Getting a house ready for sale can be a lot of work – no matter the time of year. However, there are some parts of getting your home market-ready that are easier or more practical when the weather is warmer.
In this blog, we’ll look at how you can get your home on the market before snow arrives in Toronto.
Will the Season Impact My Sale?
Winter isn’t everyone’s favourite season, however, it can be a good time to make real estate moves. As real estate agents, we’re often asked about the best time of year to sell a home in Toronto. To the surprise of some sellers, the answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as picking a month on the calendar.
Yes, real estate in Toronto can follow seasonal trends. However, with the right approach (and help from a great agent) it’s possible to achieve a successful sale at any time of year.
At the end of the day, the right time to sell is when you’re ready to. If you sit around trying to time the market, you could delay starting a better, more enjoyable chapter in your life.
Unsure when the right time to sell your home will be? Click here to read our blog about timing your sale to suit your life.
Get the Ball Rolling on Preparations
If you really want to sell your home before winter comes around, it’s best to get going on certain tasks as soon as possible.
Start by clearing out the clutter. This means getting rid of any unnecessary belongings that could be interfering with the ambience of your home. Pay a little extra attention to doorways, mudrooms, and closets, as buyers will be looking for adequate storage space for winter coats and boots.
Now that you’ve got a little more space to work with, ensure all minor and major repairs are addressed. Winter’s cold weather can have buyers on the hunt for something turnkey. They’ll be more likely to make an offer on a well-maintained home, knowing they won’t have to worry about costly repairs once they move in.
If there are any fixes you’ve been putting off like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose doorknobs, or paint chips, now is the time to take care of them.
Want to get the best result from the sale of your home? Explore these other advice-packed blogs next!
- Selling Your Home? Here’s Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters
- Why Isn’t My Home Selling?
- Why You Should Never Skip Out On Staging
Take Photos Before the Snow Falls
Even if you’re aiming to list your home in January or February, you can always have professional photos and videos taken of your home during the late summer or fall. This is something we encourage our clients to do simply because the payoff is well worth the effort.
Marketing is a super important part of maximizing interest in your home. Regardless of when you head to the market, there’s a very high chance that the future buyer of your home will first discover it in some form of marketing – this could be your online listing, a postcard, or another type of advertisement. With that in mind, taking photos of your home (at least the exterior and yard) before the snow falls is a good idea.
Fall in Toronto has an undeniable charm; you can use this to your advantage. The colour of the changing leaves adds a nice touch of ambience to photos. You can also be strategic by highlighting specific outdoor spaces or amenities you may have. For example, if you have a deck or patio, you can stage these areas with outdoor furniture and lighting to show how they can be enjoyed even in cooler months.
See For Yourself
Compare these two photos. While both backyards are great, they present differently based on when they were taken.
Already thinking about where you’ll be living next? Check out these blogs all about buying in Toronto.
- Should I Buy A Home That Needs Work?
- 5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Home in Downtown Toronto
- Selling With Your Spouse or Partner: How to Stay on the Same Page
Be Winter Ready
Winter is a big part of life in Toronto. If you’re putting your home on the market between the fall and spring, buyers are going to have cold weather in mind. They’ll be looking for a home that can withstand a Toronto winter. Making sure that your home is cozy, warm, and protected from harsh temperatures can be a major selling point.
All that being said, there are a handful of smaller projects that you can do to make your home warmer – and they all come with a great ROI.
Check Windows & Doors
Inspect your windows and doors for any leaks or drafts. Properly sealing them will prevent heat from escaping, making your home warmer. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to apply but has a big impact. If you have single-pane windows, consider upgrading to double or triple-pane windows. These provide better insulation and noise reduction, making the home cozier during winter months.
Update Furnace & HVAC
A well-maintained furnace and HVAC system are a huge plus for buyers as it shows you’ve taken proper care of the home. While it won’t necessarily make your home warmer, it’s also a good idea to change your furnace filter while you’re at it. This will improve your home’s air quality and the overall efficiency of your furnace and HVAC systems.
Smart Home Heating
Lastly, there are also certain smart home technologies that can help you keep a warm and comfortable home. For instance, installing a smart thermostat is a small investment, but it’s one that buyers will appreciate.
Thinking about selling your home? Our industry-leading strategies can ensure you get the best possible result in Toronto’s ever-shifting market. Call 416-587-3300 to get in touch, or click here to send us an email.
