When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are of key importance. This is almost always true. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. However, home improvements or renovations do not have to be labour intensive or expensive to increase a home's curb appeal. Small changes like a new coat of paint, clean windows, lighting and simple landscaping can make any home more attractive and enticing, whether or not you are even looking to sell.

Here are a few easy and low-cost suggestions to shine your house inside and out:

When you are ready to sell your property, the basic preparation for a good show is to keep it tidy and clean. But how to get the best dollar value return of your property? Perhaps we need a bit more than just tidy and clean. We are talking about a few hundred thousand dollars or even over 1/2 million dollars commodity, do you want to make some good money from that? Sure yes! And yes, I can tell you that depending on what you want to achieve, it doesn't cost you a lot to make the goal.

There are a few areas to start with which, again, proved to give you good return:

Paint

When you walk in a house, what will you see the most when you walk around? The wall. Dirty, old/aged looking paint on walls is almost always the first to "turn off" the visitor. But simple repainting of walls gives you a 29% return on the dollar over the average.

Floors

Another item the potential buyers will see/interact the most. Again, to make it beautifully presentable doesn't have to cost you thousands of dollars. Great looking floors are a strong feature of any home. It often makes all the difference. This upgrade can generate a 22% better return on investment than the average. Start by ripping out that dated wall-to-wall carpet. Then, sand your existing floors down and refinish them, or choose one of the many easy-to-install and affordable laminates now available. A darker stain gives an elegant, yet up to date look. Use area rugs to accent and ground the space.

Brighten Up Your Window

Clean windows are a sign of a well maintained home. Outside windows should be cleaned with detergent and wiped dry. If the paint is aged and cracked, it is important to have the window properly re-coated and re-painted for the protection of your own as well as making a clean new appearance.

Use the Power of Paint

Outdoor painting can turn into a big job, but small to medium sized projects are all you need to add a fresh touch to any home. For a fresh look, consider re-painting or staining a front yard fence, porch, lattice, outdoor shutters, front door or garage.

Light-up the Entrance

Floodlights and porch lights give a soft inviting glow. Consider stand alone fixtures, post or hanging lights to accessorize your home's front walkway

Smelling Nice

To mask garbage or laundry room odours consider plug-in air fresheners, room sprays and candles. (Make sure the candles are attended when lit.) Cleans scents like lemon and pine can enhance the feel of a clean laundry room or bathroom, while warm vanilla makes a kitchen or vestibule feel welcoming and warm.

Green Clean Shining Floor

The variety of cleaning products available is growing and the number of new chemicals and devices that are used for bleach pens to toilet wands to magic erasers is ever evolving. Bleach is not the only answer to stains and grime. A simple solution of two parts vinegar and one part water is just as effective for polishing floors.

Closet Organization

The first step to closet organization is sorting and separating items. Unless it is a sentimental gift from years ago, it is good practice to donate items and clothes that haven't been used or worn in over two years. The next step is to take inventory on how much of each item you have and what type of storage you will need. For storage solutions, basically there are three types: ventilated shelving, melamine shelving and plastic storage. Be creative when setting the layout of your storage to make everything easily accessible and well organized.

Garden on the Cutting Edge

You can add definition to the landscaping around your home by easily installing concrete edging for curved beds or borders and sharp, crisp corners.

Plant into a Pot of Colour

Versatile and sophisticated, planters add a welcoming touch when flanked alongside your front door. Alternatively, position a large colourful planter in the middle of a lack-lustre flower bed or group together pots of various sizes to make for a dynamic focal point.

Repair Those Bare Spots

Nothing is more inviting than a green carpet-like lawn. Small flaws can easily be repaired with some seed and diligent watering.

There are more tips & tricks to this subject. When I meet with you for the consultation, I will give you detailed, practical and cost-effective suggestions on various ways to smartly "make-over" your property for your reference.

A well-prepared, staged property will help you sell fast with top dolloars. Contact me now at 416-705-5812 or to schedule a private, no pressure, no obligation consultation!