Curb Appeal: The first impression the buyer will make is when they pull into your driveway. Have the grass and shrubs been nicely trimmed or the snow cleared in the winter months. Remove the clutter from your porches and walkways. Weed the garden. Clean out the eavestroughs. Make your home as inviting as possible.
De-Clutter: By eliminating any clutter from your home you can create a much more spacious atmosphere. Store away unnecessary furniture and knick-knacks. Tidy up the closets so that thye appear larger. A stuffed closet makes even the largest closet seem small. In the kitchen, remove all small appliances and clutter from your countertops.
Make your home "anonymous": Store away family photos, trophies, and personal memorabilia. You want buyers to be able to view it as their potential home/cottage. Your personal items brand the home as "yours" and can make it more difficult for the buyers to imagine it as their own.
Let the sun shine in: Either by keeping all draperies open during daylight hours or by keeping lights on in the evening, you can create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Make the bathroom spotless: Make sure the bathtub, sink, and toilet are gleaming. Put out fresh towels and a fresh bar of soap.
Bedrooms: Make sure all beds are neatly made and unnecessary furniture is removed from the bedrooms.
Make sure everything is in working order: Replace any burnt out light bulbs, broken handles, doors, ripped screens etc.
A fresh coat of paint: Can make a world of difference in the eyes of the buyer. In most cases, the buyer will be looking for a home/cottage that they can move right into. Neutral colours are best, as your decorating taste may not be the same as that of your buyer. This way the buyer can easily picture his or her furniture in the property.
In the winter months: if you have a fireplace, have it lit. There is nothing more comforting that a warm fire.
Keep the home smelling fresh: Inexpensive room deodorizers placed strategically throughout the house can keep it smelling fresh, especially in key places like the bathroom.
Keep noise to a minimum: Turn televisions and radios off.
Keep yourselves and pets out of the home during showings. A buyer will feel more comfortable and will be able to get a better feel for the property if you're not there. You don't want them to feel as though they are intruding.
