As everyone knows by now WestJet launched non-stop service between Toronto and Freeport, Bahamas this week. This is a great shot in the arm for our real estate market because Canadians have traditionally been very interested in the Freeport market and have invested in real estate over the years.

Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Strategy and Planning is telling the Canadian media “a trip to Freeport is the perfect way to escape a Canadian winter!" To have someone finally promoting Freeport to the Canadians is music to Freeports ears! 35 years ago in fact Grand Bahama was the number one warm weather tourist destination for Canadians. So sellers get your house ready because 12,000 Canadians will be coming to our shores over the next 6 months which could mean that the buyer you have been waiting for may be on their way. With new potential buyers coming to Freeport the better your home looks while it’s on the market, the more likely it is to sell quickly and for top dollar.

When you have a listing appointment with a Real Estate Agent, the agent go through your home with you and make suggestions about cosmetic repairs that will help to present your home at its best. These recommendations can make some sellers uncomfortable because they are reminders of the “little” projects that they have postponed. I encounter homeowners who have it all together, but that doesn’t include everyone. Most sellers need suggestions about repairs that will make their home show well, and providing these is an important part of our job.

The most inconvenient aspect of having your house on the market is the constant housekeeping required. Even if you are naturally neat, it requires a lot of hard work to constantly keep your home shining and to keep it looking beautiful. It may mean getting extra help from the children or hiring short-term professional help.

The important of making a good impression on the Realtors and buyers who come through your home cannot be overstated. As many interested buyers may call for last minute appointments to see your home. Buyers may associate a messy home with poor maintenance of the structure, systems and appliances. It can also discourage offers or result in a lower offer than the house might otherwise bring.

Sometimes I receive calls from people asking for advice on what they should do to prepare their house for the market. I often find that they have settled for living in a “less than optimal” circumstance for years, and are now going to spend money to make it nice for someone else to enjoy.

If you are considering painting, updating the kitchen, landscaping, or any other improvements that would increase your home’s resale value, think about making those improvements while you are still there to enjoy them. Create your own dream kitchen or Jacuzzi, your garden deck, or restore your wood floors now.

Maintaining your property well will make your home enjoyable, will help maintain the property values in your neighborhood and will expedite the sale of your home when you are ready to move.