Speed Matters More Than People Think
TRREB’s June 2026 data showed GTA homes selling with an average selling-price-to-list-price ratio of 98%, with average days on market holding in a reasonable range. Homes that linger tend to accumulate a reputation — buyers and agents alike start asking “what’s wrong with it?” Decluttering before your first showing is one of the few steps a seller fully controls to avoid that trap from day one.
The 3-Box Method
For each room, sort into three boxes: Keep (goes with you), Store (packed away for the sale period), and Donate/Discard. Markham sellers moving within York Region often underestimate how much can move straight to the “Store” box — you’re not deciding to get rid of it, just deciding it doesn’t need to be visible while your home is being shown.
Markham-Specific Considerations
Many Markham homes, particularly in Unionville and Cornell, feature open-concept main floors where clutter in one zone visually affects the whole space. Focus decluttering effort disproportionately on kitchen islands, family room built-ins, and any home office nook — these tend to be the areas that accumulate the most day-to-day clutter and are also the most visible in listing photos.
Don’t Forget Digital Clutter
Smart home devices, visible Wi-Fi routers, and tangled cables read as “dated” in photos even in an otherwise updated home. A five-minute cable management pass before your photographer arrives is one of the easiest wins available.
Thinking about your next move in Richmond Hill, Markham, or York Region? Contact Ray Azar for a confidential, no-obligation consultation and a current market analysis tailored to your property.