After touring more than 100 homes in Okotoks this year, I’ve come away with a long list of lessons, surprises, and “I did not expect that today” moments. When you walk through that many properties, you start to notice patterns—some hilarious, some helpful, and some that really make you wish sellers had a universal handbook. Whether you’re planning to list your home soon or you’re just curious about what really happens behind the scenes, here’s everything I learned from stepping inside more Okotoks homes than I can count.
First Impressions Still Control Everything
I wish I could tell you buyers look beyond the first five seconds, but let’s be honest: they don’t. I’ve watched buyers walk into a home, sniff once, turn around, and that’s it—the showing is basically over. Curb appeal matters. Entryway lighting matters. The smell of your home absolutely matters. Homes that feel bright, clean, and welcoming immediately create trust. Homes that feel dark, cluttered, or vaguely scented like mystery leftovers make buyers nervous.
Lighting Can Make or Break a Showing
This year I saw two categories of homes: those lit like a warm, cozy magazine spread, and those lit like an underground parking lot. The difference? Massive. Good lighting hides flaws, enhances features, makes rooms feel bigger, and instantly changes buyer mood. Too often, sellers underestimate this. If you’re planning to list, brighten everything. Replace bulbs. Open blinds. Turn every light on. Light sells homes.
Buyers Want Space That Works, Not Just Space That Exists
It doesn’t matter if the home is 1,000 square feet or 4,000. What matters is whether the layout makes sense. I walked through homes with beautifully staged rooms and homes where the living room furniture was arranged like a maze. Buyers care deeply about flow, function, and practicality. If the house forces them to ask “Where would my couch even go?” you’ve already lost points. This year reinforced that smart layouts beat square footage every time.
Storage Is the New Luxury Feature
Based on buyer reactions, you’d think walk-in closets were portals to Narnia. Same with pantries—you’d be shocked how often buyers gasp when they see a pantry that doesn’t require Tetris skills. Storage sends a message: this home is organized, functional, and built for real life. Even smaller homes with good storage got huge buyer interest this year.
Kitchens Sell Homes, But Cleanliness Sells Them Faster
I know it sounds obvious, but after touring 100+ homes, let me say this clearly: people notice everything in the kitchen. Crumbs? They see them. Sticky counters? They feel them. Old appliances? They judge them. A kitchen doesn’t have to be brand new, but it does have to be clean, tidy, and functional. Buyers want a space that feels ready for their life—not a weekend cleaning project.
Minor Updates Have Major Impact
You don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers. I toured plenty of homes this year with minor updates—new hardware, fresh paint, upgraded lighting—and they felt completely different. Small improvements show buyers that the home has been cared for. Meanwhile, homes that skipped the basic stuff felt dated, even if the bones were great. In the Okotoks market, smart updates make your home stand out instantly.
Pet Evidence Is a Dealbreaker for Some Buyers
Listen, I love pets. But not all buyers do. Some are allergic. Some are picky. And some get uneasy when they see pet hair or smell pet scents. This year taught me that even dog lovers can get thrown off by a strong smell or a scratched door frame. If you’re selling, the goal is to erase signs of pets temporarily—not forever, just until the buyer falls in love.
A Clean Furnace Room Impresses People More Than It Should
I’m not sure why, but a spotless mechanical room has the same effect on buyers as a walk-in shower in a fancy hotel. People love seeing signs of good maintenance. When your utility room is tidy, labelled, dust-free, and organized, buyers assume the entire home has been treated with the same care.
Homes with Personality Sell—Homes with Chaos Do Not
Some homes have charm. Some have character. Some have… confusion. This year I saw everything from beautifully designed interiors to homes where every wall colour loudly competed for attention. Buyers love personality, but they also love cohesion. Neutral paint, simple decor, and a clean aesthetic still win almost every time.
Buyers Want a Home That Feels Loved
After touring so many homes, the biggest thing I learned is this: buyers can feel when a home has been cared for. They pick up on maintenance, cleanliness, thoughtful improvements, and pride of ownership. A loved home always sells better, faster, and for more. And with less stress for the seller. If you’re thinking about listing, the best thing you can do is start with the basics—clean, repair, declutter, brighten. Let buyers walk in and feel like the home has been waiting for them. And if you want a strategic plan for getting your home market-ready, that’s literally what I do. Let’s make your home the one buyers can’t stop thinking about.
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