Spring has finally arrived, and milder weather tends to bring home buyers out in full force. This season has long been one of the busiest for the real estate market. There’s no doubt about it: now is a great time to sell your home!
That said, you’ll still want to do everything you can to make your listing sparkle and shine to attract as much attention as possible from potential buyers. Although you can expect to see plenty of people interested in your home, you may also have some competition, depending on your area.
Fortunately, a successful sale doesn’t always require extensive renovations before your house is ready for the market. In fact, sometimes small, simple steps can have the most impact of all.
If you’re hoping to make a quick and profitable sale within the next couple of months, check out our quick guide to preparing your home for the spring market.
Are you or someone you love ready to begin your downsizing journey? You may enjoy the related reading below:
- Your A to Z Guide to Downsizing in Toronto
- 9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Downsizing
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
Ditch the Clutter
One of your primary goals is to make sure buyers are impressed as soon as they step inside your home. You want to hear gasps of delight as they imagine themselves moving into your space. Having your visitor greeted by a mountain of shoes and coats right in the foyer is no way to set the mood.
That’s why a thorough decluttering is the first step to getting your home ready to give all visitors a warm welcome. Ideally, you want as few signs as possible that your family is living there so they can imagine the home as their own. Less clutter means fewer distractions and a higher chance of a quick sale. A thorough spring cleaning will also set the scene for the rest of your home preparations.
- Start by going room-by-room and sort any items that you no longer need into groups—those you’ll give away to friends and family, those you’ll donate to charity, and those you’ll toss out.
- If you’re not sure whether you want to keep an item or not, try hiding it in a box out of sight for a few months. If you don’t miss it, you don’t need it.
- The earlier you start this task, the easier it will be as you won’t feel pressured to make snap decisions on any of your treasured belongings.
Decluttering can seem like a daunting task. For many sellers, this is the most arduous part of the entire process. One option that will take away much of the burden is to connect with a West End real estate team that offers a full-service experience. Junk removal is just one of the many benefits we can provide.
Scour Everything
Once your home has been thoroughly decluttered, you’ve got a blank canvas to work with. The next step is to scour all walls, countertops, and floors to make each room sparkle and shine. Even the most well-maintained living space can build up dust and grime, and the springtime sunlight will only call attention to it. Fortunately, a systematic approach will help you transform your home in an afternoon or two.
- Be ready to put a bit of elbow grease into the process (or work with a professional who can help).
- Work from the top down, from the ceiling, the walls, surface spaces, then the floors. Following this order will save you from cleaning the same area twice as dust and debris get moved around.
- Pay attention to often-overlooked spots, such as your stove drip pans, your baseboards, the corners of the ceilings, and the many nooks and crannies in your bathroom.
Stage Seasonally
It’s easy to be in a good mood in the spring. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the plants are in full bloom. Staging to reflect the season will help you make the most of your sale.
- Look for any opportunity to add a touch of spring colours throughout your home.
- Airy textiles and fresh flowers can also make a memorable impact at this time of year, and your stager will know how to use them to full effect.
By staging effectively, buyers will more easily imagine living in your space. This is a valuable tool that can help you sell your home faster, which generally also results in earning more money in the process.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can keep things simple by working with a West End real estate team who includes expert staging as part their services.
Remember Your Home’s Exterior
The inside of your home is important. However, the exterior also matters when it comes to making a positive first impression. Make sure it’s in good general condition before you put your property on the market.
- Begin with an inspection for potential defects.
- Next up, remove as much old dirt from high-traffic areas as possible by power washing your sidewalks, front steps, and deck or patio.
- Don’t forget to power wash your doors and siding too, and perhaps add a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
- Be sure the lawn is mowed and free of sticks and other debris.
- A colourful garden full of fragrant spring flowers can be an excellent touch!
Looking for more advice to help you maximize the sale of your home in the West End? The resources below are a great place to start:
- What Every Seller Should Know About Home Inspections
- Home Renovations That Add Lasting Value
- 5 Tips to Make Your Home Irresistible to Young Buyers
Additional Thoughts About Curb Appeal
When the weather is nice, buyers are more likely to spend more time walking around the exterior of your home. That’s why, more than ever, it pays to ensure your front lawn, back yard, and outdoor sitting areas are in tip-top shape during the spring.
Potential buyers also want to see that they will be able to spend plenty of time enjoying their outdoor spaces during the warmer seasons. Adding comfortable patio furniture and shade doesn’t just look inviting, but it can also create the impression of more living space.
To get the best results, many homeowners will spend just as much time thinking about the outside curb appeal as they do preparing the inside. Once your home’s exterior is as warm and inviting as possible, you can elevate the effect with decorative details such as stylish light fixtures or a fresh welcome mat.
Are you looking for more tips to sell your home in Toronto? Our West End Real Estate Experts are happy to answer all your questions. Reach out today to info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to take the next step.
