Making the decision to sell your home can be tough, and the whole process can be daunting, especially if you have never done it before.
Your home is probably your biggest financial asset, so with that in mind, it is vital that you put the best version of your property on the market. Selling your home can become a messy process as you understand that there might be more involved than first expected.
We have created this easy to follow 12 step guide to help you through every step of the way.
And when you need a great Waterloo Region real estate team to help you sell your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch, Team Pinto will be happy to help.
Your first step in getting your home ready for sale is to get yourself in the right frame of mind – think like a buyer! Here’s how you do it.
1. Go To Open Houses
A great way to get into an objective state of mind is to actually attend open houses. It doesn’t take long to drop into open viewings on the weekend and take note of what stands out, either positively or negatively. Checking out virtual open houses is even easier.
Note how the rooms have been styled, ask yourself if you would or wouldn’t live there and think about what makes the property attractive. Even better, bring a friend, family member or partner to the viewing and ask for their opinions. You will be surprised at what you notice that deters or excites you about the property.
2. Write Down What You Like / Don’t Like
We strongly suggest physically noting these points down so you can review when you arrive back at home or refer back to later.
If you can, stay in your local area so you can get a feel for what else is on the market already. Chatting to the agent and other viewers will also help you to understand potential buyers in the community. This is a great exercise, as it will allow you to view your own home through the eyes of a potential buyer when prepping for sale.
3. Check Out Real Estate Websites
Take a look at real estate websites and see what’s in the area.
Once again, take note of the interior styling, landscaping and what is highlighted about the property.
The second step in getting your home ready for sale is to ensure you get rid of all those negative emotions about selling your house! Here’s a few tips on how to handle this challenging period.
So, you have made the decision to sell your home, it may take a little time to process the emotional impact it may have on you. It’s only natural to form an attachment to your home; many of us have raised children, celebrate happy times, and treated it as our sanctuary.
Just remember, you will create new memories in your next home and by keeping your current place in pristine condition, you are paving the way for new people to enjoy this space.
1. Understand that you may feel sad or stressed during this time.
Some days you may feel great and other days you may be reminiscing and feel rather sad. Either way, ride the rollercoaster because the reward at the end will be worth it.
2. When it comes to selling, try think of it as a business deal and selling a house rather than your home.
Consider your home as a product that is going on the market.
3. Focus on the priorities and to do lists (more information below).
Prepare each day with a course of action. Whether it’s a weekend or a weekday, set a small goal that gets you one step closer to the end goal.
Don’t try and do it all yourself, the third step in getting your home ready for sale is to ask people who’ve done it before.
1. Seek the advice from friends and family about their selling experiences.
We live in a world where much information is at our fingertips about most facets of our lives. Do your own research based on others stories about getting your home ready for sale. There are even chat groups and forums on the Internet. Seek as much information as you can to make an informed decision that is right for you every step of the way.
There is a lot to keep in mind, like what time of year you are selling, which real estate agent to use, how long it generally takes to prepare a home and the best, local tradespeople to help you.
The point of all of this research is to avoid making the same mistakes as others and increases your chances of getting the desired price for your home.
2. Questions to ask your friends / family:
What did you wish you knew before you sold your house?
How could you have prepared your house better?
Do you recommend any particular real estate agents/contractors?
Were there any unplanned mishaps or surprises?
The fourth step is dedicated to documenting the jobs and repairs that need to be done. This will continue to be a handy point of visual reference to keep you on track.
1. Take photos of all things around your property that are in need of repair.
Whip out your iPhone and getting snapping! Be ruthless during this process, take photos of everything that has been bugging you for a little while (but you ignored) and record how long you anticipate them to be repaired.
Try look at every aspect of the house, top to bottom as if you were the purchaser. Get a friend or family member to help point out repairs or damages. Sometimes it helps getting an extra pair of eyes. Start in one area of the house and don’t leave until you have thoroughly examined it.
What to look for:
Outside the home
Damaged gutters or pipes. Do downpipes flow into a nearby stormwater drain?
