First Impressions Matter

The way buyers feel when they first approach your home has a huge impact on how they’ll view the rest of the property. A welcoming exterior sets the tone, so consider the following:

• Keep the front entry clean, tidy, and inviting.
• Repaint or refresh the front door if it’s faded or worn.
• Touch up trim, shutters, or exterior features showing wear.
• Add fresh plants, flowers, or new mulch to brighten up the entry.

 

Highlight the Positive

The way you live in your home and the way you market it to buyers can be very different. Evaluate each room from a fresh perspective and showcase its best features:

• Keep floors and windows spotless.
• Replace old wallpaper and repair peeling paint.
• Fix any worn woodwork or cabinetry.
• Touch up scuffed or dirty walls with a neutral paint color.
• Steam-clean carpets or replace them if needed.
• Repair sticking doors, loose knobs, warped drawers, or cracked switches.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks for a fresh, clean look.

Bring in natural light and create a welcoming environment by:

• Opening curtains and blinds before every showing.
• Removing excess clutter, especially in closets, basements, and attics.
• Rearranging or removing furniture to make rooms feel larger.
• Keeping clean towels in the bathroom and lightly scented air fresheners.

 

Put Your Home in the Best Light

Thoughtful lighting can completely transform how buyers feel in your home:

• Avoid bright overhead lights that wash out a room.
• Use lamps to create warmth and highlight key areas.
• Add accent lighting to living spaces, reading nooks, or dining areas.

 

Inside Your Home

Help buyers imagine living comfortably in the space:

• Clear countertops, tables, and furniture surfaces of unnecessary items.
• Organize decor into small groups for a clean and intentional look.
• Remove items from kitchen counters that you haven’t used in months.
• Clear the refrigerator of magnets, papers, and personal items.
• Keep bathroom counters minimal with neatly organized essentials.
• Remove or rearrange overly personal photos or artwork.
• Clean windows throughout the home for brighter spaces.
• During showings, keep all lights on and soft music playing.
• Use a lockbox: it increases showing opportunities significantly.

 

Outside Your Home

Curb appeal strongly influences buyer interest:

• Trim shrubs, bushes, and trees to reveal architectural features.
• Clean up the perimeter of the house: move tools, scraps, and bins inside.
• Sweep porches, decks, and pathways.
• Inspect gutters and the roof for any debris and clear them out.
• Prune or remove plants blocking windows.
• Weed and mulch planting beds, and keep the lawn well-maintained.
• Clear patios and decks of smaller items and toys.
• Touch up exterior paint, especially doors and trim.

 

General Tips

Try to view your home through the eyes of a buyer seeing it for the first time. Any small investments in time or repairs can result in a faster sale and potentially a higher offer.

 

The Nine-Minute Showing Drill

Sometimes showings happen with very little notice. This quick checklist can help you prepare fast:

1. Sound: Turn off the TV and play soft background music at a low volume.
2. Lighting: Turn on all lights, open blinds and curtains (during the day).
3. Aroma: Warm vanilla or fresh-baked scent in the oven or on the stove.
4. Kitchen: Wipe counters and hide dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
5. Bathrooms: Clean counters, wipe mirrors, and close toilet lids.
6. Living Room: Hide newspapers, toys, and visible clutter.
7. Bedrooms: Make beds and remove clutter from under and around them.
8. Exterior: Pick up toys and make sure the walkway is clear.
9. Children & Pets: Take them outside or off-site during the showing.
10. Goodbye: Leave the house. Buyers need space to imagine themselves living there.