6 steps to get to sold!
stories by Janet Lees ❧ illustration by Tara McLellan
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home. But it’s not a simple matter of sticking up a for-sale sign and waiting for the offers to flood in. Basia Regan of Royal LePage RCR Realty in Creemore offers these steps to help make selling your home a little easier.
Step 1: Prepare Yourself Emotionally & Mentally
Selling your home can be emotional. You’ve spent years in your home, made memories, perhaps raised your children there. You are aware of every penny you’ve spent on your home, as well as every nook and cranny that makes it special to you. However, when it comes time to sell, it’s important to separate yourself from your home. “This is a business transaction,” says Regan. “You have a product to sell. Regardless of why you are selling, focus on the future.”
Step 2: Pick a Realtor
Selling is a process. Your realtor has resources that will help you through it. “The realtor will discuss comparable sales and listings to help you set a realistic selling price, and suggest ways in which to get the highest price in the least amount of time,” says Regan. In order to get your house “show ready,” your realtor will make suggestions as to what can be done to make it show to its best advantage. For more information on what realtors can do, and how to find the right realtor, go to www.crea.com.
Step 3:Create a Great First Impression
In real estate, the expression “You only get to make a first impression once” is especially true. “If buyers won’t get out of a realtor’s car because they don’t like the exterior of your home, then you’ll never get them inside it,” warns Regan. Remember, you are selling your entire property, not merely your home. If you live in a town, that includes your front, back and side yards. If you are selling your condo, your property includes the balcony/patio, locker and parking space(s). A country property starts at the entrance from the road and includes the woods, pond, garden and any other land and building features.
So, start with curb appeal. Clean up the yard and around the outside of the house. Trim bushes so that you can see out the windows, paint the front door, plant flowers or group flower pots together at the front of the house. (Regan’s tip: Yellow evokes a buying emotion). Stage outdoor furniture on your deck, patio or balcony, replace a weathered mailbox, add a new exterior door mat, wash windows inside and out, pressure wash walkways, decks and garage doors. Be sure the house number or emergency number is clearly visible and replace exterior lightbulbs.
There will be “drive-bys” so, don’t be surprised if you see a car drive by slowly or even park in front of your house. “People will decide from the drive-by if they want to see the property,” notes Regan.
Step 4:Create a Welcoming Interior
If you’re not handy, ask your realtor for recommendations for a handyman, a business that will de-clutter, a cleaning service woman or stagers. Regan’s rule of thumb: if you don’t need it, donate it, sell it or get rid of it. Consider renting a storage unit for excess furniture, knickknacks, family heirlooms, out-of-season clothes and yes, even family photos. “You don’t want to distract buyers by having them look at your family photos,” says Regan. “You want the buyers to imagine themselves with their own things in your home: ‘We could put a Christmas tree here and the piano over there.’”
Remove any furniture that blocks walking paths or hampers movement around the house, but leave enough furniture to showcase the room’s purpose with plenty of room to move around. Place an area rug or boot tray at the front door. Thin out closets and arrange the remaining clothes to showcase the spaciousness in the closets. Clean and air out musty smells. Get rid of old DVDs, CDs, phones, printers, etc. Clear kitchen counters. Put essentials in a box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
“Not everyone is a pet lover,” notes Regan, advising, “If possible, put bowls and pet food away during showings and be sure there are no pet smells or pet hair on the furniture.” Paint walls in neutral colours. “You don’t want the buyer to remember your home as ‘the house with an orange bathroom,’” says Regan. “Your aim is to appeal to the broadest market.”
Discuss any potential renovations with your realtor, who may be able to offer insights. “For example, if you have three bathrooms but can afford to update only one, your realtor may suggest that you use that money elsewhere,” says Regan.
Once you have done everything you can to make your property ready for marketing photos and showings, then step back and take a second look. Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and make a critical assessment of your property.
Step 5: Get the Word Out
Once your property is ready, your realtor will execute the marketing plan. However, you can do a little informal promotion of your own by simply letting your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues know that you are selling. “They may know people who want to move to the area,” says Regan.
Step 6: Always be Ready for Showings
Yes, it’s a pain having to keep your house spic and span at all times for showings. But remember, properties that don’t get shown, don’t get sold.
In addition to keeping the house generally clean and tidy (vacuuming, dusting, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, etc.), here are a few things that often get missed when there is a showing:
- empty the garbage cans – to get rid of odours and unsightly trash.
- load the dishwasher (but don’t start it if the cycle will be running during the showing).
- leave the lights on – a dark home is gloomy and can look smaller, so turn on all of the lights and open up all of the blinds or curtains to brighten your home and show it, literally, in its best light.
“Leave your home when there is a showing,” advises Regan. “Buyers feel freer to look in closets or appliances and can discuss pros and cons with their realtor.”
Selling your home doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With the right mindset, some preparation and a little elbow grease, you can make it through until your house is sold.
