I’ve written quite a bit over the past few weeks about the economic recovery, especially in the housing market. It’s true we are seeing many parts of our economy storming back. The job outlook is more positive, households are getting a firmer grip on their budgets and consumer confidence is returning.
All this has led to a rising demand for new and resale homes. The pressure is forcing home prices back up to where they were more than a year ago. But that is by no means a signal that selling your home will be easy. Certainly it will sell, but in any market you want to sell quickly and for top dollar.
A few years ago I wrote a booklet about how to sell your home for top dollar and fast. Just call my office and we will gladly send you a complimentary copy of this invaluable publication. It’s just one of the small services I provide clients, giving them an advantage in a competitive market place. Choosing a Broker who is knowledgeable about the community and has a proven track record for effective marketing is critical when looking to get the absolute best deal possible.
Here’s a sample of what you will find in How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! Make your house sparkle. Thoroughly clean your house. Hire someone if you prefer, but ensure windows shine inside and out, and that blinds, curtains and drapes are clean. A trick to lifting tough grime and grease is using undiluted white vinegar.
In the kitchen, clean appliances inside and out. Again, use undiluted vinegar to remove kitchen grease. Scrub the inside of the refrigerator with baking soda; not only does it not scratch, but it also removes odours. Eliminate kitchen sink odours by pouring hot salt water down the drain twice a week. Grind citrus peelings or apple cores in the garbage disposal. Leave a small uncovered container of vinegar in the corner of your kitchen counter.
Scrub bathrooms until they pass the white glove test. If tubs or sinks are rusting, have them re-glazed. Clean tile grouting with Tilex and recaulk the tub and shower. Clean fixtures with white vinegar. While at home, light a candle for atmosphere and a pleasant (but not overpowering) aroma. Hang a set of designer bath towels on the most prominent rack complete with verbal instructions to your family not to use them.
This is just a small sample of my tips and advice for getting top dollar for your home. I include many other suggestions as well as outlining common costly mistakes and how to avoid them – whether you are buying or selling.
Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.