Fix it, fluff it and sell it
By: Beverly Allen - March 30th, 2007
You’ve made the decision. It’s time to sell. And you want to get the best price possible. Just how much fluffing will that require you to do? Here are a few tips.
Make a list of jobs that need to be done, either in terms of repair and renovation. For guidance on this, check out the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors website. They have some good general information of topics such as roofing, electrical wiring and moisture problems. If you know one of these applies to the home you want to sell, it’s time to do something about it.
Cosmetic changes are easy, and can make a big difference in how your home is perceived by potential buyers. To get you home ready to sell, you must:
- Clean up all yard debris, especially from pets
- Wash your windows
- Clean and organize your closets (people will peek)
- Get rid of clutter
- Do a top-to-bottom housecleaning (consider hiring a cleaning service for this)
To further enhance the look of your home, you should also consider:
- Pressure washing the exterior
- Painting the front door a bright colour
- Adding lots of seasonal flowers in planters by the front door, or plunged in their pots into the garden
- Changing heavy drapes for sheers (TIP: If the view from your window isn’t great, cover it with a translucent, decorative window film)
- Arranging furniture in the middle of the room in an “L” or “H” pattern to create the illusion of space
- Renting storage space for large items you don’t need
- Making little changes, such as painting the cabinets, changing door handles and fixtures (TIP: for a fresh look, choose burnished metals, yellowy rather than shiny silvers)
Adding a jolt of colour – paint a hallway, entranceway or powder room in a strong shade (TIP: greens, yellows and reds are hot this spring)