The Biggest Mistake Ottawa Homeowners Make Before Listing Their Home (And How to Avoid It)
If you're thinking about selling your home in Ottawa, you're probably focused on the big stuff — pricing, marketing, and finding your next place. But there’s one small, avoidable mistake that can cost sellers thousands: not preparing your home properly before listing.
We’re not just talking about cleaning the floors or fluffing the pillows. We mean making the home look and feel like a buyer’s dream — before the photos, the showings, and the open houses even begin.
In Ottawa’s competitive real estate market, first impressions matter. Most buyers see your home online before they ever step inside. If the photos don’t stand out, your listing might get skipped — no matter how great the location or layout is.
That’s why at New Purveyors, we always pay for professional photography, videography, and additional marketing like print and social media exposure for all of our listings. We want your home to show up at its absolute best from day one. But even the best camera can’t hide clutter, scuffed walls, or outdated light fixtures.
Here’s how you can avoid the mistake most sellers make:
1. Declutter Like You’re Moving Tomorrow.
Buyers want to see the space, not your stuff. Start packing early and keep only what’s needed to show off the home.
2. Fix What You’ve Been Ignoring.
Loose doorknobs, dripping taps, squeaky doors — the small things add up. A well-maintained home tells buyers it’s been cared for.
3. Clean Like You’re Hosting Royalty.
Appliances should sparkle, corners should be dust-free, and windows should shine. We always recommend hiring a professional cleaner if you can — and yes, we can connect you with our trusted vendors.
4. Neutral Wins.
It’s not about being boring — it’s about being broad. A fresh coat of neutral paint and a tidy yard helps buyers picture themselves living there.
5. Ask Us First.
Before spending money on any renovations or upgrades, talk to us. We’ll help you decide what actually adds value and what’s better left alone.
At New Purveyors, we make the process seamless — guiding you through preparation, pricing, marketing, and negotiations with a strategy that works. We’ve helped hundreds of Ottawa homeowners sell smarter, faster, and with less stress.
Thinking about listing? Let’s make sure you don’t make the most common mistake.
Contact us today and we’ll help you get your home ready — the right way.
