Tips for preparing your home for sale
Properly preparing your home for sale requires a certain investment of time and money, but it's a crucial step in the success of your project. Paying the necessary attention to this preparation ensures you maximize its appeal and obtain the best possible price.
Even before putting your property on the market, it's essential to follow a few key steps. Discover how to prepare your home for sale with our six tips.
SUMMARY
How to prepare your home for sale
1. Deep clean
2. Declutter
3. Make repairs that could put buyers off
4. Highlight living spaces
5. Take care of the curb appeal
6. Prepare the documents for sale
Partner with a real estate broker
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
The goal of preparing your property for sale is to make it as attractive as possible to buyers.
1. Deep Clean
Cleaning from top to bottom is an excellent starting point when preparing to sell your home. Do a deep clean to make your property shine like new:
- Thoroughly clean every room, from floor to ceiling.
- Shine the windows to maximize natural light.
- Purify the air and eliminate unpleasant odours.
- Shine doorknobs and metal surfaces like faucets or stainless steel appliances.
- Empty and clean the inside of closets and drawers, as buyers like to take a look.
- Ensure the lighting is even and pleasant by dusting bulbs and replacing dim or yellowed ones.
The devil is in the details. A clean interior helps give the impression of a well-maintained home and reinforces the perception of the property's value.
2. Declutter
A clean property allows buyers to focus on what's important: the potential of the living spaces for their needs.
Remove anything from the house that doesn't need to be there: an overly bulky armchair, an overstuffed bookcase, outdated or unnecessary decorations and accessories, etc. Make sure to clear kitchen counters and clear hallways.
Similarly, it's important to depersonalize the home to allow buyers to visualize.
Here are some examples of things to put away in preparation for photos and showings:
- Family photos
- Religious symbols
- Souvenirs or collectibles
- Children's toys
- Pet toys
- Hygiene products
- Cleaning products
If you have pets, put away anything non-essential and keep their accessories clean. If you have the opportunity to take them out for showings, such as by having them looked after by a relative, it's a good idea. Otherwise, make sure they don't disturb visitors. |
3. Make repairs that could put buyers off
A roof that needs to be redone, cracks in the walls, or a leaky faucet are examples of work to anticipate that could put buyers off. One of the steps in preparing your home for sale is to plan time and budget to correct any imperfections. Minor imperfections can have a major impact on buyers' perceptions. An accumulation of small flaws can reduce a home's appeal. So, take the time to repair squeaky doors, patch up scuffs in the walls (and repaint), replace damaged doorknobs, and so on.
For larger renovations, prioritize those based on your time, budget, and added value. For example, kitchen renovations or energy-efficient upgrades offer an average return on investment of 75 to 100%. On the other hand, adding a pool or a home theater may be a plus for some buyers, but they don't really increase the property's value.
If you don't have the time or money to undertake more extensive work, request quotes from professionals and take them into consideration when setting the property's selling price. You can also provide quotes to interested buyers to give them a concrete idea of what to expect. |
4. Highlight Living Spaces
Staging the rooms in your home for sale creates a welcoming, harmonious, and spacious interior to attract buyers. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association found that homes that have undergone home staging sell 73% faster on average than those that haven't been staged. A few adjustments can make all the difference.
- Repaint the walls with a bright, neutral shade to refresh the space
- Optimize lighting for bright rooms
- Rearrange furniture to promote circulation and a sense of space
- Maximize natural light with light curtains and mirrors
- Add a few neutral, minimalist decorative elements to enhance the space
No space should be overlooked when preparing your home for sale, but certain rooms are particularly attractive to buyers: the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
If your kitchen and bathrooms aren't up to date, you can opt for simple changes to make them more attractive. These include refreshing the paint, experimenting with accessories, and optimizing storage. |
5. Take Care of the Curb Appeal
A well-maintained exterior appeals to buyers before they even walk through the door. A well-maintained house facade gives buyers the immediate impression that the entire property is well-maintained.
In the summer, make sure to mow the lawn, maintain the garden, and clear the backyard. In the winter, keep the entrance and steps clear of snow. If necessary, also clear your deck or patio to help buyers visualize its full potential.
6. Prepare the documents for the sale
Make sure you gather all the necessary documents: title deed, certificate of location, previous deed of sale, mortgage deed, tax bills, etc. You will also need to complete a declaration by the seller, which provides details about the property's condition. Having all the necessary documents on hand makes the process easier.
Partner with a real estate broker to successfully sell your home
Even with a perfectly prepared home, selling on your own can be a challenge. Working with a real estate broker is a valuable asset to maximize your chances of selling quickly and at the best price.
- Market expertise: a broker understands local market trends, assesses the right price for your property, and advises you on how to effectively showcase it.
- A network of potential buyers: Thanks to their contacts and increased visibility on real estate platforms, your home reaches a greater number of qualified buyers.
- Complete support: From managing showings to negotiating offers and administrative procedures, your broker takes care of everything to simplify your sale.
- A secure transaction: They ensure that all legal and financial aspects are in order, thus reducing the risk of errors or disputes.
Your real estate broker will be your best ally in helping you properly prepare the sale of your home for a successful transaction for all parties involved.
