The Inside Scoop on Listing and Selling 711 Algoma Avenue

Selling a home in a desirable neighbourhood like Northridge can be both an exciting and challenging endeavour, especially when the property has been previously owned by seniors and hasn't seen significant updates in years. Such was the case with 711 Algoma Avenue—a charming side-split that came with spacious rooms and good bones but was sorely outdated in both décor and finishes.

When I first took on this listing, I knew we had a gem hidden under layers of old wallpaper and dated fixtures. The first step was a monumental task: the sellers and I worked tirelessly to clear out the home, removing decades of possessions and furniture that hadn't seen the light of day in ages. I brought in the highly respected, Robyn Rose, from Rose Theory Design to consult with my clients about what could be done further. To modernize the home without breaking the bank, we set a strict budget of $15,000 for minor updates and general labour. This included fresh carpeting, modern vinyl flooring, a brand-new refrigerator for the kitchen, junk removal, and cleaners. These minor changes made a world of difference, instantly transforming the space even before Robyn worked her magic with her eye for design and staging.

Staging the home was not just about adding trendy furniture and decorations; it was about creating a vision for prospective buyers. The transformation was drastic: from a tired, outdated space to a modern, inviting home that resonated with contemporary styles. Staging made the home not only more visually appealing but also helped potential buyers imagine themselves living there—an essential aspect of selling real estate.

"Algoma is the perfect example of why realtors work with professional stagers. They help will bring you the results you want out of your home sale. Downsizers are becoming one of the largest markets in the real estate world and that’s not changing anytime soon. When we first arrived at Algoma, the process of clearing out was in full swing. The things we consider for a stage like this are the buying pool, neighbourhood, updates that bring the most ROI, and how to maximize the space. With our combined team of professional referrals, Danielle and I were able to help find junk removal companies, donation centres for existing but no longer needed furniture, and painting and flooring teams. The transformation in this space was the perfect combination of hard work by the family/owners, an excellent marketing and sales plan by Danielle and team, and a perfectly executed staging installation to appeal to the specific buying pool of this neighbourhood. Creating a modern feel, so that young families can see the potential, move in without the need for immediate renovations, and enjoy the beautiful neighbourhood helped seal this deal and FAST. Now everyone can comfortably move into the next chapter of life. It was our pleasure to assist in this successful sale."

Understanding the power of first impressions, my clients and I took the additional step of significantly enhancing the curb appeal of the property. We changed out the outdated red accents and garage door, opting for a more contemporary look with fresh exterior paint. Cleaning up the landscaping was also vital; we threw down mulch in the gardens to create a clean and crisp appearance and trimmed the trees, ensuring they weren’t blocking light into the windows or obstructing sidewalks and paths. Furthermore, we power-washed the siding of the home, sidewalks, patio areas, and driveway, removing years of accumulated dirt and moss. These enhancements drastically improved the home's exterior, making it much more inviting.

Pricing the home was a crucial part of the strategy. Pricing it perfectly to reflect both the coveted Northridge location and the newly updated state of the home made the listing irresistible to first-time buyers and savvy investors alike. To build excitement, I decided to hold offers for one week with a two-day Open House over the weekend. As I do with all my listings, I worked with my marketing team to promote the listing across many digital channels including Paid Ads on Facebook and Instagram, sent Email Newsletters out to my network, and featured the listing on my website as well as many other agent/brokerage websites via IDX (Internet Data Exchange; a system that allows REALTORS® to display the most comprehensive and up-to-date property listing information on their own websites).  Collectively, these moves generated an eager buzz, resulting in over 50 groups attending the Open Houses and numerous showings throughout the week.

In less than a week I received multiple competitive offers, further proving the effectiveness of my selling and marketing strategy. Staging the home, making minor, impactful updates, and significantly improving the curb appeal were key to making 711 Algoma Avenue stand out in the market. It was a unique blend of smart budgeting, extensive preparation, and strategic marketing that led to a successful sale.

Selling a home in a sought-after neighbourhood like Northridge doesn't have to mean extensive renovations. Sometimes, minor updates, professional staging, and enhancing curb appeal can drastically improve a home's appeal, making it easier to attract interest and receive strong offers. If you're thinking of selling your home, consider these strategies to maximize your home's potential and ensure a successful sale.