The economic downturn has made the job of home sellers in Kitchener, Ontario more difficult than ever. With less work in the city than a few years ago, the few people moving into the area are overrun with choice when they go to buy a home to replace their old Yorkville condos. So how can you make sure it's your house they choose? You have to catch their eye. There are a number of ways to do so, but we will focus on the easiest and most inexpensive methods, because most people are on a budget these days.
Little Repairs
As much as that little crack in the ceiling or that molding pulling away from the door frame seem like small potatoes to you, they can easily be the kiss of death to a buyer when he or she has looked at Scarborough Bluffs homes that are in proper repair. So with a discerning eye (perhaps the discerning eye of an in-law, if you've developed a blindness to your home's faults) fix up every nick in the wall, curling carpet corner, crooked fence post, and malfunctioning light fixture on the property.
Paint
It's amazing how much of a difference a fresh coat of paint can make, so give all the painted or stained surfaces in your home an upgrade. This includes interior walls, ceilings, and cupboards as well as exterior surfaces like walls, decks, garage doors, outbuildings, and fences. Use brochures for Windsor homes and home improvement magazines to guide your paint color choices if you want to be hip and fashionable, or simply use neutral colors like white or beige, which will make your home seem brighter and larger.
Furniture
Some people are pack rats, which is fine when they own the home, but if you're showing your place to strangers, one thing you don't want to do is reduce the floor space to an area smaller than most downtown Toronto lofts. Keep only enough furniture to prevent the house from looking bare (ask a friend for their opinion if you tend to overdo it) and put the rest in storage. Make sure your furniture isn't too eccentric or worn looking, as it will lower the buyer's opinion of the place unfairly.
Tasteful Decor
When you see a home for sale in Toronto, Canada on a TV show or in a magazine, what's the defining feature that you notice? It's tasteful decor. Now, the definition of "tasteful" varies from person to person, so if yours is a little eccentric (think Voodoo dolls or kitten throw pillows) substitute in the word "bland." A vase of flowers, a landscape or abstract painting and a floor lamp is all most rooms need. When in doubt, consult a magazine.
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