Improvements that sell homes

Making a good impression is part of selling your home. Curb appeal is the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street. In the real estate industry, this term extends to the interior, as well. A clean and well-staged home is one that we say “shows well”. Buyers are looking for that “this is the one” feeling when they enter for the first time. With some planning and simple improvements, you can create that mood to increase the marketability and value of your home.

The important message is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money or take on large projects to improve curb appeal. By putting effort into the tasks with the highest return, like deep cleaning, you can make a big difference in the sale of your home.

Contact us with your tips and suggestions for this page!

Curb appeal quick tips

  • A small investment in necessary repairs and aesthetic improvements can yield a profit

  • Cleaning is the least expensive improvement that will have the best return on investment

  • Update with care, replace like-with-like, and don’t overspend

  • Curb appeal can be improved with simple landscaping like weeding, trimming the lawn, and planting a few flowering plants

Example 1

New shingles, cheerful and trendy colour scheme, garden plants

Curb appeal tips before after photos

Example 2

Fresh paint, staged front porch, additional shrubs and grass

A house for sale in Norfolk County Ontario curb appearl before and after

Exterior Appearance

  • Keep lawns cut
  • Trim hedges and shrubs
  • Weed and edge gardens
  • Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
  • Clean out garage
  • Power wash everything
  • Touch up trim paint
  • Plant colourful, inexpensive flowers in pots
  • In winter, create a light display for evening showings

At the Front Door

  • Clean porch and foyer
  • Ensure door bell works
  • Repair any broken screens
  • Fresh paint or varnish on the front door
  • Repair door locks and key access

Create a Buying Mood

  • Make sure your home is fresh and clean
  • Turn on all the lights
  • Turn on air conditioner/heater for extra comfort
  • Open the drapes to let the sun or view inside
  • Light the fireplace

Create Space

  • Clear halls and stairs of clutter
  • Store surplus furniture
  • Clear kitchen counter and stove top
  • Empty closets of unnecessary clothing and stuff
  • Put away personal photos so buyers can envision the house as theirs

Maintenance

  • Repair leaking taps and toilets
  • Clean furnace and filters
  • Tighten door knobs and latches
  • Repair cracked plaster
  • Apply fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary
  • Clean and repair windows
  • Repair seals around tubs and basins
  • Replace defective light bulbs
  • Oil squeaking doors
  • Repair squeaking floor boards

Squeaky Clean

  • Deep clean bathrooms
  • Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
  • Clean around heating vents
  • Clean washer and dryer
  • Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
  • Eliminate pet odors and stains