Selling a waterfront home in Barrie can be a complex venture. There are many things to consider, as lakeside properties are unique, with exceptional lifestyle potential. From choosing the right realtor to smart staging, we share our top 5 tips for selling your waterfront home. 

1. Choose The Right Realtor

This cannot be overstated. 

Choosing the right realtor means finding an professional who is experienced in your specific property type. That means hiring an agent who understands the unique nature of waterfront homes, the lifestyle, and the features that most appeal to prospective buyers. 

It’s also important to ensure your realtor knows about waterfront properties in your specific area. Waterfront homes in Niagara, for example, will have different values than waterfront homes in Barrie. The demographics are also different, so your realtor should have a good idea of local buyer characteristics. 

2. Understand Comparable Properties

Waterfront properties are unique oases that differ from traditional residences. When selling a waterfront home, be sure you’re looking at comparable listings that are also lakeside. 

While other listings may be similar in layout or design or architecture, the lifestyle and value of waterfront homes is considerably different. 

3. Get Specific About Selling Features

Does your property include direct lake access? Is there a dock? Can the water be accessed all year long or only seasonally? 

There are many aspects of waterfront homes that buyers need to know. Be sure to outline all the features of living lakeside in your listing to help buyers envision themselves living at your property. 

You’ll also want to be transparent about things like property lines, zoning, and lake rights so buyers feel informed and prepared to purchase your home. 

4. Make Your View The Focal Point

One of the biggest selling points of waterfront homes is the view! 

If you can see the lake from a room in your house (or many), be sure to play up that feature. Choose window treatments that draw your eye to the view, arrange furniture in a way that centres the window frame, and take advantage of any and all outdoor space. 

Incorporate patio sets, barbecues, swings, and other outdoor furniture that draws buyers to the incomparable lake vistas. 

5. Staging For Living Lakeside 

It’s important to stage your home in a way that encourages buyers to imagine themselves living in the property. Real estate is not only about the structure itself, but the lifestyle that comes with purchasing a specific property.

Your realtor will know who the most likely buyer of your home will be—a local family moving up, an out of town couple purchasing a vacation home, or a retiree looking for a slower pace of life. With this in mind, you’ll be able to stage your home in a way that appeals to the most likely buyer. 

A good realtor will have connections to an expert stager who can help you choose the right colours, furniture, decor, and design for each room. This can include beach or lake-themed art, paint that evokes They’ll also stage the exterior to further highlight the lifestyle potential. Installing a fire pit, organizing your water activity equipment in a visible place, or 

Every home is different, but waterfront homes are particularly unique. Work with the right realtor to come up with the most strategic plan of action, and follow these five tips to put yourself in the best market position.