Preparing a home to sell is not about renovating. It is about removing everything that makes a buyer pause. Most of the work is free, and most of it can be done in a couple of weekends.
Everywhere, first
Take down about half of what is on the walls and roughly a third of what is on every surface. Rooms photograph larger when they are emptier. Pack away anything personal — family photos, certificates, the calendar on the fridge — so buyers are looking at the home instead of at your life. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and match the colour temperature of the bulbs in each room so the photos are not half warm and half blue.
Entry and mudroom
This is the first thing a buyer sees and, in a Calgary winter, the busiest spot in the house. Clear the boot tray down to one pair. Empty the closet to about half full so it reads as generous. Make sure the front door opens cleanly and the lock turns without a fight.
Kitchen
Counters should hold almost nothing — a kettle and a bowl is plenty. Clear the fridge door completely. Clean inside the cabinets and the oven, because buyers open things. If the cabinet hardware is dated, replacing it is a low-cost change that lifts the whole room.
Living and dining
Pull furniture slightly away from the walls and make sure there is an obvious path through the room. If a piece is oversized for the space, moving it out for the listing period is usually worth it. Open every window covering on photo day.
Bedrooms
Neutral bedding, clear nightstands, and closets pared back so the rails are visible. If a room is being used as an office or a gym, it is still worth showing the bed — buyers need to see that the bedroom count is real.
Bathrooms
Everything off the counter, fresh towels, new caulking if the old line is stained, and a clean, clear shower. Small, but very visible.
Basement, garage and exterior
A tidy, well-lit basement reads as usable space. A garage you can see the floor of reads as a garage rather than storage. Outside, clear the walk, edge the lawn or the snow line, and make sure house numbers are visible.
Before the photographer arrives
Lights on, blinds open, toilet seats down, cars off the driveway, pet bowls and litter boxes out of frame. Those ten minutes show up in every photo that carries your listing.
Not sure what is worth doing?
Every home is different, and some of this list will not apply to yours. Get in touch and we will walk the house with you and tell you honestly what will make a difference and what will not.
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