Having a functional, clean and safe property is essential, especially if you plan to put your home up for sale. As the weather starts to warm up and winter draws to a close, it's an ideal time to start your spring cleaning, begin landscaping and complete any renovations to add resale value to your property. If you’re planning to sell your home, take a look at our spring cleaning checklist to ensure your property is looking its best for buyers.
Dewinterize the exterior of your home
Harsh Canadian winters can make it difficult to maintain the exterior of your home. During the season, windows, roofs, gutters and other external systems of a house are not always given the attention they deserve. As the weather begins to warm up for spring, be sure to wipe up any dirt, pests or dust that may have accumulated on your property. Start evaluating your home's exterior to determine if there are any cracks or damage and then make any repairs as needed.
It’s also time to get your lawn in tip-top shape. Start by cleaning out any fallen leaves, branches and other types of debris. If that doesn’t interest you, consider hiring a professional to get the job done. Other upkeep suggestions include planting some flowers or freshening up your landscaping. While outdoor maintenance can be time-consuming, it can easily set you apart from your competition, especially at the tail-end of the winter season.
Decorate and renovate your home
As the temperatures warm up, you may also consider renovating and sprucing up your home space. Whether it's building a patio, fixing your deck, planting a garden or even touching up your pool’s lining – these are just a few examples of how you can substantially make your home more appealing to potential buyers and add resale value. Renovations can get expensive so if this isn’t the right route for your pockets, there are other ways to make budget-friendly home improvements. Sometimes all you need is a new set of cabinet handles or a wallpaper touch up in your powder room! Small actions like this can help you modernize your home and stand out from the crowd – giving you an edge over your competitors.
Do a “deep clean”
No buyer is going to find a messy home appealing. That's why we recommend giving your entire home a thorough clean to make things look polished and pine fresh, while getting rid of any clutter. Remove all objects from closets and rooms so that you can scrub and repair any unpleasant stains or cracks in the walls or flooring. Check the garage and basement as well, as these are the messiest and most often neglected parts of a home. All furniture and appliances should be carefully cleaned and disinfected in preparation for prospective buyers. If you’ve lived in a home for a number of years, consider getting your carpets professionally cleaned or even a fresh coat of paint to give your existing home the glisten it needs to sell.
Are you planning to enter the real estate market this season? We hope this spring cleaning guide was helpful to you and serves as a tool to get your home looking pristine and functional to sell. At Homewise, our goal is to help Canadians make the most out of the mortgage and buying process, while making them feel confident at every step. If you’re looking to get a mortgage, simply apply online with us in just 5 minutes and one of our dedicated Mortgage Advisors will be happy to help.
