You only have one chance to make a first impression!

Preparing your home for sale in advance will improve your home's marketability, ensure it shows well, and assist in getting you the best price for your home! 

The majority of buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes where they can simply bring their belongings and start enjoying life. They are not looking for fixer-uppers or work projects that need to be completed. 

By taking care of the 5 things mentioned below you will ensure your home is ready to sell, show, and is worth every dollar you're asking for...and more! 

1. Schedule a Deep Clean

You want to showcase your home at its best and scheduling a deep clean will guarantee it's ready for showing. Have the walls washed, drapes or window coverings cleaned, all those hard to reach places, behind and alongside the appliances, and those forgotten corners. Your home may be extremely clean already, but you want to make sure it's sparkling and there are no spaces forgotten.  

2. Refresh the floors

If you have carpeting in any rooms, have them professionally cleaned and stains removed. You should also wash and wax any other flooring until it's shining and looking near new. If you have stains or scuffs on the floor that can not be removed, be upfront with potential buyers about them, don't try to hide them. There's a high probability that they will be willing to work with you on a plan to fix or repair the stains or floors prior to closing. 

3. Fix the broken stuff

This sounds like a no-brainer, but most of us have something broken in our home that's been broken for so long that we've forgotten about it and it doesn't bother us anymore. Don't expect your potential buyers to feel the same way! Leaky faucets, closet doors that don't close properly, cracked electrical covers, and such, are quick, affordable, and easy fixes that can affect the sale and price of your home. 

4. Paint

You don't need to paint the entire house, but freshening up the walls in those high-use areas will make a huge difference. We also suggest putting a fresh coat on the front door and entryway as these are the first area's a buyer will see when viewing your home. If you've painted a specialty room or your child's room in a bright, funky colour, we suggest repainting it to a neutral colour for the sale of your home, as these fun colours may not appeal to all buyers. 

5. Mind the lighting 

Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs, inside and outside! If you have a room or two with poor lighting, buy a couple of lamps to brighten them up.

Also, ensure that each lightswitch is actually connected to a light and works. A buyer doesn't want to be fumbling around with numerous light switches just to get a good look at a room. 

 

 

Remember, you will only have one chance to impress potential buyers with your home so you want it looking its very best.

If buyers think there's a lot of work or repairs to do, they will likely move on and your chance of getting them back is extremely slim.

Preparing your home in advance is a huge benefit to you; it's less work at 'showtime', it will increase the value of your home, and it will improve your home's marketability.