Before I put a sign up, let's cover some basics:
Financial:
Create Space:
Create Space:
- Check with your bank to see what the mortgage discharge fee will be
- Remember, the seller pays the commission, and because it's a service, HST is added
- Budget for legal fees and moving expenses
- Meet with your bank to see what preapproved amount is affordable for a new house
Create Space:
Create Space:
Create Space:
- Store surplus furniture, remove family photos, degrees, diplomas, personal or valuable items
- Clear kitchen counter and stove top
- Clear closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
- Remove empty boxes and containers
- Put away as much much as you can - better to error on the appearance of large and empty, then cluttered and small
Maintenance:
Create Space:
- Repair leaking taps and toilets
- Clean furnace and filters
- Tighten door knobs and latches
- Repair cracked plaster
- Apply fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary
- Repair seals around tubs and basins
- Replace defective light bulbs
- Oil squeaking doors
Clean:
- Clean and freshen bathrooms
- Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
- Clean around heating vents
- Clean washer and dryer
- Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
- Eliminate pet odors and stains
- Buyers may forgive a messy gargage or shed, but not a messy house
Create a Buying Mood:
- Make sure your home smells fresh and clean (freshly baked, coffee, mild scented candle)
- Turn on lights, especially in dark corners or underlit areas that help create mood (bright is large and welcoming, dark is not)
- Turn on air conditioner/heater
- Open the drapes -view / brightness
- Light the fireplace
- Buyers can envision the house as theirs if they see nothing personalized or specific to you
Why use a real estate agent?
Simply put, we don't get paid unless we get results. Many 'fee-for-service' or 'list-it-yourself' companies don't answer inquiries for you, show your home, qualify potential buyers viewing your home, host open houses, check zoning, history or city records, handle paperwork, mediate negotiations, advise you on market conditions, network to attract interest in your home from other agents... and the list goes on. More often than not, the same people who use this option to try and sell their house, invariably use a real estate agent to protect themselves when they go to buy.
