No one wants to tell a client their space looks like a recent
episode of Hoarders. However, it is essential to show a space in its best light
to reduce the marketing exposure time and get the best price (rent) for your
client.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when selling or leasing your
space:
1. Clean Unit: There is nothing worse than walking
through a cobweb, jumping back in fear that you have a spider crawling on your
back, only to brush your good suit jacket up against a wall covered in gyproc
dust. Tip: Take a duster and vacuum
through the unit on a regular basis to ensure it is fresh and clean for each
showing.
2. Clean Washrooms: Believe it or not, people actually
open the toilet cover while touring a space. Although pink is pretty, it is not
so much when it comes in the form of a ring around a toilet bowl. Tip: Flush the toilet every few days to
ensure the stagnant water does not leave a mark.
3. Fresh Paint: Let’s face it; some people cannot
get passed the harvest gold paint! While it was modern in 1970, it is not
anymore. Tip: Although it can be a
bit of an investment, prime the walls (and ceiling if applicable) in a contemporary
white colour. Not only will it enhance the appeal to potential tenants and purchasers,
but it will help them envision their organisation’s color scheme and give the
unit a fresh feeling
4. Flooring: Can you see the subfloor through the
carpet? Are there multiple chips in the ceramic tile from accidentally dropping
a heavy piece of equipment? Tip: If a
good cleaning does nothing to improve the appearance of the flooring in the
unit, I recommend removing it and leaving exposed concrete.
5. Garbage & Storage: While it is very tempting to use
your vacant unit as a storage room for garbage, excess materials, for your own
company etc… don’t. Tip: Leave the unit
empty. It is hard for a potential tenant/purchaser to imagine themselves in a
unit when it is full of clutter. Plus you will have to remove the garbage,
excess material etc., for the incoming tenant/purchaser anyways so why move it
twice.
6. Windows & Window Coverings: Do the blinds look as though they have
been the latest victim of a cat attack? Are there finger prints, paint overspray
or perhaps even a face print on the window? Tip:
Ensure that the window panes are clean and only leave the window coverings
up if they are in good condition.
7. Lighting: While it is tempting to turn the
electricity off to a vacant unit, it is important to be able to see the space. Though
we always bring a trusty flashlight, it can become a real safety issue for both
the client and the agent touring the space if they have to feel their way
around. Plus, it is not showing your space in its best “light”. Tip: Lights on!

Advice given by Ashley Urquhart, Consultant in Turner Drake’s Brokerage Division and Manager of our Business Development Division. For more real estate brokerage advice, you can reach her at aurquhart@turnerdrake.com or 1 (800) 567-3033.