The water pressure in outdoor faucets
Holes in lawn or garden
Damages in or to the garage
Rust or erosion on drainpipes
Chipped or peeling paint
Fencing damages
Inside the home
Inspect all wood for pest damage
Dry rot
Leaky faucets
Visible signs of asbestos problems
Broken smoke alarms
Chipped or peeling paint
Carpet or wall stains
Cracks in walls
Dampness (especially on walls shared with a bathroom, laundry or kitchen)
Broken windows, blinds or doors
Peeling or damp wallpaper
Check ceilings for mould or sagging
Mould on tiles
This step will help you stay on track so that your home is ready to sell as soon as possible. Not sure what to prioritise? Read ahead for more information.
1. Organise your images according to priority
Break your repairs into ‘jobs that can be done in an hour’, ‘repairs that take a day’ and ‘time-consuming repairs’. That way you know straight away what to do if you have a lot or a little amount of time.
Try to stick to a job from start to finish, not only is it emotionally rewarding, it’s one less thing to think about.
It’s a good idea to start with the most tedious or time-consuming repairs that need to be done, as often we can tend to leave the hard things until last and in real estate, this can cost you more in lost dollars at sale time than time saved by not doing anything.
Your top priorities for making repairs to your house and property should be:
1. Anything that is time consuming, more expensive or requires a professional. If you have watched any renovation or house flipping television show, you’ll know that things don’t always go to plan and surprises can pop up at any time!
2. If your garden is looking a little drab, consider moving landscaping towards the top of your priorities. This will give the plants a little more time to grow and look more natural and settled.
3. Next, focus on the repairs that only need to be done once.
TIP: Leave painting until the end so you don’t run the risk of staining or damaging walls while you are still living in your home.
Step 6 focuses on determining exactly what you can do and what you may need help with. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can do everything.
1. Determine your skills and how much time you have
Once you have your list of priorities and photos taken care of, write down what you can do yourself in your own time and what you will need help with. Try not to derail your good work and effort by over committing yourself to save a few dollars here.
When prepping your house for sale, time is of the essence so where you may have to spend a few extra dollars, what you save on time will make you more money in the long run.
2. Divide your priorities into what you will do and what an expert will do
We have put together a list of what we suggest you do and what you get a professional in for. Depending on your skill level and the repairs, you may need a hand with most things or not much at all.
Repairs You May Need An Expert For
Re-roofing/ roof restoration
Plumbing
Tiling
Large painting jobs
Home styling (if you don’t have a knack for interior design)
Professional landscaping
Building and pest inspector
Carpenter or cabinet maker
Electrician
3. Start obtaining quotes from the experts
Going by referrals, personal experiences or great reviews, start approaching different professionals. Many offer free quotes or will at least give you a ballpark figure. This is where those images come in handy! Don’t forget to communicate your time frame and the level of urgency for the job. That way, the landscaper, tiler or plumber knows exactly when it needs to be completed.
Not sure if you need a building or pest inspection? There may be some underlying structural issues that you couldn’t pick up in Step 4. Chapter 7 covers everything you need to know about building inspections.
Having your home inspected for structural or pest damage can be to your advantage when prepping your home for sale, especially for older properties where some buyers exercise more caution regarding the integrity of the structure.
It also gives the new buyer piece of mind knowing that the house has been check recently.
A Building and Pest Inspection may help uncover any issues beyond the cosmetic surface of the property of which you were not previously aware. Issues which could impact on the sale of your property or give a prospective buyer the chance to negotiate the price down if found after the house has been put on the market.
A forward thinking approach in this area ensures that the power remains in your hands during the selling process and affords you time to take control of any issues that may be lurking below the surface. In addition to the above, this can demonstrate to potential buyers that you have nothing to hide from them about the condition of the property and can in turn, protect your sale price and potential profit.
If your house has never undergone a building or pest inspection, you might not know what to expect.
What is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection will check your home (inside and outside) for any damages or underlying issues. They should produce a ‘vendor report’ that states any repairs or issues.
