TV star and contractor Scott McGillivray gives you some ideas for smart pre-sale home updates that can win over a potential buyer in 10 seconds flat.

1 Curb appeal: The second potential buyers arrive at your property, they start judging. Landscaping and hardscaping may seem like straightforward and inexpensive projects, but to most house hunters, they’re just more items on the to-do list. A good portion of people want a home that’s move-in ready, so a little can go a long way on the exterior – a couple of planters, a groomed front lawn and a well- maintained driveway will make a really great first impression.

2 Cheap fixes: If you’re not in the market for a full makeover, update these smaller items for an instant refresh; light fixtures, faucets & shower heads, doorknobs & switch plates or cabinetry hardware. 

3 Paint it neutral: You’ve probably heard this before, but I can’t stress it enough: when it comes to return on investment, dollar for dollar there’s no bigger bang for your buck than a fresh coat of paint. a good-quality eggshell or flat paint in a neutral coLour will make your home feel clean, bright and updated.

4 Declutter: People tend to have a lot of personal possessions. When touring a potential home, buyers will often try to visualize their own things in the space. The problem is, your stuff can prevent them from seeing where their stuff would live. Bottom line: Clean house. Don’t want to toss it? Store it. While it might be a pain to put things in storage, a decluttered home will make a lasting impression on buyers and give them the illusion of more room (even if there’s not a ton of it).