Pack your memories away

Items that remind us of special people, events, milestones and interests are an important part of what makes a home a home. Pictures on the fireplace mantle, for example, showcase family and friends that are important to us.  You might also have trophies, certificates, greeting cards, and other mementoes on display in key places.
Of course, all of those things add warmth and meaning to your home.  However, if you're preparing your home for sale, it's a good idea to pack those memories away - at least until you've sold your property and moved to your new home.

Why?

Because those pleasant mementoes that mean so much to you may actually turn off potential buyers.  You see, when buyers view your property, you want them to be able to clearly picture themselves and their families living there. That's difficult to do if everywhere they look they see reminders that this is your home!  So, to help sell your home quickly, make it look great, but not personalized.

Think of the showroom displays you see set up in furniture stores. Those displays are most appealing when they enable you to easily picture yourself, with that furniture, in your home. You probably wouldn't feel that way if it looked like the furniture belonged to someone else.
Of course, buyers will know you currently live in your home. But helping them imagine themselves living there will help you sell your property faster – and possibly for a better price.

Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call Today!

Be Sure to Plan for the “Pet Issue”

If you have pets, you probably adore them. They're part of the family! Monte and I both have pets so we understand where you are coming from.  But  when you're preparing your home for sale, you need to think about how  you're going to deal with the "pet issue".

Some potential buyers who view your property may love pets as much as  you do. However, others may be turned off by the tell-tale signs of pet  ownership – such as kitty litter, dander, and smells.  So be sure to make a plan for how you’re going to deal with your pets.  It's a good idea to keep pets out of the house during viewings. Even if your  dog or cat is friendly, some buyers will be uncomfortable around them. So,  you'll need to decide where your pets will go when buyers view your  property. Consider a local kennel or "pet day camp".

"Can't I just take my dog out for a walk?"

you might be asking. You could;  however, you may not always be available to do that during a viewing. So have alternate plans available.  You should also consider how you will deal with pet dander and everyday pet odours. You're probably used to them. Unfortunately, some buyers will be turned off or even be allergic. So, in addition to cleaning your home before a viewing -- especially in those areas where pets spend time like a favourite cushion or scratching post – consider using specialty air sprays available on the market that will neutralize pet odours.

Finally, it's a good idea to advise buyers that they're viewing a home with pets. That way, they'll be more forgiving if they catch a whiff of cat dander.

Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call Monte or Cindy today!

(And just a quick view of MAX)