Selling Your Home: Why Use a Realtor?
Some homeowners are tempted to try selling their property without the help of a real estate agent (this is called FSBO: For Sale By Owner). The reality is that selling real estate is a complex and highly specialized field. If you are like most, your home is your biggest asset. An agent will help steer you clear of the many pitfalls, and most importantly, will save you time and money. Here are just a few of the advantages of working with an agent:
- Your agent knows real estate values in your neighbourhood and will help set an agreeable and competitive price on your home.
- Your agent will establish a marketing strategy for your home ensuring that your property is exposed to scores of potential buyers.
- Your agent takes care of the many tasks involved in selling a house (everything from putting up the for sale sign and taking care of paperwork). This saves you time and ensures that the transaction is simple and low-stress for you.
- Your agent is an expert in the home selling process and as such will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.
- Your agent is an experienced negotiator and will work to get you the best price possible.
- Your agent has access to all of the latest tools, technology and tricks of the trade.
- Your agent can recommend the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
- Your Royal LePage agent has the support of a national firm and a network of contacts and expertise.
First Impressions Count… For Buyers and Your Neighbours
The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it’s for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you’ll boost your home’s curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:
- Edge the gardens, clean out debris
- Pull the weeds and rake the leaves
- Prune the plants and wooly shrubs
- Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds
- Tidy the garage of winter trappings
- Dispose of rusty broken garden décor
- Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door
- Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired
- Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced
- Reseal the driveway
- Hide the garbage cans
- Sweep the step
- Fix the saggy gutters
Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.
Curb Appeal is Critical
Alluring, or ho-hum: how’s your curb appeal? When you are ready to sell your home, be sure to pay close attention to the exterior and strive for that wow factor. You want your home to standout and shine!
Prospective buyers driving past your property will make snap judgments on whether they want to slow down and see your home, or simply drive away. If the exterior is poorly maintained, with uncut grass, peeling paint on the windows, a dowdy door, or sinking eaves troughs, they’ll assume the inside is just as uncared for. But if a buyer sees an attractive, appealing façade with a nice-looking lawn to boot, they’re going to want to see more – much more.
Beckon buyers up to your front door by painting it in a contrasting colour to the rest of your house. Dark jewel tones of red, blue or green will add a little drama. Consider embellishing the door further with an ornate knocker, polished-metal kickplate or a sumptuous seasonal wreath. Replace plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.
If your light fixtures and house numbers are looking dull, add a fresh coat of paint to make them look like new. Brass accessories should shine or you may want to refinish them. On a cool, dull day leave lights on: warm lighting creates a cozy ambiance.
Outside your door, planters or urns in resin or cast iron add appeal and interest. In the fall, fill them with colourful chrysanthemums that will last through to the first frost. When signs of winter appear, consider using tall evergreens or dogwood.
Need a new mailbox? An imaginative mailbox adds character to your front door, whether it is a whimsical wood box made to look like a country cottage or a wrought iron creation with the antique look of yesteryear.
If you have pets (especially dogs), clean up any waste and ensure there are no lingering pet odours. Consider taking Fido for a walk if you’re going to show your home. Not all prospective buyers are animal lovers, and a barking dog could intimidate them. Also, be sure the lawn and/or landscaping is in pristine condition.
Buy a new Welcome mat! It’s simple but effective. When prospective buyers step from the impressive outside of your house to the inside, and see clean, clutter free rooms, they’ll be better able to picture themselves living in it. They’ll hopefully feel right at home, and you will have succeeded in creating a memorable first impression.
Top Renovations With the Best Return on Investment
Whether doing-it-yourself or hiring a professional, interior painting, hardwood flooring and kitchen upgrades are amongst top renovations.
While some renovations such as updating a kitchen or bathroom may require a trained professional, there are a number of do-it-yourself projects that are sure to increase a home’s resale value. Here are some top renovations that bring the best return on investment (ROI), as compiled by the Royal LePage network.
Reasonable and radical renovations.
From simple aesthetics to washroom overhauls, Royal LePage has identified the top renovations that will increase the equity of a home. The list is ranked in ascending order of cost of project.
- Freshen up: Adding a new coat of paint can freshen up a house and make the interior look like new – not to mention more spacious. For homeowners looking to sell in the near term, neutral colours are most preferred.
- Floors galore: Today, hard surfaces are all the rage. If genuine hardwood exceeds budgets, laminate works well. Buyers like to see hard floors throughout, so if possible, be sure to lay down laminate in dining rooms and living rooms, and even in bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Lighten up: Old or standard-grade light fixtures, electrical and light cover plates can easily date a house. To modernize, add distinct flair to the interior, consider installing new light fixtures.
- Pebble Beach? Well, close: The old adage, you never get a second chance to make a first impression is extremely true when it comes to selling a home. To increase curb appeal and entice buyers, ensure front lawns are tidy and gardening is minimal.
- Stylishly steel: Similar to the issue with old light fixtures, knobs, fume hoods and backsplashes can make a kitchen seem outdated. Sleek, stainless steel hardware designs have the biggest and most positive impact on those people looking to buy a home.
- Opening all the right doors: An elegant entrance enhances a prospective buyer’s first impression of the house itself.
- ROI from the ground up: To see an even higher return on investment, replace old flooring with new hardwood. While a range of qualities, textures and colours exist, it’s best to opt for a neutral wood colour to accommodate the widest possible array of tastes and décor.
- White picket fence: Building a fence and a deck instantly boosts a home’s appeal.
- Everything, and the kitchen sink: While prices can vary when renovating a kitchen, one thing is certain – updated kitchens bring one of the highest returns on investment. With homeowners spending more time in the kitchen than any other room, it’s no surprise they want the best possible style and functionality.
