When you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s easy to focus on the big things: updating the kitchen, staging the primary bedroom, or even installing new flooring or countertops. But here’s the truth: most buyers form an opinion of your home in the first minute of walking through the front door. Sometimes, before they even step inside.
That first impression? It matters.
We’ve walked hundreds of buyers through homes across Ottawa, and we can tell you with absolute certainty: there are a few details that make people pause (in the best way), and others that quietly signal that a home might not be quite “the one.”
So if you’re preparing your home for sale and want it to shine from the start, here’s what buyers are actually noticing, and how to make sure you’re leaving the right impression.
The Exterior: Curb Appeal Still Counts
Before they even knock on the door, buyers are scanning your front yard. Is it tidy? Inviting? Does the home look like it’s been well cared for?
You don’t need to spend a fortune on landscaping, but small upgrades go a long way:
- A freshly painted front door (bonus points for a stylish, modern colour)
- Clean porch steps and swept pathways
- Trimmed hedges and mulched garden beds
- A seasonal planter or two by the entryway
- A clean and welcoming doormat
This is your home’s handshake moment. Make it warm and memorable.
The Smell (Yes, Really)
We wish this one wasn’t true, but it is. Smells matter. And not just bad ones, any strong scent (even a well-meaning candle or plug-in air freshener) can be distracting.
Buyers want to breathe in a space that smells fresh and clean, not perfumed or masked. Pet odours, last night’s dinner, or stale air from a closed-up house can all linger in subtle ways that homeowners often miss.
Our tip: open the windows before a showing, skip the synthetic sprays, and opt for a light, natural clean scent through a difuser (like citrus or fresh linen) if you need something extra. And if you have pets, it’s worth investing in a deep clean or using an air purifier in the days leading up to showings.
Lighting: Natural + Artificial
The number one comment we hear during showings? “It’s so bright in here!”
Natural light is one of the most desirable features in a home. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Here’s how:
- Clean the windows (inside and out)
- Remove or pull back heavy curtains
- Trim any outside shrubs blocking light from the windows
- Use light, neutral colours to reflect light around the room
Don’t have a ton of natural light? That’s okay. Strategic lighting can still create a cozy, welcoming space. Add lamps to darker corners, use warm LED bulbs, and keep all lights on for showings, even during the day. It makes a difference.
Cleanliness + Clutter: The Big Two
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace of mind.
Buyers are trying to imagine living in your home. That’s tough to do when your dining table is covered in paperwork or your laundry room has overflowing hampers.
Here’s what we always suggest:
- Clear the kitchen counters (except maybe one pretty cutting board or plant)
- Tidy bathroom vanities—limit visible items to hand soap and maybe one tray
- Keep floors clean and clear of shoes, toys, and pet bowls
- Make beds (yes, every time!) and fold throws neatly on sofas
- Store away personal items (toothbrushes, cords, fridge magnets, etc.)
2If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on these three rooms: kitchen, living room, and entryway. They set the tone for the rest of the home.
How the Home Feels
This is the most intangible part, and maybe the most important.
Does the home feel calm? Cared for? Spacious? Cozy? Buyers might not be able to articulate it, but they feel it. And it’s created through a mix of lighting, layout, scent, sound, and space.
We recommend:
- Playing soft music during showings (instrumental or acoustic)
- Setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
- Removing extra furniture that makes spaces feel crowded
- Adding a few lifestyle touches, like a stack of beautiful books on the coffee table, or fresh flowers in the kitchen
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They help buyers fall in love.
Small Fixes That Send Big Signals
You don’t have to fully renovate, but buyers will notice if walls are scuffed or if a cabinet door doesn’t close. These are the little things that send a signal, “this home has been taken care of” or “there’s going to be a to-do list on Day 1.”
3Our go-to list of quick-win upgrades:
- Replace burnt-out bulbs and outdated light fixtures
- Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets
- Tighten loose handles and knobs
- Clean or replace grungy grout and caulking
- Upgrade old hardware for a fresh look
Not sure where to start? Ask a trusted friend, or better yet, your realtor, to walk through your home as a buyer would. Fresh eyes help.
The Vibe: Is It Easy to Imagine Life Here?
Buyers aren’t just buying a house. They’re buying into a lifestyle.
If your kitchen is staged with a beautiful fruit bowl or fresh bread on a wooden board, it’s easier to imagine morning routines. If the patio has a cozy chair and a string of lights, people start picturing themselves there with a drink on a summer evening.
These details help a home feel lived in, but not too lived in. That’s the magic balance.
A Final Word: It’s Not About Perfection
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to create a magazine spread. It’s to create a feeling; a space where someone else can see themselves, and their next chapter, unfolding.
Small touches make a big difference. A clean entryway, warm lighting, and a sense of calm can shift a showing from “that was nice” to “this might be the one.”
And if you’re not sure where to begin? That’s what we’re here for.
Want Help Prepping Your Home for Market?
We help our sellers every step of the way, from first impressions to final details. Whether your timeline is next month or next year, we’d love to start the conversation.
Reach out and let’s talk about what matters most to you. Or better yet, reach out to book a quick home audit. We’ll walk through your space and give you a custom prep checklist to help you feel confident and ready when the time comes to list.
