-NV - North Shore News - Friday. February 18, 2000

Spruc!

ARE you thinking about
movily on up?

Or out? Or even downsizing to a
smaller home after vour children have
grown and gone?

If so, you'll need to think about
making your home attrac
ers. It can be an overwhelming propo-
siuon, so here are some tips trom the
Real Estate Board of
Vancouver to help get you st

Sit down and look at your home
objectively. An attractive, well-k
home generally has a better chance of
selling a hte faster.

If vou haven’t made substantial

nents or changes over che
y net a goud ides to take on
major renovation projects simply to
sell your home. This can be an expen-
sive and lengthy procedure and there
are no guarantees that you'll be able to
recover all of your costs. Instead, try to
determine what types of minor cos-
metic improvements can be made, like
general cleaning, painting, floor reti
ishing, and so on. These projects gen-
erally don't require a lot or capital and
your home can be greatly improved by
them. Consule with your Realtor to
see what types of improvements make
the most sense.
Start with the outside

An inviting exterior ensures that
potential buyers will inspect the interi-
cr, so it’s important to keep your lawn
and hedges rimmed and edged, the
flower beds cultivated, and your yard
free and clear of clutter and refuse.

@ Missing shingles or eaves troughs
should also be replaced and loose
shutters or awnings secured. You may
also want to consider painting the
exterior of your home to spruce it up
a little. And if you have aluminum or
vinyl siding or tim that’s quite dirty,
hire someone to clean it with a power
washer if you can’t or don’t want to
wash it yourself.

@ If you have a garage, make sure the

everything was updated 9 years ago — from the spark

ig up yi

door is clean, attractive and in good
working order. Also make sure the
inside of your garage does’t Look toa
cluttered of unorganized.
B Keep patios, walkways and decks
f debris and clutter.
de story

You can do alot on the inside of
your Lome as well without spending a

t deal of money. Two primary

sto keep in mind are the kitchen
and bathroom. These two rooms of
your home are generally of prime
iMlerest to potential buyers.
B Make sure thes
bright and spotless
kitchen appliance:
you're including them with the sale of
the home. Serub sinks, tofiets, bath-
tubs and kitchen appliances unul they
shine.
Mi ifthe carpeting in your home looks
dirty or dingy, vou may want to rent a
steam cleaner, or hire a professional
carpet cleaner. Pet odours can become
trapped ins rugs and this can repel
prospective buyers.
@ Give vour home a thorough clean-
ing and if you've been cooking, ensure
vou air the home prior te its showing.
Make sure any wood and tile floors
look clean and bright, not dull and
dingy. Get to those casy-to-miss spots
that need a good cleaning. Wash down
the walls, windows and woodwork.
Clean out the cupbuards under the
sink, dust the tops of baseboards and
wash all window coverings.
@ As well, keep in mind that rooms
that are too cluttered will give the
impression that they’re much smaller
than their true size. Try to xreate a
feeling of spaciousness when conduct-
ing your spruce-up. Pack away bulky
or unused furniture and make the best
use of your space. Be ruthless when
you go through closets, spare rooms
and cupboards. if you haven't used
that bread-making machine in a while,
and if you're not likely to need that
extra set of china in the next few

ur home f

. pack it away. Those knick-
knacks on the mantelpiece may have
sentimental value to vou, but they'll
just look hike knick-knacks to the peo-
ple who come through your home.
Take a deep breath and move them
out of sight. You can get a head start
on packing by cleaning off book-
shelves, and clearing away out-of-sea-
son clothes, toys, bedding, sports
equipment and garden tools.

@ Now is tic ume to fix the cracked
light-switch plates, broken door han-
ieaky fucets and squeaky door
learned to live with for year:

@ Shabby corners and grubby
entrance-ways will benetit fronya tresh
coat of paint in a neural colour — this
is not the time to start experimenting
with dramatic paint schemes. Similarly,
heavily patterned walipaper or brightly
coloured accent walls may tend to dis-
tract buyers from other features, or
make it hard tor them to imagine how
their belongings will look in the room.
Ifyou can, repaint or paper the walls in
asubtle colour.
Pre-showing checklist:
B Whenever possible, try to be out of
the house whike the Realtor is con-
ducting a showing. (Potential pur-
chasers often feel ike intruders when
homeowners are present).
@ Keep pets well out of the way —
preferably out of your house during
the showing. (Even small barking dogs
ean create a negative emotion and
those potential purchasers who are
afraid of or allergic to pets will not
wish to view your home.)
Make sure your home is tidy and
well-aired.
@ Keep all stairways free of clutte
@ Remove any items (like chandeliers)
which won't be included in the sale of
the home.
B Don't keep money, jewelry and
small valuables in plain sight during a
showing.

nsure that every room is adequate-
ly lit.

DEEP COVE CHARACTER
1964 CLIFFWOOD ROAD
The cottage of your dreams -buttery coloured wails, stone faced gas fireplace, windows and glass door

overlooking large deck and views of Deep Cove’s mountains and water. 2 bedrooms up, one down. Most

ing kitchen to plumbing and electrical. Parking for 5!

STEPS TO
DEEP COVE VILLAGE
2006 PANORAMA DRVE

Lewis Post 'n’ Beam on quiet country
road in the heart of Deep Cove.
Lovely level, sunny lot on child-safe
street. Home has 4 bedrooms up, liv-
ing room, dining room and kitchen on
the main, glass doors & windows fac-
ing sunny, back garden. Walk to
Cove and beaches, 3 blocks to

school.

Sutton Group
AN. ENDEPENT

NEWS photo Terry Poters.

AN attractive exterior may help your home sell faster. These
flowers make a pretty addition to the front door.

[$304,900 J

erreey's

PY

GARY. GARTR

FANTASTIC LOCATION!

BROGKWOOD NORTH
Super 2 bdrm, 11/2 bath ste. on sunny S.W.
sorner fin excellent bldg. Just steps to trans,
lem school & L.V. Centre. Feat Irg decks,
wood brng. F/P, mirrorred wail & floors.
Bldg. offers party rm, games rm, sauna & work-
shop. Hurry to 316 - 1385 Draycott Rd. Details
with Gary 240-1383

LOCATION LOCATIO
CENTRAL LYNN VALLEY

B Close to elem. & sec. schools, trans. & LV.

Centre. Features 3 bdrm, 2 bath ste. up with |
decks front & back plus reg’d 3 bdrm ste. dn.
Present inc. $2,100./mo. SHOWN BY APPTT.
ONLY. Call now!

GARY 240-1383

Large 3 bedrcom ground level condominium.

§ Maintenance fee includes heat, hot water,

taxes & management. Must be sold quickly.

¥ Cail Ken for viewing at any time. Immediate