The Hamilton & Burlington Home Seller's Guide

Selling well in any market comes down to preparation, pricing and presentation — in that order. Here's the process I run for every listing, plus a prep checklist and a printable version you can request below.

The home-selling timeline

1. Sit down & strategize. Your goals, timeline, and an honest read on your home's value from real recent sales.
2. Prep the home. Declutter, light repairs, paint and a deep clean — the highest-return work you'll do (see checklist below).
3. Price it right. To the last 90 days of comparable sales, not a peak-market memory. Right pricing draws competing interest.
4. Photograph & list. Professional photos, a strong listing, and exposure across the channels buyers actually use.
5. Show & field offers. Managed showings, feedback, and a clear read on every offer's price and terms.
6. Negotiate & accept. Protect your bottom line on price, conditions and closing date.
7. Close. Satisfy any conditions, your lawyer handles the transfer, and you hand over the keys.

Prepare-your-home-for-sale checklist

• Declutter every room and closet — pack away half of everything
• Neutral paint over tired or bold walls (highest ROI there is)
• Deep clean, including windows inside and out
• Fix the small stuff: sticky doors, running toilets, cracked plates, caulk
• Bright, consistent, warm-white bulbs throughout
• Tidy the curb: lawn, entry, and a clean front door
• Remove personal photos so buyers can picture themselves
• Fresh towels, made beds, no strong odours for showings

Know your net proceeds

What you actually walk away with is sale price minus your mortgage payout and selling costs (commission plus 13% HST, legal fees, discharge fee, prep and moving). Run your scenario in the seller net-proceeds calculator, then I'll prepare a precise figure for your home.