It's very important that you prepare your home...whether it's a detached or semi-detached home, a townhome freehold or a condominium.  First impressions are important to Buyers.  If you take the time and if necessary invest a little money in the preparation you may find the return...very much in your favour...both in terms of dollars you'll realize and the time it takes to sell your home.

It is important that you realize why you are selling your home.  Your Motivation Affects Everything You Do with respect to the selling of your home.  You should know that once you sign a Listing Representation Agreement that your Brokerage and it's representatives are obligated to keep your motivation confidential, unless you tell them it is ok to share it. 

Outlined below please find a suggested listing of things to look at when preparing your home.

The All Important "CURB APPEAL"

• Make Sure the exterior paint is in good shap.  If painting is needed, consider it...if only touchups...then do that.
• Repair any exterior damage to eaves troughs, soffits, faschia, garage doors & fencing
• If the garage is a storage garage and not a parking garage then tidy it up so it's full size can be seen.
• Ensure the landscaping can be appreciated...lawns are cut, gardens are free of weeds, hedges are trimmed and the grounds are free of litter or garbage.
• Park "extra vehicles" away from the house...so it doesn't look like a storage facility.

Maintenance

• Repair plaster & stucco that is cracked
• Paint rooms in need of painting or touch up paint if that is all that is required
• Repair and clean windows & mirrors
• Check the caulking around the tubs & sinks
• Oil squeaky doors and cabinets
• Repair any leaks...taps in the sinks & toilets
• Be sure the furnace filter is clean
• Tighten door knobs and locks
• Make sure all lights work and all bulbs function
• Make sure the door chime works...if it needs batteries..add them
• Secure your valuables...cash, jewelry & prescription medicines.

Cleanliness

• Wash walls that are dirty and dusty, if not painting them
• Clean carpets
• Wash floors
• Clean all appliances...fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer and freezer...especially if they are included as chattels
• Clean laundry tubs
• Clean bathrooms....sinks, tubs & toilets
• Clean all entrance ways
• Keep pet areas clean & odor free
• Is the air in the home clear...perhaps air fresheners are in order, especially if it is a smoker's home
• Be sure to keep garbage outside...and neatly stored

Atmosphere

• The best policy is to be absent during showings....it makes the Buyers more comfortable and freer to talk and ask questions
• Have the temperature in the house set to comfortable...not too hot, not too cold...air on in the summer, heat on in the winter
• Turn the lights on
• Let the light shine in...open the drapes or blinds
• Play quiet background music
• Place fresh flowers in the main rooms

Create Living Space

• Store excess furniture
• Pack away excess memorabilia
• Keep the kitchen countertops neat & clean
• Keep the stove clean
• Keep closets neat & tidy

Pets

• Be sure you consider your pets in the planning of selling your home.  Try to take the stress of showings off them.  Where possible take them out when showings are on.

If you are not sure what should be done in your home and would like to discuss it, I would be glad to assist you.  Click Here to contact me by e-mail or call me at your convenience at  1-888-877-5165. 

    Deborah Gilmore...Your Trusted Source For Anything Real Estate!