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What You Need to Know to Get Your Home Ready to Sell
May 08, 2026
Written by: The Realtor.ca Team
So, you’ve decided to sell your home. It’s big stuff! With big decisions that need to be made, it can be exciting, even if a bit overwhelming. There are so many moving parts, it can be a challenge to figure out where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.Let a REALTOR® help you
REALTORS® are the experts when it comes to navigating the wild world of real estate, so let them worry about things you may find confusing or frustrating. As a seller, they can help you with such daunting tasks as:- determining if it’s the right time for you to sell;
- ensuring your price is right so you can get the most out of your sale; and
- negotiating your offers to get you the best one.
Don’t panic, just make a list
You might think you have to do everything, everywhere, all at once. Slow down: depending on your space, there are some key places to start. Take a holistic look at your space with the help of your REALTOR®. Here are some of the most common places they recommend you start:- Obvious repairs, inside or out—is the fence falling down or are there shingles missing from the roof?
- Age and status of your major appliances—is your furnace in good repair?
- Living spaces—are they open and inviting or cluttered and overwhelming?
If you renovate it, will they come?
There’s an age-old question: “If I’m selling, should I renovate first?” If you’re questioning it at all, it’s best to consult your REALTOR®. Anthony Lance, a REALTORⓇ and sales representative with Right at Home Realty Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, believes there are specific changes that can help.- Start with the kitchen and bathroom. While a full remodel can be costly, some DIY solutions can cut some costs and leave you with a space you would be proud to show.
- HVAC, roofing, and windows (oh my). How long has it been since any significant repairs or improvements have been done? The more recent, the more the odds are in your favour.
- General aesthetics should be considered. If you’re short on time, nothing beats a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint.
Your REALTOR® knows people who know people
Your REALTOR® is going to be your MVP for this whole process. They’ll connect you with the right people to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll need professionals such as:- A mortgage broker—they’ll help with the money side of things.
- A home inspector—contacting an inspector in advance can save time and money.
- Home stagers—essential for helping your home to visually pop.
- Professional cleaners—you may not be up for channeling your inner Monica Geller across your entire space, there’s no shame in hiring a professional.
- Maintenance professionals—to ensure everything is up to code before listing.
- Movers—so you have someone to move your things before your closing date.
How to improve your curb enthusiasm
Staging the outside of your home is as important as making the inside look as appealing as possible. Some key considerations include:- keeping your lawn and gardens clean and manicured for a more polished look;
- considering the hardscaped aspects of your home such as the driveway, walkway, and porch (no one wants to trip on a loose step when walking into your home); and
- making sure your front door is a vital piece of the first impression by giving it a fresh coat of paint or new handle.
It’s not you, it’s them
We all love our personal bric-à-brac, but sadly, potential buyers may not resonate with your grandmother’s antique spoon collection you felt obligated to display. That’s where a stager comes in. Here are some of the most common things a stager will ask you to do when preparing your home for sale:- Purge the clutter—take the time to do a deep purge. Don’t just shove everything into a closet; your buyer is guaranteed to open that door in hopes of determining how much they can fit in there.
- Box up the trinkets—anything you can’t bear to part with should be stored for the time being. Potential buyers like clean surfaces so they can envision themselves in the space.
- Upgrade your bedding—a fresh bedroom does wonders for selling a restful and cozy atmosphere.
