Preparing



How should I prepare to sell my home?
An attractive, well-maintained home sells quicker and for a higher price. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look at the exterior and interior of your property.

For information on how to secure the highest possible price for your property, Contact Andy Pham at 514-273-3363

Interior Preparation

What should I do to the interior of my property, before I list it for sale?
Every room should look as spacious, bright, and warm as possible.
  • Wash walls, ceilings, and trim. Consider painting with light, neutral colours. Repair cracks.
  • Tighten loose knobs, towel racks, switch plates, and outlet covers.
  • Fix tight doors and windows, squeaky floorboards, and loose stair banisters.
  • Clean and repair caulking around tubs and sinks. Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains.
  • Clean and organize the basement and attic. (This is a good opportunity to throw out all the bits and pieces you don't want to move.)
  • Organize closets. Get rid of the clutter. Limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor.
  • Clean out kitchen cabinets, and remove clutter from countertops.
  • Clean drapes, blinds, and curtains. Shampoo carpets, and wax floors.
  • Now's a good time to spray for bugs.
  • Arrange furniture to make rooms appear as spacious as possible.
  • Remove any items you're taking with you, such as chandeliers and mirrors.

To find out more about creating maximum impact for your house and garden, check out the Royal LePage House Staging Tips

Renovations

What renovations will give me the greatest return when selling my property?
The top three renovations that get you the most money* are:
  1. Bathrooms (75 to 100% return)
  2. Kitchens (75 to 100% return)
  3. Interior and exterior painting (50 to 100% return)

*Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation Survey

Other renovations and their average rate of return (the value they add compared to what they cost) include:

  • Replacing roof shingles (50 to 80%)
  • Replacing the furnace and heating system (50 to 80%)
  • Renovating the basement (50 to 75%)
  • Adding a recreation room (50 to 75%)
  • Installing a fire place (50 to 75%)
  • Up-grading floors (50 to 75%)
  • Building a garage (50 to 75%)
  • Replacing windows and doors (50 to 75%)
  • Building a deck (50 to 75%)
  • Installing central air conditioning (25 to 75%)
As an expert on home sale trends in your neighborhood, Your local Royal LePage Realtor can advise you on whether or not renovations will add value to your home, and make it more saleable.

 

Curb Appeal

How important is the exterior look of my property?
First impressions really do count. If the impact of your curb appeal is strong, people will want to see what is inside.
  • Cut the lawn.
  • Cut and trim the shrubs.
  • Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris.
  • Brighten up the garden with fresh shrubs and flowers.
  • Get rid of the clutter. Put away toys and gardening equipment.
  • Touch up peeling paint on doors, siding, and trim.
  • Repair and paint the fence.
  • Fix damaged roof shingles and flashing.
  • Clean windows, replace broken panes, and fix torn screens.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Wash the driveway and sidewalk. Patch cracks or holes.
  • Clean up the garage and shed.
  • Have the gas grill ready for use.
  • Make sure outside lights and doorbells work.

 

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