How
To Show Your Home Checklist
How to Show Your Home
Your house is clean and sparkling ñ all the
items on the Preparing Your Home For Sale checklist
have been reviewed and completed ñ an important
first step to presenting your home to the buying public.
Now a prospective buyer has called to see your home
or youíve decided to hold an Open House. The
following tips will help you show off your home in
the best possible light.
Before You Show Your Home Remember, a buyerís
emotions are triggered by sensory experiences, especially
touch, smell and sight . . .
¢
temperature check ñ cool in summer, toasty
in winter
¢ fresh cut flowers (simple daisies in clean,
clear glass jars look great)
¢ all lights on ñ even in daytime
¢ all window shades, drapes and blinds open
¢ background music ñ instrumental or easy
listening; volume low
¢ television off
¢ fire lit in winter; fireplace full of lit candles
in warm weather (nothing if itís hot)
¢ scented votive candles lit in each room (same
scent throughout the house ñ vanilla recommended)
OR pot of simmering apple cider with cinnamon sticks
on the stove ñ especially important if someone
smokes or thereís a pet
¢ family pet out of the way or preferably at
a friendís or neighborís house
¢ valuables hidden
¢ dining table set with four place settings of
your best china and glassware
Itís Showtime!
The following tips will put your prospective buyers
at ease . . .
¢ Greet the prospective buyers warmly; make them
feel welcome.
¢ Give the prospective buyers your flyers with
home features and financing options.
¢ Donít follow the buyers around pointing
out nifty little features. Let them go through the
home on their own and come back to you for questions.
¢ Sit at the dining room or kitchen table so
that you are as unobtrusive as possible, (read a magazine
or write a letter), but be available to answer questions.
Remember: Treat your prospective buyers the way you
would like to be treated. Most feel they are imposing
on you when looking at your home. It is natural for
them to want to get out as soon as possible. Be as
invisible as possible to maximize their time in your
home.
