How to Prepare Your Home For a Showing
Staging Your Home
Did you know that most buyers will judge your home within eight seconds of walking through the front door therefore it is so important to carefully prepare your home for a showing. Once you’ve decided to list it, follow these five simple but important steps to have a successful showing:
1. Exterior: First impressions matter and the buyer’s first impression will be made outside of the home. Make sure trees and hedges are pruned so they’re not blocking the windows and inhibiting natural light. Sweep paving stones, patios, decks, and stairs to clear leaves and debris away. Make sure gates and doors open smoothly. A fresh coat of paint or newly stained wood can impress potential buyers and even garner a higher price for your property.
2. Interior Lighting: Light sells homes! Your property should always be well lit for a showing. Open every window shade and blind to bring in as much natural light as possible. Turn on lamps to provide additional ambient lighting and to enhance the natural light.
3. Reduce Clutter: Keep the space as uncluttered as possible so the buyer’s eyes focus on the features of the property, not any potential distractions. This is particularly important in the kitchen and bathrooms. Clear countertops and sinks and organize cupboards and cabinets to maximize space. Don’t forget about organizing the linen closet!
4. Climate Control: You want potential buyers to take their time while viewing your property, but if it’s too hot inside, they’ll want to get out of there quickly. The air conditioning should be running at a cool 75 degrees. In larger homes it’s always good to set the temperature down well in advance to be sure the house has time to reach a comfortable temperature.
5. Ambiance: A “showing” is just that – staging a show! Like any staged environment, being well-lit and augmented with appropriate music is a recipe for success. Many Luxury Home Specialists will add some accent background music such as classical or jazz to set the mood for the showing.
These simple steps don’t cost a lot of money, but they can add 10% or more to the buyer’s offer price. It’s important to work with an experienced sales agent who knows how to stage your home to make a lasting impression.
Prepare Your Home For a Showing
