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!

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!

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!

Selling your home can be a stressful experience. We’ve written blog articles on effective staging and deciding what to fix first to help you through this process.

But even if you can sell your home for a great price (we are in a seller’s market, after all), many sellers in the Nanaimo real estate market will have one big task to worry about: having few options to buy. This is true for Island locals who are looking to downsize in retirement, as well asyoung families who need more room for a new addition to the family (and fast).

The Nanaimo real estate market is still facing a supply issue, just like the rest of Vancouver Island. This will take time to reach a state that is favourable to buyers. 

Thankfully, there are other options available for buyers who are afraid of listing their home without another deal lined up. 

Long Completion

Long completion is essentially a buffer period. When you list your home, you disclose to any potential buyer that you cannot accept any offer that completes within a certain period.

Let’s say you come to a long completion agreement with a buyer that gives you a 6-month buffer period to find a new home. 

When you look for a new home in those 6 months, you will have a better chance of having your offer accepted. This is because the original agreement is already in motion (even if it doesn’t complete until the 6 months have passed).

However, this agreement can leave you exposed. If you can’t find a home within 6 months, you will have nowhere to go unless you have prepared an alternate plan.

Find A Home First

Some readers will realise that the long completion scenario carries significant risk and immediately think of a “better” option. “Why don’t you wait until you have found an ideal new home before you list yours on MLS and sell? It is a seller’s market after all…”

Unfortunately, this option is only realistic for those who can already buy a new home today with existing savings or assets.  

A buyer needs to be able to prove without a doubt that they have the financing to move ahead with the purchase.

Even a high-valued home in a good market isn’t enough. You need a firm offer on your property before a lending institution will approve you.

Subject-to-Sale

A similar strategy that can work in some markets is when a buyer makes an offer on a property that is “subject-to-sale” of their existing home. 

Sure, this removes any risk from the buyer’s perspective. 

But there is almost no reason why a seller would accept it in today’s real estate market in Nanaimo.

When there are a half dozen (or more) offers on the table, why would a seller accept a “subject to” offer of any kind?

An offer like this could blow up in their face at any time, and sellers aren’t interested in trouble like that.

Rent-back Agreements

Another option that can work in some situations is a rent-back agreement, where the buyer allows you to rent the home from them until a certain date.

Most rent-back agreements last for under a year, but it is difficult to predict how the buyer will react to the idea. 

This has a better chance of happening than the subject-to-sale agreement since as a seller, you are in a favourable position.

But you can’t be sure that a buyer will accept this kind of offer. 

A rent-back agreement must come with a Plan B. Otherwise you could find yourself fielding many good offers for your home, and be forced to deny them since you don’t have anywhere to go. 

Alternative Fixes

Now that we have talked about some of the issues with conventional contact-based solutions to this problem, it’s time to look at some workarounds. 

In a difficult market, you may have to make compromises while you find your perfect new home.

Distressed Property

You can technically make a subject-to-sale offer work if the property you are looking to buy is less attractive than the average.

This could mean looking at distressed property. Distressed property is on the brink of foreclosure, or is already owned by the bank. 

This does not mean that the property will be in an advanced state of neglect, or that it will require a teardown. Many distressed properties are simply bad financial decisions made by previous owners.

Look for properties that have been on the market for one month or longer to find situations where you can make a subject-to-sale deal work.

House Sitting Arrangement

Even if you don’t have immediate friends or family who you can offer to house sit for, you can reach out to a company that pairs homeowners who are on extended work assignments or sabbaticals with reliable sitters.

This arrangement may not be best for families with children or pets, but for those who are more flexible, it can be ideal.

Some house sitting arrangements are paid, which can make up for the cost of storing your belongings until you find your new home.

Short Term Rental

For retirees or work-from-home professionals, this option can work well. Find a place to live with a month-to-month short-term lease (or even a vacation property), and take your time finding the right home.

Two large downsides of this strategy are the hassle of having to move twice, and the tough rental market on Vancouver Island. 

If you are looking to downsize anyways, this is an opportunity to clear out your belongings while you move out. 

Look in less competitive rental markets, which likely means outside of Victoria and Nanaimo. Cities like Ladysmith, Parksville, and Duncan will have comparatively lower rent while still being accessible for checking out new properties.

Finding Your New Home

If there’s anything that we can guarantee in the buying process, it’s an experienced realtor who deeply understands the Vancouver Island real estate market. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch with Jeff King today.

Are you a property owner? If so, then you know that every year, you can count on a property tax assessment which results in an updated figure for the value of your property.

