Preparing Your House for Showings

1. Inspect Your House.

Make sure that your house is safe. Fix any loose rails, steps, etc.

Check electrical items, faucets, toilets and windows for correct operation. Make certain that all built-in appliances are functioning properly. Consider a professional whole house inspection, which will indicate to buyers that you are a responsible seller and uncover any major defects before they can cause trouble.

2. Know What You Can Change about Your House.

Discuss with your agent about what is necessary to change in order to sell the house. Keep a record of all home improvements you have made.

3. Get Rid of Clutter.

If an item is not necessary for your everyday life, then store, sell, donate or toss it. Have a garage/yard sale before you list your home.

This will encourage you to go through and get rid of all the things you don’t need. If curio cabinets, shelves and tables are overflowing with books and knick-knacks, remove some of them.

4. Remove Your Imprint.

It is acceptable to have a few personal pictures around the house.

However, if your home is a shrine of your loved ones, take steps to depersonalize it. Buyers must be able to envision themselves in the house, which is impossible if everywhere they turn they are staring at you.

5. Have a Plan.

Give each family member assigned jobs that will go into action when a short-notice showing is scheduled.

Checklist for Showings

1. Make the House Spotless.

Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and kitchen. Scrub baths, showers and sinks. Towels should be washed. Make sure all dishes are put away and counters are freshly cleaned.

2. Make the House Light and Bright.

Open window coverings, such as blinds, curtains, drapes and shutters, to let in maximum sunlight. Turn on lights.

3. Make the House Smell Good.

Air out the house to get rid pet and cooking odors. Light candles or bake cookies to make the house smell yummy just before the buyers arrive. (Make sure you turn off the oven and blow out the candles before you leave!)

4. Set the Thermostat to a Comfortable Temperature.

Make certain the house is not too hot or too cold.  A home that is too hot or too cold can make for a bad experience and the protential buyer may leave prematurely.

5. Keep Fact Sheets Easily Accessible.

Ask your agent where to place the flyers for showings and who will be responsible for restocking them.

6. Keep Pets Out-of-Sight.

Remove pets from the house or keep them outside. If your pet must stay at home, put them in a particular room and shut the door. Make sure the agent knows where the animals are.

7. Leave.

It is best for the sellers to be away from the house during a showing so that the potential buyers can cruise through the house at their own pace and talk openly about their feelings with each other and the agent. Take the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the day. Do errands or take pleasure in a favorite pastime.