5 Things to Do Before Listing Your Ottawa Home for Sale
Selling your home is about more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. The work you do before listing can have a huge impact on how quickly your home sells and the price it commands. Ottawa buyers are discerning, and in a competitive market, first impressions matter more than ever. Here are five key steps to take before you officially list your home.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home — not stepping into your life. Removing personal photos, memorabilia, and excess furniture helps rooms feel bigger and more neutral. This doesn’t mean stripping your home of personality, but instead creating a clean canvas where potential buyers can imagine their own lives.
If you’re overwhelmed by where to start, tackle one space at a time. Closets, counters, and storage areas are especially important since buyers will almost always peek inside.
2. Invest in a Deep Clean
Even a well-maintained home benefits from a professional cleaning before hitting the market. Dust baseboards, polish appliances, wash windows, and scrub bathrooms until they sparkle. Pay attention to small details like streak-free mirrors and spotless ovens — they signal to buyers that the home has been cared for.
At New Purveyors, we’ve seen firsthand how a pristine home leaves a lasting impression during showings.
3. Focus on Repairs and Small Updates
Little issues can give buyers big doubts. Fix leaky faucets, patch holes in the wall, replace burnt-out lightbulbs, and tighten loose door handles. Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint or updated light fixtures — both are cost-effective ways to instantly brighten a space.
For exterior appeal, mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add a few potted plants to the porch. In Ottawa, where seasonal changes are dramatic, curb appeal often sets the tone before a buyer even opens the front door.
4. Get Your Paperwork in Order
Organizing documents early can prevent delays later. Locate your property survey, utility bills, tax information, and warranties for appliances or recent renovations. Buyers often ask for these details when making an offer, and having them ready speeds up the process.
Your lawyer and real estate agent will also need certain documents for the transaction, so preparing them in advance keeps everything running smoothly.
5. Partner With the Right Real Estate Team
Selling your home is about more than just MLS exposure. The right team will create a tailored marketing plan, handle professional photography and videography, promote your home on social media and print, and bring serious buyers through the door. At New Purveyors, we pride ourselves on going beyond the basics to maximize exposure and secure the best possible price for our clients.
Getting your home ready for sale in Ottawa takes planning and effort, but it pays off. Decluttering, cleaning, repairing, and organizing are simple steps that make a world of difference when buyers start walking through your door. And when you pair that preparation with a team that knows the Ottawa market inside and out, you set yourself up for success.
If you’re thinking about selling, reach out to us at New Purveyors. We’ll guide you through every step of the process — so you can focus on what comes next.
