We tend to overlook imperfections in our own homes because we see these imperfections every day. While selling your home, the “I’ll get to it someday” projects are easy to forget.
PROSPECTIVE BUYERS SEE EVERYTHING.
CULTIVATING
CURB APPEAL
Curb appeal is your home's first impression on potential buyers. It's your chance to draw the buyers in before they even walk through the front door. This is your first opportunity to make each potential buyer feel at home. So, get rid of the cobwebs, rusted hardware, and peeling paint! Guests should be welcomed with a spotless front step and a cheery welcome mat, a fresh coat of paint, and tasteful decor that will put a smile on their face. Wow potential buyers from the start, and they'll be wondering what other delightful surprises are in store for them next.
- A curbside view is a buyer's first impression of the house.
- Curb appeal reflects the maintenance of the house.
- Poor curb appeal can be a potential deal-breaker forprospectivebuyers.
- A beautiful-looking entrance is an immediate way to stand outfrom the competition.
- Strong curb appeal increases the perceived value of the house.
CULTIVATING
CURB APPEAL
Curb appeal is your home's first impression on potential buyers. It's your chance to draw the buyers in before they even walk through the front door. This is your first opportunity to make each potential buyer feel at home. So, get rid of the cobwebs, rusted hardware, and peeling paint! Guests should be welcomed with a spotless front step and a cheery welcome mat, a fresh coat of paint, and tasteful decor that will put a smile on their face. Wow potential buyers from the start, and they'll be wondering what other delightful surprises are in store for them next.
- A curbside view is a buyer's first impression of the house.
- Curb appeal reflects the maintenance of the house.
- Poor curb appeal can be a potential deal-breaker forprospective buyers
- A beautiful-looking entrance is an immediate way to stand outfrom the competition.
- Strong curb appeal increases the perceived value of the house.
Keep in mind: your home is no longer your home,
it's a house - a commodity you want to sell for the
HIGHEST AMOUNT POSSIBLE.
KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF.
MAKE YOUR FRONT DOOR
IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE.
An attractive doorway will help to set the tone for your entire showing. Conversely, if your front door is old, outdated or dirty, potential buyers will assume that the rest of your house is similarly unappealing.
Instead of replacing the door entirely, start by trying a fresh coat of paint. Often, an updated paint job will be enough to give your front entrance a renewed look. If you find you need a more permanent fix, a new door is undoubtedly money well spent.
Your efforts to rejuvenate your entranceway come with an impressive return on investment. Paint your front door a shade of charcoal or rich black and you could boost your eventual sales price by more than $6,000.
KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF.
MAKE YOUR
FRONT DOOR
IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE.
An attractive doorway will help to set the tone for your entire showing. Conversely, if your front door is old, outdated or dirty, potential buyers will assume that the rest of your house is similarly unappealing.
Instead of replacing the door entirely, start by trying a fresh coat of paint. Often, an updated paint job will be enough to give your front entrance a renewed look. If you find you need a more permanent fix, a new door is undoubtedly money well spent.
Your efforts to rejuvenate your entranceway come with an impressive return on investment. Paint your front door a shade of charcoal or rich black and you could boost your eventual sales price by more than $6,000.
YOUR PERSONAL
CHECK LIST
Use our detailed house-prep checklist to
maximize our finishing touches!
EXTERIOR PREP
- Paint trim, doors & windows
- Power wash siding and windows.
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
- Hire a lawn service to eliminate and control weeds, especially those found between interlocking stone and on patios!
- Reseed spots of dead grass.
- Trim shrubs and trees.
- Plant seasonal flowers and shrubs.
- Seal asphalt driveways.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Clean up any pet droppings.
THROUGHOUT
- All windows and trim should becleaned, with special attention paid to the slider (where mould can form)
- Vacuum or steam clean all carpeted areas (including the corners of each room!)
- Paint trim if it looks faded, chipped, or outdated.
- Clean all light fixtures and replace burntout lightbulbs. Make sure all light hues match.
- Room colours should be neutralwherever possible.
- Wash the curtains, blinds, and walls in each room.
- Every room should be colourcoordinated, clean, and clutter-free. Minimize stylized decor and bold art.
KITCHEN
- Remove all appliances, knife racks, spices, and gadgets from the counters.
- Ensure upper and lower cabinets have been polished and are fingerprint-free.
- Organize, declutter and clean out drawers, cupboards, upper cabinets, and the pantry – yes, people will look!
- Repair or replace faucets as needed, and make sure the sink and surrounding areas areclean and rust-free.
- Ensure that the fan-hood, stove, backsplash, oven, and refrigerator are clean andgrease-free. This includes the top of the fridge and other hard-to-see areas!
