9 Things To Do Before You List Your Home
Check out these recommendations from our team.
1. Set your expectations. Get a professional assessment of your home’s value to help you determine reasonable price expectations before you list. This is especially important if you’re planning to finance a new home.
2. See your home through a stranger’s eyes. Do a walk-through of your entire house, and around your property, imagining yourself as a prospective buyer. Your home only has one chance to make a first impression. Within 30 seconds of walking into your home, that impression is usually solidified.
As you walk, make a list of major and minor improvements required. This will help you objectively focus on issues that may require pre-list upgrade. If you plan to work with a realtor, they’ll be able to advise you on what needs to be tackled.
3. Address fix-ups, and wear and tear. Repainting or touching up interior and exterior paint creates a fresh look that can instantly modernize your home and increase perceived value. Replace items that show wear and tear, as these often result in “buyer’s block” – the inability to look beyond them when viewing your home. Consult your realtor for sound advice.
4. Maintain the mechanicals. Your home’s mechanical systems can make or break a sale with some buyers. Have the chimney and furnace inspected and cleaned. Check drains and ductwork. Address any plumbing problems. Consider energy-efficient systems as they can increase your home’s value.
5. Clean and declutter. Buyers want to envision themselves (and their belongings) in your space. Remove as many barriers to helping them imagine this as possible. Ensure the home is tidy, and as clutter-free as possible. Remove highly personalized items from shelves and counters. Store excess shoes and clothing out of sight.
6. Showcase the best your home has to offer. Consider making a seasonal album. Help potential buyers appreciate your lovely garden when it’s in prime summer season, or the privacy of your balcony when the leaves are full. Early Spring can be mucky, dreary and not the best time to showcase your beautiful property. Well-taken photos can help buyers see your property in the best light.
7. Have a copy of your property survey. A land survey can be a bonus for marketing your property in a competitive market. Some buyers may need this to meet their lender’s requirement of a survey before receiving their mortgage approval.
8. Brush up your curb appeal. Tidy up the landscaping, invest in nice-looking porchlights and house numbers, and choose a few tasteful accessories to create an inviting entranceway. You don’t need to break the bank on these items -look online and check out the sales at your local Canadian Tire, Home Depot or Kent.
9. Engage a real estate professional. Find a realtor you trust and arrange a time for them to walk through your property and assess your objectives.