TOP 25 SELLER TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SHOWING

Between hosting Open Houses and preparing sellers to stage for showings, our team has learned all of the DO'S and DON'TS of what a home should look like when potential buyers walk through.  To help, we've compiled our best tips for those who are putting their home on the Market. When you live in a place long enough, it's easy to ignore the clutter or forget that some people may be turned off by seeing a litter box in the basement. This is a great checklist to run through before showings.  

Remember: You only get one chance at a first impression. 

Make it count!

1. Secure valuables (tech devices such as laptops, tablets, phones), bills (some have account numbers), spare keys to the house and prescription drugs
2. Have all counter tops cleaned off. Remove counter top appliances such as toasters or coffee makers.
3. Keys and personal items should be stored away.
4. De-clutter / put away everyday items: dishes, mail, shoes, coats, kids' toys, sporting equipment, etc.
5. Take 15 minutes and organize / purge your fridge - because a buyer WILL look!
6. Make sure the thermostat is set appropriately for the weather and make the home comfortable for showings.
7. Take the trash out and consider hiding garbage cans.
8. Minimize family photos
9. Do a thorough cleaning - even if you have to hire a cleaning service 
10. Improve curb appeal: Mow the lawn and trim back overgrown shrubbery, mulch, paint shutters, weed gardens, address the trim, fix walkways, clean exterior windows, power wash home. 
11. Make the bathrooms shine: Toilet seats down, clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
12. Bake something that smells good. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pie. I've used the pre-made cookie dough and frozen pies for this. A pan of apple juice with cinnamon and cloves simmering in the oven works well and is easy. 
13. Put fresh flowers or flowering plants on the dining room table
14. Play soft music
15. Turn on all of the lights 
16. Offer snacks and water
17. Take all the magnets and pictures off the refrigerator.
18. If guns are in the house, make sure they are secured.
19. Open the windows - buyers love lots of natural light.
20. Stick all personal toiletries in a drawer or a basket. (no one wants to see your toothpaste or hand lotion)
21. Organize toys or store them while your home is on the Market
22. Less is more. Remove excess furniture if possible.
23. Replace light bulbs that are burnt out. The better the lighting, the better the results.
24. Walkways to and from the home should be clean and clear.
25. Hide feeding bowls, litter boxes, dog beds, etc. Some home-seekers have allergies and can be put-off by their presence.

Here's our gift to YOU: a printable checklist to have on hand before showings!  This is a great way to make sure everything inside (and outside!) of your home is ready to show. 

Just right click to save to your computer and print!