1. Depersonalize

You’ve spent time personalizing your home and adding finishing touches to your space. But when it's time to sell it’s best to get back to the basics so you can showcase your home, not your things. This is the perfect time to start packing so go ahead and put away those cherished family photos, sports-themed posters, collections, awards, and antique china set. Your goal is to create a neutral space where buyers can visualize themselves moving in.

2. Declutter

Create a clean visual for buyers by removing any unnecessary items. Focusing on functionality will help you decide what to keep and what to put away (photos, accessories, books, out-of-season clothing, and small appliances). Keeping the clutter to a bare minimum will help make spaces feel much bigger.

3. Paint

Patch any dents in the walls and apply a fresh coat of paint. If you’ve painted a room in the last few years, you can probably get away with a few quick touch ups rather than painting the entire room. You may also want to cover any brightly painted areas with an inviting neutral tone such as a cool grey or a warm beige.

4. Clean

Clean every surface until it shines! Presenting a clean home shows buyers you take care of your home. Wash the windows inside and out, clean the floors, pressure wash the driveway and don't forget to clean under sinks and appliances.

5. Make Small Upgrades

Make some small but impactful upgrades such as updating light fixtures or door handles. These updates can completely change the look of a room and can help increase the value of your home.

6. Add Curb Appeal

You can add a lot of curb appeal without investing a lot of money. A new door mat and a beautiful pot of flowers at the front door make a great first impression. If you’re feeling bold, try painting the front door red or navy blue.

7. Get Professional Help

Hire a handyman to fix leaky faucets, clean out the gutters, patch drywall, repair broken tiles and make other small repairs around the home. Buyers will notice if there is anything wrong so it’s a good idea to ensure everything is in good repair before listing your home.  

8. Tidy Up Outside

Tidy up the yard by cutting the lawn, raking the leaves and weeding the garden. For a bigger impact on a budget, add fresh mulch and some brightly coloured flowers.