Selling a property is a big deal. It’s not a decision you came to overnight. Here are our top 7 tips for successfully selling your property!

Research: You’re at HonestDoor.com so we hope you’ve already been doing some research. That said, do your research! Look at properties in your neighbourhood and other neighbourhoods - review city assessments, bedrooms, bathrooms, when they were built, permits, etc. Importantly, use the HonestDoor Price so that you become an informed seller when setting the price of your home.

Describe your home: Remember that for most buyers and sellers, emotion is a major factor in real estate decisions. Yes, buyers want to know straight facts - many of which are on HonestDoor.com - but they also want to know about the character of your home. Tell a story about your neighbourhood. Think back to when you originally purchased the property - what made you do it? What finally sold you on it? How much have you invested into it? Don’t just market the new trims you’ve done, but really think about the dedication you’ve given to keep it in the shape that it is. This shows that you value the property and future buyers should, too.

Photos: Instagram became a popular app precisely because one could share photos. For many, looking at houses that are for sale online is a common pastime. Your photos don’t need to cost a lot of money (or any money for that matter!) but you’ve got to include the basics: kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, front, back, etc. With the improved cameras on smartphones, this doesn’t have to be a chore! If you need help making them look professional, ask a friend! One last thing: don’t include any cameos!

Declutter: Think and act like a minimalist. It can be hard to get rid of things - everyone has a drawer filled with miscellaneous items that you don’t want to get rid of “in case” you need them! If you find yourself struggling to get rid of items or to eliminate clutter, try renting a storage unit. You can find storage places in every city and at relatively affordable rates. Plus, if a prospective buyer sees how tidy that place is, he/she might also think that you took exceptionally good care of the property, which you did, right?!

Make minor repairs: We’re not talking about re-doing the floors, but if there’s a cracked tile or a noticeable flaw, buyers might get spooked. Think small, aesthetic fixes, like: kitchen drawers that jam, doors that don’t close properly, faucets that leak, burned out lightbulbs, etc. You don’t need to renovate to sell your place!

Neutralize any smells: We trust that your home smells lovely. But even if there’s a slight odor, buyers can get worried. Please don’t go and buy air fresheners for each room - that’s a sure-fire way to flag to prospective buyers that you’re trying to mask something. Get a friend to come in and do a candid sniff test. If there’s something lingering in the air, we recommend first cleaning the place top to bottom. It could just be from routine living. If you’re really concerned, you can head to the store to get a few neutral air fresheners. Candles also work because the odor isn’t as strong. As a last resort, bake some cookies before you’re about to show your property!

Add a For Sale sign: You might think that having a “for sale” sign on your front lawn is a bit tacky. Reframe that thinking -- rather, you’re making prospective neighbourhood buyers more aware. Humans need visual cues and for sale signs couldn’t be more in your face. Include some contact information - we’ve seen some properties create an entire website (!) but a phone number works just fine, too. If you don’t have a realtor, you can get for sale signs through HonestDoor, or you can get them at Dollarama, Canadian Tire, Home Depot - just about anywhere!

Tell Everyone: Exposure is critical when selling your house. Don’t underestimate the power of free or creative advertising channels! Here are a few tips that are low cost or FREE and can help spread the word:

• Post your listing on social media - like Facebook or Instagram. If you aren’t on social media, ask a friend or family member to do it! Consider other social media channels, too: Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn (though more for professional audiences, it’s a creative way to share), etc.
• If you’re on Facebook, find your neighbourhood or community association’s group and post it in there. Community organizers are often more than willing to assist fellow neighbours.
• Have you heard of Nextdoor? It’s an online neighbourhood hub, designed for hyper local news and updates. Consider joining your neighbourhood and posting it there!
• If you want to splurge a bit, look into printing flyers and hiring a local kid to distribute them to your fellow neighbours. Print advertising can be very powerful because no one gets any mail these days! Talk about cutting through the clutter!

Yours truly,

HonestDoor

Your Real Estate Starting Point