I’ve been showing a lot of homes lately, and I am always surprised how many sellers and/or their listing agents miss the basics. Here is a short list of reminders of how you can make your home showing-ready.
- Make sure your agent has professional photos of your home taken. A few times a month I preview a home on tour that is beautiful in person, but when I send my client an email of the listing, it looks dark and ugly on the MLS.
- Your home should not smell at all. It shouldn’t smell good, and it shouldn’t smell bad. Buyers don’t like walking into a room full of fragrance. A little neutralizing spray is o.k., but don’t overdo it.
- Carpets should be clean. It’s worth the $150.00 to have it done professionally.
- Windows should be clean, inside and out. Remove heavy curtains or drapes. Bare windows and minimal treatments are better.
- Bare bathrooms look cheap. Towel racks should be full of new, fluffy towels. Counters should be clear. Toilet paper rolls should be full. Seats should be down.
- Front porches and patios should have potted plants and flowers.
- I love dogs, I truly do. But, some of my clients are afraid of dogs; others have allergies. So, I recommend taking your dog out of the house when possible during showings.
- Hang pictures or mirrors on bare walls. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Just pick up some trendy items from Target or World Market. Mirrors add light and sparkle. Pictures add warmth and focus.
- Don’t worry about getting rid of all your personal photos. This has been way over-stated with the onset of staging. Framed family photos add warmth to a home.
I hope this list doesn’t seem too harsh. It is easy to forget that little things make a difference, but a well-staged home is really just a bunch of little things remembered and well-executed.
