Better Prepped Homes Attract Better Offers...

Tips to Prepare your Home for Showing

When it comes to selling real estate, appearances are everything and first impressions are often all you have. Your efforts to improve the appearance of your home will boost the number and value of offers you receive, and ultimately accelerate the sale of your home.  Sometimes it's difficult for homeowners to be objective on important matters of showing form and function. I can offer you personal and professional advice on what you really need to do - and what you could do better - to improve your home's selling prospects.

Outside Matters - get off to a good start by welcoming buyers with a tidy and inviting exterior

Yard - mow the lawn, trim hedges, rake leaves and offer a touch of flower power

Driveway - keep the garage door closed and clear any tools, toys, oil leaks and snow

Exterior - wash the windows, clean / repair any obvious damage to the roof, gutters and siding

Entrance - a tidy walkway and freshly painted door open a world of possibilities

Clean Bill of Health - a clean home creates a wealth of selling health

Rooms - do a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning of every room including walls, counter surfaces, fixtures and windows

Flooring - remove carpet stains and floor markings

Storage - attics, basements and closets are important selling features that need to be 'presentable'

Odours - eliminate any offensive food, pet, smoke or mildew odours; shampoo carpets, empty garbage frequently and open windows for fresh air; introduce mild pleasing scents with potpourri, air fresheners or candles

Gut the Clutter - space always sells, over-excessive decoration often doesn't. Clearing space and removing unnecessary clutter makes your home seem bigger and brighter.

Furniture - consider storing furniture you don't use or need to create more 'space'

Knick-knacks - too many ornaments and personal mementos can impose a sense of style and burden otherwise pleasing features. 

Counters - unnecessary appliances and gadgets should be stored away

'Care' Repairs - ensuring your home is in good working order helps to assure buyers they are making a sound investment in a home that has been well cared for - one that won't bring unwanted surprises down the road. Leaky faucets, burned-out light bulbs, noisy furnaces and air conditioners, sticky doors, broken windows and dysfunctional appliances should be dealt with before they break the deal.