Perhaps the hardest and yet the most important thing to remember about selling your home is that you must remain objective throughout the process. That's why having a REALTOR© represent your interests is so important. He or she will help you arrive at a reasonable asking price based on comparable sales in your area, your neighbourhood, local amenities, and what the 'market' is for your home.
Your REALTOR© will give you an impartial assessment of what factors in your home may deter potential buyers, and how to enhance the unique and most attractive features. Major renovations are only justified if you are sure you will realize a proportionate return on your costs.
Moving is a great time to discard all the unnecessary items that have been accumulating and to start 'fresh'. It also makes the physical move much less stressful, and expensive.
Clearing the clutter is also one of the most important steps to preparing your home for sale...along with showing potential buyers you take pride in your home by keeping it well-maintained. That's what will make them realize it is a place they can feel similarly proud of.
Tips for preparing your home for sale:OUTSIDE:
- lawns mowed, leaves rakes, flowers and shrubs well trimmed
- clear all 'clutter' from your yard: provide a place for children's toys, and lawn maintenance equipment - preferably under shelter.
- ensure barbecue grills and outdoor cooking utensils are cleaned
- be sure all pet litter is removed from yard
- broken patio furniture, lawn ornaments and so on should be thrown away or repaired. Clean or replace torn or discoloured patio furniture coverings, shades, awnings and patio covers.
- ensure walkways, stairways and decks are cleared and easily navigated Salt icy walks in winter. Remove weeds and overgrown edgings in summer. -check shingles, exterior paint, fences, stairs, decks, awnings, shutters, patio bricks and all exterior 'appointments' to ensure they are in good repair and have a well-maintained appearance - no chipped paint, gouges or scratches.
- everything should “work” including light fixtures, mailboxes, latches, garage door openers and so on. A bit of polish on brass door knobs, knockers and other metallic fixtures will make a bit impact.
- Garbage cans should be deodorized and as inconspicuous as possible.
INSIDE:
- Take an objective look at things you've been storing in the attic, cupboards, closets, and other areas. Time to decide what you really need to keep, what you can give away or sell at a garage sale, and what should be thrown away. If you can't bear to part with kids school books, artwork, photos and so on, try to select just a few of each to save in an album or special container. What you must keep, should be stored in an organized fashion.
- Seek out and clear clutter everywhere - bookshelves with books leaning in all directions, overloaded knickknack shelves and displays, kitchen countertops with too many small appliances, utensils and bric-a-brac, an excess of fridge magnet memorabilia and shoes and boots lining entranceways.
- Clean meticulously - shampoo carpets, attend to draperies and window coverings, dust and polish furniture, wax floors, and shine windows. Range hoods, burners, and ovens should be cleaned. Remove dust and dead insects from lighting fixtures and window tracks.
- Ensure any house plants do not give an 'overgrown' appearance, and do not become dry or unhealthy looking.
- Remove tattered wall-coverings and clean smudges. Add a coat of paint to dingy walls or to cover dark paint colours.
- Consider removing carpeting that is badly stained or worn, particularly if there is wood flooring underneath.
- Use light bulbs of higher wattage to create more light. Bundle errant cords and cable and ensure there are no bare wires.
- Stained or chipped tiles and discoloured sinks and toilets should be replaced
- Items stuck to walls with adhesive tape should be removed and evidence of the tape removed. Fill holes and cracks.
- If basement or any room shows signs of leakage, it's best to get a structural engineer's report and repair as necessary.
- Ensure there are no dripping faucets or clogged drains. Consider plumbing work to improve poor water pressure. Putting some contemporary fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen could make a dramatic improvement.
- Everything should 'work' - from the doorbell to the light fixtures. If it doesn't, fix it.
- No broken-hinged, sticking or squeaky doors or windows, and no ripped screens.
- Remember that a well maintained, clean and welcoming front entrance gives your potential buyer a great 'first impression'.