Preparing your Home for Showings

As a seller you want your home to look its very best every time a potential buyer is coming to tour the home. It is very important for your home to stay picked up and clean while it is on the market. Listed below are some things I recommend you do right before each showing. This may look like a long list but it can be done in less than 30 minutes and will make your house feel very fresh and well cared for – two very important things to a prospective buyer. Buyers will be drawn to a home that is well kept and if you do these things your house will be a step ahead of its competition!

Before you leave the house:

- Turn on most lamps – avoid overhead lighting with the exception of chandeliers

- Check for odors (if you have a showing scheduled for the next day avoid cooking foods with strong odors) Febreeze room spray is a wonderful clean scent.

- Put down all toilet seats (check to see if they need a quick “swish”)

- Open all drapes and blinds (unless view is bad)

- Wipe down sinks and faucets with clorox wipes

- Wipe down bathroom mirrors with windex wipes
(Hint: keep a small plastic bucket with handle stocked with wipes, dust rag, toilet bowl cleaner, etc. in a closet ready for use)

- Remove personal items (cosmetics, etc) from view (it helps to keep these items in a single basket so you can just tuck the basket away)

- Turn off computer(s) to insure your privacy

- Remove bills and other personal papers from sight (this is for your personal protection as well as reducing clutter).

- Double check that everything is neat and organized

- Put out “showtime” towels (special towels you keep tucked away just for showings)

- Put out “showtime” doormat if daily doormat is worn

- Do not leave dishes in sink or dish drainer

- Add fresh flowers if possible

- Remove pet(s) from home if possible during showings

- Turning on soft music is a nice touch

- Try to leave the house for all showings (this puts potential buyers more at ease)

- Make sure children’s and pet’s toys are put away or at least out of all walkways

- Make all beds on days house will be shown

Contact Diana Corcoran, Licensed Associate Broker, for Rhinebeck NY real estate today!
Office: 845-876-1660, Direct: 845-224-5238