Resources: Selling Your Home or Cottage

Is your property ready to show?

Preparing your property, home or cottage to show the potential buyers, should be upper most in your mind to get the highest return. Below are a few simple ways of getting your property ready for a successful sale.

First impressions are the most lasting.

When the buyer comes to your place the yard should be well kept, the grass cut, the front door clean and easy to open, and no coats or boots at the entrance. It pays to have a stager or an unbiased person to do a walk through to point out things they would consider clutter.

Decorating dos and don'ts:

Faded walls, torn wallpaper and missing or damaged trim will reduce the appeal and should be freshened up, some paint and/or wallpaper will add to your costs, but could pay back in a quick sale of your property.

Focus on finishing all the “almost jobs” and don't get involved with major repairs or big changes unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Little things mean a lot.

• Open the drapes and curtains, a bright home sells. 
• Take a few minutes to check and oil the door hinges, make sure they open and close easily, tidy up the closets as it makes them appear larger. 
• Keep the stairway clear, tighten hand rails and repair those squeaky steps. 
• Fix leaky faucets, and make the bathroom sparkle; Clean any water stains and renew tub and shower caulking. Be sure to put out a fresh rug and toilet set with matching face cloth and towels. 
• Replace burnt out lights and have lightly perfumed candles ready to light. 
• The kitchen and bathroom are the most important for buyers, so every effort should be made to have them as clutter free as possible -- a colourful bedspread and matching drapes sets off the bedrooms. 
• If possible, have seasonal pictures ready to lay out on the table so the buyers can see what your place looks like in the other seasons, especially if it has waterfront. 

Make the buyers want your place!

With just a few dollars and some elbow grease, you will turn your home or cottage into a show room. The buyers will see how beautiful it can be and it will sell with out making any major changes and without a large investment.

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