Bring in the light:

The more natural light you have, the better.  Make sure the windows and glass doors are clean and streak free.  Change your light bulbs to high wattage and make sure to clean the fixtures before putting them back on.  During showing be sure to keep all the lights on, even during the day as the brighter the room is the larger it will feel.

Clutter:

Who needs it?  The fact is, we all live with clutter, but it’s a huge obstacle when you are packaging your home as a product to sell. 

Where to start?  One room at a time, pick an area and don’t move on until you are confidant you’ve eliminated everything unnecessary.  The goal is to create a space that anyone can feel at home in, so pack up anything personal or religious. 

Collections:

Thin out your collections.  It’s time to take a step back and look at your things objectively.  Do you really need everything you currently have?  If you don’t absolutely love it, or it serves no purpose, it’s time for it to go.   There are many organizations that will take your donations and find a new home for your past treasures.

Colour:

Dark wall colours may be great for living, but can be a turn off for potential buyers.  If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling, although repainting would be the better choice.

If you’re unsure of what colours to use, call in some help. We can help you choose a colour palate that will please you and potential buyers.

Curb appeal:

Make sure to keep your yard neat and tidy.  Lawns should be mowed, and in the winter keep the driveway shoveled and walk ways cleared.  Remove any recycling and garbage from plain view, and clear any toys or other miscellaneous items from the yard.

Family Photos:

Pack away the family photos.  Although they are great for living, they are not for selling.  Family photo’s can actually make potential buyers feel as though they are invading your space, which makes them move through your home quickly.  You need buyers to be comfortable so they are able to imagine their own lives in the home, and not want to leave. 

Think of it has a head start on packing, and look forward to a quick sale.

The ‘fix it’ list:

Do not leave minor repairs for the new owners.  You may have gotten used to the drawer that doesn’t open properly or the leaky faucet, but buyers will surely notice.  The little things can raise the red flag for buyers, and they may wonder what else has been neglected if you haven’t taken care of the minor issues.   

Let the fresh air in:

Open the windows and/or the doors and let the fresh air in.  No one wants to walk into a stuffy house.

Odors be gone:

If you do have pets, you most certainly have odors.  You probably don’t notice the scent of your pets in the house, but potential buyers most definitely will.  Although you will be removing your pets’ bedding, you will also benefit from washing it, and don’t forget to have your carpets professionally cleaned. 

Washing all the walls will not only help with removing unwanted scents, but will also help clean & brighten the space.

Pets aren’t the only source of foul odors, smoking and cooking are 2 more smelly culprits.  If you do smoke in the house, make sure to clean the carpets, and paint the whole place.  Smoking leaves walls and ceilings looking dingy, not to mention the smell, so a fresh coat of paint will remove the scent and help to update the look of the house.

Remove the pets:

As much as we may love our furry friends, potential buyers may not.  It is best if you can have your pets stay at a friends during an open house, or look into a kennel if you don’t have friends or family that can help you out.  Don’t forget to remove the food and water dishes and more importantly, the litter box.  

You can never be too clean:

There is nothing worse than walking through a home that feels grimy - especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Consider hiring a cleaning company before the open house, and then maintain the level of cleanliness while your home is on the market.