Spring Sale Prep List
If you have plans to sell in the spring, use our handy checklist for a stress-free sale.
At the first signs of spring, the Calgary real estate market usually sees a major boost of buyer activity. If you want to get ahead of the competition, use the next 6 months to prepare your home for sale at the first signs of warmer weather.
Use this handy month-by-month checklist to help you stay organized and enjoy a more stress-free sale.
September - Exteriors
September is a great time to walk around your property and look at it from a buyer’s perspective. Take note of the little things that make the home feel well cared for.
Walk around the property and make a list of repairs and updates.
Paint or repair the front door to give the entrance a fresh look.
Clean the windows thoroughly.
Clean the gutters and repair or replace any damaged sections.
Straighten and reinforce leaning fences and gates.
Take care of peeling paint or damaged siding.
Repair outdoor lighting and replace burnt-out bulbs.
Give the front entrance a thorough cleaning and make it feel welcoming.
Deep clean and declutter the garage and shed.
Complete any small repairs in the garage.
September - Yard Work
Fall yard care can make a big difference when spring arrives. Taking care of your lawn and garden before the snow falls helps your property look its best when the snow melts.
Trim hedges and tidy up landscaping.
Remove leaves from the lawn as thoroughly as possible.
Give your lawn and landscaping the fall nutrients they need.
Add fresh bark chips for a clean, finished look.
Clean up planters and prepare them for spring.
A little work in the fall can make your spring yard preparation much easier.
September - Interiors
As the weather cools down, September is also a great time to work on interior painting and repairs.
Start removing personal items from the walls.
Fill nail holes and repair damaged walls.
Paint tired, bold or highly personal colours in fresh, neutral tones.
Repair damaged trim and baseboards.
Make a list of any other small repairs you'd like to complete before listing.
Starting these projects early gives the new paint and repairs plenty of time to settle into the home before photography and showings.
October through December - Decluttering
The fall and early winter months are a great time to work through storage areas at a comfortable pace.
Start with one area at a time and sort items into three groups: sell, donate and discard.
Go through storage bins and organize their contents.
Use vacuum-seal bags for extra bedding and linens.
Use empty storage bins to neatly store items you won't need before your move.
Slowly start removing highly personal items from the home.
Carefully store family photos and other personal belongings.
Organize closets, cupboards, the basement, garage and other storage areas.
This is also a great time to start getting used to the idea of moving. Each small project brings you one step closer to being ready.
January - Bathrooms
January is a great time to freshen up your bathrooms. Linens and bath accessories are often discounted after the holidays, making it a good time to look for new towels, bath mats and shower curtains.
Choose neutral, solid colours that photograph well and give the bathroom a clean, fresh feeling.
Purchase fresh towels and bath mats for staging.
Choose simple, neutral shower curtains and accessories.
Give the area underneath each bathroom sink a thorough clean.
Wipe down bathroom cabinets and drawers.
Repair any leaking or loose taps.
Freshen up any areas that are looking tired.
You only need one set of beautiful towels and bath mats for staging. The same pieces can be used in different bathrooms for photographs and showings.
February - Kitchen and Laundry Area
February is a great month to focus on the kitchen, pantry and laundry area.
Clean, organized storage spaces help the home feel spacious and well cared for.
Declutter underneath the kitchen sink.
Organize cabinets and drawers.
Clean out and organize the pantry.
Declutter the laundry area.
Clean cabinet fronts, handles and appliances.
Use baskets or clear containers to create a neat, organized look.
Add simple labels to pantry and laundry containers for a polished appearance.
A clear container with a spout for laundry detergent can add a nice finishing touch to listing photos.
Focus on creating clean, simple spaces where buyers can easily see the storage available in the home.
March - Bedrooms and Final Preparation
By March, it's time to bring all of your preparation together and start getting the home ready for photography and showings.
Use the new bedding you purchased in January.
Keep bedrooms simple, bright and uncluttered.
Organize closets and remove clothing you won't be taking with you.
Have carpets and stairs professionally cleaned.
Have carpets professionally stretched where needed.
Give extra attention to high-traffic areas and stairs.
Complete any final small repairs and touch-ups.
February or March is a great time to connect with us about staging and listing photos. We watch the weather and keep an eye on how the market is reacting so we can help determine the best time to bring your home to market.
Ready for a Fresh Start!
We hope this Spring Sale Prep checklist is helpful, by taking the process month-by-month, it gives you time to gradually get ready for your move. Selling a home is a big step, and it takes time to make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed.
By the time spring arrives, you'll be ready to welcome buyers and say hello to a fresh new start.
