Preparing Your Legacy Home for Sale

First: get advice before starting a big project

Talk through your home’s condition and competing listings with Max before ordering new flooring or remodelling a room. The right preparation depends on the property, the available time and the budget.

Separate known problems from cosmetic preferences. Keep a list of issues to discuss with your REALTOR®; presentation work should never be used to conceal a defect. If specialist work is needed, use an appropriate professional.

Make each room easy to understand

Clear walking routes and reduce the items on counters, tables and open shelves. Arrange furniture so the purpose of each space is clear. A spare room filled with storage can be harder to assess than a room with a visible, usable layout.

You do not need an empty house. Aim for enough space that visitors can see the room, its windows and its storage. Put documents, valuables and personal photographs somewhere secure before photography or showings.

Check the details that appear in photos

• Clean mirrors, windows and visible surfaces.
• Replace failed bulbs and check that light fixtures work.
• Remove bins, loose cables and unnecessary countertop items from view.
• Make beds and straighten towels and soft furnishings.
• Check entrances, the garage approach and outdoor seating areas.

Agree on the photography plan with Max before the appointment. That helps you focus on the spaces and features that will be shown rather than trying to change everything at once.

Prepare the outside for the season

Keep the entrance tidy and access safe for the conditions on the day. Depending on the season, that may mean managing leaves, snow or ice and making paths usable. Show outdoor areas as they are; avoid promises about seasonal views or landscaping that a buyer cannot verify.

Consider where vehicles, bins and movable equipment will be during photography. Small organisational changes can make the home’s exterior easier to see.

Create a short showing checklist

A repeatable routine is easier to maintain than a last-minute deep clean. Before each visit, clear counters, check bathrooms, put away private belongings and follow the showing arrangements agreed with Max.

Plan for pets and household schedules in advance. Avoid masking odours with strong fragrance; address the source where possible. Tell Max about access constraints so expectations are clear.

Decide what to skip

Some projects may cost more time and money than makes sense for your plan. Ask which items are priorities, which are optional and which can be reflected in the pricing conversation. No improvement guarantees a particular sale price.

A free home evaluation is a useful starting point for that discussion. For the broader timeline, read Selling a Home in Legacy.