Things You Can and Can't Negotiate When Buying a Home
May 08, 2026
Written by: Wendy Helfenbaum of Realtor.ca
You probably already know you can negotiate the price of a home when making an offer to purchase, but there are many other things that can save you time or money before you take possession. However, there are also a number of things you should probably never ask a seller for—unless you want to tank the sale. Here are four things you might want to negotiate for, and a few you should never bring up.Appliances or other non-permanent items in the house
Sometimes, sellers will itemize furnishings and personal property they plan to take with them, excluding them from the sale. But often, if you fall in love with something in the house, you can try to negotiate that into the agreement, says Chad Wozniak, a REALTOR® , salesperson and Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) with Chamberlain Property Group in Penticton, British Columbia. “The typical things people put in contracts would be appliances, window coverings, a hot tub, pool equipment or patio sets,” says Wozniak. “Buyers can also ask for things like the pool table, freezers, and believe it or not, livestock if it’s a rural property. Sometimes, sellers let us know that things are available.” You might want to skip asking the seller to throw in the antique dining room chandelier or other one-of-a-kind items, though. Chances are the owners are taking most valuables and sentimental items with them when they move.Closing dates and leasebacks
It’s very common for buyers to negotiate an occupancy date that works for them, regardless of what the home listing says. “Some want a long possession time, others a short possession time or the sellers rent back the property from the buyers temporarily,” he explains. However, if the sellers need a super quick sale because they’re leaving the country, don’t ask for a move-in date six months from now, or you might talk yourself right out of the deal.Cleaning up and clearing out
If you notice there’s a pile of scrap metal in the backyard, or that the basement is crammed with junk, you might want to include a note in your offer that you expect the property to be cleared out before you take possession. “With cleanup, there could be a hold back on the contract to ensure the home is cleaned to a certain standard and then that’s paid out at the end of the deal once it’s certified everything’s done properly,” explains Wozniak. And while it would be great if the sellers left you a sparkling clean house when they leave, you can’t really ask them to do that.Minor repairs
Asking for certain cosmetic fixes such as touching up ceiling paint after water damage was repaired or getting the sellers to replace a non-functional doorbell before you get the keys is often acceptable. So is anything that concerns the safety of the property or issues a home inspector might find. “If it’s a latent defect—something you don’t see that the inspection reveals—like a crack in the foundation, something wrong with the gas in the mechanical room, a leaking appliance, a cracked heat exchanger, or a missing hand railing on the set of stairs, you can ask for those to be repaired because that’s a safety issue,” says Wozniak. You can also ask for a discount on the price if you discover the roof is in poor shape. But don’t bother asking the sellers for a complete kitchen renovation or to gut a bathroom—that won’t happen.Tap into the experience of your REALTOR®
No matter what you want to negotiate for, run it by your REALTOR® first, suggests Wozniak. Your REALTOR® can help negotiate the price and contract terms on your behalf. They are your No. 1 resource and support during the home buying process. “We can identify issues or sticking points, or the temperament of a seller and what they might be expecting, and we can preemptively negotiate and prepare an offer with the seller in mind to effect an enforceable contract,” he explains. Everyone’s home buying experience will be different, and your negotiations will be dependent on your personal situation. But, with an expert REALTOR® in your corner, you can trust you’ll be in good hands no matter what.Home Staging in 2026: What Actually Sells Homes in Surrey, Langley, and White Rock
April 15, 2026
Home Staging in 2026: What Actually Sells Homes in Surrey, Langley, and White Rock
British Columbia seller preparation guide for the Fraser Valley | Surrey, Langley, and White Rock focus | Published April 17, 2026 | Written for homeowners deciding what presentation work is actually worth doing before listing
In 2026, staging works best when it makes a home feel clearer, brighter, and easier to understand, not more decorated. In Surrey, Langley, and White Rock, buyers are moving through a slower, more selective market, which means the homes that feel clean, calm, and easy to read online usually have an advantage once showings begin.
This matters because staging is no longer just about furniture. It is about how a listing performs in photos, how buyers interpret space, and how quickly they can imagine daily life in the home. The National Association of REALTORS® reported in its 2025 Profile of Home Staging that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize a property as a future home. The same report said the living room, primary bedroom, and dining room were the rooms most commonly staged. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging), [cms.nar.realtor](https://cms.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025-profile-of-home-staging-report-06-26-2025.pdf))
The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is often brought in when sellers need to decide what preparation actually moves the needle and what only adds cost. With more than 22 years of experience and over $780 million in completed residential sales, the team is trusted when staging, photography, pricing, and timing all need to work together in a balanced market.
Key Takeaways
- Decluttering is still the foundation of effective staging.
- Warm neutrals and layered natural textures are more useful than trendy styling that dates quickly. ([turn0search0](https://www.oliveandopalinteriors.com/blog/2026-home-staging-trends-intentional-design-that-sells-homes), [turn0search6](https://librainteriors.com/blog/2026-home-decor-trends/))
- Lighting is one of the most important presentation tools because it changes how size, cleanliness, and finish quality read in person and online.
