You don't get a second chance to make a First Impression...

First impressions are crucial when selling your home. Buyers generally want to see a well-maintained, clutter-free, clean home that they can picture themselves living in. With a few simple, inexpensive improvements to your home you can increase your homes SALE PRICE and SALEABILITY and maximize your returns. Making your home show its best is of the utmost importance in Calgary’s always changing real estate market.

Here are some tips to help make your home show its absolute best:

EXTERIOR
Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges, weed and edge gardens
Sweep sidewalks and driveway, pick up any litter
Repair gutters and eaves, touch up exterior paint
Plant extra flowers for color, or place potted plants beside the front door
Clean or paint front door, polish front door hardware, ensure doorbell works

INTERIOR
Clean and tidy the entrance, clear stairs and halls, store all excess furniture
Brighten interiors with fresh, light-toned paint
Brighten rooms by installing high wattage light bulbs and turning them on
Shampoo carpets, clean and wax floors
Organize kitchen countertops -- removing appliances if necessary -- to make them look spacious
Clean kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, washer and dryer
Organize and clean out closets to make them look larger
Clean and freshen bathrooms, put out clean towels, minimize clutter
Clean mirrors and windows so they sparkle
Organize and clean garage and basement
Perform necessary minor repairs and touch-ups to walls, windows, fixtures, etc.

TIPS FOR SHOWINGS AND OPEN HOUSES
•Be absent so buyers feel more comfortable making comments
•Light the fireplace, open the drapes, play quiet background music
•Keep pets outdoors
•Tidy up: no dishes in sinks, clothes or toys on floors, beds made
•Keep bathrooms clean