Fall’s wet weather, falling leaves and greyer days mean those planning to list their home should pay a little extra attention to preparing it for sale.
A limited number of houses for sale continues to hinder the Oak Bay real estate market, and with sales happening quickly, that’s all the more reason to plan ahead and be ready to answer questions prospective buyers may have, notes Cassie Kangas, a realtor with DFH Real Estate.
That means knowing if there’s a buried oil tank, for example, and having perimeter drains checked out ahead of time, to give buyers confidence the home has a “clean bill of health.”
It’s also important to give people easy access to walk around the home – rake any fallen leaves and clear pathways and problem areas.
“It’s accessibility – making sure there aren’t any big muddy patches so people can walk around the home,” Kangas says.
“Make sure the house is ready for buyers to come through.”
Turning attention to the inside of the home, a light and bright approach to fall will make a difference.
“As the fall season approaches us, Victoria typically gets a little gloomy,” notes Jason Binab, a realtor with Engel & Völkers Vancouver Island.
“My suggestion is an easy one and relatively cheap (depending on your tastes). Brighten your home up with as much light as you can. That means for showings, and I mean all showings, turn all your lights on in the house.”
While it may cost you a little more on the electrical bill, “trust me when I say there is nothing worse than a home with no lights on,” Binab says.
“Make sure all your burnt out light bulbs are changed and open your blinds and curtains to allow as much light in as you can. Everyone knows Victoria can be dreary outside, but nobody said your home needs to be the same.”
Tasha Medve, a realtor with the Modern Real Estate Team at Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty in Athlone Court, emphasizes the importance of a good first impression.
“Don’t rush listing your home if you haven’t finalized all the little details like curb appeal, paint touch-ups and organizing your furniture to maximize space,” Medve says. “As we come into fall it’s really important to have the gardens, lawn, leaves and sidewalk all cleaned up and tidy too.”