5 Things That Will Get You Top Dollar When Selling in Vancouver

Selling a home is a business transaction — and like any business, preparation and strategy determine your outcome. Here are five things I consistently see make a real difference in the final sale price.

1. Price It Right from Day One

The first two weeks on market are when your listing gets the most attention. Buyers and their agents are watching for new listings daily. If you price too high, you'll sit — and a listing that sits raises red flags, leading to lower offers than you'd have gotten with proper pricing.

I use a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) — looking at recently sold homes, active competition, and market trends — to find the sweet spot that attracts offers quickly and at top dollar.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. That's hard to do when every surface has family photos and personal mementos. I'm not saying strip the personality out completely — but a clean, neutral, spacious feel photographs better and shows better.

Consider renting a storage unit for a month. It's one of the best returns-on-investment you can make.

3. Professional Photography (and Video)

Over 90% of buyers start their search online. Your listing photos are your first — and sometimes only — impression. I arrange professional photography for all my listings, including wide-angle shots, twilight exteriors, and in some cases, drone footage or virtual tours.

Don't list without great photos. Full stop.

4. Strategic Timing

Vancouver's market has distinct seasonal rhythms. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) typically see the highest buyer activity. If you have flexibility, timing your listing to coincide with peak demand can generate more competition and higher offers.

That said, good preparation beats timing. A well-presented home sells in any season.

5. Be Accessible for Showings

I know it's disruptive to keep your home show-ready, especially with kids or pets. But the more accessible you are, the more buyers can view your home — and more eyeballs means more competition. Try to say yes to every reasonable showing request, especially in the first two weeks.

Thinking about selling? I'd love to walk through your home and give you an honest assessment of what it's worth and what it would take to maximize your result. No pressure, no obligation.