What are some tips on helping us sell our home for the best value?

Every seller would like to sell their home fast and for top dollar. This involves careful planning with a professional real estate agent, who can help prepare the home with: a home stager, measuring, virtual tours, pictures, and proper marketing. However, there are a few things you can do to start the process:

1. De-personalize your home: pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can not see past personal pictures, and you want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls.
2. De-clutter your home: people can not see past clutter. Have all kitchen counters cleaned off completely. Too much furniture or large pieces of furniture will make the rooms appear smaller; buyers can not see past this and will not be able to imagine their furniture in the home. They have to feel they can see their furniture in those rooms.
3. What you show is what you get: faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your home. Why try to tell a potential buyer how your home could look, when you can show them by a reasonable amount of redecoration and paint?
4. Fix leaky faucets: dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing.
5. Bathrooms sell homes: make these rooms sparkle! Check and repair any damaged or discolored caulking in the bathtubs and showers, and be sure that the towels and area rugs are bright and clean.
6. First impressions are important: remember, when potential buyers come to look at your house, the first thing they will see is your home’s front door. Be sure that it is fresh and clean. Be sure your lawn and landscaping is well manicured and trim. Be sure your yard is free of refuse and leaves. If it has snowed, be certain that you have removed the ice and snow from the walk and steps.

These are just a few things that you can do to begin the home selling process. With your help and your real estate agent’s professional advice, you are both working together to get top dollar for your home.

Royal LePage Realty Plus Real Estate Sales Representative, Adele Paletta expertise lies in the Greater Western Toronto area including: Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington.