Selling your home? First impressions matter! Whether you’re listing a single-family home or a condo, a little prep work can go a long way in attracting buyers and maximizing your sale price. Follow this step-by-step checklist to get your home market-ready.
🏡 For Single-Family Homes
1. Boost Curb Appeal
Mission: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see—make it count! Enhancing curb appeal helps create a positive first impression, making buyers excited to see more. A well-maintained exterior signals that the home has been cared for, setting the stage for a successful showing.
- Freshen up landscaping – mow the lawn, trim bushes, and plant seasonal flowers.
- Power wash the driveway, walkway, and siding.
- Repaint the front door and update house numbers if needed.
- Check exterior lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize
Mission: Buyers need to see themselves living in your home. Removing excess belongings and personal items allows them to envision the space as their own. A clean, neutral space feels bigger, more inviting, and helps potential buyers focus on the home’s features rather than distractions.
- Pack away personal items like family photos and memorabilia.
- Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more spacious.
- Organize closets and storage areas – buyers will look inside!
3. Deep Clean
Mission: A spotless home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Dust, dirt, and grime can create subconscious red flags about the overall condition of the home. A sparkling clean home feels fresh, move-in ready, and more valuable.
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including baseboards and vents.
- Shampoo carpets and polish hardwood floors.
- Scrub bathrooms and kitchen until they shine.
4. Complete Minor Repairs
Mission: Small maintenance issues can make buyers question the home’s overall upkeep. Fixing minor repairs ahead of time reassures buyers that they won’t be walking into unexpected problems. This step increases perceived value and prevents little issues from turning into negotiation points.
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets.
- Patch holes or scuffs in walls and repaint in neutral tones.
- Ensure all doors and windows open and close smoothly.
5. Get Your Servicing Done
Mission: Proper servicing ensures everything in your home is in working order and avoids unexpected issues during inspection. A well-maintained system provides buyers with peace of mind and keeps the selling process smooth.
- Service the furnace to ensure efficient heating and air circulation. We recommend Canadian Climate Control for professional furnace maintenance.
- Schedule air vent and dryer vent cleaning for improved air quality and safety.
- We recommend Acclaimed Furnace Cleaning for professional air vent cleaning.
6. Get Your Paperwork Ready
Mission: Buyers and their agents will want to review key documents to ensure a smooth transaction. Having your REAL PROPERTY REPORT ready upfront helps avoid delays and keeps the process moving efficiently.
- Get your REAL PROPERTY REPORT ready – This document is essential for the sale of your home. Make sure it’s up to date and compliant with municipal regulations.
🏢 For Condos
1. Check Building Policies
Mission: Condo sales come with additional regulations and documents. Being proactive in gathering required paperwork ensures a seamless transaction and avoids last-minute stress.
- Confirm HOA or condo board rules for listing and showings.
- Confirm pet policy and any restrictions.
- Confirm current condo fees, and check for outstanding balances, loans, or special assessments payable.
- Check rules around real estate signage, lockboxes, and placement of for-sale signs in the building.
- Get copies of condo documents or relevant details ready for buyers.
2. Improve Interior Appeal
Mission: Condos often have limited space, so maximizing light, layout, and cleanliness is key. Creating a bright, open feel makes the unit appear larger and more appealing to buyers.
- Declutter small spaces to make them feel larger.
- Repaint walls in light, neutral tones.
- Ensure all lighting is warm and inviting.
- Balance lighting by replacing bulbs with LED, warm white tones to create a comfortable and modern feel.
3. Get Your Servicing Done
Mission: Condos often have heating and cooling systems that require proper maintenance. Servicing these systems ensures they function properly during buyer inspections and prevents last-minute issues.
- If your condo has a fan coil or heat pump, schedule servicing before listing. We recommend Canadian Climate Control for expert servicing.
- Ensure air vents are cleaned for improved air quality.
- We recommend Acclaimed Furnace Cleaning for professional air vent cleaning.
4. Get Your Paperwork Ready
Mission: Buyers need access to important condo documents to make an informed decision. Being prepared helps speed up the process and ensures transparency.
- Get access to your condo documents – Ensure you have access to your condo’s online portal for important documents. We can help download them if you provide us access!
Final Steps for Both Homes & Condos
- Take professional photos or schedule a virtual tour.
- Work with your ARIVL agent to price competitively and market effectively.
- Plan a showing schedule that works for you.
- Be ready to negotiate and review offers.
Final Thoughts
Prepping your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Follow these steps, and you’ll be in great shape to attract buyers and close the deal. Thinking about selling? At ARIVL, we’re here to help you every step of the way! Reach out today to get started.
Happy selling! 🏡✨
