Presale Preparation

When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the application of Feng Shui principles to home staging.

How?

Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free space is crucial. It promotes an open, spacious feel, which in turn evokes a sense of tranquillity and comfort.

Natural lighting, a key element in Feng Shui, is another crucial consideration. Bright spaces are synonymous with positivity and openness. Ensuring ample natural light penetrates every corner of the home helps draw positive energy in and makes the space look larger and more inviting.

In Feng Shui, colours hold significant meaning. For instance, earth tones such as beige and soft yellow can create a welcoming environment, while blues and greens, symbolizing water and wood elements respectively, encourage tranquillity. Incorporating these colour schemes can create a balanced and calming atmosphere, which is sure to appeal to potential buyers.

The positioning of furniture also plays a role in Feng Shui. Furniture should be arranged to promote a smooth flow of energy and should not obstruct pathways. In smaller spaces in particular, strategic furniture placement can make the area appear more substantial and organized.

You don’t have to go full-on Feng Shui to make your home look great to buyers. But, implementing a few of these ideas can pay off if buyers get a more positive and serene feeling when viewing your home.

Painting your home, especially the main floor, is the most affordable way to make your listing look great to buyers. But what paint colours should you choose?

Here are a few tips.

When it comes to selecting a palette, neutrality reigns supreme. Bright, eccentric colours may reflect your personality, but remember, you're trying to appeal to a wide array of potential buyers. Neutral colours like whites, greys, and beiges are not only safe but also allow buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the space.

However, don't think of neutral as boring. Many subtle shades can add depth and character to a room. For example, a soft grey with a hint of blue can make a space feel serene and relaxing, and is ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms.

The living room and kitchen are often social hubs of a home, and warmer neutrals can make these spaces feel welcoming. Shades like taupe or a creamy off-white can make these areas inviting yet versatile.

Lastly, remember to take lighting into account. The way a colour appears can dramatically change under different lighting conditions. Always test paint samples under various light conditions before committing.

Although weekends are a prime time to schedule viewings, many buyers will prefer to see your property on a weekday evening. Buyers might, for example, be interested in your listing but be out of town on the weekend. If you don’t accommodate their request for a weekday evening appointment, you might lose that opportunity.

So, when it comes to scheduling viewing appointments, being flexible and accommodating is always advised.

But, what if you’re going to be away during the week or have another reason why you can’t show your home Monday to Friday?

There are a few options you can consider.

One is to use a Lock Box. This is a secure box that contains a front door key. (You may have seen these when shopping for a home yourself.) Only your real estate agent has access. If a different agent wants to show a client your home, they’ll need to make an appointment and get access from your agent.

A Lock Box can ease any security concerns you have about showing your home while away.

Another option is to not schedule weekday appointments but be VERY accommodating during the weekend. That means allowing a potential buyer to see your property Sunday at 7:00 PM. It’s essentially a trade-off, but it can work.

Finally, if you don’t want appointments during the week because you have such a busy household — kids in school, evening work shifts, etc. — consider making just one weekday available. For example, offer showings on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:30 PM. That might be a slight inconvenience, but it will have been worth it if an interested buyer sees your property and makes a good offer.

Bottom line: Do what you can to make it as easy as possible for buyers to see your home.

Want more tips on selling your home faster and for top dollar? Call me.

By all accounts, remote working is here to stay. In fact, according to a survey by McKinsey & Co (a research institute), 58% of workers say they can work at home at least part of the time. So, highlighting the remote working potential of your listing can be a major selling point.

One thing you can do is stage your home by creating a home office space of some kind. It doesn’t have to take up an entire room. It could simply be a nook with a desk and chair. Just be sure the space looks comfortable and functional. If possible, add shelves. And make sure the lighting is adequate for working.

A buyer will see the space and imagine themselves spending hours working there. So, the more pleasant and attractive you make the area, the better. Consider adding a couple of plants and other attractive decor.

If you have an existing home office, declutter it as much as possible and remove personal items. The desk should be clear of papers, files and other items. Also, take down any diplomas and certificates hanging on the wall. You want buyers to picture themselves working there, not you!

By highlighting the remote working potential of your home, you can make it more appealing to buyers looking for a functional and flexible space to work.

Landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when selling your home in autumn. However, the outside of your home is still the first thing buyers see, so it’s worth exploring ways to update your landscaping to create a cozy and welcoming feel.

Here are just a few ideas:

1.    Add potted plants: Potted plants are an easy way to make your outdoors more attractive, especially along walkways and around your front door. And, because they’re potted, they can quickly be removed should the weather turn inclement.

