Many people choose to, or have to, sell their current home while buying a new home which means that you’ll be showing your home while still living in it. As we prepare to present your home to the public marketplace, the condition of it is king as it greatly influences the selling price. Spending time and perhaps a few necessary dollars preparing your property can pay big dividends. However, having your home on the market can be inconvenient, and potentially stressful, to you and to your family. I try to make it as easy as possible for my clients. Fear not, there are some steps you can take to show your home successfully while not driving yourself crazy in the process.
1. Keep on a Schedule
Some showings happen at the last minute and you can only do so much when you have to run out the door in 15 minutes; however some showings are scheduled a few days or a week in advance. Make note of showings in your phone or on a calendar and plan to be out of the house in advance. This is especially helpful to stay on schedule if you have others to account for as well such as small children or an elderly parent. You should be open to all showings as every one could bring a potential buyer. However, if you are sick and cannot leave the house, let me know.
2. Keep shoe covers near the front door
I provide these to all my clients to protect the flooring. Condition is king, especially in Colorado where weather can change in a few hours with snow, rain or leaves.
3. Put items in storage
If you’re already planning on moving, then you may already have some things in storage but this can help greatly in making a great first impression. For example, large non-essentials that take up space like holiday decoration boxes might be best in a storage unit. This is only temporary and many storage units offer month to month so it won’t be a great expense. You don’t have to clear out your whole home but creating a de-cluttered environment is appealing to potential buyers.
4. Keep it clean
Time and again, buyers pay significantly more for a fresh, well-maintained, clean and uncluttered home. The best way to make a first impression in a home is to create a clean and neutral environment. Of course, while living in your home this may be easier said than done, but making sure the trash is thrown out, bathrooms are scrubbed, floors are swept and walkways are clear of toys and other tripping hazards is great. Remember, this is a temporary season and you won’t have to clean so methodically forever.
5. Take the pets with you
Do you have a family pet like a cat or dog? To make sure there are no incidents with your pet and strangers in your home, and to make sure the pet doesn’t accidentally escape, it may be a good idea to take your pet with you when you leave your home for a showing. Leaving pets in yards or locked in a kennel could possibly make potential buyers uncomfortable too, especially if they may not like animals.
6. Turn on the lights when you go
Regardless of the time of day, as you are leaving the home with pets, kids and others in tow, be sure to turn on the lights as you leave. While you may not need the light in a sunny living room, it’s helpful so that the agent and clients don’t have to hunt for a light switch in an unfamiliar and dark basement. Of course, be sure to turn them back off when you get back home.
7. Careful what you cook
This might not be one that people think of a lot, but if you know you have a showing in the morning it may be a good idea to skip on the fish fry the night before. Smells create an immediate impression and it may not be a good one if the smell is off-putting.
Do you have any extra tips to share that helped you when your home was being shown? Are you in the market to buy or sell your home? Call and text me at (720) 323-4176 or email me at [email protected]