- Closets, storage, and room function matter because buyers use them to judge whether the home will live well.
- Professional photography matters because most buyers begin their search online. NAR’s 2025 buyer profile says 88% of buyers purchased through an agent or broker, with agents remaining the most used information source ahead of online listings. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/nar-2025-profile-of-home-buyers-sellers-reveals-market-extremes))
- Condos and detached homes should not be staged the same way.
What Staging Is Really Doing in 2026
Staging is not decoration for its own sake. It is a decision-making tool. It helps buyers understand scale, flow, storage, and how the home might function for them.
That matters more in a slower market because buyers have more room to compare. If the home feels visually noisy, dark, cramped, or undefined, buyers often move on to the next listing before they ever see the best parts of the property.
What the 2025 NAR Staging Data Shows
NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging found that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging helped buyers visualize the property as a future home. It also found that 29% of sellers’ agents reported staging increased the dollar value offered by 1% to 10%, while 49% said staging reduced time on market. The report also said the most commonly staged rooms were the living room at 91%, the primary bedroom at 83%, and the dining room at 69%. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging), [cms.nar.realtor](https://cms.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025-profile-of-home-staging-report-06-26-2025.pdf))
Those numbers do not mean every seller needs full-service staging. They do show that presentation still changes how buyers interpret value.
The 2026 Look That Feels Current Without Feeling Trendy
The most useful 2026 staging direction is not flashy. It is calm, warm, and restrained. Current design and staging commentary consistently points toward warm neutrals, tactile materials, natural finishes, and spaces that feel intentional rather than overly styled. ([turn0search0](https://www.oliveandopalinteriors.com/blog/2026-home-staging-trends-intentional-design-that-sells-homes), [turn0search6](https://librainteriors.com/blog/2026-home-decor-trends/))
In practical terms, that usually means:
- soft warm whites, beiges, and muted earth tones
- clean-lined furniture that does not overpower the room
- layered textures such as linen, wood, wool, and stone-look finishes
- fewer accessories, chosen more carefully
The reason this works is simple. Buyers tend to respond better to homes that feel settled and livable than homes that feel staged to impress a designer rather than a homeowner.
Decluttering Is Still the First Job
Decluttering is not glamorous, but it is still the foundation. NAR’s staging materials continue to treat decluttering as one of the most important preparation steps because it directly affects how buyers perceive space and order. ([turn0search3](https://bastaginginteriors.com/home-staging-tips-2026/), [nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging))
For most sellers, that means removing:
- extra furniture that narrows walkways
- personal collections and overly specific décor
- overflow storage in open shelving and counters
- closet crowding that makes storage feel limited
One useful staging rule is that storage should look partly empty. Buyers do not count hangers. They judge whether the home feels like it has enough room for their own life.
Why Lighting Matters More Than Many Sellers Think
Lighting changes how every other preparation choice is seen. Even a clean, nicely painted room can feel flat if it is dim or unevenly lit.
The most useful staging lighting usually includes three layers:
- ambient light for overall brightness
- task light for function
- accent light for warmth and depth
This matters even more for photography because online presentation magnifies shadows, dark corners, and visual clutter faster than in-person viewing does.
Why Photography Is No Longer Optional
Professional photography is one of the clearest returns on preparation spending because buyers often decide whether a property is worth visiting based on the first set of images. NAR’s 2025 buyer profile says agents remain the most commonly used source in the search process, ahead of online listings, which reinforces how important strong marketing materials are once a property is launched. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/nar-2025-profile-of-home-buyers-sellers-reveals-market-extremes))
In practical terms, staging and photography should be planned together. A well-staged room that is photographed badly still underperforms. A beautifully shot room that is cluttered or poorly lit still underperforms.
How Condo Staging Should Differ
Condo staging is usually about making the home feel more spacious, more efficient, and more functional. In Surrey City Centre, White Rock condos, and Langley apartment product, buyers are often judging the unit against several similar alternatives.
