As you are probably aware, the housing market is in flux. Homes that are offered for sale are, indeed, selling, but statistics are showing that they are on the market for a longer period of time as compared with other years, and some sellers are feeling the need to reduce their asking price. If you are about to put your home up for sale, there are some things that can give you an advantage over comparable houses.
Look at the Comparables
Look at your neighbours’ homes. You should at least be on par with them. For example, if the majority of the houses have a finished deck and patio, but you only have one of those, add the other. If most of the basements are finished, be sure yours will provide that extra living space as well. On the other hand, if you are the only residence with an in-ground swimming pool, you probably won’t get the full value of that feature.
Be sure that all your home improvement projects are complete before you list the house. This also goes for maintenance like clean gutters, a power-washed and clean walkway, exterior lights, and a tidy landscape. That will provide the best first impression. Curb appeal is real and will influence the shoppers more than you realize.
If everything is in fairly good order, give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Use a neutral color. Actually, most buyers will probably change the colors anyway to dovetail with their preferences and furniture, but if you paint a room or even just a wall in a standout color, it will give the prospective buyer the impression that they will have work to do before moving in.
Focus on Selling Points
Kitchen and bath areas are top selling points. Make sure the exterior of the cabinets are attractive. An inexpensive yet effective improvement is to swap out the door handles and drawer pulls with fresh hardware.
Make sure the entryway is inviting. Have a candle burning. Choose scents like vanilla or apple pie spice to give the feeling of comfort food.
Declutter
This will be one of the more time-consuming tasks. You are going to be moving anyway, so start packing things in boxes and see if you can find someone who will store them for you until you get into your new place. If you are going to get new furniture, donate anything you don’t want. Yes, you will be inconvenienced for a while, but it will be worth it for the extra money you get at the time of sale. The less furniture in the rooms, the larger they will appear. It also allows prospective buyers to envision how they would decorate the room. This can be a great advantage.
Clean the carpets. Wash the windows. If you have a particularly nice view, make sure the windows are kept as clean as possible inside and out. Dust all the crannies, ceiling fans, and cabinet tops.
The last item on the list is the most difficult. Keep the house clean. This means scrubbing the shower and tub after every use. No dirty dishes in the sink, toys stashed away. Closets neat. Dust daily. With these methods, you will be able to increase home value in the GTA. It will be worth it when the realtor offers you the contract for sale. For more information, contact a mortgage broker in the GTA today.