As a real estate agent, you know that first impressions are critical when selling a house. The way a house looks can be the difference between a quick sale and a house that languishes on the market for months.
While it’s the seller’s responsibility to keep the house in show-ready condition, as the agent, you can make sure the house is presentable before potential buyers come to take a look. Here are some tips on how to prepare a home for showings:
Do a walk-through of the property
Before each showing, do a walk-through of the property to ensure it is presentable. This involves more than just tidying up; it is also essential to check for any potential safety hazards and ensure that all amenities are in working order. Potential buyers should be able to visualize themselves living in the home, which means creating a warm and inviting space. Real estate agents should take the time to declutter and stage the property before each house showing.
Check for any potential safety hazards
Before potential buyers come to view your listing, make sure that the property is safe. This means checking for any hazards that could cause injuries, such as loose floorboards or exposed electrical outlets. You must also remove trip hazards, such as throw rugs or cluttered pathways. In addition, you should make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked.
Clean the place and tidy up
A potential buyer who sees a cluttered or messy home is likely to be turned off, regardless of the property’s other features. So take some time to declutter each room, and do a deep cleaning before any viewings. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that all personal items are removed from the premises. This includes family photos, religious decorations, and political memorabilia. Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in the house, and personal items can make it difficult for them to do so.
Solve minor problems
Houses tend to show their age over time, which can be a turn-off for potential buyers. As the real estate agent, you should ensure that any minor problems are taken care of before showings. This includes fixing loose doorknobs, repairing cracks in the walls, and Tightening up screws and bolts. It may also involve eliminating insects or pests from the premises. You don’t have to spend a fortune. You can simply buy insect repellant products online and have them delivered to your house.
Stage the house
When real estate agents are preparing a house for viewings, they should stage the house. Staging is the process of making a home look its best for potential buyers. There are many ways to stage a house, but basic tips include decluttering, depersonalizing, and creating an inviting atmosphere. In addition, make sure that all rooms are well-lit and that any repairs or updates have been made.
Make sure all of the amenities are in working order
As a real estate agent, you must ensure that a house is in tip-top shape before showing it to potential buyers. This means more than just giving the place a good scrubbing – you also need to ensure that all amenities are in working order. This includes plumbing, the electrical system, and heating and cooling. Buyers will be looking for a move-in-ready home, so they will likely walk away if there are any issues with the systems or appliances. In addition, take some time to stage the house in a way that appeals to buyers. This means decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding some stylish touches.
Create curb appeal
One of the most important things a real estate agent can do to prepare a house for showings is to create curb appeal. This can be achieved in some ways, including power washing the exterior, trimming hedges and bushes, and adding fresh mulch to flower beds. In addition, make sure that the lawn is mowed and that any leaves or debris are removed. By taking these simple steps, you can make a big impression on potential buyers as they pull up to the house. Creating curb appeal is essential to preparing a place for showings and should not be overlooked.
Final thoughts
As a real estate agent, you play a vital role in the home-selling process. You are responsible for making sure that the house is clean, safe, and appealing to potential buyers. By taking the time to prepare the house for showings, you can increase the chances of making a sale. In addition, you may also be able to sell the house for a higher price. So if you’re looking to get the most out of your next listing, be sure to follow these tips for preparing a house for showings.
