Preparing for a Showing
Set the stage to make the best impression on each prospective buyer!
It is very important that your home shows well. We’re also aware 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. This means that certain things must be done in advance. For example, beds should be made first thing in the morning and dirty dishes placed in the dishwasher after use. This way you can prepare for each showing in an organized, hassle-free routine. We recommend a day's notice for showings.
Before Each Showing
- Pick Up Every Room
- Turn on All Lights
- Open All Drapes, Shades & Blinds
- Make All the Beds
- Clean the Kitchen – Countertops, appliances, dishes in dishwasher. Sink clean. Store countertop items.
- Clean the Air – Keep air fresheners in bathrooms, and kitchen. Keep kitchen odors fresh, brewing coffee, or baking cinnamon cake can have a lasting effect but don’t overdo it
- Music – Soft pleasant background music if possible.
- Heat – Keep heat at a comfortable temperature.
- Air Conditioning – If the weather is warm and tropical turn it on.
- The Bathrooms – Keep a set of fresh attractive towels. Trash emptied.
- The Entryway – The first and last impression, make it a good one!
The Showing
- Relax - There is nothing more to do. Try to be understanding. The agent may have several showings and may be a bit early or late. It is difficult to be precise.
- Pets - Keep Fido away. Leave instructions for indoor cats. Eliminate pet odors.
- If Your Property was Staged by a Professional Stager - Please resist the urge to “undo” the work that the stager recommended. Keep your home clutter-free no matter how sparse it feels to you.
- Leave - Take a walk or drive. You should not be in the home when a buyer and their agent come for a showing. Although you want to be helpful your presence will not encourage the buyer prospect to spend sufficient time in your home. The buyer needs to be able to converse freely with their agent; they are less likely to do that with you there. The showing agent will have the information about your home as provided in the Multiple Listing Service and the disclosures that are posted with your listing.
- Results - You’ve done all you can. Let us do our job. We will contact you shortly with feedback on your showing or better yet, an offer for you to consider.
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