Showing Your Home

Creating a Lasting Exterior Impression When Selling Your Home

The saying “First Impressions are Lasting Impressions” applies to the exterior of your home when you are trying to sell it. It sets the tone for what potential buyers can expect inside. So, it is crucial to make sure that your home’s exterior looks clean and inviting. Here are some things you can do:

Clean your front entrance to make it look inviting.
Replace or paint your front door if it’s faded or worn.
Paint shutters, trim, and other exterior features that show signs of wear.
Add vibrant plants and fresh mulch to improve curb appeal.
Keep windows and floors clean.
Replace faded wallpaper and gluing any areas that have come away from the wall.
Repair worn woodwork and repainting scarred or dirty walls with neutral colors.
Steam cleaning carpets or replacing them if necessary.
Repair minor flaws, such as loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and broken light switches.
Checking and repairing caulking in bathtubs and showers.
Arranging each room to bring out its best attributes and removing excess furniture and clutter.
Use lamps to create a cozy mood and highlight the living areas of your home.
Removing unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house and limiting decorative objects to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items.
Clearing unnecessary items from the kitchen and bathroom countertops and coordinating towels to one or two colors only.

Rearranging or removing furniture if necessary and patching and painting walls if necessary.
Locking all valuables away and having stereo FM on during the day for all viewings.
Trim landscaping to reveal architectural details.
Move all garbage cans, extra building materials, and wood scraps into the garage.
Check gutters and roofs for dry rot.
Prune bushes and trees.
Keep your lawn freshly cut and fertilized.
Weed and bark all planting areas.
Remove dead plants or shrubs.
Clear decks or patios of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, and toys.
Check the paint condition of the house, especially the front door and trim.
Turn off the television, turn on every light in the house, and open every drape and blind.
Heat some frozen pastry slowly in the oven or heat a pan on the stove and then drop in a few drops of vanilla to make the house smell nice.
Wipe kitchen and bathroom counters and flush toilets.
Hide clutter in living/family rooms and bedrooms and put away toys and clutter outside.

Nine Minute Showing Drill

At times, you may receive a sudden call to schedule a showing at your home within the next few minutes. If you find yourself in this situation, consider following these steps:

Sound

Turn off the TV and set the radio to play soft rock, middle-of-the-road, or classic rock at a low volume.

Sight

Turn on all the lights in the house, regardless of whether it’s daytime or nighttime. Open all drapes and blinds during the daytime.

Odors

Heat some frozen pastry in the oven or warm a pan on the stove and add a few drops of vanilla for a pleasant aroma.

Kitchen

Wipe the counters clean and place dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Bathrooms: Wipe the counters, flush the toilets, and close the lids.

Living/Family Rooms

Tuck away magazines, newspapers, and games to remove clutter.

Bedrooms

Straighten the beds and hide clutter under them, not in the closets.

Exterior

Put away toys and any clutter outside. Ensure that the walkway is clear.

Children & Pets

It’s best to send them outside, as they can be a distraction during the showing.

Goodbye

It’s crucial to leave the home during the showing, even if the agent says it’s okay to stay. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, and your presence can be a distraction. Consider going to the backyard or running an errand during the showing.