You finally decided that it’s time to sell so you can move up into your dream home, and there are showings booked already! Now, I know this can be stressful, allowing random potential homebuyers into your house and letting them roam around your property while you pack up the family and leave. However, with the housing market booming and homes selling faster and faster, it can also be exciting knowing that a new family will be making memories in the home you have cherished for so long. To help you through this process, I thought I would share with you my top tips and tricks for preparing your home to sell quickly and for top dollar.
DO: Work with a reputable real estate agent
When they initially come into your home, a good real estate agent will give you ideas on what to paint, what to declutter, and what to fix up before putting your home on the market. They will also be the one that coordinates the stager, cleaner, and photographer to attract potential homebuyers to view your property.
DO: Fix all those little problems that you’ve been procrastinating about
We are all guilty of procrastinating about certain household tasks that we have put on the backburner for too long. Most of these tasks will only take you 5 to10 minutes. Dedicate a day to writing down all those little tasks like fixing a doorknob, replacing a light bulb, and fixing the baseboard that wasn’t completed, and then assign them a date on your calendar.
For bigger renovations, the top 5 summer projects to increase your home’s resale value include:
- Building a deck or patio;
- Installing a sprinkler system;
- Landscaping your property;
- Building or replacing a fence;
- Re-shingling a tired roof.
Assessing the best return for your investment is paramount when undertaking home improvement projects. This means putting a priority on the jobs that are likely to be more valuable than others. Having a tax-free savings account (TFSA) planned in advance is handy for taking out money to help pay for these home renovations.
DO: Make your home presentable for potential home buyers
First impressions matter! Make sure your home is clean and any garbage is cleaned from the house or backyard. If you have a giant pile of scrap metal right next to your house in the photos posted online, a potential buyer may not take the time to keep swiping on the photos.
During the viewing stage, you will need to keep your home clean at all times. You never know when your real estate agent will book an unexpected viewing and you don’t want to be panicking to sweep the floor or clear the dishes out of the sink at the last minute. Also, remember to clean and declutter the window sills. Everyone will take a peek at the view outside.
DO: Make sure your home smells good!
Stay away from cooking strong-smelling foods like fish or curry when your home is on the market. It’s hard to mask the smell in a pinch if you have a viewing book at the last minute. You want to make sure it smells clean and fresh. Open the windows to allow some fresh air in, but make sure your home doesn’t feel too hot or too cold which could turn off potential buyers. Keep your cleaning products and air freshener handy.
If you have animals, make sure the litterbox is always clean and the yard is free from any “droppings” so potential home buyers don’t step in them. Again, first impressions are important, and stepping in your dog’s “present” will turn them off.
DON’T: Be nosy and hang around outside during the viewings
Of course, you want to know who’s going in and out of your home. But potential homebuyers may feel rushed if they know the owners are all jammed-packed in the car waiting for them to leave. They will feel like all eyes are on them and they should hurry on to the next home.
DON’T: Leave your pets in the house during a viewing
Not everyone is an animal lover like you. Reduce the chance of any injury to the potential buyers and your pet by bringing them with you. For all you know, they might have an “accident” in the house while you’re not there and turn off potential homebuyers. You also don’t want your pet running out of the house by accident. It’s much easier to bring them along with you for a good ol’ car ride. Don’t worry about your pet fish though… they can stay!
DON’T: Plan on the viewing to take the exact amount of time scheduled
Some viewers may take their sweet time and spend longer than their scheduled viewing. That isn’t a bad thing; it means they are very interested in the home and want to learn more. If you work from home, plan to go to a cafe to use the internet there so you don’t get behind in your work if they stay longer. If it’s a half an hour viewing, plan to be out for about an hour just to be on the safe side.
And DO: plan on working with me to finance your next move
Has your house been sold yet? Well, hopefully, you have a plan for where you want to move next. Even before your home is listed, you should consult with me, Darren Robinson, as an experienced mortgage broker and financial advisor, I can help you find out what you can afford and can get your mortgage pre-approval started right away. In today’s market, homes sell very quickly so it’s best to be prepared and ensure you’re able to afford the home you have your eyes on (and get lower mortgage rates!). I will help you collect all the documents needed so you are one step ahead if there is a bidding war awaiting you. Or, if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, I can help answer all your financial questions so you can figure out the cost of upsizing. Give me a call at 705-315-0516 or book an appointment and let’s talk mortgages, real estate, and money.