Are you preparing your home for sale? If so, you’ll need to view it objectively, through the eyes of a buyer. What improvements do you need to make? Are there any repairs you should undertake? And do you really need to stage your house or condo?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you’re not alone. Preparing your home for sale is no easy task, and figuring out where to start can be a challenge. Luckily, my home preparation checklist outlines the major steps you’ll need to take to get your home show-ready when selling.
Here’s everything you need to know about preparing your home for sale in Toronto
Carry out necessary repairs
Before putting your home on the market, its best to find any major issues that could impede a potential sale. Here are a few of the areas you should pay close attention to.
HVAC system
A malfunctioning heating or cooling system can be a deal breaker for many prospective buyers. Making sure yours is in good working order before you show your home should be a major priority. When in doubt, have it inspected.
Roof & ceiling
An old or damaged roof is another potential sticking point. Repairing obvious problems, like leaks and loose shingles, can help put buyers’ minds at ease. If your roof is in seriously rough shape (or it’s older than 30 years), you might want to consider replacing it.
Faulty plumbing
Are any of your faucets leaky? Do your sinks drain poorly? These issues can make a bad impression on buyers, and they’re often easy to fix.
Bad wiring
Do you have knob and tube wiring in your home? It’s not hard to identify, once you know what to look for. Unfortunately, if you have it, you may have to pay to rewire your home before you can make a sale.
Declutter and clean
Your home should be immaculate when it goes on the market, which is why a thorough cleaning is crucial. Here’s what you should focus on during the process.
Ditch the clutter
Clutter can make your home look disorganized and less spacious than it actually is. Before you clean, pare down your belongings as much as you can. Go room by room, finding items you feel comfortable tossing or donate to charity.
While it may make sense to store many of your possessions, be aware that homebuyers will want to look in your storage spaces.
Scour top to bottom
Performing a deep clean is one of the most annoying parts of preparing your home for sale—and one of the most crucial. If there’s any dust or grime lurking in your home, you can be sure that the homebuyers who tour your house or condo will find it.
Here are some of the most commonly missed spots you should focus on.
• remove dust from your curtains
• wipe down your baseboards
• clean your ceiling fan blades
• wash the spaces beneath your appliances
• scour your shower doors
• use a scrub brush on your bathroom grout
Stage and depersonalize
Staging is a big part of preparing your home for sale. This crucial step can help you increase the general appeal of your home. Your real estate agent can help you determine which improvements to make—and refer you to the right professional stager if need be.
Maximize your space
To create a sense of spaciousness, try rearranging your furniture. You may want to remove or replace particularly bulky items.
Brighten up
Before showing your home, open up your curtains or blinds to get as much natural light as you can inside. Opt for bright indoor lighting and elegant, contemporary fixtures.
Keep it neutral
When it comes to choosing a decorating colour scheme, you’ll appeal to more buyers if you use neutrals. This rule also applies to paint: a fresh coat of eggshell or greyish-blue can really freshen up your space.
Pack away the personal items
Family photos and souvenirs can be distracting for homebuyers. Put these items away to create a more welcoming space.
Focus on curb appeal
Don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal. An inviting exterior sets the tone for what homebuyers will find inside, so make sure yours is attractive.
Your home’s exterior
Depending on the condition of your home’s exterior, you may want to replace your siding. Redoing faded or peeling paint is another way to brighten up the outside of your house.
Landscaping
In the summer and spring, make sure that your lawn is green and well maintained. Plant flower beds for a pop of colour. In the fall, rake your leaves to give the front yard a tidy appearance.
The details
Decorative details can add warmth to your home. From a fresh welcome mat to a hanging planter to a new set of outdoor light fixtures, don’t overlook the finishing touches.
Preparing to sell your home? I have the experience to help you at every step of the process. Contact me today, and we can discuss your needs.
