Courtesy: Royal LePage Binder Blog
Getting your house ready to sell before listing can seem daunting, but there are a few things you can do to entice quick responses from buyers.
Finding the Right REALTOR®
A good real estate agent will save you time and money. They know your community, what buyers want in a house, how to negotiate house prices and how to close the deal. Because the reality is, selling a home involves a great deal of research, paperwork, effort and most importantly, trust. Ideally, you should seek out an agent that has a good knowledge of your neighbourhood and local market trends. A good agent will provide a wealth of knowledge and breadth of services that will help you accomplish your goals.
Showing a home to buyers is never convenient. But if you want to sell quickly and maximize your selling price, it’s important to remain flexible and accommodating when showing a house to qualified buyers.
The condition, appearance and functionality of your home will have a significant impact on how much you sell for, how many offers you receive, and how much time you spend going back and forth after the inspection.
- If your siding or exterior paint is worn, or cracking, consider adding a fresh coat.
- Check front door appearance to see if it needs a new coat or new fixtures.
- Buy a new welcome mat.
- Consider buying pots of bright, colorful flowers to put along your entryway path to enhance curb appeal.
- Keep trashcans hidden and emptied frequently.
- Keep the lawn mowed, pull weeds and trim any overgrown shrubs.
Interior Appeal
- Consider replacing outdated fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom
- Have minimal décor/accessories on display throughout the home
- Pack away personal photos to allow buyers to visualize their family living in the home.
- Keep items in closets, cabinets, pantry, laundry room, and garage tidy and organized
- Run each of your sinks and check underneath for leaks
- If there was a leak in the past, make sure to replace particle board or clean stains
- Remove personal items from bathroom counters, and keep out of sight in cabinets for easy access
- Make sure all switches, light bulbs, and doors/windows are working as they should
- Patch any holes, peeling/cracking paint, or worn areas on trim and baseboards
- Most buyers want a pet-free home, so keep pets and related items out of sight during showings.
- If your kitchen cabinets are worn and dated, consider refinishing, re-facing, or adding a fresh coat of paint
Cleaning Your Home
Foul smells, dirty floors or dusty surfaces make a bad impression on a potential buyer.
- Vacuum, mop and/or refinish floors
- Steam clean carpets or replace if necessary
- Wipe down all baseboards
- Dust everywhere
- Clean windows inside and out
- Wipe down doors, handles and all high traffic areas where handprints might appear
- Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms as this is a high value area that people tend to look at with a more critical eye, this should include:
- Cleaning the stove, exhaust hood, fridge, counters and inside of cabinets
- Cleaning toilet bowls and shower lining/tracks
- Get a new shower curtain and shower mats
- Wipe down or re-grout if necessary
- Home should always smell clean and fresh
What The Inspector Will Look For
- Have an electrician upgrade any outlets that aren’t GFCI protected. This can cost a couple hundred dollars, but many buyers will ask for a credit for this as it can pose a safety hazard.
- Check your downspouts around the home to make sure they extend at least 6 feet away from your foundation. You can pick these up at Home Depot or Lowe’s for $10.
- Have your HVAC systems and water heater cleaned and serviced – this should cost around $100-$150.
In every real estate transaction, the number of things to do, know and remember can be daunting. Contact Beaumont & Associates today to start on your pre-listing checklist, and click here to learn more about how we help prepare your home for sale.
