Rob Smashnuk

When it’s time to sell your home, a bit of preparation can go a long way in bringing you top dollars. But preparation needs meticulous planning, simple upgrades to spruce it up and invite home buyers to rush to invest at once. Consider these suggestions to get there.

Disconnect

This is perhaps the hardest thing to do, especially if you’ve lived there for years. It is tough to disassociate yourself from the memories and emotions of living in a home for years. Think of it as a product to be sold rather than an album containing many memories. Focus on the future instead of the past.

Depersonalize

Once you have mentally disconnected from your home, it’s time to physically do so. Remove the photo frames, artifacts that hold sentimental value, and family heirlooms. Your personal belongings can distract potential buyers from focusing on the house and visualizing it as theirs. They may not be able to share your personal taste either. Your bright yellow sofas may not touch a chord with them the way they did with you. Keep understated pieces around and remove more personalized items.

Decluttering

This is the time to throw away anything you don’t need. If you have not used an item for over two years or even looked at it, it’s time to get rid of it. This includes books, knickknacks, clothes, and bed linen. There is no point in spending money packing and unpacking goods that you don’t really need. Plan ahead so you have time to hold a garage sale, sell online or give away to charity organizations.

Reorganize

Potential buyers are curious to check out every nook and corner. They will open closets and cupboards or peer into cabinets to look at the space inside. If your clothes and personal items topple out in the process, neither of you will be pleased. Rearrange closets, cupboards, cabinets and storage rooms. Keep your kitchen neat and tidy. Fold clothes and hang shirts properly in the closet. Line up the shoes. Make sure there is no dust, cobwebs, pet fur or dander lying around. The last thing you want is to make an excited potential buyer break into an allergic sneezing fit.

Storage Rental

If you have more items than you can handle coming in the way of decluttering, consider a storage rental to put away your stuff. It will make your home look more spacious and will be easier to clean too. Leave enough furniture to lend an air of cozy comfort, allowing enough room for buyers to walk around. Minor repairs for curb appeal add home value.

Repair and Replace

Replace cracked tiles and shingles. Patch holes in the walls. Fix leaking faucets and pipes. A fresh coat of paint will make your home look more attractive. Choose neutral shades when you do so. Bright bold shades may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Replace light bulbs, clean chandeliers and make sure the bathtub is scrubbed. A sparkling bathroom and kitchen can make a big difference. Recaulk tubs, showers, sinks and polish the mirrors and metals. Remove grout, steam clean carpets and replace worn rugs. Make your home look good as new. Your efforts won’t go in waste. In all probability, the returns will be greater if you invest time and money to do it up well for buyers.

Rob Smashnuk, Edmonton Real Estate

The Greater Edmonton real estate market is constantly changing but navigating the tricky world of real estate does not have to be an overwhelming challenge When you choose the Rob Smashnuk team, you choose honest, ethical guidance that you can count on to help you buy or sell a home in West Edmonton. Give us a call today!