 

This assessed value is used to determine how much property tax you will pay, plus gives you an idea what the market value of your property will be.

 

However, in many instances, these two numbers could look very different. 

 

This can be a cause of stress for a property owner looking to buy or sell in the Nanaimo real estate market – especially since there is already so much to do to get your home listing-ready.

 

How can you be sure what kind of sale price you will get for your property if the assessed value is much different than the market value, especially during a period of volatility in the market?

 

Read on for your guide to understanding assessed value versus actual market value, how these values are calculated, and why this information should matter to you.

What is Assessed Value?

Assessed value is a value that is, at its core, determined with a lack of information.

 

In the British Columbia real estate market, there are limited resources available to determine the value of a property. However, the government still needs to determine a value for all properties so they can be charged property tax.

 

It would be impractical to send an appraiser to every home in the province, so an alternative method was created. 

 

This process used attributes like the age, size, and location of the property, as well as the construction materials used and sales trends in the area 

 

Much of this information is publicly available, however much of it is private – like recent renovations made by the homeowner. 

 

Recent sales of similar properties in the area also play into assessed value, but this aspect could be less practical in areas with high sale volume, like the Nanaimo real estate market which is cooling slightly after years of record-breaking activity (tk link out to market report when published).

 

Sales data also becomes less practical when you consider that the assessed value is calculated once a year. 

 

An assessed value for a Nanaimo detached home could have been estimated on January 1st of 2022, but this wouldn’t account for the changes in the market since interest rates began rising (something we cover in our Fall 2022 market report (tk link out to market report when published)).

 

In conclusion, assessed value is a well-researched guess, although there are many factors that combine to make it potentially ambiguous or inaccurate. 

 

And when you compare it to actual market value, assessed value can seem far off the mark. 

What is Actual Market Value?

Determining actual market value accounts for all of the factors that assessed value forgets. 

 

Recent renovations and add-ons, proximity to new amenities in the area, and the “character” pieces that make a home are all accounted for.

 

This is because an assessed market value is determined by a realtor who will have full visibility into the property. 

 

Aside from the characteristics of the home and property, there are also many market factors to consider, like profiles of the typical buyer looking for property in the area, sales within the past 90 days, and how the realtor can market the property.

 

For condo buyers and sellers, there are a whole other range of factors to consider. 

 

Contingency reserve funds are a great example. Strata fees go towards common expenses for repairing roofs, elevators, and common spaces. 

 

Special levies and maintenance fees also apply, and understanding these costs depends on insight into how the condo board operates.

 

This means that two condo properties that are the same age in different buildings can have wildly different actual market values.

 

This is why it is important to find a local realtor with experience and insight into the market in your city or town. 

 

The final actual market value can be defined in another simple way: as the price that the property would sell for given a willing buyer and seller with reasonable negotiation and a lack of maintenance and legal issues. 

 

So, the market describes the price, and your realtor should know the market.

Knowing Your Property’s Value in the Nanaimo Real Estate Market

Knowing what we know now, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that actual market value can differ greatly from assessed value. 

 

The most important lesson of this is that a property owner should not lean heavily on a provincial property assessment to determine the value of their home. 

 

The gap between assessed value and actual market value will always exist, so it’s best to get the best-updated number that you can if you really need it. 

 

If you want to know for sure, ask a realtor to do an assessment. Jeff King Real Estate offers free assessments for properties in the Nanaimo area. Jeff’s experience with buyers in the Nanaimo real estate market is essential to getting an accurate market value.

 

Looking for news and updates on the Nanaimo real estate market? Sign up for Jeff’s market newsletter today.

Selling your home can be an exhausting process, but knowing when and how to sell will help ease the process!. Choosing the right season to sell is an important factor that can be easily  overlooked when putting your home on the market.

Taking the right actions to ensure your home matches the season, at least to a certain level, should make it much easier to sell. There are several things you can do to make your house more appealing to seasonal buyers and these can have a big impact on the selling process.

I’ve been operating in the Nanaimo real estate market for over 10 years and I have managed Nanaimo real estate listings in all 4 seasons for all these years. This has given me a fantastic insight into the simple things that you can do to get your home ready to sell. Here are some of my best-kept secrets.

Selling In The Spring

Let’s start with one of the most popular times to sell your home, which is in the spring. As the weather warms up so does the real estate market. I’ve seen this with the spring often being a busy time with homes for sale in Nanaimo. 

