What you need to know
Start with repairs, cleaning, clear room layouts and complete property information. Ask which improvements fit your market before committing to a large renovation.
1. Walk through the home as a buyer would.
Begin outside, then follow the route from the entry through the main living spaces. Note what looks worn, crowded, dark or unfinished. Ask Don which items matter most compared with the homes your buyers will also view.
Turn the list into priorities: repair, clean, organize, document or leave as-is. Assign a date and cost to each task. This creates a realistic photography schedule.
2. Repair the small problems buyers notice.
Fix sticking doors, loose handles, dripping taps and damaged trim where practical. Check that lights, switches and included appliances work. Repeated small issues can distract from a well-maintained home.
For a major problem, obtain advice and a quote before deciding how to proceed. Keep records of the issue and the work. Known material latent defects need proper disclosure; staging should never be used to hide them.RECA: Real Estate Act Rules, section 57(i)
3. Clean before deciding to replace.
Clean windows, floors, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces and appliances thoroughly. Address the source of odours rather than adding strong fragrances. A clean existing finish may present better than expected once clutter is removed.
4. Make the rooms easy to understand.
Keep a clear walking path and arrange furniture around the room’s main use. Remove oversized or unnecessary pieces where they make the space difficult to read. Organize storage so buyers can assess capacity without opening a packed cupboard.
5. Use light and consistent finishes.
Replace failed bulbs, open window coverings for daytime photos and check how each room photographs. If painting is appropriate, prioritize damaged or strongly personalized areas. Get advice before repainting the entire home just because you plan to sell.
6. Show the entrance and outdoor space clearly.
Clear the path, tidy landscaping and remove seasonal debris. Prepare the balcony, deck or yard to show its usable space. In winter, maintain safe access and use clearly identified seasonal photos when they help explain outdoor features.
7. Gather the facts buyers will ask about.
Collect renovation dates, invoices, permits, warranties, tax information and relevant survey or condo documents. Record what is included in the sale and what you intend to take. Confirm suite status before using language such as legal secondary suite.City of Calgary: existing secondary suites
8. Use accurate measurements and listing details.
Arrange professional measurement under Alberta’s Residential Measurement Standard. Keep above-grade area distinct from below-grade space in the listing. Clear room dimensions, parking details and floor plans help buyers decide whether the property suits them.RECA: Residential Measurement Standard
9. Prepare for photography and ongoing showings.
Photography readiness is different from day-to-day living. Clear counters, hide personal paperwork and secure valuables before the shoot. Agree on a short reset routine for showings so the presentation is repeatable without exhausting the household.
Plan for pets, work calls, school routines and the notice you need. Tell Don about access restrictions before launch so inquiries can be handled efficiently.
10. Set the price and review plan together.
Preparation works best when the price reflects what buyers are seeing. Review comparable sales and current listings after the work is complete, then agree on the launch and feedback process.
Don has sold 650+ Calgary-area homes and provides full service at 2% combined commission plus GST. Request a free home evaluation before taking on a large renovation so the work supports your sale.
Sources and further reading
Research checked September 26, 2026. Market figures below use the periods identified in the article.