Seller guide · 02 / 04
Preparing your home
Repairs, presentation & first impressions.
Make a practical preparation plan before photography and showings.
Look at the home with fresh eyes
Identify questions about condition and presentation.
The guide recommends identifying potential concerns before they become obstacles during viewings, negotiations, or due diligence. Start with a walk-through and a list of issues to discuss.
- Note maintenance and repair questions room by room.
- Gather records of work already completed.
- Ask which concerns need a qualified professional.
Prioritize the work
Separate essential tasks from optional improvements.
Preparation can include repairs, staging recommendations, and presentation improvements. Discuss what is appropriate for your property before committing to work.
- Agree on priorities and the scope of work.
- Ask about timing and the people needed.
- Distinguish necessary work from optional cosmetic changes.
Plan the presentation
Help buyers understand the space.
The guide describes staging consultations, photography, video, floor plans, and other visual tools. Discuss which options suit your listing and what needs to be ready beforehand.
- Ask what the staging consultation includes.
- Identify the features that photography should highlight.
- Confirm which services are included in the proposed plan.
Prepare for daily showings
Make the plan workable for your household.
The guide flags listing before proper preparation and failing to prepare for showings as common pitfalls. Plan how presentation and access will fit your daily routines.
- Discuss a practical showing schedule.
- Plan around pets, work, and household commitments.
- Keep a short checklist for getting the home ready.
What Markham buyers notice
Many Markham buyers compare resale homes with new construction, so clean, neutral finishes, bright lighting and well-kept floors carry weight. Fresh paint in light, neutral colours is one of the most cost-effective updates.
Paperwork buyers ask for. Service records for the furnace and air conditioner, the age of the roof and windows, permits for renovations, and warranty documents. If the home has a basement apartment, have its permit or registration with the City of Markham ready.
Pre-listing inspection. An inspection before listing shows you what needs attention while there is time to fix it. Sharing the report can also make buyers comfortable offering without an inspection condition.
Before your next conversation
A short checklist to help you prepare. Your ticks stay on this page until you leave or refresh.
Common questions
Is staging worth it when selling a home?
Usually, for vacant homes and for rooms that are hard to picture, such as an empty living room or an awkward bedroom. Even partial staging and decluttering improve photos and showings. Costs depend on the size of the home and how much furniture is needed.
Should I renovate before selling?
Usually not in a big way. Repairs, paint, lighting and small updates tend to return more than major renovations, which take time and rarely recover their full cost.
Should I get a pre-listing inspection?
It often helps, especially for older homes. You learn about problems early, can fix or price them in, and can share the report with buyers.
What do I have to disclose when selling a home in Ontario?
Sellers must disclose known hidden defects that make a home dangerous or unfit to live in. The Seller Property Information Statement is optional. If you are unsure what to disclose, ask your lawyer.
Thinking about selling?
Get a free valuation based on recent nearby sales, or book a short call to talk through timing and next steps.
Adapted from the RE/MAX Realtron Seller Guide, August 2026, printed pages 6, 8, 11–12, 22–23. This overview is for planning; confirm property-specific, financing, and legal questions with the appropriate professionals.