What can Kind of Interior Preparation Should I do Before Listing my Home for Sale?

Remember what you're selling...this is someone's future home. Try not to think of your former home as simply a house or a property. Your home can sell itself if it feels inviting and warm. 
Here are some tips to consider:

• Clean, clean, clean. Wash walls, ceilings, and trim. Clean and repair caulking around tubs and sinks. Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains.
• Consider painting with light, neutral colours.
• Fix tight doors and windows, squeaky floorboards, and loose stair railings..
• Clean and organize the basement and attic.
• Organize closets. Limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor.
• Get rid of your junk (garage, basement, etc).
• Clean out kitchen cabinets, and remove clutter from countertops.
• Clean drapes, blinds, and curtains. Shampoo carpets, and wax floors.
• Arrange furniture to make rooms appear as spacious as possible.
• Remove any items you're taking with you, such as decorative switch plate covers and ceiling fans.

Is the Exterior Presentation of my Property Something I Need to be Concerned About?

Of course it is. The exterior of you home is the first thing people will see. First impressions have a tremendous impact on the decision making process. Here are some simple tips to improve the exterior appeal of your home:  

• Tend to your lawn and garden. Keep the grass cut, trim the shrubs and get rid of those weeds. 
• Remove yard waste.
• Brighten up the garden with fresh shrubs and flowers.
• Get rid of the clutter. Put away toys and gardening equipment.
• Touch up peeling paint on doors, siding, and trim.
• Repair and paint the fence.
• Check the condition of you roof. You may need to fix damaged shingles.
• Wash the windows frequently and fix torn screens.
• Clear out the gutters and downspouts.
• Wash the driveway. Patch any cracks.
• If it's winter time keep the driveway and walkway clear of snow and ice. Try not to use salt or sand if you can avoid it.
• Make sure the doorbell and door knocker are working properly.
• Have the gas grill ready for use.
• Check exterior lighting. Make sure eveything is working properly and put in new light bulbs to make sure they don't burn out at the wrong time.

What Determines the Market Value of my Property?

Take 2 seconds and request a Free Property Evaluation. You can get an idea of the worth of your home before you start considering your selling price.

Any  real estate agent should be able to provide you with an analysis of your homes value based on the sale price of similar homes in your area. Your homes sale price will also be influenced by:

• Size
• Location
• Style
• Condition. (See the above recommendations)
• Community amenities
• Financing options
• Market conditions...A buyer's market versus a seller's market.

Unfortunately, most of us are attached to our homes and may feel it is worth more than it actually is. Below you will find a list of things many people use to give themselves an idea of what their home is worth. These are common misconceptions. The sale price of your home is based on the market place which is constantly shifting. Don't take it personally but these things have no bearing on the value of your home:

• The cost of renovations or improvements you may have made. 
• The selling price of a similar home in a neighbouring community.
• The cost to build the same home today.
• Your orignial purchase price.

Do I Need to do any Renovations? If so Which Ones are Likely to Increase my Homes Value?

Remember the value of your home is determined by the market. Doing some renovations may increase your properties value but you shouldn't over do it. Here is a list of common renovations and the value they add compared to what they cost:

• Bathrooms (75 to 100% return)
• Kitchens (75 to 100% return)
• Bathrooms (75 to 100% return)
• Interior and exterior painting (50 to 100% return)
• Replacing the furnace and heating system (50 to 80%)
• Replacing roof shingles (50 to 80%)
• Renovating the basement (50 to 75%)
• Adding a recreation room (50 to 75%)
• Installing a fire place (50 to 75%)
• Up-grading floors (50 to 75%)
• Building a garage (50 to 75%)
• Replacing windows and doors (50 to 75%)
• Building a deck (50 to 75%)
• Installing central air conditioning (25 to 75%)

If I Want to List my Home at a Higher Amount than my Realtor Suggests am I Allowed to do that?

Of course you are...but I don't recommend it. Listing your home at the correct market value has several benefits:

• If your home is over priced it won't sell. Buying agents won't hold back in telling their clients what they think of your asking price. A reasonable price means your property will sell faster.
• An over priced home isn't likely to be shown as much. By over valuing your home you will miss your target audience.
• When your home is listed at close to market value it's more likely to attract higher offers.
• Buying agents are more attracted to properly priced homes. They don't want to waste their time showing a home they know their clients aren't going to buy.

What can I do to Make Sure my Home Makes a Good First Impression when it's Being Shown?

First and foremost your home must be kept clean and clutter free...your home must be ready to be shown at all times. Here's a rule of thumb; visualize how you like your home to appear when you're having company over...and take it up a notch. Here are some simply things to keep in mind when you're preparing for a showing or an open house:

• Keep everything clean, especially the bathrooms. Clean the mirrors and windows, make the beds, keep the laundry room tidy and get those diry dishes out of the kithcen sink.
• Open all the drapes and blinds.
• Regardless of day or night keep all the lights on, including outside entrance, closet, basement, etc. The better lit the home is the bigger it will appear to be.
• Turn off your electronics. Television, stereo, radio and computer.
• If you have pets try to arrange for them to be with friends or neighbours and try to get rid of the pet odours.
• Love is in the details. Set out fresh flowers, hang decorative hand towels in the bathroom, and place an attractive tablecloth on the dining room table.
• Try to not be home. It may be an inconvience but it really does help. Extra bodies make the house feel small and can often rush your potential buyers. The name of the game is to sell your home so even if it's last minute please try and arrange to be somewhere else during the showing.