TRICIA CHAPMAN, Special to THE TORONTO STAR...APRIL 29, 2006

Rented art, furniture can do the trick, Bolton family wanted quick home sale

"We chose Stephanie Simone of Prudential Select Real Estate in Bolton as our agent because she uses home staging extensively in her business.  She explained that in most cases, attractive window coverings, upgraded light fixtures, artwork, accessories and proper placement of furniture we all that was need to effectively stage home.  In addition to helping get the best price, she said it would give us a selling edge since most buyers are attracted to a well maintained and decorated home.  To complete the process Simone rented furniture to complement existing pieces or fill empty rooms.  She paid for the furniture rental, brought in artworkand carefully decorated with her own accessories and lamps.  We were astonished at the transformation and ecstatic when our home generated an offer on the second day of showings.  We sold the house for 98 per cent of our asking price!  Staged homes sell faster and the homes that sell the quickest realize the greatest return."