• Wash walls, ceilings, and trim. Consider painting with light, neutral colours. Repair cracks.
• Tighten loose knobs, towel racks, switch plates, and outlet covers.
• Fix tight doors and windows, squeaky floorboards, and loose stair banisters.
• Clean and repair caulking around tubs and sinks. Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains.
• Clean and organize the basement and attic. (This is a good opportunity to throw out all the bits and pieces you don't want to move.)
• Organize closets. Get rid of the clutter. Limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor.
• Clean out kitchen cabinets, and remove clutter from countertops.
• Clean drapes, blinds, and curtains. Shampoo carpets, and wax floors.
• Arrange furniture to make rooms appear as spacious as possible.
• Remove any items you're taking with you, such as chandeliers and mirrors.

The top renovations that get you the most money* are: Bathrooms (75 to 100% return), Kitchens (75 to 100% return) and Interior and exterior painting (50 to 100% return) - *Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation Survey

• Replacing roof shingles (50 to 80%)
• Replacing the furnace and heating system (50 to 80%)
• Renovating the basement (50 to 75%)
• Adding a recreation room (50 to 75%)
• Installing a fire place (50 to 75%)
• Up-grading floors (50 to 75%)
• Building a garage (50 to 75%)
• Replacing windows and doors (50 to 75%)
• Building a deck (50 to 75%)
• Installing central air conditioning (25 to 75%)

First impressions really do count.

• Cut the lawn.
• Cut and trim the shrubs.
• Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris.
• Brighten up the garden with fresh shrubs and flowers.
• Get rid of the clutter. Put away toys and gardening equipment.
• Touch up peeling paint on doors, siding, and trim.
• Repair and paint the fence.
• Fix damaged roof shingles and flashing.
• Clean windows, replace broken panes, and fix torn screens.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Wash the driveway and sidewalk. Patch cracks or holes.
• Clean up the garage and shed.
• Have the gas grill ready for use.
• Make sure outside lights and doorbells work.

How is the market value of my property determined?

• The market sets the price. Lynne will help you set a realistic price to match market conditions.
• Lynne can give you a comparative market analysis based on similar homes in your area. It will show current listings, recent sales, and expired listings (a good thing to check because these houses are usually either overpriced or poorly marketed).
• Lynne will help you develop a competitive price based on:
  Location, Size, Style, Condition, Community Amenities, Financing.
• Remember: The market determines price. Avoid the urge to price your home based on considerations that do not affect its market value. For example, the following do not affect the market value for your property: · How much you need to purchase your next home, How much you paid, How much you spent on improvements, The value of a similar home in a different community, The cost to build the same home today, Your personal attachment to your home (Yes, it's your house and you're proud of it, but this makes no difference to potential buyers

IMPORTANCE OF PRICING
Why is listing my property at market value so important? A realistic competitive price means: Your property will sell faster. People don't bother looking at over-priced homes.

• Your home doesn't lose its "marketability."
• Offers are higher when a property is closer to market value.
• A well-priced property can generate competing offers.

Realtors will be more willing to present your property to buyers (and be more enthusiastic when they do so).

SHOWING YOUR HOME
How should I prepare for showings and open houses? Your house should be ready to show at all times. Make sure it is kept clean and clutter-free. And, those last minute touches before someone comes to look at your home can make all the difference:

• Turn on all the lights, even during the daytime, including outside entrance, closet, basement, and attic lights. Open all the drapes and blinds.
• Turn off the television, stereo, and radio (easy listening music is OK).
• On cold days, light a fire. If not in season, make sure the fireplace is clean.
• Put pets in a fenced yard. Better still, ask friends to look after them. Some people may be allergic, others may be afraid of animals. Clear any pet odors.
• Clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Leave windows and mirrors sparkling. Set out fresh flowers, hang decorative hand towels in the bathroom, and place an attractive tablecloth on the dining room table.
• If possible, leave! Some buyers are uncomfortable when the owner is in the house. In their hurry to get away, they may miss important features, or fail to ask important questions. If you must remain, be courteous, but try not to make conversation.

How can I prepare my property for listing?

• Look at your home with the eyes of a potential buyer. What's your first impression? What needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired, or tossed out to make your house as attractive as possible?
  A small investment in repairs, decoration, and organization can add thousands of dollars to your property value.