Home » Top 10 Home Showing Tips
Top 10 Home Showing Tips
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
