Showing Your Home

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Showing Your Home

When you’re showing your home, it’s important that it’s always kept in show condition, meaning clean, organized and ready at a moment’s notice. Of course, most real estate agents will give you a couple hours’ notice before bringing clients by, but keeping your house show-ready will be the most convenient for you.

It’s also advisable to allow your listing agent to place a lock box on the door, to allow other agents access to your home when you’re not there. You never want to pass up the chance to show your home because, of course, the more people who see it, the faster you’ll sell it!

Here are some ideas to show your home in its best light.

Try to not be home

By not being at home when potential buyers come by, you give them the chance to view your home without feeling like intruders. You want to give them ample opportunity to view the home as their own, not belonging to another. Simply grab the kids and dog and head to the local park or coffee shop for at least half an hour.

If you absolutely cannot leave your home, be sure to stay out of the way. Plant yourself in one room, and keep a low profile. Do not follow them from room to room and try not to volunteer any information but answer all questions politely and concisely. Potential buyers will want to see the home for themselves and it’s best to give them the freedom to do so.

Pets

It’s ideal that no pets are inside while potential buyers are viewing your home. To keep them out of the way, it’s best to take them with you or keep them penned in the backyard. For indoor cats, it’s a good idea to keep them closed in one room with a sign on the door. This way, buyers won’t be troubled by the animals and your pets won’t be as frightened by the unknown visitors.

Lighting

When potential buyers are coming by, be sure to turn on all interior and exterior lights, even if the showing is during the day. The lights will give your house a cheery, homey look and brighten up darker areas.

Fragrances

Eliminating odors is crucial to having a successful showing. Be sure to empty the kitchen trash and freshen the cat box for every showing. Do not mask odors with scented sprays, as some people are very sensitive or even allergic to these fragrances.

To eliminate odors, use open boxes of baking soda in odor-prone areas. Then, right before a showing, heat up the stove burner or oven for a moment and sizzle one drop of vanilla or almond extract to fill the house with the light, homey aroma of baking.

Overall tidiness

Ensure that your home conveys spaciousness throughout by eliminating clutter. Clear out those stuffed closets, loaded drawers and that cluttered basement. Move the mess into a rented storage space if necessary.

Countertops should be as clear as possible. Pick up all clutter, including magazines, toys and clothing. Get into the habit of making your bed everyday and dusting and vacuuming often. Logs should be placed in the fire, all ashes cleared out. Do your best to make your home look like a model home: beautifully furnished but never touched. It will pay off with a higher price and a fast sell!