Tips for Preparing Your Toronto Home to Be Listed

Is it time to sell your old home and move into a larger one because your family is expanding? Are your children grown and you’re looking to downsize? Whatever the reason, if you’re looking at new homes for sale in Toronto, there are steps you can take to get the most out of your old home, including cleaning, staging, repainting, and depersonalizing, Here are 7 things to do before you sell your home.

Declutter

One of the most important things to do before placing your home on the market is to declutter. Not only will decluttering help enhance your available space, but it will speed things up when it comes time to move. You should have boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash,” ready to go for each room of your home. Make sure you also tackle your closets, the garage, and the basement so they’re as clean and spacious as possible.

Depersonalize

Make sure you neutralize the space in your home as much as possible by removing anything too personal, such as photos, personal mementos, or items that are taste specific. Remember, buyers aren’t just looking for a house, they’re looking for a home, a place to put down roots and create their own memories. Your space should allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there with their own furniture, photos, and keepsakes.

Make It Sparkle

Buyers pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, so recaulking and repainting those rooms will give them a fresh look and feel. Clean rugs and carpets to eliminate unsightly stains and eliminate odors. Make sure to declutter, clean, and organize all the cabinets in your home, and don’t forget about the pantry, linen closets, and utility closets.

Fix the Small Stuff

Repair or replace anything that’s broken or outdated. You can install new door handles, cabinet knobs, faucets, towel bars, and curtain rods—fixtures that are readily visible to homebuyers—fairly inexpensively. Replace old light fixtures or wall switches with newer, more modern looks. Use accent lighting to highlight focal points in a room, such as the artwork above the mantle, to draw a buyer’s attention to those areas.

Paint Wisely

Put a fresh coat of paint on white or beige walls and repaint walls that have eccentric or unconventional colors. Neutral colors, such as taupe and subtle gray, are the best choices. Don’t forget that a fresh paint job on your trim, molding, and cabinetry will also go a long way.

Staging

Make sure you have the right window treatments, which enhance natural brightness and boost the appearance of a home. Fresh flowers in the living room or bowls of fruit in the kitchen are always nice touches. Be sure to hide unsightly everyday items, including the wires from all your electronics. Don’t leave children’s toys and pet’s belongings out in the open. Think about where you can store things such as dirty laundry and litter boxes.

Don’t Ignore the Outside

Make sure your home is welcoming to buyers from the first minute they arrive. Clear debris and clutter from the walkway and yard, mow the lawn, prune the hedges, and add a touch of color to your front walk with some bright flowers or plants. Make sure your backyard looks spacious and functional by keeping your landscaping trimmed and neat.

Whether you’re looking for small homes for sale or larger homes, call Merenda Real Estate Group at (416) 240-7653 for all your real estate needs.