Selling your home in Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King City, or Simcoe is an exciting journey. However, preparing it for the market is key to attracting buyers and securing top dollar. Follow these essential steps to ensure your home is ready to shine!

1. Declutter & Depersonalize

Buyers need to envision themselves living in your space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes the home feel cluttered. A clean, neutral space creates a welcoming atmosphere.

2. Deep Clean Every Corner

A spotless home leaves a lasting impression. Pay extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. Consider professional cleaning services to ensure a pristine look.

3. Make Necessary Repairs

Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, and any other minor issues. Small repairs can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Mow the lawn, trim bushes, plant flowers, and power wash the driveway. A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for what’s inside.

5. Stage for Success

Staging helps highlight your home’s best features. Arrange furniture to maximize space and light, add fresh flowers, and use neutral decor to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

6. Brighten Up the Space

Let in natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Replace dim or outdated light fixtures with bright, modern options to create a warm and inviting feel.

7. Neutralize Paint Colors

Bold colours may not suit every buyer’s taste. A fresh coat of neutral paint makes rooms look bigger and more inviting.

8. Create a Welcoming Scent

Unpleasant odours can turn buyers away. Open windows for fresh air, use subtle air fresheners and bake something light like cookies before showings.

9. Take High-Quality Photos

Most buyers start their search online, so stunning listing photos are crucial. Hire a professional photographer or use natural light to capture your home’s best angles.

10. Work with a Real Estate Professional

An experienced real estate agent specializing in Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King City, and Simcoe will provide expert guidance, market your home effectively, and negotiate the best deal. Partnering with the right listing agent ensures a smooth and successful sale.

Ready to List? Let’s Talk! Are you thinking about selling? I’m here to help you navigate the process and get the best results. Contact me today for a free consultation and expert real estate advice in Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King City, Markham, Simcoe and the surrounding area!

The percentage of Canada’s labour force that works mostly from home has increased nearly eightfold since the spring of 2020.1 If you belong to this group of people, you’ve likely noticed that while you are spending far less money on transportation costs, your monthly bills have increased. Spending an additional eight to 12 hours per day at home – with the lights on, heat up, computer plugged in and increased internet usage – has increased your monthly utility bill.

Did you know all Canadians who worked more than 50% of the time from home for a period of at least four consecutive weeks in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic can claim $2 for each day, up to a maximum of $500? If your home doubled as your office last year, be sure to take advantage of the Canada Revenue Agency’s deduction opportunity this tax season.

Who is eligible for a tax rebate? Anyone who spent at least 50 percent of their full- or part-time hours working from home for at least four consecutive weeks last year qualifies.

How does it work? There are two options for employees: The temporary flat rate method and the detailed method. 

The temporary flat rate method allows anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to easily apply for a $500 maximum rebate, provided they are not claiming any other work-related expenses on their tax return (i.e. motor vehicle expenses), and have not already been reimbursed by their employer. This method is only valid for 2020 (max. $400), 2021 and 2022. There is a simple form you can fill out to make the claim, and your employer will not have to sign off on anything.

The detailed method is more complex in that you will have to calculate the square footage of your home office and submit receipts to support your claim, including for heating, water, electricity, internet, phone, etc. Your employer will also have to complete as part of this method. However, you may be eligible for a tax return greater than $500. If you are claiming other work-related expenses, this may be the right option for you.

Consult this page of the CRA’s website to help you determine which method is best for you.

1 Statistics Canada, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210804/dq210804b-eng.htm