Friday, May 9, 2014

It's Showtime!

Getting Ready to Show Your Home!

Now that we have your house on the market, it is time to start showing it!  To always be ready, even for last minute showings, get into the habit of these basic, daily chores, especially before leaving the house every time:

---Make all beds, as soon as you get up.  Please note:  Be sure you keep clean sheets on the bed, by washing/changing them at least once a week.  The scent of stale linens creates an unpleasant distraction.

---Make sure all dishes are in the dishwasher or have been put away.
---Keep the kitchen and bathroom counters and appliances wiped off.  Disposable disinfecting wipes are a great convenience to have under all sinks.
---Keep the trashcans emptied.
---Toilet should be flushed and lids should be closed.

If you get a call for a showing, and you have less than 30 minutes to prepare?  No problem.  You already have the basics covered.  (And if not, get them done, pronto!)  Then finish up with these other last minute details you can take care of in no time:

---If you have random clutter, toys or clothing laying around, grab a laundry basket, toss everything inside, and throw it into your car before you leave the house.  You can sort and put everything away later.
---Put out the fresh, decorative "showing-only" towels in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Again, please note:  Remove any "soured" towels from the house during showings to prevent distraction from unpleasant odors. People have a tendency to "label" houses.  You don't want to be labeled and referred to as the "Sour Towel House."
---Open all curtains/drapes/blinds.
---Turn all the mood-lighting on in your home.  (Think about the lighting you use when you have company or are entertaining.)

Extra trick of the trade:  In a pinch, wipe down the door facings with a pleasant, fresh-smelling cleaner before the showing.  House will smell clean and fresh as guests walk through the door.

If you have more time to prepare for the showing:
---Do everything listed above
---Vacuum all floors, no matter the floor covering.
---Hit the tile and vinyl floors with a quick mop----Best way to keep it fresh is to use a Swiffer.  You don't want to take chances you might have a soured mop.
---Wipe off mirrors and glass surfaces with a fresh-smelling cleaner/vinegar and water product.
---Give the toilets, sinks, tubs and showers a quick swish and swipe on all surfaces, top, bottom, inside and out.  Don't forget to close the lids.
---Make sure all laundry is folded and put away.  If you have any dirty laundry and not much time, put it into a basket and stash in your car.  No one wants to see your dirty laundry.
---Flip on some subtle, soft background music.  No heavy metal, head-banging rock and roll, please!  If you parents or grandparents would call it "racket", put on something more soothing!
---Make sure the front porch and sidewalks are swept off.  (While I appreciate humor as much as anyone, make sure your door mat conveys the classy "WELCOME to our home" message you want to portray.)
---If you have potted flowers or plants at the front door, make sure they are pruned of dead blooms and leaves, and have been watered so they will be perky---no droopy first impressions!
---If your agent prepares materials for your showings, (message me for more details) make sure you have them out and accessible for the buyers to take.
---Take it easy on the aromatic plug-in devices and candles----Many people have sensitivities to these.  Overdoing it on the artificial scents can appear to be a cover-up for something.
 
Get in the car, head out and relax.  You did your part, now hopefully your agent will call you with excellent feedback, or even better?  An offer!

Ready to list your home for sale?  Give me a call at 478-973-2684. And don’t forget to visit me at my website:  www.janiepughsellshomes.com to make use of not only my Seller Showing Checklist, but my many other useful tips for selling or buying your next home!

 
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