Article in the New Business Section of the December 2006 Edition of the SNAP BEACHES Newspaper in Toronto: Home STEPS is a different kind of decorating and staging business. The word STEPS is an acronym for ‘Simply Teaching Economical Practical Solutions’. That is where this experienced team of Carol & Randy Heimpel is unique. Although capable of outfitting an empty house to become a complete and comfortable home full of furnishings and accessories, this is not their area of specialty. They excel at helping people refresh, or stage, their own homes using as much of their existing property as possible, for any purpose. Painting, new drapes or accessories, reorganizing - their goal is to work with clients to make the home sparkle with as little money spent as possible. As their acronym name implies, they teach others how to ‘economically solve design challenges practically and easily’. When working with a home sale activity, their ultimate objective, after seeing the house sell, is to ensure that clients feel they can comfortably set their belongings into their new home with skill and ease. Also unique, they provide an informal ‘house fitness report’ with their service to prepare owners for what an agent or buyer might find in their home that might negatively affect selling price. All major house systems from foundation to roof, plumbing and wiring to windows and doors, are given a review. Carol has a Fine Art degree from the University of Western Ontario as well as decorating training from Fanshawe College and Sheffield School of Design. Randy has a science degree from UWO and training from the Professional Home Inspection Institute. Both have teaching certificates as well from their ‘previous lives’ as elementary school teachers. Somewhat nomadic, they have lived in over 15 houses in their married life, and have come to the Beach via London and Guelph. In both communities, they worked closely with agents and clients to revitalize properties and to stage houses for resale. Whether downsizing, decorating, or moving, Carol & Randy will assist you and guarantee satisfaction. Their price structure fits all budgets. They can be reached by email carolann@consultant.com or by phone at 416-660-4026.

Quoted in the HOME section of the May 25, 2007 GLOBE & MAIL : "At the Toronto-based home-staging company Home Steps, Carol and Randy Heimpel say their objective is to have potential buyers remember the house, not the things in the house. The first thing they urge clients to do is declutter and depersonalize. Mr. Heimpel says that even those simple moves require a dramatic switch in the mindset of the owners. "Imagine already that the house is not yours," he tells sellers. In the kitchen, Ms. Heimpel advises the sellers to remove everything from the counters except for the essentials. For some homeowners, that's extremely difficult to do, she says. "In their lifestyle, everything is essential." But when Ms. Heimpel arrives with her objective eye, she may add back in the coffee maker and microwave and little else. The stagers also strive to make the home seem comfortable and accommodating. In one small house with no defined dining area, Ms. Heimpel created one by putting a tall table with bistro chairs in part of the living room. To keep it tied together, she also chose a wood finish for the tall table that fit in well with the coffee table and other wood furniture. And, since it's impossible to guess which colours a future owner might prefer, it's best to paint the walls in neutrals, they say. Mr. Heimpel points out that a vivid purple room might be beautiful to the homeowner, but prospective buyers are just as likely to be struck by how badly the colour will clash with their furniture. "Most people walk in and it hits them pretty hard in the face because they're not accustomed to it," he says of a bold colour. Ms. Heimpel says that homeowners are often amazed at the transformation they achieve simply by clearing the decks of clutter and cleaning the home until it sparkles. "It often happens that once they see how good their place looks, they reconsider moving."

A recent testimonial from two real estate agents who worked closely with the Home STEPS team: Dear Home STEPS, We just wanted to thank you so much for your expertise in the home staging business. We cannot tell you the positive feedback we have been getting from the buyers who have come through the home you staged for us. We thought the listing was priced a little high, but we have had 5 offers on the house tonight. Please wish us luck in selling the home at top dollar. I know after this activity that we will certainly be using your services in the future and will definitely recommend you to other people. Thank-you again. Ann Dreah , Paul Low. Home Realty   Whether decorating a new home, or face-lifting an old, whether down-sizing or staging for re-sale, Home STEPS really can make a difference.