Ready to sell your Prince Rupert home? First impressions are everything.
Look at your home through the “buyer’s eyes”.
As a real estate agent, I have been in hundreds of homes in Prince Rupert and Port Edward. Based on my observations, here's some advice on getting your property ready to sell.
Curb Appeal
The outside of your property is the first thing potential buyers see. In fact, it has been said that a large number of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars! Stand across the street from your home and review its curb appeal. Do your siding and/or windows need washing? Are there any repairs needed? Does your garden need to be weeded and shrubs and trees trimmed? Does your lawn need mowing and pet areas cleaned up? These are just the basics but it is very important to create a good first impression, so that the buyer is willing to give the rest of your home a fair look.
For the interior of your house, here are some guidelines to maximize your viewing success:
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is crucial to many people. If you don’t have the time to clean your home thoroughly, consider hiring a one-time cleaning service– it will be money well spent. In addition, a clean smell is also important – pay special attention to pet areas, nurseries and bathrooms.
Get Rid of Clutter
Simplify! Simplify! If a home is cluttered with “stuff”, most buyers have trouble imagining themselves in it. Clutter can overwhelm. By removing or storing things you don’t need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers.
Keep it Neutral
When possible, keep the paint, decor and carpeting neutral; this will appeal to a broader range of viewers.
Make Your Home Warm and Inviting
Fresh flowers, a warm temperature when it is cold outside, well-lit rooms, these are some suggestions for making your home warm and inviting.
Touch Ups
Over the years, things may break or get worn looking and we just accept the fact that they will always be this way.
It is this frame of mind that you will have to break out of to get your house ready to show. Do any areas of your home need paint touch ups? Does a broken closet door need to be fixed? Does an old light fixture need to be replaced? Remember to look at your home though the potential buyer’s eyes.
Want more tips for selling you home? Here is some advice from RE/MAX of Western Canada.
Price Your Home Right!
In today's market in Prince Rupert, pricing your house right at the beginning plays a large role in the success of selling your home. With a Comparative Market Analysis, I can advise and help you price your house so that you have the best possible chance of selling.
The Benefits of a Pre-sale Home Inspection
Take Initiative When Selling Your Home …
Prevent The Home Inspection From Being Your “Deal Breaker”!
Usually, a professional home inspection is completed by a prospective buyer before the deal to purchase a home is finalized. The home’s final sale is most often subject to a home inspection, as well as financing and insurance.
In my experience, the home inspection is the biggest hurdle for the seller. Home inspections can be a great source of stress for the seller, as they hold their breath and hope that the condition of their home will be satisfactory for the prospective buyer.
It is not uncommon for a sale of a home to fall through due to the results of the home inspection. What can also happen is that after a home inspection, the buyer can request a decrease in price - because of the problems identified in the inspection. Or, the buyer can request the problems to be repaired within a certain time frame, which usually causes panic to the seller, as well as unexpected costs.
By getting a pre-sale home inspection done, you are taking a proactive step towards selling your home. Although this can cost between $300 to $400, the inspection can identify problems that may prevent a future sale. Once you have had a pre-sale home inspection done, you can fix or repair the problems BEFORE they become an issue to prospective buyers. By addressing your repairs beforehand, you will reduce your stress and have more confidence as you move forward with selling your home.
Selling Feature - Put The Report On Your Table For Viewings!
Having the inspection report on your table or counter for viewings is a definite selling feature. You can also display the receipts for the repair costs, to show them that any issues were fixed. This home inspection will also give confidence to the buyers if/when they make an offer!
