Get Ready To Sell!  A Plan Is Key.

Each home or property being placed on the market will experience its own unique amount of time to get ready for the market presentation.  The seller(s), however, can prioritize the recommended actions and attend to the most important “things to be done” in the time frame that is available to prepare.  Below is a list of things to consider, but each, does NOT apply to every situation.  This is a great checklist for review.

The Marketing & Presentation Of Your Property

The presentation or appearance of your home and property together with the pricing that is established are the two most vital aspects of marketing your property.

Marketing

Always remember that you get only one opportunity to make a “first impression” and that begins with GREAT CURB APPEAL and making your property IRRESISTABLE to Buyers.  Various components including presentation tools and selling techniques form the marketing efforts of the property for sale and include these which should be agreed upon at the time of listing:

• MLS
• Realtor’s Advance Advertising
• Realtor’s Web Site
• Advertising
• Realtor’s Networking Initiatives
• www.realtor.ca site
• Outdoor Signage
• Open House Opportunities
• Board Listings
• Visual (photo) & Narrative Presentation
  
  

Pricing

Because buyers come to the marketplace with a budget which is usually set in terms of minimum / maximum amounts, it is critically important that the property is priced correctly compared with other properties located close to the subject property and with many of the same features. It just makes sense to price correctly so that the right buyers are attracted to visit the property.  Today many buyers diligently search www.realtor.ca in order to develop their own short list, even prior to teaming up with a realtor who will provide a great deal of care and assistance in further research and in finally negotiating for the purchase.

Exterior Presentation

Curb appeal and the presence within the neighbourhood can be a major factor in attracting potential buyers.  Here are important things to attend to, many of which are effort and time related; not necessarily costly to yield a major improvement in the overall property presentation:

• Lawn, shrubs and gardens well groomed
• Paint touch ups and any repairs completed
• Windows cleaned
• Driveway and interlock in good condition
• Attractive front door
• Well chosen exterior light fixtures

When a guest is approaching your property they should feel welcomed!

Repairs

Any repairs that can be identified and completed prior to marketing the property should be attended to and include door hinges, sliding doors, opening windows, broken steps, garbage and any other visible or non-functioning issues that would cause a potential buyer to be uninterested in the property.  A list of such items which also identifies who is responsible is a helpful guide and is also useful as check-off documentation for participating family members.

Expanded Outdoor Living Spaces

Decks, outdoor patios and barbeque spaces have become important considerations in that they expand the amount of living space for families.  These spaces should look their best and must also provide safety in terms of access, steps and railings.

Interior Presentation

There are a number of important considerations to consider in preparing the interior of your home for sale.

Kitchen

It has long been established that kitchens are usually the focus of all kinds of buyers.  Some say kitchen is ‘king’ and a modern / updated kitchen continues to top the list of ideal home features for the majority of home buyers.  In today’s market stainless steel conveys cleanliness, contemporary design and “updated” appearance in the mind of buyers.

Open Concept (And Flexible) Floor Plans

Today the desire for open floor plans is well established as is the preference for flexible living spaces, including:

• Bedroom could also be used as a home office
• Lower level or upper level could be used as an “in-law” suite
  
  

Declutter & Clean Spaces

It is essential that the home be decluttered.  Each room should be tidy and clean with the furniture arranged in a manner that feels most spacious.  All personal photos, memorabilia and extraneous items should be packed (as much as possible) and placed either in a storage area or in a tidy closet.

Laundry Room

Today’s buyers are showing preference for a dedicated laundry room and often prefer that it be located either off the kitchen or adjacent to bedrooms.

Energy Efficiency

A whole host of desirable items and concepts are being more and more considered in the interest of conservation.  These include such items as:

• Energy efficient windows and doors
• High efficiency furnaces and air conditioners
• Newer energy efficient appliances
• Energy efficient or LED light bulbs
  
  

Paint & Quality

In recent years home buyers have become more interested in better quality paints due to their advantages and longevity. It is also a fact that light and more neutral colours are favoured for the marketing of most homes.  These appeal to most buyers and tend to make the interior appear spacious.

While not each of the above is practical for all properties, they are important points to consider when investing into any property which may be MARKETED.