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By Samantha Crowley, Broker | ONE Real Estate Group at Century 21 United
If you are thinking about selling your home, you might be picturing the photos, the sign on the lawn or the first showing. I get it. Those are the parts that make everything feel real.
But some of the most helpful work happens before any of that.
I have called Peterborough home my whole life, and I believe a good selling experience starts with clear information and a plan that feels manageable. Before we talk about staging or launch dates, I like to get familiar with the property and the details a buyer may want to understand.
You do not need a perfectly organized filing cabinet. You just need a place to start.
Why gather documents before listing?
A buyer may love your kitchen, but they will also have questions. How old is the roof? What does it cost to heat the home? Was that addition permitted? Are there any shared access arrangements?
Having reliable answers, or knowing what still needs to be verified, can help us present your property accurately and respond thoughtfully.
It also helps us decide what belongs in the listing description and what should be reviewed with a lawyer or another professional.
Start with the basic property information
Property Taxes and Ownership Details
Find your most recent property tax bill and keep it handy. The City of Peterborough's My Tax Portal allows registered owners to view bills, balances and payment history.
The City also offers property tax certificates. These are legal documents that show tax status, including amounts owing and any arrears or penalties.
If you are unsure about ownership names, title, a mortgage discharge or another legal detail, ask your real estate lawyer. I can help coordinate the questions, but legal confirmation belongs with the lawyer.
Utilities and Ongoing Costs
Gather recent electricity, natural gas, water and other relevant utility information.
Buyers may ask about operating costs, especially if the home has features such as a pool, additional heating equipment or a finished lower level. Your bills are a useful reference, but someone else's costs may differ based on use, rates and weather.
If you have rented equipment, such as a water heater, locate the agreement and confirm the terms. Do not assume the arrangement will automatically transfer in a particular way.
Make a list of improvements and repairs
Dates and receipts matter
Think about the updates you have made since buying the home. Roof replacement, windows, furnace, air conditioning, insulation, waterproofing, electrical work and major plumbing projects are all worth documenting.
If you have invoices, warranties or contractor details, put them together. If you only remember an approximate year, say so rather than guessing at an exact date.
Permits and renovation records
If you added an extension, changed a layout, finished a basement or created another unit, gather any permits, inspection records and approvals you have.
The City of Peterborough provides Building Services and permit information, and its zoning rules govern matters such as land use, building locations, parking and setbacks.
A completed renovation does not, by itself, prove that every required approval was obtained. Where something is uncertain, we should verify it instead of making claims we cannot support.
Review anything shared or attached to the property
Maybe there is a shared driveway, an easement, a right-of-way or a fence that does not appear to follow an obvious lot line. Maybe a detached structure has a separate electrical service or an arrangement with a neighbour.
Gather any survey, agreement or other relevant paperwork you already have. A survey may be useful, but it should not be represented as current or definitive without appropriate review.
Condos and other special property types
If you are selling a condominium, the preparation list changes. Buyers may need information about condominium fees, rules, financial documents and a status certificate. We should plan for the appropriate documentation rather than treat a condo like a detached house.
For a property with a rental unit, gather leases and records relating to tenancy, utilities and permitted use. Ontario tenancy requirements can affect a sale and possession arrangements.
Questions about tenancy rights, taxes, mortgage penalties or other legal and financial matters should be confirmed with the appropriate professional.
Decide what stays with the house
Are the appliances included? What about wall-mounted televisions, window coverings, light fixtures, garage storage systems or garden equipment?
Make a list of items you intend to include or exclude. If something has sentimental value or you plan to take it with you, tell me before the listing goes live.
Keep your records in one easy place
I suggest creating one folder, either digital or paper, with property tax information, utility records, major improvement receipts, warranties, permits, equipment contracts and any legal documents you have been advised to share.
Keep sensitive personal information secure. Not every document should be distributed to buyers, and some records will need review or redaction first.
What about preparing the house itself?
Once we understand the property details, we can turn our attention to presentation.
That might mean removing things from certain rooms, tackling minor maintenance, making the lighting feel better or styling the home so the professional photography has the most impact.
I do not believe every seller needs a major renovation. The right preparation depends on your property, your timeline and the likely benefit of the work.
Three common questions about selling in Peterborough
f you are thinking about selling your home, you might be picturing the photos, the sign on the lawn or the first showing. I get it. Those are the parts that make everything feel real.
But some of the most helpful work happens before any of that.
I have called Peterborough home my whole life, and I believe a good selling experience starts with clear information and a plan that feels manageable. Before we talk about staging or launch dates, I like to get familiar with the property and the details a buyer may want to understand.
You do not need a perfectly organized filing cabinet. You just need a place to start.
