Best Tips To Keep Your Home Show Ready

Allison DeMontmorency • Nov 23, 2023

Tips To Prepare Your Home For Sale & Keep It Show Ready 24/7

By Allison DeMontmorency

Are you planning to sell your home? If so, first impressions are crucial when attracting potential buyers. Keeping your home in tip-top condition can significantly impact its sale potential. To help you maintain that 'show-ready' status, here are some valuable tips and tricks:

Declutter and Depersonalize:

The first step in preparing your home for sale is to declutter and depersonalize. Clear out excess items and personal mementos to create a clean and neutral canvas that allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. Some of our top tips to declutter and depersonalize include the following;

  1.  Invest in Storage Solutions:
    Clutter can accumulate quickly, so invest in storage solutions to keep your belongings organized. Consider using stylish baskets, shelves, and under-bed storage to make it easier to hide items out of sight when needed. 
  2. Limit Personal Items:
    While depersonalizing, aim to reduce the number of personal items in your home, such as family photos and personal trinkets. This allows potential buyers to see themselves living in the space without distractions.
  3. Enhance Curb Appeal:
    First impressions start outside. When buyers see a messy yard they are more likely to expect a messy home. Maintain your lawn, trim bushes, and add some potted plants or flowers for a welcoming entrance. A well-kept exterior can attract potential buyers from the moment they arrive.


Regularly Clean and Tidy:

Keep the house clean and tidy at all times, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe down countertops, faucets, and appliances daily. Make sure that dishes and laundry are always put away. Some helpful ways to stay on top of cleaning include;

  1. Establish a Daily Cleaning Routine:
    Maintain a daily cleaning schedule to keep your home consistently presentable. Focus on high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Sweep, vacuum, dust and wipe all countertop surfaces regularly to ensure a clean and inviting atmosphere.
  2. Set Up a Quick Clean Kit:
    Create a quick clean kit that includes essential cleaning supplies like microfiber cloths, multi-surface cleaner, and a small vacuum. This will help you tidy up quickly before a last-minute showing.
  3. Maintain Good Odors:
    Ensure your home smells fresh. Avoid strong cooking odors and consider using natural air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to create a pleasant, neutral scent throughout your home.

Make Small Repairs:

Fix any minor issues or imperfections in your home. This includes repairing leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and chipped paint. A well-maintained home sends a strong message to potential buyers that the home has been very well maintained. Some home maintenance/refresh tips include;

  1. Neutralize Colors:
    If your home has bold or unusual color schemes, consider repainting with neutral tones. This can create a more appealing backdrop for a wider range of buyers, making it easier for them to visualize their own décor in the space.
  2. Grouting:
    We want your tiling to be eye-catching for the right reasons! If your grout looks like it could be redone and you have a handyman in your life this can be a fast and inexpensive way to make a home more appealing.
  3. Weather Stripping:
    Nobody likes a drafty house. If you need it, investing in weather-stripping before listing a home in the colder months can help create a more homey environment by eliminating any cold breezes!


Be Ready to Leave at a Moment's Notice:

Be prepared to leave your home within an hour or 2's notice for a showing. This ensures that potential buyers can explore freely and feel more comfortable discussing the property with their realtor.

  1. Keep Pets in Check:
    If you have pets, make sure they are well-groomed and any pet-related odors are eliminated. For showings, be sure to put away your pet's bed, toys and any food or water bowls. It's best to have your pets elsewhere, if possible during showings
  2. Ensure Household is on Same Page:
    Make sure all home members are aware of the importance of keeping their space clean and are able to tidy up quickly.
  3. Stay on Top of Other Tips:
    Ensure you are following our tips on keeping your home clean, decluttered and inviting. We want people coming through the home to not only love the house itself but the energy it emits!

Selling a home can be a demanding process, but maintaining a show-ready house can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers and ultimately securing a sale. With the right preparation, and creating a quick daily cleaning/tidying routine, you'll be well on your way to making your home as appealing as possible, even when it's up for sale. 

Meet the Andra Arnold Team

Andra Arnold & Associates are a Top Rated, Award-Winning Guelph real estate team that has a passion for helping people. We truly live by our motto “Here to Help”. Our team brings quality expertise to our clients’ buying and selling experiences. The team's dedication, eagerness to help, and experience allow clients navigate one of life’s biggest decisions!

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