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⏱️ Timing Is Everything — Especially in the First 5 Days

In real estate, timing is everything. And when you put your home on the market, the first five days are critical. That’s when you get the most eyes, the most showings, and your best shot at top dollar.

Miss that window, and your listing starts to go stale.

When a buyer walks through the front door, they make a decision within seconds. It’s not just about features — it’s about the feeling.

Does it feel clean? Bright? Well-kept? Or does it feel like a project? If it’s the latter, you’re in trouble.

If the space doesn’t click right away, they move on. That “gut feeling” is real — and you only get one shot at it. A big mistake sellers make right now? Overpricing just to “leave room to negotiate.” That strategy doesn’t work in this market.

If you’re $50K over what the home is actually worth, most serious buyers won’t even bother booking a showing. The longer you sit, the more people start wondering what’s wrong with the place — and your leverage disappears.

Price it right from the start, based on current comps, and you’ll get stronger interest and possibly multiple offers. Price it wrong, and you’ll be doing price reductions later.


This isn’t the time for shortcuts. The house needs to be spotless — and not just “clean,” but showroom ready. That means:

  • No clutter

  • No weird smells

  • No half-finished projects

  • No scuffed-up walls or broken handles

If something makes a buyer pause or raises questions, they move on to the next one. Buyers don’t want surprises. They don’t want to wonder if the furnace is on its last leg or if the roof has issues. Your job is to remove doubt before they even ask.

Fix what’s broken. Service the major stuff. Leave no question marks behind. A clean, transparent listing builds trust — and trust leads to offers.

If you're serious about selling, treat your listing like a product launch. First impressions, proper pricing, and flawless presentation aren’t optional — they’re the baseline.

Ready to Make Your Listing Count?

Want help getting your home market-ready? Let’s talk. I’ll walk you through exactly what needs to happen to make sure your listing hits strong from day one.


Jeff Carr

Sales Representative

Re/Max Plus City Team, Brokerage

14B Harbour Street

Toronto, ON, M5J 2Y4

📞 (416) 605-2814

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Selling in 2025? Don’t Just List It And Hope For The Best🤞

Let’s be honest: This market isn’t for the faint of heart. Properties are sitting longer. Offers aren’t flying in the way they did a year ago. And those record-breaking sale prices? They’re starting to feel like distant memories.

 

If you're selling right now (or thinking about it), the question isn't "Should I list?" — it's "Who am I trusting to guide me through this?"

 

Because trust me, not all agents are created equal.

 

There are a lot of agents out there — and while most have professional headshots and polished bios, not all are putting in the work behind the scenes.

 

In this market, you need someone proactive. Someone who understands that marketing a listing isn't just uploading it to MLS and hoping for the best. Someone who follows up. Someone who communicates. Someone who gives a damn.

 
 
 

 

Real-World Example #1: No Lockbox, No Entry

 

 

Recently, I showed a condo unit and was paged with lockbox instructions.One problem: the building had removed lockboxes weeks ago. I showed up with a client, couldn’t get in, and called/texted/emailed the listing agent — crickets.

 

Luckily, the tenant was home and let us in.

 

The kicker? The listing agent got back to me five days later asking for feedback.

 

 
How is this poor seller ever going to sell the property if buyers can’t even get in — and their agent isn’t returning calls?
 
 
 

Real-World Example #2: 750 Sq. Ft. Listing… Says It’s 499?

 

It’s shocking how many listings fudge the details — or skip them altogether. I’ve come across multiple condos clearly over 700 sq. ft., but the listing says 400–499. That’s misleading to buyers and leaves a bad impression.

 
That small error in square footage? It’s costing the seller both time and money.
 
 
 

Real-World Example #3: Renovated… but untold

 

I recently showed a buyer a condo that had been beautifully renovated — brand new kitchen, upgraded flooring, fresh bathrooms, the works. But the listing? Nothing mentioned.

 

The agent didn’t highlight any of the features and couldn’t answer basic questions my buyer had.

 
This wasn’t just a missed opportunity — It left the buyer doubting what else might’ve been overlooked.
 
 
 

Real-World Example#4: Hello? Anybody There?

 

I’ve shown 20 properties in the last two weeks. Guess how many listing agents called me afterward for feedback?

 

One. Just one.

 

In a buyer’s market, every piece of feedback matters. If your agent isn’t gathering intel from showings, how are they adapting the strategy?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

4 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent

 

 

Whether you’re buying or selling, don’t just go with the first agent who answers the phone. Interview them. Dig deep. Here are some essential questions to ask:

 

 
  1. How many deals do you do in a year?Experience counts — especially now.

  2. What’s your marketing strategy for my property?Are they just promoting themselves? Or actually promoting your listing?

  3. What’s your listing plan of action?Day 1 to Day 30 — what happens, when, and why?

  4. What’s the current market data say?A good agent will show you the numbers — and explain them clearly.


 
 
 

In this market, strategy is everything. The right agent will help you pivot, problem-solve, and position your home to sell — not just stick a sign on the lawn and hope.

