Real estate showings give potential buyers the opportunity to see and experience your home in person. According to a recent study, 79% of buyers said that taking a private tour was extremely or very important to their home-buying decision.
When selling your home, first impressions matter. A well-prepared home can attract more buyers, better offers, and a faster sale. Follow these 10 expert tips to ensure your house showing is a success.
Buyers notice everything, and a spotless home feels bigger, newer, and more valuable. Pay special attention to floors, windows, baseboards, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. Don’t forget to clean light fixtures and ceiling fans, as buyers will notice the details.
Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Removing personal items like family photos and excessive decor helps them do that. Decluttering makes rooms appear larger and more inviting. Instead of stuffing closets, consider storing extra belongings in a storage unit, since buyers will likely look inside.
Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Replace dim or outdated lightbulbs with bright, warm LED bulbs. Before showings, turn on all lights to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Strong odors from cooking, pets, or overpowering air fresheners can turn buyers away. Use light, fresh scents like citrus, vanilla, or a subtle lavender diffuser. A warm, inviting aroma can make a big difference, so consider baking cookies or boiling cinnamon sticks before showings.
Keep your home at a comfortable temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. In the summer, cool it down, and in the winter, warm it up. If you have a fireplace, lighting it can add an extra touch of coziness.
The exterior is the first thing buyers see, so it’s important to make a strong first impression. Keep the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, and the front porch clean. Adding a fresh welcome mat and potted plants can make the entrance feel more inviting. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also make a big impact.
Furniture should be arranged to create open, spacious flow throughout the home. Highlight the best features of each room by setting the dining table, placing fresh flowers, and adding cozy touches. Removing bulky furniture can make rooms feel much larger.
Fixing minor issues like squeaky doors, chipped paint, or leaky faucets prevents buyers from thinking about small defects. Replace burnt-out lightbulbs, broken handles, and loose cabinet doors. A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a home feel newer and move-in ready.
Not all buyers are comfortable with pets, and some have allergies. If possible, take pets out of the house during showings and remove pet bowls, beds, and litter boxes. Deep cleaning carpets and furniture will help eliminate pet hair and odors that could turn buyers away.
Buyers need to feel comfortable exploring the home, so it’s best to leave during showings. Being ready for last-minute showings increases your chances of selling quickly. Have a plan for where to go during showings, such as a nearby coffee shop or park.
11. Keep storage spaces tidy: Every buyer is looking for a home with plenty of storage, which means they’re going to be opening your closets, pantry, and garage doors.
12. Highlight the best features: Identify the features that are most attractive about your home. If you have beautiful hardwood floors, remove the rug that’s covering them up. Love your stainless steel appliances? Don’t hide them behind refrigerator magnets.
13. Secure your belongings: Lock away any valuables to avoid theft of expensive items or private information.
14. Have a plan for pets and kids: Your showings are much more likely to go smoothly if family pets or young family members aren’t around.
15. Provide refreshments: Make your home feel welcoming with snacks, candy, and desserts. Don’t forget to leave a garbage can in plain sight so visitors can clean up after themselves.