You’ve decided it’s time to move — maybe your home feels too big now, or maybe you’ve outgrown it. The thought of selling your home is exciting, but there’s also that one big question: where do I start?

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, understanding how to sell your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear plan, a bit of preparation, and the right support, you can move forward confidently — and get the results you deserve.

At The Wright Team, we help homeowners across Ottawa navigate the entire selling process, from the first thought of listing to closing day. Below, we’ll walk you through the most important steps to selling a house, practical home selling tips, and a few things smart sellers do before the “For Sale” sign goes up.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Timeline

Before anything else, ask yourself: Why am I selling? Understanding your motivation helps guide every decision that follows — from when to list, to how to price, to what improvements are worth tackling.

Once you’ve clarified your “why,” schedule a professional home evaluation with a local REALTOR®. A market evaluation gives you a clear picture of your home’s value, what similar properties are selling for, and how your neighbourhood is performing.

What are the first steps to selling a house?

Start with an evaluation, gather market insights, and work with your REALTOR® to outline a realistic timeline. This foundation will make every next step easier.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home to Impress

Many sellers ask, “What things should I do before selling my house?” The answer: focus on presentation and small upgrades that maximize appeal.

Declutter and depersonalize your space so buyers can imagine themselves there. Patch, paint, and repair minor issues that might raise red flags during showings. A freshly painted front door, clean entryway, and tidy landscaping instantly boost first impressions.

Inside, think about lighting and layout — open curtains, replace outdated fixtures, and remove bulky furniture to make rooms feel bright and spacious. Professional staging and photography can further elevate your listing and help it shine online.

These simple home-selling tips often make a big difference in both sale price and time on market.

Need more tips for selling a home? Check out these other blog posts next!

• Your Checklist for Selling a House
• What Not to Fix When Selling a House
• How to Price Your Ottawa Home to Sell

Step 3: Avoid Common Seller Mistakes

Even well-prepared homeowners can stumble during the process. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Overpricing your home. It’s tempting to aim high, but starting too high can cause your listing to sit longer and lose momentum.
• Skipping small repairs. Buyers notice the details — a leaky faucet or chipped trim can create doubt about overall maintenance.
• Going it alone. Without professional guidance, sellers can miss key legal steps or undervalue their property.

Working with an experienced REALTOR® helps you sidestep these challenges and keep your sale on track.

Step 4: Price Your Home Strategically

Pricing a home well requires both strategy and sensitivity to the market — a balance that often determines how quickly, and successfully, your home will sell.

How can I get the best price for my home?

Effective pricing blends market insight with intuition — it’s where experience truly makes a difference. Your REALTOR® will analyze recent comparable sales, buyer demand, and current listings to find a pricing sweet spot. A well-priced home attracts attention early, often generating multiple offers and stronger negotiations.

In Ottawa’s ever-shifting market, correct pricing can mean the difference between a quick, confident sale and weeks of uncertainty.

Step 5: Make Your Home Stand Out Online

Buyers don’t just browse listings — they scroll. Your home needs to grab attention in seconds.

Professional photography, compelling descriptions, and video tours are essential. Combine that with targeted social media ads, MLS® exposure, and a REALTOR® who knows how to market Ottawa neighbourhoods, and you’ll reach motivated buyers fast.

At The Wright Team, we tailor every campaign to your property — telling its story visually and emotionally to stand out in a crowded market.

How do I make my home stand out to buyers?

Showcase lifestyle as much as layout — highlight light, flow, and nearby amenities that help buyers picture themselves at home.

Have more questions about selling your home? Check out these other blogs from our team!

• How Does Selling a House with a Mortgage Work?
• Why Is My House Not Selling?
• Is Staging Necessary in Today’s Market?

Step 6: Review Offers and Close Confidently

When the offers start coming in, your REALTOR® will help you evaluate each one — not just on price, but also on conditions, timelines, and buyer qualifications.

How long does it take to sell a home?

That depends on location, pricing, and demand. In Ottawa, well-presented homes often sell within weeks, but a strategic listing plan can shorten that even further.

Once you’ve accepted an offer, your REALTOR® will guide you through inspections, appraisals, and paperwork, keeping every detail organized through closing day.

The Wright Team Perspective

Selling your home is more than a transaction — it’s a transition. It’s about moving forward with confidence and knowing your investment is in good hands.

At The Wright Team, we bring deep market knowledge, proven marketing strategies, and a personalized approach to every listing. From preparation to pricing to negotiation, we’re here to simplify how to sell your home and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Not sure where to start? Let’s map it out together. Book your complimentary home evaluation — and take the first confident step toward your next chapter.

Ready to start your selling journey? We’d be honoured to help. Call 613-692-0606 to get in touch, or reach us by email at info@ottawahomes.ca.