 

Ask better questions. Expect better answers. And make sure your agent is as invested in your success as you are.

 

 

Have questions or ready to take the next step?

 

 

Reach out to Neve Dowey at 647-292-3602 — happy to chat, no pressure. Sometimes a quick conversation can save you weeks of second-guessing.


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Price High, Say Bye: Why Strategy Sells 💯

Let’s be real — we all want to get the most out of our property. That’s fair. But in today’s market, especially in downtown Toronto, trying to squeeze every last dollar can backfire. Fast.

 

Here’s the thing: real estate isn’t about chasing the market — it’s about leading it.

 

 

We’re not in 2021 anymore. Buyers are more cautious, interest rates are top of mind, and there are plenty of listings to choose from. Price your unit too high out of the gate, and it’ll sit. People scroll right past it — and when that happens, it’s a tough first impression to undo.

 
 

What happens next? Price reductions. Fewer showings. Less leverage. And ironically, a lower final sale price than if it was positioned right from day one.

 
 
 

There’s a big difference between an agent who nods along to keep you happy and one who has the guts to tell you the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

 
A great agent isn’t there to flatter you. They’re there to help you win.
 

And winning, especially in a shifting market, means looking at the numbers, understanding the psychology of today’s buyers, and crafting a strategy that gets your property sold — not stuck.

 
It’s not just about the price. It’s about the full package.
 

Professional photography, well-written descriptions, data-backed pricing, timing, and knowing how to create urgency without sounding desperate. That’s what a professional brings to the table. And when done right, it makes your property the one to watch — not the one collecting dust on the MLS.

 

 

At the end of the day, buyers will pay for value — but they need to see it first. A pro agent will help position your property so that the value is obvious, the presentation is sharp, and the price aligns with what the market is willing to pay right now.

 

Not last month. Not last year. Now.

 
It’s easy to think that listing high gives you room to negotiate. But more often than not, it just gives you more time to wait. And waiting? It costs money.
 

Work with someone who knows how to move the needle. Someone who brings value, strategy, and honesty to the table — not just a ‘yes’ to keep the listing. Because in this market? Leading beats following. Every time.

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🏡 Moving In Toronto? Here’s How To Make It Stress-Free

Moving to a new home in the Toronto area is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming with all the tasks to organize and items to pack. Whether you're relocating to a sleek downtown condo in the Entertainment District or a charming family home in the suburbs of Etobicoke or Scarborough, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition. 

Here are some essential steps to help you prepare for your move, ensuring a stress-free experience. 

 

1. Create A Moving Checklist 

Start by making a checklist to keep track of your tasks. This will help you stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked. Here’s what to include: 

 

● Pre-move preparation: Sorting, donating, and packing.  

● Moving day logistics: Confirming your movers and parking arrangements.

● Important dates: Utility shut-offs, cleaning appointments, and lease handovers.

● Contact details: Movers, utility companies, and local services. 

2. Declutter And Organize

Before packing, go through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This is an excellent opportunity to minimize what you take with you. Organize important documents like IDs, medical records, and deeds in one place for easy access, and consider digitizing them for safekeeping. If you're moving within the city, storage can be expensive, so try to minimize your items.  

3. Research And Hire Professional Movers  

Moving in Toronto can be tricky, especially with the city’s busy streets and limited parking. Hiring professional movers who know the area can save you time and headaches. Be sure to: 

● Book early: Aim for 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.

 ● Check for insurance: Ensure movers are insured in case of damage. 

● Confirm access: Verify parking arrangements, especially in high-traffic areas like Queen Street West.  

It’s a good idea to source multiple quotes from Toronto moving companies to compare prices and services. A formal quote should outline exactly what is included and any extra costs to avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.

4. Pack Smart And Early

Packing can be a daunting task, but starting early makes it manageable. Begin packing 2-3 weeks in advance, starting with non-essential items.

Here are a few packing tips: 

● Use sturdy boxes and bubble wrap for fragile items. 

● Label each box by room to make unpacking easier. 

● Use soft materials like towels to protect fragile items, saving on packing materials.

● Disassemble large furniture to make it easier to move. 

Packing early allows movers to focus on placing your furniture in your new home instead of spending time packing on the big day. 

5. Prepare For Moving Day 

On the day of the move, having a clear plan in place is essential.

Here's how to ensure everything goes smoothly: 

● Start early: Movers tend to be more efficient in the morning. 

● Secure parking: Make sure there’s enough space for the moving truck, particularly in busy areas like the Financial District. 

● Final walkthrough: Double-check that everything is packed, and your movers have all the info they need. 

Final Thoughts

Moving in Toronto doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right preparation, a solid plan, and a trusted team on your side, you can focus less on stress and more on settling into your new space. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just relocating to a new neighbourhood, remember—every smooth move starts with a checklist and ends with a fresh start.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Let RE/MAX Plus City guide you through every step of your real estate journey. From finding the perfect home to making the moving process seamless, we're here to help.

Call us today at (647) 259-8806 to get started!

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This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.