Sustainable housing and real estate in Kitchener-Waterloo Region

The best way to ensure your home sells in the quickest amount of time for the highest price is to have the home clean, well-maintained and decluttered. The best time to prepare your home is BEFORE you list it. That way buyers will see it at its best and offer accordingly.

You want to make the space to look as spacious, bright, warm and inviting as possible. Wash the walls, ceilings and trim or consider painting the rooms in light, neutral colours. Repair any cracks, loose knobs, towel racks, switch plates, outlet covers, doors, windows, squeaky floorboards, leaky faucets or loose stair banisters. Clean and repair caulking around tubs and sinks. All light switches should work! Replace any lightbulbs, including any exterior lights.

Remove any unnecessary furniture or clutter from each room. Each room should reflect its purpose. A dining room should look like a dining room. A garage should look like a garage (and not a storage locker!). The buyers need to be able to get through the home easily. All closets should be organized and decluttered. Remove any items you plan to take with you, such as chandeliers. This will help to eliminate any potential confusion down the road.

Curb appeal is important. Cut the lawn, remove snow or ice from walkways. Remove any yard debris, gardening equipment or toys. Trim the shrubs, touch up the paint on doors, siding and trim. Clean the windows and replace any broken panes or torn screens. Clean up the garage and shed.

Certain renovations can help you maximize the value of your home. A small amount of repair and renovation up front can help you get a better offer. The renovations that offer the greatest return are in the bathroom, the kitchen, and the roof. Replacing a furnace or heating system, or interior and exterior painting are also good options. Your Realtor should be able to help you decide which renovations will help to ensure you get the highest return.

Remember, you want the buyer to come into the home and picture themselves living there. They won’t be able to do this if your personal touches are clouding their mind and their vision.

Your house doesn’t have to be perfect, but a small amount of care can make a great deal of difference!