Getting Your Edmonton Home Ready for a Sold Sign: The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Sale
So, you’ve decided it’s time to move. Maybe you’re outgrowing your current space in Summerside, looking to downsize from a large family home in Riverbend, or perhaps you’re just ready for a change of scenery in one of Edmonton’s vibrant downtown neighborhoods. Whatever the reason, the question on your mind is likely: “What steps should I take to get ready to sell my home?”
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. When you have the right strategy and the top REALTOR® in Edmonton by your side, the process becomes a smooth, rewarding transition. My name is Derek Keet, and I’ve built my career on helping Edmontonians navigate this market with confidence, transparency, and—most importantly—massive savings.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through every essential step to prepare your home for the market. From the first coat of paint to the final commission check, I’ll show you how to maximize your home's value while keeping more of that equity in your own pocket.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset from "Home" to "House"
The very first step isn't about a paintbrush or a cleaning rag; it’s about your perspective. Up until now, this has been your home—the place where you’ve made memories, celebrated milestones, and relaxed. To sell it successfully, you need to start viewing it as a product.
As your REALTOR®, my goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living in your space. That’s hard for them to do if they see your family vacation photos or your specific collection of vintage clocks. We want to create a "blank canvas" that feels inviting to everyone.
Step 2: The "Big Three" of Preparation: Declutter, Depersonalize, and Deep Clean
If you do nothing else, do these three things. They are the highest return-on-investment activities you can perform.
Decluttering
Clutter kills deals. It makes rooms look smaller and suggests that the home doesn't have enough storage. Start by going through every closet, the basement, and the garage. If you haven't used it in a year, donate it, sell it, or toss it. You’re moving anyway—you might as well start packing now! Clear off your kitchen counters completely. A clean counter makes a kitchen feel twice as large.
Depersonalizing
As mentioned, we want buyers to see their own lives in your house. Remove family photos, religious items, and highly specific decor. You want the home to feel like a high-end hotel—neutral, clean, and welcoming.
Deep Cleaning
A clean home tells a buyer that the property has been well-maintained. We aren't just talking about a quick vacuum. I recommend a "white glove" clean: baseboards, inside the oven, window tracks, and light fixtures. If the home smells fresh and looks spotless, buyers will feel much more comfortable making a high offer.
Step 3: Tackle the "Honey-Do" List
Every home has those little things we’ve learned to live with—a leaky faucet, a loose doorknob, or a cracked floor tile. While they might seem minor to you, they are "red flags" to a buyer. A buyer sees a leaky faucet and thinks, "If they didn't fix this, what else did they neglect? Is there mold behind the walls? Is the furnace dying?"
Take a weekend to walk through your home with a notepad and write down every small defect. Fixing these minor issues now prevents them from becoming major negotiation points later during the home inspection.
Step 4: Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything. In the Edmonton real estate market, a buyer has often decided if they like your house before they even step through the front door.
In the Summer: Keep the lawn manicured, pull weeds, and add a few pots of bright flowers near the entrance.
In the Winter: Ensure the driveway and walkways are meticulously cleared of snow and ice.
Year-round: Ensure your front door is clean or has a fresh coat of paint, and make sure your house numbers are visible and modern.
Step 5: Professional Staging and Photography
Now that the house is clean and repaired, it’s time to show it off. This is where I come in as your REALTOR®. I don’t just "list" homes; I market them.
In today’s digital age, your "first showing" happens online. If the photos are dark, blurry, or show cluttered rooms, buyers will simply swipe past. I ensure your home is presented in its absolute best light. We look at furniture placement to optimize flow and ensure each room has a clear purpose.
Step 6: Pricing Your Home to Sell
This is perhaps the most critical step. Price it too high, and it sits on the market, eventually becoming "stale." Price it too low, and you leave money on the table.
As the most knowledgeable REALTOR® in Edmonton, I provide a comprehensive market analysis. We look at what has sold recently in your specific neighborhood, what is currently for sale (your competition), and the overall economic trends in Alberta. My goal is to find that "sweet spot" that generates immediate interest and potentially multiple offers.
