When listing your home for sale, you only get one shot at making a great first impression with buyers. Whether during a private showing or at a public open house, this is your one time to make your home shine with the hopes of getting it sold.
As realtors, we always strive to provide as much notice as possible about scheduled showings, but sometimes eager buyers come calling with a last-minute request. If you are staying on top of keeping your house tidy for showings, it is easier to manage these unexpected visitors. But, busy schedules, children and pets can make surprise showings feel more like a red alert.
Before panic set in, here are five things to do prior to a showing to make a lasting impression with buyers:
1. Kitchen
Have a sink full of dirty dishes? Load them into the dishwasher so they are out of sight and clear any clutter from the countertops and eating areas. Don’t forget to give your sink a quick shine and wipe down the faucet so it’s sparkling. If your garbage is smelly, empty it out so your kitchen remains fresh and clean.
2. Bathrooms
Do a quick cleaning of your bathroom surfaces and fixtures, like rinsing out toothpaste from sinks, wiping down countertops, flushing toilets and closing lids. Empty any overflowing garbage cans and pick up wet towels and bathmats from the floor. Keep cleaning supplies under the sink to make this task easier.
3. Living Areas
Put away any toys or items belonging to your pets and tidy up any areas that need attention. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, turn it on to provide ambience. Make sure your blinds are open to let in natural light.
4. Bedrooms
Quickly make the beds and hide any dirty laundry in hampers. Clothing and personal items should be put away to make your bedrooms feel welcoming and tidy.
5. Lighting
Turn on all of the lights, even in the daytime, to make your home feel brighter and more welcoming. This includes outdoor lighting in the evening for safety reasons and to show-off your outdoor spaces. If you notice any burnt-out bulbs, replace them as soon as possible.
Once you go through the exercise of preparing for showings, it will get easier and faster over time. You’ll learn the trouble spots of your home and find ways to pick up these areas quickly and efficiently. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of getting your home sold so you can move on to the next exciting chapter of your life.
For more tips and advice like these, contact Deborah Clerk, Real Estate Sales Representative and ASA at Keller Williams Realty Solutions, Brokerage, in Mississauga, Ontario.
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