Selling a house is one of the biggest financial moves most Canadians will ever make. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or a smaller city, the question is the same: how do you get the best offer on your house this year?
I remember when a family friend in Ottawa decided to sell their bungalow in 2023. At first, they priced it too high and got no offers for weeks. After adjusting the price, staging the home, and working with the right realtor, the house sold in less than 10 days—above asking price. That experience showed me that getting the best offer on your home in Canada isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through proven steps—pricing, staging, marketing, and negotiation—so you can maximize your sale in 2025’s market.
1. Understand the Canadian Housing Market in 2025
Before you set a price or list your home, you need to understand what’s happening in the Canadian market.
- Interest rates: Mortgage rates remain higher than pre-2020 levels, which impacts buyers’ budgets.
- Regional differences: Toronto and Vancouver are still competitive, while prairie provinces often see steadier but slower growth.
- Demand drivers: Immigration, urban job growth, and housing supply shortages continue to shape the market.
By checking recent sales in your neighbourhood (comps), you’ll have a realistic idea of what buyers are willing to pay.
2. Price It Right from the Start
Pricing is the number one factor in attracting offers.
- Too high: Your listing may sit for months, forcing price cuts later.
- Too low: You might attract quick offers but leave money on the table.
The sweet spot is pricing slightly below market value in hot markets (like Toronto), which can trigger bidding wars. In slower markets, stick closer to the appraised value.
Pro tip: Ask your realtor for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This uses actual sales data, not just listing prices.
3. Stage Your Home to Impress Buyers
First impressions matter. Staging can add 5–10% to your sale price.
- Declutter: Remove personal items so buyers can imagine themselves living there.
- Deep clean: Sparkling kitchens and bathrooms sell faster.
- Neutral tones: Fresh paint in whites or light greys appeals to more buyers.
- Curb appeal: In Canada, seasonal touches like a shoveled driveway in winter or flower planters in summer make a difference.
When I helped my cousin sell in Calgary, staging cost less than $2,000 but helped them sell $25,000 above asking. Worth every penny.
4. Use Professional Photos and Virtual Tours
In 2025, buyers start their search online. Listings with high-quality photos and 3D tours get more clicks and more offers.
- Hire a professional photographer. iPhone shots just don’t cut it.
- Add drone footage if your property has land or unique views.
- Virtual staging can be a cost-effective option if the house is empty.
5. Market Aggressively (Online and Offline)
Gone are the days when a “For Sale” sign was enough. To get the best offer, you need maximum exposure.
- MLS listing: Essential for reaching Canadian buyers.
- Social media ads: Targeted Facebook and Instagram campaigns can attract local buyers.
- Realtor networks: Agents often know buyers before the listing even hits the market.
- Open houses: Still effective for creating urgency in competitive markets.
6. Work with the Right Realtor
A skilled real estate agent can make a massive difference in final sale price. Look for someone who:
- Specializes in your neighbourhood.
- Has a strong marketing plan.
- Is experienced in negotiation.
In Canada, commission is usually 4–5%, but the right agent often brings in offers that more than make up for the fee.
7. Time the Market if You Can
Seasonality matters.
- Spring and early summer: Typically the hottest selling season.
- Fall: Can also be strong, especially before winter sets in.
- Winter: Slower, but less competition on the market.
If you have flexibility, list during peak buyer activity in your city.
8. Negotiate Smartly
The highest offer isn’t always the best one. Look at:
- Financing conditions: Is the buyer pre-approved?
- Closing flexibility: Does the move-out date align with your plans?
- Inspection terms: Fewer conditions usually mean smoother deals.
Sometimes, an offer slightly below the highest dollar amount can still be the “best” because it’s more likely to close.
9. Consider Small Renovations with High ROI
You don’t need a full remodel, but small updates can boost your home’s value:
- Kitchen: New hardware, modern lighting.
- Bathroom: Fresh caulking, new vanity mirror.
- Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats, new insulation.
These relatively small investments often impress buyers and justify a higher asking price.
10. Be Ready to Move Fast
In hot Canadian markets, good homes can sell in under a week. Have your next living arrangements lined up, paperwork ready, and be prepared to respond quickly to offers.
Conclusion & Advice
Getting the best offer on your house in Canada this year isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation. Price strategically, stage your home, market it aggressively, and work with a skilled realtor.
My advice:
- Don’t chase the “highest possible number”—chase the strongest offer.
- Invest in presentation—it pays off in higher bids.
- Stay realistic about your market—Toronto isn’t Saskatoon, and strategies differ.
If you put in the work upfront, you’ll not only sell faster but also walk away with more money in your pocket.