Thinking about selling your home?
If you said yes, even if the target is a few years away, following the below “Preparing your home for sale checklist” will put you in a better position to sell your home quicker, and at a higher price.
And if you’re still a few years away from putting that sign on your lawn, you’ll be able to enjoy the renovations before you move out.
Why Renovate/Upgrade Before You Sell
While it’s a personal decision, it’s also in your personal interest to improve your home before you sell. You’ll not only enhance the look of your home, increasing the odds of selling it, but you’ll likely improve the offers from prospective buyers.
With all updates, it’s important to understand that you need to be mindful of which updates and design will best appeal to your likely potential buyer pool. Without this consideration, you likely will not be able to realize a good return on your investment even if the updates are of higher quality and value.
But what kind of upgrades offer the best value?
Preparing Your Home for Sale Checklist
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Touch-ups and Lighting
- Paint
- Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Kitchen
Undertaking larger renovations is stressful, no matter who you are. But updating or remodelling your kitchen is the top renovation for return on your investment.
Bright, spacious, stylish and well appointed kitchens are a big selling feature. Since they are the hub of a household, layout and functionality is extremely important as well. Updates could include a full overhaul to selectively improving cabinetry, sinks, an island, or even adding a backsplash. Appliances should be proportional to the property value and if they aren’t new, they should look as clean and fresh as possible. A buyer may be turned off if they realize that they’ll likely have to replace the fridge, stove, and/or dishwasher within their first couple of years of ownership. Take time to carefully plan out your investment. You cannot rush a kitchen renovation and expect a good return.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another particularly valuable upgrade to make before selling your home. And if you have another bathroom that you can use while the work is being done, you’re in great shape for a successful and stress-reduced bathroom renovation. Not sure what to upgrade? Similar to kitchens, natural light, functionality, layout and style are the most important considerations.
If you’re on a tighter budget, updating hardware, light fixtures, mirrors and or the vanity can go a long way. These tips may help as well. Always ensure that things feel clean and new in the bathroom – cleaning up the grout or mold, refreshing caulking and painting go a long way.
Touch-ups and Lighting
Outside of a kitchen or bathroom renovation, there is still other work that can be done that will be beneficial for the sale of your home.
If you’re not replacing cabinets and cupboards, repainting them can add a “wow” factor when guests enter the kitchen or bathroom. And to further brighten rooms, upgrade light fixtures so that each room’s best features are highlighted.
In general a good rule of thumb is if something is broken, crooked, dirty, cracked or could be perceived as a defect, it’s best to take care of all these little details before going to market. Buyers tend to consciously or subconsciously start to tally up these items while walking through a property which ultimately devalues what they will be prepared to offer.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint throughout the home can make a world of difference. It’s usually the single cheapest (not that it’s cheap these days) and most effective way to add value to your home. Not only will it give a fresh look, but it’ll brighten each room. Just make sure to choose a neutral, current tone that won’t turn off potential buyers.
If you decide to paint the home before you move out, ensure that you use a paint that won’t scuff or damage easily. If not, put off painting your home until you move.
Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Buyers are making emotional decisions about your property the second they arrive. It’s really important to set the tone right from the start. A home with good curb appeal says “this home is in good condition and has been well loved”. How are the gardens looking? Are there any shrubs or plants that should be removed or heavily pruned? In many cases, a simpler approach can be beneficial. Focus on the most attractive plants and flowers that draw the most attention from the curb. And to ensure that these landscape upgrades hold throughout the staging process, choose greenery that is easy for you to maintain.
What about the driveway? An asphalt resurfacing or weeding of the brick laneway is another good idea. And don’t forget about the garage door for a power wash, sanding, or repainting.
These Toronto home staging tips are the best ways to maximize the return from the sale of your home. If you’re unsure of what to upgrade, have your real estate agent give you their opinion on what upgrades will best appeal to your potential buyer pool and yield the biggest return on investment. An objective and informed eye can help you maximize your home’s sale.
And if selling your home is part of a downsizing plan, be sure to read our three-part series!
Are you ready to move to the next stage? Let’s chat. Send me an email (hillary@hillarylane.ca) or text/phone (416-882-4707).
