First impressions are lasting impressions! So, before putting up a “for sale” sign on your house, or listing your condo on a specialized real estate website, play your cards right by following these easy tips to maximize your property’s resale value and close the deal faster.
Here are a few excellent tips that expert brokers, like Katia Samson and her team, often share with their customers to give their property maximum visibility on Centris and obtain attractive offers.
1- Declutter
As Marie Kondo, renowned international tidying consultant and best-selling author, often says: “If it doesn’t bring a spark of joy, then get rid of it.”
And that’s exactly what we need to do at home, starting with the basement or storage room, which most of us fill with boxes, mismatched furniture and, let’s face it, objects we’ve simply forgotten existed. Even if the basement isn’t finished, we need to declutter as much as possible, add brighter lighting and refresh with a fresh coat of paint. Even a concrete floor will be instantly beautified!
If you really want to hold on to precious family mementos, rent a space to store them and start sorting them into clear plastic bins before moving on to open house.
“The decluttering stage is crucial to properly preparing your property for sale,” explains Katia Samson, a real estate broker with over 25 years’ experience. “We also make sure not to overfill our closets. If they’re overloaded, it gives buyers the impression that the property lacks space.”
2- Repair
It’s easy not to realize it, but the wear and tear on a property is gradual. And it’s particularly obvious to people who don’t live there. So everything must be in perfect condition! Doors and windows need to be inspected to make sure they close properly, to keep the bugs and the cold out. Do windows slide properly when opened? Have defective screens and mechanisms professionally repaired. Check the sturdiness of balustrades, decking and front and back steps.
Examine the caulking around sinks, showers and bathtubs. It should be smooth, mold-free and perfectly watertight. A fresh coat of paint will also do wonders to give the illusion of a bigger, brighter room. Don’t forget to touch up the mouldings too!
3- Raising
According to Katia Samson, “statistics prove that home staging allows properties to sell faster and at a better price. The money invested in home staging can easily be recouped, so that the house or condo appeals to more potential buyers.” On the other hand, if you find you can’t afford it right now, try moving furniture around to make it easier for visitors to move around the rooms, without necessarily upsetting your habits during the transition. It’s worth noting that Katia offers home staging advice to all her customers. Watch home renovation shows, scan what interior design magazines are offering to find out what styles are hot right now, or start a Pinterest board with a particular style.
With these easy tips, you’re well on your way to presenting your property!