The building inspector should check for the following defects; roof exterior, roof void, under the subfloor, interior/exterior, garages, car ports, sheds, retaining walls, fencing and drainage.
Some of the most common building defects found in a building inspection are:
Dampness issues
Termite infestation
Fire hazards
Poor external surface drainage
Damaged roof sheets or tiles
Safety switches
Leaking showers or baths
Smoke detectors
Major and minor wall cracks
Subsiding foundations
Defective gutters
Decayed boundary fences
Tree root damage
Safety and electrical hazards
Bouncy and uneven floors
Leaking hot water units
Active water leaks
Rising damp
Brick and mortar deterioration
Subfloor ventilation
Damp proof course
What is a Pest Inspection?
A pest inspection is highly recommended in the early stages of preparing your home for sale. Any hidden structural issues will need to be addressed so there are no hidden surprises for the next buyer.
What might be lurking? Timber pests including termites, wood borers and wood decay fungi (wood rot). A good inspector will also notify you of any traces of rodents found on the day.
Sell, Donate and Declutter
It’s time to become a minimalist. Start getting rid of everything around the house that you’ve not used in the last 12 months.
Remember, not only are you selling your home, but you will also be moving, nobody wants to move their collection of newspapers from the 70’s if they don’t have to.
While working through this step, consider how you will be styling your home for your photos (see step 12).
Divide your possessions
1. Keep
These items are your most loved possessions or functional items that you will proudly make room for in your new home.
2. Sell
This process doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Simply gather everything you want to sell, take some pictures and upload them to eBay or local buy, swap and sell Facebook pages. Whatever doesn’t sell within the first week, donate.
3. Donate
This also goes for items where you have doubles or if they are still in good condition. Choose your favourite charity thrift shop and know that your once loved possessions are going to a new home.
4. Toss
Anything that is broken, damaged or doesn’t really serve a purpose, needs to be tossed immediately!
5. The Gray areas…
Lots of sentimental (but practically useless) items?
Consider taking photos of them and letting go. You’ll have a reminder that they existed but won’t be carting it from home to home.
Another gray area might be random items like tools, stationary or seasonal clothing. Box these up and if they don’t find a home in your new house or friends and family can’t find a use for them you can dispose of them in another way.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Does your furniture reflect potential buyers?
Will you be stripping everything back for the photos or will you be hiring a pre-sale home dressing agency?
Do you have anywhere to store the possessions and furniture that you will be keeping for your next home? If you do, we suggest storing them so they are out of sight so you can focus on the task at hand.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with what to do with all of your things, we suggest considering hiring a professional organizer to help you get it all done.
Step 9 is a gentle reminder to keep on top of your usual home maintenance. We promise, this will stop things getting overwhelming towards the end.
Stay on top of your usual routine around the house. Letting things go will only add to your stress levels, which may start to build at the final day approaches!
1. Work through a regular maintenance checklist for ensuring your home stays in great condition
Lawns
Weeds
Floors
Dusting
Mirrors
Dishes
Surface areas
Grouting
Ensure The Outside Of Your Home Looks Fantastic
The outside of your home is what the world sees everyday. Step 10 lists to key areas you need to pay attention to.
The front of your house should be immaculate; this is the first thing a buyer will see when they arrive to view it.
Also, don’t assume the buyer hasn’t done a drive by during the week. Many may have done.
Key areas to focus on outside:
Check your fence if you have one for any signs of damage, cosmetic wear and tear; address this sooner rather than later.
Double check the gutters for leaks, rust and also any sagging that may be a sign of damage.
Lawns – keep them high and mow them regularly, water it as need be and treat weeds as they pop up. Remember the drive by that may happen leading up to the sale.
If you have a front yard, keep the plants and shrubbery trimmed and looking neat.
If you have an irrigation system, ensure that this is clean and fully operational at all times.
Paint and exterior – do any touch ups required as you find them.
Cut back trees that are overhanging near the roof or and power lines on the property, or bring in a professional to do so as this can be tedious work.
