Lorraine Ryall
As soon as it is listed, you anxiously await the showings to start flooding in for your home.
The first couple of weeks usually are the busiest for a new listing. So, don’t be surprised if showings quiet down a little after the initial week or two.
You should have a professional photographer take excellent pictures that will showcase your home on the Internet. This is the first place buyers will look, and those pictures will determine if the buyer takes the next step to set up an appointment to view your home.
The last thing you want to do is have the buyer come to the house and say, “It doesn’t look anything like the pictures.” The photographs showcased your home, but now it’s your turn. How you handle showings can have a big impact on how quickly you sell and for how much you sell.
When I take my clients to view homes, we often are amazed at some of the things we find. Many are things that have a negative impact on the buyer, but can easily be avoided. The buyer’s first impression is so important and will set the stage for the rest of the showing.
Mistake No. 1
Bad Smell
This can be pet odor, house odor or scents that just are too strong. If buyers walk into a house to pet odor, chances are they will turn around and walk right back out. A musky or stale house smell can be remedied easily with a good cleaning and airing of the home.
While using scents, such as plug-ins, air diffusers or candles, is a good idea make sure it’s subtle and not overpowering. Apart from the fact some buyers may be bothered by strong scents, it also can make them wonder if they are covering up something else.
Mistake No. 2
Too Much Clutter
Buyers need to be able to see themselves and their family living in your home, but that’s hard to do if it’s full of clutter. You want your home to look as spacious and open as possible. So, now is a great time to get a head start on your packing and the boxing up of all your knick-knacks and personal items. A home with clutter makes it feel messy and smaller than it is.
Mistake No. 3
Leaving Lots of Family Pictures Out
I am not a believer that all photos need to be removed. Having some family pictures shows it is a family home with happy memories. However, if you have a wall with lots of pictures, take down all but a couple, and don’t forget to patch up the holes left behind.
Mistake No. 4
Your Home Isn’t Clean and Tidy
Think about a model home, the way it makes you feel when you enter. It’s clean and bright, with everything having its place. That’s the feel you want your home to have when buyers walk in.
Make sure all the beds are made, clothes are put away and the dishes are done. Keep your kitchen countertops clean and free of appliances, too.
The same applies for the bathrooms. Keep the countertops and showers clean and free from personal items. One of the simplest ways to do this is to have all your shower and bathroom items in a bin. That way, when there is a showing, you just pick it up and stash it under the sink or in a closet.
The same can be done with kids’ toys and other items. Have one or two laundry baskets ready to grab. If you have to leave in a rush, you can just sweep the house, picking up anything that has been left out and put it in the laundry basket. Stash it in a closet or in the garage. You even can put it in the back of your car for the showing.
Mistake No. 5
Home Is Too Dark
Open the blinds or shutters to let in light and turn lights on, especially side lamps that can give your home a soft warm glow. You may not want to open all the blinds if you are selling in the summer. So, open the blinds on the windows that don’t get all the sun, and make sure to turn on the lights. You also can crack the blinds enough to let in the light but not the direct sun.
Mistake No. 6
Forgetting to Check the Outside
You can spend so much time getting ready on the inside that you forget the outside. Make sure you keep up with the landscaping and curb appeal. It is so important and the first impression a buyer gets of your home.
Check the backyard, and pick up anything that has been left out from the weekend BBQ or family pool party.
A quick way to help brighten up the yard is planting annuals in pots and replacing faded chair cushions with new bright ones.
If you have pets, don’t forget to pick up the poop before the showing. That’s the last thing you want a buyer to have to deal with.
Mistake no. 7
Not Leaving During Showings
There is nothing more awkward than showing a home to buyers when the seller doesn’t leave. The buyer feels uncomfortable and doesn’t want to make any comments or ask questions, knowing the seller may overhear.
Instead of taking their time to go through the home and appreciate everything your home has to offer, they will rush through, so they don’t inconvenience the seller anymore. The last thing you want to do is make a buyer rush or feel uncomfortable in your home.
If you would like more information on how to get your home ready to list or ready to show, please contact me directly. I will be more than happy to help.
Please contact me at Lorraine@Homes2SellAZ.com, or call (602) 571-6799. Visit my website at Homes2SellAZ.com.