Ready, set, sell

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing or just interested in a change of address, properly prepping your home for sale can help streamline the selling process and reap rewards when it comes to your resale value. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to have your home looking its best when it’s time to sell.

Remove

Ridding your home of excess clutter is one of the easiest steps towards making it market-ready. In addition to exercising the year rule (if you haven’t used something in a year, you probably don’t need it), removing some of the more personal items can help potential buyers envision making their own memories.

Before viewings, smaller essential items can be tucked in a small box and stored out of view. When it comes to larger items like furnishings, less can sometimes be more, providing would-be buyers with a tidy template for their ideas. One option is to rent a storage unit for excess and leave enough pieces to hint at the purpose of a room. Your REALTOR^® can also be an essential resource for tips on how to have you home looking it’s best, including recommending a reputable home stager.

Refresh

With many minor projects reaping big rewards when it comes to resale value, there’s no better time to finally check that minor task off your to-do list than when you’re ready to sell.

The exterior of the home is the first thing a potential buyer will see so curb appeal is integral. If showing in the spring, renting a power washer to remove collected dust and debris left by winter storms gives a home a more inviting look. Ensure the lawn is mowed, garden weeded, and hedges trimmed.

Inside the home, change burnt out light bulbs (LED lighting provides cleaner light and saves energy), patch holes in the wall, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Wash windows, inside and out giving potential buyers the best perspective of what kinds of views they'll have.

Renovate

When it comes to larger jobs around the home, sometimes the work can be worth the effort and cost. According to Forbes.com, replacing your garage door can recoup 94 per cent of the cost, while adding additional curb appeal to your home. Other projects that promise similar return on investment include siding replacement (75 per cent), window replacement (72 per cent) and adding a deck to your home (72 per cent).

Discussing any potential renovation projects with your REALTOR^® before you start is recommended, as their market knowledge can help maximize your return on investment.

Tagged: CREB® | selling