Top 5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell in South Stormont

Beautiful home in South Stormont ready for sale.

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way, especially in our South Stormont communities, such as Long Sault, Ingleside, and the outskirts of Cornwall. As a local realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how some simple steps can help you attract more buyers and a better price. Whether you’re in Long Sault or anywhere in Stormont Township, these top 5 tips will get your home ready to sell and make it shine in the real estate market. Let’s dive in!

1. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Stand outside your home and take a look at it through a buyer’s eyes. Could the front use a little sprucing up? Enhancing your curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers to your property. Here are a few quick wins:

• Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown shrubs or trees.

• Add some colourful flowers or planters for a welcoming touch.

• Sweep the porch, clean the walkway, and consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

In South Stormont, where many homes have spacious yards, a tidy exterior can set your property apart. A neat and attractive exterior signals to buyers that the house is well-maintained. Whether your home is in Long Sault or Ingleside, you want it to look inviting from the street. A little elbow grease now can lead to more buzz and better offers when your home hits the market.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

When buyers step inside, they should be able to imagine themselves living there. Too much clutter or personal items (like family photos everywhere) can distract them from seeing the house as their potential home. Start by decluttering each room:

• Tuck away excessive knick-knacks, toys, and piles of paperwork.

• Consider donating or packing away items you don’t need until after the move.

• Keep countertops clear and organize closets; buyers often peek in.

Next, depersonalize a bit: you don’t have to remove every trace of yourself, but do take down the gallery of family portraits and any bold art that might not appeal to everyone. In a friendly community like South Stormont, you may know half the buyers coming to see your home (it's a small world around Cornwall and Long Sault!), but you still want to present a neutral space that they can picture as their own. The goal is a clean, calm canvas that lets your home’s features shine through.

3. Deep Clean Everywhere

A clean home tells buyers that it has been well-maintained. Now’s the time for a top-to-bottom deep clean. Scrub the bathrooms and kitchen until they sparkle, mop or steam-clean the floors, and wash the windows to let in plenty of light. Pay attention to details such as baseboards, light fixtures, and interior appliances (yes, some buyers will open the oven or refrigerator!). Don’t forget to eliminate any odours – you want the air to feel fresh. If you have pets, consider having carpets professionally cleaned to remove fur or odours. In our rural Ontario areas, homes can sometimes retain a bit of that closed-up winter smell, so airing out the house on a nice day is a good idea too. A sparkling clean home in Ingleside or Long Sault will stand out, especially to buyers from larger centers like Cornwall, who are looking for the perfect move-in-ready house in the country.

4. Make Minor Repairs and Updates

You don’t need to renovate the entire house to impress buyers, but fixing the small details can make a big difference. Walk through your home and note any minor repairs you’ve been putting off. This might include:

• Patching up holes or scuffs in the walls and applying a quick touch-up of neutral paint.

• Fixing leaky faucets or running toilets.

• Replacing burnt-out light bulbs and making sure all lights have bright, matching bulbs.

• Lubricating squeaky doors and tightening loose cabinet handles.

These small fixes help signal that your home in South Stormont is well-kept. Also consider minor updates, such as modernizing old lighting fixtures or adding a simple backsplash in the kitchen if yours is very dated. Inexpensive changes like these can add a modern charm. Remember, many buyers in the Stormont area (and from Cornwall) are seeking homes that don’t require extensive immediate work. Taking care of the small details now can prevent your buyers from finding reasons to reduce the offering price later on.

5. Stage and Highlight Key Features

You don’t need professional staging, but a bit of home staging can make your property more appealing. Arrange furniture to maximize space and light – for example, ensure walkways are clear and rooms feel open. Highlight the best features of your home: if you have a cozy fireplace, arrange seating around it with tasteful décor; if you have a beautiful view of South Stormont’s countryside, ensure the windows are unobstructed and clean. Use simple accents, such as fresh towels in the bathroom, crisp white linens on the bed, and a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen. These touches make your home look inviting but neutral, much like a model home. Don’t forget to let in natural light and use lamps to brighten any dim areas. A well-staged home helps buyers in Long Sault and Ingleside emotionally connect with the space and envision living there.

Bonus: Price It Right from the Start

Okay, I know I said “Top 5,” but here’s a bonus tip that’s just as important: make sure you price your home correctly. Even a beautifully prepped house can linger on the market if it’s priced too high. Do some research on comparable homes in South Stormont and Cornwall, or better yet, get a professional assessment. You can easily request a free home evaluation at homegeeks.ca to understand what your property is worth in today’s market. Setting the right price will attract more buyers and could even spark a bidding war – the ultimate goal for a seller!

Thinking of selling your home in South Stormont? I’m here to help every step of the way, from prep to sold sign. If you’re unsure where to start or would like personalized advice, please don't hesitate to contact me for a chat or to schedule a walkthrough. At HomeGeeks, we take pride in making the selling process as smooth and successful as possible. Whether you’re in Cornwall, Long Sault, or anywhere in between, I’d be delighted to help you get top dollar for your home.

Good luck with your sale, and remember – a little prep work now pays off on closing day!

– Penny from HomeGeeks