A Guarantee Mantra to sell your home in 2013 (To do checklist)

Free hot selling tricks to sell your home in 2013.

With competition so fierce and so many homes for sale, here is to do checklist of to have your home in ready condition and ensure you receive maximum price. Here are some hot selling tricks to sell your home in 2013.

Give outdated Kitchens a paint /backsplash facelift

A nice Kitchen helps sell a house however, don’t invest in a total renovation. Renovations are costly, and you won’t recoup your costs unless you find your exact décor a buyer is looking for. Bring an out-of-date Kitchen up to speed with tasteful paint colors, new ceramic tiles and new lighting. A modern backsplash and sleek countertop will always spruce up a kitchen.

Improve the lighting (new energy efficient)

Replace any old light fixtures ASAP. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it – yet isn’t a vintage (50-75 years old) or antique piece (older) – it should probably go.

Make the Home smell nice (first impression)

Make sure your home has a nice aroma, not too strong but appealing to the masses. Bake cookies before showings; use cinnamon sticks and fresh flowers. Make sure the home doesn’t smell of pets or smoke. Smoke is a silent killer and will be a deal breaker even for buyers that smoke.

Good Paint makes a house new

Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your decorating buck than anything else. Even if your current palette is relatively new, any scuffs or wear marks will channel an unkempt vibe. Make sure colors are warm, neutral and inviting.

 

De-clutter change look bigger

Take the collectibles off the mantel, put the mismatched armchair into storage (or better yet, donate it) and pare your closets down to what you’re actually wearing this season, packing away the rest. The more you store onsite, the more cluttered and small your home appears and the less you will get for it.

Bathrooms a facelift good idea

A nice bathroom helps sell a house, but don’t invest in a total renovation. Renovations are costly, and you won’t recoup your costs unless you find your exact décor a buyer is looking for. Bring an out-of-date bathroom up to speed with fresh warm paint, new ceramic tile and new lighting. Buy neutral new shower curtains, a simple new bath mat and vanity set, and have fresh flowers in the room during open houses and showings.

Spruce up the front yard

Refresh your front yard according to the season. In spring, summer and fall, trim back dead plants and foliage and plant attractive annuals or perennials in flowerbeds. In winter, keep the walkway shovelled and cut back any tree or shrub branches damaged by heavy snowfall. A pair of planters flanking the front door and filled with seasonal arrangements instantly conveys pride of ownership.

Make sure to check backyard

Simple fixes will make the most of your existing yard layout. Replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, or stain and sealant if the finish needs it. Weed and groom your garden and add some perennials for color when in-season. If kids’ toys are taking over the space, put some in storage. Think “tidy,” “update” and “refresh”: never do anything costly or major like adding a swimming pool or pond, which may put off potential buyers.

Window Coverings-fresh look to a room

Dated window treatments need to come down, (if it’s over 10 years old, get rid of it). If privacy isn’t an issue, just leave the windows bare to maximize natural light and make the room’s dimensions seem more generous. Otherwise, buy basic-issue cotton or linen drapes. Always tie drapes back during viewings and open houses.

Replace old floors 

Out dated floors will always give the home an old feel and will repel a buyer from your home. Refinish scratched hardwood, replace soiled carpets, replace linoleum with ceramic tiles and try to stay away from Laminate floors, unless in the basement. Carpet in the basement is always the best option.