Sellers, Prepare your Home for Showings
There are many things to consider beyond just the physical work necessary to prepare your home for showings. Here are some tips that will help you engage your potential buyers and encourage them to choose your home.
1. Always be ready to show your home. While the majority of showings are by appointment only, there are also many last-minute requests from buyers to see a home. If you are a seller with a “24 hour notice to show” stipulation, you could be cutting yourself off from a lot of buyers on the market.
2. Be welcoming, but don’t be there. You never want a buyer to feel like an intruder. You want them to imagine owning your home. Don’t make them remove their shoes unless they choose to. It’s always best if you can leave the house because most people won’t talk about it openly if you’re there. It could even potentially harm your chances of selling because many buyers won’t even open closets or cabinets if you’re there while they’re looking. Consider leaving a bowl of wrapped candy near the front door with a note inviting potential buyers to take them and thanking them for looking at your home.
3. Control your pets. Not everyone loves Fido as much as you do. Some people may even be allergic. In fact, any signs of pets can be detrimental to getting your home sold. Rid your home of any pet odors. In fact, you may want to ask your real estate agent or someone you trust to let you know if there are any signs of pets or odors because sometimes, homeowners can get used to those odors over time.
4. Be cautious of overpowering scents. Some people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers. Don’t spray anything or plug in any air fresheners. Don’t light candles in smaller rooms, either. Consider boiling a pot of water with cinnamon and/or vanilla to create a more subtle scent. You can also bake cookies, but if you do, set some out for the potential buyers so they’re not disappointed!
5. Stage your home appropriately. Home staging is important enough that it can be it’s own full article. Learn about staging your home before showing it. Some people even hire professional home stagers. The way your home is staged can definitely affect whether a showing converts to a sale.
6. Encourage buyer feedback. The feedback you receive from your showings will prove to be extremely helpful. Make sure you allow the feedback to be provided anonymously.
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