Living in a house that’s on the market can be challenging, especially when showings can happen unexpectedly. You may receive a lot of notice for one showing, or only have 10 to 15 minutes before potential buyers arrive for the next. Knowing how to prepare your home for these visits can feel overwhelming, but there are a few strategies that can make the process much smoother. These tips can be a huge help whenever your realtor sets up a showing, and you may even want to print this checklist to keep it handy.
Before You Put Your Home on the Market
Some of the most critical steps in preparing your home actually happen before it’s even listed.
Depersonalize Your Space
The first part of this process is mental—you’ll need to emotionally detach from your home and the items inside it. This means removing personal touches that make the house feel uniquely yours. For instance, if you have family photos lining your fireplace mantel, now is the time to pack them away. The goal is to transform your home into a space that anyone could envision themselves living in. This involves taking down anything that is too personal and replacing it with more neutral décor.
Declutter the House
Next, you’ll need to focus on clearing out the clutter. This doesn’t mean just tidying up; it involves evaluating everything you’ve accumulated over the years and deciding what to pack away or get rid of. You’ll want to showcase your home’s best features, like spacious closets or storage areas, which means those places need to be as empty and organized as possible.
If you’re unsure about certain items, consider storing them in an off-site facility until after your move. This will allow you to make decisions about whether to keep them later on. Additionally, removing some furniture can help create a more open and inviting atmosphere. The aim is to make the space feel large, uncluttered, and neutral—ready for any buyer to picture themselves in it.
Deep Clean Every Room
A deep clean is essential before your home goes on the market. This involves addressing every surface in each room, from top to bottom. Don’t overlook tasks like washing the windows, cleaning the curtains, and steaming the carpets. Be sure to tackle details like scrubbing the baseboards, too. Make sure all of your appliances are spotless, including ones buyers might not see immediately, like the inside of the dishwasher.
If you’re worried about getting everything done, hiring a professional cleaning service might be worth considering. It could save you time and stress, and help ensure your home is as clean as possible for every showing.
Enhance Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Enhancing your curb appeal can be as simple as mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, and planting fresh flowers to give the outside a welcoming look. Pay attention to details like cleaning the driveway, pressure washing the exterior, and even repainting the front door if it’s seen better days. Ensure that all outdoor lighting is functional, and consider adding touches like a new doormat or attractive outdoor furniture. These small, affordable improvements can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived from the moment someone arrives. The goal is to create a clean, inviting entrance that makes buyers excited to see what’s inside.
While Your Home is On the Market
Once you’ve prepped your home and it’s officially on the market, the work isn’t over. You’ll need to maintain that level of cleanliness and order daily to ensure it looks perfect for every showing. Here’s how to keep everything in top shape while your home is being shown.
Daily Maintenance Tips
Make the Beds
Bedrooms are a key part of selling a home, and they need to look their best. Think of how a well-made bed in a hotel room invites you in—this is the vibe you want to create. Keep your bedroom looking like a peaceful, pristine retreat by making the beds every morning. This simple task can make the space feel inviting, tidy, and relaxing for potential buyers.
Stay on Top of the Dishes
Dirty dishes can easily detract from the appeal of your kitchen, so it’s important to keep them in check. Run the dishwasher every night and put away the clean dishes the next morning. If you wash dishes by hand, dry and store them promptly—avoid letting dishes pile up on the counter or in the sink. Keeping the kitchen spotless is key when your home is up for sale.
Keep Up with the Laundry
Laundry is a chore in any household, but while selling your home, it’s crucial to stay on top of it. Aim to do at least one load of laundry each day, and make sure to fold and put away the clothes as soon as they’re done. Avoid leaving laundry in hampers or baskets; everything should be neatly tucked away to give your home a polished look during showings.
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
A quick sweep or vacuum each day is essential for maintaining clean floors. Hard surfaces like wood or tile should be swept daily, and carpets and rugs need to be vacuumed each morning. This will help keep your home looking fresh and ready for buyers.
Wipe Down the Countertops
Kitchens and bathrooms are critical selling points, so keeping the countertops clean is a must. Make it a habit to wipe them down every morning. Disposable cleaning wipes, such as Clorox wipes, can be a quick and easy way to keep counters spotless. Stashing a pack near each room’s countertops ensures they’re always ready to be cleaned at a moment’s notice.
Keep the Sinks Shining
Believe it or not, clean sinks can make a big difference when potential buyers are touring your home. Take a moment each day to wipe them down. While a quick wipe is usually enough, aim to keep them gleaming as much as possible, adding a little extra shine to leave a lasting impression.
Remember the Mirrors
One of the areas many homeowners tend to overlook when preparing for showings is the mirrors. To keep them looking their best, keep some window cleaner nearby and wipe down mirrors regularly. Decorative mirrors in hallways or living rooms might only need attention a few times a week, but bathroom mirrors should be cleaned daily since they tend to gather spots and streaks quickly.
Right Before a Showing
If you’re keeping up with the daily tasks, preparing your home for a showing should be much easier. When you get the call that buyers are on their way, make sure to address these key areas.
Secure Your Valuables
It’s important to protect personal belongings and sensitive items. Whether it’s loose change on your dresser, prescription medications in the bathroom, or important documents in the office, make sure these are out of sight. A locked file cabinet or a secure storage box can be an easy way to safeguard valuable items during showings.
Hide Daily Clutter
Life doesn’t stop when your house is on the market, so having a quick way to deal with everyday clutter is essential. Placing a storage bin in each room makes it simple to clear counters, desks, or floors of items you use daily. Whether it’s your teenager’s hairbrush and makeup on the bathroom counter or random papers in the office, these bins can serve as temporary hiding spots when a showing is scheduled.
Tidy Up Pet Supplies
While some buyers are indifferent to pets, others may not appreciate seeing pet items around the house. Be sure to remove things like crates, toys, and food bowls before a showing. A good spot for these items could be a designated bin in the garage or another out-of-the-way area. Also, make sure to take your pet with you when leaving the house for the showing, as not all potential buyers will be thrilled to meet them.
Turn On the Lights
A bright, well-lit home feels more welcoming, so make sure all of your lights are on before a showing. Open the curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible, and don’t forget to turn on any accent lighting to highlight key areas of your home.
Final Touches Before You Leave
Right before heading out the door, give your home a quick once-over. Lower all the toilet seats, smooth out any wrinkles in the bed comforters, and open interior doors to create a more inviting atmosphere. Double-check the thermostat to ensure the temperature is comfortable, and your home will be ready for visitors.
While living in a home that’s up for sale can be tricky, following this checklist can help make every showing a bit more manageable and keep your home looking its best for potential buyers.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for showings requires consistent effort, but following these tips can help make the process much easier. From depersonalizing and decluttering to daily maintenance and last-minute touches, staying on top of these tasks ensures your home is always ready to impress potential buyers. By keeping your space clean, organized, and welcoming, you’ll not only reduce stress during the selling process but also maximize your chances of a successful sale. If you need an experienced listing agent to help with selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out.