Showing Your Home
It's true what they say about first impressions; they really are important. Now that your Realtor is marketing your home and will be bringing interested buyers to view it, your home should be ready to show at all times. In addition to the steps you've already taken to get your home ready to sale, here are some extra tips to help ensure that your home makes the best impression at showing.
General Tips for Showing Your Home
Always keep you home clean and tidy.
Have everyone make their beds in the morning.
When you are finished with dishes, place them in the dishwasher or stack them neatly in the sink.
Keep the home clutter-free. Buyers won't purchase a home they can't see.
Eliminate odors by bathing your pets, cleaning out litter boxes, shampooing the carpets, dry cleaning your drapes, emptying trash.
Have your home smelling fresh by using flowers, potpourri and air fresheners. Baking cookies is another clever tactic some sellers use to make the home seem cozy and inviting.
Let plenty of light in. Plenty of light improves a home's atmosphere.
Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable.
During a showing, you should leave so that the buyers can feel free to ask the Realtor candid questions.
Keep pets out of the way.
Don't apologize for the condition of the home. If there is a problem, pointing it out will only make it worse.
15-Minute Checklist
Your Realtor has called and will be arriving in 15 minutes to show your home. Here is a quick checklist to make sure you're ready.
Pick up any clutter.
Turn on lights and open curtains.
Tidy the kitchen: counter tops, dishes, take out trash.
Tidy bathrooms: flush toilets, shine fixtures, hang towels neatly, empty trash, wipe counters.
Make beds.
Close garage door and turn on garage lights.
Make sure outside walkway and entry are clear of debris.