Are you gearing up to sell your home in Toronto’s West End? Do you have children? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, you could be in for some stress. From keeping the messes at bay to hustling everyone out of the house for unscheduled showings, balancing family life with real estate goals isn’t for the faint of heart.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier on everyone. With a bit of planning, you can pave the way for a successful sale—without sacrificing your sanity in the process.
If you have kids and you’re about to put your home on the market, consider taking these five steps.
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1) Discuss the Move Honestly
Change at some point is inevitable; however, children often take comfort in routine. A sudden transition can be difficult, especially during the school year. But no matter when you’re planning to move, the time to tell your kids is now. Speaking openly about upcoming events and timelines will give your youngsters some time to mentally prepare. Be aware that they might not accept what you have to say right away, and let them know you’re available whenever they’re ready to talk.
One of the best ways to address the move is to reassure your children how much of their life will stay the same. If you’re moving to a new house in the same city, be sure to emphasize that they will still have access to their friends and their favourite activities will remain close by. You can also start to build up some excitement for the new home. Make a list of any great parks or attractions the kids will love. The change will not seem so disruptive when they have so much to look forward to.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do while selling your home in West End Toronto! The posts below are just scratching the surface:
- 5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Spend a Day in Roncesvalles
- 5 Fun Activities for Kids in the West End
- Five Best Skating Rinks in the West End
2) Work With Professional Cleaners
It’s unavoidable: kids create messes. While you may be able to take care of all of the spills and smudges on a normal day, tackling them when your home is on the market is something different altogether.
The truth is, cleanliness matters—and you only get one chance to make a first impression on buyers. A property that shows well typically sells faster and often earns more.
We get it—keeping your home spotless amidst a busy schedule can feel like a challenge. That’s why, when you choose our team to sell your property, we include complimentary cleaning services. It’s a thoughtful touch that can make a big difference when it’s time to close the deal!
Understanding the market is the first step to a successful transaction. The posts below will give you a foundation:
- Is West Toronto Real Estate Still Valuable?
- What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Bank Appraisals
- Why Negotiating Skills Matter in West Toronto Real Estate
3) Be Prepared to Leave
In an effort to reduce the stress associated with an upcoming move, some families advise their real estate agents that they require 24 hours notice before a showing. The downside of this approach is it can also reduce your opportunities to find a buyer.
In a busy seller’s market where every listing is in high demand, it might not be a problem. However, when buyers have options or are otherwise taking their time, you don’t want to miss out on a single showing. The trick is to have a plan to get out of the house at the last minute if your agent calls. When it’s just the buyer and the agent, an incoming offer becomes much more likely than when your family is at home.
Once again, making showings fun and exciting will help your kids forget about their worries. Pack a bag of family essentials (like juice boxes, sweaters, and favourite toys) and keep it close at hand. You should also plan out where you’ll go.
Talk to some close friends or family members to see if they are open to impromptu play dates. On days your loved ones can’t help, you can always call up your favourite restaurants to see if they have a table for you.
Looking for a place to take the kids during a showing? You’ll get plenty of ideas in our post Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Foodies.
4) Eat Out More Often
More meals at their favourite restaurants (with their favourite people) is one piece of advice the kids are sure to love! Spending this quality time together won’t just make for a more joyful move; it could also help you sell your home.
As much as you may love cooking for yourself, it’s important to always consider things from a buyer’s perspective. Everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to flavours and aromas. Strong food smells that aren’t to your tastes are far from the most pleasant thing in the world, especially when you’re trying to imagine a living space as your own.
That’s why it’s a good idea to eat at restaurants as much as possible while your home is being shown. At the very least, consider cooking meals that don’t produce pungent odours. In general, the less lived-in your home is when buyers are looking at it, the better. For this reason, you might even want to think about renting an Airbnb or hotel room until your property is sold. The kids may even come to see this time as a mini-vacation!
Looking for insider tips to make your West End home stand out? The posts below are a great place to start:
- Home Renovations That Add Lasting Value
- 5 Tips to Make Your Home Irresistible to Young Buyers
- Buyers Are Going Crazy for These Home Features
5) Stage for Your Ideal Buyer
A home filled with kids often brims with love, memories, and a few too many toys, trophies, and art projects. While these personal touches are wonderful, they can make it harder for buyers to envision your home as their own.
If your home is being marketed to families, staging should reflect that lifestyle. Of course, your kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and primary bedroom should feel stylish and inviting, but don’t overlook the importance of the kids’ bedrooms. They should be just as impressive!
When you work with our team, we provide complimentary staging services to ensure every room in your home appeals to your ideal buyer. Our design professionals know how to transform your space into one that speaks to prospective buyers and sets the stage for a successful sale!
Some days will be easier than others as your home is on the market. By surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family as well as a full-service agent, you can help ensure the good days outnumber the bad. Having a rock solid plan in place can also mean a faster sale, which means your life can return to normal in no time.
Getting ready to sell your home? Our West Toronto Real Estate Agents know what buyers are looking for, and we can help you get your home in tip-top shape! Get in touch at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com with any questions you have.
