818.519.8357
DEBORAH(dotted)KERNAHAN(at)COMPASS(dotted)COM
818.519.8357
Phone Number 818.519.8357
Address 2945 Townsgate Rd., #300
Westlake Village, CA 91361 150 S Rodeo Dr. Suite #100,
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

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Top 10 Home Showing Tips

listing house

  1. THE GRACIOUS WELCOME

    • Although the buyer is a guest in your home, you want the buyer to imagine owning the home. You don’t want to make the buyer feel like an intruder.
    • Don’t expect the buyer to remove his/her shoes, unless you are selling to a buyer for whom religious or cultural reasons mandate it. Otherwise, the presumption may be insulting.
    • Leave the house. The buyer won’t talk about the house in front of you or open doors with you standing there.
    • Don’t pressure or hurry the buyer. Tell the buyer to take all the time that is needed.
    • Leave a bowl of wrapped candy or other treats near the front door with a small note thanking the buyer for coming to see your home.

  2. CHECK THE TEMPERATURE

    • Now is not the time to worry about your utility bill. If it’s cold enough to wear a sweater to stay warm, turn on the heat.
    • If it’s warm outside, turn on the air conditioning. It’s better to heat or cool the house a degree or two warmer/colder than usual and then set the temperature at normal. This prevents the heat or A/C from kicking on when the buyer is present because some HVAC systems are loud.

  3. CREATE A MOOD

    • Light a fire in the fireplace.
    • Make it romantic by placing two champagne glasses on a nearby table.
    • Turn on soft music.
    • If you have water fountains, turn them on. They are especially useful for drowning out traffic noise.

  4. PLAY DOWN THE SCENT

    • Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, so don’t.
    • Spray the air or plug-in air fresheners.
    • Don’t burn candles or spray perfume in the bedroom for the same reason.
    • If weather permits, open the windows.
    • If you’re going to bake cookies or simmer spices such as cinnamon in water on the stove, put out munchies so buyers aren’t disappointed.

  5. PLAY UP THE VISUAL

    • If you have seasonal photographs showcasing flower gardens and leaves.
    • Bursting in color or a snow-covered lawn twinkling from street lights, then display them in a prominent position.
    • Open all the window coverings to let in light.
    • Keep blinds partially closed that otherwise show undesirable outdoor scenery such as a dilapidated fence or a nearby structure that obstructs views.

  6. LIGHT UP THE HOUSE

    • Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights.
    • Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

  7. ENCOURAGE TOUCHING

    • Drape sensuous fabrics such as velvet or silk throw over chair arms.
    • Leave doors slightly ajar.
    • If you have carpeting, vacuum as often as possible. Especially before open houses.
    • Wash windows and walkways. Clean up leaves.

  8. PROVIDE THOUGHTFUL CARDS

    • Drape sensuous fabrics such as velvet or silk throw over chair arms.
    • Leave doors slightly ajar.
    • If you have carpeting, vacuum as often as possible. Especially before open houses.
    • Wash windows and walkways. Clean up leaves.

  9. TOP IT OFF WITH FOOD

    • The best way to entice buyers to linger and notice even more details about your home is to offer them food. You don’t need to cater a lunch, but finger sandwiches, cookies, soft drinks, water, and desserts, all are welcome.
    • Set out serving utensils, if needed.
    • Provide plates, cups, and napkins. They can be paper products.
    • In plain sight, provide a waste receptacle.

  10. ENCOURAGE BUYER FEEDBACK AND BE OPEN

    • Near the snacks, leave pens and a stack of pre-printed questionnaire cards or a guest book to sign.
    • Buyers will feel obligated to respond to your request after being fed.
    • The showing feedback you receive will be invaluable.
    • Allow buyer anonymity if they don’t want to leave their name and number.
    • Be open to feedback. It’s just an opinion, however, it may allow you to make adjustments.
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