Few things that one can do around the home and property to get ready to sell

Tips for Getting Your House Pre-Sale Ready

Carrie Lysenko
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 With national inflation, rising interest rates, and wide fluctuations in property prices, many buyers and sellers are sitting on the fence about when to list or make an offer.  If you are a potential seller and are sitting tight for the moment, there are things you can do now to get your house ready to sell whether you list in a month or in a year! See below for tips to get your home pre-sale ready.  

• Read: A Guide to the Real Estate Cycle for Buyers & Sellers 

6 Tips for Getting Your House Ready to Sell  

There is something about a new season, whether it is fall, spring, or even January 1. New seasons seem to bring about change in the air. For some, change means a new haircut, a new job, or even a potential move to a new neighbourhood or city. Especially throughout the pandemic, many of us found ourselves looking to change our surroundings and renovate or make room for all the new purposes our homes had to serve. According to the HomeStars 2022 Reno Report, it is estimated that Canadian homeowners on average will double their total home reno spending this upcoming year. While a full reno might not make sense if the plan is to relocate in the next three to 12 months, there are a few things that one can do around the home and property to get ready to sell.   

1. Clean up the exterior of your home

Depending on where you live, winter could bring snow that hides a mess or summer could bring heat that makes planting or painting difficult. If it is spring or moving into fall, these are usually the best times to tidy up the exterior of your home. 

• Rake and pick up leaves, pine needles, pine cones, and any debris that may have fallen.  A good clean sweep is free and makes a world of difference in the appearance of balconies, patios, sidewalks, and lawns.
• Repair or replace broken down patio furniture. Outdoor furniture often gets worn down quickly as it must stand up to the scorching heat, pounding rain, and freezing temperatures. If you have furniture covers or can store furniture in inclement weather, it’s best to put patio sets away so they can look their best when prospective buyers do come knocking.  
• Make any minor repairs that may be necessary to railings, fences, lights, and windows.  Completing these small repairs will help your property show better come listing time but will also make it warmer and safer for you and your family while you are still living in the home.  

2. Tidy up from previous projects and/or renovations

• Ensure that any excess wood and/or construction materials have been donated or removed from the property. Garages, laneways, and driveways are often home to excess materials that are kept just in case after a reno. If construction materials are still in good condition they can often be donated to Habitat for Humanity Restore or similar organizations that collect items to benefit the building of homes for low-income families.   
• Responsibly dispose of or store leftover paint. Paint cans can take up a lot of space over the years. And while properly stored paint can be used for at least five years or more, determine whether you are really likely to ever need that shade of purple again or whether it is time to let it go. When tossing out paint remember, it can present an environmental hazard if not disposed of properly. Completely empty cans can generally be recycled but any cans with remaining paint will need to be disposed of in accordance with your city waste removal by-laws. 

3. Re-evaluate the use of seasonal items

Holidays are a great time of the year but often we have to then store boxes of items in the off-season. These can create cluttered areas in closets, basements, and garages. If a move might be in your future and you will have to pack up all of these items anyway, why not make your life easier now?  

• Toss any broken, chipped, or cracked holiday decorations and items. If the item(s) have batteries make sure they are disposed of properly at a battery recycling center or safe disposal site in your area.  
• Be realistic about the seasonal gifts you may have received in the past. Aunt Janet may have given you a fun musical Christmas tree but it isn’t really your style. Donate or sell these types of items on a marketplace and perhaps you can spread the cheer to someone else! 
• Haven’t cross-country skied in over 10 years? Might be time to donate these types of outdoor equipment to someone else who is interested in taking up the sport.

4. Consider age-appropriate toys and activities for the kids in your home

If you have kids or have them come visit often, you have likely collected various toys, crafts, and activities over the years. These items can pile up all over the home and can collect dust if a child has outgrown them. Toys in safe and good working condition as well as complete sets of games are items that can be donated or sold in a garage sale or marketplace. You may be able to make some money to pay for your future moving expenses!

• Read: How to find a reliable home staging company

5. Box up and/or reduce picture frames and personal items

One of the first recommendations by any agent or home stager when getting a home ready for sale is to remove personal photos and sentimental items to depersonalize the space. If a potential buyer comes for a viewing, they can more easily imagine themselves in the home if your family portrait isn’t on the fireplace mantle. Properly storing these items in albums or individually in boxes allows you to reduce the space that frames might take up as well as prepares you in advance of a move. Also storing sentimental items properly protects them against any damage that may occur as you prep your home for listing.  

6. Evaluate your clothing, declutter closets and shoe storage

Many cities in North America have four different seasons which often result in bulging closets and footwear ranging from winter boots to summer sandals. Re-evaluating your clothing options and sizes each year is good general practice but especially helpful in getting ready to sell your home. Most properties are emptied almost entirely except for key pieces of furniture and decor when being put on the market to sell. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to pack up and move outdated or ill-fitting clothing to your new dream home. Edit your fashion choices now to clear the clutter and potentially find new homes for seldom worn items.  

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