KEEP IT CLEAN
Look at your home as though you’re seeing it for the first time. Is every room neat, spotlessly clean, dusted and uncluttered? Steam-clean your carpets and wax floors. Wash walls, heating and A/C vents and light fixtures. Pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen: make sure that tile grout is mildew-free and baseboards scrubbed. Clean the refrigerator and stove as well as the washer and dryer (inside and out). And, don’t forget about the windows, windowpanes, ledges and blinds.

LOSE THE CLUTTER AND CREATE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE
Buyers need to mentally insert their furniture and belongings into your space. To make your home seem more spacious, it is key to de-clutter and re-organize. Start by removing excess furniture to make rooms feel more open and replacing any items that are not appropriately sized for the room. For example, oversized couches, while comfortable, can make a room seem smaller than it actually is. Clean and organize your closets and remove excess clutter from all areas of your home. Store unnecessary items in an out of the way location or rent a temporary storage unit. Strategically placed mirrors can also help to create the illusion of more space.

DE-PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME
Make your home “anonymous,” so that buyers can envision it as their potential home. Put away any family photos, sports trophies, collectibles, knick-knacks, and souvenirs. This will also help to remove clutter and create more space.

FRESHEN UP
Adding a fresh coat of paint and even laying new carpet or wood floors will brighten up your home. Choose neutral colours, and make sure the colours are consistent.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
Like a first date or job interview, the first impression of your home is the most important. Walking into a home with fingerprinted windows or a cluttered entranceway can have a negative impact. Strong odours can ruin a sale; pay close attention to pet, cooking and cigarette smells in your home. Light delicately scented candles or have cookies baking in the oven when you’re showing. Fresh flowers, especially in the spring and winter, can help to brighten and energize your home.

CURB APPEAL
Buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house by the appearance of its exterior. Paint or wash the outside of your home. Check your gutters and chimney and make necessary repairs. Keep your lawns trimmed and flower beds weeded. Clear the driveway and yard of children’s toys and store away garbage cans. Use urns to define walk spaces and ensure that window boxes are full of healthy, all-season plants. Replace any broken or dated light fixtures and wash windows and ledges. If you have a garage, make certain that it is neat and clutter-free.

MODERN CHOICES
Ensure that the décor of your home is modern and tasteful. Replace or remove outdated furniture, wall coverings and window treatments. Use neutral tones on your walls and floors and add colour with removable items such as throw pillows or bedding. Steer away from too many personal touches to create a minimalist and contemporary space.

DOGGIE DON’TS
“Love me, love my pets,” doesn’t apply when selling your home. Take your pets with you when your house is being shown, or at least keep them outside. Pets under foot will quickly put a damper on an otherwise positive showing. Be sure to empty and hide unsightly kitty litter, lint-brush your furniture and put your furry friends’ toys, dishes and scratching posts away during showings.