Prepare your property
Simple steps to make your house look its best
Depending on how you look at it the up or the down side to selling your home is that it must be in show-home condition from the time you list it to the time you sell it! While most Realtors set up their showings a day in advance, often showings can be requested from a cell phone while the Realtor and the clients are driving around in your neighbourhood. Many Realtor's book showings for later the same day and this means that you could get a call in the morning at work requesting a showing before you will even have had a chance to be home again.
Maintain the following for the duration of the sale
- Prepare each and every room - buyers will look in the closets, the drawers and storage spaces as they try to decide if this home will work for their needs. Every square inch of it is for sale and every square inch of it will be looked at!
- Pickup toys and shoes - this is one time when clean and tidy BOTH count!
- Don't leave dirty dishes out - in the dishwasher or in the cupboards are the options to work with during this process!
- Be sure beds are made - these added touches show that you are trying to impress and want to put your best foot forward!
- Put all clothes away - laundry spilling all over the rooms of your home can lead a buyer to the conclusion that you don't have enough space to put things away!
- Kitchen and bathrooms should SPARKLE!
- Vacuum the carpets daily - ESPECIALLY if you have pets!
- Open your drapes and shades and turn on the lights - your house should look bright, cheerful and appealing to all the senses.
- Turn off the television - it is a distraction that can take over a room. Soft background music is an acceptable alternative to the television.
- Put away newspapers and magazines - these are often overlooked and can make a room look full and disorganized.
- Sweep the front walk and keep entry area clean, tidy and unobstructed - nothing deters someone more than having to fight their way into a house.
- Keep pets out of the way - make sure your pets are clean and odour free! Not everyone is a pet person and allergies and phobias can deter a buyer. Most pets, especially dogs, are used to protecting your home and it will be overwhelming to them to have strangers in the house while you are out - be cautious, safe and a responsible pet owner!
- Secure jewellery, cash, prescription medications and other valuables!
- It is usually best if you leave while your house is being shown - potential buyers tend to feel more comfortable if the owners are not present.
Follow-up information
- Save the business cards of all Realtors who show your property. It is always good to keep track of who comes into your home and we will use these cards to obtain follow-up feedback from the Realtors who have shown your home.
- If people not accompanied by a Real Estate Agent ask to see your property please refer them to us. We will pre-screen them and make sure they are qualified, legitimate buyers.