Showing Your Home

It is important to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Preparing your home for showing gives you a competitive edge over many homes on the market. The first impression of a prospective buyer is important so do everything you can do to make that impression a positive one.

Exterior

1.  Cut back and trim over-grown shrubbery.
2.
 Keep lawn trimmed and edged. Fertilize grass for lush, green look.
3.
 Consider a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
4.
 Replace broken or cracked windows and torn screens.
5.
 Repair fences and gates. Give them a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
6.  
Inspect gutters, downspouts and roof. Repair or replace if necessary.
7.
 Pick up debris, toys or lawn equipment.
8.
 Check to see that windows will open and close properly.

 

Interior

1.   
  Repair cracks in plaster and repaint if necessary.
2.   
  Repair cause of ceiling leak stains and repaint if necessary.
3.
  Clean out fireplace.
4.
  Wash windows and sills until clean. Curtain and drapes should be laundered or cleaned
5.
  Shampoo rugs and carpets. Floors should be waxed
6.  
 Walls should be free of fingerprints, smudges and dents.
7.
  Replace burned-out light bulbs and be sure that every light switch works.
8.
  Straighten up closets and get rid of excess items.
9.
  Clean and tidy kitchen including cupboards, stove, and oven. Replace loose tiles or replace floor if badly worn.
10.
  Repair dripping faucets.
11.
  Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms.
12.
  Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and shower.
13.
  Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you are not going to move.

 

While Your Home is Being Shown

1.
 The radio and television should be turned off, let the customer and the salesperson talk free of disturbances
2.
 Be sure your home is well-lighted while it is being shown.
3.
 Children's toys should be inconspicuous.
4.
 Children should be quiet and if possible, children and pets should play outside.
5.
 The salesperson knows the buyers requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. Let the trained salesperson answer any questions.
6.
 Take your family away if the broker is holding an open house.
7.
 Let the professional salesperson discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the customer.