HOME PREPARATION

For home sellers, a little extra work getting the home ready for sale can make all of the difference in how smoothly the sale goes and how much one can ask for their home. It can also be the difference between a quick sale and a home that languishes on the market for months on end.

THE FOLLOWING TIPS WILL HELP YOU BOOST THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR HOME – FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!

You have one chance to make a good first impression. It is so important to impress the potential buyer the moment they pull up to your home. The first glimpse of the home will include the home’s exterior, the curb appeal, the yard, the walkways and the front door. It takes a human mind less than 30 seconds to make a decision. If the exterior appeals to a buyer, they will look at the interior of the home with more interest.

TIPS TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL

LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Rake the yard and patch up all burnt spots in the lawn

Keep the lawn well-manicured by regularly mowing it and keeping it weed-free

In winter, shovel snow and keep the driveway/walkways clear of icy patches

Trim shrubs and trees; weed flower beds and remove dead plants

Sweep all walkways and remove weeds from in between interlocking or patio stones

Level walkways and wash them off after winter or rain storm debris

Ensure the driveway is well looked after by filling in pot holes or uneven areas and resealing it to freshen up the look

Wash the siding of the house and clean the eaves troughs

Paint the front door and window frames, especially where they show signs of wear or peeling

Remove cobwebs, especially at the front entrance

Store lawn equipment, bikes, and toys instead of leaving them in the front or back yards

Keep the garage door closed

Other Exterior Maintenance

Remove and replace torn or worn screens on doors and windows

Ensure the doorbell and front entrance light are in working condition

Replace cracked windowpanes and panes with condensation

Repair and/or replace bent or damaged gutters and broken or loose shutters

Repair loose roof shingles and flashings

TIPS FOR THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME

ORGANIZATION AND CLUTTER CONTROL

Buyers are curious and will snoop! They will open closets and cabinet doors, sometimes even the fridge! Start packing up your belongings – you are moving, after all.

Reduce clutter in each room and storage areas; maximize storage and closet space

Coats and boots that are not seasonal essentials should be stored

Empty and tidy drawers and linen closets, as well as cabinets under the sink

File your personal paperwork and keep it out of sight from visiting buyers

Dust and clean bookcases, and rearrange books and magazines in an attractive way

Rearrange furniture to give rooms a spacious appearance

Keep toys organized and in one area

Clean the basement, attic, and garage of dust, dirt, and clutter

Make the beds in all bedrooms

Clean bathroom sink and declutter countertops

Have bath and hand towels neatly hung on towel racks

Pick up dirty laundry from the floor and store in hampers

Keep the floor clean and gleaming

Outdoor pools should be clean and surrounding area decluttered

Cleaning

A CLEAN, GLEAMING HOME IS EYE-CATCHING!

Clean your home top-to-bottom: remove cobwebs, dust bunnies, grease spots, finger marks, etc.

Get carpets professionally cleaned

Refinish hardwood floors if scratched

Replace vinyl floors if ripped or out of style (e.g. dark colours)

Fix squeaky floors and door hinges

Clean windows and door panes of dust, dirt, and rain water stains

Polish all chrome faucets and appliances, especially stainless steel

Air the home by opening all windows and doors to freshen the inside air, especially in basements or eating areas with stale or lingering food smells

Use mild air fresheners in enclosed spaces (nothing overwhelming, though!)

Put dirty dishes away and empty drying racks and kitchen sink

Lighting

Open blinds to allow natural light into the home, making it bright

For evening showings, turn all of the lights on, especially dark areas

Replace all burnt-out light bulbs

Clean all light fixtures, including ceiling fans for dust

Interior Maintenance

Keep the entrance way clean and uncluttered

Replace worn cabinet hardware, as well as scratched or damaged countertops

Replace worn, broken, dirty, or outdated curtains and blinds

Ensure all major appliances are in working condition

Fix drawers that do not run smoothly on their tracks

Re-grout all ceramic tiles if required and clean mildew and soap residue off the bath and shower

Fix leaky faucets and loose doorknobs

Empty kitchen and bathroom countertops to make them look spacious

Arrange items in the pantry and other kitchen cabinets, especially those with glass doors

Put away items you do not want included in the listing price, such as window coverings or fixtures that have emotional value

Store valuables to keep them out of sight and safe

Painting

Repaint all areas that show wear and tear, especially for dark or bright colours

Paint closets to cover shoe scuff marks

NOW, TAKE ANOTHER WALK AROUND YOUR HOUSE AND SEE IF YOU’RE IMPRESSED! IF YOU ARE, THE BUYER WILL BE TOO!  YOU’RE NOW READY TO TALK TO TERESA TO SELL YOUR HOME!

OR, IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHERE TO START, CALL TERESA FOR A FREE-HOME STYLING CONSULTATION.