Curb appeal is crucial in Toronto's changing market

Never mind the vernal equinox or visions of blooming tulips and budding leaves. May in Toronto has to be the harshest month when it comes to curb appeal, whether we're selling our homes or simply living in them. Gone are the snows of winter leaving our homes wearing a drab overcoat of a winter's worth of dust and grime. Not to mention those green doors.

In times past, it didn't matter if your house had a pink front door, it sold for more than the asking price. Now, buyers are being very picky. If it's not your home they buy, it will be one of the other 124 on the market that are just like yours - the same square footage - but $10,000. lower in price.

A year ago, it wouldn't have mattered that buyers saw your green front door as tired and dated - but it does now.

Last year, there was always a limited inventory available. This year, the total inventory is up, which means more selection for buyers. It is important that sellers understand that they're in a much different marketplace. Buyers can now take the time to find their dream home, instead of having to snatch up the first available place in their price range before someone else beats them to it.

So, sellers need to present their home in the best possible light ... and they need to price their home accordingly, in keeping with local market conditions.

For more info call Margaret Kisza at: 416 543 9264 or email at: mkisza@sympatico.ca