Ottawa Home Sellers: The 30-Day Pre-Listing Checklist That Actually Works
Selling a home in Ottawa is equal parts preparation and presentation. The good news is you can make a big impact in about a month with a clear plan. Use this step-by-step checklist to get your home photo-ready, showing-ready, and offer-ready without the stress.
Why This Works
Professional presentation brings more qualified buyers through the door and helps you command stronger offers. At New Purveyors, every listing includes professional photography, videography, and a tailored marketing plan. This checklist is how we help clients get the most from that investment.
Week 4: Plan and Prioritize
Walk-through with fresh eyes: Stand at the curb, then step through each room. Note every repair, scuff, missing bulb, crooked outlet plate, and dated fixture.
Pick three high-impact projects: Choose simple upgrades with great ROI, like paint touch-ups, new cabinet pulls, fresh caulking, or swapping yellowed light switches.
Book pros early: Painter, handyman, carpet cleaner, window cleaner, yard cleanup. Appointments fill quickly.
Paperwork round-up: Find warranties, recent utility bills, major repair invoices, manuals, and permits. Buyers love organized documentation.
Decluttering plan: Order boxes, donate, sell, or store. Aim to remove 25 to 30 percent of visible items.
Week 3: Repair, Refresh, Depersonalize
Paint touch-ups: Neutral, light walls help rooms feel larger and brighter. Patch nail holes and caulk baseboards.
Lighting audit: Replace all bulbs and match colour temperature so photos look crisp.
Hardware and faucets: Tighten, polish, or replace inexpensive items for a modern look.
Depersonalize and neutralize: Remove niche décor, family photos, diplomas, and strong scents. The goal is “inviting and universal.”
Closets and storage: Reduce to two-thirds full. Add matching bins and labels for a tidy, intentional feel.
Week 2: Deep Clean and Curb Appeal
Deep clean top to bottom: Baseboards, vents, window tracks, light fixtures, grout, shower doors. Hire a pro if time is tight.
Floors and carpets: Steam clean or buff to remove scuffs and odours.
Windows inside and out: Clear glass makes photos pop and brightens rooms.
Exterior tune-up: Edge and mulch garden beds, trim shrubs, sweep walkways, touch up the front door, polish house numbers, clean the mailbox and exterior lights.
Garage and shed: Organize tools and sports gear. Buyers check storage.
Week 1: Style for Photos and Showings
Furniture placement: Create obvious walk paths and focal points. Remove extra chairs or bulky pieces that shrink a room.
Light layers: Add fresh white towels, crisp bedding, a neutral throw, and a few healthy plants.
Kitchen surfaces: Clear counters except for one to three items, like a coffee station or a wooden board with a bowl of green apples.
Bathroom reset: New shower liner, neutral towels, closed toilet seats, minimal countertop items in matching containers.
Pet plan: Litter boxes cleaned and discreet, pet beds laundered, food bowls tucked away for showings.
Photo Day Checklist
All lights on, blinds adjusted to let in even light.
Trash and recycling out, bins tucked away.
Cars out of the driveway, garage door closed.
Hide cords, remotes, shampoos, and small countertop appliances.
Fresh flowers or a plant on the dining table.
Final sweep for mirrors, fingerprints on stainless steel, and streaks on glass.
Showing Day Checklist
Temperature comfortable and consistent.
Soft background music at low volume if you like.
Open sightlines: doors open, drapes balanced, rugs straight.
Secure valuables and prescriptions.
Leave 10 to 15 minutes early to give buyers privacy.
Small Upgrades That Punch Above Their Weight
Entryway: New doormat, umbrella stand, tidy shoe storage.
Kitchen: Modern pulls, updated faucet, warm under-cabinet LED strips.
Lighting: Swap dated fixtures in the dining room or over the island for instant style.
Bathrooms: Black or brushed-nickel hardware set, rainfall showerhead, fresh caulk and grout pen.
Smart storage: Simple shelving in laundry or pantry to show function.
Common Ottawa Buyer Questions to Prepare For
Age and service of roof, furnace, AC, and hot water tank.
Windows and insulation improvements, plus average utility costs.
Any recent permits, warranties, or professional work orders.
Noise and parking realities if you are near a busy corridor or school.
Outdoor maintenance details, including snow removal logistics and drainage upgrades.
How We Market Your Home
Every New Purveyors listing includes:
Professional photography and videography
Floor plans and room measurements
Targeted social media and listing syndication
Copywriting that highlights lifestyle, layout, and location benefits
Strategy on pricing, timing, and offer presentation
Optional concierge support for cleaning, painting, and minor repairs
Frequently Asked Seller Questions
How much do I need to do before listing?
Focus on clean, bright, and well maintained. Most sellers can stop at paint touch-ups, lighting, minor repairs, and a deep clean. We will tell you if a specific upgrade will pay off.
Should I stage my home?
Light staging and styling almost always help. Sometimes a partial approach is enough, like swapping a few pieces and adding soft goods. We handle this with you.
What if my timeline is tight?
We can compress this plan into 7 to 10 days by stacking vendors and focusing on the highest impact items. The key is quick decisions and weekday access.
Can I list while I am still decluttering?
Yes, as long as the main living areas and primary rooms are photo-ready. We can time photos after the first round of decluttering and keep editing as you go.
Thinking About Selling in the Next Few Months
The sooner we see your home, the better the plan. We will walk through with you, prioritize projects, connect you with trusted trades, and schedule photography when everything is ready. When you are prepared and well presented, you do not need luck. You need a good plan and the right team.
