Even though this isn't the time of year you're probably thinking about diving into a major renovation, thinking ahead to the new year and getting a jump start on reno prep can save you some headaches and money when it comes time to make some changes.

Kitchen improvements are widely considered to be the most rewarding and have the biggest return on investment when it comes time to sell your home. If you're planning a reno with the intention to sell your home soon after, consider these tips as you start scouring the web for ideas.

- Give some thought to the appliances you choose. If you plan to completely renovate, replacing existing/ older appliances with new stainless steel ones can be a big draw for buyers. Also give some thought to the energy efficiency of the appliances you buy, as this can be appealing to buyers who don't want to break the bank on their utility bills once they've moved in.

- Don't renovate/ decorate with your tastes in mind. If you're planning to sell, go with colours and finishes that are neutral and will appeal to a wide variety of buyers. Don't renovate to your quirky specifications unless you plan to stay in your current home for some time.

- Price compare & shop the sales. While you might have had your eye on a specific tile or countertop stone, make sure you shop around and get the best price. Again, the return on investment when you sell should influence your buying decisions. This might mean you downgrade the intricate backsplash you had planned, but you can still achieve a beautiful effect with a lower- priced option (this is another reason that this time of year is a good time to start shopping in advance for an upcoming reno, as you can make the most of pre- Christmas and Boxing Day sales).

Make sure you set a budget and try to stick to it. This may mean compromising, but in the long run you'll be glad you did. Getting the best bang for your buck when you renovate can equal a win- win when it comes time to list your home. You'll be able to increase the asking price to reflect the added value from the reno while making the new buyer gratfeul to not have a major renovation to undertake once they've moved in (you'll attract more interested buyers by lessening the amount of work they have to do once they move in).

If you're thinking about listing in the new year and would like to know what your house could sell for and/ or would like some advice to help it appeal to buyers, contact us to set up an appointment- we would love to be the team that helps you sell your home in a timely manner and for the price you want!

Image Source: Connell Interiors

In part 2 of our series of homestaging tips, we're focusing on areas of the house that families spend a lot of time and have potential to make a big impact with buyers: the kitchen, family room, & dining room.

Read on for some great tips to help set your home apart from the competition.

Make sure your kitchen is free of clutter, is tidy, & bright to show off it's full potential

Kitchen:

- No dirty cloths or towels

- Tidy the inside of drawers and cupboards where needed

- Keep counter and island surfaces clear of clutter

- Take away items from above the fridge (such as cereal boxes), microwave, cabinets, and windowsills

- Remove magnets, etc from fridge

- Clean grout of tiles using a grout cleaner or bleach

- Scrub the sink & make sure it is clean and free of dishes

Make eating areas warm & inviting:

add little touches or set the table to make it look ready for guests

Dining Area:

- Remove items that create clutter & refine what decorations you have

- If you have a table with a leaf, make the space feel more spacious by removing it and extra chairs from table

- Clean sideboards and cabinets to showcase a few pieces, not a lot of disorganized clutter

- Dust surfaces

- Consider setting the table to make it look inviting; or simply add some fresh cut flowers and candles in the centre

Sometimes a simple DIY can take a room from 'bla' to 'WOW!'

Family Room:

- Be selective with what artwork and photos you keep on walls

- Make sure pictures are level & dust- free

- Remove clutter & make sure space is tidy and appears spacious

- Especially for small spaces: remove extra furniture that can make the space feel cramped and crowded

- Make sure floors are clean; vacuum carpets, and dust/ sweep hardwood & laminate

- Add storage with a simple weekend DIY using pre- fab shelves and crown molding to really make a statement (see photo above)

We hope you find these tips helpful. If you're thinking about selling your home and need some advice to help it sell fast and for the price you're looking for, we'd love to be the real estate team to help! Contact us today to schedule a meeting and get started.

Image Sources:

Chic Coastal Living 

Traditional Home

Flea Chic