The Ultimate Checklist for Getting Your Family’s Home Ready to Sell in Peterborough & Kawarthas

Are you thinking about selling your home but feeling overwhelmed by the preparation involved? I completely understand! Getting your home ready to sell, especially when managing a busy family, can feel like a daunting task. But the good news is that with a clear plan, you can make your home shine and attract the right buyers. Save this checklist so you can tackle the process step by step! 👇

1. 6-8 Weeks Before Listing: Declutter Like a Pro

Start with a major declutter. Go room by room and decide what to donate, sell, or toss. The goal is to create a space where buyers can see the potential of each room without being distracted by personal items or clutter. Bonus tip: This is a great time to involve the kids and make it a family project!

2. 4-6 Weeks Before: Knock Out Minor Repairs

Now’s the time to tackle those small fixes you’ve been putting off. Touch up paint, tighten loose handles, and fix squeaky doors. These little improvements can go a long way in giving buyers confidence that your home has been well-maintained. 🛠️

3. 3-4 Weeks Before: Deep Clean Everything

A clean home is a welcoming home! Make sure to deep clean all the nooks and crannies, from baseboards to windows and carpets. If it feels like too much to handle, consider hiring professional cleaners. A spotless home creates a lasting first impression and sets the stage for buyer interest. 🌟

4. 2-3 Weeks Before: Stage Your Space

Start staging your home to showcase its best features. Rearrange furniture to maximize space, add neutral decor, and scale back personal items. A few fresh flowers or tasteful accents can make a big difference. The goal? Help buyers imagine themselves living in your home.

5. 1 Week Before Listing: Focus on Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see—make it count! Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add some seasonal plants or flowers. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and a clean welcome mat can create that inviting touch buyers won’t forget. 🌷

6. Listing Day: Make It Shine

You’re almost there! On listing day, open the blinds, turn on all the lights, and do one final walkthrough to ensure everything is picture-perfect. This is your moment to make a powerful impression on potential buyers.

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll feel confident and prepared to make your home irresistible to buyers. If you have questions or want to discuss how I can help you get your home market-ready, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Let’s get your family’s home sold—together.

When it’s time to sell your home, making a few simple upgrades can have a big impact on attracting buyers. You don’t have to break the bank or spend weeks renovating. Here are some quick and budget-friendly renovations you can complete over the weekend to boost your home’s appeal and increase its value: 

Revitalize Your Walls with a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the fastest and most affordable ways to refresh your home is with a fresh coat of paint. Opt for neutral tones like soft greys, whites, or beiges to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves in the space. These shades also make rooms appear brighter and more spacious, which is always a selling point. You can repaint an entire room or just focus on areas that need touch-ups, such as scuffed walls or doors.

Cost: $50 to $150 for paint and supplies
Time: 4-6 hours per room

Update Light Fixtures for a Modern Look

Lighting can drastically change the mood of a room. Swap outdated fixtures for modern, stylish ones to instantly give your home a contemporary feel. Look for energy-efficient LED fixtures that appeal to eco-conscious buyers. This is a particularly impactful update in areas like the entryway, kitchen, and bathrooms. You can find sleek, affordable lighting options at home improvement stores or online, making this a quick and inexpensive upgrade.

Cost: $40 to $150 per fixture
Time: 1-2 hours per fixture

Enhance Curb Appeal with Easy Landscaping

First impressions matter, so don’t forget about your home’s exterior. A little landscaping can go a long way in making your home stand out. Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and add fresh mulch to garden beds for a tidy appearance. If you want an extra pop of color, plant a few seasonal flowers or place potted plants near the front door. A well-maintained yard signals to buyers that the home has been cared for.

Cost: $30 to $100 for mulch, plants, and tools
Time: 2-4 hours

Upgrade Your Cabinet Hardware

In kitchens and bathrooms, outdated hardware can make the whole room feel old. Swapping out cabinet handles, knobs, and drawer pulls for more modern options is an easy and affordable way to update the space without the need for a full remodel. Brushed nickel, matte black, or brass are popular finishes that add a touch of elegance and style to cabinets.

Cost: $20 to $80 for new hardware
Time: 1-2 hours

Deep Clean and Declutter

Though not a renovation in the traditional sense, a deep clean and decluttering can make your home look fresher, more spacious, and move-in ready. Focus on cleaning carpets, windows, and baseboards, and consider renting a carpet cleaner for added impact. Removing excess furniture and personal items can also help potential buyers visualize the space as their own.

Cost: $0 to $100 (if renting cleaning equipment)
Time: 4-6 hours

These simple renovations can be done in just a weekend, but they can make a significant difference in how your home presents to potential buyers. By investing a little time and money into these projects, you’ll create a welcoming and appealing space that could help you sell your home faster—and possibly at a higher price!

Many of our clients have upcoming mortgage renewals, and we want to ensure you make the most informed decisions.

Here are some important points to consider:

Negotiate Your Renewal Rate: Don’t automatically accept the first rate your bank offers. Many people are unaware that they can negotiate for a better rate.

Consider Changing Lenders: Switching to a new lender might secure you a lower rate. However, keep in mind that you will need to re-qualify for the mortgage. If you stay with your current lender, re-qualification is not necessary.

Make a Lump Sum Payment: Only 2% of Canadians take advantage of making a lump sum payment at renewal, which can significantly reduce your interest costs and shorten your mortgage term.

Addressing Payment Concerns: If you’re worried about higher payments with your new mortgage rate, many banks allow you to extend your amortization period back to the original term length. For example, if you have 20 years left on a 25-year mortgage, you can extend it back to 25 years. This will lower your monthly payments but will result in paying more interest over the life of the mortgage.

Navigating your mortgage renewal can be an opportunity to secure better terms and reduce your financial burden. By negotiating your renewal rate, considering a switch to another lender, making a lump sum payment, or adjusting your amortization period, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. Remember, this is a crucial time to reassess your mortgage strategy and ensure it fits your current and future needs. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you every step of the way.