By Matrix Real Estate Group – Your Local Real Estate Experts
Selling your home for the first time is a big milestone. But before the sign goes on the lawn and your listing appears online, there are a few important things to get in order.
If you're planning to sell in Regina or elsewhere in Saskatchewan, this is a good time to start preparing whether you're hoping to list before winter or getting ready for the spring 2027 market.
From pricing and repairs to paperwork and presentation, here are seven things to do before putting your home on the market.
1. Know What Your Home Is Worth
Your home's value isn't simply what you paid for it or how much you've invested in renovations. It depends on current market conditions, location, property condition, and what similar homes are selling for.
Before choosing an asking price, consider:
Recently sold homes in your neighbourhood.
Similar properties currently listed.
Your home's size, features, and condition.
Recent upgrades and improvements.
Current buyer demand and competition.
In Regina, the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association reported a September 2026 benchmark price of $343,900, about 3% higher than the previous September. However, individual neighbourhoods and property types can perform differently.
Tip: Ask a REALTOR® for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help establish a realistic asking price.
2. Understand the Costs of Selling
The selling price isn't necessarily the amount you'll take home. Before listing, calculate the expenses that may come with the transaction.
These can include:
Real estate commission, as agreed in your listing contract.
Legal fees and title-related costs.
Mortgage discharge fees or possible prepayment penalties.
Repairs, cleaning, and staging.
Moving and storage expenses.
Property tax or other closing adjustments.
Tip: Ask your lender for an estimated mortgage payout and your lawyer about expected legal costs. Knowing your potential net proceeds helps you plan your next move.
3. Fix the Little Things Before Buyers Notice
You don't need a complete renovation to prepare your home for sale. Often, it's the small maintenance issues that deserve attention first.
Walk through your home and look for:
Leaky faucets and running toilets.
Peeling paint, wall marks, or damaged flooring.
Loose handles, hinges, and cabinet hardware.
Cracked caulking around sinks and tubs.
Burnt-out light bulbs and doors that stick.
With Regina's colder weather approaching, also check your furnace filter, window seals, exterior lighting, gutters, and entryways.
Tip: Prioritize necessary repairs and visible maintenance. Expensive upgrades do not always translate into a higher selling price.
4. Declutter and Make Every Room Feel Welcoming
Buyers want to see the home, not the clutter. A clean, organized space helps them appreciate the layout, storage, and natural flow of each room.
Before listing:
Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Organize closets, cupboards, and storage areas.
Remove unnecessary furniture.
Deep-clean floors, windows, and appliances.
Put away personal items and excess decorations.
Make the basement and garage easy to view.
You don't have to remove every personal touch. Just give buyers enough space to imagine making the home their own.
5. Prepare for Fall and Winter Showings
Selling near the end of October means shorter days, cooler temperatures, and potentially changing weather conditions. Your home's presentation should reflect the season.
A few simple details can make a difference:
Remove fallen leaves and tidy the front entrance.
Keep walkways and driveways clear.
Add a clean entry mat for wet or snowy footwear.
Turn on lights and open curtains to brighten rooms.
Keep the home comfortably heated.
Make sure outdoor lighting works properly.
Tip: If you're listing before snow arrives, consider scheduling exterior photography while your yard and landscaping are still visible.
6. Get Your Documents Ready
Having important property information organized can make it easier to answer buyer questions and prepare for the transaction.
Gather documents such as:
Property tax information.
Recent utility bills, if available.
Renovation and repair records.
Appliance warranties and receipts.
Survey or property plans, if available.
Condominium documents, if applicable.
Permits and supporting documents for relevant improvements.
Also, decide which fixtures and appliances you intend to include in the sale. These details should be clearly addressed in your listing and offer documents.
Tip: Discuss known property issues, previous repairs, and renovations with your REALTOR®. Ask about your disclosure responsibilities before listing.
7. Plan Your Marketing and Next Move
Your listing photos are often a buyer's first introduction to your home. Make sure the property is clean, bright, and ready before photography.
Your marketing plan may include:
Professional property photography.
A detailed and accurate listing description.
A floor plan or video walkthrough.
MLS® exposure and online promotion.
Social media marketing.
A clear showing schedule.
At the same time, think about your own moving plans. Where will you go next? Do you need to purchase another property? What possession date would work best?
Discuss these details early so you can make informed decisions when an offer arrives.
Should You Sell Before Winter or Wait Until Spring 2027?
There isn't one perfect time to sell. The right timing depends on your property, neighbourhood, financial situation, and personal plans.
Listing before winter may suit you if:
You're ready to move.
Your home is prepared and presentable.
Similar properties have limited competition.
Your personal timeline doesn't allow you to wait.
Waiting until spring may suit you if:
You need more time for repairs or preparation.
You want to improve your home's outdoor presentation.
You need to organize your finances or next move.
Your schedule gives you flexibility.
Rather than relying on seasonal assumptions, review current listings and recent sales in your neighbourhood before deciding.
The Bottom Line
A successful home sale starts before your property hits the market. Understanding its value, taking care of maintenance, organizing documents, and preparing for showings can help make the selling process more manageable.
Whether you're planning to list this fall or preparing for spring 2027, start with a clear plan and realistic expectations.
Thinking about selling your home in Regina?
Matrix Real Estate Group can help you understand your property's market position, prepare for listing, and navigate the steps from your first conversation to possession day.
Matrix Real Estate Group
Phone: +1 (306) 994-7729
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.matrixrealestate.ca
This article is for general informational purposes only. Selling costs, mortgage penalties, and legal requirements vary. Consult your REALTOR®, lender, and real estate lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
