Selling your home in Quebec is a major endeavor that deserves careful preparation. According to market data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the APCIQ, a well-prepared home sells for 5 to 10% more than a property listed without preparation. That can represent tens of thousands of dollars in difference on the final sale price.

This complete checklist guides you through every step — from decluttering to setting the right price — so your property makes the best possible impression from the very first showing.

📦 1. Declutter and Depersonalize

The first step — and the most important one — is to create a space where potential buyers can picture themselves living. A cluttered home appears smaller and less appealing.

📊 What is your property worth? Get a free estimate in 2 minutes.

Estimate my property

Your decluttering checklist:

✅ Remove at least 1/3 of your furniture to visually enlarge rooms
✅ Pack away family photos and personal items
✅ Clear kitchen counters (keep only 1-2 appliances)
✅ Organize closets (filled to 50% maximum)
✅ Rent a storage unit if needed
✅ Remove collections, souvenirs, and religious decorations

💡 Tip: Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your home. Every personal item is an obstacle to that projection. Think of your home as a "showroom model."

🔧 2. Minor Repairs

Small accumulated defects give the impression that the home is poorly maintained. Buyers think: "If the small things aren't fixed, what's hidden behind the big ones?"

Repairs to make:

✅ Fix leaky faucets
✅ Repaint scuffed walls (neutral colors: light gray, off-white)
✅ Replace broken or outdated light fixtures
✅ Fix sticky doors and windows
✅ Re-caulk bathroom joints
✅ Patch nail holes and touch up paint
✅ Make sure all door handles work properly

✅ Return on investment: An investment of $500 in minor repairs can add $5,000 or more to the final sale price. It's one of the best returns you can get.

🏠 3. Home Staging

Home staging involves presenting your home in the most attractive way possible. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the APCIQ, home staging increases the sale price by 5 to 10% and reduces time on market by 73%.

Free home staging tips:

✅ Clean windows to maximize natural light
✅ Add fresh flowers or green plants
✅ Place fluffy towels in the bathroom
✅ Set the dining table
✅ Use a neutral, pleasant scent (vanilla, light citrus)
✅ Add decorative cushions on the sofa
✅ Turn on all lights before showings

⚠️ Professional staging: A professional service costs between $1,500 and $3,000, but the return on investment is considerable. Some brokers offer this service or can recommend certified stagers.

🌳 4. Curb Appeal and First Impressions

The exterior is the first thing buyers see. According to statistics, 97% of buyers say that curb appeal influences their decision. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Exterior checklist:

✅ Clean and clear the main entrance
✅ Power wash the driveway and walkways
✅ Trim hedges and mow the lawn
✅ Add potted plants at the entrance
✅ Clean or repaint the front door
✅ Make sure exterior lighting works
✅ Clean the gutters
✅ Remove weeds and debris

💡 Tip: Think of the exterior as the "cover of your book." A well-maintained exterior signals to buyers that the interior is just as well cared for.

📄 5. Documents to Prepare

Having all your documents ready speeds up the sale process and inspires confidence in buyers. Prepare them before listing your home on the market.

Essential documents:

✅ Certificate of location (less than 10 years old; a new one costs $1,500 to $2,000)
✅ Renovation invoices for major work (roof, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
✅ Tax bills (municipal and school)
✅ Warranty documents for appliances
✅ Condo declaration and condo fees (if applicable)
✅ Energy bills (Hydro-Québec, gas) for the last 12 months

✅ Tip: A complete and well-organized file reassures buyers and their broker. It can make the difference between a hesitant offer and a firm one.

📸 6. Professional Photography

95% of buyers start their search online. The quality of your photos determines whether people will click on your listing or scroll past it.

The numbers speak for themselves:

📈 Listings with professional photos receive 118% more views
📈 These properties sell 32% faster
📈 Average cost: $200 to $500 (often included by the broker)

For successful photos:

✅ Choose a time with plenty of natural light
✅ Photograph the exterior in spring or summer if possible
✅ Deep clean before the photo session
✅ Remove vehicles, garbage bins, and bulky items

💡 Tip: Most brokers include professional photography in their services. It's one of the advantages of working with a professional.

💰 7. Setting the Right Price

Price is the most decisive factor in your sale. A price that's too high scares away buyers, while a fair price attracts offers and can even create a bidding war.

The keys to successful pricing:

✅ Request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from your broker
✅ Compare with recent sales in your neighborhood
✅ Avoid setting the price based on your emotions or past investment
✅ Use the CourtiConnect estimator for an initial evaluation

⚠️ Warning: An overpriced property stays on the market too long, which forces a price reduction — a negative signal for buyers. The first 2 weeks on the market are the most important.

📋 Summary: your complete checklist

✅ 1. Declutter: remove 1/3 of furniture and personal items

✅ 2. Depersonalize: family photos, collections, personal decor

✅ 3. Clean: thorough cleaning, windows, carpets, odors

✅ 4. Repair: faucets, walls, light fixtures, doors, caulking

✅ 5. Repaint: neutral colors (light gray, off-white)

✅ 6. Home staging: flowers, towels, set table, lighting

✅ 7. Exterior: entrance, lawn, hedges, front door, lighting

✅ 8. Documents: certificate of location, invoices, taxes

✅ 9. Professional photos: natural light, cleanliness

✅ 10. Fair price: CMA, comparables, no emotion

First step: know your property's value

Before preparing your home, find out how much it's worth on today's market. Our free estimation tool gives you a valuation in just minutes.

🏠 Estimate my property for free

100% free • No commitment • Response within 24h

Stay informed on the real estate market

Get our weekly insights and tips delivered straight to your inbox.

📚 Related articles

→ Selling Without a Broker: The Real Risks in 2026 → 10 erreurs à éviter quand on vend sa maison (FR)→ Combien vaut ma maison ? Guide d'évaluation 2026 (FR)