amazing woman she was. 

A few that come to mind ~  mentor,  teacher,  brilliant designer, talented stager, 

 supportive colleague, fashion maven with impeccable style

and most importantly above all, a wonderful friend.

 Class elegance and charm.

Susan held my hand through the early stages of my business. She openly shared her expertise and her experiences. By sharing , I mean not just stories and ideas but real tangible things like a business plan and contracts . Things that many are just not willing to share . She pushed me to think not only about design but about the business of design.

That is the Susan I am so privileged to have known. 

She was a champion of women in business. 

She wanted us all to succeed.

Stacey and I were fortunate enough to work side by side with Susan on many local Victoria projects. She loved the design planning and project management and called upon us often for the end styling. When she and Jim moved to Cedar we were lucky enough to road trip there for a day - adding some fresh design eyes for her gorgeous country cottage home.

Susan's "Rooms That Work" always did work and much much more. 

Here are just a few of the projects we worked on together. 

So very grateful and 

happy to celebrate her work.

You will be missed . Godspeed . 

May you Rest in Peace Susan, you have forever touched my heart.

xoxo ~Tracey

Real Estate Staging 101

House for Sale?

Have you done your homework?

Are you asking WHY its not selling?

Home Staging is no longer a nice add on to a home marketing plan. 
It is now a NECESSITY. Your property must stand out among all other comparables in your area. Doing some prep work BEFORE you list will enhance your product .

( that's what it is now...a product to SELL) 

Here is what a home stager can do for you:

• Work with the Homeowner to make detailed plan to get a property to market in its best possible condition . 
• Do a full and thorough walk through of the property to identify what the positives are that can be showcased and more importantly what deficiencies need to be addressed. This can range from decluttering advice, curb appeal, simple decor and aesthetics, paint and repairs, and to larger scale upgrades that will bring the property up to par .
• Refer and manage qualified trades to get the required repair work done.
• Work with the Realtor to meet listing deadlines allowing them to focus on the task at hand : SELLING YOUR PROPERTY !
• Work hands-on in occupied properties to make sure furniture layout is functioning but also looking great. This includes styling of accessories and art. So vital for great MLS photos and so often overlooked! (we all have seen tragic marketing photos...WHY?!)
• Bring in lease furniture, art and accessories to stage vacant properties. Ever felt the cold echo of a vacant space?....not a good selling feature! Buyers need direction on how a property can work for them. Creating a warm and inviting "idea" makes your place the one they remember.

A home stager has the experience and creative know how to get any property ready for market. The price tag for this ? Always always always less than a price reduction ! A staged home will show better in media and in person and generally will sell faster and for a higher price. Why? Because you have done the homework to prepare it!!!

Here is a to-the-point post from ComFree Real Estate blog

 4 straight up reasons why your house is not selling 

Connecting with a great stager and working as a team with your realtor will get you results.

Stage it FIRST...Sell it FAST!

If your place is on the market in Victoria give us a call!

Cheers!

~Tracey & Stacey