Need tips for getting your home ready to sell in 2020? Here are our top tips for sellers so you can attract the best buyers for your condo.
Toronto’s condo market has been on a hot streak of late, but there are signs that it’s starting to cool off. While there’s still plenty of demand in the city—especially in highly-desirable neighbourhoods—recent market changes are bound to have an impact on buyer behaviour.
What does it all mean for you as a condo owner? If you believe that every unit can ignite a bidding war, it may be time to shift your perspective. Yes, you can still get top dollar for your condo. But to ensure that you do, you’ll want to make your space as attractive as possible. Here are six tips for getting your home ready to sell,
1) Have necessary repairs done
When you’re selling your condo, minor defects can become major sticking points. To nip buyer concerns in the bud before they arise, perform any necessary repairs before putting your unit on the market. I suggest doing a walkthrough to spot any issues you may not have noticed before. Here are a few things to look for:
• Water damage on your ceiling and floors
• Leaky faucets
• Sinks and bathtubs that don’t drain efficiently
• Small holes or cracks in your walls
• A malfunctioning HVAC unit
If you find any problems, you’ll need to determine who’s responsible for repairs—you, or your condo corporation. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always cut and dry. If there are any areas of confusion, consult your condo’s declaration.
2) Declutter
When you’re selling a relatively small home, it’s important to create a sense of spaciousness. To ensure your condo doesn’t look cramped, get rid of as much clutter as you can.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to start paring down your belongings early on. Depending on how much space you’ll have in your new home, you may need to toss and donate a lot of items—and that process can take time.
Remember: shoving things into closets is a bad idea, since people who come to view your condo are pretty much guaranteed to open them. In fact, given that most buyers consider extra storage to be a bonus, I suggest cutting back on the contents of your closets as well.
3) Don’t forget your storage locker
What’s the first place you think of when you’re considering where to store unwanted clutter? If it’s your storage locker, you might want to think again. Buyers will want to see these areas if they’re included with the purchase of your unit.
While completely emptying out your storage locker may not be an option, I recommend at least tidying it up. You want buyers to see the amount of space they’ll be getting—not the number of old records or pieces of sports memorabilia you have.
4) Perform a deep clean
Few things turn home hunters off as much as dirt and dust. That’s why scouring your unit from top to bottom is crucial. Give yourself plenty of time to get your condo in sparkling condition (for many owners, this means blocking off an entire weekend to clean). Make sure to tackle these frequently-overlooked areas:
• Ceiling fans
• Light fixtures
• Baseboards
• Stove drip pans
• The areas under appliances
• Shower doors and tiles
When you’re done, don’t forget to pack your cleaning products away—many buyers find them unsightly.
5) Stage with purpose
I know. You love your condo just the way it is. Unfortunately, not everyone will share your taste in decor. That’s where staging comes in.
The primary goal of staging is to help buyers imagine what it will be like to live in your home. To achieve this goal, you have to depersonalize your space—while at the same time making it inviting.
There are a few general tips you can use to get your home show-ready. Decorate with neutral colours. Replace family photos and knick-knacks with plants, magazines, and other items that have broader appeal. And if it’s within your budget, upgrade to stainless steel kitchen appliances.
While the right tips can certainly help, you’ll see the best results if you work with an expert. In my experience, using a professional stager is well worth it.
6) Remove all evidence of pets
If you have pets, I have some not-so-great news for you. Most buyers don’t want to see your four-legged friends while they’re viewing your unit. They don’t want to see dog or cat food, toys, or pet-care products. And the certainly don’t want to notice animal stains or hair on your furniture and carpeting.
When you’re having a buyer come in to view your condo, leave your pet at a friend’s house or kennel for the day. Vacuum to pick up as much hair as you can. And if you need to use a stain remover, don’t forget to choose one that’s designed to kill pet odours.
Getting ready to sell your condo? Not sure how much preparation your unit needs? Let’s create a plan to make buyers fall in love with your space. Send me a message, and let’s talk about it!
