Tips for Preparing Your Home For Sale

Preparing your home for sale plays an important part in the process of getting buyers to want to view your home and ultimately deciding on it over other similar priced properties and influence the price they are willing to pay.  When you take the following steps, you'll help your Sales Associate sell your home faster and at the best possible price.


First Impressions...

Start by looking at the EXTERIOR of your home from the sidewalk.  What impression do you get from the house?  Try to look at the house as if you are looking at it for the first time.  How is the condition of the lawn, garden and planters?  Are they neatly trimmed or overgrown with weeds?  Are the driveway, walkway and porch free of clutter? 

Create an inviting impression to prospective Buyers by clearing the driveway, sweeping the front pathway of leaves and dirt, weed the gardens, trim the hedges and remove any dead/dying plants.
 
Ensure the front door is in good repair.  Either wash the door thoroughly or paint it.  Make sure the door opens easily and the handle and locks are in good repair.  A new door mat and (if space permits) fresh flowers welcome prospects.

If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. How is the condition of the roof and gutters?  This is a major consideration for most buyers.  If you undertake any repairs, have receipts ready at hand or give copies to your realtor. Clean gutters and repair any leaks. 

Check that all exterior lights are working and make sure garbage, toys, newspapers, yard tools or any refuse or clutter is taken away from outside the house.


INTERIOR:

Start by de-cluttering the house.  Create an impression of spaciousness by spacing out objects in closets, counters and cupboards.  Pack up items that you will not need or use regularly for the next month.  As potential Buyers look in the linen cupboards, closets, and kitchen cupboards they are envisioning room for their possessions.
 
Remove objects that you may have too many of – one or two family photographs on a cabinet is nice but 10 or so jammed together just makes the room look smaller. Remember when displaying objects such as vases, ornaments or candles that groups of 3 and 5’s are more appealing to the eye than even numbers.

Rearrange furniture for easy traffic flow and look for any items that may create a hazard for prospects such as slippery throw rugs, low hanging overhead lights loose floorboards or handrails, etc.  Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for visitors.


Clean Everything:

Fingerprints on doors and door knobs. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to freshen up a house.  Remember to use neutral colours such as creams, white and beige.  Any bright colour like red may put buyers off as they will have to repaint if it is not their taste.

Make sure hardwood floors, tiles or linoleum are spotless and carpets are stain free. If carpets are badly worn you may want to consider replacing them or removing them if you have hardwood underneath.


Kitchen and Bathrooms:

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms when attempting to capture a potential buyer’s interest.  Make sure all appliances are spotless and in good working order. Fix any leaky taps, burnt out light bulbs, loose hinges, sticky doors, etc.

Get appliances off the counter tops and pack away those you only use occasionally to give you more cupboard space.  Clean out the fridge and pantry of old jars and packets of food.

Make sure everything is spotless, especially places like mold around showers and bathtubs.  Make sure all personal toiletries are put away.  Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.


Windows:

Let the sun shine in!  Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.  Make sure all windows and blinds are clean, wipe down the windowsills and check for any cobwebs.  If you have an unsightly view, cover the window in sheers which will still allow light to come in and focus attention elsewhere.


Odors:

Make sure all garbage cans are free of odors and the garbage is always removed.  If you have pets keep their bedding washed, keep litter boxes and food dishes clean.


Keep Your Records:

It is a good idea to keep any receipts from any repairs or inspections you have had completed.  These may include things such as:

Fireplace cleaning.
Furnace/heating inspection or repairs.
Air Conditioning inspection/maintenance/repairs.
Roof repairs.
Plumbing.
Any warranties/guarantees.


Showing Your Home:

When Open Houses or private showings are scheduled, make plans to be away from the house for their duration.  This will help the prospective Buyers relax and feel more comfortable while viewing your home.  They will be more inclined to discuss what they like and dislike about the home.  Should the prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, your representative will be able to answer their questions while protect your negotiating position.