The process of buying and selling a home is a financial as well as emotional process for both the seller and the buyer, so if you have decided to sell your home, the look and feel of the house is a critical factor in attracting potential buyers. It’s important to keep in mind that first impressions count, so your property must have curbside appeal, including a clean and well maintained lawn and house exterior. Along with having the ideal curb appeal, here are 7 other ways to make your Toronto home attractive for buyers.

Clear the Clutter

When selling your house, it should feel like home to potential buyers, which means they want to “picture” their belongings in the space. Removing the clutter, including oversized furniture and personal items, such as photos, magazines and mail will make the house appear larger and allow them to picture themselves in the house.

Paint the Walls

Painting the walls with a neutral shade will not only help it look clean and fresh, but it will make the rooms appear more spacious. Freshly painted, open walls also gives potential buyers a blank canvas, so they can visualize what they can do with the rooms. Remember to apply a coat of paint to the baseboards and stain or paint the doors as well.

Give the House a Good Scrubbing

The quickest way to turn off potential buyers is by showing a dirty house. Even small things, such as dishes in the sink and dusty tables can be a distraction to a potential buyer. It’s essential that you give your home a good scrubbing. Along with cleaning the tub and toilet, some of the most overlooked things that need cleaned are the carpets, cabinet fronts, and ceiling fans.

Do Minor Repairs

Small problems that you have gotten used to can stand out to potential buyers. Most buyers don’t want to spend money or time making repairs to a house they have just bought. Before you put your home on the market, walk through the house and take note of any minor problems, such as broken tiles, holes in the walls and scratches on a wood floor. Making minor repairs will help your home appear well-maintained and the fewer problems your house has, the more appealing it will be to buyers.

Take a Close Look at the Kitchen

When it comes to ways to make your Toronto home attractive for buyers, keep in mind that kitchens sell houses. So, if you only have a small amount of money for improvements, spend it on the kitchen. You don’t have to completely remodel the kitchen, but a few upgrades and repairs can make a big difference when it comes to offers. Some things to consider may include upgrading the counter tops, painting or re-facing the cabinets. If the appliances are old and worn, consider renting appliances to use until the house sells.

Improve the Lighting

One of the best ways to make your Toronto home attractive for buyers is by brightening it up. The more natural light there is the better. Remove old blinds and curtains and replace them linen or cotton ones that are tied back to allow natural light in. Replace all burnt out light bulbs and use lamps to add light to dark spaces, such as in the corners.

Address Pet Issues

Everybody loves their pet, but it’s important to keep in mind that many people may not be used to animals, or they may have allergies. If you have pets, there is a good chance your home has odors, stains or both that you may not be aware of. These issues can be a deal breaker for some buyers, so make sure to get rid of stains and odors before showing the house and you should make sure your pets aren’t in the home during a showing.

It may seem overwhelming, but taking the time to do a few things around the house can make a big difference when it comes to getting potential buyers. If you aren’t sure exactly what changes to make or need advise on ways to make your Toronto home attractive to buyers, be sure to talk with your real estate agent for suggestions.