How to Sell Your Starter Home (and Move Up with Confidence)
What does a successful starter home sale really look like—and what can it teach you about your own move-up journey?
A recent seller in St. Catharines shared their experience working with our team, and it's a perfect example of how thoughtful strategy, great marketing, and emotional connection can turn a starter home into a hot listing. If you're wondering how to sell your starter home and move into the next chapter, this story is for you.
The Challenge: Selling a Beloved Starter Home
Our clients, Ryan and his fiancée, were ready to move up—but their journey started the way most do: with a home they loved and a lot of memories they were leaving behind. They owned a cozy, charming starter home in St. Catharines and wanted to make sure it was presented in the best possible light for potential buyers.
As Ryan put it, they needed more than just a sign on the lawn.
“Rebecca Kelly and Scott Fishman were phenomenal in helping us sell our home... Their photography team did an excellent job shooting our house and making it look the best it can be. Rebecca and Scott really did a great job capturing the warm and cozy essence of the home which I truly believe was essential in helping buyers find the value in it.”
This is the part most sellers overlook: presentation is everything—especially when you're trying to highlight the value in a home that might be smaller or simpler than others on the market.
Why Marketing Matters More Than Ever
If you're selling your starter home, you’re likely trying to appeal to buyers who are just like you once were: eager, budget-conscious, and imagining their future. That’s where great marketing makes all the difference.
In Ryan’s case, we focused on three things:
Professional Photography – Not just high quality, but designed to tell the story of the home’s warmth and livability.
Emotional Framing – We marketed the home with language and visuals that made people feel like they were already home.
Buyer Targeting – We positioned the home in front of the right audience: motivated first-time buyers looking in St. Catharines.
And it worked.
“They found the perfect buyer for our little starter home, and I wish they find as much joy and comfort in it as my fiancée and I did.”
Thinking About Moving Up?
Ryan and his fiancée were in the exact position many homeowners are in right now—ready to move up but unsure how to maximize their current home’s value.
That’s why we’ve created a free guide: How to Sell Your Starter Home and Move Up with Confidence. It’s designed specifically for homeowners in St. Catharines who want to:
Get top dollar for their current home
Make a smooth transition into their next property
Avoid the common pitfalls of buying and selling at the same time
📩 To get your copy, just email the word MOVE-UP to [email protected]
Lessons for Other Sellers
If you're thinking about selling your starter home, here are a few takeaways from Ryan’s experience:
First impressions count – Invest in professional photography and staging guidance.
The right story sells – Help buyers see the emotional value of the space.
Partner with local experts – Rebecca Kelly Realtor® and Scott Fishman Realtor® know how to market and sell homes in St. Catharines.
Above all, don’t underestimate the importance of strategy. A well-prepared listing doesn’t just sell faster—it sells better.
Your Move-Up Journey Starts Here
Selling your starter home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a transition. And like Ryan, you deserve a team that understands how to get you to the next chapter with confidence.
Whether you're just starting to think about it or you're ready to list, we’re here to help.
📩 Email MOVE-UP to [email protected] and we’ll send you our free move-up guide.
Let’s make your next move your best one yet.