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This week I was out showing homes with buyers who were certain they wanted a detached house.
Makes sense, right? More privacy, no shared wall, totally independent of any neighbours.
But as we travelled to each home, something interesting happened.
The detached homes were disappointing. They’d been poorly maintained, cluttered, and didn’t show well. On paper, they checked the right boxes. In person, they didn’t inspire buyer confidence at all.
Then we walked into a few semi-detached homes. They were clean, cared for, thoughtfully presented, and immediately felt like better value. By the end of the day, my buyers bought one of them.
It wasn’t because they’d suddenly decided they preferred sharing a wall with the neighbours. It was because presentation changed the conversation.
That’s the reality of today’s market. Buyers have options, and they’re comparing every home they walk through. A well-presented home can outperform a “better” home that’s been neglected.
If you’re thinking about selling this year, even if it’s months away, it’s worth knowing how buyers are likely to view your home today. Sometimes a few strategic changes make a much bigger difference than people expect.
If you’d like an honest, no-pressure opinion on how your home would stack up in today’s market (or what you could do before listing to make it stand out), simply send me a message. We can set up a quick mini consultation and start the conversation together.
Ready when you are,
Sarah Fothergill
Sales Representative
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage
Direct: 613 315 9365
Let’s Connect: @fothergill.realestate
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Originally sent to Mind the Market subscribers on July 9, 2026.
