Tips For Selling Your Home

Author: C. Abberley

Owning a home is one of the most fundamental aspirations of the average Canadian  citizen.   For many, home ownership feels like it should be treated as a human right. But, in order for a person to be able buy a home, there must first be a home seller.

As a home seller, there are several strategies that you can implement to sell your home more quickly and for a better price. Read on as we examine tips for selling your home in Canada.

Selling a Home Can Be Difficult

Selling a home that has held countless memories can, at times, be a very difficult process. It can be a part of your family as many memories are created there. Having to move can be a difficult process, emotionally and logistically, but once you have made the decision to sell, one should commit one’s self to making the process as simple as possible.

Using a Real-Estate agent is a great option to assisting you in showing your home.

One of the worries you may have are Stangers.  But as you know, showing your home to strangers is unavoidable.
Here are some helpful tips to selling your home quickly for the best possible price.

1. Make sure your home appears to potential buyers as a Comfortable and Homely place to live. The buyer needs to see your house as a place that he/she can turn into a suitable home for themselves and their family needs, just as you did.
2. Make your Home Spotless.  One of the most significant aspects to making a home look great is to make sure that it appears to the buyer clean. Everything in the house should be clean and tidy. The rooms should be clutter free. The furniture and fixtures should be spotless.
3. Have that Fresh Feeling. Open all of the windows to thoroughly air out your home. Having a fresh smelling home can be very inviting. Closing the windows before viewers arrive is important to keeping the home a comfortable temperature. (Bear in mind that smoke and animal smells can knock thousands off the price of your home!)
4. Improve the smell of your home. Scented candles are always favorites for many people. Grinding fresh lemon peels and boiling cinnamon sticks are additional ways to make a home feel cosy not to mention the smell of fresh coffee – a favourite with many of us Realestate agents.
5. Let is Shine.  The lighting in a home can be very important to potential buyers. Open all of the shutters, blinds and curtains. Let the sun shine in. This also creates a feeling of space. Turn on the lights in every room to make sure that your home offers no dark corners. Proper lighting allows a viewer to thoroughly inspect your home. Avoid ceiling lights and focus on task/directional lighting especially if your home has nice features.
6. Atmosphere. Making your home as welcoming as possible is another important quality. The people looking at your home are shopping for a place that might be their next home, and it helps if they feel comfortable and welcome.
7. Set the Mood.  During the winter months, lighting a fire in the fireplace sets a very inviting mood. Soft music can help establish a contented mood. And don’t forget to light your deck or  garden during the Warmer months. And be sure to turn on any water features or lights.
8. Fresh flowers and plants are a sign of life and prosperity. Disperse greenery to most of the rooms in your house. A few classically designed floral bouquets can add a touch of elegance to any decor.
9. Food for Thought.  Simmering cinnamon sticks can make your home smell amazing, but it also makes potential buyers hungry. So choose carefully about your viewing times and what foods to cook.  The smell of food in the air generally reminds potential buyers of home cooking, biscuits and other goodies.
10. Behavior.  Homeowners should not be in the home when a guest arrives. Many potential buyers are uncomfortable looking around a home while the owner is lingering nearby. A viewer will be much less likely to be willing to discuss a home within earshot of its owner or previous tenants.
11. Keep in mind that Pets and small children should never be left nearby during a home showing. A potential buyer may bring along a child, but the owner’s child should never be there. It is difficult to predict what any child will say, and making strangers feel comfortable is very important in the selling process.  Pets should be taken out of the house, as well. If possible, arrange to have them stay at a friend or neighbours house, or perhaps even a kennel or cattery. This makes it possible for potential buyers to get a good look at the garden without the`distraction of bouncing animals. However it’s not the end of the world if this is not possible. Just keep animals well under control. Having an animal friendly home can even be an asset. But removing pet paraphernalia and smells is essential.
12. Show the Lifestyle.  Your home needs to sell a lifestyle. Don’t underestimate the power of having furniture in the garden, table settings made up and a few well chosen accessories around the house. Above everything else your home has to have what estate agents call “emotional appeal”. Having a home office can work wonders simply because it sells a certain lifestyle.

Final Thoughts:
It can be very difficult to let go of your home.
Most homeowners see the value in their home and are surprised when it is not immediately apparent to others. Taking steps to make your home more appealing can encourage others to see it the same way you always have.  When you can bridge that gap of obstacles, Buyers will be knocking each other down to get your attention to make an offer for your home.