First Impression Staging: Think of Your Target Market

One of the most difficult concepts we face is the prospect of thinking from another’s perspective. Yet, that is precisely what we need to do when we are selling our home (or selling anything, for that matter!). While we may have spent years adding those personal touches that made the house we purchased years ago into the home we have today, those memories, preferences and unique features are personal. They likely are not shared by the vast majority of prospective home buyers who may view our new listing.

In one house I viewed, the owner had built an innovative centre island display around a former fireplace that had been removed (without removing the chimney). It had a tapered, four-sided pyramid appearance, with special spotlighting focusing on the various angles and shelving that had been built in. Although very artistic, and eye-catching for each visitor, several people to whom I spoke during the open house commented that they would remove it, and use the space more effectively, change the lighting, or repaint the various elements.
Once a buyer starts to think less of the current appeal, and more how he can improve a house, it diminishes its immediate value.

In another house that I renovated, I upgraded the furnace to a 94.8% efficiency, installed a tankless water heater, replaced all windows with energy-efficient ones, upgraded the insulation to beyond R2000 standards, and added numerous structural (but not visible) improvements. I also updated the kitchen, and built a fantastic backyard deck and garden area. Although the structural components provided huge economic benefit, the items that sold the house were the aesthetic improvements.

Next door, a friend had done only cosmetic upgrades, but had done a wonderful job. The 90 year old house, with its decaying structural shell, sold ten days faster than mine, because of the eye appeal. It is the first impression that sells. We buy with our emotions, and justify with our logic.

To improve your home’s marketability, think from your target market’s perspective. Are you targeting young families? Get rid of sharp corners, artsy features, clean, white floors and counters, because those children are a bane to crisp, Spartan amenities. Aiming for the single, busy executive? Eliminate the flowery, decorative look. How about the 30-something, childless couples? Lots of entertainment room, inside and out, may be important.

This is not to suggest that your should focus exclusively on a specific, small niche. Rather, consider the range of possible buyers, and stage the home with them in mind. Thinking from their points of view will pay dividends in increased purchase price and quicker sale.

Etobicoke Overview

Overview of Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

The city of Etobicoke is located in southern Ontario, Canada. Etobicoke has a population of roughly 350,000, and makes up the western portion of the city of Toronto. Etobicoke is bordered to the south by Lake Ontario, by the Humber River to the east, by Mississauga to the west and by the city of Vaughan to the north. The Etobicoke municipality was amalgamated in 1998 into the Greater Toronto Area, along with York, East York, North York, Scarborough and ‘old’ Toronto. Etobicoke boasts a highly multicultural population, extensive parkland, many tourist attractions, an extensive history and a flourishing economy.
History of Etobicoke, Ontario
The area of modern Etobicoke, Ontario, was first visited by Europeans in 1615 by French explorer Étienne Brûlé. The name “Etobicoke” is based on the First Nations Mississauga word that means “place where the wild/black alders grow”, which was adopted as the official name in 1796. Etobicoke was made a township in 1850, and incorporated as a city in 1984. In 1953, the township joined the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, and in 1998 merged with the Metropolitan Toronto Government to form the fully amalgamated City of Toronto.
Etobicoke's Demographics
The city of Etobicoke, Ontario has a population of roughly 350,000. As of 2001, Etobicoke had the highest 65+ population in Ontario at 19%, an immigrant population of 42% and an Italian population of 10%.
Etobicoke's Climate
Etobicoke, Ontario, has a highly variable climate, an average annual precipitation of 760 millimetres and an average yearly snowfall of roughly 115 centimetres. The typical January maximum temperature is -2 °C, the average July maximum temperature is 27°C, and the city’s autumns usually have cool nights followed by pleasant temperatures during the day.
Education in Etobicoke, Ontario
The Toronto District School Board oversees the public elementary and secondary schools in the City of Etobicoke. Etobicoke, Ontario, also has specialist secondary schools: The Etobicoke School of the Arts and the Scarlett Heights Entrepreneurial Academy. Catholic high schools in the city include St. Joseph High School, Bishop Allen High School, Father John Redmond High School, Father Henry Carr High School and Don Bosco High School. Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber, both successful post-secondary education institutions, are also located in Etobicoke.

Transportation around Etobicoke, Ontario
Ontario’s Etobicoke has many easily accessible transportation opportunities, including nearby Pearson International Airport, many subway, bus and streetcar stops, and numerous taxi services. In addition, Highway 427 runs through the centre of the city, and Highway 401 and Dundas Street West lie near Etobicoke’s edges.

Tourism and Attractions of Etobicoke
The tourist attractions of Etobicoke, Ontario, include the Woodbine Centre and Fantasy fair, the Woodbine Race Track and Slots, and the Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre. In addition, Etobicoke is home to many public parks, including the James Gardens which is located on the Humber River and boasts many streams, waterfalls and walkways.

Geography of Etobicoke, Ontario
The city of Etobicoke, Ontario, is located in the western region of the City of Toronto. Etobicoke is bounded by Vaughan to the north, Mississauga to the west, the Humber River to the east and Lake Ontario to the south. Etobicoke is made up of numerous smaller communities, including Alderwood, Eatonville, Eringate, Islington, The Kingsway, Long Branch, The Queensway, Thistletown and Clairville.
Etobicoke's Government
In 1998, the municipal government of the city of Etobicoke was amalgamated along with five other regions to create a fully amalgamated city of Toronto, with David Miller as the present mayor.
Etobicoke's Economy and Industry
Etobicoke, Ontario is home to a booming economy, led by manufacturing, the retail trade and the service sector. Etobicoke has an employment rate of 5.9% and a high average family income of $93,277.
Etobicoke's Culture and Significant Events
Ontario’s Etobicoke has a highly ethnically diverse population and many local cultural events. In addition, the city is home to many celebrities, including Mike Bullard, Daniel DeSanto, Brendan Shanahan, Catherine O’Hara, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Allan Rock, social activist June Callwood, actor Keanu Reeves, Mark Napier, the Hip-Hop group Ghetto Concept and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Toronto home.
Sports in Etobicoke, Ontario
The city of Etobicoke, Ontario has many local sports clubs and leagues. For professional sports teams, Etobicoke’s residents are fans of Toronto’s sports teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League, the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
Media of Etobicoke
The city of Etobicoke, Ontario, has a popular local newspaper publication entitled The Etobicoke Guardian. The Guardian, as it is popularly known, provides the residents of Etobicoke with information concerning local news and culture.




Shopping at Sherway Gardens Directory