Tips For Showing Your Home
- Whenever possible, don't follow the prospective buyers through the house. Let them see themselves living in the house as if they all ready owned it. (For you own protection, don't forget to put away valuables and personal items before the showing.)
- Turn on ALL of the lights in the house. Lamps and other artificial lights make your home feel comfortable and bright
- Open the blinds and curtains. No one wants to move into the Munster's house!
- Keep your thermostat set at 70 degrees or lower for a showing. If it is too warm or cold during a showing, your prospective buyers may get uncomfortable and head straight for the door.
- Wipe down the kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a clean smelling household cleanser. It sends the message that your home is clean and cared for.
- Don't use air fresheners. Air fresheners can be too over powering and might cause some buyers to think you are trying to mask a more ominous odor. Instead, consider lighting a few lightly scented candles in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Turn on the stereo. Music creates an inviting atmosphere.
- Make all of the beds and re-organize the closets. A well maintained storage area gives the impression that there is room to grow.
- Have pets? Make sure to keep them out of the way, or out of sight. Some people are afraid of animals, while others may have allergies. Make sure things like cages and litter boxes are kept clean and out of the way to avoid over-powering pet odors.
- Consider smoking outside while your home is on the market if you are a smoker. The smell of smoke indoors will most likely be a huge turn-off to a non-smoking prospective buyer. Tobacco smoke and odor builds up on window treatments, on furniture, and in carpeting even when no one is actively smoking in the home. This can be a very serious concern for someone with allergies as well.
- Be willing to show your home at a moments notice. It's not uncommon for someone to call as they are sitting right in front of the house. Whenever possible try not to turn anyone away. Keep the house as neat and clean as possible for those "spur of the moment" showings.
- Have a guest sign-in sheet. You are opening your home to people that you don't know and there is no guarantee that all of them will be trustworthy. You can make your home less vulnerable for criminals and burglars to take inventory and a feel for the lay out of your house by letting them know you are on top of security measures right from the beginning. At least get a phone number and an address if possible. Check id's to verify they are who they say they are.
Comments(9)