- Remove any magnets, pictures and artwork from the refrigerator.
- Pull out the fridge and stove to ensure the entire floor is swept and mopped.
FOYER
- Clear out shoes and coats from the foyer closet.
- Put out a fresh, new doormat that does not interfere with the opening and closing of the front door.
- Eliminate plastic shoe racks – they're magnets for dirt and grime.
- Ensure the front door and windows are clean, painted, and free of any signs of wear and tear.
- Make sure the doorbell is working.
- If the closets have glass doors, check that the glass is clean and fingerprint-free.
BASEMENT
- Change the filter inside the furnace and dust its exterior.
- Make sure the basement is bright and well-lit.
- Clean the windows, walls, and any nooks or crevices.
- If the laundry is located in the basement, clean the tub and any appliances.
- Check for evidence of water intrusion. If there's a problem, let us know! We can help.
BATHROOMS
- Clean the bathtub (or shower), including any grout and caulking. Replace any grout or caulking that shows signs of mould.
- Wash or replace the shower curtain.
- Put away all toiletries, including hair and body products, soap, toothbrushes, and cosmetics.
- Clean and repaint the ceiling, especially if there are signs of mould or water damage.
- Check the sink, mirror, and faucets to make sure they're spotless and hair-free.
- Clean the toilet and its surrounding areas.
LIVING & DINING
- Clean and lubricate any sliding doors especially the door tracks! This is where most dirt accumulates.
- Eliminate decor on the fire mantel and throughout the house.
- Ensure all glass on cabinets have been cleaned and are fingerprint-free.
- Dust the TV, stereo, and other exposed surfaces.
BEDROOMS
- Declutter closets – there should be very little sitting on the closet floor!
- Dust any electronics and other items on the shelves, including the shelves themselves.
YOUR PERSONAL
CHECK LIST
Use our detailed house-prep checklist to maximize our finishing touches!
EXTERIOR PREP
- Paint trim, doors & windows.
- Power wash siding and windows.
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
- Hire a lawn service to eliminate and control weeds, especially those found between interlocking stone and on patios!
- Reseed spots of dead grass.
- Trim shrubs and trees.
- Plant seasonal flowers and shrubs.
- Seal asphalt driveways.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Clean up any pet droppings.
THROUGHOUT
- All windows and trim should becleaned, with special attention paid to the slider (where mould can form)
- Vacuum or steam clean all carpeted areas (including the corners of each room!)
- Paint trim if it looks faded, chipped, or outdated.
- Clean all light fixtures and replace burntout lightbulbs. Make sure all light hues match.
- Room colours should be neutralwherever possible.
- Wash the curtains, blinds, and walls in each room.
- Every room should be colourcoordinated, clean, and clutter-free. Minimize stylized decor and bold art.
KITCHEN
- Remove all appliances, knife racks, spices, and gadgets from the counters.
- Ensure upper and lower cabinets have been polished and are fingerprint-free.
- Organize, declutter and clean out drawers, cupboards, upper cabinets, and the pantry – yes, people will look!
- Repair or replace faucets as needed, and make sure the sink and surrounding areas areclean and rust-free.
- Ensure that the fan-hood, stove, backsplash, oven, and refrigerator are clean andgrease-free. This includes the top of the fridge and other hard-to-see areas!
- Remove any magnets, pictures and artwork from the refrigerator.
- Pull out the fridge and stove to ensure the entire floor is swept and mopped.
FOYER
- Clear out shoes and coats from the foyer closet.
- Put out a fresh, new doormat that does not interfere with the opening and closing of the front door.
- Eliminate plastic shoe racks – they're magnets for dirt and grime.
- Ensure the front door and windows are clean, painted, and free of any signs of wear and tear.
- Make sure the doorbell is working.
- If the closets have glass doors, check that the glass is clean and fingerprint-free.
BASEMENT
- Change the filter inside the furnace and dust its exterior.
- Make sure the basement is bright and well-lit.
- Clean the windows, walls, and any nooks or crevices.
- If the laundry is located in the basement, clean the tub and any appliances.
- Check for evidence of water intrusion. If there's a problem, let us know! We can help.
BATHROOMS
- Clean the bathtub (or shower), including any grout and caulking. Replace any grout or caulking that shows signs of mould.
- Wash or replace the shower curtain.
- Put away all toiletries, including hair and body products, soap, toothbrushes, and cosmetics.
- Clean and repaint the ceiling, especially if there are signs of mould or water damage.
- Check the sink, mirror, and faucets to make sure they're spotless and hair-free.
- Clean the toilet and its surrounding areas.
