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| Increasing your home's salabilityIncreasing your home's salability depends to a large extent on creating favorable and lasting impressions with prospective buyers . . . and that means paying special attention to cosmetic fix-ups to the interior and exterior of your house. What you want to avoid, however, is going overboard and sending the cost of those repairs sky-high.ExteriorFirst impressions are important. If your house looks attractive and well-maintained on the outside, chances are it won't be just a drive-by. A well-trimmed and neat garden can go a long way towards creating a pleasant environment, and hearty plants that don't require a lot of fuss and care can make the creation of such a garden less of a headache for those lacking either a green thumb or much time. See to it that patio, walkway stones and steps are well-connected and stable and, in the winter, be sure to shovel the snow and sand icy patches. You wouldn't want your house tour to turn into a cause for litigation!InteriorSure-fire ways to liven up the look of your rooms without spending a bundle are to deep clean or lay new carpet, hang new wallpaper or apply a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colours like creams and pastels. They are more likely to appeal to more people and they tend to make a room look more open and larger. They also make it easier for prospective buyers to imagine their furnishings in your house, which, in turn, makes them more likely to consider your home for purchase.You may wish to consider hanging a mirror or a picture on a blank wall, plastering any cracked walls and using plants and greenery to create a warm atmosphere. In addition, be sure to scrub counters and sinks to a brilliant shine, fix leaking faucets, test doors to see if they stick or squeak, secure loose tiles or steps and make sure the toilet is in good running order. Nine out of ten times someone out shopping for a car kicks a prospective model's tires; someone shopping for a home almost invariably flushes a toilet to gauge the soundness of the plumbing. Dust and vacuum your home and be sure to wash those windows. Prospective buyers tend to notice the little things -- the loose door knobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet drawers or dripping faucets. Have them fixed. And make sure your bathrooms are bright, cheery and CLEAN. You may also wish to scent the entire house with something light and fragrant. Studies have shown that a green apple scent has a very positive effect on people visiting Open Houses. So does the smell of freshly baked bread. In fact, how a house smells is an underrated factor in someone's decision to buy one house over another. Your house may smell like home to you; how does it smell to other people? Clutter has a negative effect on prospective buyers. Take showings as the opportunity for cleaning out the basement, garage and closets. Pack little-used or seasonal items away in boxes to clear the decks. Think of each item you put away as one less thing to pack when you get ready to move. Storage is also very important. Clean out your attic, basement and garage so that your storage and utility spaces may be displayed to their full advantage. Spend some time organizing your closets. If it looks like there's adequate storage for your clothing, it will likely appear that there is enough for the prospective buyers' as well. Turn on all the lights, especially after dark. A dark house feels cold to prospective buyers . . . and possibly less than clean. If you can possibly be absent during Open Houses or house tours, do. It's awkward enough to walk through a family’s home and inspect its personal belongings. Having to do so with the owners present is doubly embarrassing. You don't want prospective buyers to feel like intruders. If they do, they will surely bolt through your house without paying attention to its good selling points. And, if you have a dog or a cat, take it with you or leave it outside. Some people don't like or are allergic or frightened of the most docile of animals. It is to your advantage to bring out the best in your home. Market conditions may impact how quickly your home sells and for what price, but putting your home's best foot forward goes a long way towards achieving those goals quickly and to your satisfaction. . This information is provided by the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. The information herein is believed to be accurate and timely, but no warranty as such is expressed or implied. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®, 342 Commissioners Rd.W., London, Ontario. N6J 1Y3 - Phone 519-641-1400 - Fax 519-641-4613
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