Selling about more than fresh-baked cookies

Whilst we’ve currently no intention of selling our Toronto condo, we love a spot of property porn to keep us apprised of what the market’s doing.

And so when friends, weighing up a move to Toronto asked us to cast eyes over this wonderful property at Princess Anne Manor, Etobicoke, we were immediately smitten.

The four-bedroom, fourbathroom house boasts ground-floor accommodation that blends living, dining and kitchen into one interconnecting space, a beautiful study and an elegant washroom.

All bedrooms are upstairs, whilst the lower ground floor serves a family room, an indoor swimming pool and a home sauna. Noticeable, at every turn, is the standard of finish — each detail is manicured to perfection: it’s like an Instagram or Pinterest playground, the perfect shot viewable at every turn.

Outdoors is a professionally landscaped garden with a welcoming patio, manicured shrubbery and ultimate privacy thanks to a canopy of mature trees. The house has been re-sided at the rear, windows have been improved, and the roof is in perfect condition.

The current owners, we learn, are empty nesters who’ve lavished endless care upon the home. It would certainly be perfect for a young family to grow, or for another mature couple to move in and assume the reins.

Impressed by the faultless finish, we contacted the selling Realtor for her take on that which makes a dream listing.

We ask if the market has stabilized, post pandemic? “It peaked, sure, during lockdown, though it appears to be rebalancing. The secret is bringing property to the market in optimal condition, and at the right price point. The days of frantic multiple offers have slowed, but now I see fast-acting, confident buyers paying optimal dollars for the best properties.”

Pausing, for a moment, she adds, “And this is certainly one of the best I’ve seen. It’s exactingly restored, and that appeals to the market. It’s a house you can trust, and one with which someone will certainly fall in love.”

We asked her for a guide to bringing your home to mar

Be realistic about value; market trends are everything, and sellers do their research, so price point, advised by your Realtor, is critical.

ket. Rounded into key points, here’s what she had to say:

• Choose a Realtor on recommendation, or one that has strong expertise in your area.

• Your home should be groomed and ever ready in case of short-notice viewings. Be considerate to potential buyers: when they feel welcome, they’re more likely to engage with your space. Go out of your way to accommodate their schedule.

• Curb appeal — an oldie, but a goldie. Tidy your porch, touch up paintwork — indoors and out — and ensure lighting is good by day and night so your house sings, 24-7, as viewed from the street.

• Be realistic about value; market trends are everything, and sellers do their research, so price point, advised by your Realtor, is critical.

• Find the perfect balance of livable and staged space, so that everything looks real and inviting. But don’t simply cram overflow into your garage which should also show

as useable and uncluttered, rather than stuffed with edits from your house. Bear in mind that if you purge now, there’ll be less to worry about when you move.

• Give every inch a purpose: a chair, for instance, in a bay window, is a nice way to be reminded of views. Or a desk, positioned in a hallway, may be enough to lure home workers or business people who crave work-at-home space.

• Ensure all positives are listed in sales particulars: shops, restaurants and commutable distance to schools are details which buyers love.

• Ensure updates and renovations are clearly described to your Realtor and potential buyers, and keep to hand all related paperwork and consents.