How should Markham sellers prepare their home for showings in fall and winter?Light the home inside and out, keep it warm, and keep paths clear. Sunset in Markham drops to about 5:08 p.m. on November 1, 2026 and 4:43 p.m. by late December, so many showings happen after dark. Take exterior photos before snow or on a bright, clear day, and add a twilight shot. Clear leaves, then snow and ice, from walkways and steps. Service the furnace, change the filter and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep seasonal decor simple so buyers can still see each room.
Selling in the colder months has real advantages, including fewer competing listings and serious buyers. It also means shorter days, wet boots and photos that can look grey. A few seasonal steps help a home feel warm and inviting from the street to the basement.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, prepares fall and winter listings with the season in mind, so buyers see the home at its best even on a dark December evening.
Curb appeal for the season
- Rake leaves and clean gutters before listing photos.
- Trim shrubs away from windows and the front door.
- Add planters with evergreens or seasonal arrangements.
- Repair loose railings and uneven steps.
- Once snow arrives, keep the driveway, walkway and steps clear and salted before every showing.
Lighting for early darkness
| Date, Toronto area | Approximate sunset |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2026 | 6:09 p.m. |
| November 1, 2026 (clocks fall back) | 5:08 p.m. |
| Around December 21, 2026 | 4:43 p.m. |
- Turn on every light and lamp before showings, including closets and the basement.
- Use warm-white bulbs of matching colour in each room.
- Light the walkway, front door, garage and backyard.
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs before photos.
Warmth and comfort
- Keep the thermostat comfortable during showing hours.
- Service the furnace and replace the filter.
- Seal obvious drafts around doors and windows.
- Put a mat and boot tray at the entrance so buyers feel welcome to step inside.
- If you have a fireplace, have it serviced; light it only when someone is home.
Listing this fall or winter?
Michael John Lau can help you prepare, photograph and launch your home for the season.
Request a listing consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Photography timing
Photos taken in October, before snow and after leaves fall, often show the exterior clearly. If your home will be listed into winter, book a bright, clear day and include a twilight exterior photo with the lights on, which tends to look warm in listings. Avoid strongly seasonal decor in photos so the listing still looks current in January.
Maintenance buyers will check
- Safety alarms: since January 1, 2026, homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage need carbon monoxide alarms on every storey.
- Outdoor taps: shut off and drain them before the first freeze.
- Basement: check for dampness; fall rain often shows where water collects.
- Furnace records: keep service receipts ready, since heating is top of mind for winter buyers.
Showing logistics
- Entry: keep a rack for coats and a sign inviting buyers to remove shoes, with a dry mat inside and out.
- Pets: plan for them to be out during showings, especially when doors are opened often in the cold.
- Timing: be flexible about evening showings, since many buyers tour after work in the dark.
- Parking: keep the driveway clear for buyers when street parking is limited by snow clearing.
- Documents: have the furnace age, utility bills and any recent repairs ready for buyer agents.
Fewer competing listings in December means a well-prepared home can stand out. In Markham, only 248 new listings came to market in December 2025.
Staging in the colder months
- Keep holiday decor light and tasteful.
- Add throws and cushions for warmth, but declutter surfaces.
- Show the home office and any flex space; many buyers work from home.
- Keep the home smelling fresh; avoid strong scents.
- Have recent utility bills ready to share.
For broader preparation, see preparing your Markham home for sale. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you list.
In winter, a warm, bright, well-kept home stands out from the first step inside. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to sell a house in winter in Markham?
There are fewer buyers, but also fewer competing listings. Preparation and lighting matter more in the darker months.
When should I take listing photos for a winter sale?
Ideally in fall before snow, or on a bright, clear winter day, plus a twilight photo with the lights on.
What time does it get dark in Markham in December?
Sunset is around 4:43 p.m. near December 21, 2026, based on Toronto area times.
Should I decorate for the holidays while my home is listed?
Keep decor simple so buyers can see the rooms, and avoid strongly seasonal decor in listing photos.
What maintenance should sellers do before winter showings?
Service the furnace, change the filter, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, drain outdoor taps and keep paths clear.
Do I need carbon monoxide alarms on every floor to sell?
Since January 1, 2026, homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage need them on every storey.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Sunset times are approximate for Toronto, from calendar.center. Carbon monoxide alarm requirements are as reported by Oakville Fire (December 17, 2025). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
