Showing Your Home

When your home is for sale, it has two jobs: look great in photos and feel great in person. You don’t need a big budget. Most of this is cleaning, clearing and a little paint. We’ll walk through your home with you and point out what will make the biggest difference.

Start at the curb

• Clean up the front entry, sweep the walk and add a fresh doormat.
• Paint the front door or touch up trim if it’s worn.
• Trim shrubs so windows and the front of the house are easy to see.
• Keep the lawn mowed in summer. In winter, keep the driveway, walks and steps shoveled and safe.
• Tuck away garbage bins, hoses, extra lumber and toys.

Clean and declutter inside

• Clear kitchen and bathroom counters down to a few items.
• Take extra furniture out so rooms feel bigger. Closets too: buyers open them.
• Pack up personal photos and the busy fridge door so buyers can picture their own things.
• Clean windows, floors and carpets. Fresh caulk in tubs and showers goes a long way.
• Fix the little things: loose knobs, sticky doors, burned-out bulbs, dripping faucets.
• If a room needs paint, choose a light, neutral color.

Let the light in

• Open blinds and curtains for every showing.
• Turn on lamps and lights, even during the day. Warm light makes rooms feel welcoming.
• Use lamps to show off cozy spots, like chairs by the fireplace or the breakfast nook.

Make showings easy

The easier your home is to see, the more buyers will see it. We’ll set up a lockbox and a showing schedule that works for you.

The quick-showing checklist

Sometimes a showing request comes with short notice. Here’s the ten-minute version:

1. Lights: Turn on every light and open the blinds.
2. Kitchen: Dishes in the dishwasher, wipe the counters.
3. Bathrooms: Wipe counters, close the toilet lids, hang fresh towels.
4. Living areas: Grab the mail, toys and blankets.
5. Bedrooms: Make the beds.
6. Smells: Take out the trash and open a window for a minute if it’s nice out.
7. Entry: Clear the boots and shoes, and make sure the walk is clear.
8. Pets: Take them with you or crate them, and put away food bowls and litter boxes.
9. Leave: This one matters most. Buyers relax and picture themselves living there when the owners aren’t around. Take a walk or run an errand.