Preparing to list your home and worried about those last minute showings? You’re not alone. Sometimes, prospective buyers can request to see your home last minute, which can fill even the most seasoned seller with dread. Fear not! Below we’ve put together 10 simple steps to get your home “show-ready” in less than an hour, no matter the time of day.
1. Tidy up
Sometimes showings can be scheduled last minute and you and your family may be in the middle of a project. Whether it’s toys, a craft, or homework, you’ll want to take a moment to clear out any and all things that can take away from potential buyers seeing your home in its best light.
2. Keep Baskets on Hand
How do you clear your home quickly without shoving things haphazardly into drawers or closets? Have baskets on hand! Using laundry baskets to toss items in makes it easy to clear out any messes that don’t necessarily have easily accessible storage space.
3. Load up the car
Instead of just transferring these baskets into corners of the house or overloading the basement, make sure you have space always available in your vehicle. This will transfer your items to a place buyers can’t see, and will be easy to unload when you return.
4. Take Out the Trash
To remove unsightly garbage (and the smells that go along with it!) make sure to clean out your garbage cans and take them out to your garbage bins. If pressed for time, or if a garbage bin is full or unavailable, you can also store your garbage bag in the trunk of your car until you’re able to discard it.
5. Make the Beds
Now that you’ve quickly decluttered your home, take a moment to make each bed. It’s also beneficial to have clean sheets and pillow cases on hand in case you unexpectedly need to remove any wrinkled or soiled bedding.
6. Run your Washing Machines
If you have dishes in your sink, put them in your dishwasher and run the clean cycle. Do the same with your laundry. Not only is this an easy way to tidy up your kitchen and laundry areas, which are some of the main features of a home, the smell of your detergent is a quick way to fill your home with a fresh, clean scent.
7. Wipe the grime away
Make sure to always have all purpose and window cleaner on hand so you can wipe away fingerprints, dust, dirt, and food grime from all rooms of the house – especially the bathroom. If your toilets need to be cleaned, make sure to use toilet bowl cleaner as well. Have a few extra minutes? Wipe down bathtubs and showers.
8. Vacuum
Run your vacuum throughout your entire home, focusing on high traffic areas. If you have time, you’ll also want to sweep and mop your tile and wood floors.
9. Scents Matter
Do a scent check! As mentioned above, if you’re running your dishwasher and/or washing machine this can help give your space a clean, fresh scent. You’ll also want to be sure there’s no musty smells in bedrooms, bedrooms, and/or your basement. Instead of masking any smells with scent-heavy air fresheners, consider spraying a light essential oil. If the weather is right, open windows to give your home a nice cross-breeze. This will also help in clearing out any unseemly scents.
10. Quick Staging
Before you head out in anticipation of your potential buyer’s arriving for their scheduled showing, be sure to stage your home. This doesn’t have to be labor intensive! Make sure your throw pillows are placed properly, decor is where it should be, and throw rugs are centered. To be proactive in this approach, contact us! We offer staging advice as part of our services.