Selling Your Home in 2025? Here’s What Buyers See Before They Ever Step Inside
If you're planning to sell your home in Ottawa this year, it’s important to understand a simple truth: your buyer is judging your home long before they book a showing.
Nearly every buyer starts their search online — and most won’t click past the first few listings unless something immediately grabs their attention. In 2025, your home’s digital footprint can make or break your sale. So what exactly are buyers looking at?
Here’s what today’s sellers need to know about how homes are evaluated online — and how you can get an edge.
1. Buyers Notice Listing Photos First — And Judge Them Instantly
Studies show that homes with professional photos get 61% more views than those without. But it's not just about quality — it's about storytelling.
Wide-angle shots give buyers a sense of space and flow.
Even lighting and staging help people imagine themselves living there.
Editing matters — but over-editing can be a red flag for in-person disappointment.
💡 What you can do: Clear clutter, fix lighting, and let your agent coordinate professional photos before listing. Avoid going live on MLS with “placeholder” images — they could cost you your best window of attention.
2. The Listing Description Isn’t Just Filler — It’s a Sales Tool
Buyers are skimming dozens of listings. Generic descriptions like “stunning home in great neighbourhood” don’t stand out. A good listing description should highlight:
Unique features you won’t find in every home
Upgrades that add real value (like windows, roof, furnace, or kitchen)
What it’s like to live there — not just what’s inside
💡 Pro tip: Ask your agent to write descriptions in full sentences (not dot jots), and to include lifestyle context — parks, trails, transit, schools, or shops nearby — to help the buyer emotionally connect.
3. Social Media Reach = More Eyes (But Only If Done Well)
Many agents post listings on Instagram and Facebook. Fewer actually leverage social media strategically.
In 2025, a strong listing post includes:
Vertical video content (Instagram Reels, TikToks, Stories)
Neighbourhood info that educates, not just advertises
Captions that are friendly and informative, not robotic
💡 Look for teams that have in-house marketing or a dedicated social strategy. If your home only exists on MLS and a static brochure, you’re missing a big portion of potential buyers.
4. Your Listing’s First Week is the Most Important
Here’s why you need everything polished before you launch:
Most listing platforms (including Realtor.ca and internal brokerage databases) boost new listings in search rankings during the first few days.
Buyer agents often look at what’s new daily — and may skip over your listing if the first version is underwhelming.
Algorithms reward engagement. If your photos, videos, and price point attract clicks early on, it’s more likely your listing stays visible longer.
💡 Don’t rush to market. Take the time to prep, clean, and photograph your home properly. A fast listing isn’t better if it means missing out on that critical launch momentum.
5. Video Tours and 3D Walkthroughs Are Now Expected — Not Optional
Ottawa buyers increasingly expect to preview the space before they book a showing, especially in condos or homes in higher price ranges. This helps reduce tire-kicker traffic and attracts more serious interest.
💡 What’s worth it:
Full video tours that show the layout
Drone footage if you have a large lot or unique setting
Matterport-style 3D walkthroughs for complex layouts
Final Thought
Your online listing is your home’s first showing — and in many cases, its most important one. At New Purveyors, we’ve built our process around preparing your home to win online, from high-end visuals to platform-specific strategy. But even if you don’t work with us, we hope this helps you ask better questions and demand more from your listing experience.
Selling this year? Let’s make sure your home makes the right first impression — the first time.
