New Perspective

Bring in a friend, a realtor or a home stager to help pinpoint areas of clutter. They’ll see what it’s easy for you to overlook because you’re familiar with your space. Trust their advice.

Remove Personal Items

Pack away family photos, souvenirs, knick-knacks and personal items. While these have value to you they’ll hinder a prospective buyer from envisioning your space as their own so why not help them out by making it easier?

Clean & Clear Off Surfaces

Clear off counters – especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Store away small appliances and miscellaneous personal items and be sure the surfaces are clean. A bouquet of flowers or a plant is a nice touch.

Create Flow

Remove and store extra furniture to create open spaces that promote easy foot traffic through your home.

Show Off Storage Space

Now’s the time to clear out your closets, the basement and the garage. Prospective clients are always on the lookout for amply storage space so make sure they can see it! This is also a great opportunity to box up unworn clothes, toys and personal items for storage or donation.

Prospective buyers will be looking for visual clues that your home is well cared for. How much work a house seems to require will impact their offers so now’s the time to ensure that everything is working as it should. Here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

Bathrooms

Ensure all plumbing fixtures are clean and in good working order. Outfit leaky faucets with new washers and clean any visible stains on porcelain fixtures. Replace old, worn shower curtains and bath mats. 

Doors & Windows

Spray WD40 on all hinges so everything operates smoothly. Have windows cleaned inside and out. A potential buyer will be estimating their energy costs so fix drafts by re-caulking windows and replaces exterior doors if necessary.

Walls & Floors

A fresh coat of paint in an easy way to instantly transform a space, helping make it look neat, clean and up-to-date. Always fix obvious wall imperfections such as cracks and nail holes before painting. Steam clean carpets and runners and repair any chipped or loose floor tiles.

Be mindful of odours left behind by pets and smokers. An environmentally friendly room fragrance can neutralize unpleasant scents. Be sure to replace light bulbs and add light fixtures in dark hallways, basements, garages and closets.

You really never do get a second chance to make a first impression. Often people will drive by your home and make a decision based solely on your home’s curb appeal. So make sure your home looks its best by creating a well-manicured entry and tidying up your home’s exterior to show prospective buyers that you take pride in your home. Here are a few tips for maximizing your curb appeal:

Landscaping

Ensure that your lawn is well manicured: mowed, watered and free of brown spots or weeds. If needed plant a few bushes and colourful mature flowers to catch people’s eye.

Front Door

Give your front entrance a good once over. Does the door or porch railing really need a fresh coat of pain? Polish the door handle and invest in a new welcome mat.

Front Porch

If it’s spring or summer plant colourful containers to flank your entrance. In the autumn be sure to rake up your leaves. During the winter keep your driveway clear of snow and ice (not too difficult in Vancouver!) and whatever the season, look closely to determine is any repairs are needed. Replace all loose cement or rotting wood.

Shine On

Many serious buyers will drive by your home once the sun’s gone down. Ensure all your outdoor light bulbs are turned on in order to show your home to it’s best advantage.