Maximize Value for Your Home

Sara Kalke |

Buyers pay more money for homes that need less work.  

Little details make all the difference - homes that are spacious, clean and well-maintained stand out from the rest, selling faster and for more money.

Here are straightforward tips that you can follow inside and out to make your home sell for more money.
 

First Impressions: 

  • Lawns: cut grass, edge walks, trim hedges, weed gardens.
  • In winter:  remove snow and ice from walks and driveway (use sand/salt if necessary).
  • Front porch / verandah:  clean or paint if necessary.
  • Siding:  hose down siding and remove unsightly marks, especially the siding leading up to the front door.
  • Front door and trim:  clean or paint if necessary.
  • Windows:  clean windows and paint trim if necessary, especially at the front of the home.

 
Inside the Home: 

  • Front entrance:  clean any marks on the walls, paint if necessary, polish floors.
  • Kitchen:  remove clutter from counters and refrigerator, clean appliances, sinks, countertops and cabinet faces, tuck away garbage cans.
  • Bathrooms:  clean mirrors, sinks, tubs, shower doors, toilets and grout; put out fresh, clean towels, tuck away garbage cans.
  • Living room / great room / family room:  remove clutter, polish floors or steam clean carpets,
  • Bedrooms:  remove clutter, organize closets.
  • Storage areas:  remove extra unwanted items.
  • Utility /laundry room:  dust and clean utility and laundry machines, have furnace serviced if necessary. 


For a Fresh Look:

  • Paint: a coat of fresh paint goes a long way. Choose a neutral but modern color; check with your local Home Depot for the latest color trends.
  • Flooring: polish floors, steam clean carpets, repair damaged or worn areas.
  • Clutter: pack unused items around the home, clear out closets.
  • Lights: clean fixtures, use bright and warm light bulbs, fix faulty switches.


Set the Stage:

  • Lights on: turn on all lights before showings, open blinds during the day, close them at night.
  • Temperature: should be at 20 degrees (room temperature), basements should be warm.
  • Smells: make sure your home smells fresh. Try opening windows, or using light scented sprays or “Nilodor” for stronger smells.

 

Sara Kalke, REALTOR® |  RE/MAX River City | Direct:  (780) 710-7669  | www.sarakalke.com

#1 Individual Agent, RE/MAX River City 2017, #2 Individual Agent, RE/MAX Edmonton 2017* 

Proud Supporter of the Stollery Children's Hospital

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Based in Edmonton, Stefan Cherwoniak is a mortgage broker at Quickfire Mortgage Solutions, providing his services across Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Edmonton & the surrounding areas.