If you’re thinking about listing your home in 2025, it’s wise to start planning ahead. Housing inventory has been building in many market segments and today’s sellers need more than just a “For Sale” sign to stand out.¹   You can make a strong impression and command top dollar, if you know what today’s buyers are looking for. 

Below, I’ve outlined the top five homebuyer priorities in 2025, along with a plan to help you position your property for success. Whether you’re weeks or months away from listing, these insights will help you attract serious offers and maximize your return.

BUYER PRIORITY #1 ⇒ MOVE-IN READY CONDITION

Buyers want homes that are ready to enjoy from day one. A recent survey found that 64% of Canadians prefer to buy a renovated property.² Fresh and well-maintained homes are far more likely to attract competitive offers.

Seller Action Plan:

• Refresh your interior.
  Begin with the basics by painting rooms in neutral, contemporary colours and swapping outdated light fixtures for more modern alternatives. Remove heavy drapery and dated blinds to brighten your space. Polish or replace flooring to create a clean and cohesive look.
• Fix anything that’s broken.
  If something isn’t working quite right, repair it now. Keep maintenance records, and consider a pre-listing inspection to identify potential issues early, which will avoid delays or negotiations later.³ I can advise you on the best course of action given your circumstances and your home’s condition.
• Strategically enhance your kitchen.
  A modern kitchen is a major selling point for many buyers. As per the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, buyers rank a kitchen island and hardwood/wood-look kitchen flooring among their top 10 most-desired features.⁴ I can help you decide if an investment in your kitchen is worthwhile.

BUYER PRIORITY #2 ⇒ A FLEXIBLE CLOSING

Today’s buyers are juggling complicated schedules and circumstances, especially if they need to time the sale of their current home with the purchase of their new one. If you are able to offer a flexible closing timeline, it can really give you an advantage.

Seller Action Plan:

• Define your ideal timeline and explore your level of flexibility.
  Let’s discuss your goals for a closing timeline, and consider how much flexibility you can offer to buyers. This will depend on your specific circumstances, but any additional leeway will be helpful.
• Make a plan to get out of your home quickly, if needed.
  Some buyers need to move out of their current home quickly or relocate by a certain date to start school or a new job. Therefore, they may require an accelerated closing timeline. These buyers will be particularly interested in finding sellers who are willing and able to accommodate a fast closing.
• Leverage your real estate agent’s negotiation expertise.
  Closing dates can be tricky to navigate. As an experienced professional, I can help you work through the details to arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and the buyer. 

BUYER PRIORITY #3 ⇒ GREAT CURB APPEAL

A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior, often referred to as “curb appeal,” is essential for generating interest and bringing buyers in the door. According to a study by the Journal of Real Estate Finance, curb appeal can account for as much as 7% of a home’s sale price.⁵

Seller Action Plan:

• Maintain an immaculate exterior.
  Ensure your landscaping is well maintained while it’s on the market, with your lawn mowed, hedges trimmed, and flower beds weed-free. If this isn’t your strong suit, invest in a professional service. When it comes to your home itself, a welcoming entrance with a clean, freshly painted front door and updated hardware can make a big difference.
• Address visible exterior elements.
  Inspect and touch up any peeling or faded paint on the siding or trim, and repair or replace any damaged siding or roofing. Check that your walkways and driveway are in good condition and that your outdoor lighting is sufficient and in working order.
• Keep things clean.
  Thoroughly power wash the siding, walkways, driveway, and any other exterior surfaces to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. Clean all windows and screens, both inside and out, to maximize natural light and improve the overall appearance of your home. 

BUYER PRIORITY #4 ⇒ FUNCTIONAL SPACES

Today’s buyers prefer properties that offer flexibility and function to meet their evolving needs, ranging from entertaining to storage space to convenient parking. 

Seller Action Plan:

• Showcase outdoor spaces.
  A recent survey says 81% of Canadians consider a backyard to be either “important” or “very important” when choosing a home.² Be sure to stage your patio and yard to look their best, and to highlight outdoor spaces in your MLS listing.
• Highlight finished basements and storage solutions.
  Functional living isn’t just about primary spaces, it’s also about smart storage. Showcase your finished basement, walk-in closets, and other storage solutions that help keep the home organized and clutter-free.^2,4 This gives buyers a sense of ease and livability.
• Keep parking in mind.
  Convenient parking is a top priority for many buyers. A garage is on the list of “must-haves” for many single-family home buyers, while parking garages and access to visitor parking rank high amongst condo purchasers.^2,4 

BUYER PRIORITY #5 ⇒ ENERGY EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY 

With rising utility costs and a focus on environmentally-clean living, today’s buyers appreciate homes with eco-friendly features.⁴ A few small changes can help you make the most of that desire and draw in conscious buyers. 

Seller Action Plan:

• Incorporate and highlight sustainable materials.
  Today’s are drawn to homes that feature eco-conscious design choices. If you’ve used sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, low-VOC paints, or reclaimed wood accents – be sure to highlight these details. They not only enhance your home’s aesthetic but also signal a thoughtful, responsible approach to design.
• Install energy-efficient features.
  While it isn’t always cost-effective to add these features solely to sell your home, if you plan on making any upgrades to windows, systems, or appliances, keep energy efficiency in mind. For example, a smart thermostat will help cut utility bills, and show potential buyers that your home features the latest smart technology.
• Take steps to reduce energy loss throughout the home.
  Simple upgrades like sealing gaps around doors and windows, adding weather stripping, or insulating the attic can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency. These improvements may seem small, but they can lower utility bills and demonstrate to buyers that the home has been well maintained with long-term savings in mind.

PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS ⇒ Your Strategic Advantage in Today’s Market

Successfully selling your home in today’s competitive and ever-evolving market requires more than luck.  It demands insight, preparation, and expert strategy. By aligning your listing with the priorities of today’s buyers, you’ll position your property to stand out and sell faster, for top dollar.

I am here to guide you every step of the way. From personalized recommendations and trusted vendor referrals, to strategic pricing and marketing, I’m committed to helping you achieve a smooth and profitable sale. Reach out when you’re ready, and let’s work together to turn your real estate goals into reality.

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Better Dwelling – https://betterdwelling.com/canadian-real-estate-prices-rise-sales-make-the-sharpest-drop-in-years/
2. Real Estate Magazine – https://realestatemagazine.ca/what-canadians-really-want-in-their-homes-in-2025-according-to-a-new-survey/
3. Global News – https://globalnews.ca/news/10502859/home-inspections-cost-condition-housing-market/
4. Canadian Home Builders’ Association – https://www.chba.ca/home-buyer-preferences/
5. Spruce – https://www.sprucemagazine.ca/the-real-deal-on-curb-appeal/