HOME VIEWING
Don't just 'fluff' to sell your home
October 10, 2009
Jennifer Wilson-Speedy
YOURHOME.CA EDITOR
In a down economy, you need to go that extra mile to sway buyers. And that's just what Glenn Dixon, along with fellow designers Margie Doyle-White and Glen Peloso, are teaching homeowners to do in season six of Take This House and Sell It (Mondays, 10 p.m., W Network).
Dixon admits to being a little apprehensive about shooting the new season during Toronto's tough market. But he says, "most of our houses sold within a week."
"We've done some great transformations on tight budgets with big results," says Dixon, adding that viewers will still see "a lot of the same hijinks and fun along the way."
Getting your home ready for market is "not just about fluffing," he says. One of the most common mistakes by sellers is ignoring the importance of curb appeal, for example, having untrimmed lawns and shrubs.
He says potential buyers often know whether they'll put in an offer within 30 seconds of seeing the front, so to help the house give a great first impression, he normally repaints the front door.
Moving indoors, he says cleanliness is key: "Cleaning is the most inexpensive way to refresh your home."
Of course, getting rid of clutter is integral to keeping your home clean and organized. To help with your decluttering efforts, Dixon offers this tip: Take a digital picture of each room and then open it on your computer. Look at it from the standpoint of a room you'd see in a magazine. This objective view of your space will help you figure out what needs to be tossed or repositioned, whether it's tchotchkes or your grandmother's armoire.
If your home is heading to the market, it's also time to limit those personal photos. "You need to present your home as a show home," he explains. "It's not your home anymore as soon as the `For Sale' sign goes on the lawn."
You should also pay special attention to the kitchen, which has the potential to sway buyers who are on the fence.
In addition to being spotless, you should make sure there's a fresh colour on the walls, the appliances are in good condition and your countertops are clear – which will make the whole space feel bigger.
Updating your hardware will also give your space a big facelift on a small budget. And don't forget your faucets: "Nothing dates a home faster than faucets that look like they went out of style with oversized shoulder pads," says Dixon, noting that this DIY project "totally transforms your bathroom and kitchen."
For a final presale facelift (or just a boost for your current home), he also suggests swapping outdated and dingy faceplates, such as light switches and grills, with new models for a clean, fresh look.
Take This House and Sell It airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on the W Network.
AIRING THIS WEEK
Sunday: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (8 p.m., ABC), My RONA Home (9 p.m., Citytv)
Monday: For Rent (8 p.m., HGTV), Income Property (8:30 p.m., HGTV), House Poor (9 p.m., HGTV), Love It or List It (9 p.m., W Network), My First Place (9:30 p.m., HGTV), Take This House and Sell It (10 p.m., W Network), Save Us From Our House (10:30 p.m., W Network)
Tuesday: Pure Design (9 p.m., HGTV), Dear Genevieve (9:30 p.m., HGTV)
Wednesday: Realtor vs. Realtor (8 p.m., HGTV), Real Estate Intervention (8 p.m., HGTV), Property Virgins (9 p.m., HGTV), The Unsellables UK (9:30 p.m., HGTV)
Thursday: Holmes Inspection (8 p.m., HGTV), Family Renovation (9 p.m., HGTV), Colour Confidential (9 p.m., W Network), Divine Design (10 p.m., W Network), Love It or List It (11 p.m., W Network)
Friday: House Hunters International (8 p.m., HGTV), Relocation Relocation (9 p.m., HGTV)
Weekdays: Carson Can (5 p.m., HGTV), House Hunters (7 & 10 p.m., HGTV).
Toronto Star