Do's and Don'ts in Selling Your Home
WHEN GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL, YOU NEED TO LOOK AT YOUR HOUSE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY. Think of your house as product that’s about to go on the market, competing with renovated homes or brand new houses - It needs to show well, clutter-free and well kept. Today's homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. You need to make your house is a "10" whenever possible.
DO: FIX IT FIRST!
Home improvements must be completed before your property goes on the market. Get as many of the repairs done as you can. Many potential buyers are not able to visualize what your home will look like when the work is finished. They will just remember what needs to be fixed and the cost involved.
Don't ignore repairs thinking that potential buyers won’t notice. Put yourself in their shoes and remember this is the biggest purchase they will ever make. They will see the repairs that need to be done and the costs to be had.
DO: CHECK YOUR HOUSE'S CURB APPEAL!
How does your house look from the street? That is where prospective buyers will be when they first see your home: and, that is where they will form that all important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see. Stage the exterior with fresh paint, Beautiful landscaping and even outdoor furniture to help stage your property.
Prune trees and shrubs, weed and mulch flower beds. Consider buying flower filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property. Make sure lawn is mowed and leaves are raked up regularly!
Clean your vinyl siding and take a look at the garage door and windows for any repairs and or paint. (The condition of your exterior walls directly affects the look and curb appeal of your home).
Paint, stain, and or seal all windows, front door and front door handle.
Make sure your backyard deck and walkways are clean.
Replace any burned out bulbs, fix any repairs to door knobs and locks.
Make sure door bell is working
Don't Leave any clutter in your yard. Make sure you repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces, and if your lawn has bald spots, apply some tope dressing and re-seed.
DO: CHECK YOUR INDOOR APPEAL!
BUYERS will enter through your front door first, so that is where you should begin your interior inspection. You want your buyer to see a neat, clean, well-lit interior. Open up all the windows blinds to let in natural light and add floor or table lamps to areas that are dim. A bright, cheery room looks bigger and more inviting. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to making your home look new again.
Staging your home is a must (it could be staged with your own personal furniture/items or a professional stagers furniture/items).
Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms do not appear smaller than they are.
Carpets are clean and floors are polished.
Walls and trim show fresh paint (preferably neutral or light colours).
Ensure all your lights work and are free of cob-webs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh.
Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic and can be repaired with spackling compound and paint, ensure doors and windows open and shut properly.
Fix the little stuff such as, dripping faucets trickling toilets, door bell, lose or squeaky hinges on doors and cabinets.
Clean; bathrooms, sinks, floors, appliances, including your oven and hood range, cabinets inside and out, countertops, mirrors and windows ,light switch plates and cupboard handles and don't forget vacuum as needed. If you can purge, do so!
Don't leave clutter in sight. Eliminate any unpleasant odors in your home. Keep family memorabilia at a minimum. Your objective is to help potential buyers feel as if they could live in your home. Buyers want to visualize your house being their house – and it’s difficult for them to do that with all your personal items.
Don't overflow rooms with books, magazines, toys and knick-knacks - your eye is drawn to them as opposed to looking at the room itself. Ensure bedroom closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered.
Basements: If your basement is damp or musty, consider a dehumidifier. Like all other areas of your home, your basement should also be organized and clutter-free.
Garage: Get rid of useless items and to de-clutter.
Upgrades: The most important areas of your home to upgrade and modernize are the kitchens, bathrooms, floors and basements.
Always to remember to talk to your real estate Professional for idea’s and tips to help you make your home sale a success!