 

You’ll want to match your home to the general thoughts of the spring season which is light, bright and clean. The long, cold and dark winter months are behind you so you’ll want to make sure your home attracts prospective buyers by being bright and welcoming.

Sell The Outside

The best thing you can do is to spruce up your outside spaces. Your garden always looks its best in spring, so make the most of it. Ensure your garden is in top shape and mow your grass regularly.

 

You can spruce up the garden by adding a few extra potted plans, buying some patio furniture (or repainting older furniture), cleaning the driveway, and making sure the exterior painting is in good shape.

Keep Fresh Scents Inside

Throw the windows open and let all of the natural scents of spring into your home, especially if you have recently mowed the lawn. If the weather doesn’t permit this then you can add flowers or light-scented candles throughout your home to fit the season. 

Spring Clean

The winter months can often be full of muddy and dirty boots getting traipsed through your home. Plus it is likely you will have spent much more time indoors in the preceding months which can lead to more stains and smells in the carpet.

 

This is the perfect opportunity to give your house a deep clean from top to bottom.Plus, it gives you the added benefit of the clean and fresh smell you are looking for. You can also hire a professional to do it for you.

Selling In The Summer

Summer can often be seen as a tough time to sell, especially to families. Parents have to look after their kids during the school holidays, lots of people are away on vacation and others would rather lie in the sun than go and view houses. 

 

You can still have great success selling in the summer and you are likely to encounter less competition during these months. Use the tips below to increase the appeal of your home.

Let Some Light In

Take advantage of the extra natural light on offer during the long summer nights. Replace dark curtains with much lighter fabrics, tie back existing curtains and open your blinds and shutters fully to let all that wonderful natural light in.

 

Air Out The Property

While the heat of the summer is generally a good thing, you will want to make sure you let air flow through the property to keep it cool and feeling nice and summery. Keep windows open on opposite sides of your home to allow air to easily flow through.

 

Airflow is particularly important in rooms that tend to get a lot of sunlight throughout the day. Warm homes are good but you don’t want the heat to become stifling. Try to avoid cooking anything too smelly before any viewings as this will overpower the lovely fresh summer smells that will naturally occur.

 

Increase Curb Appeal

Similar to the spring season, the summer months will show off the exterior of your house at its best. The garden should be in top shape and your house will always look better with blue skies in the background. This can be an ideal time to have photos taken of your house even if the sale runs into the fall season.

Selling In The Fall

Along with the spring, fall is considered the best time of year to sell your home. Buyers want to be in their new home by Christmas and it is a great time for you to put your house on the market.

Even though fall is an ideal time of year to sell your home, you will still want to follow these actionable tips to maximize the appeal of your home.

 

Keep Your Garden Clean

This is definitely a theme in this guide but the garden is the first thing people see when they arrive at your home. In the spring and summer, it is about making sure the grass is cut and you have fresh, blooming flowers on show. 

 

In fall, the most important thing is to keep your garden tidy. This can be as simple as raking up the leaves in your garden to help you stand out from the competition. You’ll also want to make sure your gutters and drainage areas are clear of leaves so there are no blockages that can easily put a buyer off.

Get The Lighting Right

If possible, try and show your home in the daytime as everything looks better with natural light. Keep curtains and blinds open wherever possible to let as much natural light into your home as you can.

 

If you have to show it in the evenings ensure that you have your home well lit so it looks welcoming, even when it is dark outside. Adding in some extra table lamps in areas like the living room and bedrooms can make a big difference. In the kitchen, bathrooms, and hallways you can put new daylight bulbs to brighten up the space with minimal effort.

 

Add A Touch Of Fall Colour

Smple accents of fall colours throughout your house are relatively cheap and easy ways to have your home match the season. Use deep reds, greens, and browns on accessories like pillows, cushions and blankets. 

 

These seasonal colours can really make your home feel more inviting and cozy.

Selling In The Winter 

Winter can often be a quiet time in the real estate market, although you’ll still find homes for sale in Nanaimo at this time of year. You can use this quiet period of the year to your advantage as there is less competition around. Make your home stand out this winter with some simple and easy steps.

Keep Your Home Warm

Viewers in your home will not appreciate it if they are freezing cold. Arrive at least half an hour before any viewings to turn the heat on so that potential buyers will be able to focus on your home, and not how cold they are.

 

If you have a fireplace, and want to go the extra mile, then you can light it to make your home feel even more welcoming. Be careful not to go too far in the other direction and make it stifling hot either. A warm temperature throughout will be perfect.

