GUEST BLOG: Tips to sell your home!

It’s a tough market for sellers, no doubt about it. But don’t confuse that for there are no buyers, and homes aren’t selling! I’ve had multiple clients in the past couple of months where they are competing against other buyers on a property.

My friend and Calgary Realtor, Wendy Kelman, of Coldwell Banker Mountain Central, is our guest blogger this month and she’s giving tips on how to position your home for a successful sale at the best price possible.

Tips to sell your home

Right now in Calgary, there are many homes for sale. In real estate lingo, we call this a “buyer’s market” because there is a surplus of inventory and few buyers. In this type of market, buyers can afford to be more picky and, often, are able to buy a home at lower, competitive prices. What does this mean for you as a seller? Well, it means you need to spend some time, effort and a little “elbow grease” to prepare your home to go on the market. Many people believe that when a for sale sign goes up on a lawn and then comes down, that logically it must have sold. In any market, especially today’s, that may not be the case. In fact, typically only one in five homes for sale, actually sells.

Here are a few tips that will help you achieve a successful sale and the highest dollar amount possible for your home.

Hire the Right Agent

Take time to interview a few REALTORS. It is good to get opinions on what price point to list/sell your home at. Compare the prices – is one much higher than the others? Have they told you a higher price in order to secure the listing of your home? Is it realistic? Selling in any market is stressful. Selling in this market, even more so!  Make sure prospective REALTORS are informed, personable, tech-savvy and utilize social media to optimize the marketing of your home. Ask if they will hire a professional photographer. Hiring a REALTOR who you trust is paramount. Their job is to make this as easy as possible for you. They should be advising on all the items listed below and have excellent professionals to execute in a timely fashion.

Declutter

Try to make your home as minimalist as possible. Let’s face it…most of us do not live this way, but it is the best way to showcase your home’s best features. First off, a decluttered home appears larger, as surfaces are mostly bare. Secondly, the removal of personal items allows the Buyer to visualize how they would live in this home – where their ‘things’ would go. Put away personal photos and keepsakes. It is helpful to store items in containers, and either stack neatly in a basement, garage or storage room. This is also helpful since it will mean you have done some of your packing ahead of time. If you do not have storage space, consider asking a friend (or your REALTOR! Yes, I’ve helped clients with this) if you could borrow some storage space from them while the home is on the market. Alternatively, there are storage facilities you can rent by the month.

Clean

Hiring a professional to clean your home is of utmost importance. Alternatively, clean like you have never cleaned before! (even under kitchen and bathroom sinks, beds and baseboards).  Clean out all your closets to about ⅓ or ½ capacity and buy matching hangers. Knowing that there is an abundance of closet space is important to buyers to know there is ample storage space.

Photo courtesy of Stor-X Organizing Systems, Calgary

Consider a Pre-Inspection

To ease concerns that buyers might have about your home’s condition, consider having your home pre-inspected. This will reassure the buyers that the house is in good shape and allow you to fix any minor repairs before you discover something negative from the buyer’s home inspector.  This is also a smart move as Buyers will often try to renegotiate the sale price after the inspection, as they want money off to clean/fix the furnace, or perform other repairs in the home. There is often less impact on the final sale price to have had that furnace cleaned before going on the market.

Make Necessary Repairs

When you have received the pre-inspection report, hire reputable professionals to make the repairs. A turn-key home is what most buyers are looking for. It also shows pride of ownership – there is nothing for you to hide. I love to showcase the inspection report on the table, for any prospective buyers to see what an amazing home you are offering.

Paint

A fresh coat of neutral paint in the home takes away cooking/pet odours. Remember to put away any pet bowls or beds. I’m a huge pet lover/owner, but we need to pretend they don’t live at your house when we’re selling it.

Paint makes it look rejuvenated, new and clean – something every single buyer will want. Be sure to fill in any nicks/dings in walls. Hire a professional because buyers can tell a DIY. Weather permitting, a fresh coat of paint on the front door gives a great first impression as prospective buyers enter your home.

Staging

It is important to understand that there is a difference between how you  decorate your home to live in compared to how you decorate to sell your home. Again, a professional will do the very best job – it is what they do for a living. If this is not in your budget your REALTOR may be able to help you. This is a very important part of selling in a buyer’s market. In a Seller’s market, I would downplay the importance of staging. However, no matter what market, a lovely staged home will always sell your home more quickly and for more money.

Photos courtesy of SNAP SQUAD

Lighting

Maximize the lighting in your home.  Open blinds and curtains and let the sunshine pour in. If it is in the budget, spend some money on new fixtures and add some sparkle and brightness to a room.  Consider updating the front entry, dining room, kitchen lighting and bathrooms. An interior designer can help choose the right fit for your home and have access to options in all price ranges.

Kitchens

As most people know, the kitchen is the best location in your home to update if you are looking to add more value. As the heart of the home where we spend countless hours cooking, eating and socializing, the state of your kitchen can make or break a sale. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider refreshing/replacing cabinets/pulls, adding an island or granite/quartz countertops, a new sink, faucet or even backsplash. These changes can help buyers fall in love with your home.

Curb Appeal

Buyers are already judging your home before they step inside and that very first impression will stick with them.  Make people feel Welcome with inexpensive shrubs, flowers and mulch tidying up the front walkway. A little effort and investment will go a long way. Ensure the grass is cut or the snow shovelled, depending on the weather.

If you have any questions about these tips or selling your home, I look forward to having a coffee and conversation with you to understand your personal real estate needs. I am always happy to share knowledge, give guidance and a free market analysis on the value of your home in the current market. I want you to Love Your Home!

Wendy is a fantastic resource and when she says she’s happy to have coffee and discuss your personal needs, she means it. Contact Wendy today to get more tips on how to get your home sold in this market.