How To Deep Clean Your Home For Selling

When it comes to selling your home, it’s important to make a great first impression on potential buyers. One of the best ways to do that is by deep cleaning your home. Here are some tips on how to deep clean your home for selling.

Start with a plan

Before you start cleaning, create a plan of action. Make a list of all the rooms you need to clean, the tasks that need to be done in each room, and the supplies you’ll need.

Declutter first

Before you start deep cleaning, declutter each room to make it easier to clean. Remove any items that don’t belong in the room, throw away any trash, and donate or sell any items you no longer need.

Dust from top to bottom

Dust all surfaces from top to bottom, starting with light fixtures and ceiling fans, and then moving down to furniture, windowsills, and baseboards. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to trap dust and prevent it from spreading.

Clean windows and mirrors

Clean all windows and mirrors in your home with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of windows if possible.

Vacuum carpets and rugs

Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly, paying extra attention to high traffic areas. Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and under furniture.

Mop hard floors

Mop all hard floors with a cleaner that is safe for the specific type of flooring. Make sure to clean corners and edges, and allow the floor to dry completely.

Clean appliances

Clean all appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. Use a degreaser to remove any built-up grime and make the appliances shine.

Scrub bathrooms

Scrub all bathrooms thoroughly, including the toilet, sink, shower, and tub. Use a disinfectant cleaner to kill any bacteria and leave the room smelling fresh.

Freshen up the air

Finally, freshen up the air in your home by opening windows to let in fresh air and using air fresheners or diffusers with pleasant scents.

In conclusion, deep cleaning your home is an essential step in preparing it for potential buyers. By following these tips, you can create a space that is clean, fresh, and welcoming. Remember that potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so make sure to create a clean and inviting atmosphere. Good luck with your home sale!

How To Declutter And Depersonalize Your Home For Selling

When it comes to selling your home, decluttering and depersonalizing your space is a crucial step in preparing it for potential buyers. Here are some tips on how to declutter and depersonalize your home for selling.

Start with a plan

Before you start decluttering and depersonalizing, create a plan of action. Set a goal for what you want to accomplish and make a list of the areas you want to tackle. Determine what items you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.

Remove personal items

Personal items, such as family photos, artwork, and souvenirs, can make it difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Consider packing these items away and storing them until you move into your new home.

Minimize furniture

Having too much furniture in a room can make the space feel cluttered and cramped. Consider removing excess furniture and creating an open and airy feel. This will help the potential buyers visualize the space as their own.

Organize closets and cabinets

Closets and cabinets are some of the first places potential buyers will look. Consider removing clothing that you no longer wear and storing it away. Organize the remaining clothing, so the closet looks spacious and orderly.

Clear out storage areas

Storage areas such as basements, attics, and garages tend to accumulate clutter. Consider decluttering and organizing these areas. Potential buyers want to see the storage space and know that their belongings will fit.

Tidy up surfaces

Countertops, tables, and other surfaces can accumulate clutter quickly. Consider removing all non-essential items and leaving only a few decorative pieces. This will make the space feel more open and welcoming.

Get rid of excess items

If you have items that you no longer use or need, consider donating or selling them. This will not only help declutter your home but also make moving into your new home easier.

Consider renting a storage unit

If you have a lot of items that you need to store away, consider renting a storage unit. This will help keep your home clutter-free and make it easier for potential buyers to see the space.

In conclusion, decluttering and depersonalizing your home is a crucial step in preparing it for potential buyers. By following these tips, you can create a space that is welcoming, open, and uncluttered. Remember that potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so make sure to remove personal items and create a neutral environment. Good luck with your home sale!

Staging Your Home To Sell

Selling a home can be a daunting task. You want to ensure that you get the best possible price for your property and sell it as quickly as possible. One way to achieve this is by staging your home. Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by arranging furniture, decor, and other elements in a way that enhances its appeal to potential buyers. Here are some tips on how to stage your home when selling.

Declutter and depersonalize

One of the first things you need to do when staging your home is to declutter and depersonalize. This means removing personal items such as family photos, trophies, and other memorabilia. Buyers need to envision themselves in the space, and personal items can be a distraction. Remove excess furniture and knick-knacks that clutter the space.

Deep clean

A clean home is crucial when selling. Ensure that every nook and cranny is spotless, including the floors, walls, and windows. Pay attention to areas that are often overlooked, such as baseboards and light fixtures. If necessary, hire a professional cleaning service to do the job.

Maximize natural light

Natural light is always a plus when selling a home. Ensure that all the windows are clean and unobstructed, allowing as much light as possible to enter the room. If your home has heavy drapes or blinds, consider replacing them with lighter, sheer fabrics that let in more light.

Neutralize colors

While you may love bright, bold colors, potential buyers may not. When staging your home, opt for neutral colors such as beige, white, or light gray. Neutral colors create a blank canvas that buyers can envision themselves filling with their own personal style.

Rearrange furniture

When staging a home, it’s important to arrange furniture in a way that maximizes the space. Create conversational areas by grouping furniture together, and ensure that there is a clear flow between rooms. Avoid blocking doorways or windows, as this can make the space feel cramped.

