When it comes to selling a house there are a lot of things you can do to impress home buyers. Cleaning, de-cluttering, and fixing minor problems are always at the top of the list. But there are some other ways to make your property stand out from the crowd that people don’t often think about.

Take Photos in All Seasons

Curb appeal is a huge part of impressing potential buyers, but if you’re selling your house in the winter and your yard is covered in snow it can be hard for people to imagine what it will look like in the summer. And vice versa. That’s why I highly recommend you take photos of the property in all seasons. Show them what they can expect in terms of foliage, lawn care and anything else landscape related. Just make sure your yard looks its best before you take the photos!

Reno Records

One of the easiest ways to increase (or at least maintain) the value of your home is with consistent, general maintenance. When a potential buyer tours your home they’ll see the house is in good shape but they may not fully realize everything you’ve done. So why not show them? You can do this by keeping detailed records of all the work you’ve had done while living in your home. This may include work permits, inspection reports, energy audits, service records, warranties and renovation and repair contracts. This is a great way to show people the quality of the work done and to “show” them what’s behind the walls (wiring, plumbing, etc.). These types of records can go a long way in increasing buyer confidence and that can ultimately lead to a higher selling price.

Keep a Binder of Instruction Manuals and Warranties

How many times have you installed a new appliance or fixture, put away the instruction manual or warranty information, and then promptly forgotten what you’ve done with it? It’s ok, we’ve all done it, but I highly advise you change that behaviour right now. When you install something new, be it an appliance, a new furnace, or even a new faucet, keep all the relevant information in a binder. It will only take a minute at the time, and when you go to sell your home I guarantee that buyers will be impressed and appreciate the fact that you have all the info at the ready.

House photo courtesy of Pollard Windows & Doors