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 PREPARING FOR A SHOWING
Homes tend to
sell more quickly and for higher prices when they show their best!
It is very important
that your home shows well. However, a lived in home is
sometimes not very easily a perfectly presented home. It
is essential that you develop a routine that will allow you to pick
up and be prepared to show in a reasonable period without duress...a
30 minute countdown would be great. To achieve the ability to
have a 30 minute countdown several things must be done in advance
and kept up consistently. For example, beds should be made up
first thing in the morning and dirty dishes placed in the dishwasher
after use.
BEFORE
EACH SHOWING...
The
walkway
Make sure all toys, garden equipment and hoses are
picked up and properly put away.
The
entryway
It is the first and last impression that the
prospective buyers will have of your home, make it a good one!
Check it regularly for sharpness.
Pick up
every room
Check counters, floors, halls and stairs.
Straighten up or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing,
recreation gear, snack glasses and dishes.
Turn on
all lights
Even those in closets and storage rooms.
Electric lights have an amazing capability for creating an illusion
of lightness, airiness and largeness.
Open
drapes & blinds
Do all that you can to create a bright and light
ambiance.
The
bedrooms
Make up the beds, neatly and attractively, early in the morning.
This is a job you do not want to have to do when you learn
prospective buyers will be there in 30 minutes.
The
kitchen
Be sure all countertops are clear and "squeaky clean".
Wipe down appliances. Be sure all dishes are in the dishwasher
or cleaned and put away. The sink should be clear and clean.
The
bathrooms
Keep a set of fresh, attractive towels in each room that you can
change instantly. Wipe down all counters. Wipe down the
toilet and close the lid. Make sure the shower door or curtain
is closed and the trash can is not overflowing.
Clean
air
Keep air fresheners in closets, bathrooms and kitchen. Be
especially careful to keep kitchen odors fresh: coffee brewing or
cookies baking in the oven have an inviting effect. For pet odors,
try specialty products such as Nok
Out or Urine
Off.
Music
Soft, pleasant background music can be very effective.
Heat
& AC
Make sure the temperature is very comfortable so the prospective
buyer will relax and perhaps stay longer in your home.
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