2.    Keep it Tidy: As leaves begin to fall, make sure to rake them up and keep your lawn and landscaping looking neat and tidy. This will help potential buyers see the full potential of your outdoor space without being distracted by clutter.

3.    Light it Up: As the days get shorter, outdoor lighting can be a great way to showcase your home's exterior. Consider adding some string lights to your patio or walkway, or installing some spotlights to highlight your landscaping.

4.    Emphasize Outdoor Living: There is a growing trend for enjoying outdoor living well into the fall. So, emphasize your outdoor living spaces by adding comfortable seating or updating your patio furniture to make it suitable for cooler days and evenings.

5.    Add Seasonal Accents: Adding some seasonal accents to your landscaping can help create a cohesive look. Consider adding some pumpkins or gourds to your front porch, or incorporating some autumn-themed decor into your outdoor spaces.

By following these autumn landscaping tips, you can help make your home more attractive to potential buyers. So, embrace the changing seasons and use your landscaping to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that buyers will love.

Want more tips on how to make your home more attractive to buyers?

Call today.

Curb appeal is important. It’s the first thing buyers see when they drive up to your home — and, often, the first impression they get. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to achieve a great-looking exterior. Here are some simple and affordable ideas for enhancing your home's curb appeal:

1. Add a fresh coat of paint: One of the easiest ways to make your home look brand new is by adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Choose a colour that complements the architectural style and surroundings of your home.

2. Upgrade the front door: Your front door is the focal point of your home's exterior. Consider painting it a bold colour, replacing it with a modern style, or simply adding a new doorknob and knocker.

3. Install outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting not only improves your home's curb appeal but also adds security and safety. Consider adding solar-powered pathway lights, wall-mounted fixtures, or even string lights to your front porch.

4. Update your mailbox: An outdated mailbox can detract from your home's appearance. Consider upgrading to a modern style or painting your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint.

5. Add landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and some strategically placed plants can instantly improve your home's curb appeal. Plant colourful flowers or add potted plants to your front porch.

6. Power wash your driveway and sidewalks: Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your driveway and sidewalks, making them look dull and dirty. Rent a power washer or hire a professional to clean them up.

Improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. By implementing these simple and affordable ideas, you can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value. Remember, the first impression is the most important one, so make sure your home's exterior looks its best!

When it comes to selling your home, preparing the exterior can be just as important as preparing the interior. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it can greatly impact their first impression of your property.

Luckily, there are several low-cost outdoor improvements that will make your home more appealing to buyers.

First, consider adding some potted plants or flowers to your front porch or entryway. This can help add some colour and life to your home's exterior, and create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Even in winter, small potted evergreens can have an impact.

Next, consider cleaning up your landscaping. This can include trimming overgrown bushes and trees, mowing the lawn, and removing any dead plants or debris. By doing so, you can make your home look well-maintained and attractive to potential buyers.

You may also want to consider adding some outdoor lighting to your property. This can include adding some solar-powered lights along your driveway or walkway, or even adding some outdoor string lights to your patio or deck. Outdoor lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, and make your home look more attractive to potential buyers.

Finally, consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. Your front door is a focal point of your home's exterior, and painting it will make a big difference. If you’re changing the colour, be sure to pick one that complements the façade.

These outdoor improvements don’t cost much, but will increase your home's curb appeal, which is proven to help sell your property faster and for a better price.

Need more advice on how to create the “wow” factor in your home when you sell? Call today!

There are several ways to make the selling process easy and relatively stress-free. One way is to create a selling timeline that fits your needs, lifestyle, and capabilities.

Say you’d like to list your home in four weeks and expect it to be on the market for an additional four weeks. That’s an eight-week timeline. How do you create a manageable schedule that works for you? Try these steps:

1. Determine what you need to do to get your home ready for sale.

2. Assign who will be doing what. For example, if you need to paint, will you hire a contractor? Do it yourself? Make a family day out of it?

3. Estimate the time it will take to do those tasks. Then add 50% as a buffer. (It’s easy to underestimate time on tasks.)

4. Look at your current schedule and block out times on your calendar so you can complete those tasks at a comfortable pace.

Go through these same steps for other selling activities, such as finding and meeting with a real estate lawyer, having buyers come to see your property, etc.

When you create a manageable — and realistic — schedule, you may find that most of the stress and worry of selling evaporates. A manageable schedule also ensures you won’t miss anything and then have to scramble.

When prospective buyers visit your listed home, the room they tend to check out most closely is the kitchen. So, it pays to ensure it looks its best.

However, no matter how tidy, clean, and well-adorned you’ve made your kitchen, there are some issues — which can seem minor — that can distract a buyer from appreciating those positive qualities.

