This section of my website was designed with the seller in mind.  I know it can be overwhelming once you decide it is time to get your home ready for the market. Wondering where to start? Let me help.

First, you may consider calling in a realtor®. Call about three realtors®, each from different firms. Have them do a CMA (competitive market analysis) on your home based on active listings and current sales in and around your area. Of the three realtors®, decide who you can work with. Don't choose the realtor® just based on the highest price. You want a realtor® that will price your home right the first time. Have the realtor® do a walk through inside and out, with you. Get his/her advice on what needs attention before placing your home on the market.

Ask yourself, what attracted you to this home? Was it the neighbourhood? the size of the home? the condition? the price? Whatever your answer, I am sure you will agree, to get maximum price in the shortest amount of time, the home must show extremely well, meaning it should be move in ready.

If you choose to sell on your own, consider the tips below to assist you.

investigate the overall condition of the exterior of the home, outbuildings and landscape.

First impression is a lasting impression!

Let's dive into the curb appeal

Once the curb appeal is in excellent condition, it will bring attention to the buyers and soon they will be booking appointments to view the inside. You know the old saying, "Never judge a book by its cover", well, we all have a tendency to do just that. Buyers are judging from what they see on the outside, whether this home warrants an appointment to view or whether they should just carry on.

Here is a list which I compiled to help the sellers get their home in top notch condition:

Stand at the street, what do you see that catches your immediate attention? Does it need a face lift? Carry out all tasks to correct repairs.

Check windows for cracks and cleanliness

Replace any burned out light bulbs

Be sure to clean out rain gutters and add down spouts, if neccessary

Clean siding and replace any damaged pieces

Does the chimney need repointing or mortar repair? If so, hire a qualified contractor to complete the work and save the receipt for future buyers

Keep walk ways clean

Put flower pots at your front door for an inviting feeling

Give extra attention to the entrances. Be sure doors don't squeek, hardware is secured and doors look fresh and clean

Are all decks in good repair? If they are weather worn, pressure wash them and apply a fresh coat of stain, if required.

Spruce up flower beds with fresh mulch and weed gardens regularly

Depending on the season, Keep the lawn mowed and snow shovelled regularly

check the condition of your roofing shingles, repair where neccessary

Remove all debris from the property

Clean out buildings and garages

 

Moving inside

Try and make your front entrance a "WOW" factor; bright, clean and airy!

Clean all light fixtures throughout the home, replace bulbs, as neccessary

Have the kitchen and appliances sparkle.

Be sure all appliances are in working condition

clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets inside and out

Clean all hardwood floors

Wipe down walls

Repair all nail holes and paint walls for a fresher look, where neccessary

Clean windows and repair any with broken seals

Be sure that all windows open and latch properly

Replace all tattered curtains and pull them open to offer natural light

Show off all fireplaces by having a fire on.

Be careful that the home has adequate heat for the showing, If the buyers are cold in your home, the showing will be short and the buyer will be left thinking the home is expensive to heat.

Freshen up all bathrooms with clean towels, fixtures and mirrors

eliminate bad odours

Compliment each room with the right size furniture, furniture too large for the room will only make the room appear smaller

Repair any leaky faucets and make sure there are shut offs under all sinks

Tighten any loose door knobs

Remove all valuables in site (especially small pieces) and don't leave money laying around

Remove off seasonal clothing from your closet so they do not appear inadequate, place footwear, hats and other articles neatly on a shelf

It is a good idea to do a pre-pack before placing your home on the market of all items which you currently do not use.

Clean all mechanicals, Venmar coversChimneys, stove pipes, furnaces and empty central vacuum canisters

install de-humidifiers in the basement, if neccessary

Treat the basement like the rest of your home. Clean, repair and declutter!

DE-CLUTTER DE-CLUTTER DE-CLUTTER!!!

Things to remember when showing your home

Keep it bright, draw the curtains back

Keep it warm, put the fire on or the heat up

Keep it clean, Clean helps to sell

Leave power bills and any well/septic information

Leave a place for footwear at the entrance

Leave photos of the property for the off season

If you must be present during showings, don't follow your buyers around the house, leave them to speak on their own

Turn off the music, it distracts the buyers from being able to concentrate

Remove pets for all showings

If you are listed with a realtor®, never discuss the price or terms of a contract with the buyers. Refer them to the realtor®. He/she is better equipped to bring the negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

Happy Selling!!!