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Canada’s real estate market has been booming for years now, but according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), it will come to an end in 2016. So if you’re debating selling in the new year, this prediction may give you your answer.

If you put too much money into preparing your home to sell you may not recoup the costs, but if you don’t do enough, you may have to settle for less than your property is worth. We’ve compiled some tips to help you get the most out of selling your home.

Update your property

You don’t need to fully renovate your kitchen and bathrooms, but remodeling them will add value to your home. This could be as simple as replacing old fixtures and cabinet hardware, or you could replace the countertops with natural stone if it’s in your budget.

Consider replacing carpet with new flooring. Installing or refinishing hardwood floors is another way to add value to your home, but if this is out of your price range, laminate is a good alternative.

Paint your walls a neutral colour. Your daughter may love her lime green bedroom, but a buyer looking for a home office will have a hard time envisioning it in that space.

Finally, update your home’s lighting. Buyers are drawn to natural light, so if you don’t get much of it, try to mimic it by replacing your bulbs with high wattage ones.

Stage your property

Consider hiring a professional to stage your home. They will be able to arrange your furniture to showcase your home and make the best use of your floorplan.

If you choose to stage yourself, de-clutter and de-personalize your home so potential buyers can imagine their own stuff in it. This will allow them to see a blank canvas when they enter your home so they can envision their own style. However, make sure your home isn’t too empty because that also makes it difficult for buyers to visualize how they would maximize the space. Staging also includes the exterior, as the curb appeal of your home may be a buyer’s first impression.

Stage your home before you meet with a realtor to ensure all your hard work is included in their initial appraisal.

Take good photos

As mentioned, curb appeal is certainly important, but it is not usually a buyer’s first impression of your property anymore. Most buyers will look at your home online, so the pictures you post are their first impression.

Taking the pictures is something you can definitely do on your own, but avoid using your smartphone camera. Take lots of pictures so you can choose the best ones.

This article has offers the following tips:

• Use a tripod
• Experimenting with different angles such as low and straight on shots
• Avoid wide angle lenses
• Use natural lighting and no flash.

You want to make your home look its best, but you do not want to deceive potential buyers by making spaces look much larger than they are. With all the work you have put into preparing your home, you won’t need to trick buyers.

Find the right realtor

To find the right real estate agent you really have to do your homework. Reading reviews of agents is a great way to find out about past clients’ experiences.

Never choose a realtor because you feel you owe it to them. Your uncle Joe may have 30 years of experience, but you need someone who is an expert in your area and knows your market. So when you’re shopping around, look for someone with a good track record in your neighbourhood.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, meet with a few realtors to compare their services. Find out how they plan to market your property, as that will have a major impact on your home’s visibility to buyers.

These tips are not only applicable when selling your primary residence—keep them in mind if you have a vacation or summer property you plan on selling.

We love to hear what you think! Tweet us your own tips @411dotca.

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