Preparing Your Home for Showing

As tired and banal as these clichés may sound; don't forget that they have become clichés because they are true.

The decision to buy a house is not solely based upon rational factors such as price, location and accessibility to services. It is also an emotional choice. It is a search for a home, a place in which one will find comfort, security and happiness, a place one would want to settle down and live in.

Here is a list of suggestions for creating a favourable first impression:

"Love at first sight"
• plant flowers, weed and edge gardens
• mow lawn and trim hedges and shrubs
• clean driveway and sidewalks of dirt, leaves or snow
• water the lawn extensively, well in advance of selling
• remove old lawn ornaments, toys and play sets
• clean and repair rain gutters and siding
• touch up exterior paint
• clean out garage
• pick up any litter

"Cleanliness is a virtue"
• make mirrors glitter and appliances sparkle
• wash and polish all floors
• clean and freshen bathrooms
• clean/shampoo all carpets
• clean all windows, walls, doors and trim

"This place looks neat and tidy"
• clear all countertops
• un-clutter all heavy traffic areas
• store surplus furniture to reduce feeling crowded
• put seasonal clothing into storage
• clear halls and stairs of clutter
• make all closets neat & tidy (and only half-full, even if this means moving items to another storage area)

"It certainly is well maintained"
• touch up interior paint and paper
• repair cracked plaster
• tighten door knobs and cupboard latches
• oil any squeaky doors
• repair leaky plumbing (taps, shower heads and toilets)
• repair seals/caulking around bathtub and sinks
• replace burnt-out light bulbs/install brighter bulbs
• clean furnace and humidifier
• repair any other minor flaws

The "Presentation"
• turn on all lights
• open all drapes in daytime
• play quiet background music
• turn on air-conditioning or light fireplace
• keep pets outside during showings (or, better yet, at a friend's)
• have as few people in the house as possible. 

If you can, be absent during any showings; as potential buyers often feel awkward and rush through if they think they are inconveniencing the owner.