One thing is certain.  Most buyers will pay more for properties that are in move-in condition.

Whether you’ve been renting out your property for investment purposes or renovating it to sell, implementing just a few key real estate strategies will ensure that you’re property is market ready and will Stand Out in today’s competitive environment.

Try these top makeover tips and your investment property will transform from shabby to CHIC and for minimal cost”

1.   A fresh coat of PAINT.

Often the most overlooked upgrade.  This is  certainly the most cost effective solution with the biggest bang for your buck. A fresh coat of paint,  in neutral tones will do wonders to ramp up the market appeal of your property.  Do it yourself or call in the professionals….but do it properly.  Prep the walls, patch holes, remove switchplates and vents before painting.  You’ll be glad you did….and buyers will notice.    It’s the best investment you’ll make.

2.   Clean or New Flooring .

Buyers are quick to notice the floors….the wear, the tear, pet odours, you name it.    The thought of cleaning them and, even worse, replacing them after move-in can be a deal breaker.  So have your carpets cleaned just prior to your open house.    And if they are in real disrepair, consider replacing them with mid range carpeting, laminate, tile or hardwood.   No need to break the bank….just select mid range products in neutral colours.   Beware the urge to install budget products.  If they look too budget, buyers may think you’ve done nothing all and your investment is lost.

3.   Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Are your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities dated, showing wear and tear? Consider the following makeover solutions, depending on your budget and your energy:

• paint, reface or replace
• replace handles and door pulls with updated ones in brushed nickel or similar
• replace worn laminate countertops if necessary

4.  Landscaping

The curb appeal of your property is the 1st true impression of your property.  MAKE IT COUNT ! Consider these tips to give your house curb appeal that SELLS !

• new mailbox
• polished or new house numbers
• clean yard
• powerwash siding and sidewalks
• add attractive flowering planters

5.  Clean, Clean, Clean

And I mean CLEAN ! Nothing can be a bigger distraction to a potential buyer than a house that not clean.  Pay particular attention to your appliances, bathrooms, floors….and don’t forget door and appliance handles.   Just finished renovating?….then pick up after yourself and leave the place spotless.   Now is the time to show buyers your handywork.

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can help you prepare your Investment Property to SELL?

In our previous article Staging a Vacant Property – “The Full Stage” we reviewed the benefits of vacant staging.   These benefits still hold true:

• Staged homes can sell up to 50% faster than unstaged home
• Staged homes can sell for up to 7% more than an unstaged home

Emotions and first impressions play a key role in buyers decisions to make an offer.  Furnishing and accessorizing vacant properties is – hands down – one of the top real estate strategies to ensure that your property Stands Out in the Market.

Make your house APPEALING and MEMORABLE to potential buyers and you’re as good as SOLD !

But what it your budget simply doesn’t allow you to stage your entire property?

Perhaps most of your bedrooms are actually quite generous in size or that basement suite simply speaks for itself?

You may even be in the midst of relocating homes.  You’ve already sold or donated your living room or dining furniture ( for example)  in anticipation of starting fresh in your new home.  While you continue to live in the house during the selling process, your key rooms are now bare and unfurnished.

Whatever the reason may be, you’re best bet may be to opt for a Partial Vacant Stage.    Any staging is better than no staging if you want to maximize the market demand of your house in a competitive market.    So consider staging  just the necessary key rooms of your property ( the living room, dining room, the master bedroom for instance ).   Presenting your house and especially your key rooms with show home style will do wonders and give you the market edge.

Make it APPEALING and MEMORABLE to potential buyers and you’re as good as SOLD !

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can stage your vacant property so that it Stands Out in the Market.

The deadline for the program applies to all eligible expenditures after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.   So get going on those home projects and start saving your receipts!

Here is a summary of the program, provided by the Government of Canada:

What is the HRTC? Under proposed changes,the HRTC is anon-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenditures incurred for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010, under anagreement entered into after January 27, 2009. The HRTC can be claimed when filing your 2009 tax return. The HRTC can be claimed for renovations and alterations of an enduring nature and that are integral to the eligible dwelling (such as your home or cottage) or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling. How is the HRTC calculated? The 15% non-refundable tax credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures of more than $1,000 but not more than $10,000. The maximum tax credit that can be claimed to reduce your federal income tax is $1,350. However, if the total of your non-refundable tax credits is more than your federal income tax, you have no federal income tax to pay, and you will not receive a refund for the HRTC. Example William and his spouse Marie pay $5,000 to purchase an energy-efficient furnace for their home and $3,500 to build a deck at their cottage. They also decide to have the area around the deck landscaped for $2,500, bringing their total costs to $11,000 ($5,000+$3,500+$2,500). Marie claims expenses of $9,000 ($10,000–$1,000), resulting in an HRTC of $1,350. William and Marie may also be eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes grant. For more information about the ecoENERGY program, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca. Important things to remember You do not have to submit your supporting documents with your income tax and benefit return; however, you must ensure this information is available should the Canada Revenue Agency request it. To avoid problems with your HRTC claim, make sure you: get your contracts in writing (www.hiringacontractor.com); and keep your receipts. Eligible expenses must be of an enduring nature and be integral to the eligible dwelling. The cost of routine repairs, maintenance, and expenditures not integral to the dwelling are not eligible. Examples of eligible expenses Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement New windows, doors, or flooring Building an addition, garage, deck, shed, or fence A new furnace, woodstove, fireplace, water softener,or water heater A new driveway or resurfacing a driveway, re-shingling a roof, or painting of a house Landscaping–new sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, etc. Swimming pools (permanent–in-ground and above-ground) Fixtures–blinds, shades, shutters, awnings, lights, fans, etc. Associated costs such as permits, professional services, equipment rentals,and incidental expenses Examples of non-eligible expenses Furniture, appliances, tools,and audio and visual electronics Routine repairs, maintenance and cleaning (e.g.,furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, house cleaning) Financing costs Where can I get more information? For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/hrtc or call at 1-877-959-1-CRA.

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