The new year is here, and while the next few months are going to be cold and dreary, they’re also a great time to plan for spring. If you’re contemplating selling your house this upcoming season, we recommend jumping on our expert tips to get ahead of the game!
Completing these tasks now can make the selling process easier in the future as spring is a popular season in Canadian real estate. Alleviating last-minute stress and preparing in advance helps you have a smoother and more calm selling process.
Take Spring Cleaning to the Next Level
Elevate your spring cleaning this year by deep cleaning areas of your home that are often overlooked. This includes getting rid of dust bunnies and cleaning windows, doors, walls, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and more. If you’re unable to achieve this level of cleaning yourself, consider investing in a cleaning service to do a thorough and complete cleaning.
Decluttering is also crucial; getting rid of excess stuff and items will make moving easier and help when doing home showings. Don’t forget hidden spaces like closets, drawers, and cupboards – buyers will want to look.
By decluttering and deep cleaning, buyers can better picture their belongings in the space.
Freshen Up Paint
Freshen up your home with a new coat of paint. If your home hasn’t been painted in a while, or the colours are off-trend, repainting and revitalizing your home with current shades and on-trend neutrals can help elevate your space.
A fresh coat of paint gives the impression of a well-maintained and updated home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It’s also a cost-effective way to update the house’s look and make a great first impression.
Tackle Neglected Maintenance
If you’ve been putting off small jobs around the house, now is a great time to cross them off the list. Tasks like replacing light fixtures, fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in drywall, repairing windows, and having your HVAC serviced can often be pushed off over the year, but a well-maintained home makes a big difference in the market.
As you make these changes, be sure to check your appliances and fixtures as well. Often forgotten maintenance includes the washer and dryer, toilets, baths, and showers. Ensure these are all in pristine condition and working as intended before you plan to sell!
Get Records of Repairs and Renovations
As you complete renovations and repairs, it’s important to keep receipts and records so you can track the work you’ve put into your home. Showing potential buyers records of the work completed over the last ten years shows them the hard work has already been put into the home, making it feel more secure and look more desirable.
If you’re not sure exactly where these documents are right now, start going through your files to collect the records for the following:
- Appliance upgrades
- Renovations of any size
- Annual servicing of the home
Provide these documents to your realtor, home inspector, and property appraiser so the home and its worth are fully understood.
Prepare Your Paperwork
Going through your files and records is a great time to make sure you have your paperwork at the ready. Ensure that you have access to the following before the selling process begins to alleviate any future stress that appears during the closing process:
- Home deed
- Homeowners insurance info
- Mortgage documents
- Property tax statements
- Any applicable appliance warranties
- Purchase agreements
- And any other information regarding your property
Talk to a Realtor
The best and most insightful advice you can get is to talk to a real estate professional. A realtor will be able to look at your home and provide custom input into exactly what you need to do to prepare for sale.
A great real estate agent will not only make sure you’re making appropriate changes to your home but indicate what people in your local area are looking for, like certain repairs, features, or trends. A quality real estate agent in Oakville and the surrounding area will know exactly what buyers want and help you get your home ready for the market.
If you’re ready to get started and want to sell your home this spring, contact us today! We’ll be happy to provide a free home evaluation to get you started.