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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 to 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 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, hassle free routine.
Before each showing...
Pick Up Every Room
Check counters, floors, halls and stairs.
Straighten up or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, 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.
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.
Television and Radio Off
The television and radio should be turned off.
Let the agent and the buyer talk, free of disturbances.
Fireplace
During the right time of year, a cozy fire may be just the right touch that does the trick.
Air Conditioning
If the weather is warm and sultry, have your air conditioning operating.
The Entryway
It is the first and last impression that your buyers will have of your home.
Make it a good one.
Check it regularly for sharpness.
Someone has just called to show the house and now all the hard work you have done to make it look good is about to pay off.
You just need a few last minute touches.
When the agent arrives with the prospects, have the drapes and window shades open to let in as much daylight as possible.
If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights, if you have them.
Open all doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling.
Turn on all of the lights, including the lamps.
Pick up any newspapers or magazines that may be lying around.
See that the counters are free of unnecessary items and that any dirty dishes are put in the dishwasher.
Take out the trash, if needed.
If you have pets, get them out of the way.
Not everyone may share your love for animals.
Some people may be allergic to them or frightened by them.
The beds should be made and clothes picked up.
Bathrooms should be clean, the toilet lid down.
When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown.
It might even mean you have to get up a little earlier in order to take care of these important items.
You never know when the right person is going to look at it, so you must always be ready for them. |
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Preparing for a Showing
