- The following suggestions should make the house look its very best for each showing, whether for a prospective buyer, an agent preview, or an open house:
Pick up toys, shoes, clothes, etc.
- Clean and put away dishes and remove countertop clutter.
- Make sure all beds are neatly made and all drawers neatly closed.
- Make kitchen and baths glisten and smell fresh.
- Do a quick vacuum job over the carpets.
- Make the house bright and cheery by opening all drapes and blinds and turning on the lights.
- Turn off the television because it is very distracting to buyers. You may want to have some soft music playing in the background instead. Stay out of the way and let the agent work. Sometimes a seller will inadvertently shoot himself in the foot by what he may say.
- Pick up newspapers and sweep the walkway. Place garbage cans out of sight or arrange them neatly if it is pick up day.
- Keep pets out of the way. Make sure all pet areas are clean and free of odor. Remember that if the buyer isn't an animal lover, pet odors may kill a sale. The smell of fresh baked cookies is much more inviting.
- Put valuables out of sight and secure them, including jewelry, money, prescription medicine, and gun and coin collections.
- Take a walk or visit a neighbor while the house is being shown. During the showing, it really is best to leave the house, if you can, because buyers tend to feel more comfortable if they don't have to worry about hurting the sellers' feelings. The real estate professional will present your property to its best advantage.
- Please save all the cards of agents who have shown your property (a date noted on the back would be helpful) so that your agent can follow-up with them.
- If anyone comes to see the house who is NOT accompanied by an agent, please refer them to your listing agent so that a determination can be made if they are qualified to purchase your home. It is a good safety rule to follow also.
- If you are planning to be out of town or unavailable, please leave a number where you may be reached.
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