and providing feedback to the owners are just some of the ways that communication and teamwork sell a home.
make sure it’s on. During the winter months, provide summer pictures of the yard and landscaping. If your home is energy efficient, leave out some power bills.
compliment your kitchen? Your yard? That special reading nook? Make a list of all the positive features of your home. Remember to include any recent updates and information about the neighbourhood, the school district, parks and trails, and other things that you love about your home and area. Make copies so that potential purchasers can take the list with them.
4. Deep Clean Inside and Out
6. Curb Appeal
This should go beyond the day-to-day or weekly clean. You may even want to consider bringing in a professional for help. Buyers often commit to a home based on the look of the seller’s floors. For worn and stained carpets, rent a carpet-cleaning machine, or have a professional do the work. On hardwood floors, refinishing products (Bona or Rejuvenate restoring solution) make a noticeable difference. Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and kitchen(s). You’ll want to make yours as spotless and uncluttered as possible. You never know where a buyer will look, so be sure the inside of the refrigerator and cabinets are clean and orderly. Clear off countertops, storing away all non-essentials. Thoroughly clean the countertops, backsplash, and grout. Anything that will go back on the countertop should be wiped clean. In the kitchen, keep out only those appliances that are used daily. In the bathroom, hang fresh towels, and make it a habit to keep the toilet lid closed. Bad odors are a big turnoff, so clean and air out musty areas. You want to consider not cooking anything with a particularly strong smell the night before a known showing. If you have pets, keep on top of the litter box and possible dog odor. You may want to consider purchasing some neutral, pleasantly scented candles. Wash the windows inside and out. Use a pressure washer to spray down the sidewalks and exterior. Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks. Polish chrome, dust furniture, clean ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
Stand outside your home, and put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Make an objective assessment of your property. Is the lawn neatly mowed? Is there debris in the yard? Pay attention to the details. Replenish any mulch, weed flower beds, pressure wash the siding, freshly stain or paint the front steps. Small details will impress and entice potential buyers before they even walk in the front door.
10. Use a REALTOR®
REALTORs® are professionals with training in sales. They understand real estate transactions from both a financial and legal perspective. They are connected with other REALTORs® and offices, and they know how to use this network to market your home. We hire professional contractors to build houses and skilled mechanics to repair our cars. Choose a professional REALTOR® to get your home sold. Experience and knowledge in today’s market is a must. Choosing the right agent will maximize your chances of selling your home, and may even impact what you get for your home.
7. Make Necessary Repairs
We suggest consulting with your real estate agent for advice. You don’t want to waste money and time with needless projects, but if you leave must-fix problems, they will show up in inspection and possibly turn away buyers. Make a list of all the things you’ve meant to fix around the house (cracked tile, dings in the wall, a leaky faucet, doors and drawers that don’t close properly, burned-out light bulbs, etc.) and hire a handyman to make any needed repairs. Anything structural or mechanical in nature should be fixed if the seller knows of the defect. Your willingness to do needed repairs will ultimately help the home sell quicker.
Ready to get started?
Kris and his team are passionate about real estate! Kris is so genuine, down to earth, and easy to talk to. His knowledge and understanding of the real estate market are evident, and he clearly cares about his clients and forming relationships based on trust. If you are thinking about selling, reach out to Kris today.
8. Home Staging
You want to show off your home in its best light, with the right furniture, décor, and accents. This can decrease your time on market and help the house sell for more money. The living room and family rooms are the most important rooms to stage. With guidance from your real estate agent, staging doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If the house is adequately cleaned and decluttered, you’ve done much of the required work. We will even assist in helping stage a home.
RE/MAX Charlottetown Realty 268 Grafton Street, Charlottetown 902.629.4889
5. Incentives & Extras
Every home has items of interest that could entice a buyer to make an offer. Sometimes, the buyer is willing to offer more money for extras that sellers are willing to include. During showings, make sure to highlight every possible “extra” feature. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure it’s burning. If you have radiant heat in the floors,
kris@krisfournier.com www.weknowpei.com
9. List the Positives
When friends and neighbours visit, what do they notice in your home? Does family
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