Four weeks out: remove volume
Aim to remove roughly a third of the contents of the house. Rent a storage locker if needed; it costs less than a price reduction. Personal photographs, collections, excess furniture, and anything stored in the garage or basement go first.
Three weeks out: repair and paint
Patch, caulk, paint in a neutral tone, replace burned-out bulbs with matching colour temperature, and fix anything that squeaks, drips, or sticks. Match all light bulbs; mismatched colour temperature ruins interior photos.
Two weeks out: deep clean
Windows inside and out, grout, appliance interiors, baseboards, vents, and light fixtures. Professional cleaning for a full day is inexpensive relative to the effect.
- Closets no more than two-thirds full
- Counters cleared except one or two intentional items
- Nothing stored on the floor anywhere in the house
Photo day: the final pass
Cars off the driveway, bins out of frame, toilet lids down, pet items hidden, all blinds at the same height, all lights on. These small things are the difference between amateur and professional listing photos.
Frequently asked questions
- Is storage worth renting?
- Almost always. A few months of a locker costs less than the first price reduction on a crowded-looking home.
- How much should I remove?
- Roughly a third of visible contents, and more from closets and storage areas, which buyers open and evaluate.
Talk to a Toronto private mortgage specialist
We arrange equity-based financing across Toronto and the GTA, whether you need a first position from a private lender or a second mortgage behind the bank you already have.