Check the outer walls and particularly around windows for any cracks, leaks, build up of mould or mildew or any water stains.
Check your roof for any damage, cosmetic or otherwise.
Ensure any concrete or paved areas are sealed properly to prevent cracking or weakening.
Cleaning The Inside Of Your House – How to Get The Inside Ready for Buyers
Congratulations! This is the final step of the cleaning, fixing and maintaining of your soon to be for sale home. Step 11 highlights everything that needs to be cleaned inside the home so it’s ready for home showings and Step 12.
Now that your home’s exterior is looking pristine (or on its way to doing so ) take the time to start in one room and work your way through the house, cleaning it floor to ceiling.
List of What Needs To Be Cleaned Inside The Home
Smoke detectors – don’t wait until they start beeping (for battery operated devices). Ensure they are working and as a tip, use a match with real smoke, don’t just hit the test button. Ensure the match is fully extinguished upon completion.
Dishwasher – clean and disinfect it by running a wash when it is empty. Baking soda and white vinegar in the detergent compartment will work wonders.
Clean your whole house with white vinegar, baking soda and lemon
Clean the stove and exhaust fan and filters if applicable.
Check faucets and plumbing for signs of leakage and get them repaired if need be.
Check for any loose or damaged door and cabinet or drawer handles.
Dust and vacuum the tops of cabinets– a savvy buyer will check here!
Clean all light fittings, skylights and ceiling fans if applicable.
Ensure all lights in your property, both inside and outside are in good working order.
Check doors and windows for cracked seals and or peeling paint and repair as you discover them.
Clean all tracks for windows and sliding doors.
Wash all windows – both sides – in and out.
Clean all drapes and blinds – make sure you read the individual instructions for washing.
Clean and vacuum under furniture that you would not normally move, a savvy buyer may move it during an inspection to check the condition of walls and flooring.
Remove any furniture, which does not need to be there – DE-cluttering is key here!
Do what you can to make any storage areas appear large and bright. Take note of the light bulb strength in these areas and increase the wattage if the area seems dull.
Keep only current season clothing in view in wardrobes; this will make closets seem more spacious, and remove any bits and pieces stored on the floors in wardrobes.
Hang air fresheners
Consider hiring a professional home stager. They can work wonders, and the 1-2% of the asking price they are likely to charge is usually more than recopued in terms of an increased selling price and less time on the market.
Take Photos That Will Sell Your House
You are so close to the end! Photos can make or break a home in the eyes of a potential buyer. This step breaks down how to prepare your home for photography.
Ideally, those photographs should be taken professionally – and these days videos are even better – but you can certainly help ensure your home is ready for its close up.
When your home is in a pristine state of cleanliness and order, it’s time to capture this moment in photographs. It is both an art and a science portraying your home in real estate photos so that when buyers are browsing online your pictures beg them to take a more in depth look!
Usually the photographs of your property are a potential buyer’s first contact with your home, so you cannot afford to skimp on price or detail in this component of the selling process.
Remember too, that how your home looks in the photos is exactly how the buyer will expect it to look at the first showing. A good tip here is to make copies of the photos that your real estate agent eventually uses in listings and other marketing materials and keep them in each room, so you know exactly where everything is in the picture.
Excellent photography can hook a potential buyers emotions from the second they see the pictures, leading them to imagine what it feels like to be inside your home. Ensure that you marry up this initial impression with the feel of your home on showing day.
Below is a checkpoint list to ensure all of your bases are covered when it comes to getting your home ready for its photo shoot close up.
1. Look Through the Lens of a Camera
Sometimes looking through the lens of a camera, helps you see things you didn’t see before. Take a few snaps and see if there is anything that can be taken out. Remove anything and everything that does not serve a practical purpose, inside and outside your home. Cleanliness is a must, this shows prospective buyers that you care for your home.
2. Tailor Your Presentation To Your Ideal Buyer
Questions To Ask Yourself About Your House?
Is this a family home?
Is it child-friendly?
