Life & Family,  Tips & Tricks

How To Prepare For A Showing/Open House

Last week, I shared How We Sold Our Home In One Day and I promised to also share How To Prepare For A Showing/Open House.  As a former real estate professional, I have a few ideas on what buyers like and also the things that can have them running for the door before they even get through the foyer.  Even though there are tons of infographics and lists out there on the internet, these are definitely things you want to focus on if you are trying to get ready for a showing.

How To Prepare For A Showing/Open House

Brighten

Buyers love a home with good lighting! (O.K., there may be some who enjoy the dungeon look, but they are few and far between.) Open up those curtains and blinds, clean the windows, add lamps if necessary and turn on all lighting. Adding mirrors to a room will also help reflect light and make the room appear more open.

Home Tour Coffee Table Sofa Couch Spring Tour

Tidy up/Fluff

Pick up and put away anything that is out of place. Make the beds. Wipe down counter tops and appliances. Put out the good towels. Make sure that sinks/mirrors/toilets are sparkling clean. Close the toilet lids. Fluff pillows and add some pretty flowers in a vase. Vacuum/Sweep the floors. Take out the trash. Definitely, clean up any pet messes/areas.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so make them shine, like the sink from our powder room.

Beadboard Bathroom Sink

Adjust Temperature

Make sure the temperature of your home is set to a comfortable level for the season. If you are selling in the heat of summer, a buyer will appreciate walking into a home cooled with air conditioning, plus it will show that the mechanicals are working properly. The same applies to the winter with a furnace.

Metal Headboard Bed White Bedding

House Scents/Smells

Every home has its own scent. Some homes smell stronger than others, but no one wants their home to be stinky. When preparing for a showing, be careful not to use strong scents from room sprays and candles. These scents can lead buyers to believe you are trying to cover something up. Plus, many people are allergic to them. If you must use something, my advice is to keep it simple. Use natural scents, such as those of citrus, vanilla, basil, or cinnamon. And remember the best smelling home is a clean home.

Green Apple Black Laminate Counters

I hope that these tips can help you if you are trying to sell your home. Keeping these things in mind will help you to better prepare for a showing/open house and hopefully get your home sold fast!

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