Selling your home does not have to feel overwhelming. A few key steps before listing can make a massive difference in how buyers see your property and how quickly it sells. If you want to set yourself up for success, here are three simple things every seller should focus on:

1. Declutter: Less is More

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, not feel like they are walking through someone else’s. The best way to help them do that? Decluttering.

    •    Clear kitchen counters so buyers notice the space, not the appliances.

    •    Keep bathrooms clean and minimal, one or two items on the counter is plenty.

    •    Bedrooms should feel open and inviting, not crowded with furniture or laundry.

Think of it like pre-packing for your move. You will make your home feel larger and more appealing, and you will thank yourself later when moving day comes around.

2. Invest in Great Marketing

Once your home is ready, you want it to shine online and in person. Most buyers will scroll through dozens of listings, so yours needs to stand out.

Professional photos, videos, and even 3D tours can highlight the best features of your home. Adding a floor plan is another great way to help buyers imagine how they would live in the space. Strong marketing creates more interest, more showings, and ultimately more offers. In today’s market, average marketing simply will not cut it. You want buyers to be excited to book a tour the second they see your listing.

3. Price It Right

Even the most beautiful home will not sell if the price does not make sense. Overpricing can push buyers away, while the right price will generate buzz and multiple showings.

When deciding on price, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you were looking at 4 to 6 homes in the neighborhood, would yours stand out as a “must-see”? The right pricing strategy is about attracting buyers, and sometimes that means pricing slightly more competitively to drive up demand.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home comes down to making it easy for buyers to say, “This is the one.” Declutter, market it well, and price it right. Those three steps will help you sell faster and for the best value.

👉 Thinking about selling? We would be happy to walk you through the process, give you a personalized strategy, and show you how to make your home stand out in today’s market. Let’s chat when you are ready!

Canada's economy is showing signs of slowing down. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, real gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.1% in June, marking the third straight monthly decline — the first such streak since 2022. In the second quarter, real GDP contracted by 0.4% (or –1.6% annualized), following a revised 0.5% gain in Q1. On a per-capita basis, GDP declined by 0.4% in Q2, after rising by the same amount in the previous quarter.

This economic softness was largely driven by external factors. Exports fell 7.5% in the second quarter, led by a massive 24.7% plunge in vehicle shipments, a consequence of retaliatory U.S. tariffs. Goods-producing industries shrank by 0.5% in June, with 40% of manufacturers reporting negative impacts from tariffs.

TD economist Rishi Sondhi noted that the contraction was expected, largely due to weaker U.S. demand and the fading impact of a tariff-driven export surge earlier in the year. He also emphasized that despite the contraction, domestic demand remained stronger than anticipated, potentially giving the Bank of Canada reason to hold interest rates steady in the short term. However, he added that the slack created in the economy during Q2 could increase downward pressure on inflation, and if that trend continues into Q3, it could justify further rate cuts before year-end.

CIBC economist Andrew Grantham was more definitive in his outlook. He expects the Bank of Canada to cut rates at its next meeting on September 17 and sees further easing as necessary to support the recovery. Assuming upcoming employment and inflation data don’t bring any major surprises, Grantham forecasts that rate cuts will begin this month.

Markets appear to be cautiously aligned with that view. There’s currently a 55% probability priced in for a September rate cut, with at least one cut fully expected by the end of the year.

Despite the broader contraction, the GDP report wasn’t all bad news. Household spending rose by 1.1% in Q2 (4.5% annualized), and residential investment climbed 1.6% (6.3% annualized), suggesting that Canadian consumers and housing are still providing some economic support. Furthermore, early estimates suggest that GDP grew by 0.1% in July, indicating that a Q3 rebound is possible.

Overall, while the economy is under pressure, particularly from external trade and tariff issues, domestic resilience and easing inflation could give the Bank of Canada more room to maneuver. Whether that translates to a rate cut in September will depend heavily on the next round of data. For now, the economic picture remains mixed — but the door to lower interest rates is clearly open.

Details courtesy of : https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2025/08/gdp-contraction-clouds-outlook-for-bank-of-canadas-september-rate-decision/