Be a Smart Home Seller

What can you do to sell your home faster and for closer to list price? Here's a list of the top 10 things you as the seller should do:

1. Keep it Clean
Every room should be neat, spotlessly cleaned and dusted. Steam clean the carpets and wax the floors. Wash the walls, vents, and light fixtures. Pay special attention to your kitchen and bathrooms. Don't forget the closets, furnace and laundry rooms, and of course, the garage. No time to clean? Spend a $100 and hire a professional.

2. Lose the Clutter
Have a garage sale or take old furniture, clothing and knick-knacks to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Remove newspapers, magazines, some books, CD's and other collections to give your home some breathing room. Purge all unnecessary items.

3. De-personalize your Home
Put away photos, trophies, diplomas, collectibles and souvenirs. Removes signs of daily living and make your home "anonymous" so potential buyers can envision it as their home. Clear the bathroom of shampoo, conditioner and body wash bottles in open view. This will also remove clutter and create more space.

4. Freshen-up
Add a fresh coat of paint to clean and brighten up your home if it needs it. Choose neutral colours and make it consistent throughout the home. Think "flow".

5. Make the First Impression Count
Strong odours and fingerprinted windows can ruin a sale. Pay close attention to pet and cooking smells. Do not allow smoking in the house, it is the single biggest turn-off for potential buyers! Light delicately scented candles when your house is going to be shown, or invest in one of those air fresheners you plug in. Vanilla is the scent of choice here: subtle, warm and not overpowering.

6.  Give it Curb Appeal
Keep your lawn trimmed and flower beds weeded. Get rid of the junk laying in the driveway.
 
7. Create the Illusion of Space
Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more open and replace any items that are not appropriately sized for the room. Rearrange what's left into conversation areas.

8. Make it Modern
Ensure the decor of your home is modern and tasteful. Use neutral tones and add colour with removable items such as throw pillows or bedding. Update light fixtures, cabinet hardware and even faucets if it's in your budget.  

9. Lighten Up
Buyers want "bright and airy", so that's what you should show them. Make sure windows are spotless and open window coverings to let in more natural light. Place floor and table lamps strategically to brighten up any dark corners.

10. Beautify your Backyard
Keep the lawn, hedges and flowerbeds manicured. Store gardening tools and kids toys. While nice landscaping will not increase the dollar value of your home, it will help sell it!