Top 10 Showing Tips:

Here are some great tips for showing your home to a prospective buyer.

1. Replace heavy drapes with lightweight sheers during warmer months to give a room a brighter, lighter feel.
2. Make the fridge smell fresh instantly with cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice.
3. Make your bed more inviting and adding new fluff to the comforter by having a couple of people shake the quilt up and down to redistribute the stuffing.
4. Shut some of your vents on the first floor and basement to push more cool air to the second floor in the summer (A/C weather.) Reverse the process in the winter as heat rises.
5. Resist the temptation to spot-clean walls since it will make the rest of the wall dingy.
6. Have a large box or basket that will allow you to go through the entire house in 10 minutes or less picking up items that shouldn't be out during a showing. Place the box in the closet and when you get home you can replace the items.
7. Don't be home for the showing and make sure to turn on ALL the lights prior to you leaving for the showing. Sure, the agent can turn them on ... but your home is much more inviting if you have it done for them already! This avoids the agent fumbling for the switch or worse not turning on the light and making your house seem drab!
8. Curb Appeal: If possible have your lawn mowed every 5 days during the marketing of it to keep it manicured perfectly. This projects a great first impression of your home when the buyers walk up to or drive by your property. If time permits -- water the lawn for 10 minutes before the showing.
9. Make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are spotless. Remove the sponges and dish soap from the sink. Remove the shampoos and soaps from the tub. Put everything away and by all means -- wash the dishes in the sink!
10. Staging - if you haven't seen or heard what a difference this can make ... you'd be surprised. Selling your home is a difficult time for you as it's hard to live there at the same time as well. In order to project the best look for the prospective buyer -- there are specific ways to place the furniture, knickknacks, pictures, rugs, etc. If you have questions ... I have people that you can speak with.