What You Should Know Before Listing Your Home in Saskatoon

A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners Ready to Sell

Thinking about selling your home in Saskatoon? Learn what to do before listing, how to prepare your home, price it right, avoid costly mistakes, and attract serious buyers. Actionable tips from Realtor Jack Bouvier of Bouvier Real Estate Group at eXp Realty.

🏡 Introduction: Selling a Home Isn’t Just a Transaction—It’s a Strategy

Listing your home is a major financial decision, and if done right, it can help you maximize your return and minimize your stress. But there’s a lot more to it than just putting a “For Sale” sign on the lawn.

As a Realtor here in Saskatoon, I’ve worked with dozens of homeowners who were surprised by how much strategy, preparation, and timing goes into a successful sale. So before you list your home, here's what you should know—backed by market data, expert insight, and years of local experience.

📍 1. Timing Is Everything: List at the Right Moment

When you list your home can significantly affect how fast it sells—and for how much.

🧠 Expert Insight

According to the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association, homes listed in May sold 18% faster and for 3.4% more on average than those listed later in the year. While spring and early summer are hot seasons, inventory also rises—meaning more competition.

✅ Action Step

Speak with your local Realtor (like me!) to analyze neighborhood trends and help you time your listing for optimal exposure.

🧰 2. Prep Your Home Like a Pro (It Pays Off)

First impressions sell homes. In fact, buyers form an opinion within 7 seconds of entering a property.

What Buyers Instantly Notice

• Odors or pets

• Lighting and natural light

• Floor condition

• Clutter and cleanliness

• Wall colors and finishes

💬 Real Example

One of my clients in Mayfair spent just $1,800 on deep cleaning, light staging, and paint touch-ups—and sold for $21,000 over asking in 48 hours.

✅ Action Step

• Declutter and depersonalize

• Add fresh paint (neutral tones)

• Hire a professional cleaner

• Stage key rooms like the living room and primary bedroom
  
  

💵 3. Price It Right the First Time

Overpricing your home is one of the most common mistakes sellers make—and it often leads to longer days on market and eventual price reductions.

📊 Data Point

Homes priced 10% over market value receive up to 50% fewer inquiries, according to Zillow research. And homes that linger for 30+ days sell for 5–10% less on average.

✅ Action Step

Ask for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a local expert. This includes recent sales, active competition, and adjustments for features like upgrades, location, or suite income potential.

📂 4. Gather the Right Paperwork in Advance

The more organized you are, the smoother your transaction will be. Buyers and their agents will want documentation to support your asking price and property condition.

Documents to Prepare

• Property condition disclosure form

• Utility bills (last 12 months)

• Renovation receipts

• Survey or Real Property Report

• Any permits or warranty documents

✅ Action Step

If your home includes a non-conforming suite, be transparent about the status and whether it's up to fire and safety code.

📸 5. Professional Photos = More Views, Faster Sale

In today’s digital-first market, your photos are your first showing. Listings with professional photography get more clicks, more showings, and sell faster.

💡 According to Redfin

Homes with pro photography sell 32% faster and for up to $11,000 more than listings with DIY photos.

✅ Action Step

Ask your Realtor to provide professional photos, drone shots (if applicable), floor plans, and a 3D virtual tour. These assets boost visibility on REALTOR.ca and social media platforms.

🤝 6. Your Realtor Makes the Difference

Your listing agent should be more than just someone who inputs data into MLS. You want someone who:

• Knows Saskatoon neighborhoods intimately

• Has a modern marketing plan

• Provides strategic pricing advice

• Negotiates firmly but fairly

💬 Seller Success Story

I worked with sellers in River Heights who previously sat on the market for 2 months. After relisting with me, we rebranded the listing with new photos, compelling marketing, and strategic pricing. We sold in 6 days with a firm offer.

✅ Action Step

Interview 2–3 agents and ask:

• How do you market your listings?

• What’s your average days on market?

• Do you offer staging, pro photography, or pre-list support?
  
  

📅 7. Know What Happens Once You List

Setting realistic expectations helps reduce stress. Here’s what typically happens:

Timeline – What Happens
Day 1–3 – Listing goes live, photos published, ads launched
Day 4–10 – Showings booked, open house may be scheduled
Day 10–14 – Feedback received, pricing and positioning reviewed
Offer Received – Negotiation phase (price, terms, possession, etc.)
Offer Accepted – Buyer conditions fulfilled (inspection, financing)
SOLD! – Final walk-through, legal docs, keys exchanged

🔑 Final Thoughts: Preparation = Profit

Listing your home is a high-stakes move—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right timing, preparation, marketing, and representation, you can attract the right buyers, generate strong offers, and move on to your next chapter with confidence.

As your local expert here in Saskatoon, I’m here to help you navigate every step and make sure your home stands out in the market.

📍 Curious What Your Home Is Worth?

Click here to request your free home valuation report—no pressure, just insights. I’ll break down comparable sales in your area and show you what buyers are paying right now.

Sincerely
Your Realtor for Life
Jack Bouvier
📱 306-xxx-xxxx
📧 jack@bouvierrealestate.com
📍 Saskatoon | Bouvier Real Estate Group | eXp Realty