Preparing Your Home for Sale: Tips, Tricks, and Resources with Luke Thompson

Jan 23

Selling your home can be an exciting yet challenging process. To help you navigate the journey, we've compiled a comprehensive guide filled with tips, tricks, and resources to ensure your home is market-ready and appealing to potential buyers.

Get Started Early

The sooner you begin preparing your home for sale, the smoother the process will be. Last-minute rushes can add stress and prevent you from showcasing your home’s full potential. Take time to go room by room, decluttering and making necessary updates. Preparation is key to getting the best price for your property.

De-clutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, which means making it feel like a blank canvas. Donate or sell items you don’t need or use anymore, and worst case, put them into storage. Remove personal items like family photos and religious decor. If buyers walk in and feel like an imposter in someone else’s home, they could feel uncomfortable. How the home makes them feel plays an important role in their desire to purchase.

Neutralize Colours and Decor

While bold colours may suit your personal taste, neutral tones appeal to the widest range of buyers. You might’ve loved floral wallpaper, but it’s a specific taste, and we want to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. A fresh coat of paint can also make your home shine and impress buyers. Patch any holes and cover marks on the walls for a polished look.

Clean and Tidy Up

A spotless home gives the impression of care and upkeep. Pay extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and windows. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and inside appliances. If cleaning feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure everything shines.

Make Necessary Repairs

Fix any minor issues that could distract buyers, such as squeaky doors, chipped paint, or leaky faucets. These small details can make a big difference in how your home is perceived. If there are larger repairs you’ve been putting off, consult a professional to ensure your property is in its best possible condition before listing.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. Make sure the lawn is mowed, flower beds are tidy, and any exterior clutter is removed. Add small touches like a fresh coat of paint on the front door or a new welcome mat to make your home feel inviting.

Know Your Target Market

Who is most likely to buy your home? This is your agent’s job, but ask them! Knowing which type of buyer you’re trying to attract is key to finding the best way to market and present your home to them.

Get a Professional Evaluation

Understanding your home’s market value is a crucial step in preparing for sale. A real estate agent can help you determine a competitive listing price by evaluating comparable homes in your area and current market trends.

Organize Important Documents

Buyers may request information about recent upgrades, warranties, or utility costs. Organize these documents in advance to streamline the process and build buyer confidence.

Pre-Inspection

Consider scheduling a home inspection before listing your property. Identifying and addressing issues beforehand shows buyers that your home has been well-maintained and can prevent surprises during negotiations.

Prepare for Showings

Keep your home show-ready at all times by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness. Ensure personal items are stored away and that the home is always fresh-smelling. Use air purifiers or lightly scented candles if needed.

Secure Valuables

Remove or securely store valuables during open houses and showings. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Resources for a Smooth Sale

We’ve compiled a list of trusted local resources to help make your home-selling process as smooth as possible.

Moving Companies

Darling Solutions
Offers professional moving services, including packing, downsizing, and full unpacking and setup of your new home.
Phone: (613) 850-2047
Email: darling@darlingsolutions.ca
Website: darlingsolutions.ca
A Mile Above Moving
Provides comprehensive moving services, including furniture disposal, eco-friendly waste removal, and donation deliveries.
Phone: (819) 319-3588
Website: amileabovemoving.ca

Cleaning Services

ECHO - Executive Cleaning Home Organizing
Specializes in deep cleaning services, ideal for new home occupancy, move-out cleans, and real estate preparations.
Phone: (613) 797-4438
Email: info@ottawadeclutter.com
Website: ottawadeclutter.com

Home Organization Services

Declutter4Good
Offers organizing and decluttering services, helping clients create functional spaces and providing donations to local charities.
Phone: (613) 868-5197
Website: declutter4good.ca
The Space Maker
Provides decluttering and organizing services, including assistance with moving and downsizing.
Phone: (613) 799-3993
Email: bhavanikrishnan55@me.com
Website: ottawaspacemaker.ca

Donation and Disposal Services

Moving Forward Matters
Assists with decluttering, organizing, and ensuring items are properly donated, recycled, or disposed of.
Phone: (613) 816-2229
Email: Sue@movingforwardmatters.com
Website: movingforwardmatters.ca
A Mile Above Moving
Provides furniture disposal services, including donation to charities and eco-friendly waste removal.
Phone: (819) 319-3588
Website: amileabovemoving.ca