- Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is supreme. Make sure that the lawn is cut and flower beds neat, tidy and ideally well planted or, if winter, that the snow is cleared. Make sure that gutters are cleared so there are no unsightly downpours from the roof, that stairs and railings are clean and painted as well as house trim such as shutters etc. Make sure that anything that could be considered unsightly, such as garbage bins, are secured out of view.
- Declare War on Clutter
Empty closets, store extra clothes in a rented storage locker or your friend's or parent's place. Same advice applies to shelves; clean off and store everything that you can possibly live the next few months without. You are going to have to pack and move when your home sells anyway - so start now, get a head-start on moving and ensure that you get the best possible price for your home.
- Make a "Clean" Profit
Go the extra mile to get your home ready for viewing by cleaning everything. Pressure wash outside, walls, walkways, paths, and driveway - do a complete "spring cleaning" inside, behind appliances, light fixtures, windows, valances, and your home should pass the 'white glove' inspection. Taking this care makes your home look more loved and cared for and this translates into a more positive response from potential buyers.
- The Sniff Test
You may not know it - but does your home smell of pets, smoking, or anything else that means it appears less than fresh? Leave windows open daily. Remember not everyone likes scents so limit the the use of scented products.
- Not so Intimate, Please!
Take down family pictures, remove sentimental accessories, and clean away personal belongings of all types. No one wants to know what types of shampoo you use. When they look at your home they are trying to imagine that you don't live there - please help them achieve that!
- Don't Let Money Drip Away
Dripping faucets drain away profit! Get all the small home repairs taken care of before anyone looks at your home. No one wants to pay top-dollar for your unfinished home maintenance projects.
- Not Everyone Loves Fido!
Hard as it is to believe, not everyone likes dogs and cats, and some are very afraid of them. Even if Fido is the sweetest puppy imaginable, make sure that he is well secured before showing the house. Plan ahead where Fido or Fluffy will be kept while you have viewings.
- The Colour of Money
Painting your home will help your home sell faster and for a higher price. Paint the interior with neutral colours. Ask me about the latest colour trends.
- Less is More
This is especially true when it comes to furniture. Remove as many pieces as possible and re-arrange the remainder to add space to the room. Nothing makes a room look smaller than too much furniture. Please ask for my advice. I can help!
- Light Me Up
Clean windows, replace light bulbs with the maximum wattage that fixtures will safely handle, make sure that lights are on at night and that windows shades are open by day. Put porch and hall lights on to invite buyers in.
- Security & Safety Issues
Make sure that valuables are removed or secured. Remember that strangers are visiting your home. Every valuable or personal item that you leave in sight could be stolen or used to create a profile of who you are. If you have any safety issues around the house such as a loose step or uncovered wall plugs take care of these now. If you have any hazards around your home such as a gun collection or animals that are not reliably tame make sure that these are secured.
- Final Accessories
Well hung art, artfully arranged throw rugs, lamps that add a spot of colour as well as light, a vase of flowers or a plant - these all add personality to a space.
- Location + Value + "Move-in" Condition = Great Price
The formula for a successful real estate transaction