The journey of selling your home in London, Ontario, often feels like a long process, but the truth is, the success of your entire sale hinges on just a handful of critical days. In a competitive market, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why every seller needs to master the 10 most important days—from initial preparation to the final offer.
By focusing your effort, time, and resources on these key moments, you can significantly reduce your time on the market and secure the highest possible price for your property.
Days 1-5: The Strategic Preparation
These are the days when money is made. Buyers in London are looking for move-in-ready homes, and meticulous preparation pays off.
Day 1: The Valuation & Strategy Meeting. This is when you hire your Realtor. This is more than just getting a price estimate; it’s about creating a hyper-local strategy. Your Realtor should come prepared with:
A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recently sold properties in your neighbourhood.
A clear, data-driven pricing recommendation.
A detailed timeline of all necessary pre-listing activities (cleaning, staging, photography).
Day 2: Declutter, Depersonalize, and Repair. Buyers need to envision themselves in the space, not you. Spend this day ruthlessly removing personal items (photos, trophies, collections) and minimizing furniture. Execute small, high-impact repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching drywall holes, and replacing burnt-out light bulbs.
Day 3: Deep Cleaning and Staging. A professional deep clean is non-negotiable. Focus on kitchens (appliances, cabinets) and bathrooms. After cleaning, apply simple staging principles: fresh towels, organized pantries, and a clean, neutral aesthetic. Staging helps showcase the room’s potential and makes photos pop.
Day 4: Professional Photography & Video High-quality listing photos are your most powerful marketing tool. This is not the time for amateur phone pictures. Professional photos and a 3D virtual tour or video walkthrough are essential for capturing buyers who start their search online.
Day 5: Write the Compelling Listing Description. Work with your Realtor to craft a description that tells a story, highlights key features (e.g., proximity to parks, specific school zones, upgrades), and focuses on the emotional benefits of living in the home.
Days 6-9: The Critical Launch Period
The first week your home is on the market dictates the momentum of your sale. This is where demand is highest.
Day 6: The Official Launch (Go-Live Day). Your home is added to the London & St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) MLS system. Every marketing element—photos, video, description—is flawless. All your Realtor’s pre-marketing efforts (social media previews, “coming soon” signs) pay off today.
Day 7 & 8: Showings and Open Houses. These days are designed for maximum visibility. The goal is to generate as many showings as possible. Keep the home immaculate, ensure all lights are on, and consider leaving for the day. An optional weekend open house can capture potential buyers who are not actively working with a Realtor.
Day 9: The Brutal Truth. There is no indication of any offers. Or, only one or a low-ball.
Day 10: The Negotiation and Acceptance
This is the day you convert interest into equity.
Day 10: Strategic Negotiation A strategic negotiation comes into play! This is not just about the highest price; it’s also about the best terms:
Closing Date: Does it align with your next move?
Conditions: Are the offers firm (no financing or inspection conditions)?
Deposit: Is the deposit substantial?
Your Realtor’s negotiation skills and financial integrity are paramount here to ensure you get the maximum value while protecting you from conditional issues.
The Takeaway
The bulk of your effort needs to be front-loaded. By executing a flawless strategy during these ten critical days, you maximize buyer excitement, generate competitive pressure, and significantly increase the likelihood of a fast, highly profitable sale.
Those 10 days most London sellers ignore (and why it costs them thousands)
Ready to see how a precise 10-day plan can transform your home sale?