Checklist For Showing Your Home
April 28, 2007 by Smooth Moves Lady
Filed under Selling a home
“Marketing a home is not the same as living in one.”
Keep this quote in mind when you’re preparing your home for showing. There are a lot of little things that need to be done around the house to make it appealing to prospective buyers.
So read on and take a look at the handy little checklist I’ve included for day-to-day pre-showing “must do’s,” and pass this list on to anyone who will be responsible for preparing your home for a buyer showing.
Show Time
- During daylight open all draperies, shades, and blinds, and make sure they’re clean- wash windows to make them sparkle! Natural light is at the top of most buyers’ wish lists.
- At night turn on all the lights. Dark homes are not inviting. Don’t forget outside light by the front door. First impressions are important so make sure the front yard is neat and the steps are clear.
- Have photos of your garden available.
- Consider displaying before and after pictures of major remodeling projects.
- Use feature cards around your home to reinforce home benefits such as air-conditioning or nearby parks in winter months.
Keep it Clean
- Clean sinks, bathrooms before each showing.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets before each showing.
- Wash dirty dishes and put them away.
- Empty waste baskets and trash.
- Put away clothes and personal items.
- Organize mail, magazines, and newspapers.
- Fold towels and make beds.
- Eliminate offensive odors from pets or cooking. No smoking in the house when your “on the market.”
- Keep landscaping neat and mowed. Sweep driveways and sidewalks. Shovel snow.
- Pick up litter on the property.
- Clean litter boxes and pet food and water bowls.
- Pick up animal droppings in the yard.
Also remember to keep your house neutral. Minimize religious effects or anything else that could possible be offending to prospective buyers. You want anyone to be able to see themselves living in your house.
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