Letting Go of Clutter

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

New Perspective  

Ask me or a professional home stager to help point out overlooked problem areas of clutter.  When you live in a space, you get used to a space. You don't see what others see.  Trust and consider their advice and suggestions.

Remove Personal Items

Put away family photos, souvenirs, knick-knacks and personal items.  These items are special to you, but the prospective buyer wants to envision their own personal items in your space.  So, help them out.

Clean, Clear Surfaces

Clear off counters, especially kitchens and bathrooms, storing away small appliances and miscellaneous personal items.  Scrub down the surface and perhaps even put out a bouquet of flower.

Create Ease of Movement

Remove and store extra furniture to create open areas that pormote easy foot traffic through your home.

Show Off Storage Space

Clear out closets, basements and garages as prospective buyers are always on the lookout fo extra storage space.  Now is a good time to box up unworn clothes, toys and personal items for storage or charity.

Quick Fixes and TLC

Potential buyers will be looking for visula clues that your houes is well cared for.  How much work a house seems to require will impact the offering prices you receive, so it's worthwhile to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Here Is A Quick Check-List :

Bathrooms

Ensure all plumbing fixtures are clean and in good working order.  Outfit leaky faucets with new washers and clean any visible stains on fixtures. Replace old, worn shower curtains and bath mats.

Doors and Windows

Spary WD40 on all hinges so everything operates smoothly.  Have windows cleaned inside and out.  Potential buyers will be estimating their energy costs, so fix drafts by re-caulking windows and replace exteior doors if necessary.

Walls and Floors

A fresh coat of paint instantly transforms a space, helping it to look neat, clean, and up-to-date.  Always fix obvious wall imperfections like cracks and nail holes, before painting .  Steam clean carpets and runners, and repair any chipped or loose floor tiles.

Atmosphere

Be mindful of the odours left behind by pets and smokers and consider using an eviromentally friendly room fragrance to neutralize unpleasant scents.  Replace light bulbs and add light fixtures in dark hallways, including basements, garages and closets.

Curb Appeal-Driving by Success!

First impressions can be everyting.  Many people simply drive by a listing and make a decision based on your home's curb appeal.  So, don't forget the importance of creating a well-manicured entryway to entice potential buyers.  Maintaining a neat and attractive exterior to your home will show buyers that you take pride in your property.

Here Are A Few Tips:

Consider planting a few bushes and colourful mature flowers to create an eye catching display.  Ensure that your lawn is well manicured:  mowed, watered and void of brown spots.

Front Door

Look critically at your front entrance:  does the door or the porch railing cry out for a fresh coat of paint? Polish the door handle and invest in a new welcome mat.

Front Porch

If it's spring or summer, plant colourful containers to flank your interance.  If it's autumn, rake leaves. During winter, clear the snow and ice from your walkway. Whatever the season, look closely to determine if any repairs are needed.  All loose cement or rotting wood shoudl be replaced.

Shine On

Many serious buyers will want to drive by your home after the sun goes down.  Remember to ensure that all outdoor light bulbs are turned on in order to show your home in its best light.