Getting Ready For a Showing or Open House

Getting ready for a showing or open house is an important aspect of selling your home. An open house can be a deal magnet (or breaker). Before you open the door and welcome potential buyers into your home, give your home a good makeover. There’s nothing more stressful than receiving a call from your realtor that an interested buyer wants to come by, like, now! But when you prepare your home for the market well in advance, you will be able to showcase your home quickly, and frequently without the worry.

Your home always needs to be “show ready” so try to keep your home in tip top condition for the duration of your listing. Here’s a checklist for a final run through right before showings so that you can hold an unforgettable open house. These can all be done in the hour before you prospective buyer arrives.

Remember: You only get one chance at a first impression. Make it count!

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

• Have all counter tops cleaned off and put away appliances such as coffee makers and toasters, etc.
• Take the trash out and consider hiding garbage cans.
• Purge the fridge of old or smelly food and take-out containers (because a buyer WILL look).
• Clear bathroom counters of personal toiletries.

STAGE IT RIGHT

• Make the beds, fluff up pillows, and fold blankets.
• Freshen up bathrooms: toilet seats down, clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
• Anticipate needs. Provide an umbrella bucket if it’s raining. Indicate a suitable place to put shoes.

DE-PERSONALIZE

• Hide feeding bowls, pet beds, litter boxes, etc. Some home-seekers have sensitivities and can be put-off by their presence.
• Take magnets off the refrigerator.
• Minimize family photos.

AMBIENCE

• Turn on all the lights.
• Open all the curtains/blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Open a few windows for fresh air circulation.
• Place scented candles or diffusers in larger rooms. Clean linen and citrus scents are best on the main floor and soft vanilla for bedrooms.
• Play soft music.
• Offer water and snacks.

You never know when a buyer will walk through the door, which is why you want your home available at a moment’s notice. These final checks and steps will help you get ready for a showing or open house and make your home more attractive to buyers for a quick sale.

Working with a top Realtor® who is informed and can provide you with outstanding services through the entire selling process will also make your experience run more smoothly.

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