First of all — you should absolutely call an agent. And I'll make the obvious suggestion that you call me. But before that conversation happens, there are a few things you can do right now that will make the whole process smoother, faster, and likely more profitable.
Selling a home isn't something you do the week you decide to list. The homes that sell quickly and well are almost always the ones where the seller took a bit of time to prepare. Here's where to start.
Walk through your home like a buyer
This is harder than it sounds. You've lived here. You've stopped seeing the things that a buyer will notice immediately — the scuff on the wall, the squeaky door, the kitchen faucet that drips. Try to see your home with fresh eyes. Better yet, ask a brutally honest friend to walk through and tell you what they notice.
Everything a buyer has to fix in their head becomes a number they subtract from your asking price. Your job is to shrink that mental list before they ever walk through the door.
Deal with deferred maintenance
That cracked caulking aroud the tub. The garage door that's been sticking since 2019. The exterior trim that needs paint. These are small things individually, but collectively they communicate that the home hasn't been well looked after — even if it absolutely has been.
With my civil construction background, I can walk through a property and tell you exactly what buyers are likely to flag and what's worth addressing before you list. Some things are worth fixing. Some aren't. Knowing the difference saves you time and money.
Decide what you're keeping
Light fixtures, appliances, window coverings — these all become negotiating points in a sale. Decide early what you're taking with you and what stays. If you're emotionally attached to the dining room chandelier your grandmother left you, it comes down before showings. If it's in the photos and then it's not in the home, buyers notice and they don't love it.
Gather your documents
Property survey, warranties on appliances and systems, renovation permits, utility bills, property tax statements. Your agent will need most of this at some point. Having it organized saves time when it matters.
The bottom line
A little preparation before you list pays dividends. Sellers who take the time to get their home and paperwork in order typically have smoother transactions and stronger outcomes. Don't skip this step.
Ready for that call? I'll walk through your home with you, give you my honest assessment, and build a plan to get you the best possible result. Let's talk.
About the Author
Marc Miiller is the REALTOR® and founder of Great Alberta Homes, serving clients across Alberta whether they're buying a home in the city or searching for the perfect country acreage. With a unique background of over 25 years in civil construction and environmental work, Marc offers a perspective that goes far beyond the surface. His ability to see a home's true potential — and its potential pitfalls — is invaluable for any property, from a suburban two-storey to a 100-acre farm. Known for his witty, no-pressure approach, Marc is the trusted guide who makes the entire process feel straightforward and stress-free. He's dedicated to providing real, honest advice, wherever the road takes you.