Preparing Your Home for Sale

Before showing your home to potential Buyers, you will want to make sure it's in tip-top condition. An attractive, well-kept home generally has a better chance of selling a little faster, and at a potentially higher price.

Minor exterior and interior improvements can add value to your home and need not require a large renovation bill. Think back to what first attracted you to your home; now determine how best to highlight and improve your home's best features. Here are a few ideas to help you perk-up your home's appearance. I will guide you as to what types of improvements make the most sense. Here are a few suggestions:

Exterior - an inviting exterior ensures that potential buyers will inspect the interior.

• Keep lawns and gardens well maintained
• Ensure garage and porch areas are free of clutter and refuse
• Repair loose siding or pavement
• Replace any damaged roof shingles, eaves troughs or cracked windows
• Wash windows, gutters, mailbox and doors
• Secure loose shutters or awnings

Interior - you can do a lot to improve the inside of your home without spending a great deal of money. Two primary areas to keep in mind are the kitchen and bathroom.

• Ensure kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling clean
• Repair dripping facets and shower heads
• Steam clean or replace carpets if necessary
• Thoroughly clean every room in the house, removing all clutter
• Repaint dingy walls or kitchen cabinets with a neutral colour
• Replace worn or outdated countertops and cracked light-switch plates
• Remove any items (like chandeliers) that won't be included in the sale of the home

Remember, the more effort put into the initial clean up, the easier it will be to keep your home looking its best for when I bring prospective Buyers. As well, keep in mind that rooms that are too cluttered will give the impression that they're much smaller than their true size. Try to create a feeling of spaciousness when conducting your spruce-up.

Pre-Showing Checklist

• As a courtesy to buyers, leave the house while the Realtor is conducting a showing
• Keep pets out of the way - preferably out of your house during the showing
• Ensure that every room is tidy, well aired and adequately lit
• Put away Don't keep money, jewelry and small valuables in plain sight during a showing
• Open drapes to maximize natural light
• Keep all stairways and hallways clear
• Use finishing touches like fresh flowers and candles

By following these relatively simple tips, you'll feel proud of your home and potential purchasers are sure to appreciate its beauty.

Tricks & Tips for Successfully Selling Your Home

Find Out What Your Home is Worth... the market is constantly changing, get an up to date evaluation.

Can You Sell Your Home Yourself... the important questions you need to ask.

Ten Steps to Selling Your Home... find out the most important steps in planning the sale of your home.

Pricing Your House Right... determining your "asking price" is the most important step in preparing your house for sale.

How Does Assessed Value Relate to the Market Value of Your Home? ... find out the difference between the two.

What is the MLS... one of the most important tools used for selling your home.

Preparing Your Home for Sale... selling your home faster and for a potentially higher price.

Documents You Will See When Selling Your Home... understanding all of the paper work.

Closing Costs... don't forget about closing costs when you are selling your home.