Five details to consider before listing your home

Want to sell your home soon but not sure how? Taylor Bennett from the Bennett Property Shop shares some of the top secrets of sellers.

When it comes to selling a home, it’s all about the details.

One real estate expert says there are several small but important items sellers often miss that buyers won’t.

“You might be blind to those problems, but the buyers aren’t going to be blind to those problems,” real estate broker Taylor Bennett of the Bennett Property Shop said.

To help guide you as you list your home for sale, Bennett joined CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa to offer five tips would-be sellers can use before listing their property.

Complete a pre-listing home inspection

Bennett recommends getting your home inspected prior to putting it up for sale, both to address any potential issues before it’s listed and to show potential buyers that you’ve taken care of your property.

“Buyers are going to love seeing that,” Bennett said. “If it’s just basically sight unseen and they see any problems on their own, it’s going to balloon into a much bigger issue in their heads. So, showing people you’ve cared for your house with a home inspection, is a fantastic option.”

The Bennett Property Shop broker says it’s good practice to get a home inspection about every five years, even if you’re not looking to list your property.

“If you tackle problems before they become big problems, its much cheaper and it’s going to show buyers that you care for your property,” he said.

Handle paint and small repairs sooner than you think

Bennett says small details like scratches or knicks on the wall are easy to miss as a seller, but easy to spot as a buyer.

“You become blind to those issues. Buyers coming in, they’re not going to be blind. They’re going to be coming in with a fine-tooth comb and a magnifying glass, so repair those items,” Bennett said.

It’s important to give yourself more time than you think you need to handle these tasks, says Bennett.

“They’re small issues, but they don’t take a short time to do it. Painting does take a bit of time. It’s easy, most people can do it but just give yourself extra time to do that,” he said.

“If you’re looking to list your house in the spring, start tackling those issues now.”

Make your home odour-free

Bennett says this is another issue sellers who have lived in their house for years often don’t realize they have.

“This is another we become blind too, especially if you have dogs in your house,” Bennett said.

“Make sure you have odour-free areas, especially when they’re first walking in.”

Bennett recommends using deodorizers, or even getting up to some baking to make sure your listed property has a pleasant scent.

“Smells are tied to memory and if they can remember your house after they toured it, it’s going to go a long way with buyers falling in love with your homes,” he said.

Organize your home and its records

Making sure your home is decluttered is crucial to enticing buyers, Bennett says.

“When people are looking to make a move, they’re usually moving up to a house that’s a little bit larger,” Bennett says.

As homebuyers are often looking to size up from their current living conditions, Bennett says it’s important to show that your home has the size and storage they’re looking for.

“They walk through your property and your countertops covered with a bunch of things, they’re going to think ‘well, I have that problem at home; this is another house that has that problem,’” he said.

“They’re going to assume you don’t have enough storage there.”

While it’s important to ensure the home itself is in good order, Bennett also says the same should also be the case for your home records.

“Having organized home records on there as well, showcasing what you’ve done to the property, I mentioned the home inspection reports, and any kind of annual maintenance to show your house has been cleaned, organized, ready to go,” he said.

Find the golden balance for décor

When it comes to staging your home, Bennett says it’s all about balance.

“I’ve had some people who are previous home décor experts, they come through, their house is absolutely gorgeous, but it almost looks like a museum,” he said. “They’re not buying your décor, they’re not buying your pictures, they’re buying your house.”

While you don’t want your home to feel overwhelming, Bennet says it shouldn’t feel sterile either. Aim for something warm and welcoming, with a few items that provide a personal touch.

“You want something nice and inviting, the best type I give for people is think of a hotel,” he said. “It’s not too personalized, it feels nice and comfortable.”

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