6 Home Showing Tips for Sellers

Preparing a home for the selling process often is overwhelming, a daunting task with seemingly endless lists of things to do, particularly the home showing. More than 500,000 residential Canadian properties were sold in 2016, a record-breaking housing market, reports The Globe and Mail. For sellers looking to attract the right buyer, it's essential to prepare the home properly. In a busy housing market, sellers need to show off their home to the best of their ability.

Declutter

Even a spacious home can feel small if it's filled with clutter. Even before the home is listed, begin cleaning and decluttering—these two tasks go hand-in-hand. Consider storing countertop appliances like the blender and slow cooker in a cabinet out of sight. Hallways and stairways should be free of any items, while shoes, coats, and bags need to be removed from the foyer. A single coffee table book can look elegant, but ditch the stack of magazines that normally sit out.

Depersonalize

Potential home buyers want to be able to envision themselves in the living space. Home staging expert Alyssa Tavazoi offered professional tips in Canadian Living regarding the art of depersonalizing the living space. "Remove all family photos and, if necessary, paint brightly coloured walls a more neutral shade." It's also recommended to remove personal collections, which can help with the decluttering process as well.

Embrace Neutral Colours

A young child's room painted in bright, primary colours can be a bit jarring to potential buyers during a home showing. Consider painting the room with bold colours in a more neutral palette. Neutrals go beyond boring beige. Warm neutrals like taupe (be careful it's not a taupe with purple undertones or it may appear lavender in natural light) or even certain greys can create an elegant look for a bedroom or living room. Dark colours in small spaces like a half-bath make the room seem smaller; opt for a lighter colour to maximize the limited area.

Don't Overlook Lighting

If the home's lighting fixtures haven't been updated in the last five to seven years, it can be worth the small investment to make lighting upgrades before potential buyers come through for showings. Pendant lighting is an easy upgrade over an island or dining area, while an attractive sconce can brighten a hallway. In addition, it's essential that every fixture has a working bulb.

Increase Curb Appeal

The outside of the home and the property creates the first impression for potential home buyers. To prepare for home showings, it's important to increase the curb appeal especially if there are other properties for sale in the neighbourhood, as it will help you compete in such competitive markets like South East Calgary. To maximize the curb appeal:

• Keep the lawn mowed and free of weeds, leaves raked
• Bushes and trees should be trimmed
• Flower beds weeded and mulched
• Sweep/clean driveway and front walkway
• Front porch should be free of clutter; add pop of colour with cushions on chairs
• Colourful potted plants add cheer and are welcoming

Pay Attention to Details

The details have the potential to make your home showing a standout for buyers. It's often the little things that help set the mood and leave a lasting impression. A vase with fresh flowers in the foyer welcomes potential buyers as guests, while a bowl filled with apples placed on the kitchen counter always looks attractive. Touch up any chips and nicks on the walls and roll up worn area rug to show off gorgeous hardwood floors. All beds should be made with wrinkle-free coverings, while the bathrooms should have fresh, neatly hung towels.

With a little planning, it's possible to have a great home showing and increase the potential to find the right buyer.