Tips on Selling Your Existing Home

The key is to see your home from the perspective of a prospective buyer. If you follow these steps, it will help to set the stage for a property that will appeal to potential buyers.

De-clutter

When prospective buyers walk through your home, they tend to imagine it as if it were their own. Help them envision their dream space by presenting a clean, clutter-free environment.

Bring a friend, a professional agent or home stager to help you see the problem areas of clutter. You don’t see what others see so trust their advice.

Put away family photos, souvenirs, knick-knacks and personal items. The prospective buyer wants to envision their own personal items in your space.

Clear off counters in kitchens and bathrooms, storing away small appliances and miscellaneous personal items.

One of the major contributors to a cluttered look is having too much furniture. Remove and store extra furniture to create open areas giving your home a more spacious look.

Clear out closets, basements and garages as storage is something every buyer is looking for and can’t get enough of. Box up unworn clothes, toys and personal items for storage or to donate to your favorite charity. Buyers will snoop so keep closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

If you have a room that is used to gather junk, change it into something that will add to the value of your home. Add an armchair, small table and lamp to transform it into a reading room.

Stage Your Home

Position your furniture by floating it away from walls. Reposition sofas and chairs into a cozy conversational arrangement, and place pieces to open the room to the traffic flow.

Display your art creatively as this makes it stand out and shows off your space

When it comes to eye-pleasing accessorizing, odd numbers are preferable, so try placing your accessories in groupings of three.

In the bathroom, replace old, worn shower curtains and bath mats. Consider putting out items like rolled-up towels, decorative baskets and candles.

In the kitchen, scrub surfaces and polish faucets and perhaps even put out a bouquet of flowers or a bowl of fruit.

Create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom with luxurious linens and soft colours.

Make these Important Updates and Repairs

Do updates that will pay off such as a new fresh coat of paint on the walls helping them to look clean, fresh and stylish. Replace door handles.

Your kitchen is very important. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless the fastest; most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware.

Potential buyers will be looking for clues that your home has been well maintained, ensure that everything is in good working order.

Ensure all plumbing fixtures are clean and working well in the bathroom and kitchen. Repair leaky faucets and clean any visible stains. Clean the grout.

Spray WD40 on all door hinges so everything operates smoothly. Clean your windows inside and out. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Fix air leaks by re-caulking windows and doors.

Clean your carpets and repair floor tiles where needed.

Create Atmosphere and Ambiance

Take care of any odors made by pets or smokers and consider using a room freshener

Maximize the light in your home. Replace light bulbs and add light fixtures in darker places like hallways, basements, garages and even closets. A bright and cheery home is a sellable home.

Always be Ready to Show

Have your house “show-ready” at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door and you want to put your best foot forward. It may be a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and keep the dishwasher cleaned out. Make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners, and have personal items picked up and put away.

Go for the Curb Appeal

First impressions can make all the difference. Many people simply drive by a listing and make a decision based on your home’s curb appeal. So be sure to create an entryway that is inviting– to entice potential buyers.

Maintaining a neat and attractive exterior to your home will show buyers that you take pride on your property.

Consider planting a few bushes and colourful mature flowers to catch attention. Ensure that your lawn is well maintained: mowed, watered and no brown spots.

Look critically at your front entrance: does the door or any railings need some attention such as a fresh coat of paint, or maybe they need to be replaced. Polish the door handle and get yourself a fresh new welcome mat.

Plant colourful containers to flank your entrance. If it’s autumn, rake leaves. During winter, clear the snow and ice from your walkway and driveway. Make any needed repairs to crumbling concrete?

Cast your home in the best possible light. Remember to turn on all outdoor lightings at night as this is a peak time for those driving by.

Entryways once inside are also important. When you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, and a vase of fresh-cut flowers.