Step 7: Understanding the True Cost of Selling (The Derek Keet Advantage)
When most people think about selling, they dread the commission. Traditional real estate models in Edmonton often involve high percentage-based fees that eat away a massive chunk of your hard-earned equity.
This is where my partnership with One Percent Realty changes the game for you. I provide a full-service experience—MLS® listing, professional signage, lockboxes, showing management, expert negotiation, and paperwork—but at a fraction of the cost.
One Percent Realty was originally established for the Vancouver and Toronto markets, which is why the name reflects a 1% commission (plus a $950 deal fee) for homes over $900,000. However, for our Edmonton market, we have a very clear, transparent structure based on One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates:
Homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 + GST. This includes the $3,500 offered to the buyer's agent.
Homes between $400,000 and $900,000: We charge a flat fee of $9,950 + GST. This includes the $4,500 offered to the buyer's agent.
Homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee.
There is no "lowest fee" a REALTOR® can charge, and all commissions in Alberta are negotiable. But why pay more for the same—or often less—service? When you choose to work with me, you are choosing a discount full-service model that prioritizes your bottom line. You can see a full breakdown of how these savings work by visiting https://dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
Step 8: Strategy and Negotiation
Once your home is on the market, the excitement begins. I handle the influx of showing requests and provide you with feedback from every potential buyer. When an offer (or three!) comes in, my job is to be your bulldog in negotiations.
I don't just look at the price; I look at the conditions, the closing dates, and the buyer's qualifications. I ensure that we aren't just getting an offer, but the right offer that will actually close. My extensive experience in the Edmonton market means I know the tricks of the trade and how to protect your interests at every turn.
Why Choose Derek Keet?
You might be wondering, "If the commission is lower, am I getting less service?" The answer is a resounding no.
I am positioned as the top REALTOR® in Edmonton because I’ve optimized the selling process. I use the latest technology, the most effective marketing strategies, and a deep understanding of local market psychology to get homes sold. I believe that you shouldn't have to sacrifice service to save money.
By choosing Derek Keet and One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you are getting:
Full MLS® System Exposure.
Placement on top real estate websites.
Professional signage and lockbox.
Expert handling of all offers and paperwork.
A dedicated professional who knows the Edmonton streets, neighborhoods, and market trends inside and out.
When you save thousands of dollars on commission, that is money that stays in your pocket. It’s money for your next down payment, your kids' education, or even a well-deserved vacation after the stress of moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing to Sell
Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?
In most cases, no. Large renovations rarely see a 100% return on investment right before a sale. Instead, focus on "refreshing"—painting cabinets, replacing old hardware, or installing a new backsplash. For specific advice on your home, you can find more tips at https://dkeet.ca/.
How long will it take to sell my home?
This depends on the neighborhood and the current "absorption rate" in Edmonton. However, a well-prepared home priced correctly according to One Percent Realty’s standards typically sells much faster than the market average.
Do I have to leave during showings?
Yes, absolutely. Buyers feel like intruders when the owner is home. They want to be able to talk freely about the house, open closets, and linger in the rooms without feeling rushed. Give them the space to fall in love with your house!
Final Thoughts: Your Success is My Priority
Getting ready to sell your home is a journey, and every journey is easier with a guide. I am here to take the weight off your shoulders. From the moment we first meet to discuss your home’s value until the day you hand over the keys, I am your partner in this process.
I pride myself on being the most knowledgeable agent in the city. I don't just follow the market; I analyze it. I don't just list homes; I sell them for top dollar while saving my clients a fortune.
If you are ready to take the first step, or if you just have questions about what your home might be worth in today’s Edmonton market, I invite you to reach out. Let’s sit down, look at the numbers, and create a plan that works for you.
Visit https://dkeet.ca/ to learn more about my services and how we can get your home sold quickly and efficiently. You deserve a REALTOR® who works as hard for your money as you do.
Let’s get your home ready, let’s get it listed, and let’s get it SOLD.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Saving mentioned are compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