Add decorative touches

Once you’ve decluttered, cleaned, and rearranged furniture, it’s time to add some decorative touches. Simple things like fresh flowers, scented candles, or a bowl of fruit on the counter can make the space feel welcoming and inviting.

Appeal to the senses

When staging your home, consider appealing to all the senses. Soft background music, fresh flowers, and pleasant scents can make the space feel more comfortable and inviting. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and that there are no unpleasant odors or noises that could distract potential buyers.

Boost curb appeal

Finally, don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Boost curb appeal by tidying up the yard, trimming bushes, and adding some potted plants. Repaint the front door if necessary and make sure that the house number is clearly visible. A well-maintained exterior can make a big difference in the buyer’s first impression of the property.

In conclusion, staging your home when selling is a worthwhile investment of time and effort. By following these tips, you can create a space that is welcoming, comfortable, and appealing to potential buyers. Remember, the goal is to help buyers envision themselves living in the space, so keep things simple, neutral, and uncluttered. Good luck!

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How To Make An Offer

When you have found a home you are interested in buying, I will walk you through the process of drafting an offer to purchase. Then, I will communicate the offer to the seller or the seller’s real estate agent for you. Some properties are in demand and you will not be the only interested party making an offer. I will assist you in generating an offer that is reasonable and protects your interests using specified terms and conditions.

An offer can be drafted with or without conditions; an offer without conditions is known as a firm offer and one with conditions is known as a conditional offer. A conditional offer represents the party with the placement of certain conditions on the purchase. Some of these conditions could be “subject to financing approval”, “subject to the strata council allowing pets”, “subject to the buyer’s house selling”, “subject to an approved home inspection”, among many others.

The seller may accept your initial offer, reject your offer or present a counter-offer. The counter-offer may differ from your original offer in respect to price, conditions, the closing date or any other items. Offers can be countered back and forth between the parties until one of you accepts or rejects, ending the negotiations.

There are many components of an offer that you should be aware of and understand. I will be happy to answer your questions and explain the entire process to you so that you are comfortable with the steps involved.

Terms: An offer includes certain “terms”, which specify the total price offered and how the financing will be arranged, such as if you will arrange your own with a financial institution or mortgage broker or if you wish to take over the seller’s mortgage (assumability).

Inclusions and Exclusions: These are specifications within the offer that detail the items to be included or excluded from the purchase of the property. Typical inclusions are appliances, window coverings, fixtures and decorative pieces.

Deposit: A deposit is usually given from the buyer to the seller as a token of the buyer’s assurance and intention to buy the property involved. The deposit is applied against the purchase price of the home once the sale has closed. I will can assist you in proposing a certain and appropriate amount for the deposit.

Conditions: Items that are usually put in place to protect a party’s interests upon selling or buying the property and refer to things that must occur or be in place before the sale closes.

Possession or Closing Date: This is usually the date that the legal ownership of the property transfers from the seller to the buyer and, unless otherwise noted, when the funds for the purchase are concluded.

Purchase Price: This is the amount that the buyer is offering to pay for the property. The price is usually dependent on market conditions and may differ from the seller’s current asking price.

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Home Inspections

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of a home’s structure and systems. Why get a home inspection?
There are a number of reasons why I recommend a home inspection including:

  • To ensure you are not surprised by major defects
  • So you can be advised about the various elements of the home including – heating and cooling systems, structure, electrical and plumbing
  • To learn about how the mechanical systems work and need to be maintained

Most homeowners are not experts in the numerous components of house construction. A third party can be objective as there is no emotional attachment to the property.

Who should you hire?

Home inspectors are often referred by family or friends. Your Sales agent can also provide you with a list of inspectors. Look for one that is trained and certified by a national organization such as Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (CAHI) or National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) and who has errors and omissions insurance. Do not hire someone who will do any suggested work due to the conflict of interest.

What does it cost?

Costs vary depending on a number of factors including: size and location of the home, features, age, and services required. Additional services may include radon, septic and well testing. Your Sales agent can assist you in obtaining a quote from a potential inspector before you enlist his/her services.

When should you call?

Order the inspection after your offer has been accepted. The contact will stipulate the length of time you have to complete the inspection.

What is involved?

The home inspection will determine the structural and mechanical soundness of the home. Your home inspector can identify existing and potential problem areas, suggest possible solutions and provide estimates for the cost of the work required. You will receive a report outlining the inspection findings. You should accompany the home inspector during the inspection or arrange to meet them at the home so they can walk you through the report. If as a result of the inspection, you have further concerns, have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination.

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20 Tips for Selling Your Home

As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you’ll help your Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order – from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning – so you can stay focused on more important things.

1. Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed – front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

2. Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If you’re worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look “with a little work.”

3. Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.

4. Don’t Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

5. Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.

6. Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

7. Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8. Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.

9. Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

10. Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

11. Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights – both inside and outside – when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

12. Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they’re likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

13. Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you’re showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.

14. Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it’s time to show your home, it’s time to turn down the stereo or TV.

15. Relax
Be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

16. Don’t Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home’s appearance, let your experienced Sales Associate handle the situation.

17. Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But your Sales Associates know buyers – what they need and what they want. Your Sales Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

18. Don’t Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

19. Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert -me.

20. Help Your Agent
Your Sales Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. You’ll appreciate the results !

For more information, give me a call!