SHOW OFF YOUR HOME

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and that is no more evident than when selling a home.  Buyers will actually make an opinion of your home within the first 15 seconds so it is crucial to create a positive “curb appeal”.

Curb Appeal

• A freshly painted or stained exterior is a sure way to give your home a newer and well cared for first impression.  Sometimes even painting the front or just retouching the trim can make a world of difference.
• Your home’s landscaping has a dramatic impact on the buyers’ first impression.  Neatly trim all trees and shrubs.  Keep the lawn freshly cut and repair any brown or dead patches of grass.  Weed all areas of the landscaping and add some fresh mulch to any garden beds.
• Thoroughly clean all windows, including the trim.  Be sure all windows open easily and replace any damaged screens.
• Check the street in front of your home for debris and litter.
• Sweep the sidewalk, walkway and steps to your door.  Remove weeks that may be growing between the cracks.  If the concrete is cracked consider having it repaired.
• Your driveway should be swept clean and any oil stains should be removed it possible.  If it is needed, try to have the surface resealed.  Even parking cars in the driveway can have impact.  Remove cars from your driveway and park them down the street.
• If you have a fence in front, consider painting or staining it.
• Oil or repair any squeaky or broken gates.
• Paint or replace an old looking mailbox.
• Be sure all outdoor lamps look clean and work.  Adding new lamps or outdoor lighting can be an inexpensive way to spruce up the front of your homes appearance.

Entry And Interior

• The front entrance and doorway is still within part of the first impression so be sure this area is clean and free of clutter.
• Paint or stain the doors, and possibly change the door hardware.
• Be sure the entryway is spotless and free from clutter.
• Bright light in a home creates a sensation of a large and more positive space, so be sure to have all windows open and lights on.
• Mirrors can be useful to magnify the available light and create a larger sense of space.
• If you plan to re-paint your interior before selling, use neutral colours and stay away from strong shades or highly pattered wallpaper.
• Sound can have an effect on potential buyers so avoid running dishwasher or laundry machines.
• Light classical music can help to create a positive experience.
• Not everyone likes pets or children, so try to make arrangements ahead of time for them to be somewhere else when buyers come by.
• The best way to achieve a “new house” smell is to re-paint or add a fresh coat of polyurethane to natural wood.
• Lemon oil or lemon wax not only cleans well but adds a fresh scent.
• Flowers will not only look beautiful but also create a fresh aroma.
• Bake some cookies just before buyers come to enhance a warm touch.

Living Room

• The living room is a major selling point of your home.  Although with today’s busy lifestyle we do not always spend as much time in the living room as we might like to, a buyer wants to be able to picture themselves relaxing here in comfort.
• Carpets or wood floors should be cleaned, as well as base boards.
• A few well-placed plants and flower can add a fresh look.  Be sure any plants are healthy and well cared for.
• Thoroughly clean the fireplace and turn on for showings.
• Eliminate the possibility of sounds of loud music or television.
• Light classical or instrumental music can have a positive effect.
• Open any windows to provide natural lighting.
• Vacuum drapes and dust blinds.
• The use of mirrors can enhance the perception of a room’s size and provide more natural light.
• Remove any items of strong personal statements of religion or politics, and also replace any unusual are or furnishings.

Bedrooms & Closets

• Your bedrooms are areas that can typically have many personal items that may need to be put away or possibly locked up.  Also for children’s rooms, pay special attention daily to keeping them as neat and clean as possible for rimes of short notice of visiting buyers.  Children’s rooms can get out of control very quickly and can then be embarrassing to show as well as give the impression of the rooms not being well cared for.
• Bedrooms should be absolutely spotless.
• Clean rugs, wash windows and introduce a fresh scent from flowers or lemon oil.
• Open windows or turn on lighting to have the room well lit.
• Add a ceiling fan for an extra touch.
• Beds should be made.
• Clothing or additional clutter should be put away.
• Remove and lock up any personal items, such as jewellery.
• Closet organizers are a good investment that show well.
• Mirrors and mirrored closet doors can add extra light and a larger sense of space.

Bathrooms

• The bathroom has now become an important selling feature of your home.  Today’s bathrooms are now more well planned out, larger with more storage and also incorporate more style and sense of design as well as function.  There are many ways to improve your bathroom and promote a fresh look.
• Place a vase of fresh flowers on the vanity.
• Replace an old toilet seat with a new one.
• Replace all personal care items out of sight.
• Add colour and richness with new towels and shower curtain.
• Empty waste baskets.
• Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks.
• Repair or replace dripping facets and shower heads.
• Spray a light fragrance to give the room a pleasant odour.
• Repair any cracked caulking around the shower and sink.
• Mirrors should be spotless.
• Remove and secure any prescription medication from the medicine cabinet.

Garage / Basement / Attic / Storage

• Even all of your storage areas such as the garage, basement and attic can say a lot about how well you have cared for your home.  If everything is clean and well-organized it gives the appearance that you have always kept things up well.  If messy and disorganized, the buyer may lose confidence in the history or upkeep of your home.
• Painting these areas can have a positive impact.
• Replace or install adequate lighting.
• Clean out furnace and replace filter.
• Be sure there are no signs of pest infestation.
• Hang on as many items on the wall or place on shelves.
• Eliminate dampness in basement with a dehumidifier.
• Clean oil stains on garage floor.
• Install a garage door opener.
• Hold a yard sale or garage sale to get rid of extra unwanted items.

Backyard / Pool / Spa

• Your home’s backyard and deck or patio should be a relaxing outdoor environment.  This is where buyers would like to imagine themselves spending a nice summer evening or having friends and family over for a weekend BBQ.  Help paint the picture by taking special care to this area.
• Be sure lawn is fresh cut and all grass looks green.
• Trim shrubs and trees.
• Rake up fallen leaves or other debris.
• Remove any evidence from pets.
• Weed all garden beds and add some fresh mulch.
• Sweep off deck or porch.
• Remove any extra clutter such as garden tools or toys.
• Properly roll and hang all hoses.
• Pools or spas should be sparkling clean.
• Filter and heating equipment should be cleaned.
• Repair cracked cement.
• Wash off patio furniture.