Have you found yourself walking through each room lately and wishing for a change? If you settle in for a movie night or dinner party with a few friends and loved ones, you may begin to feel a little cramped when squeezing onto your too-small couch. That’s one sign that it might be time to list your home and begin the hunt for something more suitable.
You may also want to move to be closer to family or relocate to a quieter or more exciting neighbourhood. Whatever your goals, it’s important to maximize your return on investment (ROI) from your sale so that you are fully empowered to move on.
This is where deep cleaning, decluttering, and some big decisions about renovations come in. Today, we’ll talk about how to add value to your home before putting it on the market.
An accurate and compelling price point is the foundation of every other step in the home selling process. Find out how much your property is worth by booking a complimentary home evaluation.
Who Are Your Home Improvements For?
There is a very big difference between thinking “I want to renovate my house! Where do I start?” and the “best renovations to do before selling.” When you plan to stay in your house for the next 10 years or more, there are very few rules to worry about.
You can paint, tear down, rebuild, modernize, and redecorate as you see fit (after obtaining any necessary permits.) However, even if you don’t wish to sell for many years, or ever, it’s still a good idea to consider the financial value of your property.
Case in point: if you invest $500,000 to make your home look like a $2 million house when all others on the block are $1.5 million at most, you’re probably not going to see that money back.
Less disruptive updates cost less, while still giving you the freedom for any style you want. Bold or fluorescent paint colours, temporary fixtures, or off-the-wall decor choices are usually easy enough to change later.
Real estate trends evolve frequently, so you don’t need to worry too much about what is appealing to buyers at this very moment. In other words, if you plan to stay, you can afford to be more creative, within reason.
Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale
Decorating your house to sell requires a higher level of care and expertise. The idea is to present your home in a way that buyers can imagine the possibilities for themselves. You don’t necessarily have to prepare your home the exact way they want it; they just need to see the potential.
In this case, any unconventional, quirky, or downright weird statement pieces can be a distraction. Striking the right balance is no easy task. The final effect will depend on the market, the house itself, and the demographic we are targeting.
Every home will have its nuances. Nevertheless, here are some areas of focus that tend to do well for most homeowners in most markets.
Did you know that our team works with a professional interior designer for all of our listings? That’s just one of the many benefits of selling your home with the Kim Kehoe Team.
Clean and Declutter Thoroughly
Regardless of the market, cleaning your house before a buyer walks through is an obvious first step. No matter how old or new your property may be, it will appear more modern, bright, and spacious just by tidying everything up and removing all unnecessary clutter.
What many people don’t realize is that a sparkling-clean house isn’t just for in-person visitors; it’s also for photos and videos. People browsing listings online will make snap judgments about which homes they’ll consider. Making your home as clean and attractive as possible right from the beginning can help ensure it goes straight to the top of the list.
Strategically Chosen Paint
It’s no secret that a fresh coat of paint throughout refreshes and renews your home. This is one of the least expensive and invasive ways to add value to your sale.
The trick is in choosing the right colour. Generally speaking, you want to keep it neutral so the buyer can decide what they will do after moving in. Styles and trends change, but fortunately, your local real estate agent can advise you on what appeals to people currently searching.
Perform Minor Repairs
Homeowners often believe that they must perform a complete overhaul before they list. However, very few listings actually need this level of intervention.
More often than not, a few minor repairs are all that it takes to get your house ready to impress potential buyers. Remember that the goal isn’t to do everything for the buyer; it’s simply to present your home in its best light.
If you’ve been diligent about maintaining your property over the years, this step will be relatively straightforward. Retouching some nail holes in the walls from where you hung your favourite artwork, new silicone around the bathtubs, and perhaps a new light fixture or two will go a long way toward enhancing your results.
Before listing your house, it’s a good idea to fully understand how real estate works in Toronto. The posts below can help you plan for success:
- What Does Closing Date Mean in Real Estate?
- When Is the Best Time to Sell a House?
- How to Check Market Value of a House in Toronto
Looking for more advice on how you can maximize your home sale in any market? Here’s How to Sell Your House: The Complete Guide.
Professional Staging
Home staging is the ultimate technique for presenting your space in a way that captivates your buyer’s imagination. It’s very different from designing for yourself. In fact, the goal is to erase every trace of your personality so the buyer can visualize your home as theirs.
This step is so important for a successful sale that we use a fully customized approach every time with the help of our interior designer. Together, we create a cohesive flow from one room to the next, with strategic lighting, furniture placement, and decor pieces that feel welcoming and inviting to anyone coming through. If you’re up against a competing seller whose home isn’t thoughtfully staged, there’s a good chance that you will be the one to get the offer.
Do you want maximum guidance and support while preparing your house to sell? Our West Toronto Realtors® are here for you every step of the way. Contact us today at 416-788-1823 or email kim@kimkehoe.com to learn more.
