The condition and presentation of your property when it hits the market determines the quality of buyers it attracts and the offers it generates. This checklist covers every area of a typical Montreal home - from entrance to storage - with the specific improvements that deliver the best return on effort and investment.
Exterior and Entrance
- Power-wash the front facade, steps, and walkway
- Repaint the front door if it shows wear - a fresh door makes an outsized first impression
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Remove seasonal clutter, bicycles, and stored items from the entrance
- Ensure all exterior lighting functions
- If you have a balcony or terrace, stage it with simple furniture and planters
Living and Dining Areas
- Remove 30–40% of furniture - most homes show better with less
- Remove personal photographs and highly specific decorative items
- Repair any visible wall damage (nail holes, scuffs, small cracks)
- Repaint in a neutral, warm white if current colours are bold or dated
- Ensure all light fixtures have working, matching bulbs - a room with a burned-out bulb reads as neglected
- Clean all flooring; refinish hardwood if visibly scratched
Kitchen
- Deep clean: appliances, range hood, inside the oven, under the fridge
- Clear countertops entirely - store small appliances and items
- Replace dated cabinet hardware if the cost is modest (under $200)
- Ensure all appliances function and are clean
- Fix dripping faucets and replace caulking if discoloured
Bathrooms
- Replace caulk if it shows any mould or discolouration
- Re-grout tile where grout is darkened
- Stage with fresh towels, a simple plant, and minimal personal items
- Ensure ventilation fans function
- Replace toilet seats that show age
Bedrooms
- Remove excess furniture - rooms should feel spacious
- Use neutral bedding - it photographs better and helps buyers project their own style
- Clear closets to 50% capacity - buyers open everything, and full closets signal lack of storage
Basement and Storage Areas
- Clear and organize - a messy basement reads as a potential problem
- Address any moisture or smell issues before listing
- Ensure electrical panel is accessible and labelled
The Photography Day
On the day of photography, ensure every room is lit (open curtains, turn on all lights), all surfaces are clear, all doors are open or purposefully closed, and there are no personal items visible. The photographer's lens exaggerates both what is right and what is wrong about a space. Treat the photo session as the most important showing your property will ever have.