Thinking about selling the cottage?  Yes, fall is a good time to list in Lake of Bays & Huntsville Muskoka.  Buyers are out looking for the perfect  cottage with the intent to have it for the Spring. This makes  fall a  good time for both Buyers and Sellers as it gives the Buyer the opportunity to see the cottage and all its features before they are obscured by a layer of snow and ice.

When selling your cottage, or home, it is important that it shows at its best- you won’t have a second chance to make that all important first impression.  Below are a few ideas to help get your property ready for sale.

 Outside

• When selling, pay attention to the landscaping.  Make sure that the approach to the cottage and the driveway are free of debris and leaves. Keep the grass cut and pathways clear.
• Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door, don’t forget about the trim.
• Add seasonal flowers to existing planters or consider placing planters, if there is room, at the front door.
• Add a wreath to the door.
• Wash the windows, inside and out.
• Power wash the deck and siding, touch up any peeling or chipped paint.
• Replace any broken or rotting deck boards.
• Ensure that the waterfront is tidy and welcoming. Consider a couple well placed Muskoka chairs, create a space buyers can imagine themselves relaxing and entertaining in.
• Ensure that all exterior lighting is in good working order.
• Mark the lot lines.

Inside

• Declutter, declutter, declutter.
• Remove personal items such as family pictures, signs, awards or certificates.
• Remove lights and decorations which hinder the view from the windows.
• Put away the toys.
• Touch up any chips in the paint, walls and baseboards.
• Redo the caulking in the bathrooms & kitchen.
• Clear the kitchen counters of anything that is not essential.
• Deep clean the whole cottage- the carpets, the tiles, the walls, vacuum the furniture, the sliding door tracks, dust the baseboards, clean the light fixtures & ceiling fans.
• Thin the cupboards.
• Ensure that all the lighting is in good working order.  If there is a dark room in your cottage make sure it has a bright bulb in the fixture.
• Tidy and thin the garage & boathouse.

The time & effort spent preparing for the sale of your cottage will make it more appealing to potential Buyers. For a complimentary cottage evaluation and personalized tips on how to prepare your cottage for sale, call The Parker Team. We’re here to help!

*Stats provided in whole by the Lakelands Association of REALTORS®