There are many reasons to list a home: you’ve been offered a new job, you want to be closer to family, or maybe it’s just time for a change.
Whatever the reason, selling a home takes much more work than simply planting a “for sale” sign in the front yard. If you take the time to do a few key things before putting your home on the market, you have the chance to greatly increase your home’s value and sell it more quickly. Here are five tried-and-true suggestions:
1. HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT
As tempting as it sounds to try and sell your home yourself and pocket the money you would otherwise spend on an agent, most of the time, that’s not the best way to go about things. It’s better to hire an experienced agent who knows the market and can make sure you get the best possible outcome, especially if you’re in the market to sell your home.
2. WORK ON CURB APPEAL
One of the most important things to consider when listing your home is how it looks from the outside. You only get one chance at a first impression, and you want potential buyers to have a good one. You could have the most beautiful interior in Mississauga, but if it lacks curb appeal, it’s probably not going to draw anyone inside. By performing some relatively easy fixes, you can greatly improve the selling value of your home.
3. REPAINT TO A NEUTRAL COLOUR
Although the bright yellow in your bathroom might be your favorite colour, it could be off-putting to a potential buyer. It’s best to go with neutral colours when trying to sell, as there is little chance of a buyer disliking it. Another tip: lighter colors tend to allow buyers to more easily envision their own plans for the space.
4. DEPERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
One of the most important things to do when selling your home is to allow potential buyers to see themselves in the space. This is almost impossible to do if all of your personal things (such as photographs or keepsakes) are scattered throughout the house. Hiring a professional home stager is one way to make the process easier.
5. MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL
The primary question you may have is: just how minor is minor?
Of course, if your kitchen is already in decent shape, new energy-efficient appliances will go a long way—for less than $5,000 in most cases. However, a minor, mid-range kitchen remodel at an average cost of between $5,000 and 15,000 will take the heart of your home to new heights.
This minor remodel will include re-painting the cabinetry and adding new hardware, possibly new countertops and and a fresh coat of paint for the walls and ceiling. Finally, you'll still want to add those new, energy-efficient appliances.
Other kitchen renovations you might want to consider include a new sink and faucet, or a backsplash if the kitchen doesn’t already have one. You're not breaking the bank for high-end counters or fixtures - a minor update with new colours and fixtures will give you the biggest return when selling your home.
Interested in selling your home? Contact us today 905.278.7355 or [email protected] It would be our pleasure to guide you through the process.
