Thinking of Selling?

Buyers prefer to purchase a home in prime, move-in condition, so when you decide to sell, you need to prepare your home for the market.

Inspect your property to identify the problem areas. We will provide you with an objective, impartial view of areas needing improvement and alterations.

To make your first impression count and increase your chances of selling your home quicker and for a higher price.

Here is a list of things to consider before selling.

OUTDOORS

Paint: Make your home's "first impression" a good one. Touch up or repaint exterior if paint is peeling or faded. Repair gutters and down spouts. Pay close attention to trim, wood and iron work.
Front Entry: Clean or paint your front door and trim. Replace worn or broken doorbells, light fixtures, mailboxes, or door hardware. Put out a new doormat!
Yard: Mow and trim lawn. Weed flower beds, remove dead trees, trim live ones. Water regularly during growing season.
Driveway, garage and carport: clean up grease or oil stains, ensure that garage door opens freely.
Air Conditioners: Paint or replace any rusted exposed metal.
Patios and decks: Ensure railings are sturdy and safe. Clean outdoor furniture can enhance the appeal of your patio or deck.
Swimming Pool: Adjust chemicals for clarity, clean filtration equipment, store chemicals and tools neatly. Keep pool area tidy and secure.
Fencing: Ensure fencing and gates are sturdy and safe. Paint if necessary.
Windows: Repair or replace torn or bent screens. Replace cracked or broken panes. Trim back foliage to allow light into the house. Window coverings should be clean and in good repair.

BASICS

Doors: Check that all doors open and close freely, including closet doors, patio and sliding doors. Oil squeaky doors. Tighten hardware, especially doorknobs. Tighten hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Walls: Wash or paint walls. Wallpaper should be clean and smooth.
Floors: Repair or replace missing or damaged tiles. Polish if necessary.
Carpet: Steam clean.

MECHANICS

Lights: Replace any burned out bulbs - garage, outside, utilityu room, hall, closets, kitchen, oven and exhaust hood.
Switches & Fixtures: Repair or replace wall switches and plates, outlets and light fixtures that don't work.
Appliances: Items to be sold with the home should be in good working order.
Plumbing: Sinks and tubs in disrepair should be re-enameled, patched or replaced. Leaky or noisy toilets should be fixed, as well as leaky faucets.
Sprinkler Systems: Ensure sprinkler systems are working well.

VISUALS

Closets & Storage Areas: Remove items you aren't using to visually create more space.
Counters & Cabinets: Remove appliances that are seldom used to visually create more space.
Garage: Move excess clutter to mini-storage.

HINTS

Bathrooms: Polish hardware and clean mirrors. Remove soap residue, accumulated dirt in sliding door track, replace moldy shower curtains, clean grout and replace dirty or worn bathmats.
Kitchen: Clean the stove in and out, exhaust hood, tiles. Clean fridge in and out.
Windows: Clean windows in and out.

SHOWINGS

Make sure your home is always available for showings.
Try no to be home during showings.
Turn on all lights indoor and out, even during the day.
Open blinds to allow natural light in.
Keep pets out of the way if possible.
Empty trash containers.
Keep the house tidy.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ONLY MAKE ONE "FIRST IMPRESSION"!

Links to Help You With Selling Your Home

Real Estate Council of BC

How Realtors Help