LIVING & DINING
- Clean and lubricate any sliding doors especially the door tracks! This is where most dirt accumulates.
- Eliminate decor on the fire mantel and throughout the house.
- Ensure all glass on cabinets have been cleaned and are fingerprint-free.
- Dust the TV, stereo, and other exposed surfaces.
BEDROOMS
- Declutter closets – there should be very little sitting on the closet floor!
- Dust any electronics and other items on the shelves, including the shelves themselves.
STEP INTO A
BRIGHTER FUTURE
WITH LIGHTING
You see memories. Prospective buyers see shadows.
It is really really really important to make sure that ALL lights throughout your home are the same colour.
We recommend warm white if it's a more classic or traditional house, daylight if it is a condo or more modern home.
Update or Upgrade your Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Replace or refurbish any light fixtures that need attention. Then, install the brightest (safe) bulbs possible.
Color Temperature
In addition to their brightness, you also have to consider the colour of your lightbulbs. Brightness is typically denoted by a Kelvin rating (usually 2,700 to 6,500) and accompanied by a descriptive name.
PET PEEVES
Who doesn't love pets? Prospective buyers,
that's who. (Well, they might - but their pets).
The Preferred Solution for Showing Your Home
The best option to show your home is to relocate your pets (and their things!) during home viewings. Putting them in crates, the backyard, or locked in the garage is insufficient and can be distracting for potential buyers. It's best to remove them entirely from your home. You could try:
- Letting a friend or relative take care of your pets
- Boarding them at a kennel
- Treating them to a pet spa
- Taking them on a drive during viewings
If you decide you don't want to remove your pets, the next best option is to minimize their intrusion to the viewer (whether this intrusion is real or perceived).
Removing Signs of your Pet
- Remove stains and odour spots. Enzyme cleaners, such as Simple Solution or Nature's Miracle, are your best option. If they still don't work, you'll need a professional ozone company. If the stains can't beremoved, replace the flooring.
- Put away your pet's food and water bowls when they're not being used.
- Vacuum each room every day—clean pet fur off of furniture and other surfaces.
- Pack away pet toys, cat trees, and any other pet paraphernalia that may indicate a pet lives in the home.
- Remove any pet photos from around the house. Be sure to check the refrigerator, walls, and table-tops!
- Keep the pet toiletries out of sight and impeccably clean. Litter boxes should be done every day, and the backyard checked regularly for pet leavings.
Showing Your House With Pets Present
While you should make every effort to remove your pets from the house during showings, we recognize this might not always be possible. In these instances, put your pets into a carrier or pen, notify your agent, and attach a note asking the buyers not to disturb them.
The last thing you need is somebody sticking their hand inside the enclosure and getting bitten or scratched. No matter how well-tempered your pet is, you can't predict how they will react to a stranger when locked up and alone. Keep your guests—and your pets—safe by doing your best to prevent any contact.
PET PEEVES
Who doesn't love pets? Prospective buyers,
that's who. (Well, they might - but their pets).
The Preferred Solution for Showing Your Home
The best option to show your home is to relocate your pets (and their things!) during home viewings. Putting them in crates, the backyard, or locked in the garage is insufficient and can be distracting for potential buyers. It's best to remove them entirely from your home. You could try:
- Letting a friend or relative take care of your pets
- Boarding them at a kennel
- Treating them to a pet spa
- Taking them on a drive during viewings
If you decide you don't want to remove your pets, the next best option is to minimize their intrusion to the viewer (whether this intrusion is real or perceived).
Removing Signs of your Pet
- Remove stains and odour spots. Enzyme cleaners, such as Simple Solution or Nature's Miracle, are your best option. If they still don't work, you'll need a professional ozone company. If the stains can't beremoved, replace the flooring.
- Put away your pet's food and water bowls when they're not being used.
- Vacuum each room every day—clean pet fur off of furniture and other surfaces.
- Pack away pet toys, cat trees, and any other pet paraphernalia that may indicate a pet lives in the home.
- Remove any pet photos from around the house. Be sure to check the refrigerator, walls, and table-tops!
- Keep the pet toiletries out of sight and impeccably clean. Litter boxes should be done every day, and the backyard checked regularly for pet leavings.
Showing Your House With Pets Present
While you should make every effort to remove your pets from the house during showings, we recognize this might not always be possible. In these instances, put your pets into a carrier or pen, notify your agent, and attach a note asking the buyers not to disturb them.
The last thing you need is somebody sticking their hand inside the enclosure and getting bitten or scratched. No matter how well-tempered your pet is, you can't predict how they will react to a stranger when locked up and alone. Keep your guests—and your pets—safe by doing your best to prevent any contact.
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