Tips: Preparing for a Showing
Homes tend to sell more quickly and for higher prices when they show their best!
It’s very important that your home shows well. We’re also aware that it can’t always be perfect. After all, you and your family must live there too.
Develop a routine that will allow you pick up and be prepared to show in a reasonable period without duress… a 45 minute countdown, for example. This means that certain things must be done in advance. For example, beds should be made up first thing in the morning and dirty dishes should be placed in the dishwasher after use so that you needn’t rush around tending to this matter at the last moment. This way you can prepare for each showing in an organized, un-hassled routine.
Before Each Showing - Inside the Home Preparation
- Pick up every room
Check counters, floors, halls and stairs. Straighten up or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, snack glasses and dishes. - Turn on all lights
Even those in closets and storage rooms. Electric lights have an amazing capability for creating an illusion of lightness, airiness and largeness. - Open all drapes, shades and blinds
Do all that you can to create a bright and light ambiance. THE BEDROOMS Make up the beds, neatly and attractively, early in the morning. This is a job you don’t want to have to do when you learn that the buyers will be there within the hour. - The Kitchen
Be sure all countertops are clear and “squeaky clean”, wipe down appliances. Be sure all dishes are in the dishwasher or cleaned and put away. The sink should be clear and clean. - Clean Air
Keep air fresheners in closets, bathrooms and kitchen. Be especially careful to keep kitchen odors fresh: coffee brewing or a cinnamon coffee cake baking in the oven have a lasting, inviting effect. - Music, Music, Music
Perhaps you can’t have something baking in the oven every time, but soft, pleasant background music may be very effective. - Fireplace
A warm, cozy fire may be just the extra touch that turns the trick. - Air Conditioning
If the weather is warm and sultry, have it operating. - The Bathrooms
Keep a set of fresh, attractive towels in each room that you can change instantly. - The Entryway
It’s the first and last impression that your buyers will have of your home – make it a good one! Check it regularly for sharpness. - Pets
Keep pets out of the way. Make sure all pet areas are clean and free of odor. - Valuables
Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables. - If possible, leave the home.
It is usually best if you can leave while your home is being shown. Potential buyers tend to feel more comfortable if the owners are not present. Trust the real estate professional to show your property to its best advantage. If you are leaving town, please notify us and leave a number where you can be reached.
Before Each Showing - Prepare the Outside of the Home
- Outside
Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., into the garage. - Check gutters and roof
Make sure they are swept and cleaned. - Look at all plants
Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. YOU CAN’T SELL A HOUSE IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT! Plants are like children – they grow fast! - Weed and then rake all planting areas.
Keep lawn freshly cut and fertilized. Remove any dead plants or shrubs. - Patios & Decks
Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys, etc. (Put them in the garage.) - Check paint condition of the house
Especially the front and trim. “CURB APPEAL REALLY WORKS!”
In General:
Try to look at your house “THROUGH THE BUYER’S EYES” as though you’ve never seen it or been there before. Any time or money spent on these items will bring more money in return, and hopefully a faster sale.
Working together, we will make a great team!
