One of the great things about Vancouver is there is no shortage of housing styles in the city. Keeping that in mind, it is important to remember that each housing style must be staged and marketed in its own unique way. Lofts are no exception to that rule.
Single-storey, New York-style and double-storey lofts are becoming popular in the Vancouver area. Neighbourhoods like Gastown and Yaletown are booming with warehouse conversions adding to the number of loft units on the market. It is important to take advantage of all the natural features these units possess.
If you have original brick walls, avoid painting them and use them as a focal point. Try to frame double-height windows with neutral modern drapery instead of blocking them with tall pieces of furniture and outdated vertical blinds. Salvaged wood and concrete flooring are also big selling features in the spaces. Don’t cover them with carpeting, even in the bedroom.
Kitchen and bathroom
Rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom should be designed with all the modern amenities you find in an upscale home.
These are the rooms where outdated pieces are never desired and can turn a buyer off. Stick with stainless steel appliances, and granite or composite counter tops that fit with the industrial look of a loft.
The cabinetry can be any style you like (such as wood or laminate, dark or light colours) as long as you carry that style through the rest of the space.
Because lofts are essentially a large single room with a bathroom, dividing the space visually while maintaining the openness of the room can be tricky. Try changing the flooring between rooms like the kitchen and living area. If you are in a New York-style loft, raise the bedroom a foot or two by building a platform with steps up into the space. This gives the illusion of a separate room even though it is open to the rest of the unit. Make sure each space is defined clearly with your furnishings so there is no confusion as to what part of the loft is used for what purpose.
Younger audience
Finally, stage the home with a younger buyer in mind.
Lofts appeal to a younger, trendier demographic and those are the ones you will be selling too. Keep the decor modern.
This includes updating the lighting, which many sellers forget to do and using neutral colours both on the walls and in the furnishings.
Ryan DeLuca is a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, and host of The Real Estate Minute on Novus TV; rdeluca@sothebysrealty.ca.
