Getting Ready Sell

Before you list your home, it is important to complete any improvements and repairs. You want to put your best foot forward with prospective buyers and they are often not interested in hearing about your good intentions. A home that is in good shape will show better and the lasting impression won’t be one of disrepair.

The first thing a buyer sees can have a huge impact on their impression of the entire home. Take some time to look at what the exterior of your home says about it. Make improvements, tidy up your yard, and don’t forget to sweep the front steps.

If it fits within your budget, it is always a good idea to have a professional home inspection done before listing your home. This inspection will make you aware of any deficiencies that you made need to repair before selling. Most buyers will require a home inspection be done before agreeing to purchase so this is a great way to avoid surprises.

Garages tend to be one of the most clutter filled places within any home. Take some time to organize it and remove anything that doesn’t need to be there. Make sure that the garage is clean by sweeping and removing any oil stains.

The foundation and main structural elements in the basement need to be examined for defects as their condition is critical to the structural soundness of your home.

Modern and updated kitchens and bathrooms can be a huge selling feature on a home. Make sure that they are spotless and uncluttered including inside the cabinets. Small upgrades can make a huge impact in these rooms.

You want these spaces to seem spacious and airy so keep furniture to a minimum; rooms filled with furniture can appear smaller than they are in reality. Take some time to organize your closets and storage areas. Remove all personal items such as photographs and don’t forget to lock away your valuables.

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and pretend that you are seeing your home for the first time. Start out by the curb and walk through your home and property. This is a great way to pay attention to detail and make note of things that may not be so attractive. Take your time with this step because an interested buyer certainly will.

In many cases, it is not necessary to climb on the roof to inspect it and the chimney. Stand back on the street and use binoculars if necessary. If you do decide to go up there, be careful, and should your roof need repairs, this is a job often best left to professionals.

To help you in assessing your home, here is a quick checklist to go through:

• Is your home clean? Now is the time to deep clean the carpets and get rid of any dust bunnies. Spend some time scrubbing.
• Is your home well-lit? Change any burnt out light bulbs and consider upgrading dated lighting fixtures.
• Does your home smell good? Odours can lead to a terrible first impression. Eliminate them now. This can be a difficult one for the homeowner to judge since we become used to the smells in our environment, so have a friend come in and give you the honest truth.
• Have you de-cluttered? Pack away anything that you don’t need or that is of a personal nature. You want your house to look neat, spacious, and fresh.