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PREPARATION TIPS

 
For many of us, the reason for moving is because we need more space.  Whether it's because the kids are growing up or because you have accumulated too many possessions; you need to step back and look at your home from the eyes of a Buyer and ask yourself "is my house cluttered?"

Clutter can be very discouraging to your Buyers as it will make rooms feel smaller and unappealing.  Make your Buyers fall in love with your home by following these simple de-cluttering tips:
 

DECLUTTERING TIPS

  1. Invest in storage bins and start packing.
  2. Now is your chance to de-clutter your home—hold a garage sale or donate items—you may wish to consider offsite storage if you have an abundance of possessions.
  3. Box your valuables for peace of mind & safety—remember small children may be touring your home.
  4. Keep heavy furniture away from entrances to avoid creating an uninviting first impression of a room.
  5. Consider a fresh coat of paint and steam cleaning the carpets may bring tired carpets back to life and also help eliminate pet smells.
  6. Open the windows and air out your home.
  7. Wipe down doorways and light switches to remove dirty finger prints.
  8. Litter boxes can be a big turn off for buyers—make sure it is always clean and sweep up the area.
  9. A clean and tidy home is a huge selling feature.

 

CURB APPEAL

  1. View your property from the curbside:
  2. Lawn should be cut and weeded—if necessary in winter make sure all paths are properly shoveled—easily accessible.
  3. Front stairs should be swept—new front door mat makes a good impression and you can take it with you.
  4. Garage Door may need a fresh coat of paint or at least a wash
  5. Consider a fresh coat of paint for the front door or at least a wash.
  6. All exterior lights have working bulbs.
  7. Consider decorating with urns of flowers for curb appeal.


INTERIOR

  1. All windows and mirrors clean and sparkling.
  2. De-clutter all counter tops.
  3. Make sure all rooms are welcoming—if too much furniture remove and store.

 

BATHROOMS

  1. All garbage cans emptied.
  2. Remove personal products from view.
  3. New fluffy towels and bath mats & shower curtain –looks great and you can take them with you, it helps to spruce up a tired bathroom.
  4. Clean sinks, toilets, mirrors and tub—make them sparkle.

 

KITCHEN

  1. Be very aware of cooking smells—hold off on the strong smelling spices and foods with lingering odors while your home is on the market.
  2. Remove all art work and papers from the fridge—clean, uncluttered views.
  3. Clean and sparkling appliances
  4. De-clutter counter tops—for presentation purposes and sends the message that you have lots of workable space.
  5. Straighten up the cupboards as clients will be viewing, we want to give a clean, organized impression, and we don’t want buyers questioning storage space.
  6. No dirty dishes on counters—always broom swept.
  7. Scrub down the fridge and stove—make them sparkle—if you’re including appliances.

 

LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

  1. Warm and inviting—open up heavy curtains and let the sun shine in.
  2. Consider new throw pillows to dress up an old couch.
  3. Remove and box large collections of Collectables and minimize the numbers of family photos—we want buyers to see the room—depersonalize.

 

BEDROOMS

  1. Neat and Tidy—box excess toys, remove posters from the walls
  2. All light fixtures should have working bulbs.
  3. Clean and tidy up the cupboards.
  4. Let the sun shine in—open up heavy curtains.
  5. Depersonalize the room.
  6. Beds always made and no clothing on the floor.
  7. A few throw pillows may help spruce up the room.

 

GARAGE

  1. Box and store items neatly in the garage in preparation for the move—an organized garage helps buyers to see the extra storage space available to them.
  2. If you truly need the space to de-clutter your main living space the unfinished basement or garage is fair game to fill.  Try to keep it as neat a possible
  3. BASEMENTS
  4. Make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs.
  5. Open up the curtains and let the natural light shine in.
  6. Finished or unfinished a basement should be neat and tidy.

 

COMFORTING TOUCHES

  1. Soft classical music playing
  2. Glowing fire in the fireplace
  3. Fresh flowers—helps send the message this home is well maintained and cared for.
  4. Fresh bread in a basket on the kitchen counter or the smell of freshly baked cookies.
  5. Thermostat set at a comfortable temperature—buyers will feel uncomfortable if too hot or too cold and want to leave.
  6. Don’t forget to sell your community—the amenities available, community centres, schools, parks, walking/jogging trails.
 


 

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