June 28, 2012

A Condo Makeover Story Continued

by Heather Rovet

We left off having completed the big tasks – painting the entire condo and updating the bathroom. Now the fun creative part could take place, the actual transformation. Armed with a modest budget and a condo to style/stage we had to make some choices. Rent furniture, buy furniture, use existing furniture or ransack our own homes?

We quickly decided not to rent any pieces for a couple of reasons. First, it is hard in any market to predict how long something will take to sell and although confidant the condo would sell quickly, renting can add up if the sale takes a long time. So, buying some well-thought-out big pieces that we could in turn re-sell made sense. Second, it seems like the furniture rental companies’ inventory can be limited (and is in my opinion growing tiresome). We really wanted to create a lifestyle here so that when the right buyer walked in, that person could immediately envision, already living in the space.

First stop, IKEA. One really can find great pieces here and the prices are in our budget. We found a great couch and ottoman and knew that by dressing it with non-IKEA pillows and throws it would look amazing. We also found a great white lacquer desk, which in my humble opinion did not look IKEA. The hard part with IKEA is assembling it. One can find a great handyman to help here. We also bought new hardware for the kitchen, some lamps, a mirror and shelf for the bathroom.

Next, we hit West Elm. Another great well-priced furniture store located in Liberty Village. Here we found some great accent pieces and a couple of wonderful natural wood end tables. Very reasonably priced.

The final touches were gorgeous throw pillows and throws, some orchids and some artwork. The transformation was well under way. We managed to create a look and feel that would resonate with the right buyer. And it did! I am happy to report the condo sold within 5 days of going to market and the new owner bought most of the furniture. A happy ending to this condo-makeover story!

Please share your thoughts and experiences on getting your home ready for sale.

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About the Contributor

Before Heather Rovet started matching people with the right home, she spent many years putting people in the right clothes as a wardrobe stylist for the television and film industry. Both are very much the same to Heather – it’s about listening to functional needs and understanding a person’s vision – and she brings those two key elements together to find the right solution. With a love for the unity of beauty and order within a space, Heather feels that our homes are the place in which this can be reflected and defined.

Coupled with a passionate and keen eye for style and design, Heather sees the potential in the reality and helps clients to really envision their dream space. Whether it is a starter property, an upgrade, an income property or one’s own private sanctuary, Heather works with her clients every step of the way to put them in the home that is right for them.