20 Tips Before You List Your Home

20 Tips Before you List your Home Created by Kale Blakely | Flex Realty Group Thinking about selling your home in BC? Here's your go-to checklist to prepare, maximize value, and sell with confidence. 🏡 1. Understand the Local Market Research current trends in your neighborhood. Know the average selling price, days on market, and what similar homes are offering. 🧾 2. Review Your Mortgage Terms Check for any penalties or discharge fees if you’re breaking your mortgage early. Some lenders charge substantial amounts. 👩‍💼 3. Find a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent Choose a BC-based REALTOR® familiar with your local market (like Kelowna or Vancouver). A great agent is invaluable. 💵 4. Get a Home Evaluation Get a professional opinion on your home’s current market value — it may surprise you (in a good or bad way). 🛠️ 5. Make Necessary Repairs Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, loose railings, and squeaky doors — they impact perceived value. 🧽 6. Deep Clean Everything From baseboards to ceilings. Clean homes photograph better and show even better in person. 🎨 7. Neutralize the Paint Repaint bold walls with neutral tones to appeal to the widest range of buyers. 📸 8. Invest in Professional Photography High-quality images (and videos) are crucial — first impressions are made online. 📹 9. Consider a Video Tour or Drone Footage Especially in BC’s scenic areas, drone shots or walkthroughs can wow out-of-town buyers. 🪴 10. Enhance Curb Appeal Power wash siding, paint the front door, add potted plants — small exterior touches = big perceived value. 📋 11. Pre-List Home Inspection Optional, but it can help uncover deal-breaking issues early and position you as a proactive seller. 📂 12. Gather All Documentation This includes the title, property disclosure statement, permits, strata documents (if applicable), manuals, warranties, etc. 💼 13. Talk to a Lawyer or Notary Get ahead of any legal questions, especially regarding title transfer, taxes, or estate sales. 🧾 14. Know the Taxes Understand Property Transfer Tax (PTT), possible GST on new builds, and Capital Gains implications if it’s not your principal residence. 🛋️ 15. Declutter + Depersonalize You’re moving anyway — box up family photos, excessive décor, and anything that makes the home feel “yours” instead of “theirs.” 🕯️ 16. Stage for Success Whether full staging or light enhancements, a well-staged home sells faster and for more. 📅 17. Plan the Timing Spring and fall are typically strongest in BC. Coordinate listing around market highs, school schedules, and weather. 🌐 18. Prep for Online Exposure Make sure your home is optimized for Realtor.ca, social media, and virtual showings — your agent should handle this. 🚪 19. Be Flexible with Showings The more accessible your home is, the faster it will sell. Try to say yes to every showing request (even short-notice ones). 💡 20. Emotionally Detach Start thinking of it as a product, not your home. You’re selling a space for someone else to dream in.