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The thought of selling a home is a scary one for a lot of people. Numerous fears creep into one’s mind and they can take a lot to overcome. Not only is the physical task of preparing the home to be listed a tough one, but almost even tougher is the ability to mentally prepare yourself to let go.

Patrick McAuley of Bowes and Cocks knows about these difficulties all too well and brings his professional experience to help people in this instance from start to finish. Often times the hardest thing for people to do is disconnect from the home they’ve lived in for years.

Emotional attachments to the physical property can make it hard to leave. This is why Patrick knows he has to help his clients realize that when they decide to sell, the home is no longer there but a product on the market. Once he helps his clients make the mental decision to “let go” of their emotions and focus on selling, there are a few things that help the process move along.

To begin with, Patrick helps his clients de-clutter! There are a few ways to help with this:

-        Pack up the knickknacks that have been collected around the house
-        Clean off counters and table tops to leave as much viewable space as possible
-        Put away every day essential items into boxes that can be quickly stored when not in use
-        Donate or discard anything that is lying around the house and of no use anymore

There are also a few reasons to possibly rent a storage unit and rearrange furniture/rooms:

-        Sometimes you don’t have enough space to put away larger unnecessary items
-        Homes tend to show better with less furniture
-        Remove furniture that block paths and walkways
-        Minimize furniture in each room to showcase its purpose
-        Leave as much room as possible to move around and discover

Physical repairs to a house before showing are also an obvious must, and sometimes the smallest fixes can make a major difference.

Interior

-        Replace cracked floor and counter tiles
-        Patch holes in walls
-        Fix leaky faucets
-        Fix doors that don’t close properly
-        Replace light bulbs
-        Fix drawers that jam

Exterior

-        Keep lawn mowed
-        Paint faded window trim
-        Keep sidewalks cleared
-        Trim trees and plants
-        Plant flowers to brighten things up

When preparing to sell a house, Patrick always tells his clients the truth about what can and should be done to stage the property, according to what they can get out of it. He likes to remind people that sometimes major fixes and investments such as replacing an entire bathroom or kitchen aren’t necessary and that minor adjustments can equal major improvements.

If you are thinking about selling your home, Patrick invites you to contact him and ask all the questions you need. He is always available to come and see your home and give his professional opinion of value, and wants to help you find ways to maximize your sale price.

This is the second in a series with Patrick McAuley, Sales Representative – Bowes and Cocks LTD Brokerage. Read his first column here.

For more on Patrick McAuley, go to:
Phone:
Office -> 705.742.4234
Toll Free -> 1.888.742.4234
Website: BowesandCocks.com
Email: pmcauley@bowesandcocks.com
Twitter: @sellwithpat
Fax: (705) 743-9374

**Note: This is not intended to solicit clients already under contract**

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