Your Home Selling
Checklist

Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, which is hard when your family photos, collections, and personal items are everywhere. Pack away sentimental items, clear countertops, and remove excess furniture. A good rule: remove about a third of your belongings to make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Complete Necessary Repairs

Fix leaky faucets, patch holes in walls, replace burnt-out lightbulbs, and address any obvious maintenance issues. Consider a pre-listing home inspection to identify problems early. Minor repairs made before listing prevent buyers from negotiating larger concessions later.

Book a Staging Consultation

Professionally staged homes sell faster and for more money. We can arrange a staging consultation to assess your home and recommend furniture placement, paint colours, and minor upgrades that will maximize appeal. Even partial staging : focusing on the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen : can make a significant difference.

Deep Clean Everything

A spotless home signals to buyers that the property has been well cared for. Consider professional carpet cleaning, window washing, and power washing driveways and walkways. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and windows : these areas are heavily scrutinized during showings.

Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions start at the curb. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, plant fresh flowers, and ensure the front door is clean and inviting. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and clean house numbers are inexpensive upgrades that pay off. In winter, keep walkways clear of snow and ice.

Review the Comparative Market Analysis

We will prepare a detailed CMA showing what similar homes in your neighbourhood have sold for, how long they sat on the market, and how your home compares. This data-driven analysis ensures your home is priced competitively from day one. The right price is the single most important factor in a successful sale.

Professional Photography & Videography

Over 90% of buyers start their search online, and listing photos are their first impression. We arrange for professional photography, twilight shots, and video walkthroughs. Aerial drone photography is especially effective for waterfront and rural properties in Durham Region.

Craft the Listing Description

A well-written listing description highlights your home's best features, recent upgrades, and the lifestyle benefits of the neighbourhood. We highlight everything that sets your property apart : from renovated kitchens to proximity to parks, schools, and Port Perry's downtown.

Launch on MLS & Social Media

Your listing goes live on the MLS, reaching every Realtor in the region, plus major portals like Realtor.ca, Zillow, and our social media channels including the 23,000+ member Port Perry Bulletin community. We also share across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for maximum visibility.

Prepare for Showings

Keep your home show-ready at all times. Make beds, do dishes, put away clutter, and leave lights on. Consider a lockbox for easy agent access. Short notice showings are common : having a go-bag for essentials (toiletries, a change of clothes, pet supplies) makes it easier to step out quickly.

Host Open Houses

We schedule and host open houses to maximize exposure. These events bring in buyers who may not have booked a private showing and create a sense of urgency. We handle all the logistics : signage, digital promotion, and visitor follow-up.

Review Showing Feedback

After each showing, we collect feedback from buyer agents. Trends in feedback, like remarks about pricing, condition, or layout, help us adjust strategy if needed. We share honest, constructive feedback with you so we can make data-informed decisions together.

Evaluate Offers With Your Agent

When offers come in, we review every detail together : price, conditions, deposit, closing date, and buyer financing strength. We also review any accompanying documents. The highest price is not always the best offer; a clean offer with fewer conditions can be more attractive.

Respond to Conditions

The buyer will have a period (typically 5 to 10 business days) to complete their due diligence. This includes the home inspection, financing approval, and possibly a status certificate review for condos. We coordinate with the buyer's agent to keep things on track.

Prepare for the Home Inspection

The buyer's inspector will examine your home thoroughly. Ensure easy access to the attic, crawlspace, electrical panel, furnace, and water heater. If you had a pre-listing inspection, share the report. It builds trust and can simplify negotiations.

Respond to Inspection Requests

After the inspection, the buyer may request repairs or a price adjustment. We negotiate on your behalf, distinguishing between legitimate concerns and minor issues. Our goal is to find a fair resolution that keeps the deal on track.

Arrange for the Appraisal

The buyer's lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property's value. Ensure the appraiser has easy access. We provide comparable sales data to support the agreed price. If the appraisal comes in low, we help navigate the renegotiation.

Prepare for Your Move

Start packing non-essentials early. Book movers, arrange mail forwarding, and notify utility providers of your move-out date. Notify your home insurance provider and arrange coverage for your new property.

Work With Your Lawyer

Your real estate lawyer will prepare the deed transfer, discharge any existing mortgage, calculate adjustments (property taxes, utilities), and ensure all conditions are met before closing. Provide all requested documents promptly to avoid delays.

Complete the Final Walk-Out

Before closing, do a final walk-through of your empty home. Ensure all agreed fixtures and items remain, the property is broom-swept, and no personal belongings are left behind. Leave behind manuals, garage openers, and any keys or fobs.

Closing Day & Handover

On closing day, the buyer's lawyer transfers the funds, your lawyer pays off your mortgage and disburses the net proceeds to you. Once registered, the keys belong to the buyer. Congratulations. You have successfully sold your home!