Thinking of Selling?

If you are thinking of selling your home, then there are a few things to consider.

 We will start on the outside and work our way in.

 

You are trying to ensure that your home has as much curb appeal as possible. Sometimes potential buyers do a ‘drive by” to see if they like the look of the outside before they make an appointment to view the home. Make sure your lawn is cut, trimmed and shrub beds are attractive.

 

Your next decision is which door you want a possible buyer to use. Which entrance into your home creates the most WOW? Whichever door you choose, make sure it is clean and free of debris, spider webs especially this time of year. You want to provide buyers with a warm and welcoming feeling.

 

Smell is very important. The smell of your home can make or break the showing. I think we are all use to the smell of our home so perhaps a very honest friend or neighbor can give it the sniff test. I don’t really recommend the plug in things since that often can send off alarm bells “What are they trying to hide” Also so many people have allergies to scents that it can cause a problem. Clean, fresh and of course home baking make the best impressions. You also have to be careful if you have pets, the smell of a kitty litter box can be a huge turn off.

 

Next you need to declutter your home; pack non-essential things in boxes and store them in the basement, garage, storage sheds or with someone else.

Closets, linen cupboards, hallways, entrances and stairways should be as free from clutter as possible.

 

It may look bare to you but it enables the buyer to appreciate how much space is there.

All surfaces countertops and floor spaces should be as clean and clear as possible.

 

Now you have to De-personalize

·       Family Pictures

·       Diplomas

·       Personal reading

·       Front of fridge

 

So many people, buyers and Realtors alike love to look at the pictures to see if they know the people; they are there to look at the house not who you are. People are nosy so if you don’t want it looked at then put it away.

 

Neutralizing is sometimes a tough one but a neutral décor goes a long way toward enabling a potential buyer to see his things in your home. Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to prepare your home for sale. Soft, warm, clean neutral shades work best.

 

I realize that I am tossing a lot at you but it is a very competitive market out there. Buyers are very picky and for the most part know the market. To get your home sold in a timely fashion and get the most money for it you need to make your house really show ready.

 

Kitchens and bathrooms seem to be the 2 rooms that are of most importance. Now if they have not been updated in the past 10 years or so and you don’t want the expense then the price for you home will probably be reflected in that. If your counter top is a strong non neutral colour like rose or blue, then perhaps you should think about replacing it. You are trying to remove as many objections as possible.

 

 

Buyers and buyer’s agents will often over cost repairs. If you don’t want the expense of replacing the countertop then I would strongly recommend you get some prices and samples that you can leave out. You would be surprised how something like that can increase the value and make your home easier to market.

 

Also new hardware like knobs and pulls for the cupboards and light fixtures can give a kitchen and bathroom a quick facelift. Do make sure that both of these rooms are clean and decluttered.

 

As I just mentioned, new modern light fixtures can give any room a little face lift. Another item to update your home is the trim. Most people are looking for white trim it seems to brighten your home and give it a modern look.

 

Make sure everything in your home is in good working order. If you have had work done on your home recently, then receipts can sometime impress a prospective buyer.

 

Once you have your house listed with a Realtor and it’s ready to show, remember to have light bulbs in all sockets.

 

When your home is being shown turn on all the lights and leave.