Thanks to popular demand and the high quality of life in Midtown Toronto, real estate here is quickly growing in value. This bodes well for anyone considering selling a home. However, you will likely want to maximize your sale as much as possible, especially if you plan to upgrade to a new place or use the proceeds as your retirement funds.

Fortunately, there are quite a few high value upgrades that can help speed up the selling process and even add to the final selling price. A few updates can almost always result in a more successful sale, even if your house is in pristine condition.

Some of these will require more of an investment than others, which is why it’s always a good idea to talk to a real estate agent before investing in specific upgrades. That said, some improvements are absolutely timeless and will always help you get results. In this post, we’ll talk about a few of the updates that can have the most impact when selling your home.

Increasing your home’s value begins with understanding what it’s worth right now. Book your free home evaluation right here.

A Stunning Exterior

Your potential buyers will start judging your house the second that they see it. That’s why creating outside curb appeal is so important, and it’s a step that many sellers overlook completely. But it doesn’t matter how beautiful the interior is if buyers are greeted by an unkempt lawn full of weeds and debris.

Expensive landscaping likely isn’t necessary. Tidying up the yard and cutting the grass can quickly improve your outdoor appeal and add perceived value to your house. For a few added touches, consider lighting up walkways and gardens with solar lights. Some cozy outdoor furniture can make your entire home more inviting and welcoming as buyers imagine lounging outside or entertaining guests.

Renovations are just one aspect of a successful sale. Learn even more in the posts below:

Cleaning and Decluttering

There is good news if you need to get the best possible results from your sale but you’re short on time. A simple yet thorough cleaning and decluttering can do wonders in transforming your home. And the earlier you start, the less overwhelming the process will be.

Decluttering first will make it easier to do a deep clean later, especially in the closets and other often overlooked areas. Start by gathering some boxes and labelling them as “keep”, “donate,” and “discard.” If decluttering is an emotional task for you, consider adding a fourth box for any belongings you’re unsure about. You can revisit them in a month or two to see if you still want to keep them or if you’re ready to let go.

Tacking this task one room at a time can streamline the process. Soon, you just may fall in love with your space all over again as everything becomes more organized! Once every unnecessary item is out of your house, you can begin cleaning each room. The following guidelines will help you get started:

Start from the top down so you only need to clean once. First, wash the ceilings, then the walls, and save the floors for last. That way you won’t have to clean them again after the dirt and dust falls from the top.

  • Be sure to give the top of doors and your baseboards a wipedown. These areas are often forgotten during routine cleaning.
  • Clean all appliances inside and out. Use baking soda to help repel any odours.
  • Dust your blinds and wash all curtains – including your shower curtain.
  • Try to form the habit of putting things away immediately. This will make your weekly and monthly cleaning tasks much easier.

Want to get to know Midtown Toronto even better? Here are some other posts we are sure you will love:

Fresh Paint and Minor Repairs

After cleaning and decluttering, almost nothing freshens up your home like a new coat of paint. We typically recommend light or neutral colours in each room, or at least in the areas buyers prioritize most, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.

If your house is in good condition but slightly out of date, a fresh coat of paint can make it feel more modern. Those lighter hues can also create the impression of more spaciousness, which instantly adds value in a buyer’s eyes. Painting is a minor update you can make relatively quickly, and it will likely pay off in terms of a faster and more profitable sale.

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home for a reason. A good meal brings family and friends together like nothing else, which is why many buyers place a high priority on a well-thought-out kitchen. If you want to invest in more substantial upgrades, you might consider installing new countertops, cupboards, and appliances. To keep it simple, new backsplash and modernizing the fixtures can do the trick.

The bathrooms are another area of focus that can make a positive impression on potential buyers. You may not need an extensive renovation, but take a look at your sinks and bathtub. Often, the silicone is peeling or can become discoloured.

Fortunately, it’s a quick repair that gives your bathroom a near instant facelift. You can also create a spa-like feel by switching out the shower head and displaying clean, high-quality towels and washcloths.

Are you considering downsizing in Midtown Toronto? The posts below can help you out:

Depersonalizing Your Space

If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, it’s likely a reflection of your unique lifestyle. Souvenirs from vacations line your shelves and your beloved artwork adorns the walls. If you have athletes in your family, any trophies are on proud display. Even the decor sprinkled around the house is infused with your personality and character. All of this is good – except when planning to sell your home.

When selling, it’s time for all of your personal knick-knacks and memorabilia to go. It may be painful to consider, but your buyer doesn’t want all of these reminders of you in what may soon be “their” home. They want to picture themselves there, and your job is to make it easy for them.

Start by removing all personal items, including those well-loved family photos from every room. When you’re done, your real estate agent may recommend staging to create the final effect. All of these small touches add up to an unforgettable first impression, and creates a blank canvas for your buyer to paint however they wish.

Do you want to know more about what works when selling a Midtown Toronto house in the current market? Our experts are happy to help with anything you need. Reach out to us today at david@batorigroup.com, bobby@batorigroup.com or call (416) 485-7575 for more information.