Create A Cozy Atmosphere

Winter is the season when people want to bundle up and feel warm and cozy at home so you will want to create this atmosphere for your viewers. Add in some rugs and throws and light a few candles to entice people in to the space.

Add Outdoor Lighting 

The winter is when you will have the least natural light to sell your home and many of your viewings may happen when it is dark outside. It doesn’t help if buyers are turning up to a dark silhouette of a house on a dark and dreary evening.

 

Invest in some exterior lights to brighten up the front of the house and add winter curb appeal. Don’t forget the back garden either. You can add a couple of lights to highlight a nice corner of the garden or any decorative plants you may have. This means your viewers won’t just be looking into a vast black expanse when they look out your back windows.

Sell Your House In Any Season

Don’t let the time of year put you off selling your home. Homes will sell year-round and the tips above will help you stand out without requiring a big investment. These small things really can go a long way. 

 

No matter the season, I can help you sell your home or assist in finding the perfect investment opportunity for you. Check out my latest listings and contact me if you have any Nanaimo real estate questions.

Are you putting your house up for sale with hopes of selling it fast?

If you are selling in the red-hot Nanaimo real estate market, you probably won’t have any trouble selling your home quickly.

Regardless of where your home is located, staging a home is an essential part of the selling process. It may seem like just another task to add to a long to-do list, but staging is a valuable way to showcase the best aspects of your home.

Good home staging helps buyers imagine what life would be like in your home, while poor staging can result in a lower than expected sale price.

Here are some important things to think about when staging your home for a quick sale. 

De-Personalize Your Space

When buyers visit your home, they don’t want to have to replace your vision of a comfortable, homey space with their own.

Removing personal photos is a common first step for stagers. In addition to photos of yourself and your family, you should store away trinkets and decor of personal significance.

Even though you might have some great memories associated with those souvenirs from your last vacation in Europe, it is unlikely the buyer will resonate with them.

Clothing, personal toiletries, and anything else you use as a part of your daily routine can be removed too. Think about the anonymity of a showroom in an IKEA store, and try to accomplish the same thing in your home.

Take Care Of Clutter

Clutter can take many forms. First, take care to clean up any junk left on counters, tables, or poking out of desk drawers.

Clutter can also take the form of too much furniture. Many professional stagers will remove as much as half of an owner’s furnishings before any buyer sees it.

Not only does this make rooms appear larger and allow for guests to move easily through the space, but it also allows the guest to fill empty space with whatever kind of furniture or decor they imagine–a much better alternative to forcing them to “delete” furniture in their mind.

Finally, clear up storage areas and closets so buyers can see the full extent of storage offered. Out of season clothes can be taken out of front hall closets, and you should be taking storage bins and other large objects to a different location.

Deep Cleaning 

There’s no such thing as too clean when strangers are examining every nook and cranny of your home. 

Consider hiring a residential cleaning company to deep clean the entire space, focusing on often-missed areas like baseboards, ceilings, inside cabinets and closets, and anything else you can think of.

A home cleaning checklist is a great resource to use if you are taking on this task yourself.

Curb Appeal: A Great First Impression

Curb appeal may seem like a real estate cliche, so it is important to know what it really means when you are staging your home.

Not every home will be blessed with a stunning exterior. But keeping the area well lit without any obvious flaws is a good start.

Fresh flowers on your front porch and minor outdoor furniture pieces like a bistro table set show the viewer that this is a space meant to be lived in, not ignored.

Create A Work From Home Oasis

More people are working from home than ever before, and this means a home office is top-of-mind for many buyers.

Even if you don’t have an office to furnish as a cozy, productive space, designate a sunny nook in your home as a functional workspace and dress it up like the WFH spot of your dreams.

Are you putting your house up for sale in Nanaimo? Focus on creating a dream work from home area. Vancouver Island is becoming a destination for many remote workers. 

Do I Need To Pay For A Professional?

Staging can seem like an awful lot of work. For many sellers, hiring a professional will be the logical choice.

But homeowners who don’t mind putting in the work can save on stager fees. Many stagers will offer a consultation and provide a detailed checklist. This is an opportunity for sellers to tackle these tasks one by one, depending on whether there will be furniture in the home at the time of selling.

Staging a home well shouldn’t break the bank. It’s more about being smart with what you have and avoiding common staging pitfalls.

Want to learn more about what to expect during the process of selling your home? Check out the selling section of our blog, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us,

Nanaimo realtor Jeff King has over a decade of experience in the Nanaimo real estate market, and brings a detailed understanding of how to sell homes on Vancouver Island.