Home Showing Checklist
Once your home is on the market, showing requests can come in with little notice. You don't need to make it perfect every time, but a few quick habits make a big difference in how buyers feel when they walk in. Keep this checklist handy (it's a good one to bookmark on your phone).
The Show-Ready Checklists
Got 10 Minutes?
- Make the beds
- Clear and wipe the kitchen counters
- Load the dishwasher or put dishes away
- Empty the trash cans
- Put out fresh towels
- Pick up clutter, toys and shoes
- Turn on all the lights and open the blinds
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
- Put pets, bowls and litter boxes out of sight
- Shovel the walk if it snowed
Got an Hour?
- Everything on the 10 minute list, plus:
- Vacuum and sweep the floors
- Clean the mirrors and glass doors
- Wipe down the bathrooms and toilets
- Take out the trash and recycling
- Tidy closets and the garage
- Sweep the porch and front entry
- Mow the lawn if needed
- Air the house out so it smells fresh
Tips for Making Every Showing Count
Head out if you can. Buyers relax and take their time when the seller isn't there. If you do need to stay, step outside or keep to one room and let the buyer's agent do the showing.
Be as flexible as possible. Buyers have busy schedules too. The more showings you can say yes to, the more buyers will see your home, especially in the first couple of weeks.
Keep it light and bright. Turn on lights, open the curtains and make sure the temperature is comfortable. A bright, comfortable home simply feels better.
Take care of pets. Some buyers are allergic or nervous around animals. If you can, take pets with you or keep them in a crate or contained space.
Secure your valuables. Lock up or take with you jewelry, cash, prescription medications, important papers and anything small and valuable.
Mind the smells. Skip strong cooking smells before a showing and go easy on air fresheners. Clean and fresh is better than heavily scented.
Let us know. We'll mention them in the showing instructions so buyers and their agents are aware.
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