If you have listed your house with an agent or are planning on selling it yourself, you need a plan of attack so every thing is ready and in place every time you have a viewing. A well thought out plan is the best way of making sure everything is done.
As most houses are bought and sold in the summer, we shall assume you are doing the same, however if it is winter you need to replace the summer chores with shoveling and snow removal, if this is winter, you need to think about leaf removal, and do not leave the bags of leaves in view.
The first three tips are things to do right away, the remaining tips are more last minute, and closer to the phase when people actually come to see the house. Typically a real estate agent will call to set up a time for viewing. This may be the following day, or in a few hours from their call. You need to have your plan ready so that you can use this time to the best of your advantage. Steps 4 to 8 are jobs you need to assign to family members to accomplish when you get such a phone call.
- Prior to listing box up everything, and I do mean everything, that you will not need for the next few months. This includes seasonal clothing, video tapes, excess children's toys and dishes. Remove posters from the walls, and family pictures, and anything that makes your house look cluttered. Make due with less, this will give your home a neater appearance. The boxes of items should be stored in the garage, basement, or ideally at a family members house.
- Paint one room, ideally the entry way, or what every room is in the worst condition. You may not need to do this, but usually there are holes in the walls or scuff marks. You do not want any potential new buyer to only see work needing to be done. A bright entry way is important to the over all feeling of the house, as it is the first thing they will see.
- Get planting. Spending a few hundred dollars on flowering plants in your front yard will pay off in the end. The first impression is everything, and a drab front entry is uninviting. You may want to get some flowering baskets, or bedding plants, either way, do something to perk up your front area.
- Lawn Care. If you have time prior to a viewing, quickly mow the lawn, and remove dead grass. Not only do people like the smell of a freshly mowed lawn, it gives your home a neater appearance, and chops down any weeds that may have sprung up. If it is dry, water the lawn to green it up a bit. Have a glance around for weeds and remove them. Roll up the hose and tuck away most of the toys, unless you know it is a family with children, in which case you may want to leave some toys out to give it a family appeal. If you do not have much time, focus on the front yard.
- Pet Ideas. You probably cannot smell your pets, but other people will. Make sure the cat litter is dumped, clean, and tucked away. Use baking soda to remove any odors. If you have small animals make sure their cages are clean and no shavings are spilling out onto the floor. Open windows in pet rooms so you get fresh air. Clean up the back yard after the dog. If you have a dog run put the dog it in, or plan on taking it for a walk during the viewing. If you have cats, ideally put them in cat carriers so they do not bother the people or run out the door. If you have a pet that other people may not like, such as a snake or tarantula, make sure your real estate agent is aware of it, and cover the tank with a towel.
- Make it smell good. Some people go over board with smells or pick the wrong smell. Any thing that smells like laundry will remind people of a disliked task. Most people prefer food smells, so these may be your best bet, but do not over do it. A smell should be subtle and not drive overly sensitive people away.
- Open windows and turn on lights. The open windows give a freshness to the home and the lights brighten the house, even in the day time.
- Empty all garbages. Not only will this control odor, but people are likely to open cupboards and you don't really want them to see a pile of garbage.
- Clean the toilets and bathroom, make sure the toilet lids are shut.
- Quick Sweep, vacuum, and dusting of each main room, everyone should ensure their beds are made and their room is tidy. Make sure all valuables are tucked away, or better yet, removed, never leave money laying around.
Now get out, and stay out. Make sure all your tasks are completed at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled visit. Take the dog for a walk or go for ice cream. It is very uncomfortable for a potential new owner to look at a home when the current one is there, so unless you are selling the house yourself, go away and let your agent do their job.
