8 Things to do when potential buyers visit your home.

You’ve worked hard getting your home ready to sell. The windows are sparkling, the clutter is removed, the kid’s toys are stowed out of the way and the carpets are scrubbed. Now it’s time to show potential buyers your home. Here are a few tips to insure the best showing:

1. Have all warranties, owner’s manuals and home records readily available for visitors to review. Your records will have a big impact on proving the value to buyers.

2. Display seasonal photos of your home. You’ve enjoyed the different seasons for different reasons. Showcase photos of the gardens in full bloom, the lush green lawn, the snow scene through the trees, wildlife in the yard or whatever you’ve enjoyed the most.

3. Leave the house. Serious buyers will be very curious about closet and cupboard space. If you’re there, they will feel shy about exploring these areas preventing them from seeing enough of your home to make a buying decision. This could also put you in an uncomfortable position if the buyers want to ask you direct questions about price or terms of the offer.

4. Leave lights on if you are leaving the home shortly before the showing.

5. Remove pets from inside the home or have them in a cage.

6. Empty all wastebaskets.

7. Have light music playing low if available.

8. Sweep sidewalks or clear snow if necessary.