Ready, Set, Sell: Checklist For Home Sellers
Most people don’t know where to start when it comes to getting their home ready for sale. I always say that the price is reflected in the prep work! You want your home to sell in the shortest amount of time for the highest possible price, right? Of course that’s every seller’s goal and as a realtor it’s my goal as well. So here’s a handy 7 additional quick fixes to make a great first impression when you are preparing to hit the market, and of course once you are my client my stager comes in and does the rest!
- Follow the 50% rule. Look at every flat surface in your house and take at least 50% of the items away. This goes for kitchen and bathroom counters, desktops, bookshelves and dressers. Maybe you do use that blender/toaster/coffeemaker/radio every day, but for now, keep it out of sight and get it out only when you need it.
- 50% your closets too. If stuff tumbles to the floor every time you open a closet or a cupboard, you won’t impress your buyers. An overstuffed closet tells a buyer that you don’t have enough storage space. So get out the packing boxes, pretend you’re moving next week, and streamline every space. The buyer needs to know there’s plenty of room for their stuff.
- Don’t get personal. When buyers walk through your front door, you want them to imagine living in your home. This won’t happen if the walls are covered with family pictures and the refrigerator is decorated with childlike Picassos. Add these items to your packing list. Let the buyer see a clean slate, ready for them to add their own personal touches.
- Brighten up. Walk through your home after dark and on a cloudy day. Does it look bright, cheerful, and welcoming? Start by getting some brighter light bulbs to shed some light on those dark corners. Make sure there are no burned out bulbs anywhere. Check the porch lights and outdoor lighting as well.
- Show me the money. Realtors and builders alike will tell you that you’ll get the most bang for your buck by investing money in your kitchens and bathrooms. So whatever budget you have to spend on a pre-sale face lift, that’s where your money should go. If your bathroom vanities look shabby or dated, a couple coats of semi-gloss enamel in one of today’s “in” colours is a great place to start. Ad some new hardware to kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Replace faucets with brushed nickel or bronze. New stainless steel appliances in the kitchen will give a new “wow” factor.
- Do a painting. As part of your face lift plan, painting the interior walls is a great investment. Ceilings should be white because it makes the rooms feel larger. However, keep white paint off your walls and go with neutral colours (grey, taupe, beige) instead. Stark white walls are cold. Even if your home is very contemporary, you still want to reflect a degree of warmth and coziness.
- Check for hidden problems. Often it’s the things you can’t see that will trip you up. Keep an eye out for problems that are not immediately obvious. For example, if the storage area under your stairs smells musty, clean it out and air it out. Make sure their are no signs of mold or mildew anywhere. Look around the baseboards and the outside of your house for signs of pests. Make sure there are no dripping faucets or leaks under the sinks. Check to see that your smoke detectors are working. Your furnace and filter should be clean which indicates good maintenance. Look at your roof shingles and make sure none are missing and if they are warn consider having them replaced because its bound to be an issue during inspection.
Add the unexpected touch. When you are ready for showings, make sure you appeal to ALL Buyer’s senses. Put out some fresh flowers or plants. Avoid candles and plug ins because the scents maybe too strong and will turn people off. Instead use a diffuser with some lavender or jasmine to elevate the mood. Citrus scents are also preferred because they smell fresh and clean. Of course you will want to pull out all the stops by baking some cookies or banana bread to keep the house smelling inviting to buyers. No onions or fish while your house is on the market because these smells can be a turn off.
Homes do not sell themselves. It takes planning and effort to turn your home into a showplace. The payoff is the look on prospective Buyer’s faces that says, “I want this one”!
IIf you are thinking of selling and would like some help call me or message me anytime!
Danielle
905-718-4612
