How to Prepare Your Home for Showings
You can never make a second first impression! Investing a small amount of time and money now will impress your prospective buyers and increase your chances of obtaining top dollar for your property. Here are a few recommendations:
Before your house goes on the market
- Make sure all light bulbs are working
- Check that doors don’t squeak or have loose door knobs
- Make sure all windows are clean and will open easily
- Touch up any chipped paint, scuffs, and marks on the interior and exterior walls
- Make sure there are no leaks from taps or toilets – check under the sinks
- Fill in and paint over any cracks in the plaster
- Cut lawns, trim shrubs, and weed gardens
- Gutters should be in good working order and free from leaves and debris
- Eaves should be in good shape
- Store surplus furniture to create spacious rooms
Before showings
- Clear walkways and driveway of any litter/leaves
- Wipe down appliances
- Freshen up bathrooms and make sure they are clean
- Turn on all lights and open drapes to let the light in
- Make sure your closets are spruced up and orderly
- Depending on the weather, open windows or light the fireplace for coziness
- Clean cat litter and keep pets outside
- Be absent during the showings
For open houses
- Lock up your valuables and prescription medication
- Make sure there is toilet paper in all the bathrooms
- Have a game plan for your pets
- If there are parking restrictions on your street, make sure to have guest permits
