Selling your Toronto area home is a big undertaking. With the right representation, your listing will be taken care of and your property will stand out among the sea of for-sale signs across the market. But did you know there are things you can do to help your sale progress seamlessly? Read this post to discover the seven important things you need to know to set your property sale up for success.
1. Keep a checklist
There’s a lot happening when you put your property on the market. To keep your head clear and the process smooth, it’s a good idea to have a checklist of everything you need to do so you stay on track. A tactic as simple as this is one of the easiest ways to keep calm and cancel out the chaos. Your agent can help you put one together so you don’t miss anything important.
2. Declutter
Your agent is going to help you with staging the property (if they’re good), but you’ll need to depersonalize the space so that process can take place. Decluttering will also ensure you don’t bring any unnecessary belongings to your new home. The earlier you start to declutter and get organized, the easier your transition will be when it’s time to move.
3. Schedule repairs and renos
If there are upgrades you can make to the space that you’ve been putting off, now is the time to get them done. There are plenty of low-cost, minimal-effort changes you can make that will provide optimal ROI—from refreshing paint to changing light fixtures. Your agent can help you complete these mini projects so you get the best price for your property.
4. Maintain the interior and exterior
While you’re still living in the house, it’s important to remember: it’s on display! Buyers form opinions about potential homes as soon as they lay eyes on the exterior, so don’t forget to keep up appearances. Ensuring you routinely sweep the driveway/walkway, cut the grass, maintain the yard, and generally take care of the exterior goes a long way. The same goes for the inside of the house; don’t forget to consistently sweep, mop, vacuum, and dust so the property stays in tip-top shape.
5. Clear your schedule
One of the secrets to selling success is having as many showings as possible. Getting the right buyer who will offer the right price for your property is as simple as ensuring as many (qualified) buyers get to see the house as possible. The more open you can be with viewings, the more chances you’ll have at making a great sale. Remember to be out of the house during showings (taking the pets with you) so buyers feel comfortable, and can really envision themselves in the home.
6. Make your property inviting
Leave lights on, curtains open, and candles burning (or some kind of scent). A buyer who walks into a well-lit, bright, and aromatic home is immediately going to form a positive impression about the space. Scent often connects to strong memories, so filling the space with a neutral, pleasant aroma will help your property stand out.
7. Remember to update personal info and services
The little things can slip through the cracks while you’re hyper-focused on making a great sale. Don’t forget to update your identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.), transfer your home services and utilities (cable, internet, hydro, etc.), and enroll the kids in new schools.
Preparing your property (and yourself) can feel overwhelming. But following these seven steps will help you ease the stress of selling. It’s also important to partner with an experienced team with local market expertise to ensure you have the best chance of selling for the highest price in the shortest time—regardless of market conditions. If you have real estate questions, reach out to Bahia Realty Group here for insider insight to empower your transaction.
