Brenda Bachmann

E-mail bachmann@shaw.ca
Cell (250) 317-1877
Home Fax (250) 861-5734

Office Phone (250) 860-4300
Office Fax (250) 860-1600

Macdonald Realty Kelowna
592 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
Canada  Y1Y 7S2

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

The following are suggestions and checklists that cover items that I have found influence Buyers the most.

Your goal is to maximize your homes attractiveness to potential Buyers. It will be of assistance if you can view your home “through the eyes of a Buyer”. Small touches will pay big dividends at the time of sale. I suggest you make a “to-do” checklist for each area of your home, paying attention to details inside and out.

Buyers tend to think that repairs cost more than they really do. If you think something is too much trouble or money to fix, the Buyer will probably feel the same way.

Start on the outside, after all, that is where the Buyer begins and where first impressions are made. Look at your home from the street. Does your home look inviting, clean, tidy?

Checklist and tips

• Here are some questions and tips to help guide you through the process.
• Would you want to hurry out of your car and run right in because you can “see” yourself living in this home?
• Is your lawn and yard neat and trimmed and free of weeds?
• Has your lawn been watered to keep it green?
• Have you picked up any pet droppings and debris?
• Are fences and gates in good repair?
• Are the windows clean?
• Is there any evidence of children’s toys, bikes or tools lying around?
• Are the sidewalk, porch and driveway clean?
• Is your front door freshly painted?
• Do you need to remove leaves and needles from your roof or gutters?

Tip #1

It’s not expensive to add charm with flowers along the path, in pots near the front door or in window boxes.

A large rough textured doormat at the entrance will help keep dirt out of your house during showings and will look like you care.

The Interior
On entering the home what will the buyer smell?

Tip #2

It is easier to eliminate odours by preventing them in the first place. I have found the most offensive odours to Buyers are smoke, pet smells, strong spices and garlic. Some Sellers bake bread or cookies prior to showings. These can be purchased frozen and popped into the oven. An easy alternative is cinnamon boiled in water.

• Is the entrance uncluttered?
• Is the flooring clean?
• Have the light fixtures been dusted?
• Are the walls free of fingerprints, scuffmarks, etc?
• Are all surfaces clean bright and uncluttered?
• Are the beds made and the rooms aired out?
• Is your kitchens sink and counter empty and clean without dirty dishes?
• Countertops should be clear of all clutter and appliances.
• Are the tubs, showers and toilets clean?
• Are the tile grout and silicone seals in good condition?
• All medications and toiletries should be out of sight.
• Are all the clothes cleared out of the laundry room?
• Have the cobwebs been removed?
• Is your wood fireplace clean?
• Is your garage clean and organized?
• Have you organized and cleaned your basement?

Tip #3

You will need to be creative at keeping your home in tip-top shape throughout the time Realtors will be showing it.

Final considerations

• Fresh flowers help to create a nice atmosphere.
• Please leave all the window coverings open, use high wattage light bulbs, and if possible leave the lights on before you leave the home for showings.
• Be sure to turn off all electronic distractions such as TV’s and radios.
• Leave fireplaces on it helps to create a nice atmosphere.
• That brings me to another very important point. If you are in the home when the Buyers are viewing it they will feel uneasy at studying the home, and will be unable to speak candidly to their Realtor. Most of the time they will cut their viewing short and move on to another home where they will feel more comfortable.
• Please leave the home during all showings: even if it’s only to walk around the block.
• If you have any noisy pets, be sure to take them out of the home with you.
• Don’t forget that most serious Buyers will want to see every room, closet and space in your home. Closets look roomier when only partly filled. To clear out some clutter you may wish to have a garage sale prior to selling, or rent a storage unit to move some of your belonging to.
• Remove and replace any fixtures you don’t want to leave with the home. If the Buyers never see it, they will never know what they missed.

Remember: Your Home Must Sell Itself!