Are Your Ready To Sell?

Front Entrance
- Other rooms should look presentable when standing in the front entrance.
- Create a spacious feeling in the entrance.
- Put away all clutter, shoes, jackets and keys behind closet doors.

Kitchen
- The kitchen should look and feel clean and crisp when you walk into it.
- Determine what needs to be done if your kitchen needs some updating.
- Paint cupboards or update hardware if necessary.

Living Room
- Make the room feel inviting to show buyers that they can comfortably entertain here.
- Be sure the room has a focal point.
- Position the furniture to highlight the focal point.
- Assess if any repairs or upgrades are needed.

Dining Room
- Ensure the room shows its function.
- Ensure the furniture is positioned for dining and entertaining.
- Assess if any repairs or upgrades are needed.

Family Room
- Ensure the room has a clear function.
- Ensure the furniture is positioned for proper traffic flow and comfort.
- Assess if any repairs or upgrades are needed.

Master Bedroom
- Create a feeling of calm in the room.
- Position furniture to create space.
- Ensure bedding is well displayed.
- Assess if any repairs or upgrades are needed.

Ensuite
- Clear clutter and personal grooming products from surfaces.
- Replace old linens.
- Assess if any repairs or upgrades are needed.
Updates & Repairs
- Create a list of repairs that are needed.
- Create a budget and timeline for these repairs.
- Think of updates that you have been putting off that need to be completed.
- Repair or replace even the smallest items.
- Consider the condition of your windows.
- Consider the condition of your permanent light fixtures.
- Consider the condition of your doors and trim.
- Repair any holes or cracks in the walls.
Curb Appeal
- Make a list of major repairs that are needed such as roofing, siding and lighting. Make as many of these repairs as possible.
- Make a list of minor repairs needed such as painting, or minor landscaping. Make as many of these repairs as possible.
- Sweep or shovel walkways, driveways, patio/deck (salt in the winter).
- Maintain front, back and side yard. Ensure lawns are mowed, shrubs are pruned and flower beds are weeded.
- Add flowers or winter arrangements on your front porch and/or in front of the garage.
- Remove all festive lights and decorations.
Painting
- Determine whether or not your home has a warm tone or cool tone before selecting a paint colour.
- Paint in neutral tones that appeal to the widest range of buyers.
- Select colours that are restful on the eyes and create the right mood.
- Remove wallpaper.
- Freshen up doors and trim with a coat of paint.
- Repair any holes or cracks in the walls and ceilings.
- Paint the ceilings for a completely refreshed clean look.
Furniture Placement & Lighting
- Arrange furniture to ensure proper traffic flow from room to room.
- If furniture is oversized, remove some pieces to make the room look more spacious.
- If furniture is worn, old or outdated, consider buying new pieces or renting furniture for while your
home is on the market. - Ensure there is lots of light in each room, including corners.
- Consider replacing light switches with dimmer switches.
- If permanent light fixtures are dated or in poor condition, replace them.
Pre-packing & Clutter
- Create a spacious feeling in each room.
- Be sure your house sparkles from top to bottom.
- Avoid powerful smelling cleaning products.
- Pre-pack all items that you do not need while your house is for sale.
- Pre-pack off season clothing and items.
- Decide where you can store your boxes and extra items.
- Clear clutter out of the garage to show buyers their vehicle will fit.
Depersonalizing
- Remove all personal and family photos.
- Remove all memorabilia.
- Pre-pack books and music that do not appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Pre-pack your collections.
- Store away and organize children’s toys, games and books.
Flooring
- If the carpets are old, damaged or significantly out of date, consider replacement flooring.
- Take into consideration the rooms that you are putting carpet in, as this will help to determine what style you select (e.g. bedroom vs. rec room).
- If you need to replace the carpet, select something that will work with the existing flooring in the house.
- If you have vinyl flooring, consider what condition it is in and if it needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that different looks can be created with vinyl, including ceramic, slate and stone without the added expense.
- If you have hardwood flooring, even if it is underneath carpet, consider what condition it is in. Refinish the flooring if possible.
Air Quality, Pets & Holidays
Air quality, odour, pets and holiday decorations can determine whether or not buyers will make an offer on your home. Most people do not think about these but they are an important part of preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the house, and if the home is not presented in a manner that will allow them to do that easily, most buyers will move on.
Air Quality
- Check for mold, mildew or water damage and have it repaired.
- Depending on what year your house was built, have your house checked for asbestos and lead paint.
- Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace if needed.
Odour
- Avoid cooking with strong seasonings and foods that have a lingering smell.
Pets
- Remove your pets while the house is being shown.
- Remove any signs of the pets (e.g. food and water bowls, toys, litter box, leashes).
- If your pets must stay in the house, hide any sign of the pet during showings.
- Keep the litter box out of sight and clean daily.
Holidays
- If your home is for sale during a holiday, decorate using items that are simple and nondenominational.
- Any holiday specific decorations need to be removed immediately after the celebrations.
Home Inspection
Consider having your home inspected before it is listed. By having this done you will learn if there are any major repairs needed and can address them before the house goes on the market. This will also show buyers and their agents that you have been proactive. When it comes to finding the right home inspector, your Right At Home agent is your best source for recommending someone. Once the inspection is completed you will be able to determine what the next steps are in preparing your home for sale.
Electrical
- Do your lights flicker, breakers or fuses blow?
- Do you have a fuse box or electrical panel?
- Do you have aluminum wiring or knob and tube?
Plumbing
- What condition is your plumbing in?
Furnace / Hot Water Tank
- How old is your furnace?
- How often do you replace your furnace filters?
- Do you have a water softener?
Exterior
- Is your roof in good condition?
- What condition is your foundation in?
- If you have a deck or patio; what condition are they in?
Tish Faith, Sales Representative
Right at Home Realty Inc.,
5111 New Street, Suite 104
Burlington, ON L7L1V2
Office Phone: 905.637.1700
Mobile: 905.691.4733
Email: tish@tishfaith.com
Learn More About Tish
Tish Faith, Sales Representative
Right at Home Realty Inc.,
5111 New Street, Suite 104
Burlington, ON L7L1V2
Office Phone: 905.637.1700
Mobile: 905.691.4733
Email: tish@tishfaith.com