Sellers Resource Center

Preparation Tips

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

Curb Appeal

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

Interior

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

Bathroom

• All garbage cans emptied.
• Remove personal products from view.
• 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.
• Clean sinks, toilets, mirrors and tub—make them sparkle.

Kitchen

• 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.
• Remove all art work and papers from the fridge—clean, uncluttered views.
• Clean and sparkling appliances
• De-clutter counter tops—for presentation purposes and sends the message that you have lots of workable space.
• Straighten up the cupboards as clients will be viewing, we want to give a clean, organized impression, we don’t want buyers questioning storage space.
• No dirty dishes on counters—always broom swept.
• Scrub down the fridge and stove—make them sparkle—if you’re including appliances.

Living / Family Room

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

Bedrooms

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

Garage

• 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.
• 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

Basements

• Make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs.
• Open up the curtains and let the natural light shine in.
• Finished or unfinished a basement should be neat and tidy.

Comforting Touches

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