8 tips to get your home ready to sell

With today’s economic challenges, it’s more important than ever for home sellers to do everything they can to attract potential buyers, help their property stand out from the competition – and make sure they get the best offer possible.

If you’re looking to sell your home, here are 8 simple and inexpensive things you can do to help your property sell faster, with less stress and for more in any market.

Tip #1: De-clutter and de-personalize

First, make it easier for buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home by doing as much de-cluttering and de-personalizing as you can.

Reduce the amount of furniture to make rooms feel larger and make it easier for buyers to move around the space. Rent a small storage unit to pack up and store away all your family photos, mementoes and knick-knacks. If you have kids or pets, make sure their toys are put safely away.

Plus, be sure to neutralize any lingering pet or other odours by using an air purifier, doing a fresh load of laundry, or baking some cookies before any potential buyers arrive.

Tip #2: Keep everything neat and tidy

Do a thorough deep cleaning of the entire property and then keep it looking neat, clean and tidy by doing top-up cleanings before any showings or open houses. This includes everything from dusting the furniture and vacuuming or mopping the floors to wiping baseboards, re-caulking tubs or showers, cleaning the fridge and freezer, polishing stainless steel or chrome faucets and appliances, and power-washing your deck, sidewalk or driveway.

It can also be a great idea to organize your closets, bathroom cabinets, and kitchen shelves, cupboards and pantry. Something as simple as having perfectly-stacked dishes or a master closet where all the clothes are aligned and facing the same way can go a long way towards creating a warm and comfortable environment.

To create an even cozier and more homey space, consider investing in a fresh set of bathroom towels and linens.

Tip #3: Take care of any small fixes or repairs

Remember that broken lamp, cracked bathroom tile, creaky floorboard or leaky faucet you’ve been meaning to get to? Now’s the time to break out your toolbox (or call a handyman) and get them repaired!

Especially in a buyer’s market, the last thing you want is for a potential buyer to suddenly lose interest over something that could’ve been fixed with a few dollars or a quick trip to the hardware store.

Tip #4: Give the interior a facelift

If your home is older or you haven’t renovated in some time, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference – and might even knock a few years off the age of your property overnight.

Just remember, you’re trying to make your home appealing to the broadest range of buyers possible, not redecorating to reflect your personal taste or style. So forget the bright oranges and greens, and choose a nice neutral colour instead.

Tip #5: Boost your curb appeal

While most sellers focus the lion’s share of their time and effort on the inside of their home, the first impression most buyers will have of your property is what they can see from the outside. To make sure your home makes a great first impression, keep the lawn freshly mowed (or the driveway shovelled), trim any shrubs or bushes, polish the door hardware, and maybe add some potted plants or plant some colourful seasonal flowers in the garden.

For an added boost to your curb appeal, spruce up tired-looking windows by painting the trim, or even clean and paint the entire exterior of your home.

Tip #6: Upgrade your fixtures

Upgrading your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, cabinet hardware, and lighting switch plates is a quick and inexpensive way to make your home instantly look and feel more modern. With just a little more investment, you could also put in some shiny new shower heads, update your medicine cabinets or cupboards, replace older light fixtures, or upgrade your kitchen or bathroom sink to a newer model.

Tip #7: Let there be light

Every home is at its best when there’s plenty of light. So before you host a showing or schedule an open house, be sure to open all the blinds or curtains, turn on all the lamps, and replace any burned-out lightbulbs. If you have the time, give your windows a good cleaning too, to let in as much natural light as possible.

Tip #8: Get some professional help

Finally, if you really want your property to stand out from the crowd, consider getting some professional help.

Have your REALTOR® walk through your home and offer advice for any changes you can make. Get professional photos taken when your home is at its cleanest and most sparkling. And consider hiring a home staging company to take care of those crucial final details and crowning touches that will really set your property apart.