Preparing your home for showing is essential for making a positive impression on potential buyers. Here’s a comprehensive list of tasks you should consider:
1
Declutter
Remove personal items, excessive decorations, and unnecessary furniture to make rooms appear larger and more inviting.
2
Clean thoroughly
Ensure every room is spotless, including floors, carpets, windows, and surfaces. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Consider hiring a local maid or cleaning service.
3
Repair minor issues
Fix any visible issues, such as leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, cracked tiles, or peeling paint—anything that could detract from your home’s appeal and be easily noticed.
4
Neutralize decor
Tone down bold colors and personal decor choices. Neutral colors on walls and simple, tasteful decor can appeal to a broader range of buyers.
5
Enhance curb appeal
First impressions matter. Make sure the exterior of your home looks inviting by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, planting
flowers, and cleaning the driveway and walkways.
6
Maximize natural light
Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Well-lit spaces feel more spacious and welcoming.
7
Depersonalize
Remove family photos, personal items, and religious or political decorations to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
8
Stage rooms
Arrange furniture to highlight the functionality and flow of each room. Create inviting seating areas and highlight focal points like fireplaces or architectural features.
9
Address odors
Eliminate any unpleasant odors, such as pet smells, cooking, or cigarette smoke. Consider using air fresheners or baking cookies for a pleasant scent.
10
Make necessary upgrades
Consider making strategic upgrades that can add value to your home, such as updating kitchen appliances, replacing worn carpeting, or installing energy-efficient fixtures.
11
Organize closets and storage spaces
Buyers often look inside closets and cabinets to assess storage space. Keep these areas tidy and organized to showcase their full potential.
12
Highlight unique features
Eliminate any unpleasant odors, such as pet smells, cooking, or cigarette smoke. Consider using air fresheners or baking cookies for a pleasant scent.
13
Set the right temperature
Keep the temperature comfortable during showings. In warmer months, consider turning on the air conditioning, and in cooler months, ensure the home is adequately heated.
14
Create a welcoming atmosphere
To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, consider adding fresh flowers, setting out bowls of fruit, or arranging tasteful decor.
15
Provide information
Leave out brochures or information sheets detailing key features of the home, nearby amenities, and any recent upgrades or
renovations.
16
Utilities and Services
Create a sheet showing utilities. Generate a list showing the bill totals for the last 12 months for Water, Electricity, Trash and sewer, HOA, Internet, Gardner, etc. Also, include phone numbers for each and their website.
