Preparing Your Home for Sale
Are you thinking of selling your home? Before your realtor
begins showing your home, you will want to make sure it's in
tip-top condition. An attractive, well-kept home generally
has a better chance of selling a little faster.
Minor exterior and interior improvements can add value to
your home without incurring a large renovation bill. Think
back to what first attracted you to your home and determine
how best to highlight and improve your home's best features.
Following are a few ideas. Consult with your realtor to see
what types of improvements make the most sense.
Start with the outside:
an inviting exterior brings potential buyers inside your home.
- Keep lawns and gardens well maintained;
- Ensure garage and porch areas are free of clutter and refuse;
- Repair loose siding or pavement;
- Replace any damaged roof shingles, eaves troughs or cracked
windows;
- Wash windows, gutters, mailbox and doors;
- Secure loose shutters or awnings.
The inside story:
you can improve the inside of your home without spending a
great deal of money. Two important areas are the kitchen and
bathroom.
- Ensure kitchens and bathrooms are sparkling clean;
- Repair dripping facets and showerheads;
- Steam clean or replace carpets;
- Thoroughly clean every room in the house, removing all
clutter;
- Repaint dingy walls or kitchen cabinets with a neutral
colour;
- Replace worn or outdated countertops and cracked light-switch
plates.
- Remove any items (like chandeliers) not being sold with
your home;
- Rooms that are too cluttered give the impression that they're
much smaller than their true size. Try to create a feeling
of spaciousness.
Showing checklist:
- As a courtesy to buyers, leave your home during a showing;
- Keep pets out of the way, preferably out of the home;
- Ensure every room is tidy, well aired and adequately lit;
- Remove money, jewellery and small valuables from plain
sight;
- Open drapes to maximize natural light;
- Keep stairways and hallways clear;
- Use finishing touches like fresh flowers and candles.
Ask your realtor for a checklist to prepare your home for
showing. By following these relatively simple tips, you'll
feel proud of your home and potential purchasers are sure to
appreciate its beauty. |