Here are just a few to watch out for:

1.    Stained sink. Use a specialized cleaner for the type of sink you have. (For example, Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner.)

2.    Garbage in the garbage bin. Buyers don’t mind seeing the bin, just not garbage in it! Don’t forget to also empty the organic waste bin.

3.    Left-over cooking scents. Avoid cooking anything prior to a viewing that may create lingering odours. For example, not everyone appreciates the aroma of spaghetti sauce!

4.    Cluttered countertops. You want the countertops to look spacious to buyers. So remove any items that don’t absolutely need to be there.

5.    Old or worn mat in front of the sink. Replace it.

6.    Cluttered or disorganized cupboards. Declutter and organize your cupboards. Buyers are most likely to open upper cabinets.

7.    Poor lighting. You want the lighting in your kitchen to be bright (but not blinding) and evenly distributed.

8.    Damaged or stained countertops. Replacing your countertops can improve your kitchen's look considerably, so it might be worth the investment.

Would you like more suggestions on how to stage your home so that it gains the interest of buyers? Contact us. Call today!

There are many reasons homeowners may need to sell their property — fast. Work relocations, changes in family makeup, and financial needs are among the most common.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to sell quickly, you don’t necessarily have to go to market with a temptingly low price. Here are some other ways to accelerate the sale of your home:

1. Make your property as move-in ready as possible. Get any needed repairs done. Ensure everything is tidy.

2. Hire the help you need. Getting a professional to do some or all of the prep work, will save you time. And, the cost may be offset by a boost to your home’s sale-value.

3. Use the latest staging techniques to make your home look great to buyers. Staging is proven to help sell a property faster.

4. Remove as many impediments to a quick sale as possible. Consider offers with conditions. Be flexible when it comes to a buyer’s need for a particular closing date.

5. Accommodate as many viewing appointments as possible in the early days of the listing. They may be inconvenient, but the more buyers see your property, the more likely you are to get a quick offer.

6. Make sure your home is marketed in a way that attracts qualified buyers, quickly.

These are just some of the many ways to list and sell your property, faster, while still getting a good price. There are other techniques that can be employed, depending on your listing and market conditions.

Want to learn more? Call me!

If you’re thinking of selling, you’re probably planning to do a few minor improvements to make your property more appealing to buyers. That’s a smart idea.

So, what are the best small improvements to make? Here are a few ideas:

• Cabinet hardware. Upgrading the hardware on kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors and drawers can have a surprising impact on the look of those rooms. The best part is, this improvement is about as DIY-friendly as it gets!
• Cover plates. If you have older light and electrical switches, replacing the cover plates with something more stylish can make a difference. It’s probably the simplest way to give a room a more modern look.
• Countertops. Replacing kitchen or bathroom countertops isn’t cheap. However, it’s substantially less expensive than a full-on kitchen or bathroom renovation. And, new countertops make those rooms look refreshed.
• Kitchen sink and faucet. If your current sink is old and stained, replacing it is a fairly simple improvement that will have a big impact. Also consider updating the faucet to further enhance the look of the space. There are hundreds of styles available.
• Carpeting. Of all the types of flooring, carpets are the easiest and most affordable to replace. New carpets also create a clean and upgraded look. If you have old carpeting on the main floor or stairs, consider replacing it when selling.
• Lights and fixtures. If you have old light fixtures in your home, especially in key areas such as the foyer and kitchen, your lighting may be dim. New fixtures will not only make those spaces more modern-looking and appealing, but the lighting will probably also be better too.

Finally, don’t forget one of the simplest and most effective improvements of them all: painting. A freshly painted room almost always looks more attractive to buyers.

When you’re selling your home, you want to promote those features that will be of highest interest to prospective buyers. After all, the more reasons a buyer has to love your property, the more likely they are to make a great offer.

Increasingly, one category of features that buyers are looking for is energy-efficiency. So, if there are specific energy-saving characteristics of your home, make sure those are highlighted when selling.

When considering the energy-efficient characteristics of your property, consider the following:

• Appliances: Fridge, stove, washer, dryer.

• HVAC: Furnace, air conditioner.

• Insulation. (Especially in the attic.)

• Home technology. For example, a system that automates heating, cooling, lighting, etc., to keep energy usage to a minimum.

• Lighting. Have you switched to LED bulbs or fixtures?

• Windows and doors. For example, did you replace windows in recent years to help lower heating and cooling costs?

If something stands out as particularly energy-efficient, it will be of interest to many buyers. And obviously, if your home has a unique energy-efficient feature, such as solar panels, you’ll definitely want to point that out in the listing description. Want more tips on maximizing the appeal of your property? Call today.

Photo by Complete Roofing