NEWS photo Cinty Goodman PROGRESS is being made on the construction of the new Collingwood School in the Chelsea Court area of West Vancouver. Ten ways to get your house ready for sale YOU may think your house is perfect just the way it is, but a prospective buyer might not sec it that ‘way, says the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association. Yo give your home curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers, there are some tasks your should attend to before you place that “For Sale” sign on your lawn. Many of these suggestions are simple, common-sense items; others will require some time and investment. But you'll reap the rewards when a buyer walks into your home and exclaims, “Now, this is. the home I’ve been waiting for!” : ] {ff your home needs to be epainted, now is the time to do it. The interior paint job should be fresh and clean and in a single, neutral color throughout. This is not the time to experiment with lilac ‘walls in the bedroom. The same goes for the exterior. Don’t forget shutters and windows. If you home has vinyl or aluminum siding, be sure it’s clean. Mouldy, dirty siding wili tell a buyer that your home has not been taken care of properly. 2 The green shag carpet- eing still gracing your Agors should be replaced. Old, raatted carpeting will be a detriment to your home selling. Real-estate agents all have a dozen stories of a home that sat and sat on the 4@rket until the old carpeting was replaced. Then, it sold immediately. If you have hardwood floors under old carpet, tear up the carpet to expose them; today’s buyers love hardwood floors. Make a list of all those elittle repairs you've let go. Then fix each one. The hole in the screen, the loose doorknob, the doorbell that doesn’: work and the leaky faucet must all be repaired before buyers start looking at your home. 4 If your home's appli- eances are old and outdat- ed, it could pay to replace them. Buyers do not want to be faced with the possibility of having to replace appli- ances upon moving in to a new house. Shiny, new appli- ances already in place will be a big selling point. 5 Clear your house of clut- eter and debris. Get rid of piles of old newspapers and magazines, the old clothes that don’t fit, the closet full of small appliances that don’t work, dust-filled collections of knickknacks, etc. Clean, open spaces make your home look bigger. Clean out closets so that ethey appear more spa- cious. Closets are an impor- tant feature to today’s buyers so you want yours to look as roomy as possible. If they’re © still cluttered after cleaning them out, remove items you don’t need now and put them in storage. Minimize the amount of epersonal items and mementoes in your home. Prospective buyers want to imagine themselves living in and well-kept? Make sure by mowing the lawn, weeding gardens, trimming unruly bushes, resealing the driveway and sweeping the porch. l Pay particular atten- etion to your front door. Repaint it if necessary. Polish the doorknob, knocker and kickplate and clean the glass and screen door. When a buyer waits at the front door to enter, make sure he or she sees that your home was cared for lovingly. Fer more information on new homes or renovation, call the Greater Vancouver Homer Builders’ Association Housing Hotline at 590- 5256. the home. Dozens of family ¢ F pictures and your grand- child’s finger paintings clut- tered on the refrigerator will make them feel that they’re invading your home, rather than inspecting their future home. 8 Clean your house top to ebottom including walls, floors, furniture and rable- tops. Everything should be sparkling clean when a buyer makes that all-important first visit. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the counter or Jaundry stacked in the bedroom. Take a long, hard look at eyour home from the street. Does is have curb appeal? Is it warm, inviting HELPING THE WORLD WRITE NOW V2 CODE Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world For information, call 1-800-661-2633 AME CNH. Piiwerberd f Join us for a unique evening with Derrick Humphreys & Marya Fiamengo Thursday, November 21 7:30-8:30 pm Refreshments 2460A Marine Drive (Downstairs) West Vancouver 926-1133 el re COVERED? Otto & Associates, Your Independent Insurance Broker, provides Home, Business and Auto Insurance Ail in one convenient location CLES We wani your business in turn we will work for you We invite you to stop by our office to review your Insurance needs, discuss your coverage options and ask any questions you may have e OTTO & ASSOCIATES 2448 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 922-8932 Tf O &