Things have been a bit quiet lately on the blog; this summer, just before school started, we sold our Vancouver home and purchased a new home on the North Shore.  We had some crazy, intense, and busy months, a total roller coaster ride of emotions, but we are grateful to be almost fully unpacked in our new home now. 

Selling your home can be daunting, especially in a competitive real estate market like Vancouver.  As a mom, you’ve got a lot on your plate already, but with the right approach and strategic planning, you can confidently navigate the real estate market.  In this blog post, I am sharing some valuable tips to help you sell your home efficiently so you can focus on what matters most – your family.

Mom's Guide to Selling Your Home: Top Tips for Success

  1. Start with Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, and this is especially true in the world of real estate.  Sprucing up your home’s exterior is a simple yet effective way to attract potential buyers.  Consider adding a fresh coat of paint, power washing entryways, cleaning all exterior windows, and tidying up the yard.  A well-maintained exterior can make your home stand out in a competitive market.
  2. Declutter and Depersonalize: When buyers visit your home, they want to envision themselves living there.  Remove all personal photos and excessive clutter to create a neutral canvas.  This allows potential buyers to visualize their belongings in the space and helps your home feel more inviting.  We went through a decluttering phase, and I donated many items daily.  Our Facebook Buy Nothing group was inundated with our posts for a few weeks. 
  3. Price It Right: Vancouver’s real estate market can be unpredictable, so setting the right price for your home is crucial.  Consult a local real estate agent with experience in your neighbourhood to help you determine the optimal listing price.  Pricing your home competitively can attract more buyers and lead to quicker sales.
  4. Showcase Natural Light: Open all blinds and curtains during showings, and consider adding mirrors to reflect light and make rooms appear larger and brighter.  A well-lit home is often more appealing to potential buyers.
  5. Make Necessary Repairs: Address any minor repairs and maintenance issues BEFORE listing your home.  Chipped paint and other minor issues can make your home appear neglected.  Fixing these issues shows that your home is well-cared for and move-in ready.
  6. Professional Photography and Staging: Investing in professional photography and home staging can significantly impact the selling process.  High-quality photos highlight your home’s best features, while staging helps potential buyers visualize the space’s potential.  Many real estate agents offer these services or can recommend reputable professionals.  We had an excellent Realtor who took care of all the photography/videography and recommended a great staging company for us to use.  Send me an e-mail if you are in Vancouver looking to sell/buy and would like her details, as we highly recommend her. 
  7. Market Strategically: Work with your real estate agent to create a marketing plan that targets the right audience.  Utilize online listings, social media, and traditional marketing methods to reach potential buyers.  Highlight the unique features of your Vancouver home, such as proximity to parks, schools, or stunning views.  Our Realtor did this with a stunning video, and we were happy to get lots of eyes on our home that way.
  8. Be Flexible with Showings: As a mom, accommodating showings in your schedule can be challenging.  However, being flexible with viewing times can make a big difference in attracting serious buyers.  Consider creating a family calendar to coordinate showings and childcare, or ask for advance notice for scheduling.  We were as flexible as we could when it came to showings.
  9. Hire a Cleaning Company: We hired a cleaning company to do a deep clean before staging the home and showings.  Having a clean home for showings makes a huge difference.  As a mom, I know how hard it is to keep everything spotless between showings as well; that was one of the hardest things to do while we were showing, but remember, everything is temporary, and you will sell your home soon. 
  10. Pre-inspection: Consider having a pre-listing home inspection; this is especially recommended if you list an older home.  This can help you identify and address potential issues in advance, giving you an advantage in negotiations and providing peace of mind to buyers. 

Selling your home in Vancouver as a mom may have its unique challenges, but with careful planning and these tips, you can simplify the process and achieve a successful sale.

Remember to lean on the expertise of a local real estate agent who understands the Vancouver market and can guide you through the process.  

Soon, you’ll be on your way to the next exciting chapter for you and your family!  Happy Moving!