Tips for selling your home.
Selling your home is a big decision, which is why when you finally decide to go ahead and list your home you want to ensure the sale goes smoothly. The tiniest details from clutter in the mudroom to chipping paint around the windows has the potential to scare off buyers. To ensure a successful sale we’ve rounded up eight tips to help you with the process:
1. Empty out your closets. One of the number one things most buyers are looking for is storage! The reality is that you can never have enough of it. To avoid the look of clutter, empty out your closets, pantry, and other storage spaces if possible. However, don’t leave them completely empty – you still want potential buyers to be able to envision living there.
2. Stage your home. Fixing up little things here and there is definitely something you want to consider before listing your home. A fresh coat of paint or new handles on the cabinets won’t cost much but will have a huge impact. Don’t overdo it though – completing major renovations right before you sell won’t result in making your money back on them in such a short amount of time.
3. Make your home a house. You want buyers to be able envisioning living in your house, not your home. Get rid of anything that makes it look too much like your own. Put away family photos, hide the children’s toys, and stash the dog's bed out of site. If you present a blank canvas to people, they’ll better be able to see the space as theirs.
4. You only get one first impression. If your home is lacking curb appeal now is the time to give it some! You only get one chance for your house to make a first impression on buyers, so make it count! Simple touches make all the difference. Fix loose rain gutters, add a bright colour to the front door, or use containers to incorporate greenery into the space.
5. Be showhome ready. One of the biggest aspects to selling your home is showing it! Be ready when people want to come by – this includes ensuring the shower is clean, the dishwasher is emptied, and the coffee table isn’t covered with clutter. Keeping everything neat and tidy while your house is on the market will ensure you’re ready for showings whenever they arise.
6. Price low. While many sellers often want to price their homes at market value or higher, doing so will only result in it sitting on the market for months. Pricing it at 5-15% less than you normally would will help to attract more people and create interest and urgency. Multiple offers will allow you to negotiate with buyers and up the price, meaning you’ll still get what you originally wanted for it (or perhaps more)!
7. Maximize lighting. Everyone loves a light and bright home, so make sure to utilize the light in yours to its full potential. Get rid of branches that block sunlight and replace all burnt out bulbs with brand new ones. Open all window coverings and turn on all lights when conducting showings. If you really want to up your game, invest in lighter coloured curtains and blinds that help to add warmth to the space.
8. Pay special attention to the kitchen. There’s a reason why people renovate their kitchens first – their the heart of the home. The kitchen has the ability to make or break a sale, so it’s best to make sure yours looks like it’s in tip tops shape. Little tweaks, such as new rugs or pops of colour will help to elevate the space and make it more inviting. If the kitchen isn’t up to buyers standards they may pass on the home altogther, even if they like the rest of it.
If you’re thinking of selling, the Fall market is the perfect time to do so. If you’re wanting to move into a brand new home in a hurry, or build from the ground up, then you may want to consider buying an Excel home. Whatever your timeline is – we fit it!
