Prepping Your Home for Showings

By: Phonicia Palmer

There are a number of things you can do to prepare your home for showings that can help you create a great impression and drum up interest in your home. Some of these things will be external as well as internal.

Exterior

This is your chance to make a great first impression.

• The Lawn should be well kept.
• The garden should be well tended to. Consider adding a few colorful plants to cheer things up. Prune trees and shrubs and get rid of old leaves.
• Fencing-all the fencing should be in good repair and freshly painted if need be.
• Your driveway should be cleaned and free of stains.
• Garage-declutter your garage so people get a sense of spaciousness. Consider donating, selling, or storing items you rarely use. Ask they neighbors if they can store things for you or consider a stand-alone tool shed.
• The entire house should be painted a bright, clean color like white.
• Consider painting the front door or replacing it.
• Add bright and shiny new door numbers for your address.
• Check any siding and make sure it is in good repair.
• Roofing-replace broken roof tiles and clean the gutters of leaves and debris.
• Put out a new welcome mat to make your place feel more inviting.

Interior

• Declutter-sort out what you will keep, sell, throw away, give away, or donate to charity.
• Paint every room. Strong colors may be a turn off for buyers so choose wisely.
• De-personalize-remove all family photos and knickknacks around the home.
• Organize all storage place.
• Hire a professional cleaner.
• Get rid of rugs. Hardwood and vinyl flooring is inexpensive, durable, pet proof and allergen free.

Follow these tips to make sure prospective buyers see your home in the best possible light.