By Shaunn Lipsey
You’ve decided to list your home for sale. Congratulations! This is an exciting time full of hope and possibilities, and maybe some anxiety in the mix. As a seller, your goal is to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. But before you do, you have to do two things: make the right first impression, and appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. With that being said, here’s how to do that, and turn that For Sale sign to Sold.
To sell your home, begin not thinking of it as “your home.” Think of it as an asset – ideally, someone else’s asset. What can you do to make it look like “home,” to them?
First impressions matter, so before we step inside, evaluate and enhance your home’s curb appeal to entice buyers from the moment they arrive. This can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door, planting colourful flowers, or investing in landscaping to create a welcoming exterior.
Indoors, declutter and depersonalize the home. Removing personal items such as family photos and knick-knacks allows buyers to envision it as their home, which is the ultimate goal. Clearing clutter also makes rooms appear larger, brighter and more inviting, enhancing their overall appeal.
Freshening up the wall paint is also often a good idea, especially if you’ve been living in the home for a long time. While bold colours may suit your personal taste, they can be off-putting to potential buyers. Consider repainting walls in more neutral tones such as soft whites, beiges or greige earthier tones to create a blank canvas that appeals to a wide range of preferences. Neutral colours also make rooms feel brighter and more spacious, which are always great selling features.
Natural light can also make a significant difference in how a space feels, so be sure to maximize it wherever possible. This can be as simple as removing heavy drapes or blinds, trimming back overgrown foliage outside windows, and cleaning windows to allow natural light to flood into each room. Strategically placed mirrors are a great way to amplify natural light, where windows are limited.
I know that with small updates you can make a big impact when it comes to modernizing a home. Consider updating outdated light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and faucets to give rooms a fresh, contemporary look. These relatively inexpensive changes can instantly elevate the overall appearance of your home and make it more appealing to buyers.
Remove any unnecessary pieces of furniture, and arrange what’s remaining in a way that highlights the flow and functionality of each room. Create conversational groupings in living areas, ensure there’s a clear path through each space, and avoid overcrowding rooms with too much furniture. By showcasing the versatility and usability of each room, you’ll help buyers envision how they can use the space.
Be sure to highlight a focal point in each room, to draw attention and create visual interest. Whether it’s a piece of statement furniture, a striking artwork or a stunning architectural feature, emphasizing a focal point accentuates the positive in a space, while distracting from the negative. It also helps make a lasting impression.
Last but not least, add finishing touches to create the right mood. This can include fresh flowers or plants, decorative pillows, cozy throws, and tasteful accessories that add warmth and personality. Ensure each area is sufficiently lit, and make use of task lighting to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers.
A little strategic home staging can go a long way in helping your home stand out in the spring market. Homebuyers are coming out of a long-standing hibernation, with interest rates on pause and more listings hitting the market. Rest assured, the home that makes the right impression, will get the offer that catches your eye.
Shaunn Lipsey is the Principal and Creative Director for Shaunn Lipsey + Co, a Toronto-based design and build team.
Renowned for crafting bespoke interiors that enhance both value, style and function. Servicing Ontario, Montreal, Florida, California. shaunnlipsey.com @shaunnlipseyco
