PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
The principle of contribution states that the worth of an improvement is what it contributes to the market value of the entire property, not what it cost to add the improvement. In essence, some improvements are worth doing to increase the value of your home, while others may not yield a return on your investment. If you aren't sure, just ask.
SIGNS YOU MAY BE READY TO SELL
YOU'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE
You are ready for the next chapter, but haven't been able to pull the trigger. If you want to sell, and the numbers make sense - that's where I come in.
YOUR SPACE NO LONGER SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE
Households expand, shrink and evolve over time, as do your needs. Are you only using 3 rooms of your house? Are you bursting at the seam for space? Sounds like it's time to reevaluate.
YOU FIND YOURSELF LOOKING AT PROPERTIES
The MLS is a great way to educate yourself on current availability and market trends. If you find yourself looking at properties regularly, you are probably more ready than you think.
YOU ARE FINANCIALLY READY
If you have accrued equity in your home, paid off your mortgage, or qualified for more financing you may want to capitalize on this opportunity.
SHOWCASING YOUR HOME
Help me help you! Below are some simple tips to enhance the marketability of your home
Paint
The lowest cost, most effective way to add value to a home. Remember you are painting for someone else - not yourself, so think nude palettes. If space is limited, light walls will make your space feel larger. Painting can also offset some of the emotional attachment that comes with selling a home, as your space will look less familiar.
Depersonalize and Declutter
We tend to fill our homes with photos and memories that we collect throughout the years. It is important to stow these personal effects away, so buyers can envision themselves in the space. Take as much as you can off your kitchen counter, off your bedside tables and your bathroom shelves and place out of sight. Less is more when it comes to furniture and the contents of your closets. Remember that it's just stuff, and if it no longer serves you then its probably doing more harm than good sitting in your closet.
Fresh White Towels
New white towels will give your space that clean hotel feel. Bathrooms are the most important area to have sparkling clean for prospective buyers. If you have a shower curtain, make sure it is clean of water stains and of a plain nature. Yes, your Jeff Goldblum shower curtain is amazing, but it would be best if you put it in storage when it comes time to list your property.
Scent
An inviting smell is an easy, subtle touch to create a lasting impression on a buyer. Remember, it's important to not mask a bad smell with a good smell. Baking soda is your new best friend if you have some funky aromas lingering. Prior to hosting an open house, bake some cookies! If using a diffuser be sure to opt for bright, natural scents like citrus or basil.
Clean
Clean like you have never cleaned before, and then clean again. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and high traffic areas such as doorhandles, drawer pulls and light switches. Also pay attention to areas that you overlook on routine cleans, think the inside of your appliances, baseboards and vents. Hire a professional for the tough stuff.
Green is Good
Inject new life to your home with plants! Adding some greenery will soften the look of a space, and has been scientifically proven to enhance our moods. Got a black thumb? Opt for some low maintenance succulents, dried, or artificial plants. Some is better than none.
Lighten Up
Lighter colours open up spaces and make them feel larger, period. If you have dark floors and not much natural light, consider an oversized light coloured area rug. Large mirrors are a great addition to refract sunlight and make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. If you have small windows, add some lamps to increase light (aim lamps at the wall or ceiling). Lastly you can add some light simple art to brighten up hallways and darker spaces.
STAGING
To stage or not to stage, that is the question.
Staging is a proven tactic to help your property sell in a shorter time frame, and for a higher dollar value. It is especially valuable in properties with a unique floor plan or a smaller footprint, as it will help buyers envision how to use the space. Spaces appear smaller without furniture, so ironically adding the right pieces will actually make your space feel larger. If you are staging your property yourself, it is important to use furniture that is proportional to your space. This means that you live in an apartment, opt for an apartment sized sofa- not the massive basement sectional. Choose pieces that are light and airy, that allow light to flow through. Walk through some show homes if you need inspiration!
HOW TO INCREASE THE MARKETABILITY OF YOUR HOME
Buyers are willing to pay more money for spaces that feel expensive. I asked my most stylish friends for their personal tricks on how to make a home feel more luxurious. Swipe right to read my original tips!