Making a strong first impression when listing a home in Edmonton’s resale market has always been a sound strategy to foster competition among prospective buyers. However, as market conditions cool, ensuring your home has great curb appeal is increasingly important.
The Changing Market Dynamics
After a prolonged seller's market following the pandemic, some sellers have become complacent, assuming they can list their home as-is and still sell quickly. John Carter, broker/owner of Re/Max River City in Edmonton, notes that many properties were in embarrassing condition, frustrating buyers. Yet, during the red-hot conditions of 2024 and early 2025, many of these homes still sold. Now, as supply and demand balance, curb appeal matters much more.
Basic Maintenance Matters
Carter emphasizes that showing well is foundational. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn can make a difference. A Re/Max report found that about four in 10 buyers cited poor curb appeal as a deal-breaker. Sellers do not need to undertake expensive renovations to get the best price. Full renovations of kitchens and bathrooms are unlikely to yield a return, as buyers are often price-sensitive and prefer to do their own upgrades after purchase.
Cost-Effective Improvements
The base recommendation is to add a fresh coat of paint, thoroughly clean, and declutter by removing personal objects. For homes listed at $700,000 and above, staging services are becoming more common. Realtor Delia Addessi, also with Re/Max River City, offers staging for a fee, recently charging $1,500 per month for a high-end home. Staging helps expensive listings attract more buyers, increasing the likelihood of selling at or above the list price.
Free Advice for Sellers
For those without a staging budget, Addessi provides free advice on simple steps to improve a home's appearance. Decluttering and cleaning can have a huge impact. As an objective observer, a realtor can spot overlooked deal-breakers that owners may not notice due to familiarity with their home. Ultimately, presenting a clean, fresh look is key to making a positive first impression in Edmonton’s evolving market.
