Advice for Sellers

SIMPLE CHANGES CAN IMPACT HOW QUICKLY YOUR PROPERTY SELLS AND AT WHAT PRICE

Many cosmetic changes can be made with minimal time and expense. Buyers will be comparing your property to competing properties. So here are a few practical tips to help yours stand out above the rest.

Unclutter

Eliminating clutter will make your property feel larger and brighter. If your property is uncluttered and neutral, prospective buyers can explore it comfortably and envision it with their own personal touches.

Repair

Making certain repairs will present your property in a more positive light to prospective buyers, and can also add to its value. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will too.

Clean

Presenting a clean home to a buyer shows them the home has been valued and well cared for.

Curbside Appeal

• Keep the lawn mowed and the steps swept
• Store hoses neatly
• Repair gates, fences, sidewalks and driveways
• Remove or replace dead or dying plants
• Cut back shrubs obscuring windows
• Add color with blooming flowers
• Clear yard of all debris
• Apply fresh paint as needed and repair damage
• Repair any cracked or broken windows be sure the faucets or sprinkler systems are in working order
• Keep the patio area neat and yard furniture in good repair

INTERIOR APPEAL

• Wash windows
• Clean carpets
• Paint rooms in neutral colors
• Be sure all electrical systems are in working order
• Clean drapes and window treatments
• Clear out all excess items
• Clean floors

Kitchen

• Clean appliances, cabinetry and floors
• Clean and clear counter-tops
• Repair faucets and appliances

Bathrooms

• Polish the floor, mirrors and fixtures
• Repair grout and caulking
• Repair running toilet or faulty plumbing
• Replace or clean shower curtain

Garage

• Keep the floors clean and swept
• Store or neatly arrange all items

PRIOR TO SHOWING

Outdoors

• Be sure the entrance and walkways to your home are clean & inviting
• Store hoses neatly and be sure sprinklers don’t water the walkways
• Remove newspapers, bikes and toys
• Park extra cars away from the property

Inside

• Quick once over with the vacuum
• Place fresh flowers in the main rooms
• Put dishes away
• Make beds and put all clothes away
• Open drapes and turn on lights
• Straighten closets and open doors slightly
• Kitchen and bathrooms should shine, trash should be emptied and personal items should be put away
• Turn off television
• Play soft music on the radio/stereo
• Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odour free
• Secure jewellery, cash, prescription medication and other valuables
• Put laundry away
• Keep the temperature comfortable. A crackling fire in the fireplace is appropriate on a cool winter day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if the owners are not present. If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property, please refer them to me so that I can pre-qualify them I’m only a phone call away. Leave a number where you can be reached if you are leaving town, even for a weekend.