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7 Tips On Prepping Your Home For A Showing

Eric Stewart ● May 28, 2015

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7 Tips On Prepping Your Home For A Showing

When it comes to selling your home, as the old saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a good impression.

You want potential buyers to feel at home the minute they walk up your driveway. Both the exterior curb appeal and your home’s interior will influence how buyers feel about your house. This is important because many buyers base their home purchase more on emotions and less on logic.

Below are 7 tips on how to make your home shine during showings with potential buyers:

1. Let in the Light

Open all curtains and window shades prior to a showing to let in light. Only keep the blinds partially closed if a view out the window is obstructed or looks undesirable. Turn on all the lights and make sure all light bulbs are in working condition. You want your house to look bright, cheerful, and sunny.

2. Adjust the Temperature for the Season

Now is not the time to fret about your utility bill. If it’s cold enough to wear a sweater to stay warm, turn on the heat. If it’s warm outside, turn on the air conditioning. You want the temperature inside to be comfortable and to give the buyer more of a reason to linger, especially on hot or cold days!

3. Make Bedrooms, Kitchens, and Bathrooms Sparkle

All the beds should be made and pillows arranged neatly. In kitchens and bathrooms, countertops should be clean and organized. Take out the trash, if needed, and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher. You may also want to put out fresh towels in the bathrooms and a vase with flowers in the kitchen.

4. Play Down the Scent

Do not use scented sprays as many people are allergic to them. If you want a pleasant aroma in your house, provide a natural scent. One suggestion is to turn on a stove burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking. If weather permits, you can also open the windows to let in the fresh air.

5. Remove any Pets

Dogs and cats are wonderful companions, but not when you’re showing a home. Pets have a knack for getting underfoot or just becoming too distracting. You also don’t want to have to worry about your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If possible, take your pet with you while buyers are touring your home, or keep them in a penned area in the back yard.

6. Play Soft Music

Having soft background music playing as buyers walk through your home creates a tranquil and soothing atmosphere. This can also help drown out any traffic noise.

7. Maintain Your Curb Appeal

Keep your lawn presentable as this is what buyers first see when they pull up to your home. Keep any bushes trimmed and walkways free of debris. You should also put away any trash cans and recycling bins.

It is best to leave the house during a showing and to allow buyers as much time as they need to tour your home. Potential buyers will usually feel more comfortable, and less pressured, when the owners are not present. After the showing, your real estate agent should get feedback from the buyer’s agent to determine if the buyers are interested in your home.

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