If you’re thinking of listing a house in Leslieville, we’ve got two things to say to you. First, we’re sorry to see you go. Leslieville is such a terrific part of Toronto that we imagine it must be hard for you to leave. Second, lucky you. Leslieville is such an attractive part of Toronto that you’re bound to generate interested buyers.

But let’s talk about that second part in a bit more detail. Even in a seller’s market, there’s a lot you should keep in mind to ensure that you maximize what you get for your house. One way to think about it is to see the process as being a bit like dating.

Just like you and anybody else, your house has its features and flaws. The idea in selling it is to highlight its features and to de-emphasize aspects that might diminish its appeal. If you think about going on a date, especially a first date, getting ready means paying a lot of attention to the details. How do you look? Do these clothes create the impression I want to make? How casual will I be in my demeanour? These and others are the factors of consciously creating a good impression – a necessary component of kindling and developing interest.

The same holds true for presenting your home for sale. There are parts of it you may want to emphasize – by removing some crowding furniture, for instance, or brightening with a new coat of paint. There are parts that you may want to fix, so as not to draw too much attention – like a dripping faucet or a cracked light switch cover.

The difference between a place that’s available and one that’s attractive can be the difference between a house that sells and one that becomes a hot property.

Just as every person is different, and no advice applies to everyone, the same can be said for houses. But there are some fundamentals that will always come into play. That’s why we like to work with our clients to explore what it is about their individual situations that could create the most interest.

Because you may be able to arrange for a parade of suiters, but the goal is to find the perfect match.