Getting your home market-ready can feel like one of the most challenging tasks when it comes to selling.
After helping hundreds of people prepare their homes, we’ve refined a simple protocol that simplifies the process and ensures the best results.
The most effective sellers know which tasks they should handle themselves and which ones can be delegated—especially when time is tight.
For example, while no one else can go through your personal family photos, someone else can likely paint your walls just as well, if not better.
By focusing on the right tasks and getting the right help, you can make your home stand out and attract more buyers.
In this seven step method, we’ll walk you through the process of getting your home ready for sale, with recommendations on who can assist with each step to make the process smoother.
1
PLAN
Start by setting a timeline for preparing your home for the market, ensuring everything is ready by your desired listing date. A Pin-Point Price Analysis will help you understand your home’s current market value, while setting a budget ensures you’re prepared for any needed improvements. A Room-by-Room Review can provide a clear project list, focusing on tasks that will yield the best return on your investment.
Who can get this done?
- A member of our team with a strategy session, Pin-Point Price Analysis, and Room-by-Room Review
- Financial advisor to help set improvement budgets
2
PURGE
Declutter every room by removing items you no longer need, donating or selling them as appropriate. Organize closets, cupboards, and storage areas to showcase their full potential and maximize space. Clear surfaces like countertops and shelves to create a clean, open, and inviting atmosphere throughout your home.
Who can get this done?
- Professional decluttering services
- Donation pickup or dropoff services (e.g., local charities)
- Organizers for closet or storage solutions
3
PACK
Begin packing personal belongings, including family photos and collectibles, to create a neutral and depersonalized space. Box up seasonal clothing and items you won’t need during the selling process, and store them neatly in a garage or storage unit to keep your home looking spacious and organized.
Who can get this done?
- Moving companies or packing services
- Self-storage facility
4
PROJECTS
Take care of visible damage such as holes, scuff marks, or cracks, and modernize outdated fixtures like lighting or cabinet hardware. Address any necessary repairs to floors, windows, or doors to highlight a well-maintained home, while focusing on small value-adding fixes like leaky faucets or larger items such as roofs or plumbing if required.
Who can get this done?
- Handyman for small repairs
- Contractors for major renovations
- Electricians and plumbers for specific repairs
5
PAINT
Refresh your home with neutral wall colours to appeal to a wider audience. Touch up trim, doors, and baseboards with fresh paint, and enhance curb appeal by repainting exterior features like doors and shutters. Patch and paint over imperfections for a polished, move-in-ready look.
Who can get this done?
- Professional painters for interior and exterior work
- Home Styling Advantage for selecting appealing neutral tones
- Handyman services for patching holes or scratches
6
POLISH
Clean every surface thoroughly, from windows and mirrors to floors and carpets, ensuring they shine. Polish kitchen appliances, sinks, and faucets, and deep clean bathrooms to leave them spotless. Enhance curb appeal by tidying the front yard, mowing the lawn, and pruning plants.
Who can get this done?
- Professional cleaning services for deep cleaning
- Carpet cleaners for stain and odour removal
- Landscaping services for front yard maintenance
7
PRIMP
Add final touches like fresh flowers or greenery to brighten rooms and create a welcoming atmosphere. Adjust lighting with open blinds or soft lamps for optimal brightness, and stage furniture for a spacious, appealing layout. Fresh towels, clean linens, and neutral bedding complete the look, leaving a positive, lasting impression.
Who can get this done?
- Home Styling Advantage for home staging services
- A garden centre for fresh flowers or greenery
Need help?
If you’re looking for experts to assist with any of the steps above, check out our Super Service Directory! It’s a curated list of our favourite businesses and a one-stop shop for the professionals we trust and recommend regularly.
From painters to cleaners to contractors, you’ll find the support you need to make your home market-ready with ease.
