Low Cost Preparations for Selling Your House

So, you are thinking of putting your home on the market, but you aren't sure how to make the best impression using the smallest budget. If you do nothing else, clean, clean, clean! Prospective buyers are shopping for a NEW home. Your home may be 20 years old, but if it is to be the new home of another family, you have to show it in move-in condition. This does not mean that you must do major renovations. It's the little things that count!

 

1. Clean up the front yard. Mow, edge, weed-eat and remove any weeds from the flower beds and add some flower pots.  In the winter, keep sidewalks and driveways shovelled. First impressions matter!

 

2. Remove the clutter from your home. Pack up knick knacks, photos, and some of the excess from over-flowing closets.  This helps buyers picture themselves in your home and makes it feel more spacious.

 

3. A clean house is a loved house. Buyers will look closely at the condition of the home and make a judgement on how well it is maintained simply by how clean it looks.

 

4. Buyers look up. Buyers see the cobwebs in the corner; they see the dust on top of the door frame and ceiling fan. Clean those areas! Then look down. Clean the baseboards too!

 

5. Wash the windows (or pay someone to do it). You will be surprised by the amount of light that clean windows let into a space.

 

6. Scrub the kitchens and bathrooms completely. Buyers are very picky when it comes to those rooms. The more they shine the more positive the first impression of your home will be.

 

7. Clean the carpets.  Shampoo the carpets and then vacuum daily.  If you have tile, steam clean the grout. 

 

8. Odours are a turn-off. Remove all garbage before showings and consider using air fresheners. Even our small pets can a big presence.

 

9. Neutral paint and touch up.  You might find beige blah, but new home buyers prefer neutral colors. If you have any strong, personalized paint colours or wallpaper in your home, you may want to consider painting them neutral.  If there are dings and dents, touch them up.

 

10. Small updates have big impact.  Outdated kitchens and spaces can get an easy update with a change in cabinet handles, lighting, light switch and plug-in plates, and even vent covers. 

 

11. Light it up and keep it cozy.  Make sure burned out light bulbs are replaced.  Turning down the heat might be good for the power bill, but not for buyers.  In the winter months, make sure buyers feel warm and cozy when they come for a showing (21 degrees).

 

12. If you renovate, spend wisely.  Not all renovations improve the marketability or value of your home.  Bathrooms, kitchens, and flooring are the places to start, but even those renovations must be done right, using quality materials, to have impact. This is something I would be glad to discuss with you before you spend the big bucks.

 

So, grab your mop, broom and sponges and be prepared to put in some elbow grease. No time? No problem, hire a professional! Most cleaning companies offer deep cleaning services. You will be amazed at the difference it will make to prospective buyers.

 

If you are considering a move, contact me right away.  As a Real Estate Professional I will provide the pre-listing service you require and advice you need to sell your home quickly and for top dollar.