Did you know that you can wash the plastic liner behind your shower curtain.  After washing it in the machine with a few towels, rehang the curtain.  You know not to put it in the dryer.  Most mildew and spots on the curtain will be gone.  If not, an investment of less than $10 to buy a new liner will be well worth the money.  Boy can those curtains stink!

Why save $10 to lose a $289,000 sale?

Residential              61 Units

Detached                 44 Units; Average Price Sold $550,660, Average DOM – 24

Row                           1 Unit

Semi Detached       16 Units; Average Price Sold $387,036, Average DOM – 29

Condos                    16 Units; Average Price Sold $334,593, Average DOM – 30

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

The first reason is because you have a sentimental attachment to the current fixture and want to take it with you.  If so, take it down before the house goes on the market and replace is with something suitable for the home and the price you are asking. 

The second reason to upgrade the fixture is because the one you have now is old, dated and unsuitable for current design.  Go to a lighting store and see what is in style.  Find one within your budget. 

Finally, there are some newer homes where owners have never installed a light fixture.  There is a metal plate in the ceiling covering the opening for the installation.  If you have one of these, please find a nice new fixture and install it before putting your house on the market. 

There is almost nothing worse than a bad fixture except no fixture or the promise by the owner (through exclusions) that the one in the house will be removed before possession.  Good style does not have to cost a fortune. 

Photo credit:  dining room grandma’s light fixture @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/eponabri/2249768758/sizes/m/

Have you heard of Toto plumbing fixtures?  Are you selling in an up market and want your bathroom to stand out among the competition?  Look for the Japanese bathroom fixture brand Toto.  They are enormously popular in high end homes and motels. It may be a case of “Snobism” but

A Toto may give you a Royal Flush

Residential              363 Units

Detached                  297 Units; Average Price Sold $382,082, Average DOM – 34

Row                           52 Units; Average Price Sold $264,309, Average DOM – 24

Semi Detached         14 Units; Average Price Sold $316,978, Average DOM – 11

Condos                    49 Units (mostly row unit style) – Average Price Sold - $316,978, DOM - 26

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

• Leave the sofa in the room as is and keep on believing that no Buyer will notice or care (but they will).
• Remove the sofa entirely and try to rearrange the furniture to fill in the gap.  As everyone living near a university knows, old sofas are abandoned at the end of term.  If you have one of those sofas, no amount of beautification will work - Give it up.  Please be responsible and at least have it removed.
• Look for slip covers that will change the appearance instantly.  Covers are available in many price points.  The Old Chelsea Slip Cover Company in Chelsea, Quebec has built a wonderful reputation for quality work.  If the sofa has a nice design, it may be worth the money to put on neutral slip covers and update your home before putting it on the market. 

How a house is staged with good pieces will influence how a Buyer will value the home. 

Photo credit:  i think i found it @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/themacinator/4015348619/

Flushed with Success.

Residential              57 Units

Detached                 38 Units; Average Price Sold $345,328, Average DOM – 29

Row                          15 Units; Average Price Sold $246,633, Average DOM – 35

Semi Detached         4 Units; Average Price Sold $233,550, Average DOM – 13

Condos                    49 Units (mostly row unit style)Average Price Sold $178,825, Average DOM – 19

Photo credit:  Adrice Smitton

• Start by taking everything out of the fridge.
• As you remove each item, check for expiry dates and toss those items that are long past their best before dates. 
• Line up the remainder on the counter.  You want your fridge to look spacious.  Think about getting rid of those items that you bought and have only used once and may never use again.  Even if they are still ‘perfectly good’, they are taking up real estate in the fridge.  Maybe you have a friend or neighbour who would love to have these items.  If you have three bottle of ketchup, eliminate those that are the oldest. 
• Empty the freezer at the same time and put the food that is still good in a cooler.  Start defrosting the fridge (if it is old and builds up frost).  If not, turn down the temperature in the freezer area so that you can wipe it clean and then reset the temperature before returning your frozen food to the unit.  Do not over pack the freezer as it will look too small for Buyers.
• Wipe down every surface.  Use a non-abrasive sponge and a little baking soda.  If you must, a bit of dish soap with no scent is also fine.  Make sure that you clean in every nook and cranny.  If anything smells - old cheese, special curries, etc.  remove them. 
• Your crisper drawers need to be removed and washed.  Only return those fruits and vegetables that are in good shape and not left to rot.
• For fun, take before and after pictures (for your own satisfaction).  It will show you progress and give you a sense of accomplishment.

If you are moving with a company, it is unlikely that they will allow perishable foods.  When cleaning your fridge start to think of what you need to consume now, toss or give away before you pack to leave. 

This is a fussy job that should not be overlooked because Buyers will be looking inside the fridge. 

Photo credit:  Onion - May 3 @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/fabricio/3534037525/

Is there carpeting in your bathroom?  Look at replacing it with tiles.  A bathroom is not large.  Tiling will take a bit of time in the confined space but the tiles will not cost a fortune.  Buyers want to see clean, hygenic flooring. If it is already tiled, clean the grout and replace tiles that are broken or chipped.

Are you floored?