Preparing your home

Seven stages of getting show-ready

Typical timeline is 1–4 weeks depending on condition. Start before your agent schedules photography.

1. 1

   Agent walkthrough and priority list

   Week 1

   Your listing agent tours the home with a seller's eye — what buyers will notice in photos, at the door, and during inspection. Together you separate must-fix items (leaks, broken windows, safety issues) from nice-to-have upgrades (full kitchen reno rarely pays back dollar-for-dollar).

   Get repair quotes on anything you cannot do yourself. If a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your home's age, discuss it with your agent — some sellers fix issues upfront to avoid renegotiation later.

   • Must-fix — water stains, broken fixtures, tripping hazards, non-functioning locks
   • High-impact — paint touch-ups, deep clean, declutter, curb appeal
   • Skip for now — major renos that will not return cost before sale
   • Condo — confirm board rules on alterations and showing prep before you start
2. 2

   Declutter and depersonalize

   Week 1–2

   Remove roughly one-third of visible stuff — books, knick-knacks, extra furniture, and counter appliances. Pack what you will not need before moving and store off-site if possible. Buyers open closets and cabinets; stuffed storage reads as 'this home is too small.'

   Depersonalize without sterilizing — family photos and highly personal décor make it harder for buyers to picture their life here. Neutral does not mean boring; it means the focus stays on the space, light, and layout.

   • Rent a storage unit for overflow if garage and basement are packed
   • Clear kitchen counters except one small appliance if needed
   • Thin bookshelves and remove magnets and notes from the fridge
   • Kids' rooms — tidy toys into bins; remove posters that dominate walls
3. 3

   Repairs and deferred maintenance

   Week 1–3

   Fix what a home inspector will flag on the buyer's side — dripping taps, running toilets, sticking doors, cracked outlets, missing handrails, and burned-out bulbs. Replace broken window screens and torn weatherstripping. These are small costs that prevent buyers from building a mental repair list during showings.

   Do not start major projects you cannot finish before photo day. A half-renovated bathroom is worse than an dated but clean one.

   • HVAC — replace dirty filters; service if system is noisy or old
   • Caulk and grout — refresh in bathrooms and kitchen if cracked or mouldy
   • Doors and hardware — tighten hinges, oil sticky locks, align latches
   • Exterior — loose siding, missing downspout extensions, rotted trim at ground level
4. 4

   Deep clean and neutralize

   Week 2–3

   Professional deep cleaning is worth it for many sellers — especially kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and floors. Pay attention to odours: pets, smoke, and strong cooking smells linger in carpets and curtains. Wash or remove soft surfaces if needed.

   Touch up scuffs with paint matched to existing walls. Bold accent walls photograph poorly and shrink rooms on camera — neutral warm greys and off-whites appeal to the widest buyer pool in the GTA.

   • Windows — inside and out where accessible; natural light sells
   • Light fixtures — dust and replace yellowed bulbs with consistent colour temperature
   • Carpets — steam clean or remove if worn beyond cleaning
   • Odours — no last-minute heavy air freshener; clean the source instead
5. 5

   Staging — light touch or professional

   Week 3

   Staging can mean hiring a stager with furniture and art, or simply rearranging what you own: symmetric beds, cleared dining tables set simply, and defined purpose for each room. Empty rooms feel smaller on camera — a chair and lamp help buyers read scale.

   Focus staging dollars on the entry, living area, primary bedroom, and kitchen. Secondary bedrooms need to be tidy and bright, not designer-perfect.

   • Define awkward spaces — desk in alcove, reading nook in corner
   • Remove oversized furniture that blocks traffic flow in photos
   • Fresh towels and neutral soap in bathrooms for showings
   • Remove pet beds and litter boxes from main living sightlines during tours
6. 6

   Curb appeal and exterior

   Week 3–4

   The photo of the front of the house is the thumbnail on every portal. Mow, edge, weed beds, and add simple planters if season allows. Power-wash driveway, walkway, and siding if grimy. Paint or stain the front door if faded.

   Store garbage bins, garden tools, and kids' toys out of sight. Ensure house numbers are visible and the porch light works for evening showings.

   • Winter — shovel walks, salt ice, clear icicles over entries
   • Fall — rake leaves, clean gutters if safe to do so
   • Spring — fresh mulch and trimmed shrubs frame the door
   • Garage — organize or empty enough to show storage potential
7. 7

   Photo day and staying show-ready

   Listing week onward

   Photographer day is not the day to still be painting. Home should be clean, decluttered, lights on, and blinds open before they arrive. Leave during the shoot — wide angles need space.

   After launch, maintain show-ready condition: beds made, dishes done, pets out for showings, and quick tidy before every appointment. Your agent will give showing notice — use it.

   • All interior doors open for flow; toilet lids down in every bathroom photo
   • Cars out of driveway for exterior shots
   • During listing — leave for showings; lights on, temperature comfortable
   • Secure prescriptions, valuables, and personal documents before every tour