Selling a Home: Tips For a Successful Showing

June 9th, 2008 by JessicaAckerman

A call from a realty professional requesting a showing is the first goal of every homeowner attempting to sell their house, and once a showing is scheduled it is time to begin last minute steps to make the home attractive to potential buyers. It takes more than simply cleaning, washing dishes, and making beds to make a home appealing to buyers. The following tips will help you accomplish a successful showing that could very well bring an acceptable offer.

Last Minute Organizing and Cleaning

Organization is very important when trying to sell a home, but it is difficult to keep a house in perfect condition when still living in it. Once you find out a realty professional wants to show your home, begin last minute organizing and cleaning. Major organization should already be finished, but make sure countertops are free from clutter, toys are picked up and put away, and make sure the house is in tiptop condition. In addition, make sure the dishes are washed and put away, dust furniture, and make sure the floors are clean. A clean and organized home is an impressive home, and a little last minute organizing and cleaning goes a long way.

Find a Pet Sitter

Homeowners are encouraged to depart before a showing, but many leave their dogs behind, and this is a big mistake. Putting up with a barking dog is not pleasant, but an aggressive dog is worse yet, even when confined to a garage or another area of the home. This prevents potential buyers from seeing specific locations, and an excited or aggressive dog does not encourage anyone to stick around to examine the house. Take your dog along when you leave before a showing, or make arrangements for someone to keep the dog for a short period of time. It can make the difference between people really seeing your home or leaving as soon as possible because they are annoyed.

Make the Kitchen Appear More Inviting

The appearance of the kitchen can make or break the sale of a home, and making it appear more comfortable and inviting is helpful before a showing. If time allows, set out a freshly baked pie or hot steaming apple cinnamon muffins. The smell will waft throughout the home and make it look and feel like a home potential buyers could call their own. After all, who can resist the scent of freshly baked goods?

Too many air-fresheners send up a red flag to those looking at a home. They will think you are trying to hide an offensive odor, but it is okay to set out a fragrant basket of potpourri or scented oil if fresh baked goods are not your style. Strategically place a container of scented oil or a dish of potpourri in an inconspicuous area of the home. It will smell fragrant, but not so much that people will wonder if you are trying to cover a much less pleasant scent.

Open the Shades and Turn on Lighting

Rooms that are light and bright look larger than ever, and it is helpful to open the shades and turn on lights before a showing. This is a technique used by realty professionals, and when trying to make a positive impression, this little trick is quite effective. Light up dark areas with room-enhancing light bulbs, and take advantage of any natural lighting by pulling up shades or opening blinds. When rooms and other areas of the home are dark they not only appear smaller, but it also appears that the homeowner really does not want potential buyers to inspect those spaces. Keep it light and bright, and along with organization and a little planning, you will make the best overall impression and have a better chance of selling your home.

Jessica Ackerman is the featured author at Wall Decor and Home Accents. Check out their unique selection of contemporary wall art ,Swarovski wall mirrors and wrought iron wall decor.

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