Selling? How to prepare your home

Overview

The Metro Vancouver market is highly visual: property listings on REALTOR.ca were viewed 2.1 billion times in 2024, up 6% year-over-year (CREA (2025)). With buyers scrolling on phones before booking showings, your home’s first impression is its digital footprint. Use this step-by-step checklist to maximise exposure, create buzz, and convert clicks into offers.

Key Takeaways

• Online reach matters: nail photos, copy and syndication.
• Pair digital tactics with hyper-local outreach for widest coverage.
• Track performance weekly and pivot quickly if engagement dips.

Pre-Listing Preparation

Declutter, Clean  and Stage

Begin with a deep clean, minor repairs, and strategic staging (see ). Fresh paint in neutral tones and pared-down décor let buyers picture themselves in the space.

Professional Photography

High-resolution, wide-angle images are essential. Listings with crisp photos receive far more clicks and showings, according to CREA’s marketing best-practice resources. Plan for dusk exteriors and bright daylight interiors.

3D Tours  and Floor Plans

Nearly 75% of potential buyers prefer listings that include a virtual tour (Redfin via TeliportMe (2025)). Matterport-style walk-throughs and measured floor plans cater to out-of-province and international purchasers.

Digital Marketing Essentials

MLS® & REALTOR.ca Optimisation

Ensure room dimensions, strata fees, and key upgrades are accurate. Use location-based keywords buyers search for (e.g., “Tri-Cities townhouse with EV parking”) to surface in REALTOR.ca Local Insights searches.

Compelling Listing Copy

Open with an emotional hook (“Sun-filled corner suite with forever mountain views”) then layer in facts. Avoid ALL-CAPS and exaggerations—compliance matters.

Video, Drone and Social Media

Short vertical reels perform well on Instagram and TikTok. For detached homes or condos with standout amenities, aerial footage can boost reach (CREA (2024)). Post teasers three days before going live to build anticipation.

Traditional & Local Outreach

Neighbourhood Flyers & Just-Listed Cards

In tight-supply markets like East Van, neighbours often know buyers. A concise postcard with a QR code to the listing taps this network.

High-Quality Feature Sheets

Use thick stock, professional layout, and match the online branding for a cohesive feel.

Public & REALTOR® Open Houses

Schedule the first weekend on market and promote across MLS®, social channels, and brokerage newsletters. Provide strata documents or a QR dropbox to serious prospects.

Launch Timing & Pricing Alignment

Tuesdays and Wednesdays yield optimal online exposure before weekend showings. Align pricing with your  guide and local sold comparables to land in popular search bands (e.g., list at $999,900 vs $1,005,000).

Monitoring & Adjusting

• Weekly metrics: page views, saves, showing requests.
• Two-week rule: if you’ve had <10 showings and no offers, revisit price or marketing creative.
• Buyer feedback: track objections (e.g., street noise) and address where feasible—update copy or add sound-rating info.

FAQs

Q: Do I really need professional photos in a seller’s market?
A: Yes. Even with low inventory, listings with quality images command more clicks and perceived value, translating into stronger offers.

Q: How long should a listing video be?
A: Aim for 60–90 seconds for social media; longer cinematic cuts can live on YouTube for detailed tours.

Q: Is paid social advertising worth it?
A: For properties targeting downsizers or investors outside B.C., geo-targeted ads can be cost-effective—budget $100–$300 for the first week and measure click-through rates.

This guide provides general information only and may not reflect the latest regulations or market conditions. It is not legal or financial advice. Always verify details and consult qualified real-estate, mortgage, and legal professionals before making decisions.