Before each showing

01 Lights

Turn on ALL the lights including appliance lights and closet lights (make sure no bulbs are missing or burned out).

02 Shutters and drapes

Open the shutters and drapes to show how bright and cheerful the home is and to show off any views that you may have.

03 TV and music

Turn off TVs or tune to a music station that plays mellow music.

04 Temperature

Make sure the temperature inside the home is comfortable. The last thing you want is for the home to be too hot and the Buyer doesn’t want to stay long enough to look thoroughly at your home!

05 Pool

Turn on the pool water feature (if evening showing, pool light as well).

06 Beds

All beds should be made.

07 Dishes

Make sure dirty dishes are out of the sink.

08 Toilets

Ensure all toilet seats are down.

09 Bathrooms

If possible, tuck away all personal products in the shower/baths too!

10 Valuables

Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. Although a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

11 Pets

Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that isn’t possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement) – DON’T FORGET to let the agent know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.

12 Vacate your home

Leave the home! It’s always best if the sellers are not at home. You want prospective buyers to feel comfortable to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home without you there.