There are a variety of steps home sellers must take before opening their home to prospective buyers. Many of which fall into the category of seller etiquette, which make for a pleasant walkthrough experience for buyers. With this, read on and discover a few crucial steps every seller should take before a home showing.
Do not hang around.
This is arguably the easiest, yet most important step a seller must take prior to a showing. It is always in the best interest of a seller to remove themselves from the home before potential buyers arrive. There are a few reasons why this step is so important. First off, your presence as a seller can make buyers feel uncomfortable/awkward. This is because many people will feel hesitant to point out aspects they do not like if they know you are in earshot. Also, the vast majority of buyers are not interested in speaking with the homeowner so there is no reason for you to be present.
Clean before every showing.
While this should go without saying, it is one of the most important steps a seller must take before a home showing. A dirty home can be a turnoff to many buyers. This is why you should spend some time vacuuming, wiping down countertops, and decluttering before a scheduled home showing. A few minutes of cleaning can go a long way in making your home look its best.
Remove any pets.
While many pet lovers do not like to hear this, pets do not belong in home showings. There may be buyers who are allergic to your dog or cat, or simply do not care for animals. While the presence of your dog may not bother some buyers, it is in your best interest to relocate them before a showing. This may mean dropping them off at a sitter or taking them to a local park for a couple hours.