Spring is a time of renewal, new starts and it is also a great time to sell your home. But, with Spring also comes muddy lawns, pot-holed driveways and damages you couldn’t see until the snow melted. Markham Real Estate – the Toronto market in general actually – is selling like crazy. Spring is scheduled to break market records. So, if you’re thinking about selling your house in Markham, definitely take a look at my tips below to get the process started. And as always if you need have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally!
Up Your Curb Appeal
Start outside, as that’s where prospective buyers will start. You don’t want buyers driving right past because your home looks dirty and aged. Winter can do a number on the exterior of your home, so ensure that you’ve cleared all the salt stains off the garage doors and front porch. Pull all of the dead stuff out of the garden and clear any leaves that were left on the grass when the snow started to fall. If you’ve got time, give a new coat of paint to your exterior doors and power wash all siding. When the night temperatures stay above freezing, add some potted flowers to the walkways and on the porch.
Declutter Your Space
After a long winter, your garage and shed might look like a scene from The Impossible (after the tsunami hits). You’ve piled stuff up in the corners, let the garbage bins get rank and your sports equipment has taken up permanent residence in your front hall closet. Get rid of anything you don’t need or that won’t attract buyers. You want them to see that they’ll have a spot to put all of their junk, so set up a streamlined and organized system for storing tools, outdoor equipment (like lawn mowers, rakes, shovels) and even your garbage and recycling bins. Potential buyers will be impressed with the amount of space you’ve got.
Inspect & Repair
Snow, ice and water are enemies to a home. Once the snow melts, inspect your roof, driveway and all exterior areas for winter damage. Most buyers won’t want to buy a house that will need a new roof. They also won’t want to send their kids out to play on the back deck if the railings are leaning, presenting a definite hazard. If any water is leaking into your home that will definitely send buyers packing (after buying another home). Take a walk around your property, inside and out, and determine what fixes it will need to look like a well-maintained home.
Market what’s Great about Your Community
Many buyers buy homes because they love the community. Snow, slush and mud can make it hard to see what’s great about a neighbourhood. If you’ve got a great park down the street, let buyers know this by including a photo of it in its prime (during the summer) in your marketing materials. Similarly, if you’ve got attractions like community centres, pools or ski hills, ensure that buyers are aware of all the fun they can have all year round, if they buy your home.
Add Spring Accents
What is great about Spring is all the beautiful spring flowers and colours that come alive. Ensure that home looks spring-like by adding some accents, both inside and out that express the essence of spring. Buy new floral pillows for your couch and linens for your bed. Go shopping at Homesense for some great ideas on Spring decorating. And of course, add vases of flowers throughout your home.
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