Buying and selling a home are two of the most stressful events a family can endure. However, as a family grows, so does the need for space. What used to be a more-than-adequate space for a young couple can suddenly become a cramped, storage-deficient mess when the family grows by one or two members (not to mention the entry into the world of children’s toys).

If you are planning to sell your home, take some time and look at your home from a different perspective—as a potential buyer, not the owner. Schedule some time on a weekend morning to ride around and acquaint yourself with similar homes in your neighborhood. Make mental notes of things that you find appealing (i.e., landscaping, window boxes, front door colors, etc.) .

When you return to your home, look at it objectively. What have you seen done to other homes that would make your home more attractive? Are there toys in the yard? Is the paint on the front door scraped off from years of wear and tear? Are the shrubs trimmed and under control, or is the front of the home hidden by a jungle of plant material?

One way to improve your chances of making a good first impression on a potential buyer is to give your home “curb appeal.” Make the entry to your home as attractive and welcoming as you can (within your budget) to an interested party. A few weekends of yard work, mowing, raking, planting annuals (to brighten up your yard), touch-up painting, and cleaning siding and decking can give a home a quick facelift.

Don’t stop at curb appeal—evaluate the interior space of your home as well. Recall some of the things you looked for when you bought your home (room size, storage space, closet space, etc.), and keep them in mind when reviewing the home’s interior. Pack and store any unnecessary clutter that disguises the livable space. This will make the rooms appear to be larger (always a welcome thought when planning for a growing family). Organize closets and store out-of-season clothing to make some empty space available.

Clean your house thoroughly. Wipe down walls, scrub carpets, and dust ceiling fans. You may have adjusted to the “lived-in” look, but would you pay good money for a home that gives that type of first impression? Clean the windows (inside and out) and wash the drapes. Make sure the bathrooms are cleaned beyond reproach. There are plenty of nooks and crannies that are missed over time (e.g. behind and around the toilet, in the tracks of a shower stall). A clean, fresh-smelling bathroom leaves a lasting impression.

The kitchen is another important area. Once again, store any unnecessary pots and pans to give the illusion of more cabinet space. Organize the pantry or cabinets where food is stored. Discard out of date food and neatly organize boxes and cans.

Walk through your home and patch any holes in the walls or on damaged doors and mouldings. Seriously consider giving the interior walls a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. After a thorough cleaning and some new paint, you will look at your home in a new light! At the very least, it will make the best possible impression on visitors to your home, and hopefully attract the right buyer who thinks your home is “just perfect” for them.


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