Getting ready to sell your house
Make the most of your one chance to create the best "First Impression". When selling your home, consider doing the following in preparation for the first day on the market:
White Glove Clean
That includes dusting, vacuuming, washing floors, and steam clean carpets, draperies, blinds and upholstery. Clean your appliances such as your stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer & dryer. Clear out and organize your cupboards and closets. Clean windows inside and out.
Sniff Test
Take steps to remove odours from smoking, bathrooms mold/mildew, garbage, musty basement, strong cooking smells, and litter boxes.
De-Clutter and De-personalize
Remove unnecessary furniture, seasonal items & knick knacks. Pack away family photographs, certificates, and trophies, etc. The goal is for the potential Buyer to envision their "stuff" in your home.
Repair not Renovate
Take a walk through your home and make a list of small repairs that need to be addressed; leaky taps, squeaky doors, or a burnt out light bulb are prime targets. Leaving minor items un-repaired may result in the Buyer wondering what other things, hidden or not, have not been maintained. Also, a fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and simple way to update a room.
Yard work
In the warmer months, make sure your gardens, hedges and grass are well manicured and trimmed. Plant potted annuals to add splashes of colour and interest. Clean your decks, patios and outdoor furniture. If you have a pool or spa, make sure the water is crystal clear. In the winter months, ensure that your driveway and walkways are clear of snow and leave a mat inside for wet boots.
Lights on
Make sure every single light fixture has a working bulb in it with the maximum allowed wattage.
Home Inspection
Consider having a 'Pre-Sale' Home Inspection. This will identify problems a buyer inspection may reveal and which you might benefit from correcting.
Taking all of these important steps will help maximize the appeal of your home and lead to you receiving the best possible sale price for the home. Cameron Nolan is available to fully explain the advantages of being prepared and how REALTORS® and their clients react to the presentation of a newly listed home.
Selling a House
About Cameron Nolan
Cameron Nolan is a long-time resident of Hamilton and a leading residential and commercial real estate broker in the area. His radio show Real Estate Made Simple can be heard on the first Saturday of every month on AM 900 CHML.