Sell Your Home Fast: 7 Tips To Close Within A Year

Learn how to sell your Canadian home quickly with expert tips and data-backed strategies for sellers.

By Emma Caplan-Fisher | 8 minute read

Selling a home in Canada today is very different from what it was a few years ago. Interest rates have shifted, buyer behaviour has become more cautious and local market conditions can vary dramatically from one neighbourhood to the next.

Some homes still sell in days, while others sit for months — often because of pricing, timing or preparation missteps rather than a lack of demand.

Our latest House Price Index shows home prices were down by 1% year-over-year, declining across all property types for the first time since mid-2023.

That said, price trends and sales activity differ sharply by region and housing type. While some markets remain competitive, others are seeing longer days on market as buyers take more time to decide and negotiate.

That makes strategy more important than ever. If your goal is to sell within a year, without unnecessary price drops or stress, you need a realistic plan grounded in current market data and buyer expectations.

This guide breaks down practical steps that can help you sell faster, from pricing and timing to marketing and repairs. Along the way, you’ll see how Wahi can help you access local market insights and connect with the right REALTOR® to make informed decisions at every stage of the process.
 

1. Price Your Home Right From the Start

Pricing is the single biggest factor that determines how quickly your home sells. In Canada, overpricing often leads to longer days on market, which can ultimately result in a lower final sale price after reductions.

Homes priced in line with current market value tend to attract more early interest and sell faster than those that start too high and require later price cuts. Listings needing price reductions often spend longer on the market and can ultimately sell for lower amounts than comparables priced accurately from the start.

Why overpricing slows you down

Today’s buyers are highly informed. They track comparable sales, follow market reports and get alerts the moment new listings hit the market. When a home is priced above comparable properties, it’s often skipped entirely — especially in balanced or buyer-leaning markets.

Once a listing sits unsold for several weeks, buyers may assume there’s something wrong with it, even if the issue is simply price. That perception can be hard to reverse.

How to set a competitive price:

1. Review recent comparable sales in your neighbourhood, not just current listings.
2. Factor in your home’s condition, upgrades and layout relative to those comparables.
3. Adjust expectations based on local supply and demand, not national headlines.

Wahi’s Home Value Estimator uses real-time market data to give sellers a clearer picture of what buyers may be willing to pay in their specific area, helping reduce guesswork and avoid costly mispricing.

2. Time Your Listing Strategically

When you list your home can be just as important as how you price it. While spring and early fall are traditionally active selling seasons in many Canadian cities, timing is increasingly local and influenced by interest rates, inventory levels and neighbourhood-specific demand.

In recent releases from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), new listings have risen as spring arrives, signalling the start of the seasonal market — a period when both buyers and sellers become more active compared with winter months.

Consider local conditions, not just the calendar

In some urban markets, condominiums may sell faster in late summer or early fall, while suburban detached homes may attract more competition in spring. New infrastructure, school catchments or local employment trends can also affect demand at different times of year.

Wahi’s neighbourhood insights and real-time pricing trends help sellers identify the optimal listing window for their specific area — not just what’s happening nationally, but what buyers are doing on your street.

3. Stage to Sell Faster

Staging is about showing your home at its best and helping buyers imagine themselves living there. Well-staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money than unstaged ones, according to industry studies, including those from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).

Practical staging tips that work

Here’s a checklist to help you get your home show-ready:

• Deep-clean everything. Kitchens, bathrooms and floors matter most to buyers.
• Remove personal photos and clutter. Neutral spaces photograph better, feel larger and help prospective buyers envision themselves and their belongings there.
• Rearrange furniture. Think about maximizing flow and highlighting usable space.
• Boost curb appeal. Tidy landscaping, clear walkways and a clean front entry create a strong first impression.

You don’t need a massive budget, either, as even modest improvements can make a difference. A well-presented home also stands out online, where most buyers form their first impression.

4. Invest in Professional Photography and Marketing

Nearly all homebuyers begin their search online, and listings with high-quality photos consistently receive more views and showings than those without. In fact, 85% searched for information during their most recent mortgage transaction, while over half only did their research online, CMHC found.

According to the National Association of Realtors in the U.S., in 2024, 46% of buyers reported that looking online for properties was the first step in their home search, 81% said photos were very useful in the process, and 52% ultimately found the home they purchased through the internet.

This means professional photography, floor plans and compelling listing descriptions can significantly reduce time on market by capturing buyer attention early.

Why marketing matters more than ever

In slower or balanced markets, exposure is critical. Buyers may take weeks to decide, and they often shortlist homes based on online listings before booking showings.

Working with a Wahi Select REALTOR® ensures your listing benefits from professional marketing and maximum exposure, helping your home stand out in competitive search results and attract serious buyers sooner.

5. Make Smart Pre-Sale Repairs and Upgrades

Not all upgrades are worth doing before you sell, but ignoring major issues can delay or derail a sale. Buyers almost always ask about the condition of key systems, and unresolved problems can lead to renegotiations or failed deals.

Royal LePage notes that at the end of last year, softer market conditions were accompanied by ‘persistent buyer caution’ that weighed on activity during a traditionally active season.

During times like these, homes that may require significant repairs, especially with higher borrowing costs, are among those that cautious buyers may reconsider first.

Must-fix issues before listing

Issues among the “must-fixes” before you list include:

• A leaky or aging roof
• Old or inefficient HVAC systems
• Single-pane windows
• Foundation or structural issues

Addressing these concerns up front can prevent surprises during inspections and give buyers confidence in your home’s condition.

6. Work With the Right Realtor   

The right Realtor can make all the difference between a smooth, timely sale and months of uncertainty. Beyond listing your home, a skilled agent provides pricing guidance, negotiation expertise and local market insight.

Professional Realtors have access to professional tools, market data and codes of conduct that can make a huge difference in your transaction.

Here’s what to look for in an agent:

• Proven experience in your neighbourhood and property type
• Strong marketing and negotiation skills
• Data-driven pricing strategies
• Clear communication and responsiveness

Wahi’s Select REALTORS®

At Wahi, we take the guesswork out of finding the right agent for your needs and location. We offer full-service support backed by data-driven insights and local expertise to help you make confident, informed decisions throughout the whole selling process.

Through matching sellers with vetted professionals, we help ensure you’re working with someone who understands your local market and selling goals.

By working with us, your listing gets seen by 100,000+ motivated buyers on Wahi.com, the MLS and beyond — helping your home sell faster and for top dollar.

7. Stay Flexible and Responsive 

Even with the right preparation, selling within a year often requires flexibility. Buyers may request different closing dates, minor repairs or price adjustments based on market feedback.

Canadian MLS market data shows that the median days on market for homes varies significantly by market and housing type. When homes sell faster, it typically reflects strong buyer interest and competitive pricing.

To stay competitive, be open to reasonable negotiation, monitor feedback from showings and online views and work with your agent to adjust your pricing or strategy if market conditions change.

While there are realities in changing, softer markets that can slow your progress, you’ll more likely sell within a year when you focus on the fundamentals:

• Price accurately from the start
• Time your listing based on local data
• Present your home at its best
• Fix major issues before buyers find them
• Work with a knowledgeable Realtors
• Stay responsive and adaptable

Wahi’s tools can help you get started with confidence. Use the Home Value Estimator for pricing insights, explore neighbourhood guides to understand local trends and connect with a Wahi Select REALTOR® to guide you through every step of the selling process.