Home DecorHome StagingHoweowner ResourceSelling Your Home March 13, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Successful House Showings

Hey there, future home sellers! As a real estate expert and blogger, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to prepare your home for successful house showings. Selling your home can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, and you want to ensure that you make a great impression on potential buyers. That’s why I’m here to share my personal tips on how to get your home ready for successful house showings.

During the house showing process, potential buyers visit your property and decide if it’s the right fit for them. Making a great first impression is crucial, and it starts with preparing your home. Trust me, putting in a little bit of effort and time upfront can go a long way in helping you sell your home quickly and at the best possible price.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps I took to prepare my listings for successful house showings. From decluttering and deep cleaning to staging and enhancing curb appeal, I’ve got you covered. I’ll also share some final tips to help you make your home stand out during a showing and create a positive experience for potential buyers.

So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into how to prepare your home for successful house showings!

Step 1: Declutter and Depersonalize

The first step in preparing your home for successful house showings is to declutter and depersonalize your space. Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, and this can be difficult if they are distracted by personal items and clutter.

Start by removing any excess furniture and items that are taking up unnecessary space. Pack away items that are not needed and donate or sell any items that you no longer want or need. The goal is to create a spacious and inviting environment that allows potential buyers to focus on the features of your home.

Additionally, depersonalizing your space is important. Remove any personal photos, trophies, and mementos.

Finally, be sure to clean and organize all closets, cabinets, and drawers. Potential buyers will want to see ample storage space, so make sure that everything is tidy and organized. 

organized walking closet

Step 2: Deep Clean Your Home

Once you’ve decluttered and depersonalized your space, the next step is to deep clean your home. A clean home looks more appealing to potential buyers.

Start by dusting and wiping down all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Be sure to clean all windows and mirrors, and vacuum or sweep all floors. If you have carpet, consider having it professionally cleaned to remove any stains or odors.

In addition to the standard cleaning tasks, pay special attention to areas that may be easily overlooked. For example, clean the inside of your oven, wipe down your refrigerator and freezer, and clean out your garbage disposal. These small details can make a big difference in how your home is perceived during a showing.

If you’re short on time or would prefer to have a professional handle the cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service to deep clean your home. A professional cleaning can be well worth the investment and can help ensure that your home looks its best during a showing.

A broom with a dust ball next to it

 

Step 3: Stage Your Home

Staging your home is another critical step in preparing your home for successful house showings. The goal of staging is to highlight your home’s best features and create a welcoming environment that potential buyers will love.

Start by arranging your furniture in a way that maximizes the space and highlights your home’s best features. If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional home stager to help you create an inviting and appealing space.

Next, add some decorative touches that will help make your home feel more inviting. For example, add fresh flowers or plants, and incorporate some cozy throw pillows or blankets. Consider adding some artwork or decorative pieces to add visual interest to your space.

Don’t forget about lighting. Make sure that all rooms are well-lit and that any dim areas are addressed with additional lighting. This will help make your home feel bright and welcoming, which is essential for a successful house showing.

Finally, make sure that your home smells great. Consider adding some subtle scents, such as fresh flowers or candles, to make your home feel warm and inviting. Avoid using strong or overpowering scents, as this can be off-putting to some potential buyers.

A staged living room which sofas and a fireplace

Step 4: Make Necessary Repairs and Updates

Start by addressing any minor repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in the walls, and replacing any burned-out light bulbs. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your home is perceived during a showing.

Next, consider making any necessary updates or improvements to your home. This could include updating your kitchen or bathrooms, replacing outdated fixtures or appliances, or repainting rooms that need a fresh coat of paint. These updates can not only improve your home’s functionality and appearance, but they can also make it more attractive to potential buyers.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional home inspector to evaluate your home and identify any necessary repairs or updates. This can help ensure that you’re addressing all necessary issues before listing your home for sale.

man painting a room

Step 6: Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

When preparing your home for successful house showings, it’s important to showcase your home’s best features. This will help potential buyers see the unique qualities of your home.

Start by identifying your home’s standout features. This could include architectural details, such as a fireplace or crown molding, or unique amenities, such as a pool or outdoor living space. Once you’ve identified your home’s best features, highlight them during showings by ensuring they are clean, well-maintained, and prominently displayed.

You can also use strategic staging to draw attention to your home’s best features. For example, if your home has a beautiful view, make sure the window treatments are open during showings to let in natural light and showcase the view. Or, if your home has a spacious master bedroom, arrange furniture in a way that highlights the room’s size and storage potential.

By highlighting your home’s best features, you can make it stand out from other homes on the market and increase its appeal to potential buyers. Just be sure to focus on features that will be most attractive to your target buyer demographic.

over head view of living room with fireplace and sofa

Successful House Showings Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for successful house showings requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your home is in its best condition when potential buyers come to view it.

Remember to start by decluttering and depersonalizing your home, and then focus on deep cleaning and staging it to showcase its best features. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere can also make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive your home.

Finally, it’s important to take care of any necessary repairs before putting your home on the market. By addressing any issues upfront, you can avoid any surprises during the closing process and increase the chances of a successful sale.

With these tips in mind, you can feel confident in your ability to prepare your home for successful house showings and attract the right buyers to make a great deal.

If you're ready to sell, connect with me! Alisha Anglin-Pagan, 718-930-0809, Alisha.pagan@randrealty.com, 229 NY 32, Central Valley, NY 10917