SHOWCASE GUIDE
SET THE STAGE TO SELL
Remove
All personal photos and extra items.
Prepare the house to be an inviting palette for the new buyers to imagine their personalization.
Refresh
Interior and exterior focal points.
Deep cleaning, pressure washing, and painting are the most impactful and cost effective activities you can do.
Repair
All non-working functions of the house.
Plumbing, electrical, roof, and drainage issues should be repaired to optimal working order.
Replace
Aged items and dated decor.
Carpet, appliances, fixtures, and window treatments may need to be replaced to appeal to a wider audience of buyers.
Curb Appeal
Do you look better than your neighbors?
Prioritize the walkway and front entrance to make the best first impression. Fresh pine straw or mulch and maybe a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
Calm & Relaxing
Step into a showcase hotel
Focus on making the arrival feel like visiting a quality hotel for a relaxing retreat. Remove all personal touches and craft a neutral palette.
SHOWING TIPS
LESS IS MORE. SET THE STAGE.
Simple & smart reminders to make sure your property presents in the best light possible.
Hotel Ready
Would You Be Excited to Sleep Here?
If you were paying to stay in a hotel room, would the kitchen and bath pass the cleanliness test? Are the bath towels clean and displayed properly? Are all surfaces and floors free of dust and dirt? Is the bed made and all items organized neatly in closets? Pets? Remove dishes, beds, and toys to avoid distractions while viewing your home.
Kitchen & Baths
Clutter Free & Extra Clean
Make sure the countertops have no more 3 objects on them. All sinks are empty and clean. Set the table as if you are serving dinner for guests. Tub & shower are clean and dry. Toilets clean and closed. Towels displayed for guests. All floors are freshly swept & vacuumed. Only furniture is touching the floor.
Before they arrive
Open blinds & Turn on lights
Try to let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds and curtains. Turn on all indoor lights. Use lamps with high-wattage bulbs to illuminate spaces that don’t receive much outdoor light.
If your home tends to get stuffy, open the windows to let fresh air in at least ten minutes before buyers arrive. Adjust the thermostat to ensure the temperature is perfect for your visitors.
Avoid candles or potpourri and strive for that fresh clean smell, as if someone just finished cleaning the house and washing the clothes.
Lock & Leave
We strongly advise you to leave your property while agents are showing your home to potential buyers. Be sure to secure valuables, lock all doors, and confirm the lockbox is accessible with a key inside. We will track all access to your property via this lockbox and capture buyer agent info for us to request feedback on the showing.
Showing with Children
- Put most of the toys in storage, especially large items like play kitchens, and make sure the rest are kept out of sight when showing.
- Clear kid’s drawings and artwork from refrigerators and walls.
- Convert playroom into a simple space that buyers can picture their own belongings in.
- Make children’s bedrooms more universally appealing by repainting the walls to a neutral color and removing kid-themed decor.
- Make the transition easier for kids and let them choose their favorite toys, books, and stuffed animals to keep in an easily accessible box or storage area.
Showing with Pets
- Remove photos of pets from refrigerator, walls, and table tops.
- Seal up doggie doors.
- Keep pet toys, food, and water bowls out of sight.
- Pack up cages, carriers, and cat trees.
- Be vigilant about eradicating hair and odors.
- Use an enzyme cleaner to remove urine stains and odor.
- It’s best to send pets to a kennel, pet sitter, friend, or relative – at least take them out of the house for the showing.
Showing Small Spaces
- Maximize the light, as brighter rooms look bigger and more inviting.
- Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and keep walking paths open.
- Incorporate lighter colors on the walls and furniture, as this will open up the room.
- Remove half the items in your closets.
- Place an emphasis on decluttering, less is more.
- Open shower curtains so buyers can see all the way to the back of the tub.
- Place mirrors strategically to reflect images and light.