10 Last-Minute Things to Do Before Showing Your Home
When getting ready to begin showing your home to potential home buyers, there’s plenty of fine details you’ll need to worry about. Make sure to get those all done way ahead of time. Once all of the important details like decluttering, deep cleaning, and decorating are all out of the way, you’ll just need a simple checklist. Make sure to do these 10 things before showing your house to make the right impression with potential home buyers.
Make all the beds before showing your home
This one may seem like a given, but a messy bed completely distracts from the bedroom. Make sure all beds are made nicely before any buyers come over to your home. Try to get rid of all wrinkles and lumps for a hotel feel.
Clear counters of mail and other “junk”
We all have that table or counter that houses all of our mail and other things we collect during the day. On the morning of your house showing, grab a basket, and put all of your counter clutter into it, and take it with you when you leave. Buyers won’t be able to envision themselves in a messy house.
Empty all trash cans
A nice smelling house is a house people will want to live in. Regardless of how full they are, empty all of your trash cans before showing your house. People don’t want to see your trash, and they certainly don’t want to smell it.
Clean and close all toilets
Before showing your home, give your toilets a quick clean and then close all of the lids. Regardless of how clean your toilets are on the inside, a closed lid will always make the bathroom seem cleaner.
Wipe down all countertops
Give your countertops a quick wipe down before showing your home. This will remove any dust, dirt, or spots that would make any potential buyers wary of keeping them clean when they move in.
Wash and put away all dirty dishes
Dirty dishes will detract from all of the great things about your kitchen. Take the time to wash them all and put them away. If you do not have time, throw them in the dishwasher to wash later on.
Take your pet & accessories with you
If you have a pet, take them and their bed with you. Not only would a pet be distracting, but the smell of pets can be distracting for homebuyers. Pet beds tend to release pet odors, so removing it altogether is the best bet for a good first impression. Other items like litter boxes, toys, and food dishes should either be removed or hidden from plain view.
Turn on all lights & open blinds
To make your house look open and inviting, turn on all of the lights. Don’t forget to show off your natural lighting by opening curtains and blinds to let sunlight in!
Open windows before showing your home
If you’re showing your home on a nice day, crack open a few windows. This will get some fresh air circulating in your home. If you cannot open a window because of weather or temperature, light a candle or bake some cookies.
Clear the entryway
If you keep shoes and coats in the entryway of your home, hide them away in a closet. The entryway will be the first thing potential homebuyers will see when entering your home, so you want to make a good, clutter-free first impression.
In addition to the other details you’ve already handled, these last-minute things to do before showing your home should help you make a fantastic first impression on potential buyers. For more tips of moving, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.
