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Aug 17, 2025

Aug 17, 2025

List Like a Pro: 7 Things to Do in August to Get Your Home Fall-Market Ready

List Like a Pro: 7 Things to Do in August to Get Your Home Fall-Market Ready

1. Give Your Curb Appeal a Late-Summer Refresh 🌿

Buyers will form an opinion before they even open the front door — so let’s make it a good one.

  • Trim back any overgrown hedges.

  • Refresh tired mulch and edge the lawn.

  • Swap fading summer flowers for potted mums or ornamental grasses that last well into fall.

A tidy, colourful exterior sends the message: this home is loved and well cared for.

2. Tackle Pre-Listing Maintenance 🛠️

You know those “I’ll get to it later” fixes? This is later.

  • Touch up peeling exterior paint.

  • Power wash siding, windows, and walkways.

  • Have the furnace inspected before cooler weather arrives — buyers love seeing recent service records.

Small details like this give buyers confidence in the home’s condition.

3. Declutter & Depersonalize 📦

August is the perfect time to start packing early. Seasonal items like beach gear, camping equipment, and bulky patio pieces can be boxed and stored. The bonus? Your rooms will feel bigger and more inviting in listing photos — and you’ll thank yourself later when moving day rolls around.

4. Book Your Photography Now 📸

Fall colours are beautiful, but nothing beats lush green lawns, blue skies, and blooming gardens in real estate photos. Even if you plan to list in September, capturing summer’s best light now ensures your home looks vibrant online.

5. Make Minor, High-Impact Updates ✨

You don’t need a full renovation to wow buyers. A weekend project can go a long way:

  • Swap dated light fixtures for something fresh.

  • Add modern cabinet hardware in kitchens and baths.

  • Repaint your front door for a pop of welcoming colour.

These small upgrades create a “move-in ready” feel without blowing the budget.

6. Get Your Paperwork in Order 📂

Fall buyers tend to move quickly. Having your documents ready — utility bills, renovation permits, appliance warranties — makes the process smoother and gives your listing a professional edge.

7. Strategize Your Timing 🗓️

The early fall market in Toronto can be a sweet spot. Families are settled after summer, inventory is fresh, and buyer demand is strong before the holiday slowdown. By prepping in August, you can hit the ground running with a listing that’s ready to shine in September.

August might still feel like summer, but for smart sellers, it’s the month to lay the groundwork for a standout fall sale. By taking these steps now, you’ll position your home to attract serious buyers — and maybe even spark a bidding war.
If you’re thinking about selling this fall, let’s talk strategy. I can help you figure out exactly which updates will have the biggest impact, connect you with trusted tradespeople, and time your listing for maximum exposure.

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© 2024 Ashley Smith

The information provided herein must only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale or lease of real estate and may not be used for any commercial purpose or any other purpose. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by TREB. Listing data last updated 2023-06-15T06:11:33Z.

SAGE Real Estate Brokerage

Follow along @ashleysmithproperties on Instagram

join our newsletter

Stay up to date with Ashley Smith Properties

© 2024 Ashley Smith

The information provided herein must only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale or lease of real estate and may not be used for any commercial purpose or any other purpose. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by TREB. Listing data last updated 2023-06-15T06:11:33Z.

SAGE Real Estate Brokerage

Follow along @ashleysmithproperties on Instagram

join our newsletter

Stay up to date with Ashley Smith Properties

© 2024 Ashley Smith

The information provided herein must only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale or lease of real estate and may not be used for any commercial purpose or any other purpose. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by TREB. Listing data last updated 2023-06-15T06:11:33Z.

SAGE Real Estate Brokerage