LIZ MARTIN

Older homes have a unique charm that many buyers find irresistible—original hardwood floors, intricate moldings, and architectural details that simply aren’t found in newer builds. To make your home stand out in today’s market, it’s important to showcase its character while addressing modern buyer expectations.

Here’s how to make your older home shine:

Start With a Clean, Decluttered Space

Buyers need to see your home’s original features and charm.  Spend time decluttering and cleaning every nook and cranny. Consider hiring a professional cleaner for a deep clean. For the best outcome, it is important to bring the property to market looking its absolute best!

Highlight Maintenance and Updates

An older home with clear signs of upkeep is far more appealing than one that has clearly deferred maintenance. Share a list of recent updates, such as a new roof, upgraded electrical, or modernized heating systems.

If your home’s systems haven’t been upgraded, consider getting quotes for potential updates. Providing this information gives buyers a clear idea of what costs they might face, helping to build confidence and transparency.

Embrace the Neighborhood’s Character

Older homes are often located in established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, larger lots, and a true sense of community. These unique lifestyle perks can be a major draw for buyers who are looking for that welcoming feel.

Mature Landscaping

Another advantage of older homes is the mature gardens and landscaping that typically come with them. Established trees, shrubs, and perennial beds are rare in newer developments and costly to recreate. Highlight the lush outdoor spaces and the privacy they offer—it’s a feature many buyers will value.

Let the Charm Shine

From intricate moldings to built-in shelves, let your home’s history take center stage. If a feature feels dated rather than charming (like carpet covering hardwood floors), consider small updates that restore its original appeal.

Stage Thoughtfully

Work with a stager to blend timeless decor with modern touches. This helps buyers see how they can balance the home’s character with their personal style.

Price It Right

An older home’s value goes beyond square footage—it’s about character, location, and quality. Work with an experienced Realtor (that’s me!) to set a competitive price that reflects these unique factors while attracting today’s buyers.

By taking the time to present your home thoughtfully, you can make its charm and potential irresistible to buyers. Let me help you position your home for success—contact me to get started!

Happy New Year! Each year at Domus Realty, we commission a local artist to create a piece of artwork that features a local landmark, we then use the work to create our holiday card. A wonderful depiction of the Oval at the Halifax Common, done by local artist The Downtown Sketcher for Domus Realty's 2024 Holiday Card! I have a few extra of this years card, if you'd like one, send me an email and I'll put one in the mail to you! All the best in 2025!

1. Location
   Location has always been a top consideration for prospective buyers.  With prices continuing to rise in the downtown core, buyers are willing to venture into new neighbourhoods and focus on the overall environment and property features. The property’s surroundings, such as nearby parks, schools, and community amenities, have gained importance.

2. Outdoor Space

   A yard is typically highly desirable. Halifax buyers are drawn to useful yards that provide space for Rover to get a run in, can be a gathering area in the summer or maybe house a secondary unit in the future.

3. Heat Pumps
   As summers in Halifax grow warmer, heat pumps have become a highly sought-after feature for supplementary heating and cooling. Buyers increasingly look for properties that already have this installed, as it adds comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

4. Feature Rooms
   Key living spaces, or what we refer to as the “heart” of the home, should be in excellent condition. The kitchen remains the most crucial room, followed closely by the family room, bathrooms, and the primary bedroom with a walk-in closet. These are the spaces where buyers imagine themselves living and entertaining.

5. Space & Natural Light
   Creating a sense of space is essential in making your home feel larger and more inviting. Decluttering is the most effective way to achieve this. Allowing natural light to flood into rooms can make a significant difference and ensure that buyers have a clear view of the property’s condition.

6. Neutral Paint
   A fresh coat of paint is a simple yet highly effective way to refresh your home before listing it for sale. Neutral tones are best, as they allow buyers to envision their own style in the space. I can recommend professional painters who can help ensure your home looks its best when it hits the market.

What Can Turn Buyers Off?

• Deferred Maintenance
  Homes with deferred maintenance can be a significant turn-off for buyers. Issues like peeling paint, leaky faucets, or overgrown landscaping can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well cared for. Addressing these maintenance concerns before listing your home can make a big difference in attracting buyers and securing a better price.

• Unclean Homes
  A home that isn’t clean can be a major deterrent for buyers. Sellers should invest time in thoroughly cleaning their homes or consider hiring a professional for a deep clean. This not only makes the home more appealing for showings but also makes it easier to maintain cleanliness during the selling period.

How Do Home Features Impact the Selling Strategy?

This is where Liz’s expertise becomes invaluable. Highlighting your home’s most desirable features in listings and showings is key to attracting buyers. The right description, combined with high-quality professional photography, can make your home stand out in the Halifax market. Liz knows how to craft compelling narratives and featuring what resonates with buyers, will ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

Get Your Home Sold with Liz Martin

Liz is skilled and experienced in helping home owners get prepared for listing and sale. With a deep understanding of marketing to the Halifax real estate market, Liz can guide you on what features are most sought after, how to prepare your home, and how she will successfully market your home.  Contact Liz today to get started.