Why gather documents before listing?
A buyer may love your kitchen, but they will also have questions. How old is the roof? What does it cost to heat the home? Was that addition permitted? Are there any shared access arrangements?
Having reliable answers, or knowing what still needs to be verified, can help us present your property accurately and respond thoughtfully.
It also helps us decide what belongs in the listing description and what should be reviewed with a lawyer or another professional.
Start with the basic property information
Property taxes and ownership details
Find your most recent property tax bill and keep it handy. The City of Peterborough's My Tax Portal allows registered owners to view bills, balances and payment history.
The City also offers property tax certificates. These are legal documents that show tax status, including amounts owing and any arrears or penalties. A lawyer may arrange the appropriate searches and adjustments during a sale.
If you are unsure about ownership names, title, a mortgage discharge or another legal detail, ask your real estate lawyer. I can help coordinate the questions, but legal confirmation belongs with the lawyer.
Utilities and ongoing costs
Gather recent electricity, natural gas, water and other relevant utility information.
Buyers may ask about operating costs, especially if the home has features such as a pool, additional heating equipment or a finished lower level. Your bills are a useful reference, but someone else's costs may differ based on use, rates and weather.
If you have rented equipment, such as a water heater, locate the agreement and confirm the terms. Do not assume the arrangement will automatically transfer in a particular way.
Make a list of improvements and repairs
Dates and receipts matter
Think about the updates you have made since buying the home. Roof replacement, windows, furnace, air conditioning, insulation, waterproofing, electrical work and major plumbing projects are all worth documenting.
If you have invoices, warranties or contractor details, put them together. If you only remember an approximate year, say so rather than guessing at an exact date.
Permits and renovation records
If you added an extension, changed a layout, finished a basement or created another unit, gather any permits, inspection records and approvals you have.
The City of Peterborough provides Building Services and permit information, and its zoning rules govern matters such as land use, building locations, parking and setbacks.
A completed renovation does not, by itself, prove that every required approval was obtained. Where something is uncertain, we should verify it instead of making claims we cannot support.
Review anything shared or attached to the property
Maybe there is a shared driveway, an easement, a right-of-way or a fence that does not appear to follow an obvious lot line. Maybe a detached structure has a separate electrical service or an arrangement with a neighbour.
Gather any survey, agreement or other relevant paperwork you already have. A survey may be useful, but it should not be represented as current or definitive without appropriate review.
Condos and other special property types
If you are selling a condominium, the preparation list changes. Buyers may need information about condominium fees, rules, financial documents and a status certificate. We should plan for the appropriate documentation rather than treat a condo like a detached house.
For a property with a rental unit, gather leases and records relating to tenancy, utilities and permitted use. Ontario tenancy requirements can affect a sale and possession arrangements.
I am not a lawyer, tax advisor or lender. Questions about tenancy rights, taxes, mortgage penalties or other legal and financial matters should be confirmed with the appropriate professional.
Decide what stays with the house
Are the appliances included? What about wall-mounted televisions, window coverings, light fixtures, garage storage systems or garden equipment?
Make a list of items you intend to include or exclude. If something has sentimental value or you plan to take it with you, tell me before the listing goes live.
Keep your records in one easy place
I suggest creating one folder, either digital or paper, with property tax information, utility records, major improvement receipts, warranties, permits, equipment contracts and any legal documents you have been advised to share.
Keep sensitive personal information secure. Not every document should be distributed to buyers, and some records will need review or redaction first.
What about preparing the house itself?
Once we understand the property details, we can turn our attention to presentation.
That might mean editing down a few rooms, tackling minor maintenance, making the lighting feel better or deciding where to style the home so the professional photography has the most impact.
I do not believe every seller needs a major renovation. The right preparation depends on your property, your timeline and the likely benefit of the work.
Three common questions about selling in Peterborough
Do I need every receipt before listing?
No. Gather what you have and be clear about what you do not know. We can identify which details need further verification instead of inventing dates or specifications.
Can I advertise a basement apartment as legal?
Only when the relevant legal and municipal requirements have been properly verified. The City of Peterborough's zoning and building information is a starting point, and legal or technical advice may be needed.
Should I order a property tax certificate myself?
Not necessarily. The City offers certificates, but your real estate lawyer can advise what is needed for your particular transaction and who should obtain it.
A little preparation can make the next step easier
Selling a home is a big decision, and it is often an emotional one. We will take it one decision at a time.
If you are curious where your home stands, you can request a home valuation. If you are exploring your next move, browse available properties. Or simply reach out and we can talk about a plan that feels right for you.
Samantha Crowley, Broker | ONE Real Estate Group at Century 21 United | 705-872-6118
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