Preparing to Showcase Your Home

By the time a prospective home buyer arrives at your front door, chances are he already knows a great deal about the property, the neighbourhood, maybe even the closest schools, shops and parks. That buyer has already figured out your property is worth a look. It is the right size, the right price and on paper looks like a good bet. So what can you do to help close the sale on the real thing? How do you make your home appeal to the emotional inner self of that buyer? It’s easier than you think.

First, put fresh flowers in the entryway. Make some coffee and have some cookies baking in the oven. The scent of the flowers, coffee and fresh baked cookies evoke images of home. Play soft background music to create a relaxing mood. If you have children, keep them entertained outside, which creates a sense of family while keeping the interior peaceful and relaxing.

Before your showing go through the home and take out any extra furniture and remove clutter. Leave a few family photos out, and put up a few colourful pieces of art on the walls. Not too many, you don’t want your walls to look crowded. Open the drapes and windows to let in natural light, and supplement that sunlight with indoor lighting when needed. Light the fireplace to provide ambiance and warmth. Make your home a comfortable, welcoming place for potential buyers.

These strategies are typically used when staging open houses, which is one of the best ways to draw attention to your property. Sometimes a REALTOR® will want to bring a single client or couple to see your home. Keeping your property neat and tidy and ready to show at a moment’s notice will increase your chances of a faster sale.