That usually means condo staging should focus on:
- showing clean walking lines
- keeping furniture scaled properly
- making storage feel orderly
- helping small secondary rooms read clearly
The goal is not to make the condo feel luxurious. The goal is to make it feel easy to live in.
How Detached-Home Staging Should Differ
Detached homes in Surrey, Langley, and White Rock are often judged more as complete lifestyle packages. Buyers are paying attention not just to interior rooms, but also to entry sequence, yard usability, room count logic, and how the home supports family life.
That means detached staging should usually highlight:
- entry and first impression
- living room and kitchen flow
- primary bedroom calmness
- yard or patio function
- how family-sized rooms are actually used
Detached buyers often forgive less when the home feels underprepared, because the price point and expectations are usually higher.
What Actually Moves the Needle in a Slower Market
In a slower market, the highest-return staging work is usually not elaborate design. It is the work that removes friction.
That usually includes:
- deep cleaning
- decluttering
- neutralizing overly personal rooms
- improving lighting
- professional photography
- staging key rooms rather than every room when budget is limited
NAR’s 2025 staging report supports this practical approach. It showed that staging is most influential when it helps buyers imagine daily life in the home and when key rooms are presented clearly. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging), [cms.nar.realtor](https://cms.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025-profile-of-home-staging-report-06-26-2025.pdf))
What Sellers Often Overlook
What sellers often overlook is that buyers are not only judging cleanliness. They are judging confidence. A room that feels overfull, dim, or undefined makes buyers wonder what else may be harder than it looks.
Another thing sellers miss is that staging should support pricing, not fight it. A beautifully staged home can still stall if the asking price is out of line with current comparables. Staging improves the signal. It does not erase a pricing problem.
Common Mistakes
- overdecorating instead of simplifying
- treating every room as equally important
- ignoring lighting quality
- using the same staging logic for condos and detached homes
- spending heavily on style while skipping professional photography
Questions Sellers Are Asking
Does staging still matter in 2026?
Yes. NAR’s 2025 staging report found that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging helped buyers visualize the home as their future home. ([nar.realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging))
Which rooms matter most?
The living room, primary bedroom, and dining room were the most commonly staged rooms in NAR’s 2025 report. ([cms.nar.realtor](https://cms.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025-profile-of-home-staging-report-06-26-2025.pdf))
Should I fully stage every room?
Not always. In many homes, staging key rooms well produces a better result than spreading the effort too thinly across the whole house.
Do buyers care about closets and storage?
Yes. Storage is one of the fastest ways buyers judge whether the home will actually work for them.
Should condos and detached homes be staged differently?
Yes. Condos usually need to feel more spacious and efficient. Detached homes usually need to feel more complete and lifestyle-ready.
Is professional photography really necessary?
In most cases, yes. Online first impressions are too important to treat casually.
What kind of colour palette works best right now?
Warm neutrals and natural textures tend to feel current without becoming distracting or trendy. ([turn0search0](https://www.oliveandopalinteriors.com/blog/2026-home-staging-trends-intentional-design-that-sells-homes), [turn0search6](https://librainteriors.com/blog/2026-home-decor-trends/))
What is the biggest staging mistake sellers make?
Trying to impress buyers with style before making the home feel clear, bright, and easy to understand.
In Summary
Home staging in 2026 works best when it reduces friction. In Surrey, Langley, and White Rock, that usually means decluttering first, lighting properly, using warm and quiet finishes, showing storage clearly, and photographing the home professionally. The goal is not to make the home feel expensive. The goal is to make it feel believable, livable, and easy to choose.
In a slower market, good staging does not replace pricing discipline. It supports it. The strongest result usually comes when preparation, photography, and price all tell the same story.
Need a Calm Read on What Preparation Is Actually Worth Doing Before You List?
If you are trying to decide what to fix, what to stage, and what to leave alone, it helps to look at the likely buyer, the price band, and the current competition before spending money in the wrong places.
