If you’re planning to put your home on the market in the dynamic Windsor-Essex, ON region, we’re excited to share with you 10 tips that will make a significant difference in how quickly your property sells and, more importantly, at what price. Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, these tips are designed to give you an edge in the marketplace.
As a Seller, 2 things that are in your control are what your asking price is and the condition of your property. The relationship between these factors, coupled with how your local real estate market is performing will help you establish a value.
So, whether you’re in Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, or any of the wonderful communities in Windsor-Essex County, check out this list of tips that will help you prepare and gain some insights that could significantly enhance your home-selling experience.
Selling Tip #10
PRICE IT RIGHT – Find out what your home is worth, by analyzing your local market with your trusted and local real estate agent. When you’re priced right, you’ll have more eyes on your property, more buyers through your door, and a better opportunity to get multiple offers – which may translate to offers over your asking price. Keep in mind that the market is always in flux and you need the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions.
Selling Tip #9
HALF EMPTY CLOSETS – Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never seem to have enough of. Since you need to start packing anyway, get a head-start and take half the stuff out of your closets and neatly organize what’s left. Buyers will check, so be sure to keep your closets and cabinets tidy. Consider a storage box or bin.
Selling Tip #8
LIGHT IT UP – Maximize the light in your home. After location, good lighting is one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Upgrade or change out old fixtures and ceiling fans, take down the drapes, or at least open them, clean the windows, change the lampshades, and increase the wattage in your light bulbs. Do what you have to do to make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.
Selling Tip #7
PLAY THE AGENT FIELD – A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong brokerage representation to assist you with the sale of your property. Make sure your agent is informed and that they are keeping you informed as well! They must constantly be monitoring new inventory and sales in your neighbourhood, know what’s going on in the local market, and be communicative and honest with you so you can make informed decisions. Find a representative that embraces technology, has a great reputation, visible branding, and a plan to get your home sold.
Selling Tip #6
CONCEAL THE CRITTERS – You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but not everyone is a dog or cat lover. Buyers don’t want to walk into your home and see pet damage, smell kitty litter, or see tufts of hair tumbling around the floor. It will give the buyers the impression that your house is not clean. Also, indoor pets risk escaping during showings which only increases your anxiety. The goal is to help you make the home selling process as stress-free as possible. If you’re planning to sell your house, we recommend pre-planning to send your furry friends to daycare or keeping them crated for showings and open houses. Also, putting toys and food dishes away, putting the litter box out of sight, and cleaning up the yard will go a long way. Consider also cleaning your vents and filters for those who may have pet allergies.
Selling Tip #5
DON’T OVER UPGRADE – Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers don’t always have the same return. You risk not getting your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your home on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, replace door handles, cabinet hardware, and window coverings. Make sure closet doors are on their track, fix leaky faucets and clean grout, tighten loose hand rails and never underestimate the value of cleaning.
Selling Tip #4
TAKE THE HOME OUT OF YOUR HOUSE – One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to depersonalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in a storage box . This includes family heirlooms, memorabilia, personal keepsakes, family photos. Consider hiring a stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to be showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space. Since you’re packing already, this is also the time to consider donating, selling or tossing the things your no longer need or use. This could also be a good time to reach out to a professional moving service to help organize your move.
Selling Tip #3
THE KITCHEN COMES FIRST – The benefits of an updated kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get most of the money back. It may cost a few thousand dollars to replace countertops but a buyer may knock $10,000 or more off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. Easy upgrades may include painting cabinets, upgrading appliances, replacing countertops, new hardware.
Selling Tip #2
ALWAYS BE READY TO SHOW – When your house is for sale, it needs to be “show ready” at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door and since it only takes one buyer, you don’t want to turn anyone away! You have to be available whenever they want to see the place and it has to be in tip top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It is a little inconvenient, yes, but it will get your house sold!
Selling Tip #1
THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE ONLY IMPRESSION – Starting with the pictures, video and virtual tour like the ones found on our featured listings. No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach and enter your home. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive landscaping, make sure the lawn is cut or clear snow if required, repair and paint as required, clean up pet mess, make sure there is ample lighting for evening showings.
MAXIMIZE YOUR SALE PRICE
The goal of your listing brokerage is the same as yours, to maximize the sale price of your property and negotiate the best terms of your offers. From preparing your home to create an unforgettable first impression to understanding the subtle art of pricing, and leveraging cutting-edge marketing techniques, each tip is a piece of the puzzle in the home selling process that can transform an ordinary listing into an extraordinary sale.
If you’re thinking of making a move in Windsor-Essex, ON this year, contact a local real estate professional for a home market evaluation. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd, Brokerage offers free home market evaluations across Windsor-Essex County and will not only assist with properly pricing your home for sale, but help you create an actionable plan to sell your home for top dollar. The selling process starts well before your home hits the market.
