Selling your home can bring on a lot of emotions, especially if you’ve lived in that place for a while. But as anyone who has ever sold a property knows, you need to take emotion out of it to sell as quickly as possible. That’s something siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas do on each episode of Can’t Sell Must Sell, where they help struggling homeowners sell their unsellable properties.
Looking to get your own home prepped for purchase? Here are some tips realtors recommend. And, if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out Can’t Sell Must Sell on Home Network Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT and STACKTV. Try it free today!
Major Renos
Plenty of people aren’t afraid of a renovation, but others just want to move in. If you want to sell your home quickly, open up your buying pool by getting major renos done first. Things like a new roof, furnace, and windows can go a long way with potential buyers, if you have the means to get them done. That doesn’t mean you have to renovate every room in the house to sell it, but pay attention to the bones and make sure they’re something buyers can work with.
Outdated Design
Bold, loud, or outdated design choices may have been something you loved in your home, but outside buyers probably won’t be as enamored by them. Neutral colours and simple designs are more appealing because they’re more universal. And the more you can help people to imagine themselves in your space, the likelier they are to purchase the property.
Related: 10 Paint Colours That Will Help Your Home Sell Faster (and for More!)
Wallpaper
There are a few design choices we could call out, but wallpaper is probably the biggest turnoff for potential buyers. Why? Because taking it down can be a nightmare, especially if it’s been around for a while. If you can, take down any wallpaper and replace it with a neutral paint colour before listing.
Clutter or Personal Items
Another key way to help people imagine living in your space is to remove clutter and any personal objects or controversial art. Clutter can make a home feel small and cramped, no matter how much you love those extra art pieces or homemade crafts. Remove as much as possible so that others can think about how their beloved items fit into the space instead.
Not Enough Outlets or Light
This may seem silly at first, but not having enough electrical outlets or lights in a room can be a deal breaker. When you’re staging your home for purchase, make sure each room is well lit. If you don’t have an overhead light, add lamps. And if there are too few electrical outlets, consider calling an electrician to add more where it makes sense.
Related: Real Estate Agents Across Canada Share Their 2025 Predictions
Smells and Dirt
Clutter isn’t the only thing that can turn a buyer off. Smells from pets or food can be a huge turnoff for buyers, so if you’re listing your property, make sure it’s thoroughly ventilated and scent-free. If you need to light a candle or add a scent to mask something else, choose a neutral and popular scent, like a soft vanilla. Meanwhile, keep the house as clean as possible. If buyers see dirt, they’ll see work and move on.
Mold or Pests
Mold, dampness, or any signs of pests are huge turnoffs for buyers because they mean work, potential problems down the road, and an unsafe living environment. Be sure to take care of any weird stains or problems before you even list.
Related: Here’s How Long It’ll Take to Sell a Home in These 20 Canadian Markets
No Curb Appeal
While buyers are interested in a home’s interior, don’t forget to spruce up the exterior as well. Mow lawns, tend gardens, and keep porches clear. The buying experience begins before those buyers ever set foot in the house, so make sure the exterior is just as appealing as the interior.
