Before listing your home, consider the five key questions buyers will ask – and be ready to answer them. If your house stands out, it will sell faster than the competition.
1
Is this a good location?
We’ve all heard “location, location, location“, and for good reason. No one wants to live in a bad neighbourhood. People will commute further for better schools, cleaner air, more space, or a bigger house for less money. Think of those who live in the GTA, and commute to Toronto.
Create the idea of a great neighbourhood by highlighting key benefits – proximity to parks, museums, top schools, easy highway or transit access, or being the “new hot spot.” Focus on these advantages and craft a compelling “headline” to showcase them.
2
What does it cost?
Be realistic. You are competing with other people who have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home to sell.
If you ask for much more than the market will bear, it will take longer to sell your home.
When you sit down with a Realtor to list your home, you should ask what other homes have sold for in your neighbourhood – and what homes in similar condition, with similar features are selling for in your area.
3
How does it look?
Make your home the jewel of the neighbourhood – the place that everyone wants to be.
Assuming nothing is seriously deficient, here are a few things that you can do to give a great first impression:
- Fix the driveway – it’s the first close-up buyers see and sets the tone. Cracks or stains may make them expect issues inside.
- Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and plant flowers for a warm, inviting feel, like a perfectly landscaped new home.
- Paint the front door or house exterior to convey a well-maintained home.
- Lastly, declutter. Pack knick-knacks and store extra furniture to give buyers space to imagine their own belongings, bringing them closer to making it theirs.
4
How will I pay for it?
Affordability is top of mind for many buyers, especially in today’s lending environment. While you don’t control the mortgage process, you can help make your home more appealing to qualified buyers by offering flexibility in areas like closing dates or including certain appliances or fixtures.
Buyers may also feel more confident making an offer when your home is priced realistically and presents well – removing doubt about its value and condition.
5
When can I move in?
Many buyers are looking for a home due to a transfer or dissatisfaction with apartment living. For these buyers, quick move-in is a key incentive.
Since you’re moving anyway, why not speed up the process?
However, some buyers need to sell their home before purchasing yours. While this slows the sale, it gives you time to plan your move.
Let me close with this story
A young couple looked at a home twice with very different impressions. They had been searching in this area for some time, not needing to move urgently but tired of apartment living.
They were pre-qualified for financing and had a budget in mind. The first time they saw the home, it was tastefully decorated but felt too formal, making them think a lot of work would be needed. They decided to wait for another option in the neighbourhood.
Months later, another house came on the market, and since the seller had moved out, the couple decided to take a second look. Without the seller’s furniture and decor, the house felt completely different. They began envisioning their own furniture and quickly made an offer. Within a month, they moved in.
Every time I talk to them, they say how happy they are in a home that suits their needs perfectly.
Spend a Little, Get a Lot
✅ Improve safety: Fix loose handrails, remove sharp objects and hazardous materials, and make sure windows and doors can’t slam shut.
✅ Your house should be comparable to others in the area: If most neighbours have granite counters or tile floors, consider similar upgrades
✅ Start with your own inspection: Walk through your home and note problem areas, repairs, and items to discard, store, or replace.
✅ Prep walls before painting over crayon or marker: Sand the area, seal with shellac, then paint for better coverage and adhesion.
✅ Stick Post-It-Notes on areas that needs attention: This gives an instant visual reminder of what needs to be done in each room.
How To Avoid The Most Expensive Mistakes Smart People Make When They Sell A Home…
Mistake #5: Trying to “Hard Sell” While Showing.
Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don’t try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.
Want early access to serious buyers?
If you’re going to be moving in the next six months, what you might not realize is that there are a significant number of buyers searching for homes like yours.
In fact, for every buyer actively viewing homes right now, there are 5-10 more about to begin their search, or eagerly waiting for the perfect property to come up.
If you’re interested in getting a head start on finding a buyer for your home, leave us some details below… We’ll see if we can find a match!
Want to know what your home is worth?
Before you put your house on the market, you need to find out how much it’s worth in today’s market, so you can make your plans based on the most current information available.
We can prepare a detailed Pin-Point Price Analysis for you that shows the most current market activity in your area for homes like yours, and we can recommend an optimal marketing price range that will give you the best odds of selling quickly – and for top dollar!