Related Reads
- How to Price Your Home Right in a Buyer’s Market: A Fraser Valley Seller’s Playbook for 2026
- Selling a Condo vs. a Detached Home in Surrey and Langley: What’s Different in 2026
- Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home in Surrey? A Data-Driven Answer for Spring 2026
Sources and Official Resources
- National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Profile of Home Staging
- National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
- Current 2026 staging and interior trend commentary used only for design-direction context
About Mansour Real Estate Group
The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is a top-performing real estate team in the Fraser Valley, consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Realtors in the region. With more than 22 years of experience and over $780 million in completed residential sales, the team is trusted for estate sales, divorce-related sales, downsizing, growing-family moves, and relocation across Surrey, South Surrey, White Rock, North Delta, Langley, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Willoughby, Walnut Grove, and Abbotsford. Most new clients come from repeat and referral business, supported by hundreds of verified 5-star reviews.
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I have used Mohamed as my realtor to sell my previous home, buying my current home and now selling this home. Mohamed and his team have always been very professional, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. They took care of everything, I didn't have to worry about anything at all. They helped every step of the way. I recommend Mansour Real Estate Group to everyone that is thinking of buying or selling. Their level of service is top notch.
Mohammad Helped us purchase our first home. I expected the experience to be stressful and i expected to feel lost in the process. Instead after meeting with Mohammad I felt confident and even considered myself somewhat an expert. He explained the process and took the time to answer all my many many questions. Mohammad is very creative in his approach and we felt like we were always his priority.
Thank you Mohammad
Thank you Mohammad
This team really goes all out to make sure they get the property sold. They invest in their clients property to ensure it looks its best as it goes on the market so that they get a quick and profitable sale.
Mohamad and his team, Sonia and Jaspreet, have been amazing to work with. They were patient as we searched for the perfect down size location, guided us throughout the process of selling our home and skillfully negotiated the sale of our home, during a rapidly changing and less favourable housing market. This is a team worth investing in!!!
Mohamed and his team are a DREAM to work with. He represented me both as the buyer and the seller. He makes you feel like you are the most important client he has, regardless of how big or small the purchase is.
His team is lightning quick, responsive, organized, and makes the process of buying or selling both stress free and actually enjoyable.
Mohamed cares about every part of the process, finding you the perfect home, negotiating the most insane deals, making sure your emotional state is being respected, and then celebrating the win at the end!
He’s truly the BEST realtor and team out there!!
His team is lightning quick, responsive, organized, and makes the process of buying or selling both stress free and actually enjoyable.
Mohamed cares about every part of the process, finding you the perfect home, negotiating the most insane deals, making sure your emotional state is being respected, and then celebrating the win at the end!
He’s truly the BEST realtor and team out there!!
The most amazing realtors you'll ever work with! They got us our current home, and we will continue working with them on our next purchase. I also love how much they do for their clients. We recently attended their client appreciation event which was geared for families (my little one had an amazing time and keeps asking to go back). Thanks Sonia, Mo and Jaspreet! We can't wait to work with you again soon.
I was referred to Mansour Real Estate Group by my daughter and son in law. They recommended them since they had such a great experience while buying their last home.
Moving is certainly an exciting and stressful event
in someone's life.
Having a team support along the way through all the steps is a definite plus for any buyer/seller.
I truly appreciated their professionalism, accuracy and availability while working with them.
I recommend Mansour Group to all real estate seekers!
Nicole Desjardins-Wong
Moving is certainly an exciting and stressful event
in someone's life.
Having a team support along the way through all the steps is a definite plus for any buyer/seller.
I truly appreciated their professionalism, accuracy and availability while working with them.
I recommend Mansour Group to all real estate seekers!
Nicole Desjardins-Wong
We recently worked with Mohamed and his team to help us sell our investment property in Abbotsford. We knew nothing about the market in Abbotsford, let alone selling, but Mohamed was very knowledgeable and gave us a thorough package to walk us through the steps to make a good sale. He was very clear and concise in his communication, was professional and patient with us when we had questions, and always supported us in consideration with our own interest. He doesn't dilly dabble, and gets the job done! At the end, we were able to sell our property over asking and more than we expected!! Whether you are a first time or repeat home buyer, seller, etc, Mohamed is awesome to work with. We highly recommend him and his team. He will fight and represent you with his negotiating skills. We only have good things to say about Mohamed and his team and are so glad they helped us. Thanks Mohamed!
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