Turn your current home's equity into your dream home's down payment- the home with the yard may be closer thank you think !
Are you considering upsizing your home? Feeling tight on room? Whether you're looking for more space, a yard, a better location, or modern amenities, the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before you make the leap, it's essential to maximize the value of your current home to ensure you get the best return on your investment. Here are five smart strategies to help you increase your home’s value before you list it on the market. These proven strategies can help you maximize your selling price—putting more money in your pocket for your next chapter!
Strategy #1: Focus on High-Impact, Low-Cost Improvements
Fresh paint in neutral colours can yield a 107% return on investment
Update cabinet hardware and light fixtures for an instant modern look
Deep clean and declutter to make your home appear more spacious
Improve curb appeal with simple landscaping refreshes, a power wash, and window cleaning
Expert Tip: Don't over-improve! Work with a realtor to analyze comparable neighbourhood sales to avoid pricing yourself out of your market.
Strategy #2: Address Maintenance Issues
Buyers are likely to be wary of homes that appear to have unresolved issues. If something is discovered during an inspection, you can bet the buyer will be asking you to reduce the agreed on price or ask you to deal with it. To prevent potential roadblocks in your sale:
Consider having your home pre-inspected to avoid surprises- this allows you to address issues proactively
Make Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or any signs of water damage. Ensure all electrical and plumbing systems are in good working order
Hot water tank over due for replacement? Replace it
Clean the gutters and understand the condition of your roof
Expert Tip: The first two weeks on market typically generate the most activity. Be fully prepared before listing day.
Strategy #3: Stage Your Home to Showcase Space & Potential
Remove up to 30% of your belongings to make rooms appear larger
Create defined spaces that highlight your home's functionality
Consider renting storage while your home is on the market
Stage outdoor living areas and have great curb appeal
Expert Tip: Professional staging typically costs 1-3% of your asking price but can increase your sale price by 5-10%. However- most of the time, you don’t need a full stage. Declutter, depersonalize and neutralize the space. Make it easy for someone to walk through and picture their life in your home. I supply staging items to help neutralize my clients homes and to ensure their home shows up beautifully online - to grab the attention of potential buyers immediately
Strategy #4: Work with a Real Estate Professional That Isn’t Afraid to Spend Money and Invest In You and Your Home Goals
When you go to sell your home, you get to CHOOSE who you work with. Why would you hire someone who does LESS and charges the same? Don’t just hire the first agent that comes knocking on your door. Ensure the value is there. This is your home we are talking about, your largest asset! Ask what kind of marketing they supply, do they offer the full package? This would include: HD photography, HD videography, to show case not only your home but the area and lifestyle your home provides, drone footage, 3D walk through (Google Earth for homes), premium floor plans that are easy to read, a custom website with everything in one easy to use place, aesthetically pleasing and has a instant contact button- so all inquires can be handled instantly and that potential buyer isn’t lost!
Example of a custom website:
https://sites.listvt.com/1276flintavenue
Choose an agent that ensures your home appears on all major real estate platforms
Ensure your agent highlights neighbourhood amenities that appeal to potential buyers
Most importantly, choose an agent that truly cares about you, your family and your goals
Expert Tip: 92% of buyers start their search online—your listing’s media is crucial- hire an expert that isn’t afraid to spend the money and invest in your home to ensure it is irresistible online to motivate potential buyers to come see it in person
Strategy #5: Plan Strategically for Maximum Return
Hire an agent that will do pre-marketing to generate buzz before listing
Slightly underpricing can create a bidding war in a seller's market
Be as flexible for showings as possible (I know it’s hard- but trust me, worth it!)
Give your home a quick clean before showings, ensure it smells nice, and has a warm ambience
Expert Tip: The right price from the start typically yields better results than starting high and reducing later.
Are you ready to implement these strategies and maximize your upsizing opportunity and move into the home with the fully fenced yard and extra bedrooms?
I’m Amber Rozon- a proud Vancouver Island native, mom and Realtor®. I empower my clients to leverage their equity & assets to upgrade to a home that truly feels like a sanctuary- a place where comfort meets freedom, and where your loved ones can run free and play safely.
Here’s what happens next!
Give me a call, text or email me today at 250-893-5058 or amber@yourvictoriahome.ca and let’s start planning your next move!
