Selling a home in Calgary takes more than just putting a sign on the lawn. Small details can make or break your first impression, and certain mistakes can instantly turn buyers away, even in a strong market. After showing thousands of homes across Calgary, I’ve seen listings lose value within seconds because of simple, avoidable missteps.
In this post, I’ll share what not to do when selling your home, what to remove before showings, and how to make your property stand out to serious buyers. If you prefer watching instead, you can check out my YouTube video on this exact topic — Never Have This In Your House When Selling In Calgary.
Essential Resources for Calgary Home Sellers
- Seller’s Guide – Free download for Calgary homeowners
- Free Home Evaluation – Discover your current market value
Strong Odours That Drive Buyers Away
Cigarette smoke, strong cooking smells, and pet odours are among the biggest deal breakers in real estate. Even if you’ve lived with them for years, buyers notice immediately. A strong scent can make someone walk out before they’ve even seen the kitchen.
Tips to fix it:
- Deep clean or replace carpets
- Repaint walls affected by smoke or cooking residue
- Avoid air fresheners or scented sprays — air fresheners can really bother many buyers
Leaving Pets or Signs of Pets During Showings
Even friendly dogs or cats can make buyers uncomfortable. Pet odours, shedding, or multiple litter boxes can make a property feel less clean or smaller than it is.
Pro tips:
- Remove pets during showings if possible
- Minimize pet items and deep clean daily
- Arrange temporary stays with friends or family
Dirty or Cluttered Homes
A messy home instantly hurts your chances of selling. Whether it’s tenant occupied or owner occupied, dirt and clutter make buyers assume poor maintenance.
You don’t need perfection, but you do need tidiness:
- Start pre packing early
- Store extra items in the garage or basement
- Clean every surface, especially kitchens and bathrooms
Poor Lighting and Uncomfortable Temperatures
Calgary’s winters can be dark and cold, and lighting plays a big role in first impressions. A home that feels dim or chilly is harder to connect with emotionally.
Make your space inviting:
- Turn on all lights and open blinds before showings
- Keep rooms warm in winter and comfortably cool in summer
- Highlight unique features like pathways or backyard views
Leaving Personal or Valuable Items Out
Buyers should picture their own life in the home, not yours. Personal photos, collectibles, and paperwork can distract buyers or raise privacy concerns.
Store these before showings:
- Important documents or financial papers
- Watches, electronics, or jewelry
- Collectibles
If you’re preparing to list, request my free pre listing checklist for a complete breakdown of what to remove before photography or showings.
Showing Signs of Divorce or Distress
Buyers notice far more than most sellers realize. When a home feels only half lived in, such as empty closets, one side of a vanity being used, or children’s rooms sitting vacant, it can quietly signal separation or stress. Even without meaning to, the property can give the impression that someone has already moved out or that a sale needs to happen quickly. Experienced buyers and agents recognize these cues instantly, and it can lead to lower offers or tougher negotiations.
To avoid that, aim to keep the home balanced and comfortable. Fill closets evenly, use both sides of vanities, etc. The goal is to keep buyers focused on the home’s value rather than your personal situation.
Tenant Occupied Properties
Selling a home that has tenants living in it can make the process far more complicated. Tenants have their own schedules and priorities, and they are rarely as invested in the sale as the homeowner.
Showings can also be difficult to coordinate. Alberta tenancy laws require proper notice, and even with notice, some tenants decline certain times or do not prepare the home properly. When access is limited, the number of potential buyers drops, which can directly affect the level of interest and the final sale price.
Possession can be challenging since tenants often need to finish their lease or be given up to three months notice. This can delay closing and create uncertainty for both buyer and seller.
If possible, it is best to wait until the lease has ended before listing the property. A clean, vacant, and well presented home always attracts more buyers and sells faster. If selling with tenants in place is unavoidable, clear communication, cooperation, and professional guidance are essential to help keep the process smooth and positive.
Staying Home During Showings
This is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. When you stay home during a showing, you risk saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally. Mentioning old repairs, noisy neighbours, or personal stories can shift the buyer’s perception in seconds.
For best results:
- Leave before showings begin
- Let your Realtor handle questions
- Avoid all direct communication with buyers
Final Thoughts on Selling Your Calgary Home
Selling your home in Calgary successfully comes down to preparation, presentation, and perception. Avoiding these common mistakes helps your property stand out, attract more buyers, and achieve a stronger final sale price.
If you are thinking about selling and want expert guidance, explore my free resources to help you prepare with confidence. You can also learn what expenses to expect by visiting my guide on how much it costs to sell a home in Calgary so you can plan ahead and make informed decisions before listing.
- 📞 Call/Text: (403) 471-4212
- 📧 Email: ryan@ryangillard.ca
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