When it comes to buying a home, Canadians have more to consider than just price or square footage. A new national survey suggests that for many prospective buyers, the decision to move forward with a property starts before they even walk through the front door.
A recently commissioned survey by a leading real estate firm found that exterior appearance and neighbourhood conditions are among the top deal breakers for Canadian home buyers. In fact, more than half of respondents said that the condition of neighbouring properties could be a deciding factor in whether or not they pursue a listing further.
The Top Dealbreakers for Canadian Homebuyers
According to the survey results, here are the top five factors that cause buyers to walk away from a potential home:
Neighbouring homes in poor condition (51%)
Lack of curb appeal (41%)
Room sizes being smaller than they appeared in listing photos (40%)
Too much competition from other buyers (36%)
Proximity to bars, restaurants, or busy retail areas (28%)
Other concerns included unkempt interiors during showings, sellers being present during tours, and unresponsive or unhelpful real estate agents.
What This Means for Sellers
While price will always play a role in the real estate process, the findings of this study show that presentation is equally important in today’s market. A representative of the real estate firm behind the survey emphasized that sellers need to adapt to shifting buyer expectations, not just by adjusting pricing, but by refining the overall appearance of their homes.
This includes elements sellers can control—like landscaping, lighting, and staging—as well as strategic responses to factors they may not be able to change, such as the condition of neighbouring homes.
How Sellers Can Improve First Impressions
Some of the most effective strategies to improve a home’s appeal include:
Maintaining clean and attractive landscaping
Applying a fresh coat of exterior paint where needed
Installing modern outdoor lighting
Using greenery or hedges to block views of unsightly neighbouring properties
Ensuring rooms match the scale shown in listing photos through proper staging
These small but impactful changes can make a big difference when it comes to attracting serious buyers—especially in a competitive market.
The Importance of Strategic Guidance
An experienced listing agent plays a critical role in helping sellers prepare their homes for today’s discerning buyers. From identifying small upgrades with high return-on-investment to properly staging and photographing the property, working with a real estate professional ensures your home makes the right first impression.
If you’re thinking about selling your home or buying your next one, I’d be happy to help you navigate the process with confidence and strategy. With deep market insight and a personalized approach, I’ll ensure your next move is the right one.
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation, or explore your options on my website. Your ideal real estate experience starts here.
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