With spring just around the corner, you may want to begin prepping your home for sale. Buyers will have many big picture questions, like structural and functional considerations, so as the seller you need to make an instant impression right off the start – by properly staging your home! Sorry – a fresh coat of paint and a good sweeping will not cut it either. If you take the time to do these additional few tasks to your home, you will portray a great lasting impression to your buyers as soon as they walk in the door, if not before!
1. Clean, Clean, Clean
Clean every nook and corner from top to bottom, window to door, in every room of the home. Get those long forgotten areas, like the inside of the kitchen cupboards, the rims of your wall hangings, or the ceiling of the shower. Don’t forget, buyers will want to see the closets too, so go the extra step to set some organization into place or box seasonal items in storage.
2. Eliminate Odors
Vacuum all window dressings and fabric furniture as well as have the carpets cleaned. If some of your fabric items (like bedding) are a little ‘lived-in’ spend a little extra on some new decorative pillows and crisp linens. If you still wish to add scent to the atmosphere, select a mild natural smell.
3. De-personalize
Keep personal mementos, such as family photos, albums, or refrigerator art tucked away. Your home should give a warm feeling through textures, colors and neutral art. You do not want to distract from the buyer envisioning their own items in the home.
4. Strategically Place Furniture
Life can often lead to some rooms in a home being used more than others. You will want to extenuate the versatility of the home, so take a moment to stand back and review the furniture items you have before distributing them. This will allow the buyer to feel like every square inch of the home can be used for something. Ensure nothing is pressed up against a wall, and you are not over populating the space with too many pieces. Your end result should set the mood and tone for the room, without overcrowding it with too many visuals. Keep things practical and simple.
5. Create an Enticing Entrance
Something can be said for a great entrance. Simply add some tasteful potted plants, a new front mat and a pop of color to the front door. This will create a positive and welcoming attitude that will impress buyers before they even step through the door.
For more general information on selling or buying a home in Ottawa, check out our helpful guides for homebuyers & sellers, contact us for a free market evaluation of your property, or simply browse for a sales representative!
Photo Credit: Christopher Barson https://www.flickr.com/photos/christopher_barson/4225264940/
