When you put your home on the market, no matter how perfect you think it is, there might be some significant and very apparent flaws! So, before you start showing your property, take a look at the following list and make sure that your home does not suffer from any of the following common turn-offs.
Noise Levels
There’s not much you can do about your surroundings. You cannot move a main road or divert traffic. However, you can take certain steps to help make your home that much more resistant to noise pollution. The first step would be to insulate properly. Secondly, take a look at your windows and doors. Triple glazed windows offer better noise protection than any other type of window. There are also special noise resistant doors on the market which will have a significant effect. Yes, this will require making an investment but it can pay off in the end.
Grubby Kitchen or Bathroom
The kitchen is where you prepare meals and drinks. Anything less than perfect cleanliness can make a visitor’s skin crawl. Sure, they could give the kitchen a thorough clean before they move in but the thought will remain no matter what.
The same goes for your bathroom. Whether it’s the musty smell of an old, damp towel or a toilet that’s desperately in need of a scrub, bathroom odours are simply unacceptable. Make sure that you ventilate properly on a daily basis, make use of pleasant smelling detergents to clean every inch of your bathroom (don’t forget the back of the toilet and around the base), and use the appropriate solutions to get rid of mildew.
Potentially Dangerous Plants
As a potential buyer takes a tour of your property, they will take note of your garden. Make sure that none of the plants or trees are listed as known pests. This could concern potential buyers since some trees are particularly destructive and can cause serious damage to your home over time.
Clutter
Tidy up – it’s as simple as that! Even if it means shoving everything you own in various closets throughout your home. Visitors are there to see your home, not snoop through your cabinets. If need be, place some boxes in storage until you move. If your home is cluttered, visitors will believe that you do not bother to perform any maintenance and your home will also appear smaller.
Tours with the Current Owner
Hiring a real estate agent means that they are there to guide potential buyers through your property. Your mere presence can put buyers off since they will feel like they are being watched and they cannot express their concerns or ask questions about issues that possibly bother them. Allow the real estate agent to handle showings on your behalf. They know just what to say and how to answer any questions the potential buyer may have.
Smells
Unpleasant smells can make people turn and run! It gives the impression of an unsanitary environment and it’s almost like entering a public toilet where you’re too scared to touch anything or even breathe the air. Proper ventilation on a daily basis can help solve this problem for the most part. If you have any mould or mildew, make sure that you clean it thoroughly to get rid of the smell. Take out the trash and, if you have a young baby, make sure that all dirty diapers are disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Poorly Planned Layouts
If you have to slalom your way through the living room, for example, it can prove annoying to visitors. You need to create a smooth path from one room to the next. You might love the convenience of a particular footstool or table but, for the sake of the flow of your house, set it aside while your home is on show.
Cats
People worry about the cleanliness of a home when they know that cats (and sometimes other animals like dogs) have had full access to the entire home. They might have allergies and something as small as pet hair could cause a medical nightmare. Take the time to clean your home from top to bottom before showing so that all pet hair and traces of your four-legged friend are nowhere to be seen. Air your home so that there are also no lingering smells. This is particularly important if you keep a litter box in your home! You may want to call in a professional to perform the initial clean. Afterwards, you simply need to maintain the level of cleanliness.
Death
Death is a part of life but it’s not something you want to advertise. Even dead animals (like birds) on your property can be a turn-off and superstitious people will immediately take it as a sign. Take a walk around your property before each showing to conduct a thorough inspection.
There’s no better way to find a buyer or tenant for your GTA home than with the help of an experienced real estate agent. Call Marina Rigenco today to get your property listed!
