Welcome to Condo's Corner!

Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Selling a condo can be a challenge, especially in a market where buyers have plenty of options. But with the right preparation and strategy, you can stand out, sell faster, and secure the best possible price. Here are some proven steps — with real-world examples — to help you prepare.

1. Hire the Right Realtor

Choosing the right real estate agent is your most important decision. Not all Realtors are created equal — and not all understand the intricacies of condominiums.

Selling a condo is very different from selling a house. A condo agent will know how to review status certificates, navigate board approval processes, and market not only your unit but also your building’s amenities.

💡 Tip: Ask potential agents how many condos they’ve sold in the past year, and if they’ve worked in your specific building or with similar corporations.

2. Be Strategic With Pricing

Condo pricing is both science and psychology. Unlike houses, where every property is unique, condos often have identical comparables — sometimes even in your own building.

Key factors that impact condo pricing:

• Floor height: Higher floors = higher price per square foot.

• Views: Lake views can add tens of thousands in value. Parking lot views? Not so much.

• Layout: Open layouts with usable space command more than units with wasted hallways.

• Parking & storage: An extra parking spot in Niagara can add $10K - $25K, while lockers or ensuite storage are in high demand.

• Maintenance fees: Higher-than-average fees can lower your selling price, even if the unit itself is strong.

• Reputation of the building – the demographics of the residents, noise proofing, quality of construction, legal problems, the effectiveness of the Board of Directors, and also the Management Company!

3. Declutter and Depersonalize

Space is the biggest selling feature of a condo — and it’s also the biggest limitation. Buyers want to see open, clean spaces they can picture themselves living in.

• Remove bulky furniture (swap the king-sized bed for a double, or the sectional couch for something smaller).

• Store off-season clothes offsite, remove small kitchen appliances from the counters and minimize your toiletries.

• Pack away personal photos, memorabilia, and collections.

• Clear out kitchen cabinets and closets — aim for 75% full to signal plenty of storage.

4. Highlight the Best Features

Every condo has something that makes it stand out — whether it’s the view, the upgrades, or the amenities. Make sure these are front and center.

• If your unit faces Lake Ontario or the canal, showcase that view in your photos.

• If you’ve added upgrades like granite counters or engineered hardwood, highlight them in your listing description.

• Don’t forget amenities like gyms, rooftop terraces, or guest suites — buyers aren’t just buying a unit, they’re buying into a lifestyle.

5. Stage Every Room With Purpose

Buyers don’t always have great imaginations. Help them see the potential by staging each space for its intended use.

• If you’ve been using a second bedroom as storage, turn it back into a bedroom.

• Add a desk to a den to highlight its potential as a home office.

• Set a dining table, even if you usually eat at the kitchen island.

6. Fix the Small Stuff

Buyers notice the little things — and they often overestimate the cost of repairs. What looks like a $50 leaky faucet fix to you can feel like a $500 headache to them.

• Patch holes, touch up paint, and re-caulk tubs or showers.

• Repair broken doors, closet tracks, or chipped counters.

• Replace burnt-out lightbulbs and make sure every fixture works.

💡 Tip: A pre-listing handyman walkthrough can often save you thousands in negotiations.

7. Showcase the Amenities

Buyers are purchasing more than just your unit — they’re buying into the community. Make sure they know what comes with the building:

• Pools, gyms, and theatres can make a big difference.

• Rooftop patios, BBQ areas, and guest suites are huge perks.

• Even practical features like bike storage or visitor parking add value.

Provide a key or fob to allow potential buyers and their agents to explore the shared amenities and facilities. If your building restricts non-residents from accessing shared spaces, make sure your Realtor gets the spaces photographed.

Selling your condo means selling the lifestyle that comes with it. From clutter-free interiors to polished common areas, every detail matters. The more prepared you are, the more confident buyers will be — and confidence is what gets you offers.

Got a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don't be shy—share 'em with me! Whether it's a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we're all ears. All you need to do is reply to this email so we can keep the content coming.

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