Preparing Your Home To Sell

When preparing your home to sell, it is imperative that you put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Look at your home through the buyer's eyes. You've grown accustomed to the way your home looks but they're seeing it for the first time and you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Curb Appeal

When a buyer pulls up to your home it must invite them inside. Make sure the lawn is neatly mowed and edged. Trim trees and shrubs and weed the flower beds. Keep driveways and walkways free of snow and grass clippings. Touch up any chipped or peeling paint. Repair any damaged windows, screens or doors. Replace any burned out bulbs in exterior lighting. Pick up all toys and clean up clutter in the yard.

Welcome Home

As the potential buyer walks through the front door, does it whisper "Welcome Home." Make sure the front door is in tip top condition and free of any obstacles. When they step inside, be sure they're greeted with a fresh and pleasant aroma.

Interior

Once that potential buyer has crossed the threshhold, it's critical that you have decluttered and properly staged your home. Here is a checklist to help you out:

•·                            Walls clean and unmarked, preferably painted with neutral colors

•·                            Windows clean inside and out

•·                            All light fixtures working and fresh bulbs in each

•·                            Plumbing in good repair

•·                            No cooking, smoking, pet or other objectionable odors

•·                            Sinks and tub stain-free. Faucets in good repair

•·                            Tub and shower caulking in good repair

•·                            All clutter removed from closets, attic, basement, garage and other storage areas

First Impression Checklist for Showings

•·                            Open draperies and curtains during the day

•·                            Turn on enough lights to brighten every corner, day and night

•·                            No dirty dishes

•·                            Make beds

•·                            Dust, vacuum and pick up

•·                            Sparkling clean kitchen and baths

•·                            No distracting noises. Soft background music fine

•·                            No pets inside. Even the friendliest pets can become anxious when strangers appear

•·                            Put away or, better yet, remove completely, all valuables such as jewelry or cash

So if you're planning to move this year, now is the time to begin preparing your home for sale. Don't wait until the last minute before you start to spruce up your home, advance planning always pays off. My experience has taught me that sometimes it's just the little things that impress a buyer. Don't be one of the sellers who spends huge amounts of money to renovate a home in hopes of achieving a higher selling price, only to have the buyers unhappy with the choice of colors or materials. I would be happy to advise you regarding do's and don'ts of what is advisable to update.    

If you would like to discuss the wonderful Toronto/North York neighbourhoods such as Armour Heights, Bathurst Manor, Hogg's Hollow or the Cricket Club with me call Liz Gordon, Sutton Group Admiral Realty Inc. at (416) 739-7200 or drop me an email at egordon@trebnet.com