Address minor flaws and imperfections
Buyers don’t want to inherit deferred maintenance issues. Knock out the small repair list before the photos and showings begin.
Set your home up for success with the simple, proven habits buyers respond to — plus the missteps that cost sellers time and money.
The fastest way to a strong sale is to make smart moves on the items you control — and steer clear of the small mistakes that quietly stretch out a listing.
Do
Discuss every expense and listing strategy with your agent. Commission is negotiable — weigh the options against your bottom line. Be wary of deep discounts; cheaper agents often mean less experience. A reputable REMAX agent will be upfront and detailed, helping you make confident, well-informed decisions.
Help buyers picture your home as theirs. Pack up collectibles, kid clutter and excess décor, and remove any pet evidence (unless your home features a pet amenity like a wash station). Deep clean from baseboards to ceilings, keep rooms at a comfortable temperature and skip strongly scented air fresheners.
Impress with simple, visually appealing updates. Inside: swap out old fixtures, paint walls a light neutral with white trim, and replace tired carpets with hard flooring. Outside: trim trees and bushes, pull weeds, keep the lawn cut or driveway shoveled, and add greenery and flowers for a flattering first impression.
Arrange furniture to complement room size, traffic flow and natural light — consult a stager if needed. Then organize the paperwork: inspection reports, property disclosures and appliance manuals in an easy-to-access binder for quick reference. A REMAX agent can help with all of these details.
Stay open to suggestions from professionals — appraisers, inspectors and stagers — on changes that broaden your home’s appeal. And don’t take a low offer personally; work with your agent on a measured response that signals you’re serious about accepting a stronger one.
Don’t
Selling is hard work, but stay on top of your responsibilities. Once you have a buyer, keep caring for the property and paying your mortgage and utility bills so you don’t face surprise costs at closing.
Time on market depends on conditions, and impatience hurts deals. Avoid negotiating with buyers who aren’t pre-approved, and listen to your agent on price. Pricing too high keeps a home on the market and makes it look stale, flawed or unattractive.
Be ready when buyers are. Avoid 24-hour notice requirements and respond promptly to calls and emails. Tell your agent about any audio or video equipment in the home, since local rules may require disclosure. And always step out during showings — buyers need space to share honest reactions.
Anticipating extra funds at closing? Check in with your real estate agent and mortgage professional before acting on them. Replacing a vehicle, opening new credit, or pulling from savings can all impact financing on a next purchase — a quick conversation prevents surprises.
A great agent is invaluable — don’t try to handle everything alone. But once you hire one, don’t check out either. There are still personal responsibilities you’ll manage that make the difference between a smooth sale and a rocky one.
When listing your house and preparing for showings, organize your space first. A good rule of thumb: sort everything you don’t use regularly into three piles — pack it, donate it, discard it.
Renting a portable storage container is a flexible option — delivered to your home, picked up when full, and stored until you need it back. If your property or strata won’t allow portable units, look at a nearby storage facility instead.
For everything you’re donating, many charities now offer scheduled donation pick-ups. Check your favourite charity’s website to see when they’ll be in your neighbourhood.
Make sure items can actually be discarded. Some materials need to be recycled or properly disposed — check your municipality’s site for guidance. For large quantities of true garbage, renting a dumpster is often the most cost-effective option.
Not interested in hiring a professional stager? These six moves help your home show beautifully online and in person.
Buyers don’t want to inherit deferred maintenance issues. Knock out the small repair list before the photos and showings begin.
Less in each room makes spaces look larger, lighter and more flexible — an instant upgrade with zero spend.
Garages, closets, storage rooms, laundry rooms — buyers look everywhere. A consistent “cared for” signal builds trust.
Pull back curtains, switch on lights in dim rooms and let natural light do the heavy lifting. Bright rooms feel bigger.
Use light neutral tones and pack up the family photos so buyers can picture their own décor preferences in the space.
Shovel paths, mow the lawn, plant flowers and clear cobwebs from door frames and light fixtures. First impressions start at the curb.
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