If you’re selling your home with us, we’ve probably asked you to be as accommodating for showings as possible, and good reason. Accommodating for showings lets potential buyers know you're motivated and serious, and gives a glimpse into what the escrow process might be like with you as a seller. It’s a first impression in many ways—of you as a seller and of your home.
We know how tough frequent showings can be, especially when you’re trying to live your life! We’re sharing a few of the tips we often share with our clients to help them live as normally (and sanely) as possible.
- Make yourself a pre-showing checklist. It’s easy to forget things when you’re in a rush. A checklist can help ensure that your home is putting its best foot forward for potential buyers.
Some items to include:
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Make the beds
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Puts dishes away or in the dishwasher
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The bathroom sink and mirrors were wiped clean and the toilet seats down
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Toys put in baskets and bins
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Messes from pets cleaned and deodorized
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Entry clear of shoes and backpacks
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Lights on and window shades open
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Take out the trash
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Show some self-love. Think of this selling period as your opportunity to have your home as you’ve always wanted. Show yourself some love with fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or that “fancy” soap. They make your home look extra lovely for potential buyers, but you’ll enjoy the daily benefits after the showing is over. GT Tip: If you’re working on a tighter budget, use succulents and bowls of fruit that don’t require much maintenance and refreshing.
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Get non-transparent bins and baskets (with lids!) In a pinch, these can serve as a catch-all of items without making the house look cluttered. Laundry baskets with lids and non-transparent containers will make it look like you’re as organized as your Pinterest makes you out to be.
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Make your bed as soon as you wake up. This simple task can make you feel accomplished, set the tone for the day, and make that last-second showing a total breeze. If you have kids, make their beds too, or get them in the habit of doing so.
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Keep a spare rack of fresh towels on hand. It seems fussy, but having nicely folded white towels can make a bathroom feel cleaner and more spa-like. Keep clean towels that you’ve already folded in the cupboard, or somewhere you can easily pull them out. This will help eliminate the stress of worrying about whether the towels are clean all the time.
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Know this—it only takes 30 days to make a habit. If you can get through the first month, then going through that pre-show checklist will be a breeze, and the stress of last-minute accommodations will have dwindled.
