5 Things to Do Before Your First Showing
Whether you've scheduled a last-minute viewing or a daylong open house, your home should be ready when potential buyers arrive. Every room should be neat, clean, aired out, comfortable, and bright. Your entire home should be a silent invitation to buy. It's important to hide the stuff that sends a different message.
Your Identity
When a potential buyer looks at your home, they want to consider what it would be like if they lived there. Your presence during a viewing would make it difficult, which is why you're not invited. Things in your home that present the same dilemma should be hidden.
- Family photos may tell potential buyers, "this is theirs"
- Cultural or ethnic mementos can send a divisive message.
- Guns and political mementos are controversial and may inspire anger.
- An odd smell can be the only thing a potential buyer remembers about your home.
Pets and Pet Evidence
Some potential home buyers may sense the small of your pets and assume that these odors may be difficult to get rid of, so you should eliminate tell tale pet evidence before each showing.
- Make pet odor and hair removal an ongoing project.
- Take litter boxes, animal habitats, and food and water dishes with you.
- Get a pet carrier for quick getaways.
- Light a mildly scented candle to cover left-behind odors.
Clutter
Your clutter might be irreplaceable knick-knacks, beautiful collectibles, or a must-have shoe collection. Still, these items make your home look less roomy, more crowded, distracting and less desirable than if it was removed and stored during showings.
Remember to:
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- Clear your stuff from every surface unless it serves a specific purpose.
- Clean out and organize your closets.
- Remove belongings stored under a bed. It gives the impression of too little storage space.
- Clear kitchen counters except for high-end appliances.
- Remove throw rugs. They can clutter a room and are a trip and fall hazard.
- Store removed items away from your residence.
Valuables
You have no idea who is in your home during an open house. It's impossible for your real estate agent to watch everyone at every moment, so it's best to be cautious. Take your jewelry and other valuables with you, or consider storing them in a safe deposit box.
Toys
Toys are often hard to manage because they're everywhere, and children aren't big fans of decluttering. If you're tidying up your home to put it on the market, now is a good time to establish a donate-toys-to charity habit with your kids. This is especially helpful if your kids have outgrown many of their toys. Also, you'll have less to transport during the move to your new home.
Keep these tips in mind when prepping for your first showing, and you're sure to attract the attention of promising buyers.
#getprepared #planyourhomesale #homesellers #realestateagent #realtor #reeneferguson
Reene' Ferguson, Realtor
Key Realty | Livonia, MI
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