Selling your home is more than just putting a sign on the lawn and waiting for offers. From the initial preparation to the moment the keys change hands, every stage of the home selling process requires thoughtful planning and a clear strategy. Whether you're selling in Burlington, Oakville, or the surrounding areas, here’s how to position your home for success—and what to do at each phase of the journey.
Before You List: Set the Stage for a Strong Sale
First impressions matter, and most buyers will form theirs within seconds of arriving—or scrolling online. Preparing your home before it hits the market can dramatically affect how quickly it sells and at what price.
Declutter and depersonalize. Remove excess furniture, family photos, and anything that distracts from the home itself. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space.
Make necessary repairs. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, and anything else that might suggest deferred maintenance. Small issues can raise big red flags.
Deep clean and consider staging. A spotless home shows pride of ownership. Professionally staged homes often sell faster and for more money, especially in competitive markets like Roseland or Shoreacres.
Work with a local expert. A seasoned agent will help you price strategically, understand market trends, and build a marketing plan that puts your home in front of the right buyers.
While Your Home Is on the Market: Stay Ready
Once your home is live on MLS, presentation remains key—and flexibility is essential.
Be showing-ready at all times. Keep things tidy, beds made, and surfaces clear. You never know when a last-minute showing request will come in.
Leave during showings. Buyers need to feel comfortable exploring the space. Leave the house during appointments and open houses to give them room to imagine life there.
Stay responsive. Your agent may need your input on feedback, pricing strategy, or offers. Prompt communication can make or break a potential sale.
Monitor market activity. If your home isn’t getting showings or offers within the first two weeks, it may be time to revisit your pricing or presentation strategy.
When Your Home Is Pending: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Receiving an offer—especially a great one—is exciting, but there are still steps to navigate before it’s official.
Understand your conditions. Common clauses include financing, home inspection, or the sale of the buyer’s property. Your agent will help guide you through timelines and obligations.
Prepare for the inspection. Make sure all systems are accessible (furnace, electrical panel, attic, etc.), and tidy up. A smooth inspection can help solidify the deal.
Don’t make major changes. Keep utilities running, maintain the property, and avoid packing away essential items too early. The deal isn’t closed until it’s closed.
At Closing: Wrap It Up Smoothly
As closing day approaches, your focus should shift to final preparations and ensuring a seamless handoff.
Hire a real estate lawyer. They’ll help with paperwork, disbursements, and coordinating with the buyer’s legal team.
Schedule your move strategically. Avoid moving out on the actual closing day, as delays can happen. Aim for a day or two before, if possible.
Leave the home in good condition. The property should be clean, empty, and in the same state as when the offer was accepted—unless otherwise agreed upon.
Celebrate your next chapter. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, take a moment to recognize this milestone.
