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Writer's pictureJen Bedard

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Home for Sale: Tips for Faster Sales and Higher Profits


Beautiful Updated Staged Kitchen

Welcome to the exciting world of home selling! As a experienced realtor in Niagara, I know the secret to selling your home fast and for top dollar - preparation and, of course, getting my expert help 😉. The housing market is a fierce game, and your home needs to be the star player. So, get ready for a complete guide on how to whip your home into perfect shape for sale. I'll share my insider tips on decorating every room, doing exterior maintenance, making repairs, and even renovations! And if you're selling an investment property, I'll let you in on a secret - evicting tenants can fetch you some extra bucks. So, let's get this selling party started, shall we?


Decorating Tips for Every Room in Your Home

Modern and Fresh White and Black Bathroom

Ready to revamp your home for sale? Here are my top tips to decorate every room in your home and make it stand out.


Bathrooms: Time to get rid of your gnarly old hygiene products and worn-out bathmats! Invest in some snazzy new white towels, roll out a neutral shower curtain and give everything a good scrub down. Wave goodbye to outdated fixtures and give the place a fresh lick of paint in a stylish neutral.


Kitchen: Do you want your kitchen to be the heart of your home, or the cluttered abomination of your nightmares? Clear everything away and show off your culinary skills in a clean and spacious environment. Treat yourself to some cabinet space and say sayonara to the out-of-date knobs and ugly handles.


Bedrooms: Don't let your boudoir be a dumping ground for your dirty laundry and old sneakers. Invest in some fresh textured white or neutral bedding and say goodbye to any heaving furniture that's taking up valuable space. Create a serene atmosphere with a refined coat of paint and a stylish window treatment.


Living Room: This is where the majority of time is spent, so let's get it right. Hide the magazines and toys under the sofa and make space for a stylish, open plan vibe. Invest in some new cushions and throws and redecorate to your heart's content. A new neutral coat of paint and some killer shades will make all the difference.


Rec Room: No one wants to play ping pong surrounded by clutter. Get rid of the toys and rearrange everything to make it feel like a fun and inviting space. Add a fresh coat of paint and new curtains, and maybe some cool artwork or plants to liven things up.


Entryway: Your entryway is your chance to make a good first impression, so ditch the trainers and add a stylish new doormat. New lighting and a focus point like a mirror will make all the difference, and a fresh coat of paint will complete the transformation.


Closets: Do you feel like you're being suffocated by your wardrobe? Get organized with some new shelves and hooks and swap out those cheap hangers for something more sophisticated. Add some light and a mirror to create the perfect dressing room vibe. I also suggest downsizing to half your wardrobe.


Theatre Room: Clear away all the debris and get ready to sink into the ultimate movie experience. Rearrange the furniture for maximum chill, then add some cool decor like posters or artwork. Paint the room a suave, neutral color and upgrade the lighting for the ultimate ambiance.


Laundry Room: No one wants to do laundry in a dungeon. Get organized with some shelves and baskets and say goodbye to the dingy lighting. A fresh coat of paint and a new washer, dryer set will go a long way.


Utility Room: This room isn't just for boring chores, you know. Make it more functional with some shelves and hooks to keep everything in its place. Brighten things up with a fresh coat of paint and some new lighting and even add a workbench if you're feeling crafty.


Cold Room: Are you shivering in a dark, uninviting space? Get some light in there with a new fixture and organize everything with some baskets and shelves. Adding insulation will keep you toasty and energy-efficient.


How to create curb appeal

Now let's get your home looking fly on the outside! First up, spruce up your front porch by painting it or refinishing the door and trim for a fresh vibe. Add a welcome mat and some planters for that hospitable touch and give it a power wash to get rid of dirt and grime. Don't forget to light the way with some sconces or path lights for safety and some ambiance, then add plants to complete the look.


Moving on to the backyard - clean and repair any outdoor furniture or decor, then give any patios or decks a power wash. Keep that lawn looking fresh with regular mowing, edging and trimming of trees and bushes. And don't forget to make it feel welcoming with some potted plants or flowers.


If you're thinking of selling your home, some minor repairs can give it the edge. Fix any leaks, drips, cracks, or holes and replace any outdated light fixtures or switches. Remember that minor details make all the difference, such as fixing squeaky doors and hinges, and repairing or replacing damaged window screens.


Lastly, get creative! Bring in natural light by adding a skylight or sun tunnel, enhance architectural details by installing crown molding, and add some storage space with a built-in bookcase or shelving unit. Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with a backsplash and new hardware on your cabinets.


Why Evicting Rental Units Can Boost Your Profits


If you're selling an investment property that currently has tenants, you may be tempted to keep them in place until the sale is complete. However, evicting rental units can actually be a smart financial move. By removing tenants, you'll have more control over the property's appearance and can make necessary repairs and renovations without disruption. This will allow you to showcase the property's potential to potential buyers and increase its value. Plus, an empty or staged property is more attractive to buyers who want to envision their own future in the space without any existing tenant history to worry about. Evicting tenants, is not as simple as telling your tenants to hit the road. There are specific reasons for evictions like not paying rent on time, property damage, or illegal activities. And you can't just kick them out without proper notice and legal process. Trust me, you don't want to get hit with fines and legal consequences. So, before you evict, make sure you consult with a real estate attorney or local housing authority to ensure you're following the rules.


Selling a home is no easy feat, and preparation is the key! With that being said, I hope my guide to decorating every room in your home for sale has empowered you with confidence. Whether you’re making simple updates like paint or investing in more substantial changes like renovations, know that it will be a worthwhile venture. Don’t forget to assess exterior maintenance, make repairs and of course evicting tenants if applicable. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help from an experienced realtor like myself if needed. Knowing how to whip your home into perfect shape for selling can lead to a much faster and better sale - so let's work together!

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