Is it a professional couple type dwelling?
Are you targeting a single person?
Is this a first home buyer’s property or an investor seeking to expand their portfolio?
Once again put yourself in the shoes of who you would want to own your property in the future and try so imagine if it is meeting your needs.
3. Your Home Is Your Book, And It Will Be Judged By The Cover
Research has shown that most buyers, women in particular make up their mind in the time it takes between getting out of their car and walking through the front door. We are talking about a 30-60 second window here. Once again, emphasis must be placed on the photos matching the reality here.
Dust all cobwebs and rid the property of any peeling paint and grime. Photos should highlight the strengths of the property, not the weaknesses. Re-visit the earlier part of this guide and make sure your front yard is freshly tended to. There is no need to get the scissors out on the lawn, but a fresh cut makes all the difference.
Make sure all pathways are clean and free of weeds, dirt or stains. Trim all hedges, trees and shrubbery. It is a good time to re-visit your earlier decisions of where you chose to spend time and money on cosmetic touch ups. Patios and entry points – the same rules apply here as the rest of the house. Rid the area of anything that does not serve a practical purpose. Less is more when it comes to the flow of the entry point to your home.
4. Bedrooms – How to Get Your Bedrooms Photo-Ready
People usually use their bedroom to express their identity. Once again, less is more so that you can provide a blank canvas for potential buyers. Fresh crisp sheets, beds made to hotel standards.
Remove all unnecessary clutter and electronics particularly.
Capitalise on bedside lamps and leave these on during a showing and in your photos, the glow of a bedside lamp paints a picture of rest and relaxation at the end of a long day.
4. Bathrooms – How to get your bathrooms photo-ready
Bathrooms can be a challenge as they are often a high traffic area. However, we all know that deeply satisfying feeling of a freshly cleaned bathroom, this is what we are going for! Think hotel bathroom, and you’ll be on the right track.
Bathroom Checklist:
Polished mirrors
Polished glass
Gleaming toilet
Few if any personal items visible
Think hotel bathroom here
5. Living Areas
If you are fortunate to have a nice view through your living room windows, capitalise on this in your photos. Ensure your windows are cleaned thoroughly. You should not be able to see glass, only what is stuck to it or the marks from dirty hands. It should be crystal clear.
If you are styling your own home, try to keep the living area as minimal as possible. Ensure that throws and pillows match, items are neatly placed on shelves and floors are immaculate.
6. Kitchen
Have only what needs to be out in the kitchen out. The fridge should be the fridge, not a pin up board of what needs to be done that day. Remove all personal items and create a generic workspace. A fruit bowl however or fresh flowers go a long way in this space.
This is a food preparation room and one that must show an emphasis in hygiene. Remove any pet food bowls, garbage from trash cans and particularly dirty dishes from the sink.
7. Pools
If you have a pool, make sure it sparkles in the photos and in real life. Ensure all cleaning products and tools are stowed away out of sight, kids toys etc.
8. Entertaining Areas
You want to paint a picture here tailored to your ideal buyer. If you are appealing for the family with an active social life and zest for entertaining, emphasis this in your layout. Keep your outdoor setting clean and free of clutter, make sure the BBQ is also in pristine condition.
9. Replace All Faulty Light Fittings and Light Bulbs – Inside and Out
Most of us are guilty of neglecting blown lights for days, weeks, and months on end. This is not a good idea at all during the selling phase. It can in fact show a neglectful attitude towards ongoing maintenance and may lead potential buyers to start digging for other signs of neglect. This can literally cost you money, in lost sales. Treat this like you have one shot.
10. Lights! Camera! Action!
You did all the prep work – or maybe your home stager did, your real estate agent had great photography done, maybe made some listing videos, and the big day’s here; your home is on the market. Hopefully it won’t be for long, but while it is, you need to keep everything in selling shape.
Work through our regular maintenance checklist for ensuring your home stays in great condition
Lawns
Weeds
Floors
Dusting
Mirrors
Dishes
Surface areas
Grouting