Getting Your Home Ready for a Successful Showings
Once we’ve agreed on the market price and marketing strategy, the next crucial step is preparing your home for potential buyers. First impressions matter, so giving your home a thorough cleaning is essential. Clean the drapes, carpets, and furniture, and eliminate any clutter. The goal is to make your home look as neutral and inviting as possible—almost as if no one lives there. This creates a clean slate where buyers can imagine themselves making the space their own.
If you’d like extra help with this, I can recommend professional home staging services. A stager can use what you already have to highlight your home’s best features and create an appealing flow between rooms. They’ll also have a keen eye for determining which personal items should stay out and which should be tucked away to allow the space to shine.
When it comes to the exterior, curb appeal is just as important. Keep the lawn neatly trimmed, prune the rose bushes, and remove any weeds. Store away garden tools, hoses, and any other items that could create clutter. Be sure the exterior lighting works and is bright. Also, keep an eye out for any stray flyers, newspapers, or handouts that might collect at the front door or driveway.
Inside, we’ll focus on brightening up the space. Open the curtains, turn on the lights, and clean the windows to let in natural light. Declutter surfaces like kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and coffee tables. Make all the beds and give your bathrooms and kitchen a deep clean. Vacuum throughout the home, paying special attention to corners where dust or cobwebs may have settled. And don’t forget the trash—make sure it’s taken out before a showing.
If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep them in a safe, quiet place during showings, whether that’s in the garage, basement, or at a friend’s house. Ideally, it’s best to be away from home during showings or open houses. If you happen to be there, I recommend greeting potential buyers and then politely excusing yourself to give them space to envision the home as their own.
This is your home’s time to shine—and with these simple steps, we’ll help ensure it makes the best possible impression on every visitor.