Showing Your Home
Make First Impressions Count
The outside of your home sets the tone for how buyers perceive the inside. To make a great first impression, try these tips when selling your home:
Keep your front entrance spotless and welcoming.
Refresh a tired front door with paint or replace it entirely if needed.
Add a touch of color to shutters, trim, or any exterior features showing wear.
Brighten up your landscaping with vibrant plants and fresh mulch.
Check out our comprehensive guide on boosting home value before selling in Ontario.
Don’t forget to explore our "Getting Your Home Ready to Sell" checklist.
Highlight Your Home's Best Features
Selling a home is different from living in one. Seeing your space with fresh eyes can help showcase its strengths. Here’s how to make your home shine:
Keep windows and floors spotless.
Fix or replace peeling wallpaper and repair worn woodwork.
Repaint walls in neutral tones for universal appeal.
Deep clean carpets or replace them if necessary.
Tighten loose knobs, fix sticking doors, and repair minor imperfections.
Reseal caulking in bathtubs and showers for a polished look.
During showings:
Open curtains and drapes to let in natural light.
Declutter storage spaces, like attics and basements, to emphasize roominess.
Remove excess furniture to make rooms appear larger and more inviting.
Use fresh towels in bathrooms and light candles or air fresheners to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Let Your Home Shine, Literally
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating an inviting ambiance. Whether it’s day or night, use these tips to enhance your home’s appeal:
Avoid harsh overhead lighting; opt for soft, warm light from strategically placed lamps.
Highlight cozy areas like a breakfast nook or a reading corner.
Use lighting creatively to make small spaces feel bigger and large rooms feel cozier.
Inside: Declutter and Simplify
Limit decorative items to small groupings (1, 3, or 5 pieces) to keep surfaces neat.
Clear kitchen counters of unnecessary items and tidy the fridge front.
Pare down bathroom items to essentials, neatly arranged.
Rearrange or remove excess furniture to maximize the sense of space.
Touch up walls, clean windows, and refresh drapes or carpets as needed.
Turn on lights and soft background music during showings to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Outside: Boost Your Curb Appeal
Trim overgrown landscaping to highlight architectural details.
Store garbage cans, tools, and unused materials out of sight.
Clean gutters, sweep the roof, and tidy planting areas with fresh bark or mulch.
Keep lawns well-manicured and remove dead plants.
Refresh patios and decks by clearing clutter and adding minimalistic décor.
Check the condition of paint, especially on the front door and trim—curb appeal matters!
Look Through the Buyer’s Eyes
Step into your potential buyer's shoes and evaluate your home objectively. Investing in these small improvements can yield big returns, both in price and speed of sale.
Quick Prep Checklist for Last-Minute Showings
When you’re short on time, this checklist has you covered:
Sound: Turn off the TV and play soft background music.
Sight: Turn on all lights and open blinds for natural light.
Smell: Simmer a few drops of vanilla or bake pre-made pastries for a welcoming aroma.
Kitchen: Wipe counters and load any dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
Bathrooms: Clean surfaces, flush, and close the toilet lids.
Living Areas: Tidy up clutter and hide magazines or toys.
Bedrooms: Straighten the beds and tuck clutter under them.
Exterior: Clear toys, tools, and other items from the yard and walkways.
Pets & People: Step out during showings to let buyers envision themselves living there.
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