The residential real estate market in many areas of Canada and the USA has changed dramatically in the past couple of  years.

The cost of homes has soared to unprecedented   levels creating a high inventory of homes for sale. The latest buzz word is it's a "buyers market" now. However the percentage of buyers who can afford these escalated prices are only a small margin.This puts more onus on the seller to scrutinize what their home has to offer to compete with the other houses on the market.

It's easy to be biased and complacent about one's

own home as surroundings become familiar.  However the way a homeowner perceives their home and presents it for themselves isn't always in their best interest for attracting potential buyers.  To achieve that marketing edge to increase the chances for a faster sale an outside opinion may be needed..  

But who can provide that fresh viewpoint?? Turning to friends or family is a natural source to get impressions about your home.  This however is risky as they may not wish to say anything negative or if they do it can put a strain on the relationship. Another route is asking your realtor how to make improvements. While they can and do make suggestions it's usually only up to a certain point as there's no wish to offend their potential client. One proficient method for receiving a qualified analyzes of your home is hiring a professional interior designer/decorator or home stager/re-designer. This service should be viewed as an investment and the cost could be incorporated into the selling price.

A professional interior consultation will pinpoint problem areas and how to deal with them.  It's also all about working with what you have unlike the Decorator Shows that redo home's by getting rid of things and buying new.          In reality that's just NOT going to happen. Instead with possible editing, minor changes and a positive spin in the focus areas of each room dramatic results can happen.  It's not necessary to have a contrived staged house but a home that's cared for and most important of all... FEELS GOOD.  Home "Presentation" is a key factor in today's highly competitive market and a good start is following..

THE THREE "C's"

     CLEANLINESS: This is the number one influence how  potential buyers will react to a home they're viewing. But while it is an obvious selling criteria it's still the main issue buyer's come across. It seems homeowners become oblivious to their messy lifestyle and have various reasons (excuses?) for not addressing this. The old gimmick of placing cinnamon in the oven  to give that baking illusion is not going to get seller's  the sweet smell of money unless the home's actually clean. Because buyers don't want to roll up their sleeves  to clean plus pay the asking price.          

      TIP: Being a neat freak is not essential but odors, greasy/grimy looking, dust balls (pet/hair), broken items,  are some of the most common things that put people off.   

     CURB APPEAL:  The home's exterior appearance and front door entrance draws in potential buyers. If it shouts neglect or "handy man" special at today's prices there's less chance of the property being desirable unless location or other factors totally suit the buyer. 

     TIP: Living in the climate we do where yards are buried under snow for many months means the house   stands naked. With no camouflage a home really needs to be kept in tip top shape. Also when selling in winter take pictures of your home during the summer months and present them in a mini- album.    

      CLUTTER "chaos":  A unorganized and disorderly arrayed home hinders for many buyers the ability

     to visualize their own things in there. Home sellers should be aware that clutter "chaos" can make the difference between getting your asking price or settling for less.    

    TIP: Begin de-cluttering starting at the front foyer then work your way through the home, besides you

     have to start packing anyway.

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                                          Carol Clement is the owner of The Right Touch Interiors (est. 1981).Her specialty is working with clients own things. In 1997 Carol  began lectures and workshops on Intuitive Feng Shui and Interior Design. Her television appearances include: Access Television  / Shaw Cable CFRN news .                                     

           She has been featured in the Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, St Albert Gazette.          

           Carol's motto is:   A home should be exciting to your eyes...            

                                                                But soothing for your soul.

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