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5 Things To Do Before A Real Estate Showing

Discover a handful of quick tips that can help you prepare to show-off your property to potential buyers.

Author: Lisa Andree
Date: May 24, 2011 - 11:28:06 AM


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Most everyone who puts a home up for sale would like for it to move as quickly as possible. In today’s flooded real estate market, however, that’s easier said than done. After you’ve made all the final repairs and upgrades, plus cleaned every square inch, make sure your house is in top form before a showing.

So, it’s been a few days since your house has been on the market. Your real estate agent just called, and finally, she’s bringing over a prospective buyer in one hour! What should you do to prepare?   First impressions are a key ingredient when it comes to selling a home. Here are five areas to consider before prospective buyers come through the door.

The Grounds - Walk around your entire yard, front to back to ensure there are no surprises. Put garden tools away, get rid of any trash, and make sure that your animals did not leave you any presents. Raking and mowing need to be addressed on as needed basis. Blow or sweep driveways, walkways, and all entrances. Stop at the front door to inspect the entry area, inside and out. Your mission through this entire process is to see your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer.

Walk Thru - Grab a laundry basket and a dust cloth for the next step. Move through every room and area of the house and check for out of place items, dust, and debris. Hopefully you will have already thinned out decorative items for a clean, uncluttered staging.   Remove any culprits and if there’s no time to put things in their proper place, stash the basket in the trunk of your car, you can put it away later. Remember, your house will have just one chance to make a first impression! If there was no time to scour the bathrooms, wipe surfaces and put the toilet lids down.

Pack up the Pets - Do not assume that everyone is an animal lover. Obnoxious dogs and crazy cats should be boarded or relocated before a real estate showing. Sorry, but you will also need to remove all signs of your furry family members as well. Put away their beds, dishes, kennels, leashes, toys and litter boxes.

Lights - Camera-Action! During your walk through, check out every room to ensure that they are all well lit. Opening blinds and draperies is one way to gain maximum light. Another way is to use table lamps and floor lamps. If you have time, install bulbs that give out a bright, but soft light.

Set the Mood - Let the seasons be your guide when the set the mood for a real estate showing. If it’s a chilly fall or winter day, use scented candles, build a fire in the fireplace or turn on the gas logs. Aromatic pine boughs and baskets of pinecones are inviting, as well as economical and long lasting. Beautiful bowls of fruit in the kitchen and fresh flowers elsewhere add to the ambiance. The enticing smell of freshly brewed coffee, along with bread or cookies baking, creates a cozy vibe, especially on a rainy day. Keep refrigerated dough and boxed cake mixes on hand to make it simple.
During spring and summer months, open up windows if it’s not too warm. Spray a citrus air freshener or bake something lemon for a clean, welcoming fragrance. It’s a fact, when it comes to home fragrances; more people favor the scent of citrus over a floral.

Music helps too, as long as it remains in the background. Smooth jazz, soft rock or soul are subtle ways to complete the staging process.

Hope these ideas will help!

Lisa Andree is a real estate and mortgage marketing professional who helps companies promote their brands and products such as single wide mobile home loans and double wide mobile home financing solutions online.